Harry Potter and the Wrath of the Fallen

Chapter 11: The Hallowed Halls

"I'm not sure this is such a good idea," said Harry, scanning the area around him.

"Don't fret, Harry," soothed Molly. "The train is due to leave in only a few minutes, so nobody will have time to harass you too much. Besides, I'm sure Ginny will protect you."

Ginny grinned at Harry, trying to conceal her own unease.

King's Cross Station was crowded as Harry made his way towards the barrier which led onto platform 9 and ¾.  The entire Weasley family had decided to accompany Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione, as the first day of their last year at Hogwarts began. Harry appreciated the feeling of travelling in such a large group; but this was a group of oddly dressed wizards and witches with bright red hair, and they were drawing many stares from the muggles on platform 9.

They had tried to delay their arrival as long as possible, in order to avoid causing a scene when they arrived on the platform to board the Hogwarts Express, but Harry knew it was unavoidable, and he didn't think the train ride was going to be a picnic either.

A week ago Harry had argued that they should use another method of travel to go to Hogwarts, but Ron and Hermione had been insistent that as Head Boy and Girl, their presence was required on the train. Once Ginny had declared she should also be on the train as she was a Prefect, Harry's decision had been made for him.

Harry reached the barrier and watched as Bill and Charlie passed through, followed by Ron and Hermione. Now it was Harry's turn, and he could feel his stomach clench as he ran towards the barrier and instinctively closed his eyes just before he reached the brickwork.

He opened his eyes again to see the beautiful scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express; steam curling up over the platform as the train made ready to get underway. Harry couldn't help but smile as he remembered the first time he had seen the train.

As Ginny appeared beside him he leaned over to her. "This is where I first saw you, exactly seven years ago."

Ginny laughed. "I remember that day. I was upset with Mum because I couldn't go to Hogwarts, but I was very happy that I had seen the famous Harry Potter."

Harry kissed Ginny's cheek as Arthur and Molly joined them.

"Okay dears," said Molly, as Ron and Hermione rejoined them, "Please try and have a normal, fun year... just once, okay."

The sound of a commotion caused Harry to look down the platform.

"Uh oh!" exclaimed a suddenly worried Harry.

The first flashes of the cameras began as a group of reporters made their way towards Harry and the Weasleys. The reporters pushed and tripped over each other in their efforts to be first to reach Harry, and Harry paled as he noticed Rita Skeeter was amongst the unruly mob, wielding her Quik Quotes Quill as if it were a sword, as she prodded any of her colleagues who got in the way.

An excited murmur spread across the platform and into the train, and Harry noticed heads start to pop out of the train windows as everyone became aware of his presence.

Molly and Arthur stepped in front of Harry as he pulled Ginny close to himself. Bill and Charlie came running back to help guard Harry but it was no use; the reporters were too many. Harry began to make his way towards the train, using the trolley which held his and Ginny's trunks as a battering ram while flashes went off around him and Ginny, and questions were yelled at him.

Harry was forced to stop as an acid green quill darted in front of his face and hovered just an inch from his eye.

"Oh, Harry, just a couple of quick questions, if you don't mind?"

Harry almost laughed as he heard Rita Skeeter trying to act casually as she practically shrieked at him. He went to bat away the quill, but before he had the chance Molly had seized it and shoved it into her large handbag. Harry began to step towards the train again as Rita leered at Molly and produced another quill from her own green purse.

The continuing calls from the reporters began to fade as they watched the silent battle between Molly and Rita begin. Harry briefly wondered if Rita remembered what Molly Weasley was capable of when she was defending her own.

Molly swiped at the new quill but Rita was ready this time, and it darted out of Molly's reach as Rita smirked at her. Rita continued on as if nothing else was happening around her.

"Harry, the public wants to know where you have been hiding all this time. Don't you think you should have at least paid your respects to the victims of your war?" asked Rita, her lips curling at the edges as she tried to force a reaction from Harry.

Ginny put her arm around Harry's waist and squeezed him tightly to remind him she was there. She could feel Harry tense as he tried to keep walking and she noticed that several of the other reporters looked as appalled as she was left feeling by Rita's question.

Harry made no attempt to answer the question; he didn't even look at Rita, but she was not going to be brushed aside that easily as she stepped directly into Harry's path, her notebook and quill hovering by her shoulder.

"Harry, Harry, Harry," sighed Rita, "You can't hide forever, so why don't we sit down and you can tell me your side of the story?"

Harry couldn't stop himself. "What story?" he demanded, regretting the words the moment he said them.

Rita grinned in triumph. "You brought a war to a school, Harry, the very same school you are now going to teach at. Surely you must know this is inappropriate considering all the deaths you caused there? And your unexplained illness is causing my readers concern, Harry. Do you think you are really the best person to be teaching children?"

Harry felt the anger surge through him as he tried to control his impulse to hex Rita. He knew she was trying to bait him by playing on his guilt. Harry bit back on his response and tried to push his trolley forward again.

"I caused those deaths too," called a voice from behind Harry, "would you like to ask me how I caused my own brothers death?"

Harry was startled as he turned and saw Ron pushing through the reporters to stand at his side, Ron's face calm and impassive as he addressed Rita. Harry saw Rita's smile falter as she suddenly became the centre of attention. While Rita had happily ambushed her subjects for years, she was obviously not used to the experience herself.

Ron stopped as he came face to face with Rita, Hermione by his side. Harry realised he was holding his breath as he watched his best friend do something he had never been able to do himself; render Rita Skeeter speechless.

Gawain Robards appeared amongst the crowd, along with a young woman who also wore the robes of an Auror.

"Mr Potter, you are going to miss the train if you don't get a move on. What seems to be the hold up?" asked Gawain as he turned his gaze from Harry to Rita Skeeter.

Rita Skeeter now felt trapped as her colleagues watched her with barely suppressed glee. She had come to the train station in a bid to provoke a reaction from Harry Potter, hoping he would become indignant at her questions. Instead, she found herself being questioned by two people; one of whom was a hero to the wizarding community and had also lost a family member in the battle, while the other was the Head of the Auror Office.

"My readers are demanding answers," said Rita defensively.

Gawain Robards fixed his eyes on Rita. "Mr Potter has already given a detailed report to the Ministry regarding his actions over the past year, and that information was published by the Ministry as a part of the official statement. Surely you read it, Miss Skeeter? It was, after all, published in your paper."

Rita paled momentarily before rallying. "That was only what the Ministry said happened. I want the truth," said Rita, glaring at Gawain.

Gawain raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Surely you are not implying that the Daily Prophet has published a misleading story?"

Harry watched Gawain Robards in awe. The Auror had put Rita into a position of defending her own employer for the way it had conducted itself over the last several years.

"We at the Prophet cannot be held responsible if the Ministry doesn't provide us with the whole truth," said Rita.

"So you believe the Ministry, Harry Potter, and the twenty or more other people who contributed to the statement released by the Minister, which includes myself by the way, are deliberately trying to mislead the public?" asked Gawain calmly.

Anger flashed in Rita's eyes. "You're twisting my words."

"That would be your job, Miss Skeeter, not mine," said Gawain, smiling politely at Rita.

Rita's face flushed. "Why doesn't the Ministry tell us why Harry was in St Mungo's then?"

"Let's find out shall we." said Gawain, looking over Rita's shoulder. "Minister?"

Harry and Ginny jumped as Kingsley's deep voice answered. "Yes, Mr Robards."

The crowd turned to see the imposing figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt standing in their midst, a look of mild interest on his face as he shifted his gaze between Gawain Robards and Rita Skeeter.

Gawain continued. "Would you care to inform the public of the circumstances surrounding Mr Potter's recent illness?"

"I'm afraid I'm unable to comment on the details of Mr Potter's medical condition, as that is a private matter between Mr Potter and the Healers at St Mungo's. I have been assured by the Healers though, that Harry is in perfect health. I would not have offered him a job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry if I believed him to be in any way unfit to teach."

The crowd looked back to Rita, and Harry could have sworn they had all moved a step closer to the small reporter. Rita, however, was unwilling to admit defeat.

"The safety of our children will be in Harry's hands, Minister. We have a right to know about the man who will be educating them," said Rita.

"Really, Miss Skeeter?" asked Kingsley, "While I have received numerous requests for information from you regarding Harry's health over the summer, I have noticed that you have not asked the Ministry for any details regarding the health of the other Professor's and teachers who will also be educating our children this year."

A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd and Harry couldn't help but smile. The world had changed but Rita Skeeter had not; and now it appeared that many people had been waiting for a chance to watch the reporter squirm as she was subjected to public humiliation.

Rita drew herself up to her full height. "The other educators were not at St Mungo's for an unspecified illness. Harry's case is different and there is no point in you pretending otherwise."

Kingsley looked at Harry, "How about it, Harry? Do you think the community should know why you were in St Mungo's, as Miss Skeeter asserts, or should we all have a right to our privacy?" Kingsley was smiling as he finished.

Harry was enjoying himself now. He looked at the assembled crowd and then down at Ginny. Ginny was trying to suppress her own smile as she watched Harry, sensing his mood lighten.

"An interesting question, Minister," said Harry, focusing his attention on Rita. "Personally I would prefer not to have people speculate on the reasons for any medical treatment I may have received. We all have things we would prefer the public didn't know about, I'm sure."

The colour drained from Rita's face as she considered the implications of Harry's veiled threat. She had, after all, been an undeclared Animagus for years, a crime of significant penalty if revealed.

Harry continued, "But it would appear I am not going to be allowed to rest until the so called public has an answer."

Harry looked at the assembled reporters but he didn't know who any of them were or who they worked for.

"Which one of you is the Quibbler reporter?" enquired Harry.

A voice from behind Harry answered. "I am," said a young girls voice timidly.

Harry turned his back on Rita and faced the young reporter. Harry noticed she appeared to be wearing a large collection of amulets that he thought would be there to ward off Crumple Horned Snorkacks, or some other such creature. She was definitely the Quibbler reporter. Harry smiled at her as he noticed she had a photographer with her.

Harry startled everyone as he lifted his shirt and revealed the small thin scar on the middle of his chest. A buzz ran through the crowd as the photographer struggled to take several shots while his mouth hung open.

"Voldemort struck me with the Killing Curse. The good people at St Mungo's were just making sure I was okay before I returned home, as it had left me with a rather nasty burn."

The young Quibbler reporter stood with her mouth hanging open, unable to believe her luck during her first week of work. Harry noticed she was not moving. He lowered his shirt and leant over to the reporter.

"You should probably write that down, Miss," said Harry was a smile.

The reporter suddenly snapped into action and began taking notes. Harry wondered what Xeno Lovegood had seen in this girl which had prompted him to employ her, but after watching her for a few moments he noticed she was remarkably similar to Xeno's daughter, Luna; in mannerisms, if not looks.

Harry couldn't help himself, as his soft spot for the Lovegood family got the better of him. "Why don't you tell Luna that I would like to set up an interview with you? She knows how to reach me."

The young girl looked awestruck as she nodded at Harry.

Harry turned back to face Rita, smiling at her. She looked ready to throttle Harry for giving her rival the story she had been chasing for months.

"Are there any other secrets you would like to discuss, Miss Skeeter?" asked Harry. "Or may I now continue on about my business?"

Rita shook her head slowly as she stepped out of the way. Harry pushed his trolley towards the train as the crowd parted, Ginny and her parents following behind him. Ginny glared at Rita as she passed by.

"Harry died to save you," said Ginny forcefully to Rita. "Isn't that enough for you?"

Ginny didn't wait for an answer. She followed Harry and made her way to the Hogwarts Express for her final trip to school. Behind her the Minister began addressing the reporters, explaining that he had been at the station to ensure a smooth start to the school year, following the disruption of the previous year.

Once Harry reached the train, he shook hands with Bill and Charlie and thanked them as they took his and Ginny's baggage away to be stowed onboard. Ron and Hermione quickly disappeared into the safety of the train after saying goodbye to Arthur and Molly.

Molly quickly hugged Harry and then Ginny, whispering in her ear, "Send me an owl tomorrow, sweetheart. Let me know how your meeting with Minerva goes tonight."

Ginny was puzzled. "Um... sure, Mum."

Molly looked at her daughter and smiled with a twinkle in her eye. Ginny thought her mother was up to something, but before she had a chance to ask, the trains whistle blew announcing its imminent departure. Gawain Robards and the female Auror walked to the train and Harry and Ginny found themselves being bustled into the carriage, the door shutting behind them.

"Well done, Harry," said Gawain, grinning at Harry. "I never could stand that woman. Anyway," he said, indicating the woman next to him, "this is Alicia O'Riley. She will be the other Auror stationed at Hogwarts this year. Alicia, this is Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley."

Alicia beamed at Harry as she shook his hand. "It's an honour to meet you."

Harry blushed slightly as he looked at the young Auror. She had shoulder length blonde hair, dark eyes, and an Irish accent. Harry was immediately reminded of Tonks easy going nature as he noticed she was about the same size as Ginny. He wondered if she had drawn this assignment as she would be able to blend in with the students easily. He also thought many people would probably underestimate Alicia O'Riley to their own detriment; it was no easy task to become an Auror, and Harry knew she would be highly skilled in a variety of magical disciplines.

"Please, call me Harry," said Harry as he smiled at Alicia.

Alicia then shook Ginny's hand and seemed to be staring intently at her.

"So you're the girl who led the resistance at Hogwarts. I've been wanting to meet you for a while, Miss Weasley," said Alicia to Ginny's surprise and delight. "We have many things to discuss when time allows."

It was now Ginny's turn to blush "I'm Ginny."

Gawain spoke to Harry. "I need to go and check the train, Harry. I'll see you again tonight."

With that Gawain and Alicia headed down the passage way of the carriage, looking into each compartment as they went, scanning for any sign of danger, or worse... reporters.

 "Come on, Harry," said Ginny, as she turned around and began making her way towards the front of the train and the compartment reserved for Prefects. Harry followed as he didn't know where he was supposed to go. While he was a student but not a Prefect, he was a teacher and he thought that should count for something.

Harry could feel the eyes watching him as he made his way up the train, and he heard his name repeatedly. Harry looked into the compartments as he walked by, hoping to see a familiar face or two. Harry was struck by the different reactions to him depending on the age of the students in the compartments.

The younger students were excited to see a celebrity, especially one that had been hidden for three months, and jumped and shouted and pointed at him; whereas the seventh year students who had fought in the battle kept their expressions impassive, and gave him respectful nods. Some of the Slytherin students still glared at him as he passed, but they no longer tried to openly taunt him. Harry thought it was a nice change.

As Harry and Ginny reached the door which led into the Prefects compartment, they were stunned when a flash came from behind them. Harry instinctively pushed Ginny down as he spun and drew his wand, ready to strike at any threat.

Harry scanned the passageway but could only see a small boy crouching, holding his hands in front of his face. In one hand was a very familiar looking camera.

"Please, Harry, don't hurt me," begged Dennis Creevey. "I didn't mean to scare you, sorry."

"Dennis?" asked Harry as he put his wand away. "What are you doing?"

Harry turned and helped Ginny back to her feet. "Sorry, Gin," said Harry, a little embarrassed by his overreaction.

Ginny grinned at Harry. "My hero." She looked at Dennis. "How are you, Dennis?"

Dennis stood, looking a bit sheepish. "I'm good thanks, Ginny. Sorry about that. I'm not as good at it yet as Colin was," said Dennis sadly.

Harry felt uneasy as he assessed the boy in front of him. The last time he had seen Dennis Creevey had been at the remembrance dinner the night following the battle. Dennis had looked at Harry with pure loathing in his eyes, and Harry knew Dennis was devastated by the loss of his older brother, Colin, during the battle. He had not expected to find Dennis taking photos of him with Colin's old camera.

"What were you trying to do, Dennis?" asked Harry cautiously.

"Oh, well, you remember how Colin used to jump out at people and take their photograph?"

Harry nodded.

"I am trying to do the same thing now, but I can't seem to get the timing right like Colin did." Dennis shook his head to himself as Harry looked at the boy.

Harry wondered how Dennis was truly coping as he considered his response. His brother was the only underage victim of the final battle. Colin had disobeyed Professor McGonagall's order to evacuate and he had payed for that decision with his life. Harry could still close his eyes and see Colin's small lifeless body being carried in from the Hogwarts grounds.

Dennis, meanwhile, reached into his robes and pulled out a stack of photographs.

"See, Harry. These are photos Colin took, and they're much better than mine," lamented Dennis, as he handed the stack to Harry.

Harry scanned through them quickly, noticing a large number were of him. He didn't realise Colin had taken so many photos of him over the years. Harry leaned over to Ginny.

"Why don't you go ahead, Gin? I'd like to have a look at these with Dennis," said Harry.

Ginny understood what Harry was doing and smiled at him. "I'll see you later, my sweet Harry," she said, giving Harry a kiss before she turned and opened the door to the Prefects carriage.

Harry looked back at Dennis. "How about it, Dennis? Let's go and have a look at these and see if we can find out why Colin was so good at it."

Dennis grinned as he led Harry into the compartment he had been sharing with two other fifth year students, who were overwhelmed to suddenly find themselves sitting with the famous Harry Potter for their ride to Hogwarts. Harry and Dennis went through the photos, with Dennis explaining where and when each photo had been taken. Evidently Colin had related the story behind each photo to his little brother, and Dennis had been captivated by his brother's stories.

As the hours passed and the sky darkened, Dennis explained to Harry that he had been very angry with him after Colin died, but after reading about Voldemort and what he had done to the magical community, and everything Harry had done to bring about an end to his reign of terror, including his sacrifice to save everyone, he had accepted that Colin had fought with Harry because it was the right thing to do, not just because he idolised Harry.

As the train approached Hogwarts, Harry let Dennis take several photos of him with his friends, before Dennis handed over the camera and posed for a photo with Harry. Finally Harry took a photo of the three friends before he bid farewell to Dennis and the others, and made his way to the Prefects carriage and Ginny. Once in the Prefects carriage, Ginny handed him his new school robes and Harry put them on just as the train came to a stop at the Hogwarts station.

                                                               *

 

In the small anteroom outside the Great Hall, Harry and Ginny held each other as they readied themselves to enter the hall for the Sorting Ceremony and the start of year feast. Ron and Hermione had gone in moments ago and Harry had been shocked by the sound of the applause and cheering which had suddenly burst from the Great Hall. He had thought people would be over all the celebrating by now, but he was evidently mistaken. Harry thought back to the reaction he had received as he got off the train less than an hour ago.

It had been a subdued experience as the younger students were awed by him, Ron and Hermione. When Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Lavender Brown, Cho Chang, and several other returning seventh year students who had fought in the battle all joined him and exchanged hugs and handshakes, the younger students had been quiet, as if they didn't want to interrupt the reunion of old friends.

The returning older students had also received a surprise in the form of the ability to now see the Thestrals, which pulled the carriages from the train station up to the castle. As the Thestrals could only be seen by those who had witnessed death, they had only been seen by a few students before, Harry being one of them, until this year.

Now Harry faced his moment to enter the Great Hall and he knew the mood had changed markedly since he arrived at the station. The younger students were excited as they contemplated a year spent in a Hogwarts which had been returned to its former glory, with their heroes sharing the halls and classrooms as fellow students.

Ginny gave Harry a tender kiss and then looked into his green eyes.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Harry nodded as he took Ginny's hand and began to make his way to the Great Hall doors. Mr Filch was waiting for them as they arrived. He bowed his head a fraction in acknowledgment of Harry, while a grimace crossed his face as he looked at the student who had given him so much trouble over the years.

"Mr Potter, Miss Weasley, if you please," grumbled the old caretaker as he opened one of the Great Halls doors.

Harry took a deep breath and stepped into the hall. The roar from the students overwhelmed him, and he tightened his grip on Ginny's hand as they began to make their way to the Gryffindor table on the right hand side of the hall. As Harry walked he could feel the redness in his face and he had trouble meeting the eyes of those he passed.

Harry took a seat which gave him a good view of the entire hall. He looked up at the staff table and saw that all the staff had stood to join in his welcome. He couldn't be sure of it from this distance, but he thought he saw the candlelight glint off Professor McGonagall's eyes, as if she was crying.

Once the cheering had died down and the students had resumed their seats, the Great Halls double doors opened again to admit the new Deputy Headmaster, Professor Flitwick, leading the first year students into the hall to be sorted into their houses.

Harry chuckled to himself as he watched the little children enter the hall, being led by a professor who was the same height as they were. Harry remembered the trepidation he had felt when he had first met the very stern Professor McGonagall prior to entering the Great Hall for sorting at the start of his first year, and he wondered if he would have felt the same sense of trepidation if it had been the tiny Professor Flitwick who had first greeted him on the stone steps in the entrance of the castle.

As the first year students reached the front of the hall, and the Sorting Hat began to sing his usual terrible song, Harry found himself trying to guess which students would be his, judging by height alone, as he figured the twelve year olds would be slightly taller than the rest. As the sorting commenced Harry realised he would have to wait until later to learn who his new students were, as the Sorting Hat gave no indication of the age of the new students as it assigned them to each house.

A tall, dark haired boy and girl, who were either twins or cousins as they bore the same surname and a striking resemblance to each other, seemed to be likely candidates to Harry for his class, until the Sorting Hat assigned them to Slytherin. Harry dismissed the pair as possible muggle students as he had never heard of a muggle being placed in Slytherin House. After that, Harry gave up and just watched the faces of the first years, as he recalled the wonder he had felt himself all those years ago.

Following the sorting, Professor McGonagall stood to make the start of year announcements. As she stepped towards the podium, Harry caught the movement in the corner of his eye from the side of the staff table, as Gawain Robards and Alicia O'Riley entered through the door behind the staff table and sat down.

Professor McGonagall reached the podium and held her hands up until the Great Hall fell silent. The assembled crowd watched her intently, and Harry found he was also feeling a slight case of nerves as he looked at the Headmistress.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, boys and girls," began Professor McGonagall, flashing a rare smile at the students.

Professor McGonagall had to hold her hands up again as she waited for the cheering to quiet down. Harry looked around the hall as he joined in the cheering, his tension leaving him as Hogwarts finally felt like home again. He noticed some of the older Slytherin students did not join in the impromptu celebration, including a dour looking Pansy Parkinson; but Harry saw that many of the younger Slytherin House students were also cheering along with their fellow students.

Professor McGonagall continued, "Last year was obviously greatly disrupted, first by an unorthodox new curriculum, and of course by the Battle of Hogwarts, which forced the schools closure two months early."

"As you may have noticed, we have a greater number of students this year than in any other previous year. This had been caused by the necessity of a large number of students to repeat the previous year before continuing with their education. I would ask all students to show patience as we try to adjust to the larger class and dormitory requirements this year."

"We are also joined by a special group of new students this year. Last year's restriction against muggle born students meant a small number of new students were not permitted to study at Hogwarts. Happily, that policy has now been reversed and we are welcoming a group of twelve year olds to their first year at Hogwarts."

Professor McGonagall again had to wait for another cheer to die down. It appeared that most students were glad to see the older muggle borns would finally have their chance to learn magic.

"In order for these new first year students to catch up to their classmates, they will be undertaking a different set of classes this year. They will be studying both the first and second year classes in one year, under instruction from members of Dumbledore's Army."

There was cheering again and Harry felt the embarrassment as he tried to hide his face behind his long black hair.

Professor McGonagall smiled as she waited for the crowd to fall silent again. "Could the following people please stand up? Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Cho Chang, and Harry Potter."

Harry stood as he saw Neville and Seamus also stand up further down the table. Across the hall at the Ravenclaw table he saw Cho also rise. Harry could feel the crowd watching him, but he almost smiled as he saw the nervous looks on the faces of his three co-teachers.

"While these four students are completing their N.E.W.T. level studies this year, they have also graciously agreed to teach our older muggle born class. They are not Professor's, so will not have the authority to hand out detentions, but as teachers they will have the ability to award or remove house points. You would all do well to remember that." Professor McGonagall surveyed the crowd and noticed with satisfaction that her last statement had caused a stir. "You may be seated, teachers."

Harry, Seamus, and Neville all shared a look as they sat back down. This was something none of them had been aware of.

"Settle down students," said Professor McGonagall, "I only have a few more announcements before we enjoy the feast. Firstly, and this is most important, due to the threat of further attacks from uncaptured Death Eaters, the Ministry has stationed two Auror's within Hogwarts for the duration of the school year. I would advise against any of you attempting to challenge them to a duel."

"Secondly, a memorial will be constructed within the school grounds to honour those who died in the Battle of Hogwarts. If you have any suggestions as to the form the memorial should take, please submit your ideas to Professor Flitwick."

"Thirdly, as you are no doubt all aware, we have a number of celebrities studying at Hogwarts this year. I would ask you all to remember that these students are still required to complete their classes, so could do without having to tolerate a babbling band of fans following them around everywhere."

"And lastly, many of the students here suffered terribly at the hands of others during the previous year. Anybody found to be mistreating another student for any reason will be expelled."

This final announcement had a sobering effect on many of the students. Harry noticed that many of the older Slytherin students looked relieved; possibly because of the treatment they had given to their fellow students last year. He wondered how many of them had gotten away with horrible crimes, like Pansy Parkinson, and now feared the vengeance of their victims.

Harry put it out of his mind as he enjoyed the spectacular feast with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. While Harry would never dare say it, he thought the house elves had outdone even the cooking of Molly Weasley.

Without warning, a loud 'crack' announced the arrival of Kreacher beside Harry.

"Hello, Master Harry," croaked the house-elf, "Kreacher has now returned to Hogwarts to assist you if needed."

Harry smiled kindly at Kreacher as the elf bowed to him. "Thanks, Kreacher. Did you enjoy the rest of your summer?"

Kreacher's big round eyes widened as he considered this. Nobody had ever asked if he had enjoyed himself before.

"Yes, Master, the House of Black has been made ready for your use if you ever require it again, and Kreacher has taken your trunk and possessions to your new quarters."

Harry was left feeling lost by that. "Thanks, Kreacher, could you show me where my new quarters are after I have met with the Headmistress tonight? I don't know where the room is."

"Of course, Master. Call me when you require my assistance," said Kreacher as he snapped his fingers and disappeared with a 'crack'.

Harry looked up and suddenly found he was being watched by a great many people. His exchange with the house-elf was drawing many comments as most people hadn't known he owned one. Harry looked at Hermione as she smiled with satisfaction.

"What are you smiling at, Hermione?" asked Harry.

"It was very nice of you to ask Kreacher if he had a nice summer," replied Hermione. "Most wizards who own a house-elf would not consider it necessary to concern themselves with the wellbeing of their servants."

Harry shook his head as Ron and Ginny began laughing. "I probably should have restarted S.P.E.W."

Hermione scowled briefly before smiling at Harry again. "Could I use you on a poster for S.P.E.W.?" she asked, and Harry couldn't tell if she was serious or not.

"Er... not right now, thanks Hermione."

"Hermione," said Ginny, "why don't you just put yourself on the poster? You're nearly as famous as Harry, remember."

Hermione looked stunned as she considered this, while the others finished their dinner and prepared to go to the Headmistresses Office.

                                                               *

 

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione stood before Professor McGonagall in her office, as she seemed to be regarding the four of them with something akin to affection in her eyes.

Professor McGonagall broke the silence, "Mr Weasley, Miss Granger, as you are both no doubt aware, the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl come with their own living quarters, separated from the rest of the student's dormitories."

Ron and Hermione both nodded, but Ron's ears had turned bright red and Hermione appeared to be blushing slightly. They both appeared to be extremely nervous that their Headmistress had read their minds. They had both obviously been well aware of this fact and had also been relishing some time together away from prying eyes.

Professor McGonagall's tone was stern but Harry thought he could hear faint amusement in her voice as she observed her four pupils. The Headmistress then continued as she started to pace back and forth across the office as her predecessors had done before her.

"Seeing as you are both of age, and in a committed relationship, I am willing to let you share quarters if this is your desire?"

Ron and Hermione were both stunned. They nodded quickly as they averted their eyes from their Headmistress, focusing on the floor at their feet, large grins spreading across both their faces.

Professor McGonagall now openly smiled, "While I am sure the ensuing shenanigans would have provided endless entertainment as you both tried to sneak into each other's rooms, I am afraid the stress on poor Mr Filch and his cat may have resulted in his early retirement, yes?"

"Yes, Professor," said Ron, and after a moment's further thought, he added, "Thanks, Professor."

Harry noticed that Hermione was biting her bottom lip while looking slightly embarrassed. She looked her Headmistress directly in the eye and spoke, "Thank you, Professor McGonagall."

Professor McGonagall's voice became stern again, "I do, however, expect the two of you to exercise a high degree of discretion. You are not to inform other students of this arrangement, but the Staff has already been made aware of your unique situation."

"Yes, Professor," both Ron and Hermione answered together.

Professor McGonagall stopped pacing and looked kindly at Ron and Hermione. "You two have done much to earn your happiness, and I for one, am glad you have both found someone to share it with."

The four friends were stunned. They had never heard Professor McGonagall expressing herself like this before. Harry savoured the moment as he felt happiness for his friends, and felt his affection for Minerva McGonagall increase. He was sure these moments were going to be few and far between with his new Headmistress.

He was about to be surprised.

"Mr Potter," said Professor McGonagall as she turned her attention towards him, "I am going to place you in the recently vacated Head Girls quarters." She smiled at the grateful look that crossed Harry's face.

"Thank you, Professor," said Harry as Ron chortled beside him.

Professor McGonagall looked at Harry with a twinkle in her eye. "I am aware of your serious relationship with Miss Weasley, but I cannot allow you to share quarters with her."

Harry's heart fell, but Professor McGonagall still had the twinkle in her eyes.

"Unless, of course, Miss Weasley wishes it." Professor McGonagall looked mischievous. "I would not want to deny Ginny the option of having a more traditional school experience, sharing a dormitory with her classmates."

Ginny grinned as she looked from Harry back to Professor McGonagall. "I may need to think about that, Professor."

Professor McGonagall laughed as she watched a smile cross Harry's face. "Molly has often spoken to me of her delight about the relationship that has developed between you two," Professor McGonagall looked fit to burst at this point, "and she has already started planning your wedding."

Harry was mortified. Wedding, but we aren't even engaged yet, thought Harry. Harry looked at Ron, whose face showed similar horror at the prospect of his little sister and his best friend getting married, but Hermione positively beamed.

Ginny, meanwhile, was wearing an indifferent expression. She knew that she wanted to marry Harry one day, but she would like to finish school first, and maybe have some say in the wedding plans.

Professor McGonagall looked at Ron. "Mr Weasley, if you are worried about Molly's plans for Harry and Ginny, I would suggest you also keep in mind that you mother is currently planning two weddings."

Ron looked shocked as he opened and closed his mouth a few times, but no sound came out.

Professor McGonagall was smiling at her four students. "It is wonderful to have you all back. Albus would have been so proud of you all. When we are in this office, it's Minerva."

Harry was suddenly reminded of something. "Professor, I was wondering if I could talk to Dumbledore's portrait on the weekend? I need to ask him about my eyes."

"Of course, Harry." Professor McGonagall turned and looked at the portrait of Albus Dumbledore. He appeared to be asleep at the moment, but she thought she saw the corners of his mouth twitch.

"Very well, if there's nothing else, you four may go. Harry, I have left the class schedule for your students in your quarters."

Harry nodded, "Thanks... Minerva." Harry grinned as he addressed his Headmistress informally.

Professor McGonagall laughed softly as she returned Harry's grin. "Alright, off with you lot then."

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione turned and left the Headmistresses office, and descended the spiral staircase as the office door began to swing shut. Harry could have sworn he heard Professor McGonagall and the portraits start to laugh just before the door shut behind him.

Back inside the Headmistresses office, Professor McGonagall turned and faced the portrait of Albus Dumbledore, who was grinning from ear to ear as tears of mirth filled his eyes.

"That was very well done, Minerva," Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes sparkled. "I admire the way you have broken with tradition already to allow students to share quarters."

Professor McGonagall merely smiled back at the portrait, "My dear Albus, Molly and Arthur asked me if it was possible to arrange this for their children." Albus clapped his hands in delight as Professor McGonagall continued. "They believed it was always destined to be this way and saw no reason to deny Ron or Ginny their hard won love and happiness... and neither did I"

Dumbledore began to laugh again, "You are certainly a worthy successor to this office, Minerva." He inclined his head in a short bow.

A snort came from across the room, where the newly installed portrait of Professor Severus Snape hung on the curved wall.

"Oh, my dear Severus, surely you would not begrudge them their happiness? After all, you have done so much to help them secure it," Dumbledore asked.

Professor Snape's portrait sneered in response and went back to pretending to be asleep, but Professor McGonagall noticed the edges of Severus Snape's lips curl upwards.

Good man, she thought to herself.

                                                               *

 

Harry and Ginny held hands as they walked down the deserted stone corridors of Hogwarts; the rest of the students having gone to their dormitories following the feast. Kreacher was leading the way as he trotted towards their new quarters, with Ron and Hermione following close behind. Harry was looking at the paintings on the walls as he followed Kreacher, and he realised he had never taken the time to really take in all the detail of Hogwarts castle before.

Kreacher stopped on a third floor corridor and turned to face a section of the stone wall that didn't have any paintings hanging on it.

"Here we are, Master," said Kreacher as he bowed to Harry.

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, both seeing the puzzlement in each other's eyes.

"How do we get in?" asked Ginny.

Kreacher pointed at the wall. "Tap your wand against the wall three times, Mistress, and then say the password."

"What's the password?" asked Ginny as she drew her wand.

Kreacher sighed. "You must choose one, Mistress."

Harry almost laughed when he saw the exasperated look on Kreacher's face. The old house-elf was starting to relax around Harry and Ginny, and his behaviour now more closely resembled that of Dobby, rather than the bitter creature he had been when Harry first met him.

Ginny turned to Harry, "What do you want the password to be, Harry?" she asked.

Harry wasn't sure. He had never been good at choosing random passwords.

"Um..." Harry shrugged his shoulders as his mind went blank.

"How about 'git'?" suggested Ron as he watched Harry struggle.

Ginny ignored her older brother as she stepped to the wall and tapped her wand against it three times.

"Felix Felicis," said Ginny.

A wooden door instantly appeared in the wall, and Ginny turned and grinned at Harry.

"Now it's a lucky room," she said, her eyes dancing as she gazed at Harry.

Harry stepped to Ginny and put his arms around her, kissing her as if they were all alone.

"I might be sick," uttered Ron as he turned to face the opposite side of the corridor and the other blank piece of wall. "What do you think, 'Mione?"

"Let's choose something from Australia," suggested Hermione as Harry and Ginny broke apart to watch.

Ron grinned, "Beer, maybe."

Hermione glared at her boyfriend. "I'll choose something sensible shall I?"

Hermione drew her wand and tapped the wall. "Platypus."

Ron's face fell. "Platypus, come on Hermione, that's an animal that doesn't know what sort of animal it wants to be."

Hermione and Ron stepped through the door that had now appeared as they started to bicker. Harry and Ginny laughed as they said goodnight to their friends.

Harry turned back towards his own room and noticed Kreacher was still standing in the middle of the corridor, looking rather bemused by the whole spectacle he had just witnessed.

"Mistress Hermione and Master Ron are very strange, Master," observed Kreacher, much to Harry's delight.

"Indeed they are, Kreacher. Goodnight old friend."

Kreacher bowed to Harry, then snapped his fingers and was gone.

Ginny opened the door to their quarters and led Harry inside.

                                                   *

 

 Harry and Ginny surveyed their new quarters with wonder. Harry had expected it would be nicer than the dormitory he was used to, but this was something else entirely.

On one side of the large room was a big brass double bed, drowning under a ludicrous number of pillows, as a chest of bedside drawers sat on either side of the bed. The walls around the bed were lined with shelves which were already home to numerous books.

A beautiful burgundy carpet ran down the middle of the room to a door which opened up into a spacious bathroom, which contained both a shower and a large tub. Harry noticed the bathroom also contained two basins and mirrors, and he briefly wondered if that was a new addition for this year, as the rooms normally only had one person residing within them.

On the right side of the room was a comfortable white sofa sitting in front of a fireplace. A large fluffy rug lay between the sofa and fireplace. Harry and Ginny also saw a long desk with enough space for two people to work at, up against the wall next to the door they had entered the room by.

One feature in particular caught Harry's eye as he walked around the room. He knew he was deep within the castle, but the room had a window which looked out over the Hogwarts grounds and to the lake beyond. At the moment it was hard to make out any detail in the distance as it was dark outside, but Harry guessed the window worked in a similar manner to the ceiling in the Great Hall, showing an image through the stone work identical to that of the world outside.

Ginny sat down on the bed. "Oh, Harry, are you sure we're in the right place?"

Harry smiled as he pointed towards the foot of the bed. Ginny looked and saw that their trunks and possessions were stacked neatly for them just under the end of the bed.

"I can understand why they don't tell students about these rooms," said Harry as he tried to take it all in. This was going to be a very comfortable place to spend the school year, he decided.

Harry walked to the sofa and sat down. He drew his wand and pointed it at the fireplace. Instantly a warm fire began to burn merrily in the grate.

"Harry," sighed Ginny, "it's too warm to light a fire yet."

Harry chuckled as he again pointed his wand at the fire and the flames disappeared; the logs in the grate suddenly appeared to be wet. Ginny looked at Harry for a moment before she finally realised something. She stood up from the bed and went and sat next to Harry on the sofa.

"Harry, when was the last time you actually had to say a spell out loud?" she asked curiously.

Harry thought for a while. Now that Ginny mentioned it, he couldn't think of the last time he had uttered a spell. Finally it came to him and he was surprised.

"The duel with Voldemort," said Harry. "Expelliarmus was the last spell I said out loud when I defeated Voldemort."

"Could you do a lot of spells non-verbally before the final battle?"

"Not really," said Harry as he began to understand where Ginny was going with this.

"Maybe you should talk to Dumbledore about this too," urged Ginny. "It might be connected to the same thing that is making your eyes glow."

Harry nodded, as he thought Ginny might have a point, but he also wanted to test a few more spells and see if he could do them non-verbally. He grinned at Ginny.

"Let's see if this works," he said, pointing his wand at their trunks.

As Ginny watched, the trunks slid out from under the bed and opened. Objects flew around the room, placing themselves neatly onto shelves or within drawers and wardrobes. Some even flew into the bathroom, as the trunks shut themselves and slid back under the bed.

Harry looked at his wand in amazement. He had not even thought of the spells name. He had just remembered when Dumbledore and Horace Slughorn had replaced all the furniture and ornaments within the house Professor Slughorn had been hiding in, after Harry and Dumbledore had unexpectedly dropped in, causing Slughorn to activate his emergency concealment plan.

Ginny stood and wandered about the room, noting that each item was in its correct place, including a framed picture of the two of them sitting by the pond at the Burrow, which now sat on the large desk they would share this year.

"That was a good trick, Harry," she said, as she looked at him with wonder.

Ginny thought she saw a look of mischief in Harry's eyes as he pointed his wand at her. She immediately tensed in surprise, as she had the feeling Harry's hands were all over her, and she felt her top begin to lift. Ginny pulled her top back down as she began giggling.

"Don't you dare, Harry."

Harry gave Ginny a sad look as he put his wand away. "Maybe later," he sighed.

Ginny smiled as Harry stood. "Perhaps we should check our schedules for tomorrow before you get any ideas, Mr Potter."

Harry and Ginny went to the desk and found that three schedules were waiting for them. One was for Ginny, which outlined her classes. Harry suddenly realised he didn't know what Ginny was going to study this year.

"What classes are you taking, Gin?"

Ginny looked at Harry. "I was going to study to become a Healer like Mum," said Ginny as she fidgeted, her mind obviously trying to reach a decision. "Now, I'm considering the Auror program. I would much rather defeat the dark arts, instead of treat the aftermath."

Harry had a quick look at her class schedule. "Well, you're taking all the subjects you need to do either, so why don't you talk to Gawain and Madam Pomfrey. Maybe they can help you make a decision."

Ginny gave Harry a kiss. "That's a good idea, Harry. I'll arrange to talk to them next week after everything has settled down a little."

Harry looked at the second piece of parchment on the desk. It was his much shorter class schedule. He saw he had Charms followed by Transfiguration tomorrow morning.

"Hang on," he said, looking at Ginny's schedule again. "Why do we have the same lessons tomorrow morning?"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Because we are both in the seventh year now, or did you forget?"

Harry looked at Ginny sheepishly as he retrieved the last piece of parchment from the desk. It was the schedule for his muggle born class. He noticed that the little class was attending an orientation session tomorrow morning, before he would join them for their first lesson after lunch. Harry noticed the lesson had no subject, and was described as 'introduction' on the parchment.

Harry felt relief that he would not have to jump straight into teaching on his first day. He could take an afternoon to get to know his students before they started their hectic lessons.

As the night came to an end, Harry and Ginny got changed for bed before hopping under the covers. After several minutes Ginny closed her eyes and murmured as her top lifted again; this time Harry wasn't using magical assistance.