Not Alone After All

Chapter VIII

At the Great Hall, Harry sat with Hermione and Ron. At the table behind them, sat Laurie, back to back with her brother. In front of her, was Draco and his two friends.

Harry was talking to Ron, but behind him he heard her sister talking.

"Shut up, Malfoy. Leave him alone," she said.

Harry turned back towards them. "What is it?"

Laurie smiled at him, than started deadly at Draco. "Trust me, you're better off without knowing."

Harry was about to say something when Dumbledore got up from his chair at the High Table. Besides him were Snape, McGonagall, Lupin and, for Laurie's surprise, Hagrid.

"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say, before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair..." he seamed to be going into a completely different subject, when McGonagall cleared her throat.

"Mm. Yes, continued Dumbledore. "First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor."

Remus got up, while the students clapped their hands. He thanked them and sat down.

"As some of you may know," continued Dumbledore. "Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be filled by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid!

Harry looked astonished. Then he clapped vigorously with the rest of the school.

"Finally, on a more disquieting note, Hogwarts -- at the request of the Ministry of Magic -- will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban."

They hear murmurs from all around them. Everyone now knows what the Dementors are. Probably because of that incident at the train.

"The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no
circumstances are you to approach them,"! Said Dumbledore. For some reason, Harry felt like the old man was looking at him. "It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving."

"Great" Harry thought. Now the dementors would probably go after him...

The next morning, Laurie found herself on the first class of the year: potions...

She walked inside te room and sat, once more, besides Ginny, who didn't look so happy about having potions class. Or any class at all.

"What is it, Gin?" Asked Laurie.

"It's just that... there are all those rumours about me and all. And no one is talking to me... only my brothers and yours," Ginny explained.

"Well," said Laurie. "There are lots of rumours about me too. All that about a Potter being in Slytherin. People don't go easy. And you know, I'm here for whatever you need me." Ginny smiled.

"I know. Thank you."

"Potter!" Said Snape, while entering the classroom.

"Here we go," she whispered to Ginny, who let out a chuckle. Then out loud, she said: "Yes Professor Snape."

"The class started. Stop talking with Miss Weasley. It looks like you two ladies have a habit of following your brother's steps. In almost every year I have to endure a Weasley, but when they are with a Potter... You two will stop talking if you'll have detention. And points will be taken from your houses."

"Erm. Yes, professor... I guess."

"Good," Snape nodded. "Let's start. Open your books at page 372."

And so started their school year. During the pause, Laurie saw Ron in the hall.

"Ron!" She called him out. The ginger boy didn't seam to hear her. "Ron Weasley!" She yelled. Ron turned his head towards her.

"Oh, hey Laurie!" He said. "What's up?"

"Where's Harry?" Laurie asked.

"Oh, he's in Professor Lupin's office. He got in trouble with a boggart." Explained Ron.

"With a... boggart?" Asked Laurie, confused.

"Oh, its this thing that takes form of your biggest fear--"

"I know what it is, Ron. Thank you," she said as she walked off into her dormitory, to take her things and get ready for her first Defence Against the Dark Arts class of the year.

As she got in the class, where there were no chairs of tables, but only a wardrobe, in the middle of the room. Some students were standing up, talking, while others were reading, sitting on the ground. Ginny was alone, standing in the middle of the room. Laurie went to join her.

Since last year, Ginny had a very bad reputation. You know, letting the basilisk free and all. But Laurie didn't care. Ginny was her friend, and that is supposed to matter more than reputation. Friends were supposed to help each other during hard times. Even though sticking with a Slytherin was not going to give Ginny a better reputation, it was better than being alone.

"Where's the professor?" Laurie asked Ginny, who wiggled her shoulders.

"No idea," she answered.

Just as she said that, Professor Lupin walked down the stairs of the DADA class room.