Nothing In This World (BEING EDITED)

V.

Chapter V: The Lion and the Serpent
Warning: Strong Language

They landed in the Great Hall. Harry opened his eyes, swallowed some air, and breathed deeply. The Great Hall looked its normal and splendid self, decorated for the start-of-term feast. Golden plates and goblets gleaned by the light of hundreds and hundreds of candles, floating over the tables in midair. The four long tables were packed with a few chattering students who had come back early from their summer holidays; at the top of the Hall, a few of the staff sat along one side of the fifth table.

There was a sudden pop, "Arthur! Lucius! Welcome. I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow evening." Said Dumbledore beaming at them.

Arthur and Lucius gave each other a worried look.

"Wasn't expecting to be back quite this early Albus," said Arthur. He still had a hold on Harry, afraid that if he let go of his son, he might disappear. "There was an incident at the World Cup."

"Incident?" Said Dumbledore, his eyes had lost a bit of spark hearing the news about the World Cup. "What happened?"

"Vol---He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named sent one of his followers to attack at the World Cup," said Lucius, "perhaps we could talk in your office headmaster."

"Yes, of course," said Dumbledore, looking directly at Harry. Arthur finally released his hold on Harry as he and Lucius followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall. "One more thing,"said the Headmaster, "I suggest the lot of you get to your dormitory; the dinner begins in an hour." And with that, the Headmaster, along with Lucius and Arthur, disappeared.

Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione made their way to the Gryffindor Common room. "See you at the feast, and stay out of trouble," said Percy. Harry waved to Percy and Draco as they made their way to the Slytherin Common room.

Harry walked into the Gryffindor Common room, taking in the smell of a freshly cleaned room. A bunch of the students were sitting around talking; some were playing wizard chess, and others were reading. He spotted Fred and George talking to Lee Jordan, probably talking about their new products for the joke shop.

"Hiya, Harry!"

It was Seamus Finnegan, another fourth year and one of Harry's best friends.

"Hi, Shay," said Harry with a smile, "glad to see that you are not grounded anymore.

"Yeah, me too, mate. Nan really had it in for me. I'm sorry I missed the World Cup." Said Seamus. Harry shrugged. His attention was drawn to the common room door.

The door opened, and in stepped a woman; Professor McGonagall, deputy headmistress and the Head of Gryffindor House. "The feast is about to begin," she spoke with a type of grace that was rarely seen in teachers. "Harry, I suggest you put your school robes on."

Harry dashed up the stairs by twos making his way to the boys' dormitory.

"Mr. Weasley-Malfoy, hats off. What do you think we're running here? A gang?" Said Professor McGonagall crossily at Ron. They piled down the steps and lined up in front of the door. It was a cold, clear evening: dusk was falling, and a pale transparent-looking moon was shining over the Forbidden Forest.

"Nearly six," said Neville, checking his watch.

"I know I'm starving." Said Harry.