Pawprints

4. Feeling Frisky

Harry was sorting through his mail. He came across a regal looking envelope sealed with familiar red wax. He let Black sniff it first, despite knowing that it was from Hogwarts itself.

A grin formed on Harry's face as he read the letter. Hogwarts was to start again. He and the rest of his batchmates were to join the Seventh Years to complete their final year of schooling and they would be taking their N.E.W.T.S. They were also to get career guidance and have special lessons with a teacher of their choice in any subject they desired.

He knew they were getting all these extra perks because of what they had gone through and if they were to get individual attention from teachers that was because only a few of them were expected back at school. A lot of the parents thought that Hogwarts was not safe anymore and some Death Eaters were in hiding with their families. A few would go on to finishing school while the majority of the Muggleborns would not return. He hoped Hogwarts would remain open but knew the numbers would dwindle as people were still scared.

He noted the additional clause in the letter that stated that there would be extra help to care for the increased number of new familiars, as well as a request to owl the details of their familiars and any special notes regarding their care. There was an attached note with their book list. It had adjustments from previous years, including the second Wizarding War and an in-depth assessment of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. It included information that the Eighth Years were to have their dorms in the new wing at Hogwarts. The new wing was at the back of the castle facing the leafy evergreen forest that had sprung up miraculously after the war ended during the period that the school was undergoing restoration. They would also have a common room irrespective of houses. Harry knew this room would be used for some wild parties and lots of tomfoolery.

Harry visited the school many times with his friends to help with the restoration and was amazed by how beautiful it looked. He was looking forward to Black meeting other familiars, to have some animal companionship apart from Scally.

Ron and Hermione were ecstatic about returning to Hogwarts and had arranged to meet for dinner at the Burrow. Harry was looking forward to seeing Mrs Weasley and checking in on Ginny personally. He knew he would have to survive a whole school year with her again and that it was better to start on a peaceful note. Mrs Weasley seemed happy, although her face would cloud over as she looked at the mopey expression on George's face at the dining table and the empty eerie feeling at the table. There was a lot of new space and the Burrow seemed to be very quiet. Molly was managing, some days were worse than others. It was the same with Arthur but he tried his best to lighten the mood by joking around and telling stories. Percy and his girlfriend joined the family for dinner as well. George seemed disgruntled as he looked at how loved up Percy seemed.

Harry sat beside Ginny intending to set things right with her. He knew he would never date her again, they were both too damaged and hurt for that. They made reasonable small talk and Harry promised to help her out with Defense. Hermione interjected saying Ginny was always welcome to join their study group whenever she felt like it.

After dinner, Harry followed George up to his room, Black padding along behind him. George leaned against his desk. Harry took in how spacious the initially cramped room that belonged to the twins looked, with just a single bed, a desk and a cupboard with a mirror facing the window.

"Your room looks very cosy," Harry said as he sat on George's bed and looked at him expectantly.

"This room feels so empty, I've never slept alone till Fred passed"

Harry gave him a watery smile and stood up from the bed.

"What did you want to talk to me about?"