On the first of September, Harry donned his robes and looked at himself in the mirror. He had chosen to wear clothes that didn't look too out of place with the students while also giving the impression that he wasn't a student himself. They were black, like the uniforms, but the cut was very professional and didn't look like the Hogwarts uniform. There was also no Ravenclaw crest on his robes, but instead, there was a badge showing that he was an apprentice. Packing his trunk, he walked down the marble staircase and saw Dylan already waiting. They stepped into the fireplace and vanished in a burst of green flames.
Stepping out of the fireplace in Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, they observed that most adults present were nervous about sending their children to school. Harry didn't even want to think about the attendance of the other smaller schools in Britain and Ireland. Claiming an empty compartment for themselves, they waited for their friends to arrive. Five minutes later, Astoria entered the compartment with two miniature trunks in tow. Dylan's eyes immediately lit up as he stood up to give her a tight hug.
"Hey Tori!" he said happily as he hugged her. Astoria smiled as she hugged him back, and before he could pull back fully, she gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Nice to see you again too, Dylan," she smiled, enjoying the stunned look on his face.
Harry gave a long whistle. "I just won ten Galleons," he declared.
"Why?" asked Astoria as she pulled Dylan with her to take a seat, the latter still in a state of shock.
"I knew that you would be the one to kiss him first, but Daphne was sure that Dylan would initiate it. Congratulations, you two! Does that mean you both are dating?"
"Yes," said Astoria as she linked arms with Dylan who had just snapped out of his trance. "I've been working on this the entire summer. He's now my boyfriend."
"Don't I get a say in this?" asked Dylan incredulously, though he did lean down to give her a kiss on the cheek, his own cheeks flushed pink in happiness.
"Nope," said Astoria, grinning.
"Somehow, I can live with that," said Dylan as he took her hand in his. Harry shook his head in amusement as he took out a book to read, leaving the new couple to talk amongst themselves. They were joined soon by several others, all of them wanting to know if Harry was alright and how he did in his N.E.W.T.s.
Two hours later, Daphne and Neville entered the compartment, looking exhausted. Harry gave them each a chilled glass of butterbeer which they took gratefully.
"So, how was the prefects' meeting?" asked Theo.
"It would have been shorter if not for Granger going on and on about what needs to be changed," Neville groaned.
"Some of her ideas were really good, but the way she wouldn't stop hammering us about it didn't work in her favour," Daphne added, snuggling into Harry's hold as the boy put an arm around her shoulder, hugging her to his chest.
"Who else has been made a prefect?"
"Susan Bones and Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff," said Neville. "Sue has prefect patrols now, so she'll be here later. Then we have Terry Boot and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw and Daphne and Draco Malfoy from Slytherin."
"Why Draco?" asked Dylan, frowning.
"He's one of the top students in our year among the boys," Blaise answered. "That's not to say that Theo and I are anything less, but Snape has always played favourites with Draco, so we never expected the badge."
"Cedric Diggory is the Head Boy," said Daphne. "But that's not really a surprise, is it?"
Harry hummed quietly as he went back to his book. Several hours later, the train stopped at Hogsmeade station. Taking the carriages to the school, Harry calmly walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat down next to his brother, ignoring the stares being directed his way.
"I think people are wondering why you're back," muttered Dylan. "Everyone knows you took your N.E.W.T.s and you aren't wearing the uniform."
"Who cares?" Harry retorted as he watched the sorting of the students. His emerald eyes scanned the staff table and when he saw Professor Slughorn present but not Remus Lupin, he figured it out immediately.
"Brace yourself, little brother," murmured Harry. "It's a good thing you are as talented in Defence as you are."
"Why do you say that?" Dylan frowned.
"I think Snape might be your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. That's why."
Dylan groaned. The Sorting Hat's song was different this time and emphasised on unity amongst the four Houses, especially considering that the true history of the Founders was known to everyone thanks to Godric's journal. The change was noticeable, if however subtle. Slytherins weren't shunned as before; the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin was still present, but it wasn't anywhere as bad as it had been. Slowly, the changes were taking place just as Harry wanted. If only the Voldemort problem would soon solve itself… Harry amused himself with the image of Voldemort crying with remorse as he committed suicide; now that would be funny.
Once the feast was over, Dumbledore got up, beaming at all the students. "The very best of evenings to you!" he said, extending his hands forward in welcome. Many people gasped as they saw the black and shrivelled hand. Harry's lips twitched slightly as he tried not to smirk. He really expected better from Dumbledore; why did he touch the ring or put it on? It made no sense! He had informed Dylan, Sirius and Amelia about Dumbledore's impending death. Sirius did not show it, but Harry could see the smug satisfaction in his father's eyes.
"We're pleased to welcome back Professor Slughorn, a former colleague of mine to take up the job as Potions Master," said Dumbledore. "Professor Snape, meanwhile, will be taking up the post as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
"I don't get it," whispered Dylan. "Shouldn't Dumbledore appoint a teacher who actually teaches the subject? Putting instructions on the board and belittling us if we made a mistake was bad enough in Potions, but Defence? Especially considering the current climate shouldn't we learn to defend ourselves better? What is Dumbledore thinking?"
"It's all for the greater good," said Harry, his upper lip curling.
"Now, as everybody in this Hall knows, Lord Voldemort and his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength."
Everyone in the Hall quietened at once and Harry observed the faces of the students. Nearly all of them were terrified, even some of the children of the Death Eaters. Of course, Draco was smug about something but that was nothing out of the ordinary. Harry tuned out Dumbledore's speech and once they were all dismissed, he walked towards the private room he had been given for the duration of his stay at Hogwarts. It was right at the base of Ravenclaw Tower with a handsome painting of a golden eagle in flight. A small smile formed on his face as the eagle asked him in a musical female voice.
"Password, my Lord?"
"Patronus," said Harry, thinking about Dylan's Patronus resembling his Animagus form. The eagle flapped its wings and bowed as the painting moved to reveal a portrait hole, inside of which was a large, comfortable common room with two bedrooms. Harry was sure that none of the staff was responsible for this - it must be the house-elves. He would be sure to personally thank them tomorrow.
"Dylan Lestrange," he muttered. The mirror shimmered as his brother's face appeared.
"Yes, Harry?"
"Get your arse down here," Harry smirked. "And bring your trunk too. I've got a new room for you."
....
Join my exclusive website for 60+ thrilling chapters!
Link: [email protected]/MidnightWonder
If you join now you will get 2+ Chapters for free as well.
Don't miss out, join now!