Harry Potter and the Black Grimoire

CHAPTER NINE - THE ORDER

The next morning at Hogwarts brought the start of the school year for Harry and for once in his magical schooling; he was actually looking forward to it. He couldn't believe that he actually wasn't dreading potions. He felt like pinching himself. He knew having class with his godfather wasn't going to be all fun and games though. He was, after all, a teacher and he would still have to treat him as one. He was sure that he would be treated as a student also, not as the godson of the teacher. One good thing was that it looked like Gryffindor would have a lot less points taken away during that particular class. Harry was sure Sirius wouldn't be as unfair and biased as Professor Snape. He would have to get used to calling him Professor Black though.

Another class Harry couldn't wait for was Defense Against the Dark Arts. He had always been very interested in that particular class anyway. There was only one year that he didn't enjoy being studying that subject. In his second year at Hogwarts, Harry and his schoolmates had had a new teacher in the subject. Professor Gilderoy Lockhart was a joke to mostly everybody in the school. It was clear from their first day in class that he was a fraud at best. He released a set of Cornish pixies in the class, causing panic and havoc, leaving the students to clean up the mess while he hid under his desk. Not typical of someone who had written loads of books on his wizarding adventures. They later found out that he was in fact a fraud, gathering stories from other wizards and witches and claiming that he had in fact done them, after modifying their memories, of course.

This year, he imagined, would be different. Professor Radford seemed to be a nice enough woman and it would also be the first time they would be having a female teacher of the subject. Harry was curious to see how she would act around Ron and her daughter, particularly when they were together. She seemed to be very lighthearted about their relationship, but that could all change once they entered the classroom.

Harry decided that in his first transfiguration class he would approach Professor McGonagall and ask her the question he had been playing over in his mind all summer. He wanted to ask her to train him as an Animagus. It was something that he had thought about ever since he first learned about it in his first year. Professor McGonagall was herself an Animagus, often transforming into a tabby cat from time to time. Another reason Harry wanted it was because of the fact that his father was one as well. He had gotten his nickname, 'Prongs' from the fact that he changed into a stag as his animal form. Sirius was also a great black dog, something that helped him out a lot recently while he was on the run from the ministry. On top of all of this, Harry thought that becoming an Animagus would be a powerful tool in his fight against the people who wanted him dead. It would give him an easy way to escape many dangerous situations.

One class that Harry was not looking forward to was Divination with Professor Trelawney. Every year she took every chance she could to predict his unfortunate death. If any of her predictions were true, he would have died about twenty times by now. Harry was beginning to get used to it, but he still felt it extremely annoying. He also didn't like the fact that she cringed with sadness every time she laid eyes on him.

He was also looking forward to Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid, especially since this year he had not requested that they buy a book that wanted to chew their hands off every time they touched it like last year. He was curious to see what kind of animals would be represented this year, hoping that there would not be any more dangerous crossbreeds like the Blast-Ended Skrewts of the previous year.

After getting ready and putting on his school clothes, Harry made his way down to the Gryffindor common room where Hermione, Ron and Madeline were waiting for him. Together they made their way down to the Great Hall to have breakfast and receive their schedules for the school year.

They all sat on the long benches at the Gryffindor table. Hermione sat on the end next to Harry and Ron sat next to him, Madeline by his side.

Harry realized it was still rather early from the lack of students eating at the moment. He didn't know how early he had woken up. On this note, he took his time eating his breakfast.

They all ate their eggs and bacon while talking about the upcoming classes that they would be going to. Maddy seemed to be a bit nervous and they were all trying to calm her nerves, telling her about how nice all of the teachers were. They made sure to tell her the fact that Snape was not at school at the moment, and that he was the only teacher that you really had to look out for. She was feeling quite a bit better by the time they were done talking to her.

It was at about this time that Professor McGonagall made her way around and handed out the schedules to all of the students who were present. Ron and Maddy were ecstatic that they had all of the same classes together. Harry, of course, had chosen the same classes as Ron, so he did as well. Hermione only had one different class then they did; she had Arithmancy instead of divination. She dropped that class at the end of their third year because she couldn't stand Professor Trelawney and the lack of a need for book skills in the class.

Harry looked down at his schedule. They had outdoor classes all morning, much like the previous year. First, it was Care of Magical Creatures, which, much to his dismay, was still with the Slytherins and then Herbology with the Hufflepuffs. Then it was back inside for lunch, before going to Potions and then Divination. Defense Against the Dark Arts would come later in the week.

Just then, a loud swooshing noise above them signaled the coming of the daily mail, carried by hundreds of owls. Harry was surprised to see Hedwig carrying a letter to him. She dropped it on his plate before settling down and snatching a bit of his toast. She nibbled on his finger affectionately before taking off back to the Owlery. Harry opened the letter. It was from Sirius.

Harry,

Come see me in Dumbledore's office on your break today. The password is Wiggle Wisps. And don't worry, you're not in trouble or anything, we just want to talk to you.

-- Sirius

"Wiggle Wisps. That is one strange man," Ron said.

Harry didn't pay much attention to him though. He was trying to think of what they could want to talk to him about. Like it said to in the letter, he wasn't quite worried, just very curious. He knew if it was serious they would have came and got him, or spoken to him directly.

"Guess you'll find out later Harry," Hermione said, reading his mind.

With that, they all finished eating and made their way out to Hagrid's hut and the Care of Magical Creatures paddock. As they came around to the edge of the forest where the class was held and where Hagrid's home was, they were greeted by quite a sight.

"That's a Griffin!" squealed Hermione. "I've read about those! They're very rare."

Hagrid was standing in the paddock behind his hut, patting the giant creature. It seemed to be very calm. Harry couldn't get over the beast. It was very large, bigger than a hippogriff, and was a combination what Harry thought to be three different animals. It had the head, beak and wings of an eagle, the body and legs of a lion and the tail of a snake. It was a very intimidating animal.

As they got closer to the paddock and Hagrid called over to them, several of the students held back, including, to Harry's great joy, Malfoy. He, Crabbe, and Goyle had just came out after the four of them. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Madeline took this as their chance to get one up on him. Maddy wasn't as enthusiastic about it as the rest of them because she didn't know how horrible he could be. They all had of course filled her in on his attitude to them during the last four years. She had never experienced it first-hand though. They did end up talking her into going into paddock, finally.

The four friends made their way through the pack of reluctant students towards the fence. They climbed over, which caused a large smile to form on Hagrid's face.

"Good, good! Look's like I got some volunteers! Go'n; yeh can touch it."

Harry and Ron were the first ones to reach out their hands and pet the huge animal.

Everyone else watched on in silence. Malfoy was no doubt waiting for it to snap their hands off.

The two boys petted the griffin on its lion fur. It was unresponsive for the most part and didn't seem to mind much. Harry reached up and scratched its feathers underneath its head. It lifted its head in response and purred like an overgrown kitten. It seemed to like being petted there very much.

Hermione and Maddy followed suit in a few moments. By the time all four of them were petting the creature, the rest of the class began to make their way over. Soon the whole class was inside the paddock petting the animal.

"This is a Griffin," said Hagrid. "As yeh can no'ice, it has the head of an eagle, the body of a lion an' the tail of a snake. This one here is domesticated, so it won' attack yeh."

Harry thought he heard Malfoy say something like "wow, big word," in the back of the group.

Contrary to last year's situation at this time, mostly everybody was happy with the animal. The Griffin was very courteous to the students and seemed to be enjoying itself thoroughly. It was purring happily with all of the attention it was receiving. Hagrid was also beaming. He was no doubt happy to see all of his students enjoying the animal he provided for them.

"Now, now, we'll be tak'n care o' this fer awhile, then we'll move on ter another type of animal. We'll be meet'n a few different types of creatures this year. Got lots o' stuff'n store for yeh. Gonna be fun."

Harry was sure the whole year wouldn't be fun, but he had confidence in Hagrid this year to choose animals that wouldn't bite them or try and cook them.

All in all, this was one of Harry's favorite Care of Magical Creatures classes. He liked the Griffin more than probably any of the other animals they had taken care of in the class so far. Even most of the Slytherins didn't have anything bad to say about the animal. Probably because it had a snake tail.

After the bell had rung, signaling the end of the class, the Gryffindors made their way to the greenhouses for Herbology with the Hufflepuffs.

Their Herbology lesson went fairly good as well. Professor Sprout taught them how different plants could be used for different things. For example, if a plant had a flower that looked like an eye, then the plant would be good for the eyes. The same for a plant that had leaves shaped like a human heart; they would be good for the heart. It was a very interesting lesson and Harry particularly enjoyed spending time with the Hufflepuffs. They were being extremely nice to him, no doubt showing their gratitude for what he did for Cedric Diggory at the end of last year.

After that class was over, the group made their way back to the school for lunch. Harry ate quickly, said he would see the rest of them later and went up to Professor Dumbledore's office.

Finally finding the stone gargoyle that was the entrance to Dumbledore's office; Harry gave the password and made his way up the revolving staircase. Sirius and Dumbledore were both there when he went through the door to the office.

"Harry!" Dumbledore said, beaming at him. "Please sit down, make yourself at home!"

"Thanks professor," said Harry, sitting on the couch.

Harry looked around the office. This was his favorite place in the whole castle. He always felt completely safe he was in Dumbledore's office. The office itself was round with wooden walls. There were several pictures of ex-headmasters and headmistresses and Harry noticed that the sword he pulled from the sorting hat in his second year was still on the wall. Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet phoenix, sat on his perch beside the door. Overall, nothing much had changed in the room since he was last there.

"So, what'd you want to talk to me for?"

"It's nothing important, Harry," said Sirius, "we just wanted to talk about how you're feeling. And if you had any questions about anything."

"We just wanted to make sure you're completely comfortable being back here, after the traumatic events of last year. Actually, I told Sirius you would be fine, but he insisted on exercising his right as your godfather and asked if we could meet with you here."

Harry smiled at the concern Sirius had for him, but he was actually quite tired of hearing people ask him if he was all right. He often felt like he was treated like a glass doll because of who he was. He did genuinely appreciate them asking him though.

"Thanks, but I can assure you I'm fine. As usual, I don't feel comfortable any place but here. No matter what happens, it will always be that way. I do have some things I'd like to ask you guys though."

"Thought you would, Harry," said Dumbledore. "So shoot."

"Well, I have a question that Sirius, excuse me... Professor Black, can answer. It has to deal with this."

Harry pulled the chain from underneath of his shirt and held it out for them to see. Sirius smiled at him for his little joke.

"Ahh, yes Harry. Actually, that's something me and Dumbledore wanted to tell you about," said Sirius. "It belonged to your father, as you know. It's called the Key of Light. James got it from your grandfather, who got it from his father and etc. He got it when we entered the Order, Harry."

"The Order?"

"The Order of Light, Harry. It was started by Godric Gryffindor after Hogwarts was founded. He gathered several witches and wizards together and formed a group dedicated to eradicating dark magic. It has remained throughout the years, although sometimes it hasn't been as needed as it is at other times."

"Like now," Harry said; more stating it then asking.

"Precisely, Harry. It was implemented back into session during Voldemort's time and, as you can imagine, we think that it should be started back up again."

"So who's in this order?" Harry asked.

"Well," said Dumbledore, "the last time we were in session, I was appointed the head of the Order. Sirius is on it, Remus, Arabella Figg, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Mundungus Fletcher, Alastor Moody and some members of the Ministry you don't know. Barty Crouch was also on it, as well as your parents."

Dumbledore paused for a moment, looking serious at Harry.

"And me."

"Yes, Harry. And you. You became a member by default when your father died. He was a very important member to us, as you are."

"Why was he so important to the Order? Harry asked.

"Well, Harry, I think it is about time we told you. We wanted to wait until you were ready to know and we both think it is time. Harry, you're --"

The bell sounded, cutting of Sirius and signaling the end of the lunch period. It was time to go to potions.

"Can we stay?" Harry asked. He was intensely curious to know what they had to tell him now.

"I'm afraid not Harry. You have a class to get to and I'm pretty sure Sirius does as well. But we can meet later after dinner. Just come back then and we'll finish our talk. We'll have plenty of time then."

Harry was incredibly disappointed, but he would have to deal with it.

"Come on, Harry. We'll go together," Sirius said.

With that, Harry and Sirius left Dumbledore's office and made their way down to the dungeons. Everybody was already there when they arrived. Harry took his seat next to his four friends and Sirius started the class.

Surprisingly, Sirius knew a lot more about potions that Harry thought he did. And just as he expected, it wasn't all fun and games. Sirius was a good teacher and treated everyone fairly and equally. This was by far his best Potions lesson and he knew that Neville was extremely grateful as well.

The rest of the day went smoothly enough; Professor Trelawney only predicted his death twice in one lesson. And she didn't look nearly as sad about his existence as she usually did.

After all of the lessons were over, Harry went down to eat dinner with Maddie, Ron and Hermione. He chose not to tell him what he had been told, owing to the fact that the Order was secret after all, and neither Sirius nor Dumbledore had told him he could. It wasn't an easy task though. Hermione was bugging him about it all throughout dinner. Finally, she realized that it must have been important enough so that he couldn't tell her. She knew if he could tell her, he would. Ron, on the other hand, was more interested in Maddie, as was becoming a growing trend.

After he was finished eating, Harry excused himself from his friends and made his way back upstairs to Dumbledore's office.