Purpose

~ Chapter 20: The Old and The New ~

Finally in Hogwarts...

Harry had regained his consciousness. The first thing that caught his eyes the moment he woke up was Fenix looking very haggard, and a sympathetic Snape. They were just about to arrive to Hogwarts.

: Remus? : Fenix called out softly.

: I'm here. : Remus's mindvoice intertwined with hers.

: Please, do not hate me for what I did, : Fenix said desperately. Remus did not answer her as their carriages went into a halt and Snape helped Fenix and Hermione down the carriage. Sirius aided his godson down and signaled to Neville to look after Harry as he handled their luggage. Carrying their trunks, they went up the stairs and proceeded to the Great Hall where the Headmaster was waiting gravely for them. It took a while before all students and staff congregated in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore spoke up, his voice loud and clear.

"I am sure you are all very tired, so it would be unwise if we were to conduct the Sorting Ceremony now. Those feeling unwell, please see Madam Pomfrey. First years, in the meantime you will sleep here in the Great Hall. Mr. Black and company, please come with me. You too, Severus."

"But Professor," Ron spoke up diffidently, "we're supposed to give the password to the common room."

"Mr. Finnigan," the Headmaster called out and Seamus appeared instantly. "You have to take over Ron's and Hermione's duties in the meantime."

"What's the password?" Harry's roommate asked and Ron whispered Diangelos. "Right." Seamus quickly went off with the other Gryffindors.

"I don't think I'm supposed to be with you," Neville said skittishly. "Anyway, I'll go to the Common Room. So see you in the morning." The boy picked up his trunk and hurried over to Seamus and Dean Thomas.

The eight humans plus the two wolves followed the Headmaster as he led them upwards, pausing often when the stairs started to groan and change direction. Harry was feeling a little lethargic and he wondered why they were going up to the top floor. Then he stared at a portrait whose figure kept running around away from the trolls. Wait! We're going to the Room of Requirement! The Headmaster paused at the door for a moment before turning the knob. They shuffled in tiredly and came into a very large bedroom. Professor Dumbledore left the room without another word, shutting the door quietly.

Dobby and other house-elves suddenly appeared. Some were bringing refreshments; some brought wash water, while some helped in storing their trunks away. The wolves gratefully thanked one of the house-elves and gulped the drinking water greedily. The wolves then curled up in one corner and immediately fell asleep. The humans washed and ate in silence, with Fenix not looking at any of them the whole time.

Should I go to sleep? Harry questioned himself but could not help feeling that the night was not over for them yet. I guess not... let's wait a while more. The remains of their supper vanished instantly with the table they had used. One by one, the candles went off, leaving one tall candle lit to illuminate the vast bedroom. Fenix stood up suddenly to crawl onto the colossal bed. She sat with her knees tucked in close to her chest with her head bowed. Remus and Sirius silently followed her, and Sirius watched his oathsister tenderly as Remus drew the Fire Master into a comforting embrace. Fenix fought down the grief and sadness but shuddered in defeat as she felt her emotional walls crumbled away. The five other humans crowded on the bed, watching the Fire Master solemnly.

: Fenix, : Remus called silently, : what's wrong? :

: You wouldn't understand, : she said sadly.

: Try us! : Sirius suddenly exploded and Ginny closed her eyes in pain as Sirius's mindvoice trumpeted out too loudly for her taste. : Fenix, say what's on your mind. No more evasions! We're all a goddamn extended family anyway! So why the hell are you keeping secrets? :

: Is Severus a part of our family then? : Fenix's mindvoice echoed softly in their minds and Harry and Ron stared at the Potions Master, who was gazing at the curled Fire Master with superb calmness.

: He is, : Harry answered, much to the surprise of his friends. : But it is up to him if he wants to be in it... or not to be. :

: No matter what, we're here for you. Why are you feeling so sad? And why should I or 'we' hate you for what you did back there? It was necessary, wasn't it? You gave them a second chance but they ignored it, so why are you feeling sad over it? : Remus pressed his cheek against her hair.

Fenix hid her face in Remus's chest but took Sirius's hand in silent assurance. Slowly, she spoke not in words, but with images, sensations and feelings to them all, starting with her fears and weakness closer to her heart. The death of her blood kin, Sirius, the people that had came suddenly into her life and loving them, the destruction of the elves, and her greatest fear. The fear of having nothing to love. Ron was blinking his eyes in surprise when she gave them a fraction of her joy when Snape began to unbend ever since he joined in the group. She loves Snape just as she loves Sirius. Dear God! All of us must be going mental now because Snape does feel like one of us. Poor Percy. This will be a shock to him when he finds out.

: I can tolerate loneliness. I have been lonely since the day I came into being. But it was the presence of Life around me that prevented me to will myself out of existence or to return to something I once was, : Fenix murmured, her mindvoice was shaded with a subtle green as she was filled with shame. She began to take them into one of her deeper memories and the intelligence behind those memories seemed to be totally alien.

: I was an alien... I guess... these memories I'm showing you now was from the memories of my original form, : Fenix explained, and showed them the original form of the Phoenix. It was beautiful and purely feminine. : Does this suit your taste more, Remus? : The werewolf shook his head as he chuckled a little. She was no longer weeping and had answered to Remus's body language by hugging him as he held her.

The human company carefully tried to assess the mental images and the sensations that went with them. : So full of pride, aren't you, sister? : Sirius said softly. Fenix nodded her head a little.

: I was proud and vain. The mortals feared and worshipped me. But it all changed when a war among the Gods began. Not really among the Gods, of course. The humans at that time were so full of conceit and pride just as I was. I don't really remember how I started changing; walking the earth as a human. Mingled and insinuated myself in the general population. The other intelligence faded into something much more complicated and distinct as I evolved into something like the humans. It was a morning when I was finally aware that there must be something important in Life. I went searching for the answer. I knew that there was something missing in me. Then He came. He taught me how to bow to love. : Fenix squirmed and maneuvered so that she faced them and pulled Remus's arms about her waist.

Her courage at telling her worst fears to the children seemed to open a door that had been kept hidden. Ginny began first, not so much telling Fenix what she felt about the current situation than showing her thoughts and fears to the others. This went on for most of the night, with then rest of the six humans taking turns to show and in the process acknowledged their fears. Ginny's, Hermione's, and Ron's fears were simple compared to Harry's. He showed them his fear closely similar to what Fenix felt and showed them.

: That is my fear. : Harry bowed his head down, fighting with the tension inside him. His injury still affected him, and he leaned against his best friend for support.

: That's just it, isn't it? They all seem prepared to lay down their lives for us but forbid us to do the same. That's just a little silly, right? : Fenix said lightly, and Harry had to smile at her shrewdness. Snape was the last to reveal his true self. Fenix looked at him mysteriously; she was not putting a pleading or an icy expression. It seemed like she was just waiting for something to drop. : Why didn't they leave, Severus? While they were offered a chance? When they have their own families to look after? : Fenix asked softly.

They could clearly see that the Potions Master was fighting with himself and Harry remembered the fleeting images that he had discovered when he was finally able to resist Snape's Legilimency with a Shield Charm. Will he reveal himself to us? Or will his pride win over his humanity? Harry breathed deeply. They were all still waiting for Snape to answer the Fire Master's questions. At last, he answered. His mindvoice sounded a little scratchy, and it sort of tickled their minds a little.

: Because of pride, I believe. Maybe, because of several things. One; they might consider you, a female, inferior, or two; they're a whole bunch of gits, : Snape answered easily, his expression remained bland as he said that and showed them his past, as a child. He was clearly a victim of child abuse, mainly by his father. He had a normal childhood until his mother contracted a disease that attacked the nervous system and died just as suddenly. His father had expected a lot from him and it grew as Snape received his letter from Hogwarts. Now, Harry and the rest got a chance to find out things from the Potions Master's point of view. Sirius and Remus blushed with shame as Snape showed them a memory of a younger Potions Master being scoffed mainly by Harry's father and godfather.

"You really out to be ashamed of yourself, Sirius," Hermione said reprovingly.

"I know. I know," Sirius said, his face flaming hotly. Something occurred to Harry's godfather.

: What kind of animal speech did you master? : Sirius asked Snape, as he suddenly realized that the latter had used mindspeech, and not the normal way of speaking, the way, Ginny, Ron and Hermione spoke up to them earlier.

: A bat, : Snape replied brusquely.

: My goodness. That's quite a complicated Tongue to master or hear, : Fenix complimented him and Snape indulged her with a mocking bow. Snape continued retelling parts of his life and the reason why he had turned his back on Voldemort.

: Very risky business, Severus, : Remus said as he tried to gain his wits back, severely shocked that Snape was not as cold-hearted as he appeared to be.

: Was that why you were friendly with Mr. Malfoy? To gain information for Professor Dumbledore while you seemingly gave him information about us? : Harry hazarded. Snape nodded in satisfaction, though his eyes gleamed with hatred for a moment when Harry uttered Malfoy.

"I wonder why Dumbledore asked for a huge bed and not bunk beds," Ron muttered inconsequentially.

"Probably because he knows that we needed to be close," Ginny said casually, giving sidelong glances at Remus and her own brother.

"What's the time?" Fenix's voice croaked a little. Harry fumbled for his pocket watch in his pants.

"Three minutes to four."

"Better get some sleep then," Fenix said as she handed pillows to each of them and pushed Remus down on the bed and curled beside him.

"All of us on the bed?" Snape exclaimed.

"Welcome to the weird family of assorted magicians, Professor," Ron spoke up with amusement as he lied down at the edge of the bed and Hermione went to him instantly. Ginny and Harry looked at each other in embarrassment and Ginny muttered something under her breath and lied down beside Hermione. Harry, seeing no other choice, curled up beside Ginny. Sirius was already lying down next to Fenix leaving the Potions Master to pick his sleeping site.

Which one? Do I sleep beside Harry, the offspring of my childhood tormentor or do I sleep next to the childhood tormentor? Or do I go for the floor? Snape snarled to himself and took the pillow Sirius offered and placed it next to The Boy who Lived. Fenix sat up and placed the bolster to prevent Remus and Sirius's feet from accidentally kicking the Potions Master while they slept. It was fifteen minutes later but they were all still awake, staring at the beams in the ceiling.

"Someone blow off that blasted candle," Sirius moaned. Fenix chuckled and Krill volunteered. The room instantly plunged into darkness and they could faintly hear the roaring of thunder. Fenix took the opportunity of the darkness to give her lover one, long and passionate kiss.

: I wish that we were alone right now, : Remus's mindvoice held a sensation of regret as he said that.

: Might I remind you that you two are not alone? : Sirius said acidly.

: Spoilsport, : Remus replied.

"Night guys," Fenix said softly and was answered just as softly.

: Welcome to a real family, Professor, : Harry said privately to the Potions Master. Snape remained silent. It was not long before they fell into a dreamless sleep.

**********

"I bloody well don't believe this! My own kind, had fallen prey to love's sweetness!"

"I told you that this will happen when it's time, Salz," a sorceress in a splendid blue evening gown said patiently.

"Shut up, Wen," the man in green velvet growled.

"You should have listened to her," a man in armor nodded his head in agreement.

"Isn't it wonderful? Healing at last!" A motherly looking woman stared piercingly at the man in green. "Aren't you happy, Salz?"

"You're jumping to conclusions again, Helga. Of course I'm happy!" Salz said lazily. "Got knocked off in my own game. And keep your hands off the woman, Ric! Dear gods! After all this centuries, you still treat her the same!"

"Flirting again? You ought to be careful just in case she thinks you're an incubus. She's already killed Dementors... I don't want to know if she can kill ghosts," the sorceress in blue cautioned the knight.

"Why do you say I'm flirting, Wen?" the knight sounded injured. "You know my eyes only see you," he continued sweetly.

"My foot." Helga snorted and she made a face at the knight. "Let's leave them now. We'll drop in time and time again to give pointers if they need it. I think they're doing fine right now. Godric!" the ghost yelled at the ghostly knight, stopping him just in time from kissing the Fire Master. "She's already got a partner! Salz, take care of him," she instructed firmly.

"With pleasure, Helga darling," Salz drawled and changed into his armor. "Shall we have another go, Ric?"

"It'll pass the time. On guard!"

The ghosts vanished from the Room of Requirement. Fenix blinked her eyes and thought in confusion. Funny... I thought I heard someone saying 'On guard'... Her thought trailed off and she snuggled closer to Remus and drifted off to sleep.

**********

Saturday, 2^nd September. Hogwarts...

Fenix woke up suddenly, feeling a change in the air. She blinked her eyes lazily and watched Remus's calm face and felt his arms about her. She created a dim mage light far back at the end of the bedroom and sat up quietly. She looked at the sleeping Potions Master and smiled tenderly.

: Krill? :

: It's ten-thirty in the morning. You might want to wake them up. The Sorting Ceremony-- I think that's what it's called-- is going to start at noon, : her Salamander suggested diffidently.

: Wait... Are you guys happy now? : Fenix asked them happily.

: What? Oh... you mean about this one? : Krill gave her an image of Remus. : Not really, : the Salamander answered seriously.

: Why? : the Fire Master asked in displeasure.

: Because we wanted you to get married and maybe get pregnant and we'd get to baby-sit some babies. : Krill quickly vanished before Fenix could react.

: We just met! : she yelled in protest.

: What was that about getting pregnant? : Sirius asked sleepily.

: Nothing, brother-mine, : Fenix blushed as she said it. : Better wake up. The Ceremony's going to start at twelve. We have about less than one-and-a-half hours to get ready, : Fenix informed her oathbrother. Then she turned to Remus and she knew the exact method to wake her lover. She crawled on her knees and gave the werewolf a kiss and as she had expected, he woke up rather instantly. She grinned widely at the man who looked up at her with such tenderness; she felt tingles all over. Bloody hell... just like a teenage girl fawning over a crush... I am disgusted at myself. But hell, doesn't that feel good!

Remus smiled at her as he sat up and his movement woke both the Potions Master and Sirius's godson. Harry blinked his eyes at the unfamiliar warmth and felt the heat rising to his face when he met the Potions Master somnolent eyes. Snape sat up slowly and pushed his hair back from his face.

: From the feeling that I'm having... I am sure it is not seven in the morning, : Snape said, removing the bolster to make more room to maneuver around. : And thank you for not kicking me in your sleep, even unintentionally, : he was looking at Sirius as he spoke. : So... what is the time? : He looked at Fenix for an answer.

: Ten-fifty, : Fenix said and brightened the room up by asking her Salamanders to light up the candles.

: Merlin's Beard! I haven't overslept that late since I was thirteen! : Snape swore and looked at the place where their trunks had been.

: I believe the house-elves have taken it and placed it where they're supposed to be, : Wind said helpfully.

"I am so thankful you had braided my hair, Fenix," Hermione said in relief and she was shaking Ron up. Dobby appeared, with Winky approaching the Fire Master.

"Winky's here to show the Fire Master's and Mr. Black's quarters. It is not far from Professor Lupin's quarters," Winky said with a smile.

"Does my room comes with a bathroom... your name's Winky, right?" Fenix asked uncertainly.

Winky smiled brightly. "Yes, all teachers' quarters does." The house-elf held the door open and Snape hurried out first.

"So my room is at the usual place?" Remus asked the female house-elf and sighed with relief when she nodded. Winky led them via the staircases again and the adults and the wolves parted from the students.

: We'll meet you at the Great Hall, : Sirius said jovially.

: Yeah, see you! : Harry said as cheerfully, as he unconsciously fingered his scar on his arm.

: Harry, don't scratch, : Fenix rebuked him gently, : otherwise, you'll get inflammation. :

: Sorry, : Harry said sheepishly, and disappeared as the students headed to the left while the adults kept walking straight. Snape paused over a door that had a written plaque 'Professor Snape'.

: I'll see you later, : Snape said, and Winky continued to lead Fenix and Sirius to their office and bedroom. Another house-elf appeared and took charge of Sirius and paused at three doors down. Remus stole a kiss as he went in to his own room.

"This is your quarters, Fire Master," Winky said with a smile. "It's locked for the moment, though."

"Ordinary lock or something requiring a password?" Fenix asked curiously.

"Ordinary lock, Fire Master," Winky said. Fenix nodded solemnly and looked at the door, surveying it carefully. She gave a small smile and placed her palm onto the door, and it unlocked instantly.

"You're good, Fire Master."

"Winky, call me Fenix," she smiled kindly at the house-elf. Winky smiled shyly at the Fire Master before vanishing from sight. Fenix and the wolves entered the room and she closed and locked the door before walking around, going over to the window first. It was raining quite heavily and she stared at the window dreamily. It overlooked a vast forest and remembered distantly that it was called the Forbidden Forest. Her quarter was a suite of sorts, first entering an office. She pursed her lips at the table and remarked to her wolves with an amused look that it probably would not fit her books if she were to do some heavy-duty research.

"Let's go and inspect the bedroom."

"Talking to yourself indicates an imbalance mind," a voice spoke out of nowhere and she knew it was not any of her Elementals.

"What do you know!" Fenix almost laughed as she caught sight of a mirror on the wall. "A talking mirror!" She stared at the mirror in perplexity. "Anyway, I know I'm sane enough and I was talking to the wolves." Fenix did not wait to hear the mirror's reply as she opened the bedroom door, and stared about in pleasure. Her stuff was already unpacked, and a towel was laid out on the bed for her immediate use.

: Should I make an impression on beauty or stark coldness? : Fenix mused.

: Wear something warm, : Wind suggested, answering the Fire Master's question indirectly.

: The sorceress robe that Sirius had bought for you will do nicely. I doubt you have to run about in the first day, : Silver connoted. Fenix nodded her head and the Salamanders automatically opened the wardrobe in search for the Prussian blue gown while she picked the towel and headed straight to the bathroom.

**********

Fenix had already donned her gown and was waiting patiently as her Elementals helped to dry and style her hair, warning them earlier not to do anything extravagant. "Just style it so my hair keeps out of my face."

As she waited, her Ice Dagger suddenly flew off its racket and hovered in front of her. Fenix trailed her fingers on the broom handle and sighed with regret. I know lovely. I miss flying you, but the weather isn't helping, she thought gently at the broom. It almost seemed to sigh in disappointment and went back to its rack.

: That Ice Dagger is extremely uncanny, if you don't mind me saying so, : Silver observed.

: He is like my sword. :

: It's almost as if its maker knew he was making this broom for you, : Wind commented.

: Actually, I think he did know. : Then she suddenly sighed when Aelwyn held a mirror for the Fire Master. They had successfully made her look like an Ancient Priestess. "What the hell..." Fenix threw her hands up helplessly, and looked at her pocket watch. It showed twenty minutes to noon. : Better get down then, : she announced gaily and swept from the bedroom and opened the door just as Sirius was about to knock. Her oathbrother grinned widely and gave an appreciative whistle.

: You'll put my cousin Narcissa to shame, sister. You're exuding and looking very much like a powerful witch, : Sirius whispered roguishly in her mind.

: You simply take my breath away, lover. : Remus watched her carefully. : I am glad that I don't have to worry about fawning guys here. :

: You're cruel. : Fenix pouted but grinned suddenly. The wolves had trotted ahead and joined Professor Snape, who was waiting for them. He eyed Fenix with mild surprise and gave a brief remark.

: You've come prepared, I see, : Snape said his mindvoice thick with approval, then turned on his heel and led them all down the stairs towards the Hall.

: Harry? : Sirius sent his thought out to his godson as they waited patiently for the staircase to finish changing before continuing their journey.

: Sirius! We're all ready at the Great Hall, and everyone is just waiting for the other teachers to turn up, : Harry said, his mindvoice coloring yellow with amusement.

: What's up? : Fenix asked merrily.

: Nothing... it's just that yesterday, Seamus-- he's another friend of ours-- gave Malfoy a punch. He looks rather 'charming' with the black eye and what's more, Madam Pomfrey had refused to do anything about it, : Harry told them.

: That is quite unlike her to ignore students' injuries. : Snape joined in the conversation. Harry gave a start, but recovered himself in time.

: I don't know if what the other students say is true, but Madam Pomfrey had just given him poultice and warned him not to bother her with more excuses of pain, : Harry reported.

: Maybe she's just planning her reserves. Like I told you before-- maybe a bit differently, but the principle is similar. There's not much point in Healing something so trivial, when a very good poultice and a little bit more time is all you need to heal, : Fenix told them after a moment of thought. Unlike last night, Fenix was paying more attention to her surroundings than necessary.

: Somehow you remind me of Moody, : Remus remarked.

: Just keeping myself in practice, : Fenix replied lightheartedly and they finally came to the entrance of the Great Hall. Professor Snape pulled the door open and Remus went in first, followed by Fenix and her wolves, Sirius and the Potions Master.

Where the students had been murmuring just a while ago, it was now completely silent. The students watch the Fire Master in awe and some of them actually shuddered at her ethereal look. Some nudged their neighbors at the pair of wolves, finally seeing them as they truly were. Harry caught Fenix's eye and winked and she smiled slightly.

"And here, I would present you your new teachers. Professor Lupin," the Headmaster beckoned and Remus approached the table then turned to face the students, as the Headmaster continued his introduction, "he has been reinstated as the teacher of Defence. Professor Snape as you all know, he is the Potions Master of Hogwarts." Snape and Remus together went up to the teachers' table and took their seats. "Next, is Mr. Sirius Black, who will be teaching the junior students in Transfiguration."

Sirius had put on his most grave expression and Ron had to pretend he was coughing, rather than to burst out with laughter.

: You're supposed to sit beside me, : Remus hinted silently, and Sirius made his way up to the teachers' gracefully. Now the students, and some of the other staff, waiting anxiously for the formal introduction of the Fire Master.

"And this is Miss Fenix Maxwell, assistant to Professor Lupin. She had joined the staff due to my request and having her with the rest of the Aurors in the train was a good thing indeed. Like Mr. Black, Miss Maxwell has several other duties, which includes the safety of all students. So though by right, she is a Muggle--" the Headmaster was disrupted as a number of protests tore at the air, mostly coming from the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat to regain their attention, "she has talents that will prove useful to us in the foreseeable future."

: And where am I supposed to sit? : Fenix asked them patiently, as she inclined her head to the students seated at their tables.

: Next to me, : Snape informed her. Fenix gracefully walked over to the Potions Master, pausing for a moment to stare at Malfoy's progeny before taking her seat. Several of the teachers were looking curiously at her, then turned their attention to Professor McGonagall and the first-years gathered around.

: Only twelve? : Fenix asked as she counted the heads belonging to nervous kids.

: Troubled times... : Remus answered.

The senior students waited in anticipation for the Sorting Hat to sing.

"I wonder if it would be more warnings this time," Ron whispered to Harry, who just shrugged and stared at the old hat.

The silence grew unbearable and no one dared to breathe. When the Headmaster's pocket watch screeched, the hat trembled and straightened up. Then it sang softly:

For the start of the new term,
We have gathered,
But only after the School was united.
Hogwarts was divided,
No longer true,
Students had joined together
To fight a common foe.

The School is blessed
With the return of the ancients,
And our Founders who were thought parted
Visited the castle in the aurora.
Still together, friends forever:
The Bold Knight, Godric Gryffindor,
The Shrewd Sorceress, Rowena Ravenclaw,
The Cunning Wizard, Salazar Slytherin,
The Lovely Witch, Helga Hufflepuff.

The Sorting Hat broke off and trembled slightly. Professor McGonagall moved towards it in concern but stopped as it straightened itself again and went on singing:

Filled with gladness I am.
Hogwarts was weak,
Filled with Strife and Dissension.
Now I see hope in the Houses.
Maybe the Unity will last,
Maybe it will fade again.
But under the watchful eye of the Guardian
She will not let it pass.
Hence, gladly will I choose for the Founders,
And let the teaching begin!

There was no need for applause; somehow, the unity had begun taking shape in something that would be impossible under normal circumstances. The ceiling that was decorated only with candles and a dark, solemn and brooding sky suddenly began to vanish. The Headmaster looked at it in mild amazement and stared solemnly at the students. The Great Hall slowly illuminated in a gentle glow of sunlight, with the smell of fresh pines wafting about the room.

McGonagall unrolled her scroll with slightly trembling hands and cleared her throat. She looked about the Hall, as if in disbelief that no one made a sound.

"First-years," she addressed the youngsters who were all displaying various degrees of tension and gave a small smile. "When I call your names, you will pick the hat, take a seat and wear the hat and you will get sorted. Once the hat sort you, go to the tables where your House is. We will begin now." She peered at the scroll and called out, "Jew, Sylvan!"

As the named girl moved forward, then gave a sharp stare to Fenix's right and suddenly gave a sweet smile at the Sylph hovering at the Fire Master's shoulder.

"Hufflepuff!" as the hat announced, the Hufflepuffs roared and cheered. Distant cheers of 'Welcome to da house!' were heard amongst the thunderous clapping.

"Summers, William!"

"Ravenclaw!"

"Gregory, Michael!"

"Hufflepuff!"

"Howard, Jeff!"

"Slytherin!"

"Durz, Alamanda!"

"Slytherin!"

"Arawn, Miranda!"

"Gryffindor!"

"Withers, Dianne!"

"Slytherin!"

"McIntyre, Aiden!"

"Gryffindor!"

"Knight, Gwydion!"

"Gryffindor!"

"Wintershade, Aver!"

"Slytherin!

"Moonbeam, Aine!"

"Ravenclaw!"

Some of the students that had already been sorted did not go to their respective Houses, but McGonagall ignored as she was left with the last first year, a very solemn looking boy.

"Howell, Jude!"

"Slytherin!"

The applause in the hall died as Jeff Howard, Miranda Arawn, Sylvan Jew and Jude Howell stared at each other, ignoring the curious looks from all around them.

"So, are we still friends, or what?" Miranda spoke up in a clear soprano.

"I dunno..." Jeff mumbled, looking down at his feet.

"I don't see why not," Jude said, looking soberly at his three friends he had made as he tried to find the magical platform during the First of September.

"Yeah... there shouldn't be any problems for the two of us," Sylvan agreed but gave the boys a penetrating look. "Juz' make sure ya' don't hang out with the wrong guys."

"Or ya' shall suffer our displeasure," Miranda continued gravely then grinned widely at her friends as she made her way to the Gryffindor table.

Professor Dumbledore smiled faintly and waited until the four juniors took their seats before he stood up to speak.

"I would not make a long speech. I am sure you are all aware of the incidents that have plagued Hogwarts since about six years ago and the incidents have been much more serious lately. Some of you might have noticed that some of your old friends are missing due to their parents' pleas not to have their children attend Hogwarts this year. Please refer to the letters that had been sent to you during the holidays for more details. The new term will begin on Monday: assemble at the Great Hall at eight sharp and you will receive your timetables. Trips to Hogsmeade will only be allowed under strict curfew. All students are forbidden to go into the Forest, no matter what. Well... I think I've said enough." He gave a clap and food miraculously appeared on the tables.

Fenix was seated near the end of the teachers' table, next to Snape's right. She was about to reach for her glass of pumpkin juice when suddenly a man in armor appeared from under the table. His eyes under his visor were handsome and kind and she wondered how she could point out the characteristics although the form was nearly insubstantial. The Fire Master suppressed a smile, finally recognizing the mischievous twinkle in the ghost's eyes.

"Lady, you grace my castle with your very beauty," the knight said in a chivalrous voice. Everyone stared in disbelief at the ghost.

"Godric!" Another ghost in armor appeared from thin air and pulled the knight from the table. "Why in hell did you run off?" The ghost pulled off his helm smoothed his dark long hair, before bowing gracefully to Fenix. She smiled in gentle amusement, stood up and gave a curtsy to the knights. Still his ever charming self, she thought fondly.

"Salz!" A ghost in a blue gown appeared and marched off towards the knights, then disappeared again.

"Really boys," another ghost that was calmly sitting at the Hufflepuff table, shook her head in disappointment, "the children are hungry. Such a fine sense of timing you have."

"All right, all right." The knight whom had pulled his helm off looked at the spot where the lady-ghost had been sitting. "Mother-hen..." he muttered and Sirius stifled a chuckle when Fenix looked at the knight archly. "Ric!" the ghost called Salz roared out. Fenix sensed the smile behind the visor from the first knight.

"On guard!" The knights vanished with the metallic clangs of sword.

The students gaped at their ghostly Founders. Ron mouthed a 'Holy Smokes!' to Harry, who was widely grinning with amusement.

"That was an unexpected visit," the Headmaster said quietly, but his voice was rimmed with good humor. "Tuck in everyone!"