Harry Potter and the Violet Chain

Chapter Six

Harry looked at Professor Snape in alarm. He then turned to look at Hermione to see if she was okay. Hermione looked terrified but she was calm. Professor Snape, however was grimacing in pain. Harry quickly bent down next to him.

'Professor! Are you all right?' Harry shook his shoulder gently.

Professor Snape lifted his head and Harry could see from his eyes that he was in tremendous pain. He then slowly got back to his seat with Harry's help, his whole body shaking weakly. Harry noticed that he was holding his left arm tightly with his right hand, which was still holding his wand.

'Is it him?' asked Harry, still eyeing Professor Snape's left arm. 'He called you, didn't he?'

Snape turned away from Harry, ignoring his questions. Harry felt a sudden urge to ask Snape what was Dumbledore's order for him last time at the hospital wing, if he had seen Voldemort since his rebirth, if he was a spy for Dumbledore, or if he was back in the Death Eaters circle. Harry had been playing those questions, among others, in his head during the whole summer, and they were craving for answers. But when he saw Snape's ghastly face, he could not bring himself to put Snape in a spot.

Harry went back to his seat next to Hermione, not tearing his eyes off Snape, in case anything happened again. They traveled the rest of the journey in silence. The carriage finally stopped and Harry reached for the handle of the door.

'Do not tell anyone what happened here just now,' said Snape suddenly. Harry turned to look at Snape in the eyes and nodded. Hermione gave Snape a quick nod as well. They could not help but felt pitiful to him. To see him in that amount of pain was not pleasure, even though they loathed him.

All three of them then went up the stairs into the castle. They were the first to arrive from the train station, so they walked to a near empty Great Hall, save for some teachers and ghosts. Harry and Hermione took their seats at the empty Gryffindor table, when Snape abandoned them and disappeared into his dungeon, Harry presumed.

'What happened to Snape just now?' Hermione could not contain herself any longer.

'I don't know,' said Harry. 'I think Voldemort called for him.'

'But why was he in pain?' asked Hermione.

'Each time Voldemort summoned his Death Eater, he would touch the dark mark and the Death Eater would apparate to him. I guess, Snape was fighting against being apparated just now,' explained Harry. 'Well, that is what I think.'

Hermione stopped prodding the matter as she saw Harry himself seemed to be fighting against memories he did not want to remember. And true, Harry's mind was suddenly flooding with images; so quickly that he did not realize that he was trying to frown away his problems.

The door to the Great Hall opened to let the rest of the school swarm in, and Harry's images creep out. Slowly, the Gryffindor table and the rest of the house tables were filled in. They were joined by Ron last as he had been busy ushering their fellow Gryffindors to their table.

'Phew, that was easy work. Anything wrong?' asked Ron when he saw the look on Harry's face.

'Nothing,' said Harry quickly, forcing a smile.

Hermione looked surprisingly at Harry, but Harry gave her a stare which means 'you promised not to talk about it'. Hermione took the hint and changed the subject.

'So, what you did, Ron?' asked Hermione.

Ron enthusiastically told them everything that happened from the train until they reached the Great Hall. Hermione listened to Ron attentively, but Harry found Ron sounding more and more like Percy. But he still acted as if he was interested.

Harry looked at the table at the end of the Great Hall, where all the staff sat. Professor Dumbledore was in the middle as usual, his long, silver hair shown brightly under the enchanted ceiling of the hall, and he was looking cheerful, but Harry knew, from Dumbledore's eyes, he could see that Dumbledore was tired and worried about what lay ahead.

Harry's eyes wandered across the table and saw Professor Flitwick in his usual charming self, Professor Sprout next to him, giggling at some jokes Professor Flitwick could have told her. Harry was glad to see Professor Snape at the table, and he seemed to have recovered to his usual self. Probably not, as Harry had to glance twice to believe his eyes. Professor Snape had not only recovered from his agonizing pain earlier, but also from his own personality - he was actually smiling. Was it some sort of a miracle? Or was he actually hurt earlier on? Before Harry could nudge Ron to pinch him to make sure that he was not dreaming, Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall was filled with silence.

'Tonight, I applaud everyone who is here, your courage to get on with every day's life, to be back at Hogwarts, in the midst of uncertainty in the wizarding world. Everyone in this hall deserved to be rewarded, therefore, tuck in to the wonderful food in front of you.' Dumbledore sat down and every one cheered.

The food appeared and the house elves seemed to have kept up their standards during the holidays. Harry suddenly realized how hungry he was and quickly start eating. He saw Ron tucking in to some roast beef, pork and turkey at the same time, and he thought he was hungry; Ron was definitely starving. Even Hermione was having second helpings of mashed potatoes.

'What do you think the new teacher next to Snape is teaching?' Harry heard Dean Thomas asking Seamus Finnigan.

The first thought that came across Harry's mind was that the teacher must be the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, because that was the only vacant position available. But when Harry's eyes rested on the teacher, he was thinking the same thing as Dean had just asked Seamus. Not only the teacher was very small, she looked as if she could be brought down with a touch from the tip of a wand.

'She is too weak to be our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher,' voiced Hermione, who was thinking the same thing as Harry, and seemed like, the rest of the hall was thinking.

Harry thought so too. Probably a new Ancient Runes teacher? Or maybe Divination? Harry would not mind anyone taking over Divination. Please, let it not be Care for Magical Creatures, hoped Harry, as Hagrid was still not at sight.

Dessert was soon served and at last, everyone was full and quite tensed up after lots of speculation about the new teacher. Previous new teachers at Hogwarts all had interesting personalities and none seemed to be who they appeared to be (recap: Quirrel - stuttering? Lockhart - *smile*, Lupin - werewolf, Moody - not Moody). Dumbledore stood up and the hall was silent again.

'I have a few announcements to make. The inter-house Quidditch will resume after a year of absence.' Cheers from the crowd, whistles from Fred and George Weasley. When the noise died down, Professor Dumbledore continued. 'We have a new teacher this year. Professor Mintridge,' Dumbledore pointed at the teacher everyone was speculating about, 'will be our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.' A few claps from the crowd could be heard. 'But she is ... small!!' blurted George Weasley, obviously without thinking.

'I believe, after so many experiences, you should have known by now, never judge a book by its cover. I believe Professor Mintridge is capable to perform in this position,' said Professor Dumbledore, nodding towards Professor Mintridge, who was maintaining her composure amidst all the murmurs and negative opinions of her, and in turn, smiled at the crowd. 'I hope you will respect her, and respect me, as it is I who chose her for this position.' The murmurs in the hall stopped.

'One last announcement before you go back to your respective house towers. The rise of the Dark Lord had already impacted Hogwarts with the loss of Cedric Diggory. I hope everyone will respect each other and stay loyal to Hogwarts throughout this testing time.'

***

As Harry, Ron and Hermione moved towards the door out of the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall approached them. 'Potter,' said McGonagall, looking stern as usual, 'come with me.'

'See you in the common room,' whispered Hermione.

Harry followed McGonagall to the chamber next to the great hall. The last time Harry was there was before the final event of the Triwizard Tournament, and the sight of the room was enough to make Harry grim. In there was Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Professor Flitwick, Professor Mintridge and

'Hagrid!' shouted Harry.

Harry quickly ran over to Hagrid and hugged him. 'Where were you?' asked Harry.

'Sorry I was late. I just got back from... Hogwarts business,' Hagrid cleared his throat. 'Didn't know you will miss me, eh?' Hagrid beamed at Harry.

'Harry, Hagrid will be here at Hogwarts, and I am very sure you will have a lot of time to talk to him in the next few days,' said Professor Dumbledore warmly. 'Now, Harry, we are all deeply concerned about you. Everyone knows that you escaped the Dark Lord a few times, and you are capable to take care of yourself, very capable. But no matter how good you are, you are still in danger, especially we know that Voldemort is after you. Therefore, precautions need to be taken by everyone around you, and especially you, Harry. I want your word that you will not do anything dangerous to yourself or your friends.'

'Yes, Professor Dumbledore.'

'Professor Mintridge will be ensuring your safety and you have to cooperate with her,' continued Professor Dumbledore. 'She will accompany you during Quidditch practices and trips to Hogsmeade, besides other arrangements which she will inform you. Understand, Harry?'

'Yes, Professor,' stammered Harry. He knew everyone; especially Dumbledore, cared a lot about him. But surely, he did not need to be baby-sat. Especially by someone who seemed to need the care instead. Harry looked at Professor Mintridge, who was smiling weakly at him.

'Time to go to bed, Harry,' said Professor Dumbledore. 'Professor Mintridge will walk you back.'

The walk back to the Gryffindor Tower seemed to take ages. Harry did not know why, but he felt exceptionally nervous with Professor Mintridge. She must have sensed that too, as she tried to make friendly conversations with remarks of the earlier feast and Hogwarts.

'Is it still the Fat Lady?' asked Professor Mintridge, after she told Harry the new password to the house tower.

Harry halted and stared at her. 'You... you were from Gryffindor?' asked Harry.

'Of course! The best house in Hogwarts! Where else do you think I would fit in? Slytherin?' said Professor Mintridge, smiling at Harry.

'I didn't mean that!' answered Harry quickly and apologetically. 'I thought ... maybe Hufflepuff.'

Professor Mintridge smiled broadly at Harry. 'I thought so too, but, well, the sorting hat put me in Gryffindor, just like it did to you!' She put her hand on Harry's shoulder and urged him to continue walking.

No, it did not put me in Gryffindor, thought Harry as he walked along; I asked not to be put in Slytherin.

'Harry, keep this with you,' she handed a chain to Harry, as they reached the landing of the house tower. 'I will not be following you everywhere, I don't think you will like that anyway, but I still have the responsibility to make sure you are safe, and receive help when needed. I want you to promise me,' she looked at Harry seriously, 'swear to me, that you will always wear this chain. When you are in trouble, anytime, anywhere, just hold on to the chain, and call my name,' she explained. Harry nodded and slipped the chain onto his neck. 'Don't tell anyone about the chain. I don't want everyone to say that I have a favourite student,' winked Professor Mintridge.

Harry bid good night to Mintridge as they reached the Fat Lady. He clambered into the common room, and as the portrait hole closed, he could hear Mintridge chatting with the Fat Lady (Why, you still looked exactly like when you were here, Mintridge!). He found Ron and Hermione at the corner of the common room and told them quietly about what Dumbledore had said, about Hagrid, Professor Mintridge and all the arrangements; everything but the chain hanging around his neck.

*******

Thank you for reading! A review is deeply appreciated! :)

Note: I am terribly sorry that I got Voldemort's name wrong in the last couple of chapters. I don't speak his name a lot ;) I probably can shake hands with Hagrid! Please do point out if I get anymore terms or facts wrong. Thanks!