Lost and Found...Love

Chapter 1

Welcome to Hogwarts / Oh, by the way...

September 1996

Professor McGonagall picked up the Sorting Hat and the wooden stool and removed them from their spot in front of the staff table. The Sorting Ceremony was over and Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair and looked out over the sea of student faces.

"Welcome back to our returning students and a hearty hello to our first years. I don't know about all of you, but I'm famished. Let's eat, shall we?"

The tables were instantly crowded with bowls and platters, filled to overflowing with all of the wondrous selection of food that comprised the Welcoming Feast at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Silence reigned for the next few minutes as everyone devoted themselves to filling their plates, then a low buzz of conversation started.

"Here's the news flash of the evening; there's no one sitting in the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's chair," Seamus Finnigan observed, between mouthfuls of mashed potatoes.

"No big surprise, mate," agreed Dean Thomas. "Can you imagine the crowd at the door, looking to interview for that job!?!"

"As long as Snape stays in Potions, I'm not too chuffed who gets the job!" added Ron Weasley, starting on his third drumstick.

"At least this year Professor Dumbledore gets to fill the position with someone he wants, not someone the Ministry of Magic pushes off on him," Hermione Granger said, with a sigh of relief. "Dolores Umbridge is going to be such a hard act to follow." She started to snicker. "Did I just say that?"

"But it's the honest truth!" giggled Ginny Weasley.

"Whatever finally happened to our gal Dolores?" wondered Harry Potter. "Does she still work for the Ministry, Ginny? Did your Dad ever hear?"

"Assistant file clerk in the Centaur Liaison office is her new position."

They all dissolved into fits of laughter. Dolores Umbridge had almost single-handedly made the preceding year at Hogwarts the worst of their young lives. She had been thwarted, in the end, by her own blind ambition and insecurities.

XOXOX

After the tables were emptied of the last crumbs from dessert, Dumbledore stood again and the Great Hall fell silent.

"I'm not going to review the news. You've no doubt been following the latest in the Daily Prophet. Suffice it to say, Lord Voldemort has not been seen since June at the Ministry of Magic. He is in no hurry, he does nothing in haste. He will plot and plan, which is to our advantage. It gives us time to prepare and as students here at Hogwarts you will be even more aware of this as we proceed through the school year.

"But tonight we're back in our school, greeting old friends, welcoming our new students and getting ready for term to start tomorrow. I know the older students are wondering where our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor might be, but being unavoidably delayed in London, I'm afraid that introductions will have to wait until breakfast.

"Finally, I would like to have a brief meeting with the members of the Defense Association. All of the members please." He looked pointedly at Marietta Edgecombe. "I think the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom will do for tonight. Prefects, who are members, please see to those duties first. We'll not start without you. That will be all for now. Off you go!" Dumbledore dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

"I wonder what this meeting going to be about?" Ron asked, as he got up from the table.

"We'll find out after we take care of the first years. Come on," replied Hermione. "We've got a job to do."

"Did you see him look at Marietta? He wants her there too, even after what she did!" Ginny huffed indignantly.

"You know Dumbledore, he'll have his reasons," observed Harry. "Let's head on up."

XOXOX

As the students filed out there was much craning of necks, by the rest of the school, to see exactly who was heading for the meeting and much whispered speculation about the Defense Association and exactly what was going to happen at the meeting.

Not surprisingly, the members of the "D.A.", as they liked to call it, started right in on Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna as soon as they arrived, peppering them with questions and wanting details of the events at the Ministry of Magic.

"We'll tell you, if Dumbledore says we can, when everyone's here. That way we won't have to waste our breath repeating ourselves," offered Harry, holding up his hand. "And, we need to wait for the Prefects anyway."

Professor Dumbledore entered the classroom, bringing an obviously reluctant Marietta with him.

"Good evening everyone. The Prefects will be joining us in a few minutes. Why don't we get a little more comfortable?"

With a wave of his wand the desks parked themselves against the walls and the benches turned into small, comfy sofas, which moved to form a large circle.

"That's better. Let's all get settled and while we wait for the others we can share what we did over the holiday. I, personally, spent a delightful week at the seashore," said Dumbledore, as he waved to the students to pick a seat and settle down.

XOXOX

Just before the last of the Prefects arrived, Neville had shown everyone his new wand and was proudly demonstrating how much better it worked for him, as opposed to his father's, which had been broken during the battle at the Ministry of Magic. The sofa on which Luna Lovegood was perched, giggling, was floating slowly around the room and back to the open place in the circle where it settled with a gentle thump.

Much applause greeted Neville's new found confidence with his wand work and he blushed as he sat down next to Luna. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, which turned his face an even darker shade of pink. Dumbledore rose from his seat as Justin Finch-Fletchley entered and closed the door.

"I believe everyone is here now. I won't be keeping you long as I know you have unpacking to do but I wanted to talk with all of you before the rush of classes starts. First, I can hardly find the words to express how proud I was to discover the existence of this group. Given the circumstances and 'rules' that had been implemented, your initiative and resourcefulness was commendable, in that you were able to meet and progress as far and for as long as you did. This, however, brings us to the matter of Miss Edgecombe."

Marietta Edgecombe looked as if she wished nothing more than to have the floor open up and swallow her whole, as the entire group swiveled to stare at her. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she didn't dare speak for fear of breaking down and bawling.

"Your anger toward her is justified. Miss Edgecombe's actions were regrettable," Dumbledore began, walking slowly around the circle. "But, perhaps, understandable. We must look at her position. Dolores Umbridge put pressure on every student in this school whose parent or relative worked for the Ministry, with the exception of the Weasleys, to tell her of any hint of subversion or rebellion. Marietta was also being constantly told, by her mother, that Dolores Umbridge was a person who could be trusted. Whereas, Harry Potter and his friends were troublemakers who could cause her to be expelled if she was in their presence and they were discovered breaking any of the thirty some new rules then in effect. I don't blame her for giving in to that kind of personal intimidation.

"If it helps," the Headmaster added, "you should know that I had a visit, here at school, from Mrs. Edgecombe this summer, apologizing to me for her own actions and asking me, personally, to convey her apologies to all of you. Marietta has also received an apology, from her mother, for putting her in such a position as to alienate her from her classmates. Now I, too, ask you all to show forgiveness for Miss Edgecombe's actions."

XOXOX

Dumbledore surveyed the group members with his penetrating gaze and then sat down, waiting. Nobody spoke but looks were exchanged and it was Hermione who stood to speak for the entire D.A.

"Tell you what, Marietta. You forgive me for the hex I put on that parchment you signed and what it did to you and I'll forget what happened to make the hex work," said Hermione, holding out her hand.

Marietta rose from her seat. "Truthfully, Hermione, that was a good bit of magic, that was. Ok, I agree," declared a relieved Marietta, as she shook Hermione's hand. "So all's forgiven?"

Hermione nodded, and then they threw their arms around each other and hugged, crying and laughing at the same time. The others applauded and got out of their seats to welcome Marietta back to the Defense Association.

'Splendid, splendid,' said Dumbledore to himself, as he watched his 'army' prove their inner strength of character. 'I see there are hope, love and forgiveness left in this old world after all. I fear we'll need a bit more of that before this night is over. I only hope there's enough to go around.'

Rising, Professor Dumbledore went to Marietta and added his congratulations and well wishes. Signaling everyone to sit down, he began to pace slowly around the circle.

"As you all know by now, members of the Defense Association were involved in the events at the Ministry of Magic in June. I believe it is almost entirely due to the hard work that you, as a group, put into your meetings that helped them survive, suffering only minor injuries. At the time I thought that most of their spell work was basic reflexive reaction to the spells being shot at them. However, after hearing their individual recollections, I understand that quite a few spells were used to hinder or subvert the actions of the Death Eaters. These were also learned and practiced at your meetings.

"This is highly commendable for two reasons: first, it shows they did not panic but used their combined efforts and knowledge of various spells to protect themselves, and each other, and avoid harm as much as possible.

"Secondly, they did not aim spells to hurt but to impede the Death Eaters. In discussions with our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher it has been decided this philosophy should be integrated into all of the course work, as part of getting everyone prepared for the inevitable attacks that Voldemort will unleash on our world. And, yes..." Albus held up his hand when he saw several students start to protest. "That will include members of Slytherin House, who, interestingly, do not bother taking Defense Against the Dark Arts after fifth year. That is their choice, but the younger members of Slytherin House will be taught the same as the rest of the school."

This information was greeted with a few frowns and snorts of derision, but mostly with shrugs; Defense Against the Dark Arts was, after all, a required part of the curriculum for all students only through fifth year.

"When we have settled into our school routine," continued Dumbledore, "the Defense Association will begin meeting again, freely, without interference or objections from the Ministry of Magic."

Cheers greeted this announcement. "Bravo!" "Splendid!" "Too right!" "Excellent!"

"You, as the original members, will be called upon to help train new members, who will soon be given the opportunity to join, to supplement their Defense Against the Dark Arts class work. Even so, keeping Quidditch practice and other activities in mind, it will take a bit of juggling to get the groups organized." He gazed at them over his half moon glasses. "So, a little patience is needed from all of you, if you please, until it is all sorted out."

"What about Slytherins joining?" Ernie McMillan posed the question on most of their minds.

"If they do choose to sign up, they will be allowed to attend," Dumbledore replied, looked around slowly. "Without prejudice or ill treatment on your part. However, I imagine a member of Slytherin House wanting to join will be the exception, not the rule."

"Sir, do you mind if I ask about....well, we all know, pretty much, what occurred in June at the Ministry of Magic. What we would really like to know is: what Harry and Ron and the rest were doing there in the first place?" Justin Finch-Fletchley got to the heart of the matter. "Why would they go there in the middle of the night?"

"Ah, yes, that is a reasonable question, but I must ask Harry if he's willing to discuss the circumstances yet, as it involved a personal loss on his part. Harry," the headmaster turned to him, with a small smile, "it's up to you."

XOXOX

Harry, knowing this was inevitable, nodded, took a deep breath and stood. Professor Dumbledore sat down and made himself comfortable. Unconsciously following the Headmaster's example, Harry began to walk slowly around inside the circle of sofas.

"It all started with Voldemort giving me my scar. We, that is, Professor Dumbledore and I, figured out about three years ago that there was an unintended, subconscious mental link between Voldemort and myself made at the time he tried to kill me. I couldn't read his thoughts but could sense his moods.

"Then, after he got his body back, I started to have what can only be described as visions of what was happening, through Voldemort's eyes. Just bits and pieces, mind, but I was also having dreams, repeatedly, of what turned out to be a hallway in the Ministry of Magic.

"At some point Voldemort must have realized this connection existed between us and used it to make me believe someone, a friend of mine, was being held in the Ministry and was about to be killed. It was a lie and a trap. He needed me there to retrieve a heavily guarded prophesy about us both, that he believed would tell him how to kill me. The prophesy sphere was destroyed before he could listen to it. But my friend, who arrived with our other rescuers, was killed by Bellatrix Lestrange."

"Your friend wasn't a student was he?" asked Susan Bones in a whisper. "I didn't hear of anybody else being there but you six."

"It was my Godfather, Sirius Black." There were a few gasps. Harry hung his head, sighed and then continued, "Without going into all the details, let me just say that the discovery of Peter Pettigrew being alive and now being with Voldemort as his 'loyal' servant proved Sirius had been falsely accused of all those murders. He was innocent of betraying my parents and was imprisoned at Azkaban for things he didn't do. Peter Pettigrew was the person responsible. I had been in contact with Sirius for over two years preceding the events at the Ministry."

"Harry, we're so sorry," said Cho Chang, speaking for everyone. "You needn't go any further; we don't want to impose on you."

Harry looked at her and saw the tears in her eyes. Yes, Cho would understand his not wanting to talk about Sirius, since she had had to deal with Cedric Diggory's death during the recent Tri Wizard Tournament.

He smiled at her and nodded. "Maybe later when we're discussing the different spells we used in June it'll be easier to talk about him. I hope that answers some of your questions."

Harry returned to his place next to Ginny, who gave his arm a squeeze. A heavy silence hung over the room. Dumbledore let them sit with their thoughts for a few moments, and then rose once more.

"Thank you, Harry. I think that was just enough, for the group and for you. Well, I said this would be a brief meeting. I'd better let you all head off to your dormitories. I would, however, request that Harry, Miss Weasley, Mister Weasley, Miss Lovegood, Miss Granger and Mister Longbottom stay for just a few minutes longer, please."

The rest of the students filed out, talking quietly. The remaining six stayed in their places, shooting quizzical looks at each other as Dumbledore shut the door and returned to settle himself on the arm of one of the sofas.

XOXOX

"I want to thank you, Harry, for addressing the group's curiosity. It should be enough for now and as you so astutely put it, the subject can be addressed again later in more detail."

Then Dumbledore turned to face Luna and Neville.

"I explained to you both this summer about the Order of the Phoenix. Now you are all, more or less, on the same footing, although you two have not been to the Headquarters. Perhaps some day you will have the chance. I think you six should be instrumental in the running of the Defense Association.

"To that end, I want you to meet our new professor when she arrives, which should be any time now." Rising, he pulled out his wand. "If you all wouldn't mind giving up your comfortable seats, I shall put the classroom back the way we found it."

The kids jumped up and watched the sofas change back into benches and slide themselves under the desks that settled into their regular positions. Then the Headmaster headed for the door.

"This reminds me, I must have a quick word with Dobby. I'll only be a few minutes." As he walked out, he looked back and added, "Oh, by the way, Neville, our new Defense against the Dark Arts professor is Anna Twigg-Jones."

XOXOX

The others turned to look at Neville, only to find him open mouthed and speechless, staring wide-eyed into space.

"Neville, what's the matter?"

"You all right, mate?"

"Who's Anna Twigg-Jones?"

"Neville? NEVILLE!"

Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, Neville looked around at his friends and broke into a grin. Then he threw his head back and roared with laughter. Now they really were concerned but he stopped laughing long enough to gasp, "She's my Godmother, and Gran hates her!"

Neville laughed again and then began to explain. "Oh, this is going to be absolutely superb! She's ever so much fun, but I haven't seen her for about five years, since she and Uncle Christopher came to visit and she and Gran had this terrible argument; screaming and yelling and calling each other some really nasty names. I haven't seen her since. Mind you, she always sends me the nicest gifts for my birthday and Christmas. This is just absolutely, bloody marvelous!" He dissolved into peals of laughter.

Now, however, the others were smiling with him, thoroughly relieved and intrigued by this news.

"Tell us more, Neville," Hermione urged, "What does she look like? Is she an Auror? What's her husband do?"

"Well, actually," Neville, knotting his brows, began to answer her questions, "Uncle Christopher died almost two years ago. She was an Auror. As a matter of fact she started working with my parents right after she finished Auror schooling. They were really good friends, which is how she wound up being my Godmother."

Neville was getting more and more excited as he talked about her. "But when they were...injured...she quit her job as an Auror and went back to school to become a Healer. That's what the fight with Gran was about. See, Uncle Christopher was a Muggle, but he was a medical doctor and he and Aunt Anna were trying to get Gran to agree to let them try a new therapy on my parents. But Gran wouldn't give her permission.

"That's when the shouting and name calling started. I always thought my Gran was a sight when she was mad but it was nothing compared to Aunt Anna. I remember how Uncle Christopher dragged me out into the hallway and told me he had learned to not be in the same room as Aunt Anna when she lost her temper. It was just 'basic safety' he called it," Neville chuckled at the memory, then went on with his description of his godmother.

"She's got a great sense of humor, though, and she is a world class practical joker. She is almost always late, with NO concept of time. So the fact she's getting here at this late hour of the evening is not in the least unusual." He shook his head and smiled.

Just then Professor Dumbledore re-entered the classroom and walked over to the group.

"I do believe your Aunt Anna is just arriving and should grace us with her presence at last," remarked Professor Dumbledore, smiling at Neville. "Have you told everyone all about her?"

"Not all. It's rather difficult to describe her in a few words." Neville grinned. "Possibly, quite a few words, come to that."

"Well, it shouldn't be long. I believe I hear her coming up the drive." Dumbledore glanced toward an open window.

Hearing a low rumbling, the group ran over and tried to see down into the courtyard below, from which the noise now seemed to be emanating. They couldn't quite make out anything, except the headlight beam of what was obviously a motorcycle and a big one, judging by the sound. Then the light went out and the engine was turned off. Silence descended.