Harry Potter and the Reign of Darkness

Harry Potter and the Reign of Darkness

Chapter 2 - Homecoming

Hagrid brought the motorbike to a stop in a dark, dank alley. As Harry removed his helmet and started to look around, he noticed a cat glaring at him, perched on top of a disheveled dumpster. Leaping forward, the cat transformed into Professor Minerva McGonagall, acting headmistress of Hogwarts and member of the Order of the Phoenix. Following Dumbledore's death, before being sent back to live with the Dursleys, McGonagall had assumed the role of headmistress to attempt to minimize the disarray caused by Voldemort's siege.

"Any trouble, Hagrid?" She said with a stern look on her face, her eyes locked on Harry.

" 'fraid so, Professor. Dement'ers. Harry here gave 'em what for, a fine Patronus charm." Hagrid turned to Harry and smiled briefly.

McGonagall, however, was eyeing Harry with a concerned look on her face. "I was afraid of this. While You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters cannot penetrate the bounds of your aunt and uncle's home, the Dementors are able to seek you wherever you are. That is why Hagrid came tonight, Harry. We have reason to believe that You-Know-Who is in the area, he discovered where you were and how to break the seal that protected you by using Dementors. Your home with the Dursleys is no longer safe for you if his minions can seek you there."

Doing his best to look gravely concerned for his own safety, Harry was jumping for joy inside. Never again would he be shuffled back to Privet Drive! Faint noises in the distance caused Harry and McGonagall to jump and, after a quick glance towards the end of the alley, she rushed over to the dumpster and flung open the top. McGonagall than appeared to begin speaking to the garbage.

"Horrid stench go away, come to haunt another day, when danger lurks do not part, only pass the pure of heart." she said with a nod. As soon as McGonagall finished, Hagrid began moving in that direction, dragging Harry's trunk behind him, and without a second thought, began to climb in to what looked like a mountain of garbage. However, he quickly sank through the garbage bags and out of sight.

McGonagall pursed her lips and looked back to Harry. "Hurry now. In you go."

"In the dumpster?" Harry said with both confusion and disgust.

"Mr. Potter, now is not the time for questions of this sort. In!"

Shrugging, Harry grabbed Hedwig's cage and walked over to the dumpster, peering in. There was no sight of Hagrid anywhere. With one brief, pleading look at McGonagall, Harry pulled himself up and over into the dumpster and immediately found himself surrounded not with the odor of decay and waste, but a pleasant, cinnamon scent. After one strong whiff, Harry and Hedwig fell into a freefall, landing a few moments later in the waiting arms of Hagrid, who placed him down. Harry found himself in a dimly lit kitchen area, but was quickly jerked out of the way by Hagrid.

"Professor McGonagall'll be down Harry, don't want 'er landin' on yeh're 'ead."

"HARRY!" A familiar voice rang out.

As Harry spun around, he was greeted by a legion of redheads and one bushy-haired brunette. His best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, flanked by Ron's brothers Fred and George and little sister Ginny, were scrambling down a flight of stairs. Hermione flung herself at Harry, wrapping her arms around him.

"We were so worried, Harry!" She cried.

Ron leaned in over Hermione's shoulder as she squeezed Harry. "She's right mate, even the Muggles are spooked. If Dad wasn't already exhausted, he'd be out studying their 'po-lease'," said Ron. "Good to have you back."

Breaking away from Hermione, Harry clasped his arms around Ron and sighed, relieved. "It's good to be back."

After extending a hand to Fred and George. ("Right good to see you, Harry.") and a brief, awkward smile to Ginny, Harry turned back to face Hagrid as Professor McGonagall landed gently on the wood floor. She turned to Harry after brushing herself off and managed a faint smile. "It's good to have you here, Potter."

"Thank you, Professor."

McGonagall turned to Hagrid. "Inform everyone that Harry has arrived, the meeting will begin in fifteen minutes." Hagrid nodded and loped into another room. McGonagall turned back to Harry. "Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger will help you to your room, Harry. We have a meeting in fifteen minutes and you're all expected to attend. They'll show you the way." McGonagall then turned on her heel and followed where Hagrid had exited.

Harry sighed, turned back to his friends and smiled. "Well, lead the way."

The new safehouse of the Order was little different than Number 12, Grimmauld Place. It was dusty, old and unkempt, but there were some improvements. The lack of a shrieking portrait and a traitorous, ill-tempered house elf did lighten the mood somewhat, even in these dark times. The stairway itself was lit by candlelight, and led into a long, thin corridor riddled with different colored doors.

Fred leaned in to Harry's left ear, whispering. "Don't go in the second one on the left, Harry. The purple one."

Harry whispered back. "Why not?"

Chiming in his other ear, George whispered. "There's a really nasty bugbear in there. Better to leave him be." Hermione reached the fourth door on the left, which had been painted a sickly green color. Removing a small key from her pocket, Hermione turned the key in the lock, and after a satisfying click, the door swung open. Inside were two sets of bunk beds, covered in patchwork quilts. Three trunks sat in various states of disarray at the foot of the beds, each emblazoned with a "W". As the twins set Harry's trunk and Hedwig down in front of one of the bunk beds, Hermione and Ginny dropped into two ragged, yet apparently comfortable, recliners. Ron clasped a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Well, whadd'ya think?" He said hopefully. Gazing upwards at a series of skylights letting in a sliver of the night sky while the rest was obstructed by the brick building next door, Harry felt a small smile form on his lips.

"It's brilliant, Ron." With an approving nod, Harry turned to address the whole group. "So what's this meeting about? I heard on the Muggle news that Tom Riddle was seen in the area, and you said that the Muggles' are spooked, Ron, but how? I've seen Voldemort...." The whole group cringed slightly, but Harry barely took notice. "....and he surely can't pass for a human."

Ron smiled only for a moment and then swallowed very audibly. Ginny, Fred and George looked extremely confused. Finally, Hermione stood up out of her chair, breaking the silence. "Harry...." She walked over to one of the slept-in beds and took a folded newspaper that had been sitting on top of the quilt and handed it to Harry. Flipping it open, he realized it was a Muggle newspaper, one of the evening editions that his Uncle Vernon fancied before supper. Emblazoned on the front page was the headline:

ESCAPED MENTAL PATIENT GOES ON RAMPAGE

THREE KILLED FROM MYSTERIOUS WOUNDS

Harry gasped as he looked at the picture beneath the headline. Standing in front of the Leaky Cauldron with a crazed look on his face stood himself! The paper slowly slid from Harry's hands, and Hermione quickly snatched it back before it hit the ground.

"Bu-But I..I was at the Dursleys! I was there all day! I haven't been to the Leaky Cauldron since the beginning of last school year!" Harry was struggling to form sentences.

George chimed in. "We know it wasn't you! Someone would have seen you go. But it's much worse than the Muggle papers say, mate. Get the Prophet, Ron."

Ron nodded and headed over to the same bed, taking another newspaper off the quilt and walking back to where Hermione stood. He flipped over the front page and held it in front of Harry.

ATTACK ON GRINGOTTS! THE DARK MARK OVER DIAGON ALLEY!

The picture showed a group of witches and wizards scrambling for cover, and in the background, Gringotts, still smoldering with the Dark Mark rising above it. "It was the Death Eaters, Harry," Ron said, "They apparated right into the middle of the bank, no one's really sure how they managed it. Bill did his best to hold them off but it was no use, he barely managed to escape. He reckons that since the Goblins had all but refused Voldemort, the attack was in retribution. They were just crazy he said, the Death Eaters, having the time of their lives! Percy's been on damage control but someone leaked that picture to the Muggle papers! It's a good thing Hagrid had already sent you an Owl saying he was coming so you were ready!"

Harry looked even more confused. "Percy?"

Fred and George managed a laugh before Ginny punched the nearest twin in the arm and turned back to Harry, speaking matter-of-factly. "Mum's been beaming Harry. Gives her something to be happy about. They were considering Amelia Bones, but she's needed in Law Enforcement now more than ever. After much debate, a Ministry commission decided the only person adequately trained after we found out what happened to Mr. Crouch and Fudge stepped down was, well, Percy. Percy is the acting Minister of Magic."

Fred, George and Ron simultaneously spoke. "Interim."

Ron continued. "Dad's taken it a little hard, I don't think he ever really thought Percy would ever outrank him. Especially after their nasty row and all. Their dealings now are strictly Ministry business. He's forbidden mum from encouraging him. Says he needs to accept his family first."

Harry shook his head and began to pace. This was all coming in so fast. First Dementors, then an attack on Diagon Alley and the Muggle police after Harry thinking he's a mental patient? "But how did I get outside of the Leaky Cauldron?"

"We've been trying to work that out ourselves, Harry," Hermione said, obviously very disappointed in herself for not already solving the problem. "Our best guess so far has been Polyjuice Potion, but with the protection you had at the Dursleys, no one could have gotten close, could they?"

Harry shook his head. "I haven't had any unexpected haircuts, if that's what you're asking. The only remotely magical thing I've seen all summer is the Owl post." Harry stopped pacing and snapped his head back to face the group. "So now I'm a Muggle murderer. Wonderful. After the Dementors, this is all I need." Harry looked down to his runners.

Ginny cried out. "Dementors?"

Harry looked back up. "They attacked Hagrid and I on the motorbike. McGonagall said that Voldemort realized that even if he and his Death Eaters couldn't penetrate the Dursleys' home, the Dementors could. As soon as we took to the air, a group of them swarmed us, nearly got us killed."

Hermione took a subconscious step closer, looking as if she was examining Harry. "You're alright, though, aren't you?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, it was close but I'm fine."

Another silence passed over the room, all eyes locked on Harry as if expecting him to say something more reassuring. Realizing that his friends were hanging on him to speak, Harry belted out. "So, I read in the Prophet that the Chudley Cannons may just break even, is that right, Ron?"

Ron stared at Harry in a stupor for a second more, before shaking his head briefly and nodding, scratching the back of his head. "Ah....yes! Yes, they've finally got a seeker worth his weight in Galleons!"

Hermione only rolled her eyes and looked back towards Ginny. "We'll meet you downstairs, Harry. Good to have you home." Hermione turned to the door as Ginny stood, smiling quickly at Harry as they left the room.

When the door shut, Fred and George nearly pounced on Harry, speaking in unison. "She's got the eyes for you again, Harry."

Ron only shrugged. "I hate to admit it, but I think they're right, Harry. You... you just be a gentlemen, you hear?"

Harry held out his hands. "Whoh, now, guys. I think you're reading a little too much into it. You said it yourself, Ron, remember? She's moved on. Come on, help me unpack." Harry walked over to his trunk and flung it open, tossing his Firebolt up onto the top bunk above Ron's bed.

Fred walked over as Harry began putting away some of his clothes in a nearby dresser. "George and I really owe you a big debt of gratitude, Harry." George chimed in from across the room. "Huge." Ron took a seat onto the bed. "Mum's none the wiser... yet. She thinks we're just taking up residence in Hogsmeade. A couple extra sets of eyes and ears for the Order, that's what they needed and we figured it was time for a move anyway. If she only knew."

Harry looked first at Ron, and then Fred. "Knew what?"

As if on queue, Fred, beaming, removed a rolled up piece of parchment from his pants pocket and handed it to Harry. "Take a look."

Harry removed the tie keeping the parchment bound and unrolled it.

DEED

This document recognizes FREDERICK AND GEORGE WEASLEY of WEASLEY'S WIZARD WHEEZES as the sole owners and proprietors of 15 Main St., Village of Hogsmeade as per transfer of funds to the owner and proprietor of the HOG'S HEAD INN.

Harry began to laugh, a wide smile spread on his face. "Hogsmeade! Brilliant, you two! Just brilliant!"

Fred leaned in with a mischievous smile. "Tell me how you really feel."

Harry laughed again. "Congratulations Fred, George."

George walked over next to his brother. "Couldn't have done any of it without you, Harry. We really owe you one. Any time you need a little pick-me-up, head over to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, now moved to Hogsmeade Village! We'll take care of you."

"What about Mr. and Mrs. Weasley? Do they know about this....growing operation?" Harry asked.

"None the wiser," Fred said quickly, "The only ones who know are you lot. It took some doing to make Hermione swear she wouldn't tell, but she promised. We sent Bill a letter with Pig yesterday, but after all the commotion in Diagon Alley, I wonder if he's given it a second thought. Besides, we've still got a lot of work to do to get it ready for opening."

Harry began to open his mouth to say something when George quickly interjected. "We know, Harry. Mum and Dad'll find out eventually, but by that time we'll have been too successful for them to say another word. Besides, we're independent entrepreneurs now. We're lucky the owner of the Hog's Head gave us such a good deal on that old shack on Main Street. Sure to get lots of business. I don't know a first year yet who can't resist a good Canary Cream!" Fred and George laughed, and Harry caught Ron smiling as well, looking pleased that his brothers had followed through with the dreams. Harry smiled as well, there still was some light in the world.

A loud gong sounded in the room, coming from a massive grandfather clock, breaking up their reverie. Ron pushed off his bed. "Time for the meeting." Harry nodded, now that he had some answers, it was time to figure out what to do next. Harry realized as the four boys headed downstairs that Hogwarts was in real danger of not reopening after the attacks on Diagon Alley. Voldemort's followers had grown more and more brazen in their attacks. Harry knew Professor McGonagall would fight for it to remain open, it stood as a symbol against Voldemort's power, but would Percy and the Ministry really want to risk it? With Dumbledore gone, another assault on Hogwarts wasn't out of the question.

Harry's spirits had dropped considerably as he followed Ron into the kitchen and through the door where Hagrid and McGonagall had exited earlier. Harry found himself in a ramshackle family room, a dusty old sofa taking up the far wall but otherwise empty. Ron turned down a corridor at the end of the family room and then down a flight of stairs into a dusty basement. As Harry's head dropped below the ceiling, he saw a grand table to his right, taking up most of the basement's floor space. Around it were a motley collection of wizards and witches from all walks of life. Harry saw Hermione and Ginny already sitting next to Hagrid, with four more seats to their right. Ron sat down next to Ginny, and Harry could have sworn he saw her scowl at her brother for a second. Harry then sat next to Ron, followed by George, then Fred. Harry noticed that roughly half of the seats were still vacant, but a rattling noise behind him caused him to turn around. Descending the staircase was Remus Lupin, one of Harry's father's best friends during his time at Hogwarts and a former Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher in Harry's third year. Lupin had been removed from his post after being revealed as a Werewolf, but not before teaching Harry the Patronus charm that had saved him and Hagrid earlier that night. Following Lupin came Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, hunkering down the stairs at a gingerly pace. Moody had been hired to be the Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts during Harry's fourth year, but it was not actually Moody but Bartemius Crouch, Jr., a Death Eater loyal to Lord Voldemort. Next came Nymphadora Tonks, sporting short, bright pink hair with two long bangs, immediately followed by a sweeping black figure with a hooked nose and an unmistakable glare. Professor Severus Snape's eyes locked immediately onto Harry's as he descended the staircase and remained there until he took a seat on the opposite end of the table. A final set of footsteps soon revealed Professor McGonagall, who quickly made her way to the open end of the table. "Good evening, everyone," she said curtly, "Let's get down to business." She looked to Tonks and the man next to her, Kingsley Shacklebolt, another Ministry Auror. "Diagon Alley?" Said McGonagall.

Shacklebolt stood and cleared his voice. Harry noted that he looked exhausted. "Ten dead, three of them Goblins. Ollivander's has some minor damage, same with Flourish and Blotts. Gringotts, however...."

Shacklebolt's voice trailed off, and Tonks jumped in. "It's a mess in there. The Goblins are furious! Didn't think You-Know-Who would dream of striking there."

"Did they get to the vaults?" McGonagall asked.

"No ma'am," Shacklebolt replied matter-of-factly, "Everything was in order."

"And the Muggles outside the Leaky Cauldron?" McGonagall looked even more concerned.

Shacklebolt continued. "Three were killed. We're assuming it was a Death Eater who attacked, and took the picture of Harry with a charmed Muggle camera."

"I'm looking into that, Minerva!" Cried a voice from the top of the staircase. Harry immediately recognized it, as did Ron, Hermione and the other Weasleys, as Arthur Weasley, Ron, Fred, George and Ginny's father, who worked for the Ministry in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office. His fascination with Muggles and their habits was infamous among Harry and his friends. Arthur scrambled down the stairs, removing an overcoat and hat and quickly followed by Molly Weasley, Arthur's wife and matriarch of the Weasley clan. "Just out of a meeting with Percy. They've got the Muggle Prime Minister on the line, getting rid of that awful picture on the Muggle news! Oh! Harry!" Mr. and Mrs. Weasley swarmed over to him. "Right good to see you!" said Mr. Weasley, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Mrs. Weasley gave him a hug and peck on the cheek. "Wonderful to have you back, Harry," she whispered.

McGonagall coughed loudly. "Ahem. Please have a seat Arthur. Molly." Mr. and Mrs. Weasley found seats next to George and turned attentively back to Professor McGonagall, who began to address the group as a whole once more. "As the Weasleys have pointed out, and I'm sure all of you have noticed, Harry Potter has resumed his stay with the Order. Traveling from his home in Surrey, Harry and Hagrid were attacked by Dementors, as we feared. Voldemort knew they would be able to penetrate the protective shroud over the home of Harry's aunt and uncle, all the while remaining unseen to Muggles." Whispers fluttered about, and Harry heard a general amount of concern. It then dawned on Harry that there had been no mention of his age, nor that of Ron, Hermione or even Ginny during the course of the meeting. Even Mrs. Weasley seemed extremely keen on what Professor McGonagall was saying, occasionally shooting Ginny encouraging looks.

Harry rose his hand, as if in class. "P-professor?" McGonagall looked to Harry, and the rest of the table followed suit. Harry could feel their eyes boring into him as he stood up. "Does this mean that I'm.." Harry looked to his left, then to his right, at his friends. "..I mean we, we're official?"

McGonagall looked confused. "Official?"

Harry nodded. "You know, official....members. Of the Order."

There was a brief silence. Snape, his eyes wild and pleading, snapped his head towards McGonagall, who was searching for words. Mad-Eye Moody leaned forward. "I don't think we've got much grounds to say you lot shouldn't join, wouldn't you say Minerva?"

Snape immediately interjected before McGonagall could respond. "Professor, you can't seriously be considering th-"

Harry slammed his hands down onto the table, and Snape's glare returned to him. "AND WHY NOT?" He bellowed. The rest of the table stood transfixed. Lupin's mouth stood slightly agape, and Ron's was practically on the floor, but Moody had broken a smile. "You saw YOURSELF what we're capable of, you insufferable GIT." Snape's eyes began to twinkle with rage, but he held his tongue as Harry continued. "We've been shuffled around like CHILDREN throughout this WHOLE ORDEAL, but who's been there on the front lines since the beginning? US. If it wasn't for US, a lot more of you may be dead! We were there when the Death Eaters attacked and we FOUGHT BACK. I'm not saying we're anything special, but we're in this as much as you. We've ALL lost friends and family to Voldemort." Everyone but Harry, Lupin, Moody and Snape cringed as Harry uttered the name of the Dark Lord. "But you, ALL OF YOU, you need to trust us. We're READY for this, and it's time for you to accept that we are NOT kids. Not anymore. Voldemort has forced us to grow up and accept the responsibility, whether we like it or not." Snape glared at Harry for a second longer, his eyes filled with rage before turning his head back to McGonagall, but Harry continued to stare back.

No one seemed to move for a few moments before someone began to clap. The collected wizards and witches all turned to see "Mad-Eye" Moody applauding Harry. McGonagall pursed her lips once more. "Alastor. Quiet."

She then turned to Harry. "Sit down, Potter," she said in a curt tone, and Harry dropped back into his chair, still fuming. "While no one can debate the tremendous amount of assistance that you provided during the siege on Hogwarts, the Order has never allowed in underage wizards before. It was only under duress that we allowed the Weasley twins...." Fred and George frowned. "However, these are not the times for such....such rule mongering. We shall put it to a vote. All those in favor, raise your right hand." Harry surveyed the table as slowly, but surely, the entire Order of the Phoenix except for Professor Snape rose their hands. Even Mrs. Weasley begrudgingly rose hers after a nudge from her husband, who smiled briefly at Ginny and Ron. McGonagall clasped her hands together. "So there we have it. Mr. Potter, Mr. and Ms. Weasley and Ms. Granger, please stand." The four of them rose to their feet at the table. McGonagall folded her hands together. "The Order of the Phoenix is no laughing matter. You can and will be called upon at any time to serve the interests of the Order. As I believe no one...." McGonagall shot a quick look to Snape before returning her eyes to the four standing. "....can call into question your exceptional bravery and skill, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say welcome to the Order of the Phoenix." Harry smiled as the group was met by more applause, the majority coming from the Weasleys, Professor Lupin and Hagrid. He turned to smile at Ron, Hermione and Ginny who were also looking happy, yet sheepish. "You may sit," said McGonagall. "Now, let's continue." Her eyes turned to Snape. "Severus?"

Snape glared at McGonagall for a moment after she addressed him, and then stood. His eyes swept the opposite side the table, resting a split second longer with Harry. "I have been called twice more. Their numbers are swelling, I'd say close to 40." Murmurs broke out again, repeating the number Snape had uttered. McGonagall shushed the crowd as Snape continued. "As for Gringotts, I had no idea or else I would most certainly have said something. I do not feel that I have fully earned the Da-..Voldemort's trust....Yet. It is my understanding that very few know the full scope of his plans. He appears unconcerned about those captured at Hogwarts, even mentioned some relief at having Crabbe and Malfoy locked up once more." Harry recalled how Hermione had single-handedly disarmed and stunned Lucius Malfoy as he was about to attack Ron. Ron had returned the favor with Crabbe later in the incident. "However, I simply need more time to earn his favor once more. For now, Lestrange and Dolohov remain his closest confidants, and Pettigrew is never far from his side." Snape's head craned back to look at Harry as the name of his parents' betrayer rolled off his tongue. Snape remained standing for only a second more before taking his seat and looking back to McGonagall.

"Thank you, Severus," she said.

"Now, the final portion of business. The future of Hogwarts." McGonagall quickly had Harry's full attention. "As Arthur has reported to me, the Minister is loathe to let another incident as what happened on the Hogwarts grounds happen again. However, I met with the Minister two nights ago to discuss the matter and we have come to a decision. Hogwarts will remain open." Hagrid cheered and then quickly attempted to mask it behind a cough, but his sentiment filled the room. Even Snape looked remotely pleased. "It is so for a multitude of reasons, first and foremost because Albus wanted it this way." Hagrid quickly stopped coughing, and life felt sucked out of the room as if a Dementor had just floated in. "But also because Hogwarts will be better protected than ever thanks to the efforts of Rubeus Hagrid and Madame Maxime," McGonagall paused for a moment and smiled briefly at Hagrid before continuing, "The Gurg of the Giants, Grawp, has agreed to station his clan in the Forbidden Forest. The Centaurs, in an unprecedented show of unity, have agreed to let this take place. Hagrid will remain the envoy to their activities for both the Order and Hogwarts." Harry wondered how much Firenze had to do with that change of heart. He had redeemed himself in the face of the other Centaurs when Voldemort had struck Hogwarts, attacking the Centaurs who had attempted to block the Death Eaters' passage through the Forbidden Forest. "The Ministry is confident, as I am, that Hogwarts can remain a symbol of hope in these dark times. In response to the attack at Diagon Alley, all school supplies will be made available at Hogwarts itself so that parents will not feel they are putting their children at risk. Also, Ministry Aurors, as well as Order members will be on and around Platform 9 3/4 as well as the Hogwarts Express the day of departure. We will be taking the utmost precautions to ensure the safety of the students." McGonagall surveyed the table. "Before we conclude, I would also like to make another Hogwarts-related announcement. The faculty has selected the coming school year's Head Girl and Boy, one of which happens to be in the room. Ms. Granger, if you would please stand." Hermione blinked twice, her mouth wide open, and her hands began to flutter as she stood. Professor McGonagall swept around the side of the table, producing a small box from her robe with the Hogwarts crest emblazoned on the top. As she approached Hermione, she opened the box to reveal a badge that read "Head Girl" with the Gryffindor Lion sprawled behind it. "Congratulations, Ms. Granger. We know you will make an excellent Head Girl." Harry and Ron looked at each other, shrugged and smiled, and began to applaud Hermione, the rest of the table (excluding Snape) did so as well. Hermione remained speechless as McGonagall addressed the table. "I believe that's all. Meeting adjourned." The members of the Order began to stand, their chairs screeching and scraping across the basement floor.

Hagrid walked over to Hermione and gave her a big hug. "Y'eh deserve it, wasn't but one Professor who disagreed."

Ron leaned into Harry and whispered. "I wonder who that was." Harry laughed, and then realized Professor McGonagall hadn't announced who the Head Boy was.

Harry rushed to the stairs, getting to the bottom as McGonagall reached the top step. "Professor!"

McGonagall turned, stopping the train of wizards heading out of the dank basement. "What is it, Potter?"

"I was just wondering who the new Head Boy is." Harry said.

"Ah. Draco Malfoy." McGonagall said brusquely, and then headed out of the stairwell without another breath.

Harry's mouth dropped and he turned to look at Ron and Hermione, to see if they had heard what McGonagall said, but his vision was obstructed by a smirking, hook-nosed monster. "That's right, Potter, and it doesn't end there...." Snape said cryptically, savoring the moment. He then swept up to Harry, leaning in close. "Don't think that your....induction....means I'll take one eye off of you for a second. The same goes for Weasley and Granger, Head Girl or not...." Snape made as if he was going to leave but then stopped and leaned in right to Harry's ear. "....and Potter, don't you ever DARE speak to me that way again. Are we clear?" Before Harry could even begin to answer, Snape, looking genuinely pleased with himself, swept his cloak past Harry and up the stairs. Harry swallowed and looked over to Ron, Ginny and Hermione, who were ogling Hermione's new badge. They hadn't heard what Professor McGonagall said. Hermione looked up from the badge and gave Harry a quizzical look.

"What's the matter?"