Everything to Lose

Chapter Three

When the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into Hogsmeade station and opened its doors, bright sunlight poured in. As Harry stepped out, blinking, the warmth filled him just like that chocolate Lupin had given him after he encountered the dementers his third year. The newly-made professor excused himself from the kids to catch one of the first of a hundred horseless carriages waiting for them outside the station. Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, who had refused to be caged like the animal she thought she wasn't, padded along by their feet, tail swishing in excitement. Pigwidgeon, fondly called Pig by Ron, hooted noisily inside his cage, anxiously awaiting the chance to stretch his little wings. And majestic Hedwig, snowy feathers shining brightly, perched tall with her head held high, but was unable to hold back a pleased hoot or two. The animals' actions mirrored those of all the students and even Harry. For the moment, at least, his worries had left him, and he felt like he was returning home after a long time away.

"All righ', you three?" a voice suddenly boomed from behind them. Harry grinned broadly, and as one, he and his two friends threw themselves against the gigantic form. Hagrid chuckled, returning their hugs gently.

"Good ter see yeh all. Lovely hair, Hermione."

Hermione blushed again, as Hagrid leaned close to Harry and lowered his voice.

"How are yeh, Harry, really?"

Harry didn't have to lie. He really did feel perfect.

"Couldn't be better."

Then the last of the new bunch of first years stepped out and huddled together in one large, nervous-looking group. Hagrid broke away from the trio, saying his goodbyes as he turned to lead the wide-eyed kids to the boats that would take them on the traditional journey across the lake. Meanwhile, the rest of the students were rounded up by last term's prefects and led to the horseless carriages. Soon they were seated comfortably inside a compartment and being carried to the castle. During the ride, Hermione chattered on and on about how exciting this new year's classes would be and how she was so looking forward to taking her O.W.L.s. Ron listened to her patiently for a while, until the dry expression on his face broke free with a disgusted sigh. Harry then listened to their bickering with a smile. Nothing could ruin his good mood.

Before long, they had reached Hogwarts castle, its towering columns looming over them and into the clear, blue sky. While at nighttime, it might have appeared foreboding, it now only held a sense of welcoming for Harry. A shout from Ron turned his attention away from the gleaming walls, and he dashed off to catch up with him. Already, many students were streaming inside the castle into the well-lit, great entrance hall. Harry paused on the steps, however, frowning at something off to the side. Hermione followed his gaze.

"Oh! They must be aurors, Harry!" she said excitedly, then looking at him as if it was common knowledge. "You didn't hear? Dumbledore got tighter security this year. They're probably just making sure we all get inside safely."

Harry nodded, but kept his eyes on the aurors. They wore dark, midnight blue cloaks with hoods covering their stern faces. Alert eyes peered out at the students from the wizards and witches who stood on either sides of the great staircase. Hands were held ready and alert, tightly grasping their wands. Ron snorted loudly.

"They need to loosen up. No one's going to attack us in broad daylight."

"Ron, look!" Ginny suddenly squeaked, having appeared at her brother's side. "Its Percy's old girlfriend!"

"Hey, it is!" Ron said thoughtfully. Harry followed his gaze to see the one and only auror who looked cheerful and pleasant. Hood pushed back and curly hair spread onto her shoulders, the attractive Penelope Clearwater was smiling brightly and talking warmly with passing students.

"Percy and Penny broke up?" Hermione asked curiously. Ron nodded, but it was Fred Weasley who answered.

"Right after graduation a year ago," he said in a dramatically sad voice. "He should have stayed with her...could have become so much more than he is now..."

"...Percy Weatherby." George finished with a solemn nod.

Ron laughed and Ginny rolled her eyes. Fred suddenly just shrugged.

"His loss," he said, smoothing his hair and puffing out his chest. "Oi! Penny!"

Hermione shook her head as George raced off after him, muttering something about men. A voice rang out before Ron could say something sarcastic. They were now standing inside the entrance hall, all massed together in one large group of students. The voice had been none other than Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and head of Gryffindor House. Harry was happy to hear her usually strict voice more cheerful than anything, and even more glad to see her smiling.

"Welcome, everyone! If you will move along into the Great Hall, please. The Sorting Ceremony will begin as soon as the first years have arrived."

Moving as one large, huddled mass, the students made their way across the entrance hall. A few students chuckled when they heard the sound of a loud, "Baaa!" from Fred and George. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits as they moved through the double doors and into the Great Hall.

Everything was decorated as magnificently as always for the start-of-term feast. High above their heads, bright sunlight cascaded through the blue sky dotted by a few clouds. Below the enchanted ceiling, hundreds of candles floated high above their heads, their flickering flames casting light over the gleaming plates and goblets set on the four long dinner tables. The students quickly took their places at their tables, each identifiable by the vividly colorful rugs draped high above each. The colors and symbols of the Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor houses glowed brightly from the fabric. Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked to their table, fortunately chancing to get seats at the very head. At the front of the room and facing the four long tables was the staff table, where the teachers were already seated and facing their students.

As the rest of the students filed in, Harry cast his gaze along the table. Sitting on a stack of cushions was little Professor Flitwick of Charms class, chatting excitedly to Madame Hooch, the instructor of brooms class. Sitting next to her was Professor Sinistra of the Astronomy classes, who was smiling at something Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, had just said. Sitting in the very middle was Headmaster Dumbledore, his white hair from beneath his pointed hat and long beard seeming to glow with a sort of unearthly light. Wearing robes of a deep crimson with silver stars adorning it, he sat quite calmly as he waited, eyes twinkling beneath spectacles. Harry couldn't help but pause with his own smile. With Dumbledore, there was so much he was thankful for, he couldn't put his feelings into words. When he moved his gaze to the next wizard, however, the smile quickly faded into a scowl.

Sitting there was the sallow skinned, big-nosed, greasy-haired Potions teacher, Professor Snape. They had both shared an equal hatred of the other since their very first class together. At the moment, his mouth was set into a sneer as he listened to Lupin, who was talking to him as if they were old friends. His black, bottomless eyes, however, danced across the students nervously, never stopping on a single face. Harry frowned in suspicion. It appeared as if Snape was looking for someone anxiously, even dreading their arrival. Strange...He didn't have long to puzzle over this, however, because Ron had suddenly elbowed him in the ribs quite hard. Harry sent him a look, but he was pointing back at the staff table.

"Its her!" he hissed, eyes wide.

He followed his gaze, and instantly discovered who he was talking about. Sitting past Lupin and beside Hagrid, looking very cheerful with a pleasant smile on her attractive face, was none other than the part-veela girl, Fleur Delacour. Neither Harry nor Ron had long to gape at her beauty, however, because that's when McGonagall placed a stool on the ground in front of the staff table and set on top of it a very old, very tattered wizard's hat. The group of first years standing before it all shifted nervously, until it began to sing its sorting song.

It sang a different song and tune from last year's ceremony, spouting the qualities in students that each house treasured. Though the song was quite jovial and enjoyable, it seemed ages to Harry before the bloody thing finally shut up and McGonagall began reading names from a scroll. One by one, the young students got sorted, and one by one, they joined their new families at the tables. Harry couldn't help but sigh bitter sweetly as he remembered the day he had been sorted...he had been so naive and bright-eyed then, and so happily unaware of all the dangers and devastations that would come...

Luckily, however, a change in McGonagall's voice snapped him out of his oppressive reverie. She had shouted one name, but then stopped to say more before letting the student sit down. Standing rigidly, now, beside the stool was the same long-nosed, red-headed student Harry remembered seeing at the platform. Unlike the other first years, however, her lips were set into a frown and she didn't look the least bit happy to be there.

"Miss Kathrynne Celeste is a special student," McGonagall went on in a rather pleased voice. "As most of you can probably tell, she is not a first year. Miss Celeste is a transfer student from Beauxbatons and will be placed in classes with the fifth years. She will be sorted into one of the houses, and you will accept her as part of your family, just like the first years. I expect everyone to welcome her to Hogwarts with the upmost respect and enthusiasm."

There was a slight smattering of applause, but it quickly strengthened when McGonagall sent them a rather sharp look. Then, she finally let Kathrynne sit down and she placed the hat upon her head. There was a tense silence as everyone in the room stared anxiously. The hat talked with her for a moment, while she just glared, before shouting out through the room.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryffindors all sighed and slumped their shoulders, nearly in unison. The Slytherin table, however, was cheering rather loudly. Ron sighed.

"And so another one kicks the bucket," he muttered.

Harry frowned, however, watching the girl after the hat was removed. Her cold, set expression hadn't changed, and when she sat at the table, she kept her eyes forward and conversed with no one. Even when Draco scooted close to her with what was meant to be a charming grin, she still remained quiet. The staff table applauded loudly, except for Snape, who was still looking rather sour, though Harry's gaze didn't linger very long on him. He was staring at Kathrynne thoughtfully. There was something about her he couldn't quite put his finger on...He didn't have much time, for Dumbledore had just stood and was motioning for quiet.

Almost instantly there was silence in the Great Hall as he looked out at them, eyes twinkling. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, however, a yelp was suddenly heard to his left. None other than Professor Snape had suddenly shot out of his chair as if it were on fire. All watched him curiously as he now clutched tattered ends of his cloak, and glared murderously at something half hidden behind Lupin's chair. Dumbledore followed his gaze to the black form and the faintest of smiles quirked his lips.

"Oh! How could I forget? Thank you for reminding me about our special guest, Severus!" he said rather brightly, and sneering, Snape very reluctantly sat back down. Dumbledore turned back to the now thoroughly bewildered students. "I am most pleased to introduce Hogwart's new school pet, Snuffles."

Sure enough, the familiar form of the large, black dog padded out into the open, pausing by Lupin to set something on his lap. He sighed dryly when he saw what it was, covering his face in his hands. Then the dog, or grim, sat down in front of the staff table and barked cheerfully. A few students gasped in surprise and fear, while Harry, Hermione, and Ron just beamed brightly.

"Now, don't let his appearance frighten you. He's really just a playful, overgrown puppy." Snape snorted quite loudly. "Snuffles will be our watchdog this year, so don't be alarmed if you see him prowling the school at night. He is here for your own protection." Very few students seemed comforted by this. "I would also like to introduce our two newest teachers. Everyone join me in welcoming back our very own Professor Lupin of Defense against the Dark Arts!"

The applause was astounding, to say the least. The noise filled the room, as many students jumped to their feet happily. Snuffles joined in by barking loudly. Only a small portion of the Slytherin table, including Draco Malfoy and his followers, sat quietly. Lupin stood briefly, raising his hand to wave. He realized only too late that in that hand was the very thing Snuffles had just given him: a piece of tattered fabric whose black color exactly matched the fabric of Snape's robes. Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione, and the three burst into laughter. Lupin smiled slightly, cheeks reddening, and he quickly sat down. Snape looked ready to skin Snuffles for a new throw rug. Once the applause had died down, Dumbledore spoke once more.

"Also returning to us is a newly graduated student from Beauxbatons. Many of us were fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of meeting her at the Triwizard Tournament last term. May I present Miss Fleur Delacour, this year's assistant to Professor Lupin!"

The applause was almost as loud, if not louder, than that which had been given for Lupin. Of course, it came most heartedly from the male students, who were also whistling. Fleur rose gracefully from her seat and smiled warmly, revealing her perfect white teeth. Her glittering silver hair cascaded down past her shoulders. Harry looked over at Ron and chuckled. He was grinning quite goofily, and looking so surprised that he couldn't even clap. Hermione also saw this, though she didn't look half as pleased. Fleur finally took her seat, and the applause ended. Dumbledore smiled.

"Well, who am I to keep you starving any longer? Dig in!"

Magically, as it did every year, more food than beyond a muggle child's imagination appeared on the shining plates, and pumpkin juice filled the goblets. The sounds of scraping utensils, goblets being picked up, and excited chattering filled the room as everyone gave in to their hunger. They had only been eating a few minutes, however, when the bickering began again.

"Surely you knew she was going to work here," Hermione said in a voice that was overly casual. "I'm sure you exchanged owl letters over the entire summer."

Ron frowned, looking away uneasily. "Yeah, right." He quickly raised his gaze, however, in disgust. "I'm sure you visited your beloved Viky, too."

It was Hermione's turn to lower her gaze, but a blush came over her features. "Yes, yes I did."

Ron froze and Harry sighed slightly. Here it comes.

"You did?"

"Yes," she replied calmly, though she didn't look into their eyes. "He was the one who invited me to the Quidditch game. Viktor got us seats in the very front."

"That was very nice of him," Harry said politely, glancing at Ron. He was staring at Hermione in a mixture of anger and betrayal. Right as she was about to say something, however, he shrugged.

"Good for him," he said calmly, picking up his juice and acting as if it didn't bother him the least bit. There was a moment of silence between the three, but it didn't last long. "You know what, why don't you just go and marry the git?"

She looked up at him in irritation. "Viktor is not a git and maybe I will! No reason not to, is there?"

"Certainly not here, there isn't!" he snapped back.

"Oh, hello there, Snuffles!" Harry suddenly said quite loudly, interrupting their conversation. Snuffles was staring at the two curiously, sensing the brawl he'd just walked into.

"Hi Sir- I mean, Snuffles," Hermione smiled sheepishly, turning away from Ron. The grim looked at her and Ron in turn, then gazed at Harry. He smiled back slowly. In those deep eyes, his godfather, Sirius Black, clearly shone through.

"I missed you," he said quietly.

Snuffles just looked longingly back, before finally nudging something from his mouth into Harry's hand. It was a piece of parchment paper. Then, the dog turned his massive head and stared at Ron's plate full of food, his tongue lolling. Ron grinned, then reached over and handed him a chicken leg. Now carrying his trophy, he wagged his tail happily at them all, and turned to pad back to the staff table. Once there, he plopped down beside Lupin and began eating, though Harry swore his godfather's warm eyes never left his face.

"Well, what does it say?" Ron asked. Turning back around, Harry opened the paper and read it silently to himself, before passing it to the others.

Harry,

Meet me in the Gryffindor Common Room tonight, after lights out, alone. Give my apologies to Ron and Hermione. I don't want to chance waking anyone up and causing trouble for you on your first night back.

Its good to see you again.

Sirius

"Tell him Hermione couldn't make it, anyway," Ron scowled. "She'll be too busy planning her bloody wedding."

Hermione made a loud noise of frustration. "Men! Honestly!"

After the majority of students had finished eating, Dumbledore stood again to give his traditional welcoming speech. He went over the rules and regulations, repeating things Harry remembered from previous years. The Forbidden Forest was still off-limits, as was Hogsmeade, to any student below third year. There was a list of new objects forbidden inside Hogwarts posted on the door to Filch's office. It included a new candy, Chocolate Chompers. After Dumbledore spoke the name of the candy, familiar laughter could be heard from two Gryffindors.

"Dennis! Your tongue is green!" Colin Creevy said excitedly, his shrill voice ringing out.

"Is it really?" his younger brother's eyes widened in surprise, then he grinned. "Brilliant!"

That laughter of the Weasley twins could be heard above the others. Dumbledore, however, sent a mild look Fred and George's way, and sighing, the twins disposed the rest of their newly invented candy on the table. He then went on.

"I'm sure you also noticed the aurors when you walked in. They will be staying with us for the better part of the year, just as an extra precaution." For the first time that evening, his gaze darkened a few notches. "I cannot stress to you how important it is that you obey your teachers and abide by the rules. I do not feel the need to remind you of last year's events, and why we are taking these precautions."

The room went silent. Everyone, save some of the first years, knew exactly what he was talking about, and none of them looked very happy about it. Harry chanced to glance over at the Slytherin table, and his gaze once again paused on Kathrynne Celeste. Had he just seen something other than her normal disgust pass over her pale features?

"But now it is late, and I know you will all want to be rested for your lessons bright and early tomorrow morning," he smiled, his countenance cheerful once again. "So, sleep tight, and don't let any of those bed bugs bite!"