Harry Potter and the War of the Wands

Chapter 4 - Hogwarts Reopens

Albus Dumbledore was slumbering in his portrait in the Headmistress's office. The Head's office had changed dramatically since his passing. Gone, were the interesting spindly instruments, which used to clutter the desk. Gone, was the little jar of sweets that every student was offered, if invited to the Headmaster's office. Most notably gone, was the beautiful Phoenix, Fawkes, who had been Dumbledore's faithful pet and friend for the better part of a century; the magical creature having left Hogwarts after Dumbledore died.

"Well, everyone, I have good news," said Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts, addressing the professors who were in attendance. She looked worn out, but had a satisfied smile on her face. "We've been given approval to remain open." An enthusiastic cheer went up from the faculty.

"How many students should we be expecting?" asked Professor Flitwick, in a squeaky voice.

Minerva looked slightly disappointed. "Unfortunately, around half of the student body have been withdrawn by their parents. However, a number of seventh years, who are of age, have contacted me personally to confirm they will be in attendance. Unsurprisingly, the number of first years has been reduced dramatically, and also, a large number of Slytherin students have chosen not to return."

"Obviously, our pay won't be affected by the low turnout?" Horace Slughorn broke in, half questioning, and half stating it.

"No, Horace, you needn't worry," sighed Minerva, with a roll of her eyes. It was a well know fact that Professor Slughorn was used to the finer things in life. "Classes will be structured just as before where appropriate. But, it does mean that I have two new teachers to recruit. I will continue teaching Transfiguration until a suitable replacement is found, and I will immediately begin looking for a new Defence professor." Minerva was already aware of the curse on the position, and knew it wouldn't be easy to find someone willing to take it on.

There was a slight cough from behind Minerva, who looked up to the portrait on the wall. Dumbledore was watching the proceedings, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Pardon me, Minerva, but if I may make a suggestion?" he asked politely.

Professor McGonagall smiled. "Of course, Albus, you know we're always open to your ideas," she replied. Since his death, no formal decision had been made on who would lead the Order of the Phoenix. Mad-Eye Moody, however, had been organising their plans from day to day.

"Well, from what you have told me regarding the battle in the corridors, Remus Lupin was heavily involved," said Dumbledore. "I think it highly unlikely that his efforts went unnoticed by Fenrir Greyback, don't you? I would say that his position of spy has been compromised, and it would likely be futile for him to attempt to contact the den again."

Lupin, of course, had been part of the defence on that fateful night on the tower. Until then, he had been providing essential inside information on the werewolves' movements, which had been instrumental in repelling some major attacks.

"Do you really think the Ministry will allow his return though?" Minerva asked thoughtfully. It was partly due to Ministry pressure that Lupin had had to resign, after it became public knowledge he was a werewolf.

"I think, under the circumstances, there may be less of a parental backlash, if a first-rate professor such as Remus is asked to return," replied Dumbledore. "The trick will be, to convince Rufus Scrimgeour of Remus's loyalty, and to convince the parents of their offspring's safety."

"O' course they'll be safe," said Hagrid confidently. He looked decidedly watery eyed every time Dumbledore's portrait spoke. "Remus Lupin was the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Hogwarts has had in ages."

"Hear, hear," piped in Professor Flitwick.

"Well, that's decided then," said Minerva happily. "I'll owl the Minister at once, and inform him of our plans. Then, if everything goes well, I'll speak to Remus, and offer him the position. I'll keep you all posted on the outcome, and unless anyone has anything else to discuss....?" She paused. "Very well then, meeting concluded."

****

Platform 9¾ was much quieter than usual. Scattered groups of students and parents were anxiously awaiting the Hogwarts Express, and the beginning of a new term.

The Weasley clan was also much smaller than in previous terms, with only Ron and Ginny returning to Hogwarts. Hermione had travelled to the station with them, having spent the remaining few days of the holidays at the Burrow; except for a brief visit home to collect her school supplies, and to say goodbye to her parents.

None of them knew where Harry had disappeared off to, after the attack during the wedding, and Molly Weasley had expressly forbidden them to try to track him down. This had caused a huge argument between Ron and his mother. "We're all worried about Harry too, but that's no reason to go off half cocked, and get yourselves killed!" she had proclaimed. Eventually, he was forced to concede defeat and return to Hogwarts, on the understanding that, if, and when, Harry reappeared, he would be able to go with him then. It was Arthur Weasley that had finally convinced his wife that they couldn't hold Ron back, if his friend needed him.

It wasn't long before the old steam train could be seen in the distance, chugging into the station slowly.

"Right, everyone, have you got all your supplies?" Mrs Weasley asked brusquely. She was bustling around, making sure all of them were ready. Mr Weasley had already had to leave them at the station to get back to an emergency at the office. Someone had bewitched a Muggle hat to attack the wearer when it was put on their head.

"Yes, mum," replied Ginny. Ron merely nodded in agreement. He was still slightly sour towards his mother over the argument.

"Yes, Mrs Weasley," said Hermione promptly. "Thank you, for having me this summer."

"It's always a pleasure, my dear," said Mrs Weasley, pulling her into a hug.

"Be sure to look after each other," she said to her son and daughter, pulling them both into a fierce embrace, which Ron couldn't help but return. "Write as often as possible," she added, as her eyes welled up with tears, and the three teenagers hopped on board the train. As the train pulled out of the station, they could see her standing on the platform, frantically waving goodbye.

****

"She gets worse every year," said Ron with a frown, as he dragged his trunk into the nearest available compartment, followed by Ginny and Hermione.

"She just worries, Ron," Hermione reprimanded. "It's understandable with things the way they are." She heaved her trunk onto the shelf, and sat down next to Ginny, who was rather quiet.

"Are you okay, Ginny?" asked Hermione gently. "You seem distracted." In actual fact, Ginny hadn't been herself since the wedding. After seeing Harry with Gabrielle, and then having him disappear after the battle, her mind was a jumbled mess of conflicting emotions. Part of her resented Harry, for leaving without saying goodbye, but part of her could understand Harry's need to capture Snape himself.

"Ugh, sorry, Hermione," said Ginny. "I was in a world of my own just now. I'll be fine." She managed a wan smile, which didn't convince Hermione in the slightest, but who let the matter drop.

In light of the attack the previous term, there was an increased security presence on the Hogwarts Express. Aurors were posted at each entry point to the train, and were also patrolling the corridors. They were also carrying out spot checks on students, in case they were smuggling any dark items into school. This was looked on as a necessary precaution, due to Draco Malfoy's involvement in the infiltration of Hogwarts.

The door of the compartment slid open, and two familiar faces entered.

"Hello, Neville, hello, Luna," Hermione said readily. Ron lifted his head from Quidditch Monthly, and nodded in acknowledgement of their appearance. Ginny shuffled up, and offered them a seat.

"Hi, guys," said Neville cheerfully. Hermione smiled inwardly, as she noticed Neville had finally outgrown some of his puppy fat.

"Hello, everyone," replied Luna dreamily. As usual, she was clutching a copy of The Quibbler and wearing her trademark Butterbeer cork necklace.

"I read about what happened at the wedding in, The Daily Prophet," said Neville concernedly. "Were any of you guys hurt? It said in the paper that Harry went missing."

Ginny looked up with a pained expression, which Hermione caught.

"None of us were hurt, thanks, Neville," said Hermione quickly. "Harry went off after Snape though, and hasn't come back ... yet." Hermione had wanted to go after Harry as much as Ron did, but didn't want to upset Mrs Weasley any further by joining in the argument. They were both quite sure that he'd visit Godric's Hollow, at some point, but neither of them had any idea where that was, and they didn't want to concede their presumption to the adults, by asking too many questions about it.

"I do hope nothings happened to him," Luna voiced. "He's a very brave person, but he acts so rashly sometimes." As always, Luna was stating bluntly, what other people would think, but not say.

"He's fine," said Hermione sharply, and reassuringly, over Luna's voice. "It's just a matter of time before he gets in touch."

"And when he does, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind!" said Ron heatedly. "He had no business running off without us." Ron had taken the disappearance of his best friend especially hard; but, in true Ron fashion, was trying to mask his feelings by acting like everything was fine.

Hermione smiled gently at Ron, with an understanding look on her face. "You'll have to get in line, Ron, I've already reserved first place for that duty," she said.

Each of them drifted off into their own thoughts for while, until there was a clatter outside the door, and Nymphadora Tonks burst into the compartment unceremoniously.

"Sorry, guys, some idiot left their case right in the middle of the corridor," she said.

"Oh, sorry, that's mine," said Neville meekly. He pulled the case into the compartment, and stowed it away quickly.

"Right, you troublemakers," said Tonks loudly. "I'm here to search you for possible Dark items. So, if you have anything to confess, now is the time." She gave them a huge wink.

"Don't worry, it's only for show," she said, lowering her voice to a whisper.

Everyone smiled in comprehension.

"So, how's everyone been?" Tonks sat down, and threw her feet up. Her relationship with Remus seemed to knock her back to her old self.

"We're good, thanks, Tonks," replied Hermione. She was quite glad that Tonks had been assigned to the train. Ginny had always found Tonks amusing, and Hermione hoped she'd be able to cheer her up a little, or at least, take her mind off things.

Tonks didn't disappoint. She regaled the party with various morphs, with the coupe de grace being, when, out of the blue, her features changed to that of the notorious Dolores Umbridge, complete with toad-like grin.

"Hem, hem," Ginny joined in, and the group exploded with laughter.

The six of them spent the rest of the train journey, happily whiling away the time together. At one point Tonks's superior had been patrolling their corridor, but she pretended to be giving them a lecture on safety precautions, to which he nodded approvingly, and carried on. Before too long, the outline of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry loomed into view.

****

As the train stopped, the huge figure of the Keeper of the Keys could be seen, ushering the small group of first years into position. The normally overcrowded platform was scarcely half full. Having already put on their robes, and pulled their trunks down, Ron, Hermione and the rest climbed off the train, and soon caught up with Hagrid.

"Hagrid!" Hermione called over the hustle and bustle of the train leaving the station. The half giant turned around, a huge smile immediately appearing on his face.

"A'right, yeh lot?" he said, as he pulled them into a hug. "Can't say am not glad to see yeh. Not exactly shaping up to be a busy group, is it?" He inclined his head to the relatively small number of pupils.

"It was to be expected though, wasn't it?" Hermione asked. The group began moving along the platform.

"The Headmistress knew there would be plenty of parents who wouldn't want their kids here, since ... since Dumbledore ain't here to protect them. And now Harry ain't here either.... " Hagrid struggled to reply. Hermione looked to Ron for support.

"Well, Hagrid, we're back now anyway. And Harry will be too, sooner or later," said Ron reassuringly, with a pat on his back.

"Yeh better get a move on then, whilst I look after the little 'uns," said Hagrid, composing himself. He waved them off as they took the Thestral driven carriages up to Hogwarts. Unsettlingly, it wasn't only Luna who could see the beasts now. They could all see the sinister looking Thestrals due to the corridor battle, and the subsequent death.

****

The journey was swift, and before too long, they were seated in the Great Hall and Luna had left to join the Ravenclaw table. They were happily surprised to see that they were not the only returning Gryffindor seventh years. Already seated were Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. Everyone exchanged greetings, with Ron mumbling hello at Lavender, without making eye contact.

The Slytherin table was almost deserted. The only returning seventh years were Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were similarly decimated, however, they, at least, still had a decent number of returning lower years, whereas even a number of the younger Slytherins had failed to return.

Once everyone had taken their seats, Headmistress McGonagall stood up, and addressed the first years. All of whom were tiny, and looked extremely anxious. In front of the teachers' row, there was a stool, with a very old and battered looking hat on it. It was instantly recognisable as the Hogwarts Sorting hat.

"First years," she pronounced. "When I call your name, you will step forward and take a seat. I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will find out which house you will be a part of," she said. "Each house is steeped with its own proud history, and your house will be like your family during your time here. Victories will be rewarded with house points, and punishments will be equally rewarded, with removal of points," she finished, with a slightly intimidating look.

There was a gasp from the first years as a large tear appeared in the hat, and it began to speak.

When Hogwarts school had first began

And the founders were still here

My job it was to sort you all and that is why I sang

If brave and bold like Gryffindor you would be part of him

Or shrewd and cunning like a snake you'd end in Slytherin

If proud and loyal as Hufflepuff then there you'd take your place

Or perhaps as smart as Ravenclaw would better suit your taste

But now dark times are here again I warn you one more time

To not take too much stock of where you sit here when you dine

You shouldn't let your differences deny a loyal friend

As where you're placed should be the start and should not be the end

I do not want to split you all although it's why I'm here

For I have seen it in the past and that is what I fear

It is with you all to overcome

The evil of this time

The strength is inside each of you

It's love you have to find

And now my song is done I've finished what I have had to do

I only hope that it has worked and it's now rubbed off on you

And fore the lights in here begin to dim

I'll let the Sorting now begin!

The hat finished, and the tear closed over once more. The older students all applauded, as the younger students struggled to understand what the hat was trying to get across to them.

"Ashcroft, Leona." Stepping forward gingerly, the nervous first year sat down, and the Headmistress placed the Sorting Hat on her head. The hat deliberated for a few seconds before pronouncing the first new Gryffindor. A roar of applause came from the Gryffindor table.

"This year's crop don't look like much, do they?" Ron said appraisingly. "Like I said before, I don't think I was ever that small." Hermione looked round at him, and glared.

"Well, at least the Hat is still working on bringing the houses closer together," said Hermione, pointedly ignoring Ron's comment. Ginny nodded in agreement.

"Hermione, there are no rules against sitting at a different houses table for dinner, are there?" she asked.

"No, apparently not," replied Hermione. The Hat had already indicated as much anyway.

"Good, well, I'm going to invite Luna to sit with us then," said Ginny brightly. Ron gaped at her. "There's nothing wrong with her, Ron!" she added, catching Ron's expression.

"I know, I know. She's alright, I suppose," he grumbled in response.

The Sorting was coming to a close; with only twenty-three students, it was over much quicker than was usual. Another unusual thing that the teachers had noticed, was the choice of house. It was very different than was expected. Three youngsters from Pureblood families were surprised to find themselves in Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. Whereas, this was the first year there had been a Muggle born in Slytherin, in its history. In fact, there were two.

It seemed that the Sorting Hat was taking matters into its own hands.

Once all the Sortees had taken their respective tables, Professor McGonagall stood up again.

"Welcome, all, to a new year at Hogwarts School," she said loudly. She looked around at the students, taking great notice of the new starts, and where they had been placed. "For those of you who don't know me, my name is Professor McGonagall, and I am Headmistress," she paused slightly. "I'm sure even our new faces will be aware that, sadly, Hogwarts lost it's finest ever Headmaster last year, but I can assure you that Albus Dumbledore would be proud, that all of you have returned to continue your education, in spite of the circumstances."

There was a murmur of agreement from the teachers, and a number of pupils began a short round of applause.

"For all of our old faces, we are pleased to see your commitment, and for all of our new ones, we look forward to seeing what you're made of," she proclaimed. "Before the feast begins, I have an announcement or two to make." Everyone was used to the usual announcements regarding banned items, and new teachers.

"We have managed to source an extremely fine Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, who will already be familiar to some of our students. He is, unfortunately, unable to be here tonight for the opening feast, but, Professor Remus Lupin will be returning to Hogwarts in time for lessons tomorrow."

There was an outburst of cheering from the students. Even a few of the Slytherins joined in. It appeared that, once the more vocal Slytherins had failed to return, the rest were able to show some school spirit after all.

Minerva smiled at the reaction, and waited patiently for the applause to end. "I will be continuing as Transfigurations professor until a suitable replacement can be found," she said. "And Professor Slughorn has also graciously agreed to remain for a second year." A small round of applause followed this, as Slughorn waved regally to some of his favourite students.

"And finally, I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear that the Quidditch House Cup will still be taking place, despite the lower number of students." Another raucous cheer came from the students. Ron, in particular, once he knew he was coming back, was worried that it would have been cancelled. "And now, as I can't think of anything else to say, let the feast begin."

The tables were instantly filled with a sumptuous feast of mouth watering foods. Ron wasted no time in filling his plate, and munching vociferously on a massive roast chicken. Ginny, on the other hand, had got up and went over to the Ravenclaw table, which caused quite a few heads to turn.

"Luna," she said, tapping her on the shoulder. Luna looked round in surprise. She wasn't the only one. The entire Ravenclaw table had stopped eating, and was watching them intently.

"I was just wondering if you'd like to sit over at our table with Ron, Hermione and myself?" she asked gently. Jaws dropped all round the table. It just wasn't done to sit with a different house for meals.

"Erm..." Luna's protuberant eyes were wide in astonishment. "Yes, I'd like that very much, thank you, Ginny." She stood up, and walked over to take a seat beside Ron and Hermione, who both greeted her warmly; Ron having managed to stop eating for a few seconds to offer her a seat.

The effect this had on the hall was tremendous. When the drama was over, all of the students began rearranging themselves. There were Ravenclaws sitting with Slytherins, Gryffindors sitting with Hufflepuffs, and so on. The teachers simply looked at each other in amazement.

That Sorting Feast proved to be one of the best that any of the students or staff could remember in years. Professor McGonagall allowed it to carry on till late into the night, before finally announcing that it was time for bed.

When Hermione, Ginny and Ron reached the Gryffindor common room, they were all thinking the same thing. It took a moment before someone said it.

"I really wish Harry was here to see that," said Hermione softly. They all nodded, and left for their bedrooms.

****