Elementals of Magic: Prophecy of Lies

Chapter 2

The Founders' Pride

The next day, Harry woke up early. He quickly packed his trunk and went downstairs, where Mrs. Weasley was already waiting with Ginny and Hermione. Ron staggered down a moment later.

"We are going to have breakfast, and then we're leaving for Platform 9¾. Your father had to go in early again, but he got the Ministry to send a car."

After a mouth-watering breakfast, they went back upstairs, took their trunks down, and while Mrs. Weasley and Harry paid, the others looked for the car. Finally, a green Lexus arrived, right when the two came out of the Leaky Cauldron. The group boarded the car. Mrs. Weasley was in front, and Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny were in the back. Their trunks were in the trunk of the car, and the animals were sitting with the teens in the back seat.

In no time, the car had arrived at King's Cross Station. The driver helped unload the trunks, then drove away. The group walked to the barrier.

"Now, all of you, behave this year." Mrs. Weasley pulled each one of them into a hug.

"Harry, why don't we go first, then the girls can follow?" Ron suggested.

"Sure." Harry and Ron leaned casually against the barrier with their trolleys, and in a moment, was standing at Platform 9¾. Hermione and Ginny appeared moments later, with Mrs. Weasley behind them.

"Have a good year, and rememberstay safe!" This she aimed directly at Ron and Harry.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione climbed aboard the train towards the back and looked for an empty compartment. Imagine their surprise when they opened one and saw Professor Lupin sleeping in it!

"I had no idea Lupin's back. Did you?" Harry asked Ron.

Ron shook his head.

"Why not just stay here, Harry?" Hermione asked. "We can talk with the professor around, I'm sure."

The three teens put their stuff down. Just then, the train whistle sounded, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron pressed against the window, waving at Mrs. Weasley until she was out of sight.

"Why do you think Lupin's back? I thought Figg was going to continue." Ron asked.

Harry's face tightened. Professor Figg was the same Mrs. Figg who had babysat him on every one of Dudley's birthdays. He had no idea she was a wizard, not until Fifth Year, when he saw her sitting at the High Table. Harry was always very aloof towards her.

"Professor Figg insisted that Professor Dumbledore give me the job, Ron."

"Professor Lupin!" Hermione squealed. "We didn't realize that you were awake!"

Lupin smiled wryly.

"I am now. And of course, the Potions Master will make me the Wolfsbane Potion every full moon, so I'll be safe."

Just then, someone barged into their compartment.

"Well, well, well, look who it is. Potty, Weasel, and the Mudblood..."

Malfoy had spotted Professor Lupin. He backed away.

"What's wrong, Malfoy?" Harry asked. "Afraid of someone?"

"Of course not, Potter." Malfoy spat. "I just don't think werewolves are worthy of my presence."

"Why you slimy git!" Harry would have sprung at Malfoy if not for Ron and Hermione holding him back.

"Let it go, Harry," Hermione whispered.

"So, Potter, think you're going to be chosen? I certainly do. I would love to go against you. It'll prove how weak and pathetic the Boy Who Lived is," Malfoy drawled.

"What are you talking about, Malfoy?" Ron yelled.

"My, you don't know! This is just like Fourth Year. Don't worry, I'm pretty sure Dumbledore will clear you of your ignorance. I'm surprised though. I thought Weasels were always supposed to know everything, seeing as how they like to grovel at powerful people's feet." And saying this, he left the compartment.

"That prat!" Ron spat. "I'll get him some day. I'll transfigure him into a white ferret again, just you watch."

Hermione turned towards Lupin.

"Professor Lupin, do you know what he's talking about?"

"As a matter of fact, I have a suspicion, but I won't tell you, since I'm pretty sure Professor Dumbledore will tell you after the Sorting."

"Please, Professor Lupin?" Hermione pleaded.

Lupin shook his head, his resolve set. The three teens slumped down in disappointment.

"Harry, you're going to have a very pleasant surprise this year. Why, I almost didn't believe it."

"Another secret? Can you please tell, Professor?" Harry asked.

"I'm sorry, Harry. But you'll know once you arrive at Hogwarts."

The four of them then immersed themselves in a discussion about the Dark Lord and events concerning him for the rest of the train trip.

***

Narcissa had driven the Malfoys' limo to King's Cross Station. She watched as Draco took his stuff out and put it on a trolley that she had wheeled by the limo. The two of them walked through the station, stopping at the barrier. They walked right towards it, and in a moment, was on Platform 9¾.

Draco went up to put his stuff in an empty compartment, then came back down to meet his mother.

"Behave this year, understand? But don't blow the secret. If you do, you know what will happen."

"Yes, Mother. I won't. And I will keep you updated on my situation."

"That's a good son." Narcissa ruffled her son's hair affectionately, then quickly stepped away. The train whistle blew. "You had best be boarding the train, Draco. The train's fixing o leave."

"Yes, Mother." Draco gave his mother a brief hug, then climbed onto the train. As the train sped away, Draco waved to his mother until she couldn't be seen anymore, then sat down, thinking hard.

Someone entered the compartment. Draco looked up.

"Draco? You don't look too well. Is Lucius treating you badly?" Pansy asked.

"Same as always. You know how it is, Pansy."

"Of course I do."

Draco's eyes narrowed.

"You won't tell, will you?"

"How can I, Draco? I'm your friend." Pansy sat down besides the blonde boy. Draco shifted uncomfortably.

"I'm not doing anything, Draco!" Pansy huffed. "I know what you feel, and I respect your decision; don't think I'm trying to do anything!"

"I think I'll just go out and get some air, Pansy." And with that, Draco stepped out of his compartment and started walking towards the back of the train. He heard voices in a compartment and opened the door.

Draco was greeted with the Fabulous Trio. He started insulting them, then saw another presence in the compartment - Professor Lupin. Draco backed away. He didn't want the werewolf to take points away from Slytherin before the school year had even started. The blonde hated the man, hated the man for his prejudice against the Slytherins, hated him for what he did to his Godfather, how he betrayed him . Then Potter insulted him, he insulted Potter back, then an incident not unlike the one in Fourth Year occurred, making Draco feel very satisfied, yet also empty, for several reasons, but Draco couldn't let it show. He wasn't going to let Narcissa down.

Draco walked back into his compartment, which was now also occupied by Crabbe and Goyle, his two cronies. Draco looked at the two stupid hulks with irritation.

"Why don't you two go out in the hall and make sure no one comes in here?"

Crabbe and Goyle shuffled out of the compartment.

Draco shook his head.

"You must admit though, Draco, that they do have their uses." Pansy piped up.

"Of course they do, Pansy. But otherwise, they are gigantic walking boulders."

They are smarter than they look, Draco, Pansy thought.

"So, Pansy, think you'll be picked?"

"No. But I know you will."

"If anything slips, you better cover for me," Draco growled.

Pansy shrugged.

"Of course I will, Draco. Do you think I'll let them hurt you?"

The girl still loves me. I must admit, she is a good friend, but she really needs to get over me.

The rest of the train ride was spent in silence for the two Slytherins.

***

Hermione nudged Harry.

"What is it now?"

"We're almost at Hogwarts. Don't you think we ought to change?"

"Totally forgot. Thanks for reminding us."

Harry quickly changed into his robes, and the other two teens did the same. As soon as they finished, the train stopped. The group left the train and stepped onto the platform of Hogsmeade station. Harry saw Hagrid standing down at the end of the platform.

"Hey, Hagrid!"

"Yer here, Harry! Firs' Years, gather righ' here!"

Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked with the rest of the crowd out of the train station, and the three climbed aboard one of the horseless carriages waiting outside. A few moments later, the horseless carriages rumbled towards Hogwarts Castle. They drove through the gates and up the sweeping drive, stopping in front of the stone steps leading to the front door. Harry, Ron, and Hermione climbed out of the carriage and walked up the stone steps along with the rest of the students. They went through the door and found themselves in the entrance hall.

Following the crowd, the three entered the Great Hall. The Great Hall looked as magnificent as ever, with the golden plates and goblets on the tables, the candles floating above the tables, and the enchanted ceiling black, with numerous silver stars twinkling. Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked to the far side of the hall, taking seats at the Gryffindor table. A few moments later, the ghosts glided in through the walls, and Nearly Headless Nick sat down across from the three.

Harry scanned the High Table and noticed a new professor sitting by Lupin.

"Hermione, who's that by Lupin? And where's Snape?"

"Maybe Snape got killed and now he's replaced!" Ron said excitedly.

"Ron, you shouldn't be happy about someone dying, even if it's Snape!" Hermione told him.

Just then, the doors opened and as everyone turned to look, Professor McGonagall came in, with a long line of nervous-looking First Years walking behind her. She stopped at the High Table, and they arranged themselves in a line across the table, many fidgeting, terrified. Professor McGonagall left through a door to the side of the High Table, and a moment later, she returned, carrying a three-legged stool with an extremely old and dirty wizard's hat.

Some of the First Years looked at it with relief. As everyone in the hall stared at the hat, a long tear near the brim opened, and the hat began to sing.

"I may be old and dirty,

But I'm smarter than you think,

I have a mind that's sturdy,

And I'm the four founders' link.

I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,

Come and try me on,

I'll sneak around your mind like a cat,

And tell you where you belong!

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where reside the noble and brave,

The most couragest of the four,

The founder that's my fav.

Or Slytherin might be the house for you,

Where the ambitious all gather,

These people always take a cue,

And step up on the ladder.

For you, maybe Ravenclaw's the best,

The cleverest and smartest all group there.

If you have high scores on your tests,

Then off to Ravenclaw, I dare.

And Hufflepuff, last but not least,

Where you might find the loyal,

These people work like beasts,

They earn things by toil.

So First Years, put me on,

And I'll take a peek in your mind,

I'll see where you belong,

Where resides the rest of your kind!"

The Great Hall burst into applause.

"How does the Sorting Hat think up of all the rhymes?" Harry asked Hermione. She shrugged in return.

Professor McGonagall now stood by the Sorting Hat and took out a long scroll of parchment. She unrolled it and held it up in front of her.

"When I call your name, put the Sorting Hat on and sit on the stool. When the Sorting Hat decides your placement, you will go and sit with your House.

Ablar, Stan!"

A small boy walked towards the stool, put the Sorting Hat, and prepared to sit down when the Sorting Hall screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"

The boy walked over to the other side of the hall, where the Slytherins sat. Harry could see Malfoy clapping. On either side of him sat Crabbe and Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson across from him. The usual Slytherin group.

"Adair, Kyle!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

This continued on for some time, while small boys and girls with different emotions on their faces, some with nervousness, some fear, and some relief, walked to the stool and put on the Sorting Hat. Finally, with "Zingler, Rayla!" who became a Ravenclaw, the sorting ended. Professor McGonagall took the stool and the hat away, and Dumbledore stood up.

"I would like to welcome all of you to another year at Hogwarts. I shall let all of you eat before I announce the news for this year."

Food appeared on the tables. Harry, Ron, and Hermione eagerly tucked in. Nearly Headless Nick just looked at them sadly. Hermione had toned down her S.P.E.W. campaign in Sixth Year and was now eating quite normally.

After everyone had finished, and the food had vanished off the tables, Dumbledore stood up again.

"There are several things for me to announce this year.

First, for those of you who have noticed that Professor Snape is missing, I would like to say that he died fighting against Voldemort. I would like all of you to respect his memory, for even though he is not the most pleasant person around, he did die fighting for the side of light, and thus, I honor him." Dumbledore held his goblet up in front of him and drank from the goblet. Every one in the Great Hall stood up and imitated Dumbledore, then sat back down.

"On a happier note, I would like to welcome Professor Lupin back to our staff. He will once again be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. And please welcome our new Potions Master, Professor Kyon."

Harry looked closely at the new professor. Kyon reminded him of someone, but who? It certainly didn't look like anyone he knew, since he didn't know anyone with brown hair and blue eyes. He saw Lupin talking to the new Potions Master and made a mental note to ask Professor Lupin about Professor Kyon.

"Also, I would like to remind all students that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds, and anyone caught in the Forest will be severely punished. Also, no magic is allowed to be used between classes in the corridors. Mistletoe Spread has been added to the list of items forbidden in the castle. And the Inter-House Quidditch Cup is canceled this year."

"What!" Harry exclaimed. He had been Team Captain since the previous year, and he was shocked. There would be no Quidditch for him during his last year at Hogwarts? Many other people were also muttering amongst themselves. Dumbledore waited until the students talked themselves into silence, then resumed talking.

"But I'm proud to say, it's time again for the Founders' Pride!"

Almost all the students looked at Dumbledore in confusion. Hermione was the only one who didn't. She smiled.

"It's about time."

"I see all of you looking confused. Well then, I'll tell you what the Founders' Pride is. The Founders' Pride is a contest that is held at Hogwarts every seven years between the Four Houses. The Four Founders originally started this contest as a means to see which House is the best. The champion that wins brings much glory to his House, himself, and his Founder. There will be four contests throughout the year, each one testing an attribute one of the Founders valued. The four champions will be exempted from the end of year exams. Mr. Filch, if you please."

Filch carried a small chest up to the center of the table and handed it to Dumbledore. Dumbledore opened it and took out a wineglass. Only it wasn't any ordinary wineglass. This was made of gold, with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and onyx studded all over it. Inside the wineglass, there was a silvery substance inside.

"The substance inside this wineglass contains a bit of each Founder's mind. Each Founder will choose for him or herself the champion for his or her House. By exposing this substance, each Founder is able to feel who is in their House and who would be best suited for the contests. In one week, the Founders will choose. Good luck to all of you.

Now, I suggest for all of you to retire, for you do have classes tomorrow. Prefects, show the First Years their dorms, and the rest, ask a Prefect for the password. That is all from me for now. Good night."

"So that's what Malfoy was talking about!" exclaimed Ron. "Think you'll be chosen, Harry?"

"I'd rather not, after the Tri-Wizard Tournament in Fourth Year."

"But this one isn't by choice," Hermione reminded Harry.

Harry turned to look at her and saw the Head Girl badge on her robes.

"Hermione, why didn't you tell us that you're Head Girl?"

"Well, I thought the two of you would have guessed. I'm so glad I'm getting my own bed and bathroom this year."

"Lucky," Ron muttered.

Hermione tugged at the two boys.

"Let's go, we're the only ones left now!"

They followed her up to Gryffindor Tower, then remembered that neither of them knew the password.

"Er, Hermione? We don't know the password, and there sure isn't a Prefect here to help us," Harry said.

"Don't worry, I know. The password is canis." Hermione told the password to the Fat Lady, who immediately swung open and let them into the Gryffindor common room. Harry, Ron, and Hermione parted, Harry and Ron walking up the stairs to the boys' dorms, and Hermione going to her own room.

The two boys walked into the Seventh Year's dorms, and Harry, tired from the whole day, went to his bed, crawled in, and instantly fell asleep.