Harry Potter and the Prophecy of the Strinx

Harry Potter and the Prophecy of the Strinx

By Moon Weasley

Chapter Six:

Back to school

Ron, obviously very exhausted from his run-in with the Death Eaters the previous night, slept through most of the next day. In light of the recent event, Mrs. Weasley insisted upon postponing the planned trip to Diagon Alley. Much to the dismay of Harry and company the trip was pushed back to they day before they were to leave for Hogwarts and it was decided that they should stay the night at The Leaky Cauldron and then leave directly for King's Cross.

And eventually the summer holiday drew to an end. With their trunks packed, repacked and finally approved by Mrs. Weasley they'd retired to the sitting room for a last evening of relaxation and fun before leaving for school.

Neither Ron nor Hermione mentioned anything about the quarrel that had resulted in Ron running off. They just continued going about things as though nothing had ever happened. Harry found this a bit odd but had the good sense to mind his own business. He'd learned from bitter experience never to interfere in their bizarre and cryptic understandings.

In a way they are equally stubborn and pigheaded he thought pensively while watching as they played chess. They both despised being wrong and would rather eat Flobberworms than admit defeat in front of the other. Denial and avoidance therefore had become their way of solving spats like this. If the topic was ignored altogether neither had to make any admissions.

Harry smiled as he watched them from across the room. He was pretending to read the latest issue of Which Broomstick? but admittedly found spying on Ron and Hermione over the top of his magazine much more entertaining.

At present moment they were having a friendly bickering as usual. Hermione was persistently accusing Ron of trying to turn her own chess pieces against her. Ron on the other hand was steadfastly denying any knowledge to these, in his opinion, false accusations and was now mock-sulking and pretending to be mortally offended. Exasperated Hermione was retaliating by throwing all her foul tasting Every Flavoured Beans at him.

Considering the way Hermione had acted when Ron was missing, Harry had started to suspect that maybe the feelings she harboured for Ron wasn't just of the platonic sort either. As he studied them teasing and taunting each other from his inconspicuous corner he had to admit that the two of them somehow seemed right together.

He smiled. I wonder how long it will take them to realize what's right in front of them Harry thought musingly. Would they ever admit to how they felt about each other? While trying to focus his attention back to the article about the latest developments in broom brake charms, Harry concluded that the answer to that question most likely was a thundering NO. Knowing both his friends' very stubborn track records Harry couldn't really see either of them breaking down and admitting something this profound any time soon. Guess I'm in for an interesting year, he thought with a sigh.

"A Knut for your thoughts," a voice said smoothly in Harry's ear and he immediately felt his face go red.

It was Ginny.

She sat down beside him and threw him a mischievous grin. "Are you thinking what I am thinking?" she asked while brushing one of her stray curls away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. Completely mesmerized by this casual motion Harry felt his body tense up and it seemed like an eternity and half passed before he finally managed to reply in a (to him) surprisingly normal tone of voice.

"Maybe. It depends really, on what you're thinking."

Ginny let out a small laugh and her eyes twinkled as she turned to look at her brother and Hermione. "I wonder how long it will take for that dense and obviously blind brother of mine, to realize what is right in front of him." She let out a small sigh. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you?"

Harry nodded returning her smile. "Yup, I believe I do, actually."

Ginny gestured for Harry to move a bit closer, and as he leant towards her (a bit more than necessary, but what the heck) he could smell the scent of her hair. The flowery odour made him feel almost light-headed and he had a sudden urge to touch her red curls. Naturally he didn't.

"Promise never to reveal this to anyone, but if they don't get their heads out of the sand by Christmas, I think I have to take matters into my on hands," Ginny whispered in his ear. She giggled softly. "I might need your help when the time comes," she said with a wicked grin on her face. "Can I count on your assistance?"

"Sure," Harry replied openly surprised that Ginny had let him in on one of her pranks.

Over the last couple of weeks Harry had gotten to see a side to Ginny that he'd never known existed. She'd seemed to finally grown out of her shyness around him (or maybe Max had simply made her forget all about her previous not so secret crush) and Harry had discovered that Ginny on a good day almost matched the twins' mischievousness and prank pulling.

Up till now Ginny had just been the little Weasley girl that never did or said much one way or the other in Harry's presence. Ron had more than once tried to convince him that she actually was a royal pain in the arse, but looking at her Harry had never really believed him. He'd simply put Ron's stories down to common sibling rivalry and had not once seriously considered that there might be any truth to his horrific tales of nasty pranks and annoying teasing. But now that he had been on the receiving end of some of her escapades (most of which were just too embarrassing to mention), he knew otherwise and would much rather act as her accomplice than her intended victim.

The next moment Max came striding into the room flanked by Fred and George, and Ginny's attention was instantly drawn to him. He called her over, and she gave Harry a short apologetic smile before joining him at the table. Harry couldn't help put feel a wave of disappointment run through him. Cursing Max inwardly he desperately hoped The Sorting Hat would at least have the decency to put the darned bloke in Slytherin where he so obviously belonged.

* * *

The trip to Diagon Alley the next day was fairly eventless. As always travelling by Floo made Harry feel somewhat queasy. His nausea did however effectively vaporize the instant they stepped out into the sunny street. It was packed with wizards and witches buzzing to and fro, and at every corner they seemed to run into friends and classmates.

The day would have been perfect hadn't it been for the fact that Mrs. Weasley simply refused to let any of them out of her sight for even a minute. They were forced to stay together the whole day (which looked extremely odd as they were a numerous pack), and her fussing and fretting made them all feel as though they were trapped in a wacky sort of kindergarten.

After finishing all their errands and shopping (Hermione eventually had to be removed from Flourish and Blotts by force), they met up with Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie and Percy for dinner at The Leaky Cauldron. As Tom the innkeeper served them a particularly scrumptious looking steak, Harry thanked his lucky stars that they'd been fortunate not to run into Malfoy all day. Harry knew a run-in with his nemesis was inevitable, but was never the less thankful for each day that passed without meeting the self-rigorous bastard. Besides Malfoy would've simply had a field day if he'd witnessed them being marched up and down the street in a firm row by Mrs. Weasley. They'd never hear the end of it, if Malfoy's previous taunting sessions were anything to go by. Well, at least they'd managed to delay the inevitable by a day, he thought as he helped himself to seconds.

The talk around the table wasn't as cheerful and boisterous as Harry had grown accustomed to around the Weasleys. Mrs. and Mr. Weasley kept sending Ron anxious looks as to check that their youngest son was in fact still present and in good health. Ron seemed perfectly fine, but Harry knew from their talk after the attack that he was only putting on a brave face. Ron was especially joyous when addressing Hermione, but she'd never been easy to fool and judging from the interrogative looks she gave him, she saw straight through his cover. There was however no opportunity to talk about this at The Leaky Cauldron seeing as the population of suspicious Weasleys per square meter was alarmingly high, and so they all went to bed rather early.

Harry and Ron shared a room on the second floor, and as they were changing into their pyjamas' Harry decided he had to get something of his chest.

"Ron," he started and looked over at Ron who was struggling to button his pyjama top correctly.

"Yeah?"

Harry crossed the room and stopped directly in front of the struggling redhead. "Bloody shirt's impossible to button up," Ron complained irritably. Having clearly lost patients with the offending garment he ripped it clear off and flung it on the floor. "It's really to warm for pyjamas anyway," he said with a grin and belly-flopped down on the bed.

"What's bugging you, Harry? You look like you've accidentally swallowed a spoonful of Skelegrow."

"Ha bloody ha," Harry replied and sat down next to Ron. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."

Ron looked puzzled. "Sorry about what exactly?"

Harry shrugged and stared down at his feet not meeting Ron's eyes.

"You know, about the Death Eaters and you being kidnapped and almost killed... just because you're my friend. I'm really sorry about that... When you think about it, it's all really my fault, isn't it? You know, because of Voldemort and all..."

This was something that had been eating away at Harry for the entire summer. Cedric had died because he'd been unfortunate enough to be in Harry's proximity at the wrong time, and now Ron too had narrowly escaped certain death because of their close friendship.

Ron simply looked flabbergasted for a moment before speaking.

"Okay, Potter let me get this straight. You're apologizing because I was a stupid prat and ran off into the woods making myself a sitting duck and a prime target for seriously evil wizards? That is just about the most insane thing I've ever heard!"

Ron looked intently at Harry who was just opening his mouth to reply, but before he could say anything Ron continued.

"I know you've been beating yourself up over what happened with Cedric and You-Know-Who regaining his body, and don't even try denying it. But really Harry, you shouldn't blame yourself for that. You never asked to be famous or to have the most evil wizard to ever walk this planet trying to hunt you down like a dog and kill you every year. And as for me, I've known since our first year at Hogwarts that being your friend was in many way a health risk."

Ron smiled one of his famous lopsided grins.

"And you have never forced me or Hermione into your little adventures, have you?"

Harry reluctantly shook his head.

"You see then, famous Potter, it would therefore be wise of you to conclude that who I spent my time with is entirely up to me and me alone, and I for one could think of none other I would have as my best friend than you. And with your friendship comes danger, and I accept that. After all, I am a Gryffindor, aren't I?"

Harry was speechless and didn't know what to say after that. All he knew was that he was really lucky to have friends like Ron and Hermione. So instead of replying he awkwardly reached out and gave Ron a brief and clumsy hug, something they'd never done before (except when winning the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup, off course, but that was totally different).

There was a brief pause where none of them said a word. They then grinned shyly at each other before climbing into bed and saying good night. Both boys felt considerably better after the talk and drifted of to sleep just moments after.

* *

The next morning Harry and Ron were brutally awakened by thunderous banging on the door followed by a very shrill threat to bewitch their underwear unless they got out of bed this instant. A very stressed and panicky Mrs. Weasley continued the morning glory by bossing them all around like crazy, making everyone conduct a thorough search of their rooms for possibly misplaced items or stray socks. A little behind schedule they all squeezed into two of the Ministry cars Mr. Weasley had borrowed for the day and by ten to eleven they reached King's Cross Station.

They then ran as fast as they could manage (which wasn't particularly speedy what with both heavy trunks and owl cages as luggage) and made it onto Platform 9 ¾ in the nick of time. Panting and gasping for air they quickly said their goodbyes and well aboard the Hogwarts Express they were pleasantly surprised to find an empty compartment.

Unsurprisingly the twins could barely sit still for more than three seconds and had soon left the others. Harry and Ron quickly enrolled in a discussion about who they'd thought would be substituting for Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures teacher while he was on his mission with the giants, and were at least for the time being oblivious to the two girls.

Ginny was sitting across from Harry secretly studying him as he chatted enthusiastically with her brother. Right now he actually looks happy, she thought wistfully and sighed. She had been watching him this summer. She always did, nothing new about that. But it had been a lot easier this time, as she'd managed not to blush as furiously as she normally did when in his presence. This had obviously made him feel more at ease around her, and after the day when Hermione had told them about that strange prophecy and Harry had let her in on the secret about Sirius, she had spent most of her time with the trio, much to Ron's chagrin.

Ginny had noticed that he'd been more silent and withdrawn that usual, and he'd seemed more preoccupied somehow. Harry was a boy who took responsibility, Ginny knew, but she deeply feared that he often took on a bit more than necessary. Like for instance the blame for Cedric's death. And for what had happened to Ron. But right here and right now, these things seemed to have left him, at least temporarily and she was happy for him, desperately hoping it would last but fearing it wouldn't.

A movement at the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she turned her head slightly to see what it was. Hermione was sitting hunched over her trunk fiddling nervously with a parchment of some sort. Every now and then she looked up anxiously as to check that no one was watching her. Ron and Harry were still too absorbed in their conversation to notice her peculiar manner, but Ginny's curiosity was awakened.

Smoothly she slid closer to Hermione and pecked the older girl lightly on the shoulder. Hermione let out a small cry of surprise, whirled around and stuffed something quickly into her robes. This outburst made the boys stop talking and they were now all looking at her questionably.

"What?" Hermione barked nervously, looking from one face to the other. They just stared back. Ron had a very suspicious look on his face, Ginny noticed with dread. He'd obviously noticed the parchment she was trying to hide.

"What's that you just tucked inside your robes?" Ron asked in a not too friendly voice.

"Uh, nothing in particular, just one of our summer assignments, that's all." Hermione's face had turned a light shade of red and it was clear to everyone in the compartment that she wasn't being entirely truthful at the moment.

"Really? Are you sure it isn't another ruddy lover letter from the Bulgarian brute?" asked Ron hotly.

Oh no, Ginny thought worriedly and she looked over to Harry who seemed to be thinking the exact same thing. Ron was now entering a danger zone - Again.

Hermione looked as though she was about to give Ron a piece of her mind, but to everyone's surprised she instead pulled the parchment out of her robes and handed it to Ron to read. He quickly skimmed the page and then his face lit up and he cracked a huge smile.

"You're a Prefect! Oh my God, Hermione, congratulations!"

Ron handed the letter to Harry so that he too could read it. Whatever Hermione had thought his reaction would be, it was obvious she hadn't expected this, and she looked startled for a moment. Harry and Ginny were now smiling too and hurried over to congratulate her on the achievement. Ron's anger had mysteriously vanished and a look of utter relief was adorning his freckled face as he helped Hermione pin the Prefect badge to her robes. She on the other hand was blushing madly.

"Whoa, you guys." Hermione looked around at their smiling faces,

"I honestly thought you would think it was a bad thing. I mean you're always making fun of the Prefects, saying that being one would probably take all the fun out of life."

"Well," Ron shrugged,"I suppose we all sort of expected you'd be appointed Prefect all along. You know, seeing as you're so smart and everything. I was surprised when you didn't mention anything about it when we got our letters from Hogwarts. And since you didn't say anything I assumed you hadn't been made one. I didn't dare ask you about it either since I thought you might be terribly disappointed or something." Hermione looked at Ron not really believing her ears. Wasn't Ron going to tease and taunt her about this? How strange.

"Besides," Ron continued in a slightly more teasing voice. "I don't think we will notice much difference, really. I mean you already boss us around anyway. A badge one way or the other doesn't make any difference." At this Hermione flung out an arm punching Ron good heartily on the chest.

"You'd better be nice to me, Ronald Weasley, or I'll be forced to deduct points from Gryffindor because you're being an obnoxious git." They all laughed at this whereupon Ron did a majestic attempt to grovel at Hermione's feet begging for mercy, which made them laugh even harder.

Several hours later both Ron and Hermione had fallen asleep and Ginny was sitting curled up in a corner reading a Muggle novel. Harry had claimed a spot by the window and was sitting with his head resting in his hands staring at the passing scenery not really seeing it at all. A thousand thoughts were running through his head, several issues weighing heavily on his mind fighting to get his attention.

First and foremost there was the ever-present fear of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Ron's kidnapping had been a close call, and Harry felt with certainty that this was only the beginning. Despite Ron's speech last night, Harry still felt guilty about the way he was exposing his friends to mortal danger and no matter what they all said about that, there was precious little that could make him feel differently.

He sighed silently. And as if this wasn't enough there were this other changes as well. Small and insignificant when compared to Voldemort of course, but still changes that impacted them all in so many ways.

For instance Ron and Hermione. Harry had to admit that he hadn't given Hermione and her chance of being made Prefect a single thought the entire summer. But judging by his statements earlier Ron obviously had. It was oddly strange witnessing his two best friends slowly develop these new feelings for each other (although obviously they themselves were completely oblivious to this fact), and he couldn't help but wonder if it would change anything between the three of them. He really hoped it wouldn't.

And then there was Ginny. Harry stole a glance at her out of the corner of his eye and couldn't help but wonder why he all of sudden seemed so much more aware of her presence. Every time she was near him now he could feel it in his entire body, and that scared him.

With a piercing squeak, that both broke his reverie and made him reach for his wand on instinct, the compartment door suddenly slid open. To Harry's huge displeasure Max "prat-face" Strober stepped in looking smugger and dandier than ever. Harry groaned. He'd forgotten all about him, and was highly disappointed to see that he hadn't managed to fall of the train yet. Max strolled in and clapping his hands loudly waking both Ron and Hermione with a start. Ron jumped up and drew his wand, looking drowsy and confused ("Wassup?"). Max just laughed and kipped down in the seat next to Ginny.

"I've had a tour of the train," he said cheerfully, "and I must say there is a lot of really fascinating wizards and witches attending this school." As he spoke he gradually leaned closer to Ginny making Harry grit his teeth in annoyance. "I hope you guys don't mind, but I invited a select few of them over to this compartment. Lovely lads they seemed to be. Should be here any moment now."

What riff raff could this be Harry wondered slightly annoyed. Taking into account Max' miserable personality they should probably expect the arrival of the annoying Creevy brothers or some smug unbearable seventh year. Sharing a disgruntled look with Ron Harry braced himself for some sort of cloned Percy. Unfortunately they were not so lucky. Seconds later an all too familiar drawl could be heard from the open compartment door and Harry snarled loudly.

"Well, well Max, if I'd known you were inviting me to sit in with the Weasel, Pouty-Potter and their shared Mudblood girlfriend, I assure you I would have spared the energy it took for me to walk down here."

Draco Malfoy was standing in the opening flanked by Dumb and Dumber and looking, if possible, sassier than ever.

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny simultaneously jumped to their feet, their wands drawn and ready, pointing directly at the Slytherin who was smirking broadly. Ron was practically fuming and Hermione had already secured a tight grip on his robes.

"Get lost, Malfoy, if you value your health," Ron growled icily, his wand shaking with anger.

"Yeah," Harry added in a bored voice. "Honestly Max, there is really no need to bring your filthy comrades into this compartment. I was perfectly happy with the state of this cubicle but after these award-winning prats have soiled the interior of this booth I'll be forced to perform a series of complex "cleaning" charms."

Harry waved his wand carelessly in front of him as he spoke. This gesture along with the subtle hints of "cleaning" them up again, made Malfoy duck suddenly, as if he expected Harry to send random hexes at him any moment. Harry smiled viciously as he saw the effect, and shot out a few harmless red sparks for effect.

"Instead, Malfoy, I suggest you take your new buddy here with you so you all can catch up on the latest evil curses. Or wait a minute; I have an even better idea. Why don't you form a Young Death Eater Society? Wouldn't that be all cosy and nice? Now run along. Shush!"

Malfoy had by now sought refuge in the corridor and they all laughed heartily at the sight of Dumb a.k.a. Crabbe trying to hide behind Malfoy. Max had stopped smiling and looked from one to the other with something that could only be described as mild shock. Smiling like he'd just been declared a Gallionaire Ron patted Harry on the back congratulating him on scaring away "the evil threesome" as he liked to call them.

"Good riddance to bad rubbish, I'll say!" Ron exclaimed as he watched the Slytherins running down the corridor and then turned to Max with a scowl.

"What were you thinking inviting bloody Malfoy to our compartment? Are you deliberately trying to annoy us or was that just a display of your naturally bad judgment?"

Max looked somewhat uncomfortable with four pairs of distrustful and angry eyes at him, and Harry was pleased to hear him stutter and splutter for an excuse. Not all that confident anymore, huh Harry thought and was a bit surprised to find himself enjoying Max' embarrassment to such a full extent. Yet he couldn't help it. There was just something not quite right about this guy, but Harry couldn't really put his finger on what exactly this was. But he would definitely keep an eye on the bloke in the future. Just to be on the safe side...

* * *

The rest of the train ride passed without more excitement (with the exception of Trevor the toad going missing as usual, finally turning up in Lavender's make-up bag to her great displeasure and Neville's great relief). They finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station and made their way onto the platform. Instinctively Harry immediately searched the station for Hagrid's familiar huge body, but without result. Hagrid was off course on a mission negotiating with the giants but it took Harry a couple of seconds before he remembered this, and he mentally kicked himself for being so forgetful. Hermione and Ron also looked to be craning their necks looking for the half-giant. Harry discreetly mouthed the word "giants" and they both nodded understandingly in unison. Ginny however didn't seem to take notice and so Harry didn't bother commenting on it.

"First years, over here!" a voice shrieked from the other side of the platform and they immediately recognized it to belong to Madam Hooch. Lacking Hagrid's height and stature she was currently hovering over the crowd on a broomstick in order to make herself heard. The first years seemed highly impressed and loud gasps of amazement could be heard while she led them over to the path to the lake. Harry and the other students made their way over to the horseless carriages that would take them up to Hogwarts Castle.

As Harry entered the Great Hall and found his way over to the Gryffindor table, he felt the familiar and comforting feeling of coming home. Hogwarts was his favourite place in the whole world and the only place (besides The Burrow, of course) where he'd ever really felt welcome. He looked around and was comforted to see that nothing appeared to have changed over the summer. He'd feared that the return of Voldemort last year would scare some parents off, resulting refusals to send their children back, but clearly this hadn't happened. After all Hogwarts really was the safest place to be anyway.

Hermione nudged Harry's arm and pointed discreetly at the teacher's table.

"Look," she whispered excitedly. "There's a line of new teachers this year!"

Only Hermione could looks so thrilled about the teaching staff of Hogwarts Harry thought wryly. Although he reluctantly had to admit he was a smidge curious himself with so many vacant positions to fill.

"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed mirthfully making no effort whatsoever to hide who he was pointing at. "Ron!" Hermione hissed heatedly. "You don't point at people like that, it's considered extremely rude you know. Honestly, do you even have manners?"

Ron shot her an amused look. "But Hermione, that has to be the biggest hat ever worn! It was made with the sole intent of being pointed and gawked at." Harry secretly shared Ron's view but wisely kept his mouth shut as Hermione continued to edify Ron on common decorum.

"I've never seen her before," said Harry commenting on the hat-owner. "Not the youngest of witches I've seen either. Wonder what class she'll be teaching." Next to him Ginny was snickering at the sight of the new professor's abnormally large yellow hat, but thankfully in a much more subtle manner than her brother. Harry joined in on her mirth, laughing discreetly into his napkin. Suddenly however Ginny's eyes froze in a shocked expression.

"Oh Holy Hippogriff," she whispered and hurriedly gestured for the others to look at the teacher sitting at the end of the table looking kind of lost in the large chair usually reserved for Hagrid.

"It's ... It can't be true... Tell me my eyes are playing tricks on me!" Ginny mumbled looking stunned. All four sat staring with mouths open at the person who undoubtedly would be their new Care of Magical Creatures Professor this year.

It was Charlie Weasley!

"That ruddy wanker!"

Ron had finally gotten his tongue working again and was now literally fuming.

"He never told us he was going to be a teacher here!" He shook his head in despair. "Now we'll have a brother here watching our every move and making daily reports to mum. Brilliant, just brilliant," Ron muttered sarcastically.

Ginny suddenly started laughing and they all looked at her quizzically.

"What's so funny? I don't find anything particularly funny about this situation!" Ron exclaimed hotly. "You do realize he'll be hovering over us like an oversized bat, trailing our every move? Howlers will become a weekly habit if he owls mum as frequently as he does when in Romania."

"Yeah yeah tough luck for you, you rule breaking maniac," Ginny answered still sniggering. "It's just that I did notice Charlie acting a bit strange sometimes this summer, and I just assumed it was because he was in love or something. You know, because he looked really nervous at times, and I figured it was because he was working up the nerve to ask someone out. Well, in retrospect I think he was just nervous about his new job."

"Yeah, whatever," Ron said acidly. "I'm still going to kick him in the shin for not telling us! Honestly, keeping something like that from us, it's treachery that's what it is!" They all looked up at Charlie again and this time he caught their eyes and gave them a wave, which they all returned albeit in Ron's case reluctantly.

It took some time before the shock of seeing Professor Weasley wore off. Hermione also made a point of telling Ron that the terms "Weasley" and "professor" really didn't mix very well, and this set of a new bickering between the two. Harry and Ginny simply rolled their eyes and focused their attention to the teacher's table again. They still hadn't figured out which class the witch with the wacky hat was teaching. They knew it had to be either Defence Against the Dark Arts or Potions (Sirius had let it slip in one of his letters that Snape would be unable to return as a professor due to his current mission for the Order. They'd celebrated this news for three whole days), as these were the only open spots this year (besides from Care of Magical Creatures that is, but it was quite obvious to them who'd be filling that position).

Well, Harry thought, Dumbledore surely would tell them within minutes anyway. He looked over at the Headmaster who was currently in a deep conversation with someone wearing a large hooded cloak. "That has to be the last new teacher," Ginny whispered in his ear and Harry felt goose bumps trailing down his back and he barely managed to nod back.

At that moment Dumbledore rose to his feet and cleared his voice and the Great Hall immediately fell silent.

"Dear students, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. In just a few moments the first years will be sorted into their houses, but before this magnificent ceremony begins I would like to introduce you all to our three new teachers this year. Firstly we have Professor Charles Weasley that will be filling in for Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures teacher this year."

The Great Hall erupted in applause and waving hesitantly at the crowd Charlie looked to be blushing ever so slightly. A fair few of the older girls were already batting their eyelashes and winking seductively in his direction. Apparently we have ourselves a new Lockhart Harry thought wickedly, finding Charlie's obvious discomfort quite entertaining. The Slytherins were unsurprisingly the only ones to refrain from cheers and flirting.

When the cheers and catcalls finally died down Dumbledore continued. "And secondly I am proud to introduce to you Professor Figg who will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts." No one seemed to know who this witch with the bizarre hat was, but they all still applauded politely. Harry had an unnerving feeling that he'd seen her somewhere before but was unable to place her. He twisted his brains, but without result. "Argh," he thought irritably. He hated when that happened.

The next announcement however made him forget completely about the mysterious Professor Figg. Dumbledore's voice echoed once again throughout the hall as the third new teacher at the top table removed the cloak. Harry stared in amazement for a few seconds before looking over at Ron. He was already practically drooling in his seat.

"And last but not least, we welcome Professor Fleur Delacour as our new temporary Potions Master!"

It was Fleur! Harry couldn't believe it. Fleur had been a Champion representing Beauxbarton in the Triwizard Tournament the previous year, and it was no secret that Ron had been rather taken with her. Fleur was part Veela Harry knew, and Ron was very easily affected by their charm (something which had been thoroughly demonstrated at the previous Quidditch World Cup). This still seemed to be the case as Ron now sat with his mouth wide open looking at her longingly. Harry couldn't help it and let out a small laugh. He really did look like a fish out of water with his eyes wide open and was clearly unable to breathe properly at the moment. Hermione however didn't seem to find this the least bit entertaining, and proceeded to hit him rather violently over the head with her fork.

"Ouch, what did you do that for?" Ron asked without taking his eyes of Fleur.

"Really," Hermione replied obviously disgusted by Ron's evident admiration for their new Professor. "Drooling over a teacher like that. It's appalling." She snorted.

"I'm not drooling! Just appreciating the lovely scenery, that's all," Ron said and winked at Harry who just shrugged and smiled weakly at his friend. With that comment Ron and Hermione's second quarrel in less than ten minutes began, and he decided not to be dragged into it.

Professor McGonagall had now placed the old three-legged chair in front of the teacher's table and the Sorting Hat lay motionless on top of it. The first years all jumped nervously as the old bonnet moments later broke into yet a newly composed song. Once it ended and the tremendous applause died down, the first years all stood in line looking visibly nervous as McGonagall pulled out a large piece of parchment.

"When you hear your name called out," she explained patiently, "you will go up, sit on the chair and put the hat on and it will decide which House you belong to." And so she began calling the new students and one by one they made their way over to their House table with Gryffindor counting nine new members.

After the first years had been sorted, Max was the only one left. McGonagall signalled for him to take place in the chair. Harry watched closely as Max put on the hat and he crossed his fingers under the table, desperately hoping the German wouldn't end up anywhere but Gryffindor. The seconds trailed off and nothing happened. The Sorting Hat must be having trouble deciding what House Max was best suited for, Harry concluded remembering all to well his own sorting. He himself had been given a choice between Gryffindor and Slytherin; a fact that he'd never mentioned to anyone except the headmaster.

Finally the brim of the Hat opened wide and shouted out "Gryffindor!" Harry cursed loudly earning himself a questionable look from Ginny, while the rest of the Gryffindors (Ron off course being the exception) applauded wildly. Harry simply avoided Ginny's puzzled stare and turned his attention to Seamus and Dean who were now talking vividly about the latest Quidditch News.

Max joined them at the table and confidently chose the seat next to Ginny who was soon busy introducing him to everyone. Dumbledore declared the feast for open and soon the tables were filled with delicious food and Harry's dislike for Max was at least temporarily forgotten. After they'd all eaten way more than they needed, Dumbledore once again rose from his chair and signalled the students to silence.

"My dear students. Before we all retreat to our dormitories, I wish to make a few announcements. Firstly everyone should note that it is still strictly forbidden to enter the Forbidden Forest, hence the name, and Messes. Weasley should by no means regard themselves exceptions to this rule." Dumbledore looked at the two redheads at the Gryffindor Table, and Fred and George raised their goblets in a mock-toast saying, "Hear hear" in unison.

Dumbledore continued. "I hope you all have the words of my last speech fresh in mind, but for those new to the school as well as others that might have developed a slight case of selective amnesia over the summer, I will repeat my statement. Last June Voldemort returned to body. I know this because Harry Potter was there to witness it all. He barely escaped to tell the story, and I believe it is in your best interest to know what dangers that possibly lies ahead. We must therefore be strong together and put our hearts and souls into learning ways of fighting these threats to our society."

Dumbledore paused for a moment letting his gentle eyes sweep across the Great Hall. No one said a word. "We have already lost one among us to this dark and evil wizard" said Dumbledore sadly with a nod towards the Hufflepuff table. Small sobs could now be heard from around the hall as the memory of Cedric Diggory came back to them. "Since Cedric left this world at Voldemort's hand, many wizards have followed. This is only the beginning. We are once again at war, good versus evil, and I believe the good will stand victorious in the end. I hope you share my beliefs. And with that I think it is best if you all return to your Houses."

* * *

After the feast was over Hermione immediately left for the Entrance Hall where she immediately began ushering the new Gryffindors towards the seventh year Prefects who'd just received the password ("Flibberty flopp") to the Gryffindor Common room. Hermione usually loved guiding newcomers around Hogwarts, answering questions and giving out advice about this and that, but tonight she found that her heart just wasn't in it. Her mood had taken a turn for the worse when discovering that Fleur Delacour had been employed as their new Potions Master, and the very thought of what that class would be reduced to irked her. Not that she had anything against Fleur personally, not at all actually. From what she'd heard she was very talented. But her dazzling beauty made all the boys go completely gaga just looking at her and that surely couldn't be a good thing for a professor now could it?

She looked crossly at Ron who was currently walking next to Harry a few steps ahead of her, not taking any notice of her irritation. Really, Hermione frowned. The look on his face when Fleur had been introduced had been nothing short of appalling. He'd looked like a lovesick puppy with his stupid drooling. Hermione shook her head disbelievingly wondering how some people could be so shallow that the sight of a pretty face would make them loose their head completely.

Naturally she had pointed this out to Ron during the feast, but he hadn't taken her point at all. Her helpful comment had instead resulted in a very loud shouting match that'd almost led to a full-blown food fight. Hermione had to admit she'd come pretty close to chucking her pudding in his face in retaliation for some of the snide remarks he'd made about her prudence. Fortunately she'd managed to subdue her impulse just in time. It really wouldn't have been very Prefect-like, now would it?

Preoccupied with thoughts of stupid adolescent boys Hermione hadn't noticed that Ron and Harry had stopped dead two steps in front of her and without warning she walked straight into Ron's back.

"By Merlin's wand, why did you stop like that?" she asked irritably. Not receiving any form of coherent reply from the boys (Ron made a faint gagging sound and Harry was spluttering for some reason) Hermione peered curiously over their shoulder wondering what'd made them freeze to the spot like that. She looked enquiringly down the corridor and saw Lavender and Parvati standing next to a particularly ramshackle suit of armour giggling madly about something or the other. Nothing odd about that Hermione thought dryly as those two was prone to titter and gossip on a regular basis, only occasionally stopping to eat and sleep. That couldn't be it Hermione concluded, she was clearly missing something.

"What are you staring at?" She looked from Ron to Harry.

"Er," Harry began still not looking at her, a slight blush visible on his cheeks.

"Er, what?" Hermione inquired feeling a wave of impatience forming. Harry was now sporting a blush a light shade of burgundy.

"Er, it's just that, er, Lavender seems to have... You know, er, filled out a bit during the summer." He blushed even deeper and refused to meet Hermione's gaze. She turned and looked at Lavender again and now she noticed it too. To be blatantly blunt Lavender appeared to have grown out of her A-cup bra and had clearly advanced to a C-cup if not more. Well, well, well Hermione thought resignedly, this will surely only add to her already big ego. Obviously she was bound to make a lot of new male friends with advantages like that.

Harry had by now managed to snap out of his previous trance and was currently waving a hand in front of Ron's face trying (and failing) to get his attention.

"Earth to Ronald! Hello, is there anybody home?"

"Eh?" Ron answered unintelligently. "What did you say? Are you talking to me?" He was still staring at Lavender (or rather Lavender's breasts) while he spoke. Hermione felt her blood starting to boil again. Honestly, were looks and breasts the only thing Ron cared about these days? She had thought her friends were a bit more mature than this and that they realized that looks wasn't everything. Clearly she was mistaken. Hermione huffed. Boys were so immature sometimes.

"Whoa, Harry did you see the jugs on Lavender? That is just unbelievable. They're even bigger than the sets on some of the witches in those magazines I found under the twins' beds this summer." Ron seemed to be unaware of Hermione's presence and Harry gave him a piercing look and gestured for him to stop talking. Ron however was to worked up to realize what Harry meant and just kept going with his appraisal.

Hermione was now seeing red. Was she hearing correctly? Had her friend Ron stooped so low as to read dirty magazines? And he was openly admitting to this?

"ARGH!! RONALD WEASLEY, YOU DISGUST ME!"

Hermione kicked him with all the power she could muster, and was pleased to hear Ron cry out in pain as her foot hit his shin. She then turned and ran as fast as she could up the stairs, delivered the password to a very shocked-looking Fat Lady and as soon as the portrait swung open she headed straight for her dormitory. She flung down on the bed and pulled the covers well over her head. Her heart was beating at an alarmingly high rate, and it felt as though it was about to break down completely. Tears were now running down her face.

He had done it again. Why on earth did Ron always manage to infuriate and hurt her like this? Hermione heard the other girls coming in and pretended to be asleep. She wasn't in the mood to face all their questions about why she was crying. She simply couldn't bear the thought of listening to them analysing the situation and her reaction. Besides she wasn't too keen on another reminder of Lavender and her growth spurt either.

Hermione was no fool. She knew exactly why she reacted like this. She'd known since the day Ron was kidnapped and had suspected it for even longer. She was in love with him. And she hated herself for it. Why Ron of all people? He was just impossible sometimes and so different from her in every way it was annoying.

Hermione sighed. Why couldn't she just like Viktor in that way instead? It would make everything so much easier. But the fact remained that he didn't make her heart beat faster. He didn't make her blush or feel special. But Ron did. And he didn't know it, and probably didn't even care by the look of things. Judging by the way he was acting these days he sure as hell didn't feel the same way, Hermione thought gloomily. Sighing she pulled the cover tight around her and closed her eyes. When did life become so difficult?

* * *

Ron was sitting on the stone floor of the corridor massaging the spot where Hermione's foot had hit his leg just moments before. Harry was sitting in front of him with a disapproving look on his face.

"What ever did she do that for?" Ron asked. "That really hurt."

"Well, she put her whole strength into that kick, so off course it hurts," said Harry levelly. Ron thought Harry looked a bit amused. He however couldn't really see anything funny about the bruise he felt coming on.

"She's mental! What in the world got into her just now? Was it something I said?" Harry was now laughing. "You could say that," he replied.

"I don't understand her sometimes," Ron said rubbing his eyes.

"Obviously," Harry answered mirthfully. "But maybe you should try to figure this out soon?"

Harry got up and offered a hand to help Ron up.

"Figure out what exactly?" Ron asked confusedly accepting Harry's hand. Harry smiled a mysterious smile.

"Why you and Hermione always argue so much, off course."

Harry refused to elaborate any further as to what he meant by this, and so Ron went to bed that night feeling both confused and puzzled.