Harry Potter and the Gemini Connection

Chapter Six: The Problem with the Fourth House

After the eventful beginning to Harry's summer at Grimmauld Place, the rest of the holiday was fairly dull, not that he was complaining. On his actual birthday, a package from the twins had arrived, with an apology for missing the party. Apparently, their shop had been quite badly damaged in the dragon attack, and they were working flat out to make repairs. The parcel was full of prototype Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, some of which, frankly, looked lethal. There were also some of the old favourites included - a few Skiving Snackboxes, some Extendible Ears and one Portable Swamp.

Hagrid had sent a package on Harry's birthday too, full of homemade treats. Some of these were delicious, but others (such as the infamous rock cakes) were not quite edible. Harry hadn't even dared to taste the pasties, worried about which creatures might have been incorporated into them. Still, he had good fun offering the food to members of the Order, and watching their expressions as they bit into the mystery meat.

Unfortunately, something less pleasant had arrived on that morning to dampen Harry's birthday spirit. Although the Gringotts siege had happened weeks earlier, the Sunday Prophet had only just uncovered some of the facts. Mrs. Weasley had half-heartedly tried to keep the article from Harry, but she knew that he would have to see it sooner or later, and had handed it over quickly when he had asked. It had made distressing reading.

MINISTRY COVER-UP AFTER DRAGON ATTACK?

Lydia Tachbrook, War Correspondent reports...

In the aftermath of this month's attack on Gringotts, a number of discrepancies in the accounts of eyewitnesses have been made apparent. The Ministry originally issued a statement, suggesting that the dragon was merely being used in an ill-conceived attempt to steal money from the vaults.

However, in questioning the few who saw the attack beginning, all insist that rather than attempting to breach the Gringotts walls, the dragon was attempting to flatten them. They also claim that the dragon suddenly lost all interest in the bank, instead turning to attack a foolish group of unidentified witches or wizards, who had attempted to flee from the falling building.

One of the onlookers claimed that this party had included Harry Potter, who had then gone on to single-handedly disable the beast. This source seemed convinced that the dragon had been sent on an assassination mission by Voldemort himself. However, this far-fetched theory was made less credible by the insistence that The-Boy-Who-Lived had been assisted by an armed goblin.

Far more likely, in the opinion of this reporter, is that this was a Death Eater orchestrated strike to create as many innocent victims as possible, designed to strike fear into the hearts of decent wizards. This theory is strengthened by the insistence of numerous goblins that a party of Death Eaters had tunnelled into the vaults from Muggle London to murder any wizards who tried to escape that way. Gringotts' catacombs are obviously protected against Apparition and Portkey, so it is very lucky that no witches or wizards were underground at the time.

It is only down to the intervention of Aurors, that the death toll was so low. At the end of the day, only one witch had fallen victim to the dragon, a Hogwarts student named Cho Chang. Her mother, who was present at the time, refused to comment. Friends of the family say that she will be sorely missed. Cho was a well liked girl, who was a model student, and a member of a number of societies, as well as being Chaser for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.

Twelve goblins also died underground. The Ministry has categorically stated that these deaths were the result of a cave-in, although the evidence seems to point towards Death Eater involvement.

Despite these inconsistencies, no further investigation has been planned into the incident. A further cover-up by the Ministry of Magic? The truth may never be known...

It was upsetting to Harry, that despite Cho's selfless act of sacrifice, she wasn't receiving credit for it, although he couldn't exactly set the record straight without admitting his involvement. If people believed that Harry was being singled out for assassination by Voldemort, then they would start asking why.

Harry nearly sent a Howler into the Daily Prophet offices anyway. This was only the second article that he had seen of Lydia Tachbrook's, and both had been completely flippant about non-wizard deaths. He had seethed about it for a while, and then he had ripped out the article, put it together with the other one, and handed the pair to Hermione.

'Have you got any bright ideas?' he had asked her.

She had not needed any clarification, once she had read both articles thoroughly. Instead, her face had twisted into a thoughtful frown, and she had simply replied:

'Leave it with me, I'll try to think of something...'

But for the rest of the summer, Hermione did not produce any kind of plan. If Harry prodded her about it, she told him that she was working on it, but she was clearly busy with other research. Night after night, she could be seen poring over books with titles like: 'Never Put Your Faith In A Prophecy' or 'Grindelwald: A Complete History of the Great Wizarding War'. In the end, Harry decided to leave Hermione to it. There was only so much that one person could accomplish, and he trusted her to decide which research was the most important.

Harry was fairly busy with Ron anyway, searching for information about Ron's condition, although they weren't getting very far. Nothing in any medical books seemed to fit, except for magical trauma, which Dumbledore had effectively ruled out. Still, they searched on regardless, dawn to dusk, until every book in the house had been scoured cover to cover. Only then did they call it a day - vowing to continue the search once they had access to the school library. Harry suspected that Ron had never read so many books in so little time, but then he did have quite a big incentive.

- HPHPHP -

The first of September eventually came, and although the summer had seemed to go on forever, both Harry and Ron were completely disorganised on the morning. The pair of them had to go without breakfast, so that they could finish their packing. Mrs. Weasley clucked at them impatiently from the hall, as they raced to get dressed, and shoved things into bulging suitcases. It wasn't until they reached King's Cross station, that Harry realised his T-shirt was on backwards.

Still, compared to some of the mistakes that wizards were making in the clothing department, such a small irregularity was barely noticeable. All around were pure-blooded children, trying to blend in with Muggles, and doing an appalling job. The Slytherins were the worst culprits. Most of them didn't seem to care how out of place they looked. Some hadn't even bothered to try, opting for standard wizarding robes. Harry had caught sight of Draco Malfoy walking by in a long black cloak, nose held high, ignoring the bewildered glances of businessmen and women. Gregory Goyle, had made quite a valiant effort, in casual jeans and a T-shirt, but had spoiled it by tucking the jeans into a pair of green Wellington boots. Crabbe was the most obvious, his huge frame made even larger by his choice of outer wear, a thick woollen duffle coat. Given that the temperature outside was still swelteringly hot, the Muggles stared at him as though he was a particularly stupid foreigner. They were half-right. The boy looked as though he was about to faint from sunstroke.

Ron had barely finished laughing by the time they had entered the magically concealed part of the station, and he still gave the occasional snort as students piled onto the train and found compartments. Ginny was accosted by a group of fifth year students, and disappeared to find a seat with her classmates.

Despite the haste of the morning routine, the group had arrived rather earlier than normal, so Ron and Harry managed to find their own compartment. Hermione had to go and do prefect duties, but since Ron had accepted the Healer training, he had been forced to give up the position. He had definitely been less disappointed about that, than he had been about leaving the Quidditch team. He seemed positively delighted about the chance to sit back and relax for the journey.

They had just settled into their seats, after sliding the three heavy cases onto the luggage racks, when their compartment door slid open again. Standing there was a familiar girl, with long dirty-blonde locks tied into three messy plaits. A necklace of corks hung over her robes, and she was carrying a birdcage under her left arm, although it appeared to be empty. She was also dragging a suitcase along behind her.

'Do you mind if I hide in here for a bit?' Luna Lovegood asked, apologetically, 'Only, there's some Slytherins out there, looking for trouble.'

'Sure,' agreed Harry. 'In fact, you should stay in here. We've got loads of room.'

Luna smiled.

'Ok then! I wasn't sure you'd want me to. Most people don't like me hanging around for too long.'

That was the problem, thought Harry, about talking with Luna Lovegood. Aside from her crazy ideas, you could always rely on her to be brutally honest, which often made conversations very awkward. How were you supposed to respond to a statement like that?

Ron was looking slightly amused, but Luna wasn't watching him. Harry tried to keep a straight face.

'Most people are idiots. You're my friend, and you're more than welcome in here.'

Ron made kissing gestures at Harry. Harry shot him an angry glare.

'Besides,' Harry added, 'if there are Slytherins out there looking for trouble, we should all stick together.'

He got up from his seat and took Luna's case, which he crammed onto the luggage shelf alongside his own. A little brute force was required to make it fit, so he hoped there was nothing breakable inside it. Luna placed her birdcage carefully down into the seat next to Ron.

'So...' Ron asked bracingly. 'What do you have in here? A baby Demiguise or a disillusioned Crumple-Horned Snorkack?'

Luna looked at Ron as though he was crazy.

'It's an empty cage...'

Harry burst into laughter, with which Luna joined in.

'...although,' she eventually added, 'we did see a Crumple-Horned Snorkack when we were in Sweden.'

'Really?' Ron and Harry asked at about the same time.

'Well, we saw a twisted horn in some bushes, but my dad thinks that it could have been one. It was either that, or a wounded unicorn...'

Both boys slumped down in their seats.

'I have some photos. Do you want to see?'

The next twenty minutes were spent looking through blurry photographs of trees, where the occasional flash of silver could be seen flitting through a break in the leaves. Occasionally there would be a photograph of Luna or her father, but those were quickly turned over. Luna was far more interested in the hiding creatures.

The photo session was broken by the arrival of Neville, looking marginally less flustered than usual, and far happier.

'Hi,' he exclaimed cheerily. 'How were your summers?'

After Luna had finished filling Neville in on her close encounter with the Snorkack, Harry told his friends about the dragon incident. They seemed equally impressed and horrified.

'I read that newspaper article, that said you could have been involved, but I didn't believe it. I thought they were just making up rubbish. That whole thing about an armed goblin made it sound ridiculous,' Neville chimed in.

'That part was true too. I was the one who armed him...'

'WHAT?!' came Neville and Luna's voices together.

'I needed help...'

'Harry. I know you were raised with Muggles, but surely you know how much trouble you could be in for offering your wand to a goblin?'

'Yes,' Harry agreed dully. 'Mrs. Weasley told me.'

That hadn't been a fun conversation. It had come the day after the Diagon Alley attack. Mrs. Weasley had remembered her encounter with Ragnok, and wanted to report it to the Ministry of Magic. Harry had been forced to confess, which had made Ron's mother very angry. Apparently, the punishment for 'inciting goblin rebellion' was a life sentence in Azkaban. Needless to say, she had decided to keep quiet about the whole affair.

'Well,' said Neville philosophically, '...nobody seems to believe it, so no harm done I suppose.'

- HPHPHP -

It was as the train crossed the border into Scotland, that Draco Malfoy made his obligatory appearance. He was flanked by both Crabbe and Goyle, now in less humorous attire. All three were wearing smirks on their faces.

'So,' Draco began, in his annoying drawl, 'looking for a new girlfriend now, are you?'

He cast a glance at Luna, sitting beside Harry, and sneered.

'Your taste has gotten worse,' he continued venomously, 'although I expect it's hard to find people who are interested... since you got the last one killed.'

Harry stood, and faced up to Malfoy. He was disappointed to discover that the pale boy had grown over the summer - now he was a good six inches taller than Harry. Crabbe and Goyle were taller still. Nevertheless, height didn't matter in magic. The Slytherins were outnumbered here, and would be foolish to attack.

'Leave,' Harry said simply, struggling to keep his fierce temper under control.

'I don't think I want to. What do you think boys?'

Crabbe and Goyle shook their heads stupidly.

'It wasn't a request Malfoy. Look around,' Harry snapped angrily. 'You're outnumbered, and from the looks of your bodyguards, I'd say that you're outclassed. Walk away, and we don't need to duel...'

Harry had known all along that negotiation wasn't going to work, but he was still unprepared for the speed with which Draco drew his wand. Luckily, Ron had surreptitiously drawn his own wand as soon as the compartment door had been opened.

There was a yell, and a flash of light in the carriage, and then Draco staggered backwards, clutching a bleeding nose. A spell from Malfoy's wand sailed harmlessly through the open window.

Dumbly, Malfoy's hulking cronies charged forwards into the compartment, running directly into the paths of two curses, cast by Luna and Neville. The pair dropped instantly to the floor, as though shot. Goyle remained perfectly still, but Crabbe was writhing around, gibbering.

Draco meanwhile, still had one hand clamped over his nose, and was watching the scene unfold in horror. Suddenly, he tilted his head back and let out an almighty howl of pain as a large, black, winged creature forced its way out of his left nostril. The boy fell to his knees, and the howl intensified into a scream, as a second bat forced its way out of his other nostril. Ron quickly cast a counter-charm, for which Harry was grateful. Not only was the hex nauseating to witness, but if they left it for too long it was likely to get them into serious trouble. A third bat exited Draco's nose, drawing a lot of blood, and the most pathetic squeal yet, but then all was quiet for a moment.

'Wait until Professor Snape hears about this...' Draco whimpered.

Hermione's voice suddenly cut through the whining, as she marched purposefully down the train corridor.

'Yes, you can tell him about the hex, and then we can ask him why you think it's necessary to take two other students with you on your prefect rounds.'

Draco smirked again.

'Obviously, I just bumped into them outside this compartment. It was clearly a coincidence. We didn't cast any spells. These four just attacked us.'

'You were casting a hex when Ron jinxed you,' Harry cut in, 'so if they use Priori Incantatem on your wand, they'll detect it...'

Draco suddenly looked worried.

'Dark Magic?' asked Hermione, a tinge of disgust in her voice. 'Why don't you just get out of here?'

'You haven't heard the end of this!' shouted Draco, before casting an Enervate charm at the prone figure of Goyle. 'I promised I would get even with you Potter, and Malfoys keep their promises...'

Goyle dizzily stood, took in the scene, and backed up. Draco cast a sequence of counter-charms at Crabbe's twitching body, but none of them worked. Humiliated and looking thoroughly frustrated, he gave up. Taking one arm, he signalled for Goyle to do the same, and between them they dragged their accomplice away, to a chorus of snickers from the compartments that they passed.

'Nice stunner Neville. What was your spell Luna?' Harry asked, intrigued.

'Nothing dangerous, just Rictusempra. Malfoy will probably remember the counter-charm before long,' she replied in her dreamy voice.

'Nice work... I'm glad you guys were concentrating. I think Malfoy's been practising over summer. He didn't use to be so fast.'

'He must be really stupid though, to risk attacking you in here,' said Ron perplexed. 'It didn't matter how fast he was, he was never going to take us all out before we hexed him.'

'Maybe he didn't care about getting cursed, so long as he got me first,' Harry replied.

It definitely had to be accepted as a possibility. Draco's father had been imprisoned recently, for which he entirely blamed Harry. That would be quite likely to encourage some reckless behaviour, and if that was true, then it brought up new problems. Malfoy had always been a coward, who hid behind his bigger friends. It would be a lot harder to predict the actions of somebody who truly didn't care about their own safety.

'Don't we have enough to worry about already?' asked a frustrated Hermione, seemingly thinking along the same lines.

'I know. It doesn't look like this year's going to be any easier than the rest.'

Ron laughed darkly.

'At least we're expecting it this time.'

'And you've got the D.A. now,' Hermione added.

'True - I think that they'll come in handy,' Harry agreed.

'So you are carrying on with the D.A?' Neville asked excitedly. 'Even if we get a really good Defence teacher?'

'Yeah.'

Harry had thought about this question very hard. Defence Against the Dark Arts was the most important subject at the moment. Even with a good teacher, the extra practice time would be useful. Truthfully though, Harry doubted that they would get a good teacher. In five years of taking the subject, only Professor Lupin had actually been right for the job, the rest had all been restrictive or incompetent, if not downright murderous.

'Good,' said Luna, absently. 'I liked Dumbledore's Army. You were a good teacher. Far better than Umbridge was.'

Harry's face coloured slightly. He was unused to praise, especially from girls. Not that 'better than Umbridge' was much of a compliment.

- HPHPHP -

Nobody else bothered the five for the rest of the journey, and they chatted about inconsequential things: Quidditch, lessons, Neville's new wand, and the like. Ron used the peace to tell Neville and Luna about his Healer training. Both were impressed, although they weren't as surprised as Ron had expected. Neville just said that he deserved a bit of recognition, whereas Luna cryptically remarked that the job would suit him. Harry wasn't sure what she was talking about - Ron didn't have the most caring bedside manner.

Before the group knew it, the steam train was slowing into Hogsmeade station. The usual chaos ensued as students piled off the carriages onto the platform. A gigantic figure was waiting there, ready to usher the first years away. As he saw Harry, he curled one huge finger in a beckoning gesture.

'Hey Hagrid!' Harry called. 'How was your summer?'

'Not bad,' Hagrid shouted back. 'I've bin lookin' after Grawpy. Tha's why I couldn't make it to yer party.'

'Oh... and how's he doing?' Harry asked tentatively.

'Much better. Reckon I'll be able to cut 'is ropes off in a few days.'

'Are you sure?'

Grawp was a giant, but although he was Hagrid's half-brother, he had been raised in a giant colony, and was wild and vicious.

'Well... Maybe I'd best wait a week or two... But he'll not need much longer.'

Hagrid studied Harry closely.

'I'll not ask yeh how yer summer was, 'cos Dumbledore's told me all about it - but yeh know where I am if yeh want to talk...'

'Yeah...' replied Harry sadly.

'And you two...' he said, nodding at Neville and Ron as the group approached. 'Professor McGonagall wants to see yeh, when yeh get up to the school. Said yeh should go straight to 'er office. Dunno what it's about though.'

'I think I do...' replied Ron. 'It'll be about my timetable for Madam Pomfrey...'

Harry thought that Ron was probably right, although that didn't explain why Neville had been summoned too. Neville seemed to be having the same thought, and his skin had paled a little in grim anticipation.

'Don't worry about it Neville,' Hagrid said, in what was clearly supposed to be a soothing voice. 'Looked like she was in a good mood. I don't think yer in trouble.'

But as Harry led his friends towards the Thestral-drawn carriages, Neville didn't seem to relax at all. The skeletal horses weren't exactly useful when trying to induce a state of calm.

Neither Ron nor Hermione could see the creatures, which surprised Harry somewhat, as they had both been there when Cho had died. Maybe they had been preoccupied at the time though - the situation had been fairly intense. Nearby in the crowd of people, Harry heard a gasp, and as he turned, he recognised Ginny's red hair. She had clearly been shocked by a newfound ability to see the animals. Harry wondered if he should go and talk to her about it, but then he recognised Dean Thomas, clasping her hand tightly. It looked like he was making a good job of soothing her, and Ginny didn't need to be overcrowded. Harry climbed into the closest empty carriage, watching the redhead until she passed out of sight. Then he turned his attention back to Hagrid, who now had a crowd of small children around him, and tried to guess which ones would end up in Gryffindor. None of them looked particularly brave, although that wasn't surprising. Harry remembered how overwhelmed he had been at the beginning of his first year. They were probably all imagining horrific sorting procedures, and preying to be sorted into a specific house.

The coach began to move forwards, and soon Harry had forgotten all about the group of children. Hogwarts would be coming into view soon, and shortly after that, he would be tucking into a welcoming feast. Anticipation of that swiftly drove all other thoughts from his mind.

- HPHPHP -

It was very odd thought Harry, as he took his place in the Great Hall twenty minutes later, to be sitting here with only Hermione for company. Usually it was Harry himself that was called away, and missed the sorting. It was quite nice actually, he decided, not to be the centre of attention for a change. Gryffindors around him were having whispered conversations, but the snippets that he overheard were not solely about him. He definitely heard Ron's name once, as well as Neville's. People had obviously learned more about the 'Department of Mysteries incident' than the Daily Prophet had reported.

Dumbledore stood and signalled for silence. The noise slowly began to die down, but it took a further stern word from the Headmaster to completely stop the talking. He raised his wand and flicked it towards the doors. As they swung open, a terrified parade of eleven year olds entered, most staring intently at their feet. Professor Snape followed the crowd in - he was clearly acting as usher in McGonagall's absence. The pupils at the back of the bunch kept shooting him nervous glances. It looked as though the Potions Master had already begun to terrorise the new intake. Harry found that his blood was heating up. He tried his best to calm himself - it was ridiculous to become infuriated by the greasy wizard before they had even spoken to each other.

Harry's attention was fortunately diverted by the arrival of the sorting hat, which was carried into the hall on its special stool. As Professor Sprout placed it into its usual position, it sat perfectly still for a moment. The Herbology teacher retreated to her seat on the staff table. Then without any warning the hat twitched, and burst into song.

When Hogwarts first was founded here,

In ancient history,

The students were a single group,

Who lived in harmony.

But peace could never last for long,

And soon the founders fought,

Because they didn't have the staff,

For all kids to be taught.

And so they had to make the choice,

Of who should be accepted,

But couldn't reach agreement,

On any lists suggested.

Eventually the teachers snapped,

And reached a compromise,

They'd quarter up the intake,

And each choose skills they prized.

Well, that worked very well for them,

But now they all are gone,

The school is big enough for all,

But houses linger on.

The red and gold of Gryffindor,

Adorns the lion's cave,

Which houses noble students,

The courageous and the brave,

The green and silver serpent's lair,

Where Slytherin once stood,

Is open to the cunning,

If they are pure of blood,

The black and yellow badger's set,

Where Hufflepuffs belong,

Is for those who work the hardest,

And whose loyalty is strong,

The nesting place of Ravenclaws,

Is clad in bronze and blue,

Acceptance comes to thinkers,

If their intellect is true,

And everyone has traits from each,

Which makes you hard to sort,

But if you place me on your head,

I'll see your every thought,

Then doomed I am to split you,

Though I wish it wasn't so,

For separating talents,

Helps your differences to grow,

And so to end the war outside,

First set the inside right,

And close the rift that I have built,

Before you go to fight.

'Cos though last year the work began,

With unity for three,

The task will not be over,

Until all four groups agree.

The school will never be as strong,

When it has been divided,

Through tolerance or ignorance,

Your fate will be decided.

Remember how I warned you,

When you wonder what went wrong,

Don't say I didn't tell you so,

In this, the sorting song.

A swift hush fell over the room. Dumbledore began to clap, but he was one of the few that did. The noise echoed around the hall awkwardly.

After the sparse applause had faded, whispered conversations began to erupt.

'Well, that was interesting...' remarked Hermione.

'I don't know,' Harry replied, 'it was pretty similar to last year wasn't it. The hat's clearly still worried.'

'Didn't you hear that bit about 'unity for three'?'

'Yeah... why? What do you reckon all that's about?'

'Isn't it obvious?'

Harry gave Hermione an infuriated look. She could be very annoying when she knew something that he didn't.

'The hat was talking about the D.A!'

Harry thought that this was very unlikely. Teaching a small bunch of students a few defensive charms didn't exactly constitute 'uniting the houses'. He told Hermione as much. She looked set to argue, but stopped herself, because Professor Sprout was beginning to read out names for the sorting ceremony.

Not many names jumped out at Harry, although he recognised a few brothers and sisters of students he knew. One boy, Adam Bones, was probably related to Susan - and he was sorted into Hufflepuff with her. Then there was Michael Creevey - clearly another sibling of Colin and Dennis. Harry was quite glad when the young boy was sorted into Ravenclaw, as his brothers had become something approaching stalkers.

The ceremony continued, until finally a tiny little girl, called Maria Zabini, was placed into Ravenclaw. That name was familiar as well, and sure enough, when Harry chanced a glance at the Slytherin table, it was to see Blaise Zabini giving her polite, friendly applause. Well that was an interesting connection. Generally, being a Slytherin was something that carried on through families. Blaise looked proud, but was he secretly disappointed in his sister? What about his parents, would they be upset? Or maybe the Zabinis were different. After all, there had to be some nice Slytherins - an entire quarter of the school couldn't be evil.

Harry honestly didn't know anything about Blaise, the boy kept to himself, although he didn't often laugh at Draco's Gryffindor putdowns. Maybe he was different...

Whilst Harry was thinking, Dumbledore had stood. He gestured to the door again with his wand, and it burst open, to admit a face which was familiar but completely unwelcome.

'I would like to introduce your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Some of you may remember him from the Triwizard Tournament, but for the younger students, and for those with amnesia - this is Professor Karkaroff.'

Not many people had waited until the end of that announcement to begin grumbling and muttering amongst themselves, and a few people on the Slytherin table seemed to be having heated arguments.

Harry wasn't surprised. It was common knowledge that Karkaroff had once been a Death Eater, and it was also common knowledge that the man was currently supposed to be in hiding, fearing for his life. Why would Dumbledore choose a man with such a dark past for the Defence post? Surely somebody else would have accepted? Now there were two former Death Eaters teaching at Hogwarts.

Dumbledore did not seemed to be at all phased by the frosty reception his new teacher had received.

'As I am sure most of you know, Professor Karkaroff was once the Headteacher at Durmstrang Academy. At the moment, it is not possible for him to maintain that post, so he has agreed, in the meantime, to teach here. His knowledge of Dark methods is unsurpassed, so I advise you to pay heed to his lessons.'

Although the uproar in the room did not die down, Igor Karkaroff acknowledged Dumbledore's respectful words with a short, sharp nod. He didn't seem to have expected a warmer greeting. He moved to an empty seat quickly.

'There are just a few further announcements,' Dumbledore continued. 'Madam Pomfrey has requested assistance in her duties this year, so we have assigned a sixth year student - Ronald Weasley - to help her. As he will have a large amount to learn, can I request that all visitors to the hospital wing be understanding.'

There were further arguments from the Slytherin table. Draco in particular looked like he wanted to punch something. From where he was sitting, Harry couldn't hear any of the words coming out of the boy's mouth, but he lip-read some foul insults.

'Also, due to Mr. Weasley's busy schedule, we have assigned Neville Longbottom to take over his Gryffindor prefect position.'

Malfoy said something which made Crabbe and Goyle laugh. Harry wondered if he could throw his knife that far, but he thought that he would probably miss. Draco's murder would have to wait until later.

'And now...' Dumbledore said, grandly.

The old Headmaster gave an extra complicated wand swish, and the silver platters on the tables filled with foods of all kinds.

'...dig in!'

But Harry did not immediately fill his plate. Instead he turned to Hermione to discuss Karkaroff's appointment.

'Well,' she said. 'Looks like we know who Charlie was hunting for now...'

'Oh yeah, you're probably right... Well, I'm not surprised that Karkaroff wanted the job. I mean, if Charlie could track him down, then what chance did he stand against Voldemort? At least he'll be safe here.'

'True.'

'But... Why is Dumbledore letting him teach us Defence? He's refused Snape that job for ages, and he says he trusts Snape.'

'I don't know... He must have a reason though...'

Ron's voice joined the conversation, from above Harry's head.

'Maybe, but you saw who we got last year... Maybe there wasn't another option.'

Harry shrugged, and made room for Ron to sit down. Ron didn't waste any time in filling a plate with meat. Further down the table, Neville also sat down and started to chat with Seamus and Dean.

'He might be a good teacher,' said Hermione, although Harry could tell she didn't really believe it.

'Yeah...' spluttered Ron sarcastically, through a mouthful of chicken, 'and I might be a proper Healer one day,' he paused to swallow. 'Honestly, all these books McGonagall gave me are stupid...'

He nodded towards a rucksack that he'd kicked under the table.

'I'll never learn everything in there. And you should see my timetable... I have about a million Healing lessons a week, and I'm supposed spend all of my free periods in the Hospital wing. I bet I go mad in about a week...'

'Go?' quizzed Harry lightly, as he spooned mashed potatoes onto his plate.

Ron punched him on the arm, and Harry smiled back winningly.

'I'm sure you'll be ok, once you get used to it,' Hermione said, trying to be reassuring.

'Yeah, McGonagall said that too. I don't know what we did to get on her good side, but she was being really friendly to Neville and me...'

Harry laughed.

She's probably just grateful to all of us for getting rid of Umbridge...

'If that's the reason, then we'd better hide Hermione - she'll probably propose to her or something.'

Hermione sniggered.

'She's not really my type...'

'Really?' asked Ron sarcastically, before absentmindedly adding, 'so what is then?'

Hermione froze, and then went bright red. It looked as though she had suddenly forgotten how to breathe.

'It... it doesn't matter...' Ron added, before going a similar colour himself. He stuffed a heaped spoon of potato into his mouth, which he promptly began to choke on.

Harry inwardly groaned. This was getting ridiculous...

- HPHPHP -

As Harry laid in his bed that night, he thought more about the sorting hat. Could Hermione possibly have been right? Was it singing about the D.A? It was true that he had spoken to more Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs last year, because of his Defence club, but it seemed far-fetched to think that the D.A. mattered in the grand scheme of things. Still, his mind kept coming back to the end of the song...

Though last year the work began,

With unity for three,

The task will not be over,

Until all four groups agree.

The school will never be as strong,

When it has been divided,

Through tolerance or ignorance,

Your fate will be decided.

If the hat really was singing about Dumbledore's Army, then there was a problem, in the shape of the fourth house. Harry hadn't tried to recruit Slytherins. He hadn't ever even spoken to a Slytherin politely (although conversely, none had ever spoken politely to him). The song seemed to be saying that if the Slytherins couldn't be accepted, the war would be lost.

The question of how much faith to put in a hat was also running through Harry's head. Nevertheless, he couldn't help trusting the magical object, which had helped him to defeat a basilisk at the age of twelve.

Not for the first time this year, Harry's sleep was very restless indeed.