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Author: RdeHwyll Story: Harry Potter and the Philtre of Promise Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: Completed Reviews: 5 Words: 101,355
"Ginny, wake up! It's time for breakfast!" Hermione's voice split her cloud of sleep, and Ginny groaned softly. "Already? Let me sleep five more minutes, please?" She rolled over, pulling the blanket over her head. "Ginny, you have to get up! We go to Hogwarts today, in just two hours and seventeen minutes!" came Hermione's voice again, and the blanket was pulled away. "We have to be ready when our Portkey goes off!" One eye cracked open slightly, and Ginny let out a soft moan. "I didn't get enough sleep." "That's our own fault. We stayed up way too late last night. I'm tired --" Hermione paused to yawn, "-- too." Ginny sat up and rubbed her eyes, then stopped, slowly lowering her hands and staring at her ring finger. The diamond sparkled in the sunbeam through the window, and a smile spread across her face. "Think Harry and Ron are up yet?" "I don't know. I haven't heard them, so they might still be asleep." "If they are, why don't we go wake them?" Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she climbed out of bed and wrapped her dressing gown around herself. "Let's go play 'Sleeping Beauty'." "Ginny! You don't mean --" "Oh, yes I do. They will have to get used to it soon, anyway, so a little practice will be just the thing to keep our men happy! Besides, I bet Ron was disappointed you didn't say goodnight to him. Kissing him awake might make up for that!" "Well... All right. It might be fun to see their expressions." The two young women crept quietly out of the room and down the hall. The sounds and smells of breakfast being prepared were wafting up the stairway as they passed, and they paused as voices downstairs became audible. "...Yes, normally they would travel to Hogwarts by way of the Hogwarts Express, but due to the heightened security worldwide, the Ministry of Magic has decreed that all students would arrive by Portkey. The train is too big of a risk, too many variables the Ministry cannot control that could cause problems between London and Hogsmeade. That's why it was safer to distribute Portkeys to each student -- they'll arrive at the gates to Hogwarts and be safe on the grounds almost immediately," Mr. Weasley's voice came from below. "Perhaps so," replied Mrs. Weasley, "but it's a shame that so honoured a tradition has to be set aside." "Traditions be hanged -- It's safety that matters! Constant Vigilance, I say!" Mad-Eye Moody's voice rumbled. The two young women hurried on down the hall, and both gave a start and suffered a sudden moment of anxiety when the door to Ron and Harry's room squeaked loudly as they opened it. The two young men were still asleep, Ron snoring as he lay on his back. Harry had tangled himself in his blankets during the night. Ginny held a finger to her lips and tiptoed to Harry's bedside. Hermione stepped carefully around Ron's bed and then held up three fingers. Ginny nodded at the signal and copied it. The two counted down in unison, then each bent over the sleeping form before them and brushed their lips softly with a kiss. Ron responded by slapping at the air, as if to brush away an insect, while Harry merely smiled in his sleep. Both girls stifled giggles and then by unspoken agreement repeated the process. This time, Harry reacted by rolling to the side and pulling his legs up, tangling the covers further. Ron once more slapped at the air. The two exchanged knowing looks and Ginny pointed to Harry's ear. Hermione nodded, a smile of wicked intent on her face. Three, two, one; each bent over and kissed their respective victims right on the inner fold of the ear, flicking them with their tongues and making little sucking noises. Both Ron and Harry started awake with a shout of surprise, cringing away from the unexpected dampness and noise, while the two girls broke into hearty laughter. "Bloody hell, Hermione," cried Ron, rubbing furiously at his ear, "Why did you do that?" while Harry stared in surprise at Ginny, then broke into laughter himself. "Time to get up, sleepyhead," giggled Ginny, bending over her fiancé and kissing him. "Oh, I'm awake now," replied Harry, pulling Ginny down atop him on the bed with a hug, returning the kiss and adding something to it. Meanwhile, Hermione had sat down on the bed, twisting slightly as she bent at the waist and quieted Ron with a passionate kiss of her own. Several moments of quiet passed, the exchange of kisses growing in passion until -- "Virginia Weasley! Ronald Weasley! Hermione Granger! Harry Potter! What do you four think you're doing?" All four of the teens started in surprise. Hermione tried to stand up, but slid off the bed instead, landing with a loud thump, while Ginny rolled herself off Harry, and also fell to the floor. Harry tried to stand quickly on the opposite side of the narrow bed, but the tangled blankets fouled the attempt, making him lose his balance and sprawl sideways onto the bed. Only Ron saw the source of the loud shout, and responded with a cry of his own. "Mum!" Molly Weasley stood in the bedroom doorway, hands balled into fists on her hips, her arms akimbo and her face red with both embarrassment and anger. "Please tell me I am not seeing what I think I'm seeing! How long have these shenanigans been going on? What do you have to say for yourselves? I cannot believe you are doing this! How could you? I did not raise my children to behave in this manner! And you Hermione Granger and Harry Potter -- I am sorely disappointed in the both of you!" "Mum --" "Acting like this! I cannot believe my eyes! Wallowing in bed like profligates and harlots!" "Mum --" "Dear heavens above, please tell me the four of you at least had the sense to use protective spells and potio --" "Mum!" Ginny out-shouted her mother, causing Molly to pause in mid-tirade long enough for her to say, "We were only kissing!" "Kissing? Is that what you call it? Rolling around in your nightclothes and--" Molly's shouts cut off suddenly, causing the room to become silent, though she continued to mouth words for a few seconds more, apparently the recipient of a silencing spell. From behind her came a voice that seemed calm in comparison, "Will someone please tell me what's going on here?" Both Ginny and Hermione had regained their feet and both tried to explain at the same time that Ron started to deny any knowledge of what had happened other than being woken. The ensuing babble made no sense whatsoever to any listener and a commanding voice shouted, "Quiet!" By this time, Harry had unwound the sheet and blanket from where he had tangled in it and stood up, while Mrs. Weasley had turned and glared at the person just outside the door. There stood Mr. Weasley, his wand in hand and doing a fair bit of glaring himself. "Harry, why don't you tell me why my wife is so upset," he commanded. Harry started to answer, but was cut off by Ginny's raised voice. "It's my fault, Daddy . Ron and Harry were asleep and I convinced Hermione that we should wake them up with kisses. Mum came in, caught us in mid-kiss and jumped to the wrong conclusion." "Hermione, is that what happened?" asked Mr. Weasley. Hermione was flushed red with embarrassment and answered with a nod of her head. Arthur shifted his gaze to his son. "That's what woke me up, Dad. I -- erm..." his ears flushed a deep red, "I, uhm, kind of returned the favour." "Me, too, sir. It really wasn't all Ginny's fault -- she wouldn't have let things get very far..." Harry trailed off, realizing just how what he had said might sound as Mr. Weasley quirked an eyebrow and turned his gaze directly toward him. "I see," he replied and then looked at his wife. She was quite red in the face with anger, but he shook his head and it appeared she started to calm down. "Finito Incantatum!" "Arthur, what are you going to do? How do we punish such behaviour?" Mrs. Weasley was no longer shouting, but the anger in her voice and her demeanour definitely signified trouble in the not too distant future. He turned his gaze to the four teens. "Hermione, Virginia, will you please return to your room and get dressed. I'll speak to you in a few minutes." The two girls acquiesced silently and edged past Mrs. Weasley to disappear down the hallway. "Ronald, Harry -- I am not pleased with your behaviour this morning. I fear there is not sufficient time for me to speak to you properly before you leave for Hogwarts, but you will not get out of listening to what I have to say. I will be arranging to visit you both at Hogwarts as soon as possible. In the meantime, I want you to think about what happened today, and to consider just what we think might have occurred --" he fixed his gaze on Harry, "-- if Molly hadn't come in when she did. Now get dressed and get down to breakfast." His voice had been calm, but intense as he spoke. Coupled with the hardened stare he used as he looked at them, it was more than effective. Ron and Harry both were pulling clothing out of their trunks before he had turned and led his wife away. Ron was finished dressing first, but only by seconds. As he and Harry were heading down the stairway, they could hear Mr. Weasley's voice speaking in the same calm manner to the girls. "Ron, are we in serious trouble?" "You could say that," Ron replied softly. "I think I'd prefer to do a month of detentions with Snape. When Dad speaks in that tone of voice, we all know it's best to stay out of his sight for at least a week." "Oh..." Harry swallowed hard. Ron and Harry were silent at the breakfast table, and when Ginny and Hermione joined them a few minutes later, the silence only deepened. The four even avoided looking at each other. After they had cleared away the remains of breakfast and washed the dishes, they returned to their respective rooms, finished any last minute packing, levitated their trunks downstairs, and sat silent in the kitchen until it was time to use their Portkey. The only sounds were the purring of Crookshanks and an occasional chirp from Hedwig. *** Harry felt the familiar jerk behind his stomach as the Portkey activated and in no time at all, found himself and the others at the front gates to Hogwarts. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Weasley have arrived," a voice intoned. Harry looked behind himself for the source and was surprised to find it was Madame Pomfrey who had spoken, apparently helping the centaur Divination professor" Firenze, who was checking off names on a list. "Move along, everyone, get onto the grounds quickly. There are still more students to come. Your personal effects will be taken to your rooms for you." The four students hurried between the open gates just as a loud crack announced the next arrival. "Miss Brown has arrived," came Madame Pomfrey's voice from behind them. For some reason, the sight of Hogwarts did not cheer Harry quite as much as it had in the past. Perhaps it was because he knew this would be his final year at the ancient school, and that, added to the dread of Mr. Weasleys' visit, put him in a melancholy mood. He started in surprise when someone grasped his hand. "I'm sorry I got everyone into trouble this morning," said Ginny, her eyes bright with sorrowful tears. "I just wanted to surprise you." "It wasn't entirely your fault. I pulled you onto the bed, and that is what caused your mother to think -erm, what she did. I didn't help matters much when I answered your father, either," Harry squeezed her hand gently and smiled. "And it was a nice way to wake up." "Gryffindors to me, please," called out Professor McGonagall. She was standing with several of their classmates gathered together in a small crowd on the lawn. The few first-year students who had arrived were being herded toward Hagrid, who towered above them, his wild beard and hair only partially hiding the great smile he wore. Harry waved, and Hagrid waved back. He could be heard calling out, "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Step lively now!" Shortly, they had joined the crowd of Gryffindors, said hello to friends within the house, and sorted themselves into groups of the appropriate years. Professor McGonagall asked for quiet. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. Due to the need for scheduling arrivals by Portkey, the students from both Ravenclaw and Gryffindor are here well ahead of the normal arrival time, as are about half of the first-year students. That means some adjustments have had to be made. The Feast and Sorting will be held tonight as usual, but since it is just before noon and the students from the other two houses are scheduled for arrival later in the day, you should now go to your rooms, unpack those things you will need, then meet in the Great Hall for a boxed luncheon. The password into the Gryffindor Common Room at this time is 'Knickerbocker'. Thereafter, you are free to roam the grounds, remembering that the forest is still forbidden to all students. Your class schedules have been posted in the common room. Any questions?" A third year student -- one whose name Harry could not immediately remember -- raised his hand. "Will there be Quidditch this year?" "That question has not yet been settled. An announcement should be forthcoming, perhaps tonight at Feast. Any other questions?" There were none. "In that case, I suggest you all go get settled in. Prefects, I wish to see you in the Transfiguration classroom at four. I will see the rest of you tonight at the feast. "The crowd of Gryffindors began to break up, most heading towards the castle, but a few loitered about, speaking to friends not seen for the past two months. Harry said hello to Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom, then looked around, trying to spot Ginny, who had seemingly disappeared. Ron and Hermione were walking away, holding hands as they went and talking softly. Harry began to wonder if Ginny had already left, when a pair of hands covered his eyes. "Guess who!" Knowing with certainty that the hands and voice belonged to Ginny, Harry played dumb. "Seamus?" he asked. "No, you silly." "Neville?" "No!" "Hmmmmmm... If you're not Seamus or Neville, then you must be --" "You had better get it right, Harry," Ginny's voice giggled. "No. It couldn't be. Cho Chang?" grinned Harry, swiftly turning around and wrapping his arms around Ginny. "Wrong again. No prize for you," laughed Ginny. "Oh, there was a prize? I wonder what it would have been?" Harry mock-pouted ."Only one of these," replied Ginny, pulling him down and kissing him. "Just my luck," said Harry after she had pulled away. "I never seem to win anything of importance. Perhaps I might have another chance?" "We'll see about that," Ginny laughed teasingly. "I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get hungry. Let's go eat that lunch we've been promised." "All right," answered Harry, releasing her from the hug and taking her hand. They both started toward the castle, and were climbing the steps to the front doors when Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker and someone who was not immediately identifiable due to the hooded robes he wore came hurrying out, a number of square white boxes and a picnic hamper floating along behind them. "Move out of the way, you two," grumbled Filch. "We have to take the first-years their noon meals." Harry and Ginny stepped aside, letting the duo and the boxes pass. Ginny watched them continue down the steps and across the lawn, and then turned to Harry. "That was Professor Farmwood, wasn't it?" "I think so. But we‘ve got to remember to call him Professor Farthinwald. There has to be a good reason he is hiding his identity. I think Professor Dumbledore has brought him here to hide from Voldemort. At least, that's the theory I've come to." "That makes sense," agreed Ginny. They resumed their climb and in less than a minute were in Hogwarts Entry Hall. Ginny pulled Harry to a stop, pointed back, and up above the entrance. "There -- that's the Emeritus Plaque I told you about. Everyone who has taught anything here at Hogwarts and left is listed. Even that horrible Umbrage woman." "So I see. There's Remus' name," he said as his eyes picked out the familiar name. "And look, there's Quirrell, Gilderoy Lockhart, Barty Crouch and Mackenzie O'Filisteer's names, too," listing each of the Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers from the past few years. Looking further up the plaque, he found Dr. Farmwood's name as well, along with many names, some of which were familiar and others he did not recognize. One name in particular caught his eye, well up towards the top of the plaque. "Professor Magnus Potter? I wonder if he's one of my ancestors? I will have to remember to look that up in Hogwarts: A History. I never thought to check the instructors list for relatives." "There's Gwyniffyr Weasley, too," said Ginny, pointing. "She was a nine-times-great aunt of Daddy's -- ten-times-great for my brothers, and me too, I guess. She taught Care of Magical Creatures here from 1667 to 1701." Scanning the long list of names on the plaque, Harry found several more familiar surnames -- Figg, Finnegan, Patil, Crabbe, Chang, Diggory, Black -- even a Mandrake Malfoy. "I guess he was probably Head of Slytherin House while he was here," mused Harry. "Let's go eat lunch, Harry, " said Ginny, pulling him by the arm. "You can come back here later if you want to read all the names, but right now I'm hungry -- and I want to show off my engagement ring!" As they entered the Great Hall, they found that most of the students had already finished their lunches and left, or were in the process of doing so. Only Ron and Hermione, leaning close to each other, oblivious to the few younger students seated and talking at the far end of the table, were still eating. 'Eating', however, probably wasn't the proper term so much as 'sitting in place and ignoring the food and while they stared dreamily into each other's eyes.' The Hufflepuff and Slytherin tables were devoid of anyone, and only five or six Ravenclaws remained. Ginny nudged Harry to gain his attention, and whispered, "Want to see Ron jump?" as her eyes sparkled mischievously. "How are you going to make that happen?" "Watch and see, Mr. Potter, watch and see." Ginny slipped over to circle around the Hufflepuff table and come up behind Ron. When she was almost to the table, she shouted in a voice that sounded very much like her mother's, "Ronald Weasley! What do you think you're doing?" Ron reacted with a sudden start, jumped up, and started turning around. "We weren't doing anything, Mum, We were just --" he said before he could see who had yelled, his ears and face turning scarlet. Everyone still in the room had turned to see who had raised her voice, and were now laughing at Ron's discomfiture. When he saw who had really shouted, he started to climb over the bench calling out , "Virginia Weasley, I'm going to kill you!" Only Hermione's grabbing his wrist stopped him from carrying through with his threat, even though her face was red with embarrassment too. "Ron, you know you don't mean that. So what if she embarrassed us? Put it aside for now --We've got the whole term to get... revenge," she said, emphasizing the final word and glaring icily at Ginny. Ginny, in response, turned a bit pale and hurried back to Harry's side. "I suddenly don't feel like eating inside. Would you like to take our lunches and have a picnic?" "Ginny, don't worry about Ron. You know he'll calm down soon, and everything will be fine again." "It isn't Ron I'm worried about," she responded. "Oh..." said Harry, realizing what she meant and glancing back to where Hermione sat glaring toward them. "Y'know, I think a picnic is a great idea." He stepped over to the table, picked up the two remaining boxed lunches and trailed Ginny back out the doors and outside. The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly enough, though at first Ginny was a bit jumpy, looking over her shoulder at every little sound. They had situated themselves close to the Quidditch pitch, which gave them a view of the Gates where the rest of the students were arriving, but was far enough away so they would not be disturbed. Harry had disposed of the remains of their picnic with a Deletrius spell, and the young couple had lain back on a blanket Ginny had conjured and watched the clouds drift by. Ginny's head had rested on Harry's arm, between the elbow and shoulder, and she had fallen asleep as the afternoon progressed. Not wanting to disturb her, he spent the time gazing lovingly at his red-haired fiancée, watching the clouds and birds pass overhead, and imagining what it would be like to be married. When Ginny shifted in her sleep, she rolled toward him, laid her arm across his chest, and then snuggled closer. In that position, Harry lost his view of her face, but her warm breath on his neck and the closeness was just as comforting. It was near sunset when she awoke. "I fell asleep, didn't I?" she asked Harry, moving closer and laying her head on his chest. "Yes, you did," Harry smiled back. "You make a very comfortable pillow. Thank you for not waking me -- I really needed to have a nap." "Why is that?" "I didn't get much sleep last night. Hermione and I were talking about --" She paused for a moment, "--about wedding plans." "Already?" "Of course! There are some things that just have to be ironed out long before the wedding," she said, raising up on one arm, and leaning over him. She smiled and dropped down to plant a brief kiss on his lips. "We had better get back to the tower and change into our robes. It will be time for the Sorting and Feast soon." Harry climbed to his feet, then offered a hand to help Ginny get up. As they strolled toward the castle, Ginny placed her arm across his back, and encouraged him to put his arm in position across her shoulders. "I just want to be close to you as much as possible," she informed him. As they climbed the stairs to the portrait of the fat lady in the pink dress that hid the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny let go of Harry and hurried a few steps upward, then turned to face him. She indicated he should stand on the step below where she waited. "I just want to try something. Come closer, Harry." Harry moved to the spot just in front of her, watching Ginny's eyes sparkle with mischief. By standing on the higher step, her face was level with his. Wrapping her arms around Harry's neck, she leaned forward a bit and kissed him. "I thought so," she said after relaxing the hold that she had on him. "Kissing you this way is much more comfortable. I don't have to strain upwards at all." "And I don't have to lean over," smiled Harry. "Of course, a single successful experiment doesn't mean any repetition will be successful. We should keep testing your hypothesis to see if it holds true." He leaned forward this time, placing his hands on Ginny's waist and pulling her slightly towards him. His kiss lingered a bit longer, and when he finally broke away, he declared, "The second experiment seems to have been successful as well. I believe we should test this theory a hundred -- No, a thousand times more -- to get an accurate statistical sampling." Ginny giggled and pulled away. "Those experiments can wait until later, Mr. Potter. Right now, we have to go change into our robes." She turned and hurried to the top of the stairs. Harry followed, and after giving the password, they both climbed through the hole into the Common Room. "Meet me back here in five minutes, and we'll go down to the Feast together," said Ginny, hurrying to the stairs that led upward to the female dormitories. "Right," answered Harry, running up the opposite stairway and into the familiar circular dorm room with the five beds. He met Dean Thomas as he entered. "Hello Dean." Dean's answer was brief, as he seemed more interested in getting his robes straightened and out the door. "Hi, Harry. I'm -- uhm -- in a hurry. We'll talk later. -- Bye." With that, Dean left at a run. Harry chuckled to himself, for he had seen Dean chatting up Hannah Abbott earlier, and had a fair idea of what was so important. Hurrying to his bed, he flung open his chest, and dug out his school robes. Luckily, he had the sufficient foresight to pin his prefects badge in place on the topmost robe when he packed, and so was able to reach the common room before Ginny. While he waited, he took the opportunity to scan the lesson schedules. Throughout the week, he found, his first lesson of the morning was dedicated to learning a basic knowledge of every doctrine he had not previously studied -- Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies -- followed by Transfiguration. Next was a double lesson, either in Potions or in History of Magic depending on the day. Following lunch, Care of Magical Creatures alternated days with a block of time called Independent Studies. Monday through Thursday's last two lessons were Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Friday afternoons were still free to allow for studying and recreational activities. Harry sighed. "Well, at least I won't have to face Snape until the end of the day." "Harry? Could you come help me please?" Ginny's voice sounded from the stairway. "What is it? " he replied, in motion at her call. Ginny was dressed in her school robes, her Prefects Badge in place just above the swell of her left breast. She had taken time to pull her hair back into a ponytail, the orange-red locks cascading down her back, and stood waiting on the first step of the stairs. "Is something wrong?" asked Harry as he hurried toward her. "No, not wrong. Just stand there please." She pointed to a spot on the floor directly in front of her. "Ginny, what are you--" His question was cut off suddenly as Ginny grasped him around the neck and pulled him into a long kiss. "Well, that was experiment number three. Another successful test of the 'Virginia Weasley Elevated Osculation Exercise'," she said as she finally pulled away. "Now come on, we have to hurry. We have to be in place before the first-years are sorted." Ginny grasped his hand and led him out through the common room, out the hole in the wall, and down the staircase. They entered the Great Hall and hurried to the Gryffindor table, sliding into their seats just as the door to the waiting room opened, and Professor McGonagall led the band of nervous and worried-looking first-years to stand in the accustomed place to wait for their sorting. There were far fewer first-years than in the past, Harry noted, and found that faintly troubling. "Where were you two?" hissed Hermione from across the table. "You both missed the prefects' orientation -- if it wasn't for the fact that classes haven't started yet, you would have cost us about 50 house points! Professor McGonagall was furious!" "Sorry," said Ginny, "It's my fault -- I fell asleep and Harry didn't want to wake me." "You fell asleep? Just what were you and Harry doing that tired you out that much?" asked Ron, looking decidedly unhappy with his sister and best friend. "Nothing that should concern you, Ronald Weasley," sniffed Ginny, turning away from the conversation and focusing her attention on the Sorting Ceremony. As the stool and Sorting Hat were brought in and placed in front of the first-years, Harry took a moment to look around the Great Hall. The Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables seemed to have the normal complement of students seated around them, but the Slytherin table was quite different. It was very sparsely populated, with perhaps a quarter of the usual number of students in place. Jordan Rivers, a fourth-year student, seated next to Harry, saw him staring at the depopulated table, leaned over and whispered, "Most of them just didn't show up at the gates. Looks like only the ones who treated others halfway decently are left." Just then, the Sorting Hat began to sing, and everyone's attention was drawn to it. You are gathered here together, at the opening term Feast And soon you will be dining on fine viands and meats But ere that happens one and all the first years I will test And place them one by one, you see, in the House that suits them best. Perhaps you'll find a home within the House of Hufflepuff Where the steadfast all reside, toil and justice is oft' enough Or possibly in learning where live those bright with wit and if I find you fit the bill, with Ravenclaw you'll sit House Slytherin calls to its fold those of lineage ancient Where wealth and cunning matter most, power comes to those who're patient The bravest, all with iron will, to Gryffindor will go and with loyalty and fair play they'll march to meet the foe Now heed my words and listen all from the houses four For not long now, it does appear, all wizardom shall be at war Light against the Darkness, I know not who shall win Spells will be cast, and curses laid until the very end Listen and you now shall learn how to this strife avoid and I fear that heed you not, all shall be destroyed. Quarrel not now 'mongst yourselves, instead seek all to share And grow to know each other, and together now prepare For strife and war are coming soon, and if alone you fight I fear that then will darkness win, and overcome the light So sit you down and put me on, and soon you will know that Within which house you shall reside, for I'm the Sorting Hat. Professor McGonagall began to read off names, and with each one called, a first year boy or girl went to sit on the stool and have the hat placed on their head. "Abelard, James!" was called first, and the sorting hat responded almost before it touched his head, calling out "Ravenclaw". Other names --Bane, Bindlestiff, Deniale and Duresse -- were called forth and sorted as the gathering of first-years slowly dwindled. Harry joined in the applause for Barry Finefrocke, Nathan Grabbi, Anastasia Solaris and Alicia Houzemann as they were sorted into Gryffindor, but really was not paying attention to any of the others until "Vertocular, Anna May," was called to be sorted. She was the smallest of the first years, with auburn hair and deep blue eyes, looking much younger than the rest as she stepped forward quickly and seated herself. The sorting hat was placed on her head, but remained silent for several minutes. Whispers began to be heard all about the Great Hall as the wait lengthened. Anna May began to look quite distressed, and tears were beginning to form in her eyes when, after nearly ten minutes, the hat finally spoke. "Truly the hardest decision I have ever had to make. However, a decision is called for, so -- Gryffindor!" After that, it was somewhat anticlimactic when the last three first-years, Erasmus Swamploo, Timothy Justice and Jennifer Zoarasterus, were quickly sorted into the various houses. When every new child was seated with their housemates, the feast appeared in an instant, and everyone did their best to devour all the food from their table. Everyone except Ginny -- Professor McGonagall came down from the staff table halfway through the meal, whispered something to her, then led her out of the Great Hall. At the end of the feast, when everyone was stuffed to capacity, Professor Dumbledore stood, motioned for silence, cleared his throat, and began to speak. "Hogwarts Students, welcome one and all. I have a few brief announcements. First Year Students -- and a few individuals from the returning students as well -- should note that the Dark Forest on Hogwarts Grounds is strictly forbidden, particularly so this year as certain precautions are in place that could prove quite --painful." "Our Caretaker, Mr. Argus Filch, has asked me to remind you that the Charms and Wards about the castle proper are there for the detection of intruders, and students who trigger them as a prank will be given a severe punishment. There is also a list of prohibited items posted in each house common room, and any such item found in the possession of a student will accrue that student both detentions and a loss of house points. Also, he wishes to remind one and all that no magic should be used between lessons in the corridors." "You may have been informed that Professor Snape will be the instructor for the Defence Against the Dark Arts classes, rather than Potions Master this coming year. That position will be filled by Doctor Farthinwald for the time being." "Finally, I am happy to announce that inter-house Quidditch matches will once again take place this year--" A roar of cheering and applause interrupted Dumbledore, to which he replied by smiling and nodding his head, then holding his hand up for silence. When everyone had quieted, he continued, "--Unless, of course, the probability of a dangerous incursion to the Hogwarts grounds force us to deem otherwise. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch." After that, Dumbledore led the students in the school song (allowing, as usual, everyone to pick which tune to sing it to), then dismissed the students to go to bed. Ginny and Professor McGonagall had not yet returned, so Hermione and Harry led the first years along the way to the Gryffindor Common Room, following the same path that they had been led seven years before. When they reached the corridor where the painted guardian of Gryffindor House hung, resplendent in her pink silk dress and smiling at the young newcomers, Hermione stopped and said, "Knickerbocker" even before the portrait could ask for the password. Looking a bit put out, the painting swung forward, revealing the round hole in the wall. The two prefects watched everyone climb through the opening except Anna May, who had inexplicably vanished. "Oh dear, I hope we didn't lose her along the way. You had best get the others to their rooms, while I look for her," gasped Hermione when she realized the little girl was missing. "Yes, Hermione. I'll come help look as soon as I can," Harry swiftly climbed into the opening as the seventh-year female prefect started back towards the way she had come. "That won't be necessary, Miss Granger," called out the voice of the portrait of the fat lady, "Miss Vertocular has just been asking me some questions. She's quite safe." The painting swung halfway back into place, revealing the auburn-haired youngster standing to one side of the corridor. "I'm sorry if I 'pset you, Miss. I just needed to know Madam Phister's name," said Anna May. "It wouldn't be p'lite if I didn't 'knowledge her." "Madam Phister?" asked Hermione. "That would be me, Miss Granger." The portrait closed fully so the painting was facing them. "I am quite pleased with this dear little girl. Do you realize that she is the first Hogwarts student to inquire my identity in nearly one hundred eighty years, rather than referring to me with that horrid descriptive?" Hermione blushed. "Oh my -- we haven't, have we? I do apologize, Madam Phister." "That's quite all right, Miss Granger. One gets used to it after the first fifty years or so. Now why don't you take Miss Vertocular to her room? It appears she is very tired," smiled the portrait. Hermione glanced at the first year girl, who was covering her mouth to hide the enormous yawn she was experiencing. "Yes, Madam. I'll do that." "Thank you, my dear. Good-night, Anna May. Pleasant dreams!" The portrait swung forward to allow the pair access to the common room. "Good-night, Madam Phister," the younger girl replied as she climbed through the opening. Hermione followed Anna May into the Gryffindor Common Room, where the other two first year girls were seated in front of the fireplace. Seeing Hermione arrive, both stood up quickly. "Mr. Potter asked us to wait here for you while he took the boys to their room," said Alicia. "As well he should," replied Hermione, smiling. "Boys aren't allowed up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. I do apologize for making you wait. I'll take you all to your room now." She led them from the Common Room and up the spiral staircase to the first-year's door. "Miss Granger?" Anna May tugged on Hermione's robes to get her attention as the other two girls picked out their beds. "I've never gone to bed by m'self b'fore. Could you tuck me in like my Mummy does?" Hermione smiled, "Aren't you just a bit too old for that?" "I'm only seven." The older girl blinked in surprise. "Only seven? " "The Board of Gov'ners made a 'ception for me to start Hogwarts early. They 'sisted I needed the training, 'specially after I turned the headmaster at my p'imary into an orange billy goat." "You transfigured him?" "I didn't mean to, really I didn't. It just happened," Anna May sniffed as a tear began to trickle down her face. "When the 'mproper Use of Magic office found out how old I was, everybody got real 'xcited, an' all these wizards and witches from the Min'stry kept coming to our flat an' asking me questions and asking me to do magic even though I'm not s'posed to 'cause I'm too young. That's when the Min'stry talked to the Board of Gov'ners about Hogwarts. Mummy didn't want me to come here yet, but Perfesher Dumbledore came and talked to her and said stuff that unvinced her." Just then, Ginny and the rest of the female Gryffindor students came clattering up the spiral stairs on the way to their rooms. When she saw Hermione and the new first-year, Ginny left the others and came over to where they were standing. "Hello, you must be Anna May. It is very nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you from Professor McGonagall. I'm Ginny Weasley" smiled Ginny to the youngster." "Hello, Miss Whizzly. It's very nice to meet you, too," replied Anna May, giving a little curtsey. "Hermione, Professor McGonagall gave me this to give to you," explained Ginny, and passed the elder prefect a folded piece of parchment. Hermione opened it up and read: "Miss Granger -- As Miss Anna May Vertocular has been sorted into Gryffindor, I request that you as Senior Prefect keep a close watch over her. She is here several years early, and being so young may need some assistance as the term progresses. Some allowances must be made, some help given to ensure she is able to both arrive safely at her lessons and complete her studies in a timely manner, and I believe that you and Miss Weasley are the two prefects best suited for that position. If you will come to my office after everyone is settled in, I will explain Anna Mays' circumstances more fully. Thank You. Minerva McGonagall" "Professor McGonagall told me all about Anna May, and suggested I help you, since she tells me most of our classes won't overlap," explained Ginny. Turning to the little girl, she said, "Why don't you go get into your nightclothes, Anna May. Would you like me to tuck you in, too?" "Thank you, Miss Whizzly," replied the little girl, who promptly went to her trunk, pulling it into place to claim the furthest bed in the room. Opening her trunk, she took out a nightdress and dressing gown. "I'm surprised Professor McGonagall didn't ask me along tonight when she came and got you," mentioned Hermione. "It would have been more efficient to tell us both at once," "I'm sure she had her reasons," replied Ginny, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she watched Anna May ready herself for bed. "Why don't you meet me in the common room when you're done and we'll map out a schedule to help Anna May get to and from her lessons?" "All right," said Hermione, "I'll be back here as soon as I can." With that, she headed back down the spiral staircase to the common room. Ginny went into the first-year dormitory, only to find that the other two first years, Alicia and Anastasia, were helping Anna May into the big four-poster bed. "She's too little to get up on the bed by herself," explained Anastasia, "so Alicia and I are helping. It's like we'll have a little sister here at Hogwarts." "Thank you, girls. I am happy to see that you all will be good friends. Now go get in bed yourselves." "Yes'm," the two replied. "Good Night, Anna May!" "Good night, an' thank you for the help," the youngest Gryffindor replied As the two older first years climbed into their respective beds, Ginny helped Anna May slide under the sheet and blanket and tucked her in. "Is everything all right, now?" she asked. "Yes, Miss Whizzly. Erm... Would you tell me a story, please? Mummy always tells me one every night to help me go to sleep." Bright blue eyes pleaded to her. "Well -- All right. Do you have a favourite story?" "Snow White and Rose Red and the Bear Prince!" smiled the little girl. "Very well. Once upon a time, long ago and far away..." whispered Ginny. *** By the time Ginny had reached the part of the tale where the two sisters used their scissors to free the nasty dwarf from having his beard stuck in the cleft of the tree, Anna May was sound asleep, a faint smile on her lips. The sixth-year prefect left her side, crossed the dormitory, extinguished the lights and exited out the door, closing it softly behind her. She found Hermione just coming back from seeing Professor McGonagall as she entered the common room and took a seat near the schedule posted on the wall. "Everything all right?" asked Hermione. "Yes -- she's sound asleep. She asked me to tell her a story to get to sleep, then nodded off right in the middle," laughed Ginny. "Isn't that adorable?" "Yes," smiled Hermione. "I've looked over the schedules with Professor McGonagall," she continued, "and it appears that Anna May's morning lessons start with double History of Magic or double Potions, depending on the day. You have Transfiguration as your first every day, but I'm alternating Arithmancy and Charms. Can you get her to her lessons every morning and still be able to make it to your own on time?" "Only if the second floor stair to the west corridor doesn't decide to move before I get there, but I'm sure Professor McGonagall will allow me some leeway for that," answered Ginny. She studied the schedule on the wall. "We both have double Potions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, just after she finishes with Professor Binns, with her next lesson double Herbology. Tuesdays and Thursdays she has double Transfiguration. I have both Defence Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures alternating days after Arithmancy and History of Magic, so getting her to Herbology is out of the question for me." Hermione frowned slightly. "Double History of Magic when we don't have Potions. We may have to find someone else to get her to Herbology, but I can take care of it on Tuesdays and Thursdays -- Transfiguration is just down the corridor from History of Magic." She scribbled notes on a sheet of parchment. "At least we won't have to worry about getting her to lunch in the Great Hall, there's more than enough time for me to pick her up from Herbology," Ginny smiled wryly. "What are her afternoons like?" "A little simpler for us -- we all have free time on Friday afternoons," replied Hermione. "She has Charms and Care of Magical Creatures first thing after lunch, and Defence Against the Dark Arts all week," Hermione sighed, "and Madame Hooch for Practical Broom Riding, Care, and Maintenance as her last lesson every afternoon. Of course, she has Astronomy at midnight every Wednesday, but that's no problem at all -- We'll take turns getting her there." "I have Herbology and Charms on alternating days. What do you have?" "Care of Magical Creatures and Independent Studies. I'll have enough time to take care of getting her to both her lessons if we leave lunch a bit early. Then I have..." she paused as she studied the lessons chart, "Herbology followed by Defence Against the Dark Arts. You end your days with Ancient Runes followed by Muggle Studies." "Defence against the Dark Arts is only one stairway down from Ancient Runes, so I can pick her up from Charms -- That's Mondays and Wednesdays, right? "asked Ginny. "Yes," replied Hermione, as she scribbled down the information. "That leaves us with the problems of getting her from Care of Magical Creatures to Defence against the Dark Arts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from there to Madame Hooch every afternoon, plus getting her to Herbology on from History of Magic on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays." "Perhaps we could ask Hagrid to help her from his lessons to Defence Against the Dark Arts?" Ginny inquired. "We'll have to ask him, but I'm certain he would agree to that," Hermione answered as she jotted down the suggestion. "I believe I know of a shortcut that would allow me to take her to the Broom Practice from Defence Lessons and still get to Muggle Studies in plenty of time," volunteered Ginny, "so now all we have to do is find someone to get her from History of Magic to Herbology those three days." As they spoke, the Gryffindor House Ghost, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (Better known, to his chagrin, as Nearly Headless Nick) sailed through the wall. "Good Evening, Ladies," he bowed to them, "Might I ask what keeps you awake at this late hour?" "Good Evening, Sir Nicholas," replied Hermione. "We have a new first-year who is only seven years old and Professor McGonagall has asked us to help her along to and from lessons and such." "Ah, yes -- That would be Miss Vertocular, I believe?" "That's correct, Sir Nicholas," answered Ginny. "We can help her get to most of her lessons, but our schedules are preventing us from escorting her from History of Magic to Herbology at the end of second session three days a week." "Is that all? May I offer a suggestion, my dear ladies? I would gladly be willing to escort the young lady at that time, if she does not object." The ghostly figure was beaming a smile as he spoke. "That would help, Sir Nicholas, as long as you don't frighten her. She is only seven," answered Hermione. "Perhaps you could introduce us to each other beforehand, say-- in the Great Hall at your breakfast before classes? Then she would have no reason to be frightened." "I think that might work, Sir Nicholas," said Ginny. "Shall we say half past eight?" "Splendid! I shall meet you in the Great Hall at the appointed hour!" and with that he bowed deeply, flourishing his ghostly hat, and sailed on through the room and through the opposite wall.
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