To Hogwarts
Chapter 13
September 1st, 1998
The train was filled with silence, as students young, and old, came to terms with what was about to happen. The last 15 minutes of the trip felt like hours. Everyone was silent, scared and unsure. At 8:05 pm, the train stopped, and the conductor made an announcement.
“Welcome to Hogsmeade Station. This is your stop for Hogwarts.”
Robotically, prefects opened the carriage doors allowing the students to make their way onto the platform. Like every year, they were instructed to leave their luggage on the train as it would be brought up for them. Harry, and Ron found Hermione, and Ginny standing together frozen. Each willing the other to take the first step towards the carriages. That’s when they heard it.
“First Years, this way please. All first years to me. New and Repeat First Years, this way please. We will be taking the boats across the lake.” Hagrid called. Preparing to take the first years to the castle over the lake as was tradition.
Harry, and Ron walked with Hermione, and Ginny over to the carriages where everyone had stopped. Noone was boarding the carriages. It hit Hermione in that instant. So many people who started school in the previous year couldn’t see the thestrals. Now nearly all of them could. She heard whispers of “What are they?” and “I thought the carriages pulled themselves.” That’s when she said something to Harry.
“Harry, they’re all seeing the thestrals for the first time.”
“Oh shit.” He responded.
Hermione quickly looked around for the Head Boy and Girl, but they were preoccupied helping Hagrid with the first years. So Hermione stepped up, and talked loudly so everyone could hear her.
“How many of you are seeing what pulls the carriage for the first time.” She asked. Over 75% of the students raised their hands.
“They’re called thestrals. They can only be seen by those who have seen death.” As she finished her statement, she heard gasps from the crowd.
“Due to the circumstances of last year, most of you can see them now.” Hermione walked over and started petting the thestral leading the first carriage.
“They’re incredibly gentle, and capable of pulling immensely heavy loads. None of you are going crazy. It’s just another magical creature.” Hermione finished.
Neville, and Susan heard the end of Hermione’s speech. They took the first steps towards getting into a carriage, and extended their hands to some of the lower year students. Seeing that, all of the students started to load into the carriages, finally making their way up to the school.
Hermione sat down in a carriage next to Ginny and took her hand. She wiped her eyes with her other hand. The two girls looked at one another, and already wanted to cry. They knew they had to be strong.
The carriages dropped them off just outside the castle entrance. There were multiple professors waiting for them. When Headmistress McGonagall saw Hermione, she made her way over to say hello.
“Hermione, Ginny. I hope you had a nice summer. Do you happen to know why the carriages were late?”
“The ministry kept my summer occupied with frivolous engagements that were a waste of my time. Other than that, it was fine. To answer your question, the carriages were late because 75% of the students saw thestrals for the first time. Which led to everyone refusing to get in the carriages.” Hermione snapped.
“Oh, no.” The Headmistress said, as she stepped away from Hermione. This was the moment it truly hit Minerva, there was no way this year could be treated anything like a normal year. If calm, cool, and collected Hermione was already snapping, how were the other students feeling?
Hermione, Ginny and the other returning Hogwarts students made their way into the Great Hall, which had largely been restored to look the same as before. Everyone took their seats at their house tables, and sat silently waiting for someone to bring in the first years. Up at the head table, the teachers sat observing the students in front of them. They expected many things, but this was not one of them. The complete silence, and withdrawal of most students hurt more than any bad behavior could.
After what felt like an eternity, Hagrid walked all of the first years into the Great Hall. They all looked small and terrified. Hermione saw Winnie among the group, and sent her a little smile before the sorting ceremony started.
The Headmistress stood to quickly address the students before the sorting ceremony. “Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. There are no words to adequately convey what everyone in this room has gone through over the last year. We as a staff, just hope you all will keep open minds, and hearts as we navigate through this new year together. I will introduce the new staff members following the sorting ceremony.”
Professor Sinastra, the astronomy professor, stepped forward and placed the sorting hat on its stool. Where it started to sing its song.
You may not think I’m pretty,
But it doesn’t matter to me.
Your past, present, and future
Are all that I can see.
Right now the world is turning,
And the young minds are churning.
While all of us are yearning,
To know where you belong.
You may belong in Ravenclaw
Where intellect and creativity are key.
Or maybe you identify with Hufflepuff
Where justice and loyalty reign supreme.
Your home could be Slytherin
Where the clever and determined dwell.
Maybe you’re a Gryffindor,
With a brave and chivalrous heart.
At the end of the day,
No matter what I say.
The sorting is just the start.
No matter where you’re sorted,
Always follow your heart.
Stand united as Hogwarts.
Regardless of your House,
Because when strife among us,
We can be toppled by a mouse.
Don’t let your house define you,
I am here to remind you,
No matter how far you roam,
Or what house you call home,
Hogwarts will always be here
To welcome you back home.
Hermione looked at Harry, and Ron. The three of them were impressed with the sorting hats song, and lightly clapped. They were soon joined by the rest of the students. The clapping quickly died down, as it was now time to start the sorting.
“This year, we will give all of last year's first year students a chance to sit with the sorting hat again. This will allow the hat to make any necessary changes as there are some who believed the hat was bewitched last year. We will proceed through alphabetical order.” Professor Sinastra started calling names.
Elijah Abraham was the first student called, and also the first Slytherin. Everyone was silent, and little Elijah looked scared. Hermione refused to let any child feel that way, so she immediately started clapping for the newest Slytherin, soon everyone joined. At the same time, Draco Malfoy walked up to Elijah and offered his hand. He welcomed him to Slytherin with a smile and walked him over to the table.
Grace Adams was next. She was sorted into Hufflepuff, and everyone clapped. Susan Bones followed Malfoy’s lead, and walked over to her, welcoming her to Hufflepuff. As each student was sorted a new tradition developed. Everyone would clap regardless of house, and an upper year student of their new house would walk them to the table.
Up at the head table, the headmistress was stunned. It had been a very long time since everyone had clapped for one another during a sorting. It was a simple show of unity, but it made her emotional. She looked at her colleagues, Pomona Sprout, and Filius Flitwick, who both looked emotional, yet extremely proud of their houses, and they made sure to join in the applause.
The last student sorted was little Winnifred Yaxley. She confidently sat upon the stool and put the sorting hat on her head. The little peanut was nearly a hatstall, but was eventually sorted into Slytherin. She was met with lots of applause, across the hall and escorted by Pansy Parkinson back to the table.
With the sorting now complete, it was time for the Headmistress to make all the formal introductions.
“Congratulations everyone. Again, welcome to Hogwarts. There are some start of term notices we must announce before we tuck in to dinner. First, I would like to introduce you to our staff. Given the number of changes we have, I am going to introduce everyone, even those who have been here a while.” She took a deep breath before starting again.
“I’ll start with the returning professors, some of which have taken on new roles. Teaching Charms, is the head of Ravenclaw house, and the new Deputy Headmaster, Professor Flitwick. Teaching Herbology, is the head of Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout. Teaching Astronomy, is the new head of Slytherin, Professor Sinastra.
“Also returning this year are Madame Hooch - Flying Instructor, Professor Vector - Arithmancy, Professor Babbling - Ancient Ruins, Professor Grubbly-Plank and her apprentice Professor Hagrid will teach Care of Magical Creatures, and Professor Trelawney will teach those with the gift for divination.”
The students lightly applauded, thankful for the continuity in as many staff members as possible. Hermione whispered to Ginny. “They’re still missing professors for Potions, Defense against the Dark Arts, History of Magic and Magical Culture , and Study of the Non-Magical World.” Hermione looked around curiously, but didn’t see anyone new.
“We are also pleased to have Madames Pomfrey, and Pince returning in their respective fields. Now onto the new professors. I can see many of you looking around wondering who will fill the spots for Potions, Defense, and the two new Courses. Professors, as I call your name please enter the Great Hall.
“Teaching History of Magic and Magical Culture, is Professor Andromeda Tonks.” The headmistress was cut off by applause that resonated throughout the hall. Professor Tonks was a popular choice, as she was in touch with the non magical world, but as a Black by birth, she grew up learning about Magical History and Culture.
“Teaching Study of the Non-Magical World, is Professor Campbell. She is a 1978 graduate of Hogwarts, and has spent a lot of time outside of the magical world.” The new professor entered the room. She was roughly Ginny’s height and looked like she was no older than Sirius and Remus.
“She was one of the people whose name was on the letter I received from the Ministry.” She told Ginny.
“Our Potions Master is Professor Williams, who is joining us from the USA.” He entered, waved to the students and took a seat at the head table.
“Finally, I am proud to announce we have a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor that has been hired on a multi year contract.” That alone received a huge applause from all of the students.
“I’m pleased to introduce you to Professor Remus Lupin, who will also be head of Gryffindor House.” Minerva smiled as she heard the cheers from the students. Remus was universally liked by all students, so everyone was glad he was back. He walked out laughing and waved to everyone.
“Harry did you know?” Hermione asked.
“I had no clue, this is great.” Harry laughed.
“Now, Professor Lupin has agreed for me to tell you the following. He has lycanthropy. Due to his condition, he has chosen to be a commuter professor. Meaning he will not live on the Hogwarts grounds, and he will not stay on the grounds past 4pm.”
“Honestly that’s a great compromise.” Hermione said to Harry, who nodded his head in return.
“Lastly, as a staff we are pleased to announce your Head Boy will be Neville Longbottom, and Head Girl will be Susan Bones.” There was loud cheering at the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables, and from all previous DA members.
“I appreciate your patience during all of these announcements. I know there’s a lot this year. Tomorrow morning, we will have a formal breakfast, where we will talk more about the changes happening this year. There is more I need to cover, but I don’t want to keep you from dinner. I’ll have one final announcement before you head to your common rooms, but as for now, let's eat.” As Minerva said let's eat, food appeared on the tables. It was well past 9pm, and everyone was quite hungry. No one wasted a moment before diving into dinner.
45 minutes later, nearly everyone was finished eating. Minerva decided to make her final announcements as people finished their dessert. Standing at the podium, she used a sonorous charm to amplify her voice.
“Just a few final announcements. We are trying something new this year. The first three full days of term will be what we call Syllabus Days. Each class will only be 30 minutes, you will use that time to go through the curriculum for the upcoming year. Your professors will also have your major exams, and assignments outlined in the Syllabus as well. This idea has been brought to us by Professor Campbell. It's commonly used in non-magical higher education and makes sense to use here as well.”
Hermione listened to the chatter around her. Most people seemed interested in what syllabus day would be like, and all were open to having something new.
“The last thing I want to bring up before we all turn in for the evening is this: We are all still healing from the events that happened here on May 2nd. Healing will look different for each and every one of you, and that’s okay.
“For many of you, being back here will be hard, and full of unpleasant memories. Here where you were supposed to be safe, you were tortured, attacked, and watched those you care about suffer the same fate. We know this will not be easy, but we all hope to earn your trust.
“We will be having mind healers present this year. You can speak to them anonymously, as needed or make recurring appointments. We are also looking for the best way to remember those we lost. If you have suggestions, please bring them up to your head of house, or any staff member you are comfortable speaking with.
“As a staff, we are hopeful this year will bring you healing, and closure. Our doors are open, and we are happy to help you as much as we can. I hope all of you have a restful evening. We will further discuss the changes in the morning. Prefects, please lead your classmates to your dormitories. We will see all of you in the morning.”
When Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ginny made it up to the common room they immediately collapsed on the couches. They were soon joined by Parvati, Dean, Seamus, and Neville.
"This feels surreal." Parvati said to the group. "Lavender should be here." They all nodded.
"No one should've had to die." Harry said.
All of a sudden Seamus ran up the stairs to the dormitory. He came back down with a bottle of fire whiskey. Hermione transfigured a set of glasses for the group.
"To all who died." Said Seamus
"To Lavender Brown." Said Parvati
"To Sirius Black." Added Harry
"To Mad Eye Moody." Neville added.
"To Dumbledore." Ginny said.
"To Ted Tonks." Dean raised his glass.
"To Dobby." Ron added.
"To Cedric Diggory, and all those whose lives were taken from them far too soon." Hermione contributed.
"This year we will live, love, and laugh for everyone we've lost. We will have the best year we can and we will dedicate it to their memories. Cheers." seamus concluded.
"Cheers!" The group responded.