Chapter Text
Harry Potter and the Elemental Mage
Volume II
CHAPTER 1: Of Speeches and Sorting
“You’re looking for Granger, just admit it.”
“Shut your face, Zabini.”
“Well, pick a compartment,” Blaise drawled. “I don’t wanna run into Pansy–”
“Theo?”
Blaise was cut off mid-sentence as Draco spotted the tall Slytherin down the corridor. Theo turned and came over, giving them claps on the shoulder. Draco stared at him.
“Where in Salazar’s pants have you been, Nott? You send over your house-elves and just vanish–”
“I was travelling over the summer,” Theo answered simply. “I had no intention of returning to the Estate, so I summoned the elves and offered them freedom. When they insisted they wanted nothing of the sort, I convinced them they’d make me happy by serving my friends and I sent them to you.”
“And you just … left?”
“Yes, I did.”
The tone did not welcome questions. Draco didn’t know what to say. Theo wasn’t the type to do things without a plan.
Blaise opted to return Theo’s clap on the shoulder. “You’ll come spend Christmas at the Manor, mate?”
“Inviting people to my Manor now, Blaise?” Draco drawled.
“Well I’m practically your wife now, so I think it’s only fair.”
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As they boarded the carriages to take them to Hogwarts, Hermione wondered if the Thestrals were confused by the sudden onset of attention from people who could now see them. When they exited their carriage, Hermione gave their Thestral a pat, then looked around confused.
“Don’t the carriages usually go straight to the doors?” Ginny asked, echoing Hermione’s thoughts. They were standing at the gates to the entrance of the Hogwarts grounds where a crowd of students gathered. The twelve-foot gate was usually flung open to welcome students, but it stood firmly closed and seemed to nearly shudder with the force of its protective enchantments.
When the last of the students had exited the carriages, the gate slowly began to open inward. But where there should be empty space through which to enter, a tall stream of water pounded down across the entire width of the gate.
The Gryffindors moved forward as students began passing through the watery gate. Confused murmurs trickled through the crowd. Hermione wondered if this was some type of enchantment to confirm student identities or detect Dark objects.
Filch stood in front of the waterfall, croaking at the students to pass through in single file. Hermione followed Harry through the rushing water, which chilled her to the bone.
Now dripping wet and shivering on the other side of the gate, Harry greeted Professor Flitwick who carried a long scroll of students’ names. Hermione joined them and the professor happily greeted her, checked her off the list, and dried her and Harry with flicks of his wand. They waited for Ron and Ginny before they scrambled up the hill together. The familiar silhouettes of the castle towers against the darkening sky was the most welcome sight they could’ve imagined.
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“I wish to extend the warmest of welcomes to our new students, returning students, and especially to our older students returning as veterans of the Second Wizarding War,” Professor McGonagall began. Only those who knew her well noticed the small catch in her stern voice.
“Thanks to many volunteers over the summer months, our home at Hogwarts has been fully restored and no traces of Dark magic remain in the castle. We are pleased to walk, study, and teach safely within these walls once again.
“Before we commence with the sorting, there are several things you all must be aware of, including new rules implemented to ensure the safety of our students, as well as promote inter-house unity in the aftermath of the war.”
Some students visibly rolled their eyes, and many dark glances were sent in the direction of the Slytherin table. Hermione knew the Death Eater trial results were widely publicised – under the Order’s scrutiny to ensure the Prophet posted only the truth – but prejudices ran deep, and many people were still paranoid despite every Slytherin in the Hall being cleared to return to school.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and continued her speech. “You all passed through the new waterfall built into the gates, which washes away enchantments and disguises. This extra layer of security prevents any uninvited guest making their way into our grounds undetected.”
Harry and Ron shared a knowing grimace, and Hermione suspected they were thinking of Barty Crouch Junior. Along the table a few girls frantically checked their pocket mirrors and reapplied their beauty glamour spells in a panic, not realising they’d been washed away. Hermione chortled to herself, pleased that she didn’t bother with such things.
“The protective enchantments around the castle were strengthened this summer. As always, Apparation is impossible within school grounds, and Portkeys cannot be used. We also keep the Floo Network under strict observation, and only the fireplace in the Head office can be used to enter or exit the castle. You will do well to remember that attempting to breach the perimeter enchantments – which includes taking one step into the Forbidden Forest – will cause a rather unpleasant shock. I suggest you all keep a safe distance from the edge of the grounds.”
Hermione was impressed and made a mental note to ask the Headmistress later about the enchantments. She wondered if blocking the Forest was Molly Weasley’s idea.
Professor McGonagall went on to introduce the members of the staff. A short wizard named Professor Switch was introduced as the new Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher was a tall, thin wizard called Professor Gangrous. Across from Hermione, Parvati Patil visibly held back a squeal of delight when the Headmistress announced that upon Professor Trelawney’s retirement, the handsome centaur Firenze would now be teaching all Divination lessons.
“On the subject of Muggle Studies, the Ministry has passed a new law that all Hogwarts students are required to take one compulsory year–”
Her announcement was abruptly cut off by an explosion of outrage at the Slytherin table, accompanied by additional shouting from the other house tables – some in agreement and some in backlash.
“I won’t learn about those animals!” Pansy Parkinson wailed.
Hermione shot her a dirty look but was pleased to see in her peripheral vision that neither Malfoy nor Zabini were protesting, though Malfoy rolled his eyes in the direction of the loud Slytherin girl.
“Silence!”
Professor McGonagall required a Sonorus Charm to gain back the attention of her students. Many of the first years were huddled together with their hands over their ears.
“This is a law, and it will be followed regardless of one’s private opinions. Those of you in the seventh year who were not raised by at least one Muggle guardian are required to complete an hour of Muggle Studies each week. Your graduation from Hogwarts depends on this. Representatives from the Ministry of Magic’s new Muggle Relations Division will be managing these lectures. Students from first through sixth year have the option of attending the lessons now or postponing for another year. Your Heads of house will arrange the schedules. This is not open for discussion.”
Grumbles persisted across the Hall. Ron and Ginny looked at each other curiously, and Hermione realised the Weasleys would be taking the lessons though she and Harry would be exempt. She snuck another glance at Malfoy and Zabini, wondering how they would handle the classes, which would hopefully differ from the mandatory “Muggle-Scum Studies” taught by the Carrows last year.
“I have one last item to discuss before we commence with Sorting our new students. We are implementing a few changes this year which pertain to our house system.”
Professor McGonagall was clearly hesitant about approaching this topic; she immediately paused as though expecting more backlash. Hermione subconsciously held her fork tightly in her left hand and waited while the Headmistress looked down at the new group of first years kindly.
“Our four houses are named for the four great witches and wizards who founded our school. Each house has valuable traits and abilities to which each student is matched. During your time here, your house is like your family. Housemates share dormitories, common space, and classes, and will work together to earn house points throughout the year. This is a time-honoured Hogwarts tradition that I have no intention to alter.”
With a pronounced pause, Professor McGonagall now addressed the entire school.
“However. There are many prejudices and conflicts that have arisen between the houses over the years, and some of them went as far as to play a part in our recent war. I believe some tragedies of the war might have been avoided, had our houses learned to respect each other’s differences and join collectively as one united team of students.”
Hermione suspected the professor was thinking reluctantly of her own forced decision to send Slytherin away from the battle, worried they would turn on their classmates.
“Beginning this year,” McGonagall continued, “All classes will promote inter-house pairings and groups for homework assignments, and many previously unused classrooms in the castle have been redesigned into study spaces and common rooms for the use of all houses. I encourage students to sit at any house table they wish for the remainder of the school year, barring this evening’s feast and the Farewell Feast at the end of the year when the house cup is awarded.”
Some angry muttering had arisen. Hermione was surprised to hear so much negativity coming from the Ravenclaw table.
“Finally, while these changes will not affect the House Championship, we have chosen to restructure the school Quidditch teams.”
Shocked gasps ran throughout all four tables, and Hermione was annoyed to see Harry, Ginny, and Ron gape openly at this as well. She internally rolled her eyes. Would Quidditch really be the breaking point?
“Previously we had one Quidditch team per house, but to emphasise the importance of houses working together, Hogwarts will be hosting six Quidditch teams this year. The teams will be organised by Madam Hooch next month and each team will consist of students from all four houses–”
The crowd finally erupted in protest. It seemed surviving the war made everyone louder about the violation of their privileges. Hermione desperately covered her ears to drown out the shouting, some of which came from Ron. Among most of the Hall he leapt to his feet yelling furiously that he’d never play Quidditch alongside Slytherins.
We barely survived a war and they’re concerned about Quidditch?
Hermione gritted her teeth and looked over at Harry to gauge his reaction. He too had a hand over his ear, specifically the one that was beside Ron, and he gazed desperately at Hermione. She recognised his silent plea for help; she suspected they were feeling the same way. While her old friend would’ve likewise hated playing Quidditch with Slytherins, the war changed him in a way many of their classmates couldn’t possibly understand. His attendance at the trials and funerals left a strong, stoic, considerate man where her skinny childhood friend used to be.
Hermione leaned over and reminded her friend, “You are Harry Potter.”
He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and took a long breath. He didn’t always enjoy being the “Voice of the Wizarding World,” but he’d learned a lot in the past few months about how to make people listen.
Harry gripped Ron’s arm to make him sit and slowly rose to his feet. The Gryffindors noticed him standing silently and began to quiet down in surprise. Most of them had heard Harry speak during the summer at the funerals and trials. Neville sent a wave of shushes down the table.
Slowly the chaos settled, and Harry raised his wand to his throat.
“I think you all know who I am. I’m not an authority figure, but I hope our Headmistress will allow me to speak on behalf of the students who fought at the Battle of Hogwarts.”
Professor McGonagall inclined her head to Harry, and Hermione breathed in relief.
Harry stood in the aisle and faced the group of first years looking up at him in awe.
“Seven years ago, I stood there like you, a first year. I was new to the wizarding world, and I didn’t know much about the houses yet. But I’d already been told that all Dark wizards come from Slytherin, and I was terrified of being put there myself. You can imagine how I felt when the Sorting Hat whispered to me that I would do very well in Slytherin.” A few people in the crowd made noises. Hermione heard some astounded gasps, and some derisive snorts.
Harry patiently waited a few seconds before continuing, “I ended up in Gryffindor because I asked the Hat not to put me in Slytherin. At the time I was happy, but today I regret it, because I let other people’s prejudices make up my mind for me.” Ron blushed slightly; Hermione dryly hoped he regretted his earlier outburst.
“Don’t get me wrong; I’m proud to be a Gryffindor. I’ve met some amazing friends here, but I know I would’ve made good friends no matter what house I ended up in. Our house traits are valuable, but they’re not restrictive. I’ve met brave people from Hufflepuff, and smart people from Gryffindor, and cunning Ravenclaws, and loyal Slytherins.
“I know what most of you think about Slytherin, and it’s true that there’s evil wizards that came from that house. Voldemort himself came from Slytherin, and we fought this war because of him. But not all Slytherins are like him. In fact, we would’ve lost the war if it weren’t for the other Slytherins.”
Harry paused. The room was silent, listening.
“One former Slytherin spent years hiding his true loyalty to spy for our side, and he died passing me the information I needed to defeat Voldemort.”
Scattered sounds of disbelief could be heard. Hermione noticed Professor McGonagall’s rather torn expression; she too was fooled by Snape’s true loyalty.
“Another former Slytherin lied directly to Voldemort’s face and told him I was dead,” Harry said firmly. “She saved my life.” Most of the Hall’s occupants were openly gaping at Harry now. Hermione heard Hagrid give a rather loud sniffle.
Harry wasn’t finished. “Our house is usually the one known for bravery, but the other houses proved last year that we’re not alone. Loads of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws stayed and fought with us during the Battle, Professor Slughorn duelled Voldemort personally, and two Slytherin students risked their lives to save my best friend that day. Most of us wouldn’t be sitting here right now without all our houses.”
Confused whispers surrounded Hermione, who felt her cheeks grow warm. She snuck a glance at said Slytherins, who studied their plates bashfully. She turned back and spotted tears in Ginny’s eyes.
Harry’s voice started shaking slightly as he pressed on.
“I’m glad our Headmistress is following Albus Dumbledore’s example and holding this school together. It probably would’ve been easy to just throw out all the Slytherins and only have three houses from now on, but the easy way isn’t usually the right way. Last year, we fought a war. We– we sacrificed our loved ones. We fought against prejudice, against hate … and it wasn’t easy, but it was right. We fought together, and we can do it again. We have a choice now: we can stick with our old ways because it's easy, or we can choose to stand together to keep fighting for the right way.” Harry concluded as he lowered his wand with a shaking hand.
Hermione exchanged a tiny glance with Ron through her proud tears and they leapt to their feet simultaneously to take Harry’s hands. Immediately, Neville followed suit, with Ginny right behind. The loud scrape of chairs being pushed back could be heard throughout the Great Hall as students across all four tables stood up with Harry and someone began a round of thunderous applause. Hagrid tried to clap but had to keep stopping to wipe his eyes on the tablecloth.
The staff didn’t rise to their feet, but they also brought their hands together in applause. The two new professors had watched Harry curiously throughout the speech. Hermione saw Malfoy and Zabini bravely rise among the small group of standing Slytherins, but many at their table – and some from other tables – remained stubbornly seated.
Professor McGonagall called for the noise to die down while she discreetly wiped a tear from her eye.
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Draco was beginning to think nothing would ever surprise him about Harry Potter.
The bloke literally rose from the dead, saved Draco from incarceration, and even handed him back his own wand without question after his trial ended. Perhaps the dark-haired boy would’ve made a good Slytherin after all, even though that speech was a show of bravery outside the comfort zone of any Slytherin.
When he and Blaise boldly stood up in support, Draco shot deadly glares to every Slytherin that didn’t follow the example which, sadly, was nearly half the table. He wasn’t surprised that Pansy was one of many who remained seated with her arms folded tightly in anger. The stubborn witch resented Draco for breaking up with her and spent the last year acting the way she thought he’d want. She didn’t recognise that he was a different wizard from the sixteen-year-old that dated her.
“I am very grateful for Mr. Potter’s support here today, and I encourage each and every one of you to reconsider your opinions about this year’s changes.” Professor McGonagall shook off her lingering emotions and was promptly all business. “Filius, please bring the Sorting Hat forward?”
The Sorting Hat was placed on its stool in front of the first years and it opened its torn mouth to sing:
Welcome one, welcome all!
To Hogwarts you have come
To train your youthful minds, and thus
The school is now your home.
The Sorting Hat I am, you know,
And split you up, I must.
A daunting task though it may seem,
But in me, you can trust!
To Gryffindor I may send you,
Brave at heart are they.
To Slytherin the cunning go,
They’ll help you on your way.
To Ravenclaw, the clever ones,
They value knowledge best.
To Hufflepuff, the loyal souls,
True kindness is the test.
Though all of you I split again,
Like many times before,
But this year something looms ahead,
True terrors are in store!
The brave and cunning both will face
Great strife as danger looms.
The clever and the loyal both
Cannot escape this doom.
Stand together now we must,
Or all shall fade away.
A team of Light we must create,
Or Dark will seize the day!
Though long-foretold Darkness now
Is peering ‘round the bend.
Fear Not! the pure soul in her care
Brings Darkness to its end.
The Sorting Hat’s song was normally met with loud applause, but the inhabitants of the Hall were stunned, and only sparse applause was heard among the silence. Hermione stared openly at the Hat, and she wasn’t the only one. Grateful for her good memory, she ran over the words in her head as Professor Flitwick started to call the first years to the stool.
“That was dodgy, right?” Ron hissed. “How can a hat predict danger?”
“The Hat’s imbued with magic over a thousand years old, Ron,” Ginny countered. “It probably knows things we can’t understand.”
“But we defeated Voldemort,” Neville whispered. “How could more darkness be coming?”
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The remainder of the feast was somewhat sombre. Some students quickly forgot about the Hat’s warning and began to happily recount their summer activities to each other, although many of the older students were quiet. House unity troubles or not, nobody wanted another war. Hermione kept glancing along the staff table to see if any of the teachers had visible reactions to the song. They were also rather quiet.
Professor McGonagall called everyone’s attention once again as they scraped the last of the pudding off their plates.
“I now ask our prefects to escort the newest students to their dormitories. Any students who have come to repeat their seventh year, kindly remain behind for several additional announcements. Good night to you all.”
Harry squeezed Ginny’s hand as she left the Hall and he led the returning Gryffindors – Neville, Hermione, Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Parvati – up to the front of the room where Professor McGonagall waved them. Hermione noted Malfoy murmuring with another Slytherin boy as they followed suit. Not for the first time, she was annoyed at how well the Slytherins learned to hide their emotions. She couldn’t tell if any of them were nervous about the Hat’s warning, potentially angry about the new rules, or if they were simply bored.
The chattering students in the room had departed and the older students who remained quietly faced the teachers. Hermione did a mental headcount among her peers; there were nineteen others, and she was grateful to see that all but Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode had stood up with Harry.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. “Mr. Potter, I wish to thank you for speaking up as you did earlier, and to thank the rest of you for showing your support.”
Harry merely nodded, and Hermione squeezed his hand. She noticed some red in his cheeks.
“I’m addressing you all because you are in a unique situation. This year is being offered as a bonus since you didn’t have the opportunity to complete your studies last term, and not all of you were prepared to take NEWTs at this time. I am pleased to recognise all of you as adults, and as such, I’ll allow you to bend our standard school rules within reason, despite previous disregard thereof.” She raised half an eyebrow at Harry and Ron, who couldn’t hide their grins.
“I expect each of you to attend your classes, to remain safely within our protective enchantments, to respect your professors, and to provide good examples to the younger students. So long as you follow these simple guidelines, no curfews will be imposed on you, you are free to access the Restricted Section of the library with no written permission, and you may Floo or Apparate out of Hogsmeade on weekends, provided you return to the castle in time for Monday lessons.”
Most of the students’ sombre moods visibly improved. Hermione suspected they were pleased at the removal of curfew, but she was thinking happily of unlimited access to the Restricted Section.
“Now, you all are fully aware – some more than others – of the events that transpired in this castle last year. All our houses were affected, and I repeat: uniting among ourselves now is more important than ever. I’ve already outlined several changes to the school regarding house unity, and I must impede upon you, my oldest students, to adhere to these without complaint. I’ve not been ignorant of conflict among you from years past–” Ron and Malfoy deliberately avoided looking at each other “–but I believe, after everything we fought for, we can overcome these petty differences. I do not expect every one of you to become friends; I simply expect you to behave appropriately and to set a prime example of co-operation for our younger students. Sleep well, now.”
Ron opened his mouth, but Hermione grabbed his wrist and shook her head minutely. Ron looked at her in confusion as she pulled him to follow the other students out of the Great Hall.
“She didn’t say anything about the Hat,” Ron hissed under his breath. Harry mouthed, Later.
Ginny waited in the Entrance Hall for them, and she was beside herself with jealousy.
“You guys don’t have curfew?” she complained as the older students stood around the Entrance Hall to murmur together. “Me and Luna fought in the war, we’re adults just as much as you lot.”
Hermione saw Malfoy glance over at them from the corner of her eye. He seemed to be thinking about moving in their direction, but Blaise called his name and he turned sharply to follow the other Slytherins to the dungeons.
“McGonagall has to draw the line somewhere,” Hermione answered wisely. “It’s easier to grant special rules to everyone who returned as opposed to figuring out individually whether each student was a war hero.”
“Well, I don’t know that they should’ve let the Slytherins back at all,” announced Zacharias Smith, who leaned in to join the conversation. “Malfoy was the one who let Death Eaters in, he practically mastered the Cruciatus Curse, plus You-Know-Who was actually living in his house!”
“I believe Harry already covered this,” Hermione snapped before her friends could say anything. “I’ll have you know we were in that house, and Malfoy stopped them from torturing me into insanity! He also battled Death Eaters here with us on the last night–”
“The Slytherins were perfectly happy torturing younger students last year,” Seamus argued.
“They had no choice,” Ginny answered quietly. “Besides, Crabbe and Goyle were the worst, and they’re gone–”
“We fought back!” Seamus countered. “We took the beatings for the younger students, we re-formed the DA, and the Slytherins just sat back and did what they were told!” there were supportive nods around the group.
“And did it make a difference?” Hermione shot back. She didn’t like arguing with her fellow Gryffindors, but she was firm. “The Slytherins were scared, and you can’t fault them for protecting themselves! Besides, it’s not like it was their idea to start torturing students; Draco and Blaise didn’t want to, they were forced to go along with–”
“Draco and Blaise? Exactly how long were you alone in that house with Malfoy?” Zacharias Smith demanded loudly.
There were suspicious murmurs travelling the Entrance Hall now and a few people muttered behind their hands as they looked at Hermione.
Hermione took two steps forward, her cheeks flaring with rage.
“First of all, my personal life is nobody’s business, and don’t you dare presume otherwise! Secondly, I happen to agree with McGonagall – and Harry – that we need to forget this house prejudice rubbish and just be grateful that we came out alive on the other side of the war! And thirdly, Smith …” Hermione took another threatening step towards the tall Hufflepuff, who looked nervous. “There were eyewitnesses who saw you bounding over the younger students to evacuate first before the Battle because you were too cowardly to stay and fight! So how dare you judge anyone who did, Slytherin or not!”
The Entrance Hall was silent. Hermione didn’t realise how loud she’d been talking until she finished. She promptly turned and marched to the marble staircase, ignoring the twenty pairs of eyes on her. She’d had quite enough.