Harry Potter: The Angel of Death C46 (Patreon)

Chapter 46: Back at Hogwarts

Harry awoke before sunrise and for a few moments he simply lay in bed staring at the ceiling while the events of the previous two months drifted through his mind. It all began with some dude from another world trying to take over his body, and everything that followed had been just as bizarre and chaotic—from hiring a solicitor and helping free Sirius to learning that his grandfather had funded a project that brought dinosaurs back from extinction.

It had been, without question, the busiest summer of his life.

A knock sounded on the bedroom door.

"May I come in?"

"Sure."

The door opened and Dobby, already dressed in a fine suit, entered.

"Good morning, Master Harry. Breakfast has been prepared and is ready whenever you wish. May I also remind you that your train departs in five hours, and your luggage has been checked thrice to ensure nothing has been forgotten."

Harry rubbed his eyes and stared at his butler.

"Dobby..."

The elf looked up.

"Yes, sir?"

"You know you checked it last night."

"One is never too careful." 

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Dobby, if I forget something..." Harry gestured vaguely. "...you can just mail it to me."

"However, Master Harry, what if you were to require it at a moment's notice?"

"I'll survive."

"But—"

"I'll survive."

The elf still looked unconvinced, and Harry just smiled reassuringly. 

"Besides, that's what owls are for."

Dobby nodded, looking towards Hediwig with thinly veiled doubt, and Harry suppressed his laugh.

"Yes..."

Harry glanced towards the snowy owl perched atop her perch near the window, looking at them with innocent eyes and grinned. 

"Though not Hedwig." The snowy owl tilted her head. "Her Majesty is far too important to waste her time delivering forgotten books."

Hedwig gave an approving hoot and Harry's grin became pure mischief.

"At this rate, I think I might need to buy another owl." Hedwig froze. "...to do owl work."

The owl puffed up indignantly. She let out an offended screech that echoed through the room before turning her back to Harry with remarkable dignity.

Harry snorted.

"I'll take that as a no." A second, even more offended hoot answered him. "Dramatic bird."

Hedwig spread one wing without looking at him and Harry could have sworn she was making a rude gesture.

***

An hour later, Harry finished his breakfast and Flooed to the Tonks residence.

Sirius was already waiting in the hallway, dressed far more formally than Harry had ever seen him before, even for his own trial. 

"Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

"And you've remembered everything?"

Harry gave him a flat stare.

"You sound just like Dobby. 

“Great minds think alike.” 

Sirius grinned shamelessly and ruffled his hair. Harry smacked his hand away, he had just styled his hair!

Before Harry could scold him, Andromeda appeared carrying a handbag while Edward jingled a set of car keys.

"We should leave now," Edward said. "King's Cross gets crowded pretty fast."

Tonks stumbled downstairs a moment later, still yawning.

"I still think Flooing directly into Hogsmeade would be easier."

"Not how it works," Sirius replied. "Going by train is tradition." 

"I know." She yawned again. 

"Well, well, look at you, standing up for wizarding traditions," Andromeda teased. Sirius adopted an exaggeratedly pompous expression before sticking his tongue out at her and following Edward out the door. Tonks and Harry laughed as they trailed after him, while Andromeda simply shook her head with a fond smile.

A few minutes later they were all squeezed into Edward's car.

Harry had traveled in Muggle cars many times growing up in the Muggle world, so the journey felt routine to him, but Sirius watched the passing traffic with clear fascination.

"I'll never get used to motorways."

Edward laughed.

"You say that every time we go anywhere by car, ever since I first took you for a car ride back in your fifth year."

"And every time I mean it."

The drive into London passed pleasantly, filled with casual conversation, until Edward finally pulled into the King's Cross station car park. The station was already bustling with people, and Harry had barely climbed out of the car before a familiar voice reached him.

"Harry, dear boy."

Harry turned and saw a familiar pan walking towards him. 

"Crowley?"

The solicitor adjusted his sunglasses.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Neither was I." Harry looked around. "What are you doing at King's Cross?"

Crowley blinked once, looking as tho he was asking the obvious. 

"Taking a train."

Harry waited for him to say something else, to finish his sentence. Crowley said nothing and just stared at him with his head slightly tilted to the side.

"...that's it?"

"Yes."

Harry narrowed his eyes. Crowley loved his Bentley more than most husbands loved their wives and children combined; given the choice between a seven-hour drive and a two-hour train ride, Crowley would pick the drive every time. So no, he would not have chosen to take a train unless he had some sacred agenda, and this time, the agenda was clear as water. 

"You're not secretly here to see me off?"

"Certainly not."

"You just happened to be taking a train from King's Cross at precisely the same time Hogwarts students are leaving."

"An unfortunate coincidence."

Harry nodded solemnly.

"I totally believe you."

Crowley's lips twitched.

"I'm pleased you see reason, my dear boy." With that, the solicitor tipped his hat toward the group before disappearing into the crowd.

Harry watched him go.

"He was definitely here to see me off."

Sirius chuckled and passed an arm around his shoulder. 

"Obviously."

They made their way toward Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. The familiar scarlet Hogwarts Express already waited beyond the barrier, steam billowing from the engine while students and parents crowded the platform.

Harry smiled and took a moment to admire the train; it truly is a piece of art. 

He had barely set down his trunk before Hermione hurried toward him.

"Harry!"

"Morning."

Her eyes immediately went to his luggage.

"You remembered all your books, didn't you?"

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Hermione, I'm thirteen, not five."

"You've forgotten things before."

"I have not."

She gave him a look and Harry let out a dramatic sigh.

"Yes, Mum." He said. "I have got everything: books, robes, parchment, quills, ink..."

Hermione lightly smacked his head and called him an idiot.

Soon, another familiar family approached. Ron was the first to approach him, followed by his dad.

“Hi, mate.” He rubbed his eyes, still sleepy. “Mum made us wake up at six, she is mental.”  

“Morning.” Ron already walked towards a bench and sat down, resting his head on his hand. Hermione went after him, probably to stop him from falling asleep. 

"Harry!" Arthur called cheerfully. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you."

Arthur smiled warmly and asked with a wink: 

"Good summer?"

Harry considered everything that had happened.

"...eventful."

Arthur laughed and patted his shoulder. 

"I'll take that as a yes."

Ginny waved at him and muttered a "Good morning," and Harry noticed that her face was not as red as it usually is when he is near, so he took it as progress. Percy, however, held out his hand solemnly as though he and Harry had never met and said:

"Harry. How nice to see you."

"Hello, Percy," said Harry, trying not to laugh. They saw each other yesterday; sometimes Harry does not know if this is Percy being Percy or if he is just messing with him. He decided to play along. "It is a pleasure to see you once again."

"The pleasure is mutual."

"I trust your summer has been productive."

"Exceptionally so."

Harry nodded gravely.

"Splendid."

Percy nodded back with equal seriousness.

"Indeed."

Harry could not last for another second, and he burst out laughing. 

"Seriously, Harry?" Percy sighed.

"Yes, Percy? What is it?" Sirius chimed in with a wide grin, and Percy sighed again, muttering about children.  

"Harry!" Fred declared dramatically, bowing low. "Simply splendid to see you, old boy—"

"Marvelous!" George interrupted, pushing Fred out of the way before enthusiastically shaking Harry's hand. "Absolutely spiffing."

Sirius snickered, and Molly sighed. 

"That's enough."

"Mum!" Fred exclaimed as though only just noticing her. He immediately seized Molly's hand. "How truly delightful to see you this fine morning."

"I said, that's enough." Molly shook her head before smiling at Harry. "Hello, Harry, dear. I suppose you've heard our exciting news?"

She proudly pointed toward Percy's brand-new silver badge.

"Second Head Boy in the family."

"And last," Fred muttered.

"I don't doubt that," Molly replied, giving the twins a pointed look. "I notice neither of you were made prefects."

"What do we want to be prefects for?" George asked, sounding genuinely horrified. "It would take all the fun out of life."

Ginny giggled, and Harry coughed to hide his laugh. 

"You should be setting a better example for your sister."

"Ginny has other brothers to set her an example, Mother," Percy said loftily.

"Poor girl," Fred sighed.

"Imagine having Percy as your role model."

"I'd transfer schools," George agreed solemnly.

Ginny and Harry burst into laughter, and even Percy struggled not to smile.

The whistle echoed across the platform, and students immediately began saying hurried goodbyes to their families before boarding the train.

Harry turned toward Sirius, and the older wizard pulled him into a brief hug.

"Take care of yourself, pup"

"I will."

"And try not to get caught causing any trouble"

Harry smiled innocently.

"I make no promises."

"That's my pup."

He hugged Andromeda and Edward as well, thanking them for everything they had done over the summer. Finally, he reached Tonks. She pulled him into a quick hug before ruffling his hair.

"Have fun."

"I'll try."

Harry waved at them, grabbed his trunk, and boarded the train. 

The Golden Trio found an empty compartment in the middle of the train and sat down. Several other Gryffindors gradually wandered inside, Dean, Seamus, Neville, even Lavender and Parvati, stopping by for a while before finding seats elsewhere, and the conversation quickly shifted toward the question everyone had been asking all summer.

"So," Dean said, "any idea who's replacing Lockhart?"

"I heard it's an Auror," Seamus replied.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"I've heard good things about him," Neville added. "Gran says he's one of the Ministry's best aurors."

Harry nodded.

"I've heard the same."

"I just hope he stays longer than a year," Hermione said, and everyone around the compartment immediately fell silent. Then they all looked at one another.

"...good point," Dean admitted.

Not a single DADA professor had lasted more than a year in decades. The position was cursed, that much was certain, and no one had been able to break the curse or to find the source of it. 

The conversation drifted from there, moving between holiday vacations, homework complaints, and excited guesses about what awaited them at Hogwarts. Harry barely noticed the countryside slipping past the windows as he kept catching up with his classmates. 

By the time the Hogwarts Express began slowing down, evening had already settled over the Scottish Highlands. Outside, the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle stood proudly atop its cliff, hundreds of windows glowing warmly against the darkening sky.

Harry smiled. No matter how much his life had changed over the summer, no matter how many secrets he had uncovered or how much more complicated the wizarding world had become, Hogwarts still managed to feel like home.

The students poured onto the platform.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"

Hagrid's booming voice echoed across the station.

Harry couldn't help smiling as he watched the enormous half-giant gathering the newest students together. Hagrid looked happier than Harry had ever seen him, practically glowing with excitement despite trying to appear dignified now that he was a professor- well, that was not announced yet, but Harry had no reason to think that would not be the case. 

The first-years followed him toward the boats, looking equal parts terrified and amazed.

Harry remembered feeling exactly the same back in the day. 

The older students climbed aboard the waiting carriages, and before long the familiar procession began making its way toward the castle. Harry glanced at the thestrals a few times before looking towards the castle. 

As always, Hogwarts looked magnificent. Tower after tower rose into the evening sky, every window illuminated, making the old castle resemble a beacon welcoming its students home.

The Great Hall was already decorated for the start of term when they entered. Thousands of candles floated beneath the enchanted ceiling, which reflected the clear night sky outside, while the four House tables slowly filled with excited students exchanging stories about their holidays.

Harry noticed the whispers almost immediately as people looked at him, then whispered, then looked again, and he couldn't exactly blame them.

Between his independence from the Dursleys, Sirius' trial, the Ministry scandals, and everything else the newspapers had been printing over the past month, his name had probably appeared more often than Cornelius Fudge's in the papers. 

He had become rather accustomed to people staring since he entered the Wizarding World, but it was still annoying.

As Harry sat down between Ron and Hermione, another familiar sensation made itself known. He looked toward the staff table and saw that Professor Snape was already glaring at him.

Harry almost laughed.

Some things, thankfully, never changed.

The Sorting ceremony proceeded without incident. One by one the nervous first-years were sorted into their new Houses amid applause and cheering.

Harry paid only partial attention, clapping now and then as another student was sorted into Gryffindor, while reflecting on how fortunate the nervous eleven-year-olds were not to have been born a year earlier. Truly, it was a miracle that the whole thing with the basilisk did not end up in a massive tragedy. 

Either Salazar Slytherin had trained his pet to not attack students or there was a higher power protecting the students. 

Once the last student had been sorted, Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair and the Great Hall gradually fell silent.

"Welcome," Dumbledore said warmly, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles, "to another year at Hogwarts."

A wave of applause moved through the Hall. Despite everything, Dumbledore remained a deeply respected figure in the wizarding world. Many viewed his decision to step back from politics and focus more on Hogwarts positively, seeing it as a sign of accountability and an acknowledgment that he was no longer as young or energetic as he once had been, and could not continue to hold so many positions while doing the work of each of them properly. Some members of Hogwarts’ board had attempted to have him removed as Headmaster, but their efforts failed quickly. From what Harry had heard, there had been a few inspections of the school done by Bones, but that is all. 

"I trust you all enjoyed your summer holidays."

Harry heard Neville mutter something about surviving rather than enjoying them.

Dumbledore continued.

"Before we begin our feast, I have two announcements concerning our faculty." Immediately the Hall grew attentive. "First, I am pleased to welcome Professor Kingsley Shacklebolt, who has graciously agreed to take the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."

Applause erupted across the Hall. Harry joined in; he had never met the Auror personally, but everyone seemed to hold him in exceptionally high regard. More importantly: maybe, just maybe, this year's Defence professor wouldn't be completely insane.

Once the applause died down, Dumbledore smiled again.

"Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs."

Laughter echoed throughout the Great Hall, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"However, I am delighted to announce that his position will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has kindly agreed to take on the role of Professor of Care of Magical Creatures in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

The Gryffindor table erupted into applause, and Harry clapped harder than anyone nearby. The other Houses joined in a moment later, less loudly than the lions. Across the hall, he spotted Hagrid; the half-giant had gone an alarming shade of red and looked equal parts proud, embarrassed, and on the verge of crying, and Harry couldn't have been happier for him.

"We should've known!" Ron roared, pounding the table. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"

The feast began shortly afterward and conversations resumed across the hall and before long the Great Hall buzzed with laughter once again. The food was delicious and it was great to be back at Hogwarts, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione were eager for it to finish so that they could talk to Hagrid

Eventually, the remaining food disappeared from the table and Dumbledore once again rose to his feet. He offered a few final reminders before dismissing everyone to their dormitories, and students immediately began filing out of their seats. Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed directly toward the staff table.

"Congratulations, Hagrid!" Hermione squealed before any of them reached him.

Hagrid looked up from his seat, his eyes already shining with happy tears.

"All down ter you three," he said, dabbing at his eyes with a napkin nearly the size of a tablecloth. "Still can' believe it... Professor Hagrid..."

His voice cracked.

"Professor Dumbledore came straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said he'd had enough. Asked me right there if I'd take the job." He gave an emotional sniff. "It's what I've always wanted."

Unable to continue, Hagrid buried his face in the napkin.

"You deserve it." Harry smiled. "So much."

Ron nodded enthusiastically.

"Best Care of Magical Creatures teacher Hogwarts could ask for."

Hagrid looked cried even harder and Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.

"I believe Professor Hagrid requires a moment to compose himself." Her lips twitched ever so slightly. "And I believe all of you require some sleep."

Taking the hint, the three of them congradulated Hagrid once more before joining the stream of Gryffindors making their way toward the entrance hall.

The familiar journey through Hogwarts began once again, up the marble staircase, along winding corridors, past moving portraits that greeted returning students, up another staircase, then another. Harry had forgotten just how many stairs Hogwarts actually possessed and by the time they reached Gryffindor Tower, nearly everyone looked ready for bed.

The Fat Lady smiled as the prefects approached.

"Password?"

Percy immediately pushed his way to the front, his new Head Boy badge gleaming proudly in the light.

"Coming through, everyone." He cleared his throat importantly. "The password is Fortuna Major."

The portrait swung open and students began entering. Behind Harry, Neville let out a miserable sigh.

"Oh no..."

Harry glanced back.

"What?"

"I am never learning this one."

Harry gave a sympathetic chuckle; Neville was terrible at remembering passwords and had often found himself locked out of the common room, forced to wait for another Gryffindor to let him in.

"You will."

Nevile shot him a doubtful look and Harry just patted his shoulder and followed the other Gryffindors pouring into the common room, filling it with cheerful conversation.

The boys split toward their staircase while the girls headed for theirs. Harry climbed the familiar spiral staircase beside Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus.

The dormitory door swung open, and Harry stood there for a moment with a small smile spread across his face.

It was good to be back.

[Fate Quest: ROBBED During The Third Year] 

Description:September has arrived, and with it begins another year at Hogwarts. New classes, new challenges, new opportunities... and whatever fate has quietly prepared behind the scenes. Keep your eyes open, your wand ready, and try not to lose anything you cannot replace.

Objectives:

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Rewards:

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“Oh, come on!”