"Where's Neville and Luna?" Harry asked.
"We're here," Neville patted Harry's shoulder as he sat.
"Now, then," Harry waved to get the twins and Ron's attention. "Don't make plans for the summer. You already have them."
"What are you...?" Ron started.
"Later. Not here," Ginny shook her head.
"Lavender, sorry, but Ron's not going to spend all his time with you this summer," Harry told her.
"Secrets, right?" Lavender asked. Ginny nodded. "I understand. I kind of figured after reading the paper this morning."
"You'll be getting an owl too, but..." Ginny started.
"I'm not in on the big stuff," she nodded. "I get it. I can and will help with other things."
"Thanks for understanding," Harry smiled. Lavender nodded. She was about to respond, but the doors to the Great Hall slammed open.
Sirius winked at Harry on his way to the High Table. He leaned forward speaking to McGonagall for a minute before turning to address the Great Hall.
"For those who don't know me, I am Lord Sirius Black. Auror and Board member," he began. "I am here to clarify a few things and make an announcement. Yes, the paper was correct this morning. I was indeed one of the arresting Aurors last night. Yes, Albus Dumbledore has committed those crimes listed. Yes, there were Death Eaters in the castle most of the year. And, yes, the wizard known as Voldemort has returned.
"As an Auror, I caution you to be very careful over the holidays. Make escape plans with your families, and defend yourself if necessary. The Ministry has given you permission to use Magic if needed. We will send Aurors to any house where underage Magic is used. If it is not to defend against Death Eaters, then the normal rules apply. If it is to defend yourself, you will know help will be on the way shortly.
"As a Board member, I am here to inform you: First, Professor Minerva McGonagall has been officially named Headmistress of Hogwarts. Second, expect some class changes next year. Third, yes, you will be getting a new Potions professor next year." Sirius paused, looking over at the Slytherin table. "Fourth, any child of a known or suspected Death Eater will comply with a search of their left arm and belongings at the end and beginning of term. Any Dark Marks or Dark Arts material found will be dealt with according to the law. This is a school, not a Death Eater recruitment camp. Now, everyone have a safe and happy summer!"
Sirius walked back toward the doors. The Great Hall was in total silence.
Harry and Ginny met with other Champions one last time before the other two schools departed. The Champions came to Harry and Ginny's quarters for breakfast the morning they were scheduled to leave. Cedric and Roger were the last to arrive. Dobby prepared and served the meal with great pleasure. Fleur and Marie smiled and laughed at the little elf's eagerness to please their guests. They gave him much praise in the quality of the meal and his enthusiastic service. Dobby smiled and blushed at them. Fleur embarrassed Dobby further by placing a soft kiss on his forehead as a show of gratitude after they were finished.
"Since we have a little time before you have to go," Harry began as they reclined in the sitting area, "do any of you have plans for after you leave school?"
"I am taking a job vith Gringotts een London," Fleur replied with a smile. Ginny gave her a knowing smile as Fleur blushed. Bill had already told her, he had gotten a transfer to London. He was heading back to Egypt to pack for his move back to England. Ginny also knew Bill had put in for the transfer after Fleur had told him about her job offer.
part twenty-three
Start from the beginning
