Ch181- Second Year Starts!

Ch181- Second Year Starts!

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On September First, Harry and Petunia arrived at King's Cross Station, ready for Harry to board the Hogwarts Express for his second year at the magical school. At the station, Harry embraced his aunt. "Aunty, I'll write to you every day," he promised.

Petunia kissed his forehead gently. "Make sure you do," she whispered softly, her eyes showing the usual mix of worry and care as she watched him prepare to leave for another year at Hogwarts.

Walking towards the familiar red train, Harry carried his luggage lightly, feeling Hedwig's discontent as she rattled her cage slightly. Hedwig wasn’t fond of being confined. Glancing around, he noticed several older students who nodded in recognition, especially the Slytherins, who greeted him with a touch more deference, greeting their new the Serpent of the Crown. Harry acknowledged them with a nod and proceeded to find an empty compartment, which wasn’t unusual for him. It had become something of an unspoken tradition; he would settle in, and soon, others would join.

As he stowed his luggage and released Hedwig from her cage, allowing her some freedom, he pulled out a book—Moby-Dick. It was just a light read to keep his mind occupied. About ten minutes had passed when the compartment door slid open to reveal the Weasley twins. "If it isn't the one and only Mr. Potter," declared one of the twins with a theatrical bow.

Harry looked up, a smile playing on his lips. "Mr. and Mr. Weasley, how do you do?" he greeted them warmly.

The twins, in their usual fashion, waggled their eyebrows comically. "We're plotting, as always," said Fred—or perhaps George; it was still hard to tell them apart. "And looking for opportunities to add a bit of fun to this fine morning."

"Hmm, seems like you're in the wrong compartment. Well, of course, if you want to break our truce of not pranking, I'd be happy to oblige," Harry said with a small smirk. Fred and George shivered at the memory. They had learned the hard way never to prank Harry or anyone close to him again. Last year had been a painful lesson.

"No, no, we're just here to say hello," one of them hastened to add. "And give you the heads up."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what is it then? Some juicy gossip?"

Fred grinned, "The new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has been selected. I still can't believe Lockhart was a fraud."

Harry's expression remained neutral as he absorbed the news. The twins, unaware of his involvement in Lockhart's downfall, continued chatting.

"Yeah, and they’ve appointed none other than Professor Lupin. Can you believe it?" George chimed in.

"Remus Lupin?" Harry mused aloud. "I've read about him. He's supposed to be quite good."

The twins nodded enthusiastically. "He's a bit shabby, but he's supposed to be really knowledgeable about Dark creatures. Well, that is what my Ma says." Fred added.

"Interesting choice," Harry commented, thinking about how this change might affect his year. "Thanks for the update."

With a salute, the twins made their exit, leaving Harry to ponder the implications of having Lupin as a professor. As the twins left, Harry looked at the old parchment in his hand with a grin. "Mischief managed. It was easier to steal than I thought," he remarked, at the same time Nigel reported the completion of last year's quest.

[System Message: Quest - Find the Magical Map of Hogwarts. Reward: Upgrading Map to show living beings, their names, their positions, and their current activity.]

Hermione, always the thoughtful one, added, "It’s troubling though, how many people he deceived. It’s a good thing he was exposed before he could do more damage at Hogwarts."

Neville, frowning slightly, said, "Yeah, Harry, wasn't it a bit risky, how that all went down?" The others, aware of Harry’s role in the takedown, nodded slightly, but were careful not to speak too openly with the others in the compartment.

Harry, sensing the need for some discretion, assured them, "It all worked out in the end, right? And now, Hogwarts might actually have a competent Defense professor."

The conversation shifted as Pansy, always curious, asked, "Do you think Lupin will be up to the task? I mean, he has to be better than Lockhart at least."

Susan piped in, "I heard he’s quite a gentle person, which might be good for us. Lockhart was more show than substance."

Soon, they arrived at the school, and as second-year students, they watched the new first-years trembling with excitement as they climbed into boats and gazed in awe at the castle towering over the Black Lake. As they walked towards the horseless carriages, Harry heard a familiar booming voice calling out, "Harry! Over here!"

Harry couldn't help but grin at Hagrid's attempt to make himself visible, as if the towering half-giant could ever blend into the background. Approaching him, Harry greeted warmly, "How's it going, Hagrid? You're looking well."

Hagrid beamed, his large hands adjusting the massive belt around his waist. "Great, Harry! Been busy with the new school year startin’ up. Got a bunch of interesting creatures for Professor Silvanus Kettleburn. He is going to show 'em this term."

As he settled into the carriage, the conversation turned to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. "So, heard about Professor Lupin, Hagrid? Think he’ll do a good job?" Harry asked, curious about Hagrid's insight, given his close ties with the Hogwarts staff.

Hagrid nodded enthusiastically. "Lupin? Oh, he’s a good man. Knew him back when he was a student here. Very smart, very kind. He’ll do a fine job, Harry, mark my words."

The carriage began to move, pulled by the invisible thestrals, towards the towering silhouette of Hogwarts. The familiar turrets and spires of the castle loomed closer, stirring a mixture of excitement and nostalgia in Harry. As they approached, Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's thoughts, "Back to the castle, Master Harry. I dare say, it's almost as if we never left."

Harry smiled to himself, replying silently, "It does feel that way, Nigel. Let's see what this year has in store for us."

As Harry stepped into the Great Hall and took his seat at the Slytherin table, where all the Slytherin students greeted him warmly and with a bit of respect, Nigel chimed in his mind. "A new quest, Master Harry. Oh, it seems like a good one. Well, it has been a while since I gave a quest, right?"

[System Message: New Quest - Uncover the Secrets of the Chamber of Secrets. Objective: Investigate and determine the truth about the legendary Chamber of Secrets to ensure the safety of Hogwarts. Rewards: Increased magical knowledge, enhanced reputation, and a special item from the Chamber itself.]

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