My dream thou brok’st not

Another chapter!
Again, I apologise about the lack of quote, but I\'m having to use my computer through remote access from my boyfriend\'s at the moment, so it\'s not as easy to do things.
Plus, I really wanted to get another chapter up quickly!

SecretlySnape

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Harry paused as he made his way into the large entrance doors to the Castle. He turned and looked out at the gardens and smiled.
Finally he was back. The castle felt like home more than number 4 Privet Drive ever would.
The last two weeks at The Burrow had been wonderful, but now Harry felt like he was home again and all the troubles of the holidays seemed to slip away.
Although he had been meaning to go and see Madam Pomfrey, he now felt that the thought of him having nightmares here was impossible.

“Harry? What’re you hanging around for?” exclaimed Ron, “The feast, the feast!”
Ron looked at Harry worriedly, as though he hadn’t eaten for weeks.
Harry grinned and caught Hermione’s eyes. She rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“Yeah ok,” said Harry, “I’m just glad to be back, you know?”
“Well of course, you are!” moaned Ron, “The food is wonderful! And my stomach’s just dying for it now!”
Harry and Hermione laughed at him.
”Well, we’d better get you in there, then, Ron. We wouldn’t want your stomach to expire before you made it to the first day of term!”

They made their way into the great hall, surrounded by the other students who were all saying their hellos and asking how the holidays had been.

Harry, Ron and Hermione settled down at the table. Neville and Seamus were chatting about Quidditch and Ron quickly jumped into the conversation.

“So how were your holidays?” Hermione asked Harry softly, now that Ron’s attention was taken.
Harry shrugged.
“Same as always, I guess. You know what the Dursleys are like.” he stared at the table in front of him, and then grinned up at her. “But I got to spend the last couple of weeks at the Burrow, so it was a lot better than normal.”

Hermione smiled. “Good, I...” she trailed off as Dumbledore stood and silence descended upon the hall.

“Welcome, welcome, to another year at Hogwarts! And welcome to all of you joining us anew!” he smiled down at the group of bedraggled first years shivering behind Professor McGonagall.

“And now,” he continued to the rest of the Great Hall, “the sorting. But you must excuse me, I do apologise, but this old man has some more work to do!”

And with that, he nodded to Professor McGonagall and left his seat.

Hermione glanced at Harry, frowning.
“That’s odd, Dumbledore usually never leaves the Sorting!”

Harry shrugged.
“He’s probably really busy now isn’t he, what with Voldemort back and all that.”

“Yeah I guess.” agreed Hermione, watching as Dumbledore made his way down the Great Hall towards the Griffindor table.

“Wow, they’re all so tiny!” exclaimed Ron, staring at the group of first years who were now following Professor McGonagall towards the front of the hall.
Harry grinned. “Yeah, I’m sure we were never that small.”

Harry watched as Professor McGonagall took the sorting hat and placed it on a stool in front of the entire school.
She turned and smiled curtly at the students in front of her, then stepped aside as the hat opened its wide brim.

Harry didn’t hear what the hat was saying, or singing, as there was suddenly a soft voice in his ear.
“Harry, if you don’t mind, I’m sorry to make you miss the sorting, but could you come with me?”
He turned quickly to see Dumbledore standing behind him smiling.
“Umm... sure Sir.” Harry glanced at Hermione and Ron wondering if they were to come as well.
Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled. “Just you, Harry, this time.” Then he straightened up and swept out of the Great Hall.
“Umm.. I guess I’ll see you later then.” said Harry confusedly to Ron and Hermione.
“You’re not in trouble are you, Harry?” asked Ron worriedly.
“Can’t think of anything I’ve done this early in the year...” Harry grinned and headed out of the Great Hall after Dumbledore.
He caught up with him in the corridor outside and for a while they walked in silence.
“Umm... Professor..” Harry started and looked at Dumbledore who was smiling at him. “I’ve not.. I’m not.. I mean... I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong...”
“Guilty conscience Harry?” asked Dumbledore grinning at him. “No, don’t worry, you’re not in trouble.”
“Oh.” said Harry, glad at least that he hadn’t done anything wrong.
They continued to walk in silence for a while, then, when they reached the Gargoyle at the bottom of the stairs to Dumbledore’s office, Harry stopped.
“So.. Professor... why...” he trailed off, not really sure if he should be asking why Dumbledore wanted to see him, when they were so close to his office where, no doubt, he’d find out anyway.
“All in due time, Harry.” Dumbledore continued to smile at him. “Acid Pops!” he exclaimed to the Gargoyle who moved aside, revealing the staircase to the Headmaster’s office.
Harry followed Dumbledore up the stairs and into the office.
“Do take a seat, Harry. Hmmm... pumpkin juice?”
Harry smiled and nodded. “Yes please, Professor.”
A tray with a jug of iced pumpkin juice, a glass, a pot of tea and a cup appeared on the desk. Dumbledore poured Harry a glass of juice, and then himself a cup of tea, then sat back and observed Harry solemnly.