Book 5, Hogwarts School, first day.....

OK, I know this will involve a lot of speculation, but let's try to make it informed speculation, OK?

I'm wondering what the first day back at Hogwarts, or on the train-ride there, will be like.
I've looked through the related thread on the Death-Eaters' children, and we can assume that it is a relevant reference.
Dumbledore will not turn away anyone with magical talent just because their parents may or may not be Voldemort followers. Yet some students may not return.
Dumbledore's Welcoming Speech, The Sorting, What they did during the summer, new students, etc.
It's all open for discussion here.
What do you think is likely to happen on the first day back?

Also remember the rules on spoilers, please. If you want to talk about them go to the appropriate thread provided .

Here goes.

My speculation is based on the following assumptions:

* Voldemort's crowd will not have done anything major over the summer, so there is no obvious "proof" that he has returned

* Fudge is doing everything he can to prevent Harry's story about V's return from spreading beyond the parents of Hogwarts students

* Since V's return is still in question by the general wizarding population, most people are still in denial

Considering all that, I think the atmosphere will be one of uncertainty. The students will probably have gone home at the end of last year to report what happened, but with no confirmation (and Fudge's outright rejection of the idea) their parents will not be inclined to believe it (denial). On the first day back, many of the students will be unsure how to react, particularly to Harry and his friends. Their parents may even have told them to avoid Harry whenever possible.

The Slytherins who are children of DE's should be trying to avoid drawing too much attention, I would think. If Lucius wouldn't tell Draco about the Chamber, he certainly won't want his son broadcasting V's return all over Hogwarts until V. is better established. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle will probably be leery of crossing the Trio, considering the events on the train ride home at the end of last year.

Snape should be treading carefully, considering his status as a former DE (which Fudge knows). I don't think we will find out that soon what his summer "mission" was.

On the other hand, it sounds like we will get to see the Quidditch try-outs this year, so the first day won't be all serious stuff. I'm anxious to hear Dumbledore's "Welcome Back" speech.

Great post, Siriusly Addicted....

To bring up one of your reasons, I think that most kids will begin to avoid Harry, as most of the wizarding world already think him to be out of his mind with that Skeeter Article...

Draco and the others will be treating them with extra spite (due to the trio hexing Malfoy and the others in the end). Also, the teachers will probably follow Harry (on Dumbledore's orders...?) making it hard to sneak out, and rule break in general...Oh, and Fred and George will get Ron some new dress robes, and begin to develop their joke shop....:)

First day back will be really hard on everyone as Cedric will not be there. It will take some time to get over that. Summer's don't cure everything.

I am thinking the sorting hat song will talk more about the founders finding things out we would never have thought. Maybe traits of the different houses we have yet to learn.

There might even be transfer students from the other schools we learned about.

I would expect to see some transfer studemts. Dumbledore and other teachers will probally try to keep as much normalcy as possible. That is probally what Dumbledore's speach will be about. Draco will be on his best behavior. Purely on his father's orders not to attract to much attention. There will be alot of uncertanty. Many will try to avoid Harry because they are unconfortable around him. Harry may even attempt to talk to Neville and extend more of friendship his way.

Do you recon that Dumbledore will even be there on the first day back seeing as there is the possibility of him being busy with something else, concerned with Voldemort.
Yeah, I still think that everyone will be sad over Cedric still.

I think that he will absoltely be there. I think that he will want to maintain a normal school enviroment. If he is gone, then that would set that stage as a year that is different. Plus, I think that he would want to be there to make certian that everyone is safe. Without him there it could start some sort of panic. Many students will probally not be aware of the facts. Rumors will spread. I would not be suprised to see some students even transfer out of the school.

I wonder if any of the students will be escorted to the school by their parents?

ooo.. good thought. I bet many many would. Perhaps Dumbledore will set up a special letter are even some sort of question and answer meeting before the begining of the year. I would imagine that he is being pelted with owls all summer.

I imagine the expected letter from Hogwarts at the end of the summer will be different than usual as well.

I think that the parents are going to be divided.

There will be those who believe what their kids say, about Voldemort returning. These will be the ones on Dumbledore's side.

There will be those who don't believe their kids and refuse to believe that Voldemort could return. These will be the ones on Fudge's side.

And then there will be the Death Eaters children, and the children of those who follow Voldemort but aren't classed as Death Eaters.

I don't think that Voldemort would have done much over the summer. He returned to power a week before the end of the Hogwarts term. He would have spent that time scheming and plotting. And I don't think he wants to get too big straight away. In GoF, he says that he's setteled for his old body, old strength. This means that all the steps he took to be immortal are gone and he'll want to start working on that again, otherwise Harry could kill him easily.

I just want to see the consequences of their attack on Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle on the train. I think that will be interesting.

Fudge will probably do something to assure to everyone that everything is safe and Cedric's death was caused by something else.

Does anyone think Fudge will come to the school on the first day back?

I think he might just to check up on Dumbledore. That could get interesting...

Fudge will probably do something to assure to everyone that everything is safe and Cedric's death was caused by something else.Difficult task. Cedric's parents already know the truth behind their son's death. If Fudge tries to broadcast any false propaganda about Cedric's death, there may be a severe backlash.

On a related note: I was surprised at how well Cedric's parents, especially his father, took the story (Cedric being murdered by Voldemort). It seems they have no problems with Harry's account of Cedric's death. I expected at least some resistance, since it was only Harry's word without definitive proof.

I think that , after being such a jerk(in my opinion) throughout the book, he was just humbled by the shock of the events. I think that he just realized that he needed to calm his attitude. I was very happy with his reaction.

I wouldn't be surprised to find McGonnagal as the temporary principal (she is the deputy) while Dumbledore is away organising stuff to do with Voldie.
I agree that people will start to try to stay away from harry and co. This might cause Harry to start seeing, **** I can't remember their names, thse who worship him, in a different light. neville, that's one of the names. :P I'm getting kind of forgetful, I haven't read the books for a fair while. But most of the kids will be really confused of which story to believe.

I think that Fudge will be present a lot in the book because of the parting of the ways. Remember what he said as he was leaving? I will contact you about the running of the school. What did he mean by that?

I think that Fudge is going to have to start undermining Dumbledore's position in the Wizarding community. If he is going to get people on 'his side' and stop them from believing Dumbledore then he is going to have to start portraying Dumbledore as a mad old man who is loosing it and is not to be trusted any more. I think that the Daily Prophet is going to continue to play a role in a sort of propoganda war.

People at Hogwarts, students and staff alike, are going to have to choose sides. I suspect that some of them are going to try to sit on the fence but it is going to be very difficult to stay there. An 'if you are not for me you are against me' sort of thing.

Roz.

But would he try to do that at Hogwarts on the first day of classes?

I dunno...I think it will just be normal. Voldemort might do something over the summer, just to let the world know that he is 'back.' That might cause a little tension, but didn't Hagrid say that Gringotts Bank and Hogwarts school were among the safest places in the wizarding world? If I was the parent of a child who attended Hogwarts, I would not feel reluctant at all to send them off to school, knowing that they will be completely safe. Safer, in some senses, than if they were at home.

The atmosphere might be a little tense and everyone might be a little jumpy, and of course Draco will say something to Harry about Voldemort's return, but I think things will carry on as usual.

i expect the arrival of students will happen in many different ways to Hogwarts in OoTP parents are going to be leery of the train as being safe enough (if the panic has spread yet) if most people are in denial of Voldys return then it is quite hard to predict
i do think alot more students will be more cautious when around Harry, possibly even Hermione (because of her dance partner)
Rons part is going to be one i will have to just watch and see

I'm also wondering about the new first year students, are they going to be scared?

The ones from wizarding families will probally be more nervous that first years from previous years. Muggle borns probally won't be though at least not at first. Maybe one will go home afraid of what they are involved in. But could they really? Does acceptance to Hogwarts qualify as a binding magical contract? That would make it difficult?

Originally posted by Barbara Kennedy (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=290251#post290251))
But would he try to do that at Hogwarts on the first day of classes?


I assume that that was aimed at me.

I think Fudge is going to have to start underming Dumbledore right away, even before the holidays are over. If Fudge wants to retain his power, and given the events in GoF I assume he does, he is going to have to try and laugh off Dumbledore's claims that Voldie is back. This means he is going to have to undermine DD publicly and before the Hogwarts students start spreading their story. He might also continue the work of Rita Skeeter and try and imply that Harry is unstable. With Barty Jr. dead everything hang's on Harry's word now.

Roz.

Yes, you are right there, he would probably start that even before the students got home at the end of the last book.

[YAHOO, yippee, jump, dance, giggle .......errr, sorry, just noticed I'm a sixth year now]:sorry: :clappy: :clappy:

I think that we might see absences of Snape because he may have to be absent on certain times because of the job Dumbeldore has for him .Also if Snape is being a spy for dumbeldore then i think itll be hard with people like draco and goyle/crabbe dont you think,theyll be suspicious .plus i think something will happen before harry returns to school also .

I'm sure the others will be skittish around Harry. Especially if they didn't believe Dumbledore's speech at the end of the year. Some people might still believe Rita Skeeter. Of course, the DE's kids will be... well you know.

I should like to see Hermione with a new pet beatle. Perhaps she changes her mind about setting Rita free. :evil:

On a more humorous note, Krum DID invite Hermione to come visit her over the summer. I think Ron will spend quite a bit of time asking her about it whether or not she actually went.

I expect that Harry will be sharing a train compartment with Ron and Hermione if they do come by train as usual. Ron should get plenty of opportunity to ask her.

I'm guessing Ron will send her an owl to ask over the summer... Hope she answers or I bet he could get quite annoying....

I hope it isn't the only time he sends her an owl [or the only thing he says] or she will be very annoyed with him.

that would be the wrong way to go. Hopefully he has more sense than that. Either way I can see him getting quite annoying....

Guys, I don't think this is the thread to be discussing the Ron/Hermione/Krum triangle.

I agree with whoever said that Fudge will try and use the Prophet for propaganda. We know he's gullible enough to believe things in it, he believed that Harry was unstable and I think he'll use the negative press to his advantage. Though I don't think we'll see Rita again. She seems like a one book only charecter.

some great posts here.
the first day back- hmmm interesting.
i'm pretty sure dumbledore will be around, we'll be introduced to the new dada prof.
harry will probably make it onto the train this time, and there will be a confrontation with draco and his sheep, nothing serious enough to take him out of the great hall.
I'm thinking that alot of children may not make it back to hogwarts- sure it's one of the safest places to be, but if i was a parent of a wizrd i would probably want to keep my children close by- where i could see them. also the parents would be concerned about sending their children back to hogwarts knowing that voldemort would be after harry- and more children may get caught in the crossfire.
if i was a parent- i probably would not send my children back there.
not saying dumbledore isn't a great wizard, but there are hundreds of children at hogwarts- he cant be everywhere at once.

Originally posted by dumbleedore (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=292162#post292162))
I agree with whoever said that Fudge will try and use the Prophet for propaganda. We know he's gullible enough to believe things in it, he believed that Harry was unstable and I think he'll use the negative press to his advantage. Though I don't think we'll see Rita again. She seems like a one book only charecter.


Mugglenet just posted a link on their News page to the Book Magazine article about OotP. According to the article, JKR as says that Rita will be back in OotP. Maybe someone can post the link in this thread, but they just never work when I do it. Sorry.

I hadn't thought about the new 1st years. The Muggle-borns probably won't know much about what's going on, other than what they might pick up in gossip form in Diagon Alley when they go to get their school supplies. The newbies from wizarding families might know a little more, but it will depend on if their parents/grandparents have heard Fudge's version or Dumbledore's (and who they choose to believe). Most of the 1st-years will probably take their cues from the older students and either support or avoid Harry accordingly. After all, the older students were there last year: they remember the Tournament, they remember Cedric, and they were present when Dumbledore made his speech. Not all the students are sheep, and some will form their own opinons regardless of what Fudge and the Daily Prophet say about events.

I am wondering if both Hagrid and Snape will be present at the Welcoming Feast or if either will still be off on his summer assignment. I would think they would both need to be back at School. Many posters in this thread think Fudge will be at Hogwarts on the first day, and that's a really good idea. He will surely want to find out what Dumbledore says to the students, or stop him from saying anything controversial. After the scene in the Hospital Wing last year, Fudge surely knows that Snape is supporting Dumbledore, and Hagrid's support is a foregone conclusion. Even Fudge will be suspicious if either of them is missing on the first day of school.

Summer: Hermione will go to Krum's place over the holidays, and will probably send letters to Harry and Ron (and Ron wont like it). I dont think Harry will go round to Rons; if he does, only for the last couple of days.

Train-ride: Reasonably normal. Posibly update by owl from Sirius etc.
Arrival: Probably by train I think. There arent many other options of how to go there really, but I suppose you never know.
Feast: They will probably all attend the feast, and will see the first years being sorted. I dont think many of the new students will be important, but one or two may be.

DDs Welcoming: He will probably enforce many new rules becuase of Vols rebirth. I think that they will probably have some similar rules to in thesecond book when the basilisk was on the loose - no going out of the common room after 6 or whatever. Also, he will probably tell them to tell a teacher if they see anything suspicious (and probably Harry will see something suspicious late rin the year, and not tell DD); and welcome the DADA teach. No matter who it is, Harry will be surprised.

I know that Malfoy was pretty bold in the end of book 4 ,but I bet his dad lectured him over the summer about acting suspicious. He will probably be a little more quiet around Harry.

Somehow, I can imagine Draco Malfoy sitting around all summer plotting his revenge on Harry & Co. for the incident on the train at the end of Book 4... ;)

Sadly, though, despite Dumbledore's speech, some of the student body are still going to think Harry is disturbed and possibly dangerous. Especially if nothing further has been heard from Voldemort and the Death Eaters over the summer holiday, and nothing has appeared in the newspaper corroborating the story, lots of the parents and kids may just think Dumbledore is crazy.

Even if the Ministry does nothing, if Dumbledore is still in charge of the school, extra security at the station and on the train are possible. Perhaps some of the teachers on guard? Imagine spending several hours on the train under the glare of Snape...

The new year will show who are truely behind Dumbledore as they will be the ones who believe him that Voldermort is back even though nothing is said my the MoM and papers.

The students will get to Hogworths the same way just this time it will be more sober. Some parents and kids might be one the look out ewatching to see if anything funny happens.

The Death Eaters kids will most likely be acting up trying to show how great they are but not when teachers are around.

There will definatly be plenty of seperation between the studetns. I think that people that don't know harry and don't trust him very much won't be friendly, but his true friends will be just that. True.

I think that the school will be packed with those kids whose parents support Dumbledore, and a few who do not want to make it obvious that they are deatheaters. But the students might be scarce in the halls, as so much has gone on...and esp. because of his speach at the end of the book. But I definately think he will be there for the first day. He has to be there to greet the kids and show that he is the stronger of the two. He will overcome the owls that he has beeen sent fromthe disapproving parents. This is a great thread thought Barbara! Good thoughts!

Thank you.
You have all come up with great posts, keep it up.:)

well, we are suposed to hear a new sorting hat song...maybe it will have a sad tone to it...but I am really anxious to see what happens on the Express...it usually is packed with info...

I wonder if the new Sorting Hat Song will mention Cedric?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH! Yeah...that would be a Hufflepuff characteristic wouldn't it...how sad! That would make Harry's first day back a downer and make him think about Cho...I am not going onto the love thread here...just the thought of the end of book four as he was just getting over it in the beginging of book five...oh, poor Cadric and poor Harry!

I'll try to touch on some stuff that I haven't seen too much in this thread already.

At any given time in a Harry Potter book, Harry will be either the most popular kid in school, the least popular, or both. I think it will be evident on the first day of school that he's both. It won't be popularity as in having the loud enthusiastic "you're so great Harry!!" type stuff, but I think we'll see a mix of respect and resentment towards him. He'll get tons of those uncomfortable stares that he loves oh-so much, from students that either hate him (Slytherins cough cough), are in awe of him (younger kids), don't know how to act around him, etc.

I'm wondering if we are going to see any interaction with Cho Chang on the first day. She might try to talk to Harry about Cedric, but I'm not too sure where it would go from there.

I think that there will be a huge seperation between the Slytherns and everyone who believe that Voldemort has returned. They will not trust any of that Slytherins even if they have no reason not to thust the person or persons... Maybe we'll get a good example of a nice Slytherin

Maybe we will see a first year burst into tears at the sorting because the Sorting Hat put them in Slytherin?????
EDIT
No maybe not, but at the thought that the hat might put them there.....maybe.

I think that over the summer hermione will go to visit Krum in Bulgaria or wherever he lives (don't remember). She'll probably send owls from there back to Harry and Ron. Harry will probably end up spending (at least) part of his summer at Ron's house. From there, they'll probably get to school by train. On the train, they can't get in big trouble by fighting with Malfoy or anything bc there's a new sorting hat song so they'll be at the sorting. People will probably act much as they did towards him in CoS when they thought Harry was Slytherin's heir. However, Harry's good friends and most of the Gryffindor's will behave towards him normally. At Dumbledore's welcome speech, he'll probably try to keep it positive, while stressing that they need to be extremely cautious and avoid leaving the common rooms when possible

All I'm pretty sure of about the first day back is that they will make it to the sorting ceremony. I remember something about a new Sorting Hat song, which would only be mentioned if Harry is at the ceremony.

That is a definate..we know for sure he will make it there. But what if there is a new student, a first year that has something to do with the main theme...

I am very interested in the new students. They always seem to have some kind of surprise. Last year it was another Creevey.
Uh-oh....you don't suppose they have a little sister do you?

that would be bad..but what if Crabe and/or Goyle had a little sister? that would be scarry...

I've always wondered about the Creevey's having another sibling. Dennis was always a bit of a suprise, I didn't see him coming.

Maybe Dennis will just have a larger role than he did in GoF.

Oh, dear... I'm not sure I could stand another Creevey!

I believe that all the Gryffindors will remain close to Harry and will back Dumbledore. Who knows how the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws will act, though. They always seem so fickle. The Slytherins will likely be their usual nasty selves.

Maybe it's just my hope, but, I feel like that most of the wizarding community will side with Dumbledoor. I definitely think Fudge will try to undermine his efforts, but I believe Dumbledoor will thrawrt Fudge's efforts to do so. We may even see the MoM crumble, though maybe not in the next book.

I already think we have seen the MOM crumbling...I do think that it might start showing its roots in this one though..Especially with Arthur siding with Dumbledore. But I do think that we have seen a shaky foundation for the MOM since the first book...

Yes - there will be another Creavey and it will be Twins! No, Triplets!

I think more kids will be at Hogwarts since Hogwarts is very safe and the parents trust Dumbledore they may feel safer with their kids at school than at home. I'm thinking that parents that got letters from Hogwarts and were actually planning on sending their kids to other schools instead will decide Hogwarts is better after all.

I think the train ride will be as boisterous as ever. Everyone will be happy to see each other and swap summer vacation stories and goof off. I think the train may have some higher security - perhaps it will be followed by aurers on brooms or further enchantments to protect it.

I think the Hat song will be about how brave each house has been in the past when faced with adversity.

I don't think Cedric would be mentioned except maybe as an example of bravery. I think Dumbledores speech at the end of GoF can't be improved on, and dwelling too much on it would be bad. But I think the feast may be less boisterous than the train ride and start out quieter than usual. Although - this would be an excellent time to explain to the first years what happened to Cedric before they go to their houses and get a modified version, and to reassure them that they are safe.

Dumbledore will make his usual speech, probably putting in a new curfew hour, adding to Filches list of contraband, introduce the new DADA teacher.

I think Draco will avoid Harry that first day, but since he is such a braggart I'm sure his teasing about Voldemort will continue (even if his dad tells him to keep quiet I don't think he will be able to resist).

I think Harry will have people avoiding him, and people coming up to him asking if he is okay (which will be annoying after the 20th time).

I don't think Fudge will make an appearance the first day.

Perhaps after spending the summer with the Beauxbaton headmistress Hagrid will be trying to greet people in French, or be wearing a new shirt she bought him or something.

I just had a thought awhile ago... in the end of GOF, when Sirius has to leave, and Harry doesn't want him to go, he says that Harry will see him very soon, so I think Harry will probably see Sirius at some point in time over the Summer.

It is possible that Harry may see more than a couple of friends turn up at Privet Drive over the summer.

Things will probably seem completely normal to most of the students, except a bit more strained.

They'll get to school by train, the sorting will go as usual except for the new song, the feast will be pretty normal, but there will be a very sad undercurrent to things. Not to mention the tension between those who realize Voldie's back and those in denial. Nothing will be so pronounced that a muggle-born first year would sense it, no fist-fights or anything overt.

But, as usual, something will happen in the first couple of chapters that will have a huge effect on the threesome. The farther away from the center you get, the less you'll be aware of it, though. For example, Fred and George might notice a change in Ron's behavior, but someone like Neville won't see it.

So, what's the most likely revelation? There has been a lot of interesting speculation centering on if Petunia being a squib or even a non-practicing witch, Mrs. Figg being the secret-keeper or the new DADA teacher, or both, etc. I don't think the big thing coming at the beginning of the book will the the death we keep hearing about. It's too early for something that awful to happen.

Has anyone considered that the big revelation won't be a bad one? Suppose Fred and George were named co-headboys, for example? Or Dudley turned out to be a wizard and turned his father into a toad?

It could happen . . .

i would expect that maybe harry would spend his last part of the summer vacation at the Granger's then go to diagon alley and go to the train as usual.

However, i beleive that Harry might notice a lot more security, not necisarlily (spelling) on him, but on the overall places he goes to.

Also, the feast and the sorting will probably the same............
HOWEVER, i think that malfoy will come to the trio, as usual, and state to harry that he should have gone to his side first and that voldemort has gotten his power back and you won't have long......something along those lines.

And i agree, the secret of who is the dark arts teacher will be nice to find out.

We'll find out soon enough i guess!

I think the revolving DADA position is a GOOD thing. I mean, each teacher gives another view. Something like Transfiguration is pretty standard whoever teaches it (I assume), but fighting a wizard like Voldemort or a Death Eater is a very specific skill, one that many varied techniques could help greatly in.

Madame Sosostris predicts:
1) Some parents will have pulled their children out of school because they are afraid of You-Know-Who;
2) Some parents will have pulled their children out because they don't believe that You-Know-Who is back, agree with Fudge and disapprove of Dumbledore's attitude and handling of the GoF situation;
3) Professor Grubbly-Plank is back while Hagrid is off on some mysterious mission;
4) Professor Snape likewise is missing in action; altogether,
5) Things just aren't the same, and
6) Due to low enrollment, the school's future is at stake.
6) To balance that out, we'll get a substitute Potions teacher who is a surprise;
7) The real Mad-Eye teaching DADA; and
8) A high-profile role for Dennis Creevy, that gutsy little kid who is thrilled to get half drowned in a lake during a thunderstorm and rescued by a giant squid. It's as good as a Cheering Charm to be around somebody with such a zest for life.

Originally posted by fruitia pickleweed (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=310707#post310707))
Madame Sosostris predicts:
A high-profile role for Dennis Creevy, that gutsy little kid who is thrilled to get half drowned in a lake during a thunderstorm and rescued by a giant squid. It's as good as a Cheering Charm to be around somebody with such a zest for life.


Very well-put. The Creeveys generally annoy me, but that part with Dennis and the squid WAS awfully cute. Little dude's got guts, gotta give him that.

As for the rest...

1) I think Harry will see Sirius over the summer...perhaps Sirius will even have something to do with the "bombshell" (I won't go any further than that) if it's true.

2) I think enrollment will be significantly down. I don't care how safe Hogwarts supposedly is or how wonderful DD actually is, the fact remains that the past few years have made the school look bad. Petrified students three years ago, a convicted lunatic murderer breaking in two years ago, and last year a student actually died. Honestly, if you weren't on the "inside track," so to speak, would you send your child there?

3) I think both Hagrid and Snape will be back. I think it would be too strange and suspicious if they weren't. I DON'T think, however, either of them will be reading "What I Did Over My Summer Vacation" in the Great Hall, so I'm afraid it'll be awhile before we find out about that.

4) I think Fudge will be very present, very visible, and breathing down Dumbledore's neck. You think the staff was tense right before the Tri-Wizard Tournament? Wait 'til you see them now.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I would speculate as to Malfoy and the other DEs' kids, but I just don't have a clue how that's going to play out. Except Snape better watch his back.

Originally posted by fruitia pickleweed (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=310707#post310707))
8) A high-profile role for Dennis Creevy, that gutsy little kid who is thrilled to get half drowned in a lake during a thunderstorm and rescued by a giant squid. It's as good as a Cheering Charm to be around somebody with such a zest for life.


I suspect though that Dennis Creevy might be one of the people who gets caught in the backlash of what is going on. I have this sneaking suspision that something really bad is going to happen to him. He has been set up as such an innocent and likeable character and I think we would all be effected if he were too loose that innocence through some painful circumstance. He is also a muggle-born which puts him at a higher risk.

Roz.

Enrollment may have changed, rather than be down. I suspect we will see a number of *exchange students* at Hogwarts, and we may see older students being sorted.

The students themsleves may gravitate into groups, pro-Harry, pro-Voldemort, those in denial, etc. etc. Maybe the houses will be less emphasized as the politics become more difficult.

And Diagon Alley and the train ride will probably be different. Guards on the train (or chaperones--whatever), and people in Diagon Alley being more suspicious and wary of strangers and possibly Harry. Harry may experience some negative fan recaction after Rita's articles. Maybe someone will refuse to serve him or somesuch. Maybe Harry will have to send Molly,Ron r Hermione to do his shopping as he is just a bit too controversial to be comfortable or safe in public.

Originally posted by familiar (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=296541#post296541))
Yes - there will be another Creavey and it will be Twins! No, Triplets!

God, I hope not! They're annoying as it is. It would be interesting if they did have a sister and she's the total opposite. She's actually quiet! :rotfl: Sorry, I thought that was funny. And maybe she'll be cute! ;)

Well, what I would assume would happen during the summer would be:
Harry doesn't get to go to Ron's house because Hermione got to invite Harry and Ron first to her house. I am dying to learn more about her parents and her home lifestyle. I think it'd be quite interesting to see that they are a lot laidback then I assumed.

It'd be nice if Harry did get to see Sirius and Lupin. Maybe they pass by the house as door-to-door salesmen. :D And perhaps Harry will visit Mrs. Figg and put two and two together.

The train ride back:
I would think that the Slytherin Trio will still be on their cases. I mean Hermione's smack didn't make Malfoy scared of her. He keeps coming back for more. I guess he likes the abuse.

The Feast:
I'd expect a new song from the Sorting Hat and I like the idea someone brought up that maybe it'll mention Diggory. That would make me cry, actually any mention of Cedric would make me cry.

I'd expect for there to be less students for the fact that some parents are in denial and do no want their children around a man who says V's back and Harry Potter because afterall he's "unstable".

I'd love it if Dumbledore would implement extra-defense classes or clubs so that in case anything were to happen they'd be prepared. I've been wanting to see Dueling again for a while and even fencing.

Do you think the curriculum will change in light of recent events?

It might. the first day is GOING TO KILL ME if it doesn't hurry up. Ho Hum.
:rotfl: I'm sorry, but that made me crack up. I can't believe I typed that. Sheesh!
I'm worried about what will happen, everything will be a little different, malfoy smugger than usual, Hermione running to the library, more often. ( she'll probably be worried about Harry sometimes, and force him to come too) she might not be so strict to the rules, though i don't know why... :

:clappy: I love this topic! It's one reason why I'm so excited for Book 5. I think that the setting will seem more wary of Lord Voldemort's return. In book 1, we had seen the joy that Voldemort's downfall brought to the magical world yet we never saw the horrors that were unleashed when his powers were at their peak. We never had the chance to see how the dark mark would hover over a home signifying an attack (Like Mr.Weasley explained in Book 4). I think this will somehow be like going back in time and that on their first day back, the trio will probably return to school on a more serious note. They will most likely be informed of certain precautions on their first day back.

I think Hermione will be too concerned for Harry's safety to ask him to come to her home.

I feel we're going see a very different first day back than we've ever seen in the past, a lot of tension for sure.

I think we will see a definite division in the students between those who support Dumbledore & those that support Fudge, & that we will see this division in two ways: 1. by the number of students who do/don't return & 2. simply by attitudes.

Malfoy & Co. will be their normal selves around Harry & Co., though more careful I think around the professors.

I think a lot of students--esp. non Gryffindore students--will avoid Harry either because they do believe him to be "unstable" or just because they don't know how to act around him after his experiencing Cedric's death the previous year. Harry's true friends will be there for him.

Harry I think will become better friends with Neville, become a protector of sorts for him.

And, to be perfectly honest, I will not be at all surprised if Fudge doesn't try to remove Dumbledore as head of Hogwarts. He's not going to want Dumbledore there telling everyone that Voldemort's back, & I really think he's going to try to do more than just hanging around the school keeping an eye on Dumbledore. We could see a very noticeable absence of Dumbledore at the beginning of the term. (only to see him return when the school is in grave danger!)

By the way, I love all of these speculations!!

Here's one. Fudge is at the head table and gives a speech about how the Ministry is taking a more hands-on approach with Hogwarts curriculum and Dumbledore is just sitting there loooking smug and mysterious, and McGonnagall and Snape are openly fuming at Fudge's arrogance. Then Fudge leaves for an *important appointment* and Dumbledore says, "After that small comic relief we will proceed as normal."

OK, it probably won't happen exactly that way (Dumbledore would not insult Fudge so openly like that behind his back) but something similar may take place. Fudge proabbly will try to keep tabs on Hogwarts to make sure Harry and Dumbledore aren't spreading lies and rumors. And Dumbledore will give Fudge lip service and quietly do things his way anyway.

I reckon there's going to be something like:

'Harry couldn't help notice, pre occupied as he was with Ginny kissing him, that there seemed to be less new students than usual'

:clappy: Well, get rid of the Ginny bit!:o

Originally posted by Barbara Kennedy (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=313323#post313323))
Do you think the curriculum will change in light of recent events?


I would like the curriculum to change. What if this war last a very long time. I think the students should have a right to know how to defend themselves. I feel as though if they are going to be walking down the street they should at least be prepared.

I think the curriculum will change. Fudge will try to include a more restrictive curriculum than he has let Dumbledore get away with in the past. Dumbledore will go along , at least in public, just so he does not to make too many waves or appear to try to disrupt the Ministry. He will have much bigger issues to deal with. Of course there will be things he needs to teach Harry and Co. discretely.

Above all, I see Dumbledore sticking strictly to the truth about what is happening with Voldemort and his followers when he does speak to the students and teachers.
In his speech at the end of the year last term, he emphasized that to do any less would be an insult to the memory of Cedric or any others who had died fighting Voldemort.

Dumbledore will still be siding with the truth even if it means he'll get into trouble with Fudge. Just hope Fudge doesn't sack Dumbledore.

I also agree that the curriculum will be changed. Probably an Advanced DADA?

Malfoy and the Slytherins will still be as slimy and evil as ever. Slimier in my opinion especially now that Voldie's back. I bet we'll be hearing a lot of Mudblood trash out of Malfoy's mouth in book 5.

Snape will be, well, Snape. You know, the usual detentions and taking away points from Gryffindor. But I think he and the whole faculty will be more strict as ever.

GoF opened a door for HArry to get to know Neville. I think we'll be hearing a lot from Neville and I think he will proving he's a true Gryffindor in book 5.

As for Harry and Co. I think they will still be their usual selves. Just hope they wouldn't get into much trouble with meddling in people's business. Just kidding.

The dueling club may be resurrected, albeit with competent teachers. (no Lockheart--maybe Flitwick after all) It could be an extra-curricular activity but highly encouraged. That way Dumbledore would keep the MoM type curriculum intact, BUT allow the students to learn survival skills for Voldemort's return.

I just got the wild idea, do you think Fudge will try to sack Snape, or insist that Dumbledore sack him?

Sack Snape? I can see your thinking in that. However, since Fudge was in absolute denial about what the skull/snake on Snape's arm meant, I really doubt he would see any reason to sack him; he's just too thickheaded to consider doing that. Besides, I'm telling you he'll go after Dumbledore before he'll go after anyone else; you can mark my words on that.

Definitely more duelling, though. I've been waiting for more of that since CoS . . . er, but under proper instruction this time!

If Fudge is still in denial about Voldemort's return, and I believe he will be until he is *forced* to admit the truth, I don't see why he would have Snape fired from the Hogwarts staff. He has no grounds without the Death Eater connection.

I also think Fudge's denial will make it hard for DD to change the curriculum to increase the DADA classes, although I think DD would like to do that.

I would also like to see dueling return.

Question: In PS/SS, Harry tells us that the books in the restricted section are read by older students studying advanced DADA. When does that happen? Do the advanced classes start 5th year, before the students take O.W.L.s? I think Moody/Crouch said in GoF that they would study the Unforgivable Curses in 6th year, but surely that's not the only thing covered in advanced DADA.

Originally posted by Crookshanks1974 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=319898#post319898))
Sack Snape? I can see your thinking in that. However, since Fudge was in absolute denial about what the skull/snake on Snape's arm meant, I really doubt he would see any reason to sack him; he's just too thickheaded to consider doing that.

But I don't think that Fudge was in denial about Snape being a Death Eater at one time--surely, Fudge had to know that already, considering Snape's name came up before the council, and Fudge is the Minister of Magic. And I believe that's what Barbara was referring to. Voldemort or no Voldemort, I'm sure there would be many parents none-too-thrilled at the idea of a former DE teaching their children.

That said, I do agree that DD will be the first to go, if anyone does.

Yes, Severely Snapped, that is essentially what I was hinting at.

But I don't think that Fudge was in denial about Snape being a Death Eater at one time--surely, Fudge had to know that already, considering Snape's name came up before the council, and Fudge is the Minister of Magic. And I believe that's what Barbara was referring to. Voldemort or no Voldemort, I'm sure there would be many parents none-too-thrilled at the idea of a former DE teaching their children.

That said, I do agree that DD will be the first to go, if anyone does.


I agree that Fudge knows full well that Snape was a Death Eater in the past. But if Fudge is so determined in his conviction that Voldemort has not returned, why would sacking Snape be a good move? Wouldnt he stick with his standard "ignore it and it will go away" approach? Don't draw attention to it and no one will notice, but if Snape is fired for being a former DE, won't it look like Fudge is worried that Voldemort may actually be back?

I'm wondering if Snape's being a DE was ever really general public knowledge. I know DD stood up in the trial and testified about it, but if it had been printed in the papers I don't imagine Snape could have kept his job at Hogwarts all these years. If parents were upset about having a werewolf and a half-giant teaching their kids, they surely would have gone spastic to know there was a former DE testing their children on the art of making poison. Even the Slytherin kids don't seem to know about Snape's past.

Siriusly: Malfoy was a school governor, Karakaroff was a Headmaster, Macnair worked for the MoM, and other suspected DEs kept positions.

Snape turned to the good side. People would be sympathetic.

Well i think that in general the parents are fairly sympathetic. Look how many remembered Hagrid and did not want him fired. Maybe( and I stress maybe) the majority of the parents that are aware of Snape's past just accept that he was young and stupid. Many people highly respect Dumbledore and probally accept his word that Snape can be trusted. Well enough to not have him fired. If I am not mistaken Rita Skeeter was not there so perhaps the facts are not widely known.

Wonderful posts, but I really didn't mean for this to turn into another Snape thread. Continue on though, you aren't really off topic.

Don't worry it just seems like a Snape night on the boards... this topic will probally change a bit when Snape is off everyone's minds....

Come now, when would that be? lol
[I'm just as guilty as anyone else, after all, I did ask the leading question....]

Didn't say it was something that would happen soon or even a problem lol....

[quote][i]Originally posted by Barbara Kennedy

Come now, when would that be? lol
[I'm just as guilty as anyone else, after all, I did ask the leading question....]

Sorry, Barbara. I didn't realize my asking "Why sack Snape?" was going to lead to so much discussion! I know that's not what you intended to happen; nor I, for what it's worth.

;)
I don't have a problem with it. Continue on, you are all doing very good posts.
Just remember that the thread is about the first day back at Hogwarts or what happens during the summer before then.

[quote][i]Originally posted by Barbara Kennedy

It is possible that Harry may see more than a couple of friends turn up at Privet Drive over the summer.

Any ideas who, Barbara? If the Weasleys were to show up again, the Dursleys would absolutely FREAK!!:devil:

If Hermione were to visit, it would probabley be pretty dull since she herself is a Muggle and knows how to behave around other Muggles (Although, it might would be a riot . . . if it weren't for the law against underaged wizardry. Can you IMAGINE what she would do to them otherwise?!)

Personally, I would absolutely LOVE for Sirius to show up at the door. Harry's already got them walking on egg shells at the thought of what his god-father would do to them if they're horrible to him. (Not that I actually expect him to appear, but it'd be hilarious if he did.)

Anyway, I am really just trying to get this thread started back up. Unfortunately, I have no new ideas of my own, and my brain's too fried to come up with any right now.:stuckin:

Okay, thoughts regarding Harry's first day back:

a) Reduced number of students and tons of tension on Hogwarts Express.

b) Dumbledore will be present, though I suspect Snape won't appear until later in the book.

c) MoM has made significant changes to school curriculum in an attempt to phase out 'unnecessary' areas of study - in other words, anything that might be of use to the students.

d) A division of loyalty between students, though I don't so much see it as a Harry v. Voldie thing, but rather the Dumbledore/Fudge thing. Everyone's going to be a bit frightened and wary. I think most of the younger students are going to side very much with Fudge, though many of them will change their opinions later, I think... Harry might find it hard to bond with the first years simply because of their belief in Fudge etc.

Well, maybe there won't be too much change. There will probably be a lot of subtle changes, but I don't think they'll be too obvious except to the older students ( fourth year up). They'll have been through something similar. Too much of a change would send out alarm. But, hey, that might be a good thing. *grins mischeviously*

I'm sure Dumbledore will do everything he can to make sure that the school runs as normally as possible this year to give the children a feeling of stability and security.

I can't imagine what the first day will be like, very tense I would think. We did get to see the hostility on the train back from Hoggwarts when everybody blasted Malfoy and co. I think that there will be more of that in book 5 more violence all around. Prior to book 4 all the hostility manifested its self in a childish, very tame way. But in GOF the gloves came off, a teacher turned a student into a rodent, a child died and it got dark fast. I wonder if there is a spell that prevents students from really harming eachother while they're in Hoggwarts?

well! i think as usual but on the next days it will be different and not all students know that voldemort had really return and was after harry.....

I think that MOM are going to be really involved with Hogwarts this year. Students are going to tell parents what happened at the end of the year, and parents are going to be terrified. The MOM is going to try and say that they're only rumors of Voldemort's return. Students are going to be on edge around Harry now, I'm thinking.

Sugarquill- I don't think there is a spell that protects students from really harming one another at Hogwarts. Remember the dueling club in Book 2? I'm willing to bet that snake that Malfoy let loose at Harry was more than a little bit deadly. And anyway, if the spell were really there, it would have protected Harry from Tom Riddle during COS.

First day of school:
1. Trio enters train and finds it considerably empty. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle spring a trap- which backfires. Badly. Honestly, don't you think the trio are going to be extra careful from the moment they step onto that train?
2. Ron pigs out. (He always does.)
3. Hermione memorizes all her books. (She always does.)
4. Neville loses his toad. (Again.)

Arrival at school:
1. Feast, and any changes announced. (Any new security precautions, changes in curriculum, etc.) Head boy and girl announced. (For some reason, I seem to think it will be important this year.)
2. Sign on Boys' dormitory is changed to 5th yrs.
3. New password given out for access to dormitory.
4. Trunks and cauldrons unpacked.

I don't know if you mentioned it before (sorry, no time to read 4 pages)

I bet that Malfoy's likeness for Snape will be gone for good. He has propably learn from his father that Snape's a traitor so...

Yes, Draco will probably have a different attitude in Snape's Potions classes.

Oh, yeah. That's inevitable.

i think most people will either not know about voldie coming back or be in denial so the students probably won't really know what to think...people have found plenty of reasons to avoid harry+the gang before so they will probably do it again, to be on the safe side...

I believe one of the reasons DD told the students about V's return is so the parents wont beable to ignor or deny it as easy as last time

He also told them that so that Cedric's memory would not be dishonored or insulted.

This is just to set this thread back on track a bit.


Originally posted by Barbara Kennedy (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=289172#post289172))
OK, I know this will involve a lot of speculation, but let's try to make it informed speculation, OK?

I'm wondering what the first day back at Hogwarts, or on the train-ride there, will be like.
I've looked through the related thread on the Death-Eaters' children, and we can assume that it is a relevant reference.
Dumbledore will not turn away anyone with magical talent just because their parents may or may not be Voldemort followers. Yet some students may not return.
Dumbledore's Welcoming Speech, The Sorting, What they did during the summer, new students, etc.
It's all open for discussion here.
What do you think is likely to happen on the first day back?

Also remember the rules on spoilers, please. If you want to talk about them go to the appropriate thread provided .

I agree with some of the students will not return, and that our trio will be surprised at the emptiness of the train. However will they stay away out of fear or because they now go to a "dark" school?

I think DD's speech will be full of encouragement and warning at the same time.

The new Sorting song is anyone guess, but I am sure as always it will be fun!
I would love to see some new students and some older ones developed more, we don't really know much about Lavender do we?

I think there will be an attitude of suspense because of the new DADA teacher and the lack of Slytherin students.

Do you really see a lack of Slytherin students?:stuckin: I pretty much figured that would be the one house in which all students returned . . . probably all of them pompous and sure of themselves. They'll be the ones with nothing to fear or worry about.

I think it could be interesting to see an almost empty Hogwarts that isn't for the Holidays. The class discussions...
I see more Gryffindors showing up though for some reason.