AUTHORS NOTE: Hi Guys! I am back. The beginnings for most of my stories
look plain and probably boring. However, things get heated as the chapter's
progress. This one has more Action/Adventure and probably less romance
(nah, may be same) and of course a better plot than my last story - Harry
Potter and Founders Prophecy. Hope you enjoy it. Please
review....review....review!!
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Chapter 1: New Student
~*~*~*~*
Harry Potter is tensed. He was already late in reaching Kings cross for commencing his sixth year and here, his uncle's car has a flat tire to top it off. Harry groaned as uncle Vernon ordered him around in replacing the spare.
"Come on boy. Do it fast. Do you want to miss the train?" asked uncle Vernon enjoying the torture being inflicted on poor Harry. Harry shook his head and started to work on it angrily. They were stranded in a street, not far away from their home. Infact, Harry wanted to run for a taxi, but his uncle wouldn't let him.
Harry smiled inwardly as some girls who were passing goggled over him. Sure, he did change over the summer. He worked out a lot as well as shot up to six-foot height. His hair was unruly as ever to the annoyance of his aunt and his gorgeous eyes would make every girl swoon. But none of the girls who stare at him knows him that He is special.
As in who can do magic....
As in who attends Hogwarts....
As in who kicked dark lord Voldermort's arse at the age of one....
As in the boy-who-lived the killing curse....
As in the boy who sadly lost his parents and has two wonderful friends....
As in the boy who fell in love with his best friend....
He quickly finished the replacement and got into the car.
"Uncle Vernon, please drive faster. I am going to miss the train", pleaded Harry, only to be responded by a senseless humming from his elephant sized uncle and a laugh from his whale sized cousin. He sighed in frustration. He knows that his uncle wouldn't care and would like to see him suffer, even if it meant missing the train to his school. He only prayed that the train would be delayed for some reason. But he very well knows that no matter what, the train will leave the station on time. Most of all, he didn't want to miss the ride with Ron and Hermione.
Hermione....the thought made Harry smile. How he adored her, how he dreamed of her, secretly of course. He felt surprised when she kissed his cheek at the end of fourth year. All through his fifth year, though he was busy being a prefect, seeker and a member of the Order of Phoenix, he couldn't stop observing about how beautiful she looked. He was ecstatic when she broke up with Viktor Krum. Though he felt miserable when Ron started dating Hermione, he was happy for them. Now during the holidays, Hermione wrote a letter to him that she broke up with Ron and that they were better off as friends, but without a reason. Ron wrote to his telling the same thing but didn't reveal the reason either. He felt sad about their sudden breakup but was relieved for they stayed as friends and started hoping about asking her this year.
His trail of thoughts broke and he fell forward as the car stopped to a halt.
"Get down boy", yelled uncle Vernon.
"Come back walking if you miss the train", laughed Dudley as they drove away.
Harry shook his head as he ran towards platform 9 ¾. Glancing at his watch he realized that there is only a minute left for the train to departure. He ran faster as he approached the portal and suddenly out of no where an old woman was in front of him, making him quickly change his direction and brake hard to avoid crashing into the guard. Harry quickly apologized for startling the old lady and walked forward under the angry stare of the guard. As soon as they were out of sight, he ran again. But he knew that he missed the train as the clock showed two past eleven.
'How clumsy can I get? I almost hit an old woman and then I miss the train', sighed Harry.
Being optimistic Harry verified the wall between the platforms, a bit hopefully. He sighed as he met hard wall. Now he doesn't have a choice but to either take the knight bus, which will take him a day to get to Hogwarts or....Harry smiled wide. He decided to ride his firebolt and cover himself with the invisibility cloak, so that no muggle can see him. He quickly made his way out of the station towards a secluded spot in the street to embark on a ride to school.
* * *
Earlier on the platform 9 3/4, Hermione found her way through the crowd towards an empty carriage at the end of the train. She merrily waved to a waiting Ron, Lavender, Parvati and Ginny as she approached them. She looked around to find her secret crush, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Hi Hermione, Wow! You did change over summer", mused Ron.
She really did change a lot compared to her fifth year. Her hair was more lustrous and her body grew....well, let's just say, more womanly.
"Thanks, so did you Ron", smiled Hermione.
"Where is Harry?" asked Hermione looking around.
"No idea. Usually he would be here by now", shrugged Ron looking on the platform.
"He would come. Let's hop in", said Parvati leading the rest inside.
A few minutes passed and Hermione started to grow tense.
"Why do you think he is not on the train yet Ron?" asked Hermione starting to get worried. Ron who was composed till then, started to get worried as well.
"Do you think his uncle has locked him in the room?" asked Hermione, worry clearly showing in her face.
"I don't know Hermione", said Ron thinking about it.
"I guess we will have to speak with Dumbledore when we reach Hogwarts", said Ron as the train lurched forward.
Though everyone was worried about Harry, they all decided it would be better for Dumbledore to handle the situation. But Hermione couldn't keep quite. She went and owled Dumbledore ahead in time.
"Herm, stop worrying. You already informed Dumbledore, didn't you?" said Lavender placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
But she continued to look out of the window worriedly.
"What is it Hermione?" asked Ginny.
Immediately Hermione's eyes gave way to running tears. Ron, Lavender and Ginny were startled. They closed on her and tried to console her.
"Hermione, what's the matter?" asked Lavender rocking her.
Hermione pulled out witches weekly and showed them the news.
***Flash News
Several death eaters attacked Salem institute of Witchcraft. Many muggleborns were either killed or went missing.
***End Flash News
"My cousin goes to Salem and she is missing. Now Harry missed the train. I am really worried", said Hermione controlling herself.
"Herm, You know Harry. He might have just got delayed on the way. You already informed Dumbledore, right? Don't be surprised if we already find him waiting for us at Hogwarts", said Lavender trying to cheer her.
Hermione smiled at her but couldn't stop worrying.
"I guess someone here is worried about their crush", smiled Ginny wide making Hermione blush, but compose very quickly.
"Oh grow up Ginny", hissed Hermione rather unconvincingly.
Lavender and Ginny smiled at each other and started laughing at a clueless Ron.
* * *
Harry looked around the alley and after making sure that no one is around, he first shrunk his luggage and put in his pocket. He was glad that no auror jumped on him for using magic outside Hogwarts. He was given permission during his fifth year after surviving a death eater attack.
He quickly put the invisibility cloak over himself covering the firebolt as well. In a few seconds he was flying high over the clouds, racing towards north. Every few minutes, he would fly low to make sure he was following the track. Harry knew he left the train way back. At this speed he would reach Hogwarts in much less time than it would take by train.
As expected, in a couple of hours Harry found the castle in the sight and sighed a relief. He knew no one could see him and could directly fly to Gryffindor tower, set his luggage and get back to Great hall and wait.
Harry made sure he flew nowhere near the whomping willow, a valuable lesson learnt during his second year. As he flew towards the Gryffindor tower, he realized that none of the windows were open. Grunting he made his way through the main entrance, leaving the cloak on. Except for Dumbledore, he knew that no one could see him through his invisibility cloak.
"Harry", a voice made Harry stop dead on tracks, as he was about to pass Great hall.
'Think of the devil', huffed Harry as he turned around to see Dumbledore facing him.
"Follow me", said Dumbledore without any emotions on his face. Harry sighed and followed him under his cloak towards the headmaster's office.
"Chocolate frog", muttered Dumbledore making the gargoyle jump aside. Both walked inside the office and Dumbledore smiled as Harry removed his cloak.
Dumbledore silently looked at him for a few seconds.
"I am waiting", said Dumbledore expectantly.
"Professor, It's not like what it seems. It's my uncle fault. We were coming to the station and the tire went flat. I had to change the tire and he intentionally delayed reaching the station. I ran but I couldn't make it. I didn't want to take the knight bus as it would take too much time", explained Harry very quickly.
Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"I do not appreciate this Harry, only because you sensibly used the cloak from any prying eyes, I excuse you. I am glad that Ms. Granger sent me a message, explaining me your absence", said Dumbledore.
'Geez! Hermione. Do you have to do that?' groaned Harry inwardly.
"Please make sure you do not repeat such things again", said Dumbledore rather sternly.
Harry nodded wondering why Dumbledore is so serious.
'It's not like someone died', thought Harry sarcastically.
But he was careful not to give in any expression as it might make him land in more troubles.
"The password to Gryffindor tower is Peppermint. Have a good year", said Dumbledore from behind smiling.
Harry smiled back and quickly made his way towards the tower.
"Like father, like son", muttered Dumbledore chuckling softly.
After entering his dorm, he quickly changed into Hogwarts robes and sat in the common room to wait till the train arrives.
* * *
Hermione, Ginny, Lavender stood up to change into their robes as the train approached the station when Draco Malfoy entered the compartment.
"Well....well, let's see. Wait....where is Potty?" asked a surprised Malfoy.
"Bugger off Malfoy", yelled Ron already getting upset.
"Why Weasley? Scared of being without Potter?" smirked Malfoy.
"Shut up Malfoy and leave us alone", said Hermione rather sternly.
"Oh! Goody miss Granger is mad at me. Help me. I am scared", mocked Malfoy making Crabbe and Goyle laugh maniacally.
"Malfoy, shut up and get out of here, before I make you" yelled Ginny furiously. Either her anger or something else made him glare at them and walk out.
Everyone sighed and started getting ready. The train stopped at Hogsmeade and the four friends got down.
"Hagrid", shouted Hermione and Ron making him turn around and smile wide.
"Where is 'Arry?" asked Hagrid searching around.
"He missed the train. Probably his uncle did it", said Ron before Hermione can nudge him.
"I sent a message to Dumbledore before hand. He would have taken care of it", covered Hermione, reluctant to make a scene out there.
"Oh! See you at the dinner", said a surprised Hagrid.
"Ok, Bye" wished Hermione and Ron.
Ron and Hermione then quickly got hold of a carriage along with Lavender.
"I will catch up with you guys. You go on", yelled Ginny who got caught up with her own friends.
The three nodded and got into a horseless carriage and set on. Soon the rest of the carriages were filled and as the station was emptied.
"Ginny, 'elp me with these first years please", requested Hagrid as Ginny was the only known fifth year left in the station.
Ginny nodded and led a scared first year group into a boat and comforted them.
"Thanks Ginny", smiled Hagrid as he got into a boat and they set across the lake.
Ginny hummed as she walked towards a horseless carriage and jumped in, only to find Draco Malfoy sitting in the carriage. Before she or he could jump out the doors shut and the carriage started towards the school.
"Don't touch me Weasley. I hate it but I don't seem to have a choice but to travel with a pauper", sneered Malfoy making tears well up in her eyes.
She stared into his eyes. For a moment she thought she saw concern, but was convinced of growing disgust in his eyes. She might be a girl but she is not meek.
"Malfoy, I really feel disgusted to travel with you. I can't imagine my fame being tarnished for traveling with a death eaters son", retorted Ginny, making Malfoy furious.
"Why you...." Spluttered an angry Malfoy searching for words.
They both sat silent and absolutely angry at each other. After sometime slowly Ginny looked at him before quickly glancing away.
'He is cute with that blonde hair. If not for being a bloody prat....' Sighed Ginny.
Draco's thoughts were swirling on the same lines.
'Her hair looks nice and she is kinda cute. I like her fiery attitude. Ughh....What am I thinking? Liking a Weasley? I would rather jump into the lake...or would I?' thought Malfoy and shook his head.
Soon the carriage stopped making them jump out quickly. Wordlessly Ginny ran to find Ron, Hermione and Lavender.
* * *
Hermione couldn't wait to see Harry. She actually hoped to travel with him in the train, but as she failed to, she couldn't wait to meet him. Besides, she desperately wanted to know why he missed the train and how he arrived to the school.
"Harry!" shouted Hermione finding him sit at the Gryffindor table and waiting for the rest to come in.
He smiled at them, stood up and hugged Hermione.
Hermione blushed at being hugged, but loved his feel.
"Wow, Hermione, you look gorgeous", stared Harry making Hermione blush to the root.
"You look great yourself", replied Hermione savoring the feel of Harry's muscles.
"Harry, you did grow up", smiled Ron.
"What happened mate?" asked Ron shaking his hand.
Harry launched into explaining everything that happened to him.
"Cool. You flew here all the way on your firebolt? I wish I could do it", said Ron patting Harry.
"Way to go mate", shouted Seamus from behind.
"Oh Ron, it could have been dangerous. He could have been found by muggles", hissed Hermione.
"Hermione, How many times do I need to remind you that I have the Invisibility cloak", sighed Harry making Hermione search for words.
But he is wrong and she wanted to point it out. But Harry had other ideas.
"Hermione, did you send a message ahead of me to Dumbledore?" asked Harry knowingly.
Hermione is now worried about Harry getting mad at her. She didn't know what to say.
"I.....I....Harry, it's not what you think it is..." spluttered Hermione making Harry and Ron laugh out loud.
"What?" asked Hermione becoming red in her face.
"Nothing Hermione, You should have seen your face...." Harry continued laughing holding Ron for support.
A part of her is relieved that Harry is not mad at her. But another part is mad at him for mocking her.
"Harry, I was only concerned about you and you don't even care about anything", hissed Hermione desperately.
"Calm down Hermione. I am not mad at you. I actually appreciate your concern. Besides, I was only caught by Dumbledore, not by Snape", smiled Harry looking into her eyes.
'Oh no, what's happening to me? I should not give up. Why am I not angry with him anymore?' puzzled Hermione.
Breaking their thoughts, the first years rushed in with McGonagall. There was also another person with a cloak, hiding under a hood, walked behind McGonagall.
After another new song by the hat, McGonagall started calling names and got all the students sorted into various houses. Dumbledore rose up making the whole great hall go silent.
"This year we have a transfer student from Salem to join the sixth years", announced Dumbledore.
As on cue, McGonagall announced the name "Robbins, Christopher" and the person removed the hood. The whole great hall took a good look at him. Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at the boy and gasped. He had blue eyes and red hair. But that's not what surprised the trio. It's just that the boy looked very much like Harry, except for the glasses.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Couldn't resist a cliffie. But wait, it's not just a regular cliffie. Every ending of my chapter has a profound effect on the story. (*sniggers*).
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Chapter 1: New Student
~*~*~*~*
Harry Potter is tensed. He was already late in reaching Kings cross for commencing his sixth year and here, his uncle's car has a flat tire to top it off. Harry groaned as uncle Vernon ordered him around in replacing the spare.
"Come on boy. Do it fast. Do you want to miss the train?" asked uncle Vernon enjoying the torture being inflicted on poor Harry. Harry shook his head and started to work on it angrily. They were stranded in a street, not far away from their home. Infact, Harry wanted to run for a taxi, but his uncle wouldn't let him.
Harry smiled inwardly as some girls who were passing goggled over him. Sure, he did change over the summer. He worked out a lot as well as shot up to six-foot height. His hair was unruly as ever to the annoyance of his aunt and his gorgeous eyes would make every girl swoon. But none of the girls who stare at him knows him that He is special.
As in who can do magic....
As in who attends Hogwarts....
As in who kicked dark lord Voldermort's arse at the age of one....
As in the boy-who-lived the killing curse....
As in the boy who sadly lost his parents and has two wonderful friends....
As in the boy who fell in love with his best friend....
He quickly finished the replacement and got into the car.
"Uncle Vernon, please drive faster. I am going to miss the train", pleaded Harry, only to be responded by a senseless humming from his elephant sized uncle and a laugh from his whale sized cousin. He sighed in frustration. He knows that his uncle wouldn't care and would like to see him suffer, even if it meant missing the train to his school. He only prayed that the train would be delayed for some reason. But he very well knows that no matter what, the train will leave the station on time. Most of all, he didn't want to miss the ride with Ron and Hermione.
Hermione....the thought made Harry smile. How he adored her, how he dreamed of her, secretly of course. He felt surprised when she kissed his cheek at the end of fourth year. All through his fifth year, though he was busy being a prefect, seeker and a member of the Order of Phoenix, he couldn't stop observing about how beautiful she looked. He was ecstatic when she broke up with Viktor Krum. Though he felt miserable when Ron started dating Hermione, he was happy for them. Now during the holidays, Hermione wrote a letter to him that she broke up with Ron and that they were better off as friends, but without a reason. Ron wrote to his telling the same thing but didn't reveal the reason either. He felt sad about their sudden breakup but was relieved for they stayed as friends and started hoping about asking her this year.
His trail of thoughts broke and he fell forward as the car stopped to a halt.
"Get down boy", yelled uncle Vernon.
"Come back walking if you miss the train", laughed Dudley as they drove away.
Harry shook his head as he ran towards platform 9 ¾. Glancing at his watch he realized that there is only a minute left for the train to departure. He ran faster as he approached the portal and suddenly out of no where an old woman was in front of him, making him quickly change his direction and brake hard to avoid crashing into the guard. Harry quickly apologized for startling the old lady and walked forward under the angry stare of the guard. As soon as they were out of sight, he ran again. But he knew that he missed the train as the clock showed two past eleven.
'How clumsy can I get? I almost hit an old woman and then I miss the train', sighed Harry.
Being optimistic Harry verified the wall between the platforms, a bit hopefully. He sighed as he met hard wall. Now he doesn't have a choice but to either take the knight bus, which will take him a day to get to Hogwarts or....Harry smiled wide. He decided to ride his firebolt and cover himself with the invisibility cloak, so that no muggle can see him. He quickly made his way out of the station towards a secluded spot in the street to embark on a ride to school.
* * *
Earlier on the platform 9 3/4, Hermione found her way through the crowd towards an empty carriage at the end of the train. She merrily waved to a waiting Ron, Lavender, Parvati and Ginny as she approached them. She looked around to find her secret crush, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Hi Hermione, Wow! You did change over summer", mused Ron.
She really did change a lot compared to her fifth year. Her hair was more lustrous and her body grew....well, let's just say, more womanly.
"Thanks, so did you Ron", smiled Hermione.
"Where is Harry?" asked Hermione looking around.
"No idea. Usually he would be here by now", shrugged Ron looking on the platform.
"He would come. Let's hop in", said Parvati leading the rest inside.
A few minutes passed and Hermione started to grow tense.
"Why do you think he is not on the train yet Ron?" asked Hermione starting to get worried. Ron who was composed till then, started to get worried as well.
"Do you think his uncle has locked him in the room?" asked Hermione, worry clearly showing in her face.
"I don't know Hermione", said Ron thinking about it.
"I guess we will have to speak with Dumbledore when we reach Hogwarts", said Ron as the train lurched forward.
Though everyone was worried about Harry, they all decided it would be better for Dumbledore to handle the situation. But Hermione couldn't keep quite. She went and owled Dumbledore ahead in time.
"Herm, stop worrying. You already informed Dumbledore, didn't you?" said Lavender placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
But she continued to look out of the window worriedly.
"What is it Hermione?" asked Ginny.
Immediately Hermione's eyes gave way to running tears. Ron, Lavender and Ginny were startled. They closed on her and tried to console her.
"Hermione, what's the matter?" asked Lavender rocking her.
Hermione pulled out witches weekly and showed them the news.
***Flash News
Several death eaters attacked Salem institute of Witchcraft. Many muggleborns were either killed or went missing.
***End Flash News
"My cousin goes to Salem and she is missing. Now Harry missed the train. I am really worried", said Hermione controlling herself.
"Herm, You know Harry. He might have just got delayed on the way. You already informed Dumbledore, right? Don't be surprised if we already find him waiting for us at Hogwarts", said Lavender trying to cheer her.
Hermione smiled at her but couldn't stop worrying.
"I guess someone here is worried about their crush", smiled Ginny wide making Hermione blush, but compose very quickly.
"Oh grow up Ginny", hissed Hermione rather unconvincingly.
Lavender and Ginny smiled at each other and started laughing at a clueless Ron.
* * *
Harry looked around the alley and after making sure that no one is around, he first shrunk his luggage and put in his pocket. He was glad that no auror jumped on him for using magic outside Hogwarts. He was given permission during his fifth year after surviving a death eater attack.
He quickly put the invisibility cloak over himself covering the firebolt as well. In a few seconds he was flying high over the clouds, racing towards north. Every few minutes, he would fly low to make sure he was following the track. Harry knew he left the train way back. At this speed he would reach Hogwarts in much less time than it would take by train.
As expected, in a couple of hours Harry found the castle in the sight and sighed a relief. He knew no one could see him and could directly fly to Gryffindor tower, set his luggage and get back to Great hall and wait.
Harry made sure he flew nowhere near the whomping willow, a valuable lesson learnt during his second year. As he flew towards the Gryffindor tower, he realized that none of the windows were open. Grunting he made his way through the main entrance, leaving the cloak on. Except for Dumbledore, he knew that no one could see him through his invisibility cloak.
"Harry", a voice made Harry stop dead on tracks, as he was about to pass Great hall.
'Think of the devil', huffed Harry as he turned around to see Dumbledore facing him.
"Follow me", said Dumbledore without any emotions on his face. Harry sighed and followed him under his cloak towards the headmaster's office.
"Chocolate frog", muttered Dumbledore making the gargoyle jump aside. Both walked inside the office and Dumbledore smiled as Harry removed his cloak.
Dumbledore silently looked at him for a few seconds.
"I am waiting", said Dumbledore expectantly.
"Professor, It's not like what it seems. It's my uncle fault. We were coming to the station and the tire went flat. I had to change the tire and he intentionally delayed reaching the station. I ran but I couldn't make it. I didn't want to take the knight bus as it would take too much time", explained Harry very quickly.
Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"I do not appreciate this Harry, only because you sensibly used the cloak from any prying eyes, I excuse you. I am glad that Ms. Granger sent me a message, explaining me your absence", said Dumbledore.
'Geez! Hermione. Do you have to do that?' groaned Harry inwardly.
"Please make sure you do not repeat such things again", said Dumbledore rather sternly.
Harry nodded wondering why Dumbledore is so serious.
'It's not like someone died', thought Harry sarcastically.
But he was careful not to give in any expression as it might make him land in more troubles.
"The password to Gryffindor tower is Peppermint. Have a good year", said Dumbledore from behind smiling.
Harry smiled back and quickly made his way towards the tower.
"Like father, like son", muttered Dumbledore chuckling softly.
After entering his dorm, he quickly changed into Hogwarts robes and sat in the common room to wait till the train arrives.
* * *
Hermione, Ginny, Lavender stood up to change into their robes as the train approached the station when Draco Malfoy entered the compartment.
"Well....well, let's see. Wait....where is Potty?" asked a surprised Malfoy.
"Bugger off Malfoy", yelled Ron already getting upset.
"Why Weasley? Scared of being without Potter?" smirked Malfoy.
"Shut up Malfoy and leave us alone", said Hermione rather sternly.
"Oh! Goody miss Granger is mad at me. Help me. I am scared", mocked Malfoy making Crabbe and Goyle laugh maniacally.
"Malfoy, shut up and get out of here, before I make you" yelled Ginny furiously. Either her anger or something else made him glare at them and walk out.
Everyone sighed and started getting ready. The train stopped at Hogsmeade and the four friends got down.
"Hagrid", shouted Hermione and Ron making him turn around and smile wide.
"Where is 'Arry?" asked Hagrid searching around.
"He missed the train. Probably his uncle did it", said Ron before Hermione can nudge him.
"I sent a message to Dumbledore before hand. He would have taken care of it", covered Hermione, reluctant to make a scene out there.
"Oh! See you at the dinner", said a surprised Hagrid.
"Ok, Bye" wished Hermione and Ron.
Ron and Hermione then quickly got hold of a carriage along with Lavender.
"I will catch up with you guys. You go on", yelled Ginny who got caught up with her own friends.
The three nodded and got into a horseless carriage and set on. Soon the rest of the carriages were filled and as the station was emptied.
"Ginny, 'elp me with these first years please", requested Hagrid as Ginny was the only known fifth year left in the station.
Ginny nodded and led a scared first year group into a boat and comforted them.
"Thanks Ginny", smiled Hagrid as he got into a boat and they set across the lake.
Ginny hummed as she walked towards a horseless carriage and jumped in, only to find Draco Malfoy sitting in the carriage. Before she or he could jump out the doors shut and the carriage started towards the school.
"Don't touch me Weasley. I hate it but I don't seem to have a choice but to travel with a pauper", sneered Malfoy making tears well up in her eyes.
She stared into his eyes. For a moment she thought she saw concern, but was convinced of growing disgust in his eyes. She might be a girl but she is not meek.
"Malfoy, I really feel disgusted to travel with you. I can't imagine my fame being tarnished for traveling with a death eaters son", retorted Ginny, making Malfoy furious.
"Why you...." Spluttered an angry Malfoy searching for words.
They both sat silent and absolutely angry at each other. After sometime slowly Ginny looked at him before quickly glancing away.
'He is cute with that blonde hair. If not for being a bloody prat....' Sighed Ginny.
Draco's thoughts were swirling on the same lines.
'Her hair looks nice and she is kinda cute. I like her fiery attitude. Ughh....What am I thinking? Liking a Weasley? I would rather jump into the lake...or would I?' thought Malfoy and shook his head.
Soon the carriage stopped making them jump out quickly. Wordlessly Ginny ran to find Ron, Hermione and Lavender.
* * *
Hermione couldn't wait to see Harry. She actually hoped to travel with him in the train, but as she failed to, she couldn't wait to meet him. Besides, she desperately wanted to know why he missed the train and how he arrived to the school.
"Harry!" shouted Hermione finding him sit at the Gryffindor table and waiting for the rest to come in.
He smiled at them, stood up and hugged Hermione.
Hermione blushed at being hugged, but loved his feel.
"Wow, Hermione, you look gorgeous", stared Harry making Hermione blush to the root.
"You look great yourself", replied Hermione savoring the feel of Harry's muscles.
"Harry, you did grow up", smiled Ron.
"What happened mate?" asked Ron shaking his hand.
Harry launched into explaining everything that happened to him.
"Cool. You flew here all the way on your firebolt? I wish I could do it", said Ron patting Harry.
"Way to go mate", shouted Seamus from behind.
"Oh Ron, it could have been dangerous. He could have been found by muggles", hissed Hermione.
"Hermione, How many times do I need to remind you that I have the Invisibility cloak", sighed Harry making Hermione search for words.
But he is wrong and she wanted to point it out. But Harry had other ideas.
"Hermione, did you send a message ahead of me to Dumbledore?" asked Harry knowingly.
Hermione is now worried about Harry getting mad at her. She didn't know what to say.
"I.....I....Harry, it's not what you think it is..." spluttered Hermione making Harry and Ron laugh out loud.
"What?" asked Hermione becoming red in her face.
"Nothing Hermione, You should have seen your face...." Harry continued laughing holding Ron for support.
A part of her is relieved that Harry is not mad at her. But another part is mad at him for mocking her.
"Harry, I was only concerned about you and you don't even care about anything", hissed Hermione desperately.
"Calm down Hermione. I am not mad at you. I actually appreciate your concern. Besides, I was only caught by Dumbledore, not by Snape", smiled Harry looking into her eyes.
'Oh no, what's happening to me? I should not give up. Why am I not angry with him anymore?' puzzled Hermione.
Breaking their thoughts, the first years rushed in with McGonagall. There was also another person with a cloak, hiding under a hood, walked behind McGonagall.
After another new song by the hat, McGonagall started calling names and got all the students sorted into various houses. Dumbledore rose up making the whole great hall go silent.
"This year we have a transfer student from Salem to join the sixth years", announced Dumbledore.
As on cue, McGonagall announced the name "Robbins, Christopher" and the person removed the hood. The whole great hall took a good look at him. Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at the boy and gasped. He had blue eyes and red hair. But that's not what surprised the trio. It's just that the boy looked very much like Harry, except for the glasses.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Couldn't resist a cliffie. But wait, it's not just a regular cliffie. Every ending of my chapter has a profound effect on the story. (*sniggers*).