A Different Start, a harry potter fanfic

Okay so Sirius broke out of prison when Harry was 3 so he's been in there for about four years or less. He's looking for Harry and the reason he knows where Privet Drive is because he knows Petunia not in a friendly way of course but still. Also Petunia is the bad guy here not Vernon or Dudley.

I've taken a few artistic liberties, and yeah this is different from the previous version of the story. Marlene McKinnon is a real character, not an important one however I'm pretending she wasn't killed. Sorry for those who get annoyed. Don't like don't read.

So, with no Harry. Draco isn't as huge a prick. He's just an annoying pest. No one ever went on the third floor. Qurriell tried to steal the stone but failed. No diary happened, there was no fight with the Weasleys and no dementors third year so things will be very different.

I think Veritaserum makes you tell what you believe to be true. So if Sirius feels like its fault then thats his truth.

1:00 P.M October 30th, 1984

Harry giggled covering his eyes; they'd never find him here. He was playing hide n seek for the first time ever the Dursleys never let them play, but now he could. It had been a while since they found him maybe he was too good. He giggled again he must have picked the best hiding spot for them to not see him. He heard footsteps getting closer before the door opened and Harry frowned, maybe they thought he was outside. That was when he heard the car door slam and the engine roaring. He ran out of the closet running up to the window to see the car drive away and whimpered they left him they didn't want to play with him.

Vernon sighed he didn't understand why Petunia resented the boy so much he was a nice sweet young boy if a little off however she couldn't let go of the past and her hatred of Lily and took it out on the lad. She forced Dudley to be mean to him and to not talk to him confusing his son. He couldn't take Harry and Dudley and leave he loved her besides Harry was her nephew not his. It didn't bother him the fact that Harry was magical no it interested him but Petunia.

7:00 P.M October 30th, 1984

"You weft me." Harry sniffed rubbing his eyes

"So what if we did who said you could come out of the cupboard get back in there." Petunia scowled.

As they went upstairs Vernon stopped opening the cupboard and pulled out a sandwich handing it to him, "Here."

"Thank you, Uncle Vernon," Harry muttered.

Vernon ruffled his hair before heading upstairs himself.

5:00 A.M October 31st, 1984

Vernon and Petunia made their way downstairs hurrying to stop the furious knocking on his doorway and yanked it open, "Wh-" She let out a scream as a wand was shoved in her fast.

"Where is he?" The man hissed.

In the doorway stood a tall skeleton of a man. His face was gaunt and white, and his skin seemed stretched across it, making it look more like a skull than a living person's face. His clothes were torn and filthy, and his black hair was long and unkempt, cached with grime.

"In the cupboard." Vernon replied knowing full well whom he was talking about

"He's WHERE?"

Loud, pounding footsteps approached Harry's cupboard, and the door was suddenly flung wide open. Harry shrank back into the corner in fear.

When he saw this, the man's face softened, and he flashed Harry a reassuring smile, before fixing his face once more into an expression of rage and turning to the Dursleys.

"What do you think you're doing!" he roared. "He's your NEPHEW! And this is how you treat him?"

"That thing," said Petunia, indicating Harry with his hand, "Is of no relation to us. He's nothing but a worthless freak, just like his parents, they got themselves blown up!"

Vernon scowled before turning to Petunia, "Shut your mouth. I don't understand why you still hate them they've moved on emotionally and physically and you're still here hating them for being magical so what if you're not magical there's a whole bunch of other things you can do that your sister couldn't and you take out your hatred of her on Harry."

"Don't you EVER say that about Lily and James again. I'm taking Harry now; I'll have to charm you so it looks like you went to the beach and Harry drowned." The man said waving his wand over them as a dazed looked came over their faces

The man turned back to Harry, smiling brightly. "Hello," he said. "My name is Sirius Black. You're Harry, right?"

"Yes, are you going to hurt me?"

"No, I'm going to take you away from here you can come live with me."

Harry nodded eagerly; anything was better than living in a cupboard.

"Come on." Sirius said holding out his hand, and placing a disillusionment charm and walked to the end of the block, "Okay hold on tight to my hand and don't let go okay."

Harry nodded gripping his hand as Sirius smiled apparating them to a house he get to see her again.

10:00 P.M October 31st, 1984

A woman with olive skin tone and short wavy mocha hair and big brown eyes let out a sigh before making her way to the kitchen and opening a bottle of fire whiskey and downing it and sliding against the wall wiping the tears from her eyes. She missed them so much, she missed them all so much. It happened every Halloween, but she couldn't help it, she missed all of them.

She had moved with her five-year-old daughter to a small isle far away from the wizarding world. Almost all of her closest friends from school were dead, and the man she loved was rotting in Azkaban. Taking another swig of her drink she snorted, such was the harshness that was called life. Her musings were cut short when a man looking like he hadn't had a shower in years appeared along with a child. She shrieked throwing her bottle at him which he ducked making it crash into the wall.

"Who are you? How did you find me?" She called out grabbing another bottle and cursing herself for leaving her wand in the living room. The only people able to find this place were dead, or locked up.

"Marlene." Sirius said taking a step closer

"Back away don't make me hurt you." She glared, "You chose a wrong night to mess with me."

"Mari-"

She blinked jaw, dropping, "-What did you just call me?"

"Mari it's me, Sirius."

"Sirius." She muttered, backing away, "No it can't- you are you here to kill me too?"

"Mari, please, believe me, I was framed. Look you were great at potions brew Vertiserum and-"

"Why shouldn't I just stun you and turn you into the DMLE."

"Well one I'm telling the truth, and two they'd kill me, escaping Azkaban is punishable by death, you'd be sentencing an innocent man to death and two you don't have your wand."

"You sold out James and Lily!"

"I didn't! Mari, please out of everything we've been through!"

"Mummy? Why are you yelling?" A small girl with mocha hair and grey eyes called out, walking into the room rubbing her eyes.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Mummy's sorry she woke you up." Marlene said pulling her up and moving away from Sirius.

"Is she mine?"

"Yes."

"Mummy who's the little boy?"

"I-I don't know."

Sirius fidgeted before muttering, "Harry Potter."

Marlene's mouth dropped open in shock as she put her daughter on the floor.

"You kidnapped Harry Potter!" She gasped, "The order will hunt us down, aurors and death eaters and-" She cut off running a hand through her hair before turning to her daughter, "Vega why don't you go show Harry your toys?"

Sirius placed Harry down who looked up at him for permission before grinning brightly at his nod and following Vega out of the kitchen. The minute they were gone Sirius pulled out his wand and placed a silencing charm around the room just in time as Marlene began to shout.

"You kidnapped Harry Potter! What killing his parents wasn't good enough."

Sirius stared at her eyes narrowing, "I DIDN'T BLOODY KILL THEM IT WAS PETER!"

"HOW DA-"

"SHUT UP AND LISTEN MARLENE! PETER FRAMED ME! HE..." Sirius trailed off voice cracking, "He was the one who..."

Marlene stood there stunned as her ex, finished the story, and stared at him before walking up to him as she grabbed his face, staring into his eyes, there was no faking the genuine sorrow in his eyes. He really was innocent.

"Oh, Sirius." She muttered.

Sirius brought up his own hands bringing them up to her face, as they leaned against each others foreheads smiling softly.

"I missed you, so much. Even single day and you weren't her to see Vega-"

"I'm here now and I'm here to stay."

Marlene gave a wobbly smile, "Okay but please go clean yourself up."

"Hey I've been in prison for three years cut me some slack." He pouted

February 19th, 1987

"Happy Birthday sweetie!" Marlene smiled kissing her on the cheek.

"Thanks, mommy!" She grinned.

"1…2…3…4…5…6…7." A six-year-old Harry grinned punching her, "And a pinch happy birthday."

"Wait till your birthday." Vega stuck out her tongue rubbing her arm

July 31st, 1987

"1...2...3...4...5...6...7 and a pinch," Vega smirked," Happy Birthday."

"Do you have to hit me so hard?" Harry whined rubbing her arm

"Do you have to be such a wimp."

August 1990

"SIRIUS ORION BLACK!" Marlene screeched, she was currently covered in a sticky substance and bright yellow feathers.

Outside on brooms, their game of tag was quickly halted as Sirius paled in the air while Vega and Harry exchanged confused looks.

"What did you do to mom?" Vega asked as they reached the ground.

Sirius shrugged running a hand through his hair as they made their way inside the house, before stopping abruptly. "Actually, I think I know what I did."

Harry grinned and pushed at his back, "Be a man Sirius!"

Vega giggled as she began to help out, both of them pushing the man inside the house. Peering from behind they both felt their mouth drop as Sirius chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mari, sweetheart please be gentle. This wasn't actually meant for you."

"Oh cause that makes it so much better!" She snapped hitting him upside the head, "When are you gonna go grow up?"

"Wait, was that meant for me, dad?" Vega glared, "For yesterday?"

Harry snickered as he watched the three of them argue and smiled happily, to think six years ago he was stuck with the Dursleys. He couldn't ask for a better life. He was jerked out of his musings as Sirius let out a girly scream as Mari launched herself at him, covering him in goo and feathers.

"Harry run!" Vega shrieked, grabbing his hand and pulling him after her, "They're after us! They're gonna cover us in goop."

"Run run run as fast as you can!" Sirius yelled out. "We'll even give you a ten-second head start not that it matters, there are traps all over this house!"

"What!" Marlene snapped, placing her hands on her hips.

"Mari sweetheart I was joking." He protested holding up his hands in defeat. "Mostly."

"Sirius…"

A couple of hours later a family of four sat in the living room covered from head to toe in glitter, feathers, goop, and who knows what else. Marlene was currently sporting bright neon green hair courtesy of some accidental magic while Sirius was sporting bright neon pink hair. In retaliation, Vega and Harry had bright purple and blue hair respectively.

"I have glitter in places that shouldn't have glitter," Sirius whined.

"I did not need to know that." Harry shuddered.

"I can help you get rid of it." Marlene grinned flirtatiously.

"MUM!"

"I'm gonna leave before I get scarred for life," Harry mumbled.

"Before you get scarred for life mind telling me what you guys want for dinner."

"You," Sirius growled, pulling her in for a kiss.

"Aw, dad come on." Vega groaned, flopping on the floor and covering her face with her hair, "Ew."

Sirius and Marlene sat cuddled on the couch, Harry and Vega asleep in the blanket fort they had made earlier.

"They're gonna be eleven soon," Marlene mumbled softly.

"I know, what do you want to do?" Sirius sighed. "Hogwarts is great and all but the ministry still sees me as an escaped fugitive. I'm lucky we haven't been caught yet."

Marlene smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "It doesn't matter, the ministry here has made me his official guardian. If we go back to England we have the law on our side. I'll testify for you, and I'll make sure you get a proper trial."

"But the British ministry might take Harry away, maybe Vega too."

"I'd like to see them try." Marlene snarled.

March 1993

"Harry sweetheart wake up." Marlene sighed, shaking the boy lightly, "Its time for school."

"I don't wanna go," He mumbled pulling the covers over his head.

"Well, I guess you also don't want to cover any of the new spells today either," Marlene smirked, crossing her arms. 3...2...1...

"New spells!" Harry said poking his head out.

"Yep. I was gonna teach you and Vega after school today but if you don't go..."

"Alright, alright. I'm going. I see why Sirius always calls you a Slytherin in Gryffindor's clothing."

"Oh hush you." Marlene smiled kissing his forehead and ruffling his hair. "Be down in ten."

Marlene and Sirius with the help of some unregistered wands had been teaching the two of them spells, charms and anything else they deemed important. Both of them seem to have a knack for charms though Harry took to defense spells while Vega took to transfiguration.

"Vi, Ry! What's up!"

Both teens turned seeing a girl with brown hair and light blue eyes waving at them. They were currently waiting at the bus stop for the school bus.

"Hey, Juniper." Harry smiled, shouldering his backpack.

"Will you ever stop with the bad nicknames?" Vega asked rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "They're really bad."

"Nope." Juniper grinned brightly.

"Don't bother she always comes up with stupid nicknames." A boy with dark hair and light brown eyes grinned, throwing an arm over her shoulder.

"Shut up Richie." She huffed pushing him away.

"Richard," He said slowly, "Say it with me."

Harry snickered and rolled his eyes, as the bus arrived, taking a seat next to Richard.

He didn't necessarily hate school per say, but he found it a lot more annoying than Vega did. To him, it was a waste of time and he'd rather be at Hogwarts right now and once again cursed Peter Pettigrew's existence. Sirius had long since told them all about what had really gone down and Harry had made a silent promise that one day the traitor would pay.

It wasn't until the end of the day when it happened, "Harry Wilkerson, please report to the principals office. Harry Wilkerson..."

He shared a horrified glance with Vega, whenever either of them was called to the principal's office it meant that they had found and inconsistency in their records. It was hard for two purebloods to forge muggle documents. When that happened the four of them had to jump ship. This was their thirteenth school so far and they had only been here for six months. Sometimes they were lucky and got to stay for a couple of years, most times though they only stayed for a few months. Harry frowned knowing that not going would just cause a bigger problem and left the classroom a million little white lies running through his mind.

Vega stood outside the school's entrance fidgeting nervously. She hadn't seen Harry since fifth period and school had been let out ten minutes ago. At that moment, Harry walked through the doors reading a white slip of paper.

"Harry about time what took so long?" She frowned.

"I don't know. I got there and the principal was asking really weird questions. I think he thought Sirius was abusing me or something." He shrugged

"That's weird," Vega asked before pointing at the white paper in his hand. "What's that?"

"A note for Sirius."

The two of them descended the steps leading from the school as Vega snatched it from his hand.

She read it quickly and frowned. "Great. This means we're gonna have to move again."

They reached the end of the stairs as they began walking home halfway through Harry held out his hand. "Give me back my note."

"Huh?" Vega blinked, "Oh right?"

She held out the note but before Harry could grab it she vanished into thin air.

"Vega!"

Vega fell to the floor when she landed, a side effect of portkeying for the first time. Perched on her hands and knees she let out a groan before throwing up.

"Who is that?"

Vega stood up clutching at her stomach, and felt a lump form in her throat as she took in the amount of unfamiliar faces in the room. "Who are you? Where am I?"

A man with a fake eye and stump for a leg came forward brandishing a wand.

"Alastor no! She could be a muggle for all we know!" A stern looking woman frowned.

Vega glanced at the wand pointed her way and kept her head down, heart pounding in fear.

Alastor merely rolled his eyes, "We'll just obliviate her if that's the case," Moving forward, wand in hand, "Look me in the eye girl."

Vega raised her head, as Alastor move her hair out the way with his wand revealing her face causing the crowd to gasp and murmur.

"She looks just like him."

"But the hair color where have I seen that before."

Alastor smirked turning to the stern which who had spoken, "I daresay she ain't a muggle." Turning back to his captive, "Where is Sirius Black and Harry Potter? Speak up now if you know what's good for ya."

"You don't scare me!" She bluffed, hoping her quaking knees wouldn't give her away.

"Alastor there's no need for all this." A old man said walking forward.

"I know you. You're Dumbledore!" She pointed, and glanced around, "And you." She pointed at Alastor, "I didn't realize it before...you're Alastor Moody. Minerva McGonagall, and..."

Remus Lupin stepped forward frowning, "Did Sirius tell you all this?"

"Yes, but you don't understand he's innocent! Peter Pettigrew-"

"Dear child, I do believe your father has been filling your head with lies." McGonagall interrupted.

"They are not lies, it's the truth!"

Dumbledore looked at her, "Do you mind telling us your name?"

"Vega, Vega Black." She spat out, "And my father has not been telling me lies! You all are just a bunch of bloody idiots who couldn't recognize the truth if it stood right in front of you!"

"Don't address us in that matter young lady!"

"I can do whatever the bloody hell I want, none of you are of anything to me!"

"I daresay she is exactly like her father."

Harry had never been so worried in his life, he had never had a family that he cared about or one that cared about him. So when Vega vanished from sight, he stood there for about five seconds before he dropped everything and ran home. Accidental magic came into account apparating him back home in front of a startled Marlene.

"Ha-did you just use apparate?" She blinked.

"Where's Sirius?"

"He's outside, Harry what's wrong?"

Harry ignored her running outside spotting his godfather playing with his broom.

"Sirius!" He shouted, "Come down!"

As Sirius touched down and made his way over Marlene came outside turning Harry around to face her, "What's wrong? Harry what's going on?"

She looked around, "Wait, where's Vega?"

"She disappeared and it's all my fault!" Harry shouted.

Sirius frowned eyes hardening, he seriously doubted it was his fault, "Calm down and tell us what happened."

"I got a note from the office they called me up there said I should give it to you and Vega wanted to see it so I gave it to her and before I could grab it back she just vanished." Harry bemoaned, "Its all my fault. I shouldn't-"

"Harry." Marlene cut in, "It is not your fault. That paper it seems was a portkey?" She finished turning to Sirius who nodded in agreement.

"A what?"

"I'll explain later, first we need to get Vega. Sirius do you think it was the Order or Death eaters?"

"Here's hoping it was the order."

Harry stayed silent though there were a million questions running through his head.

"They probably want Harry. I have a plan. I'll track them down and follow them to wherever they took our daughter. I'll say that I threatened you and everyone."

"Sirius no! What if they try to-"

"I won't let them." He let out a sigh before beckoning the two of them to follow him. Once inside he sat them on the couch going upstairs before returning with a box.

"I was hoping I'd never have to use this but." He opened the box showing off an assortment of jewelry. "There portkeys, activated by the wearer only and whenever they want to. It takes them to wherever they feel safest."

Reaching in he pulled out a bracelet fastening it around Harry's wrist. He then tapped it with his wand rendering it invisible. "No one will be able to see it, not even Moody and his eye. I come from a dark family and as such have access to dark spells."

Next he pulled out a necklace fastening it around his own neck, turning to Marlene he winked, "Portkey to anywhere regardless of wards."

He then pulled out another bracelet handing it to Harry, "Give this to Vega when you see her again."

Digging in the box he stopped slightly before pulling out a onyx princess cut engagement ring.

"Sirius..."

"I wanted to do this at a different time but, there's no time like the present." Sliding it onto her finger he kisses her softly, "I'd like to marry you when all this is over."

Marlene smiled softly, "Same here." She kissed him once more before standing up, "Let's go get our daughter back."

Sirius grinned and turned to Harry, "Take us to the spot where Vega disappeared."

Vega stood backed in a corner with various members of the Order surrounding her. She was bloody terrified but she'd never let them know.

"Vega." Dumbledore said softly, "We won't harm you or Harry."

Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms." "Yay. You'll just kill my parents. Gee thanks."

"I say we just use Veritaserum." Moody growled, "Obviously she isn't going to talk willingly and I doubt you'll let me properly interrogate her."

Before anyone could respond, there was a loud pop, and every order member in the room had drawn their wand.

"Told you it was the order sweetheart."

"Dad!"

"Vega!" Marlene asked turning around and wrapping her in a tight hug, "Oh baby I was so worried!"

"I'm fine mom. But dad needs to get out of here!"

"Hands where I can see em Black!" Moody said pointing his wand at the escaped convict.

"Ana what's going on?" Harry asked.

"They've been looking for you and dad." She answered, "They wanted me to tell them where you guys where but I wouldn't say anything, not like it matters anymore."

Dumbledore stepped forward trying to play the peacekeeper, "Hello Harry Potter."

"Sure he get's a hello and I get a wand shoved in my face." Vega grumbled.

"What do you want?"

"We've been looking for you. You see, I doubt Sirius has told you the truth of what happened when you were a child."

Harry glared at him, "Oh you mean how he was sent to prison without a trial? Or how about how you placed me with relatives who obviously didn't want me? But that's not what you're talking about is it. You're talking about how everyone thinks Sirius killed all those people correct."

"My dear boy-"

"I'm not your dear anything. Sirius was framed by Peter Pettigrew."

"I'm afraid he's been lying to you."

"No he has not!" Harry shouted stomping his foot and rattling the house. "Give him Veritaserum then! All of us can testify against him."

"I'm afraid Veritaserum isn't infallible."

"Unless you bring in the very much alive body of Peter Pettigrew you haven't got much of case here laddie." Moody said.

"Fine what's going to happen now?" Harry glared, crossing his arms.

Dumbledore stroked his beard, "Well Harry you'll be returned to the Durselys. I am unsure about Ms. Black. Sirius will be arrested and turned in for kidnapping and escaping Azkaban."

"NO!" Marlene shouted, only to be held back by McGonagall's wand in her face.

"Ah, Ms. McKinnon I'm afraid you'll have to be turned in as well. An accomplice to the kidnapping I'm afraid."

"No." Marlene said, heart pounding, "The Ministry of Magic in New Zealand, appointed me his magical guardian. It's recognizable everywhere even here." She rushed out breathlessly.

"Very well then. Though it does nothing for Black's case. Not to mention, Harry and Vega are required to receive a magical education."

"I'll send them to Beauxbatons then, or Durmstrang."

"I'm afraid I can't allow that."

"Like hell you can! You have no say!"

"Well even though you are his magical guardian in New Zealand, getting it properly registered in the Ministry could take some time without friends. During that time I'm afraid Harry and Vega would be separated and placed with suitable families until you've been checked." Dumbledore said softly.

Marlene glared at him, "You're a horrible old man you know that!"

"Ms. McKinnon!" McGonagall shouted only for Marlene to turn to her eyes blazing.

"I am not your student anymore I can say whatever the hell I want!" She turned back to Dumbledore eyeing him in disgust, "Fine they can attend Hogwarts." She stalked up to him ignoring the wands drawn on her, "However if anything happens to them, I will end you consequences be damned."

Dumbledore stared down at her, locking eyes with her and felt a small shiver of fear before smiling, "I understand."

"Mom?" Vega called out, "What's gonna happen to dad?"

"I don't know sweetheart, all of his friends turned out to be cowards." She snapped glaring Remus Lupin down.

"Mar-"

"I don't want to hear it Lupin." She spat. "When do you want them there?"

"Why immediately of course, they can start tomorrow. I'm sure you'll have enough funds to get them the materials they need." Dumbledore smiled, "Minerva, will send a list of school supplies they need. Alastor take Sirius to the Ministry if you please."

"Well you don't need us anymore do you?" Marlene glared, without even waiting fro a response she snatched her wand from Lupin, and apparated with Vega and Harry at her side.

Lupin turned to Dumbledore with a small frown, "What if they're right about Sirius? We've sentenced an innocent man to death. They didn't even get to say goodbye."

"If he were innocent we'd have a problem however, he isn't innocent now is he? I'm sure being away from him will do them some good."

"But-"

Dumbledore changed the subject, "Don't you have classes to prepare for?"

Sirius let out a sigh he'd lost count of how long he'd been here days, weeks, months. Instead of sending him to Azakaban they locked him in a cell with anti-apparition and portkey wards around it. If they would just let him out for a few minutes he'd be gone by now. Sometimes he wondered if they knew what he was planning but most of all who tipped them off and that if he ever got out they'd have to keep appearance charms up at all times.

As if granting his prayers Kingsley Shacklebolt opened his cell.

"All right Black even though we all know you're guilty Amelia Bones wants to give you a fair trial with Veritaserum."

Sirius bit back his grin he'd be declared innocent! Kingsley brought him to a room sitting him in a chair and forcing a clear vial of liquid down his throat.

"Let the prosecution began."

"Black is it true you are the reason for James and Lily Potters deaths." Amelia asked

Sirius panicked before answering, "Yes."

"Did you chase down Peter Pettigrew?"

"Yes."

"Dementors kiss!" Someone shouted

Murmurs of agreement broke through the crowd and Sirius jumped up as he saw aurors rushing toward him, "I didn't kill him." Before grabbing the portkey and disappearing.

Marlene let out a sigh lying on the couch as she watched Vega and Harry watch the muggle invention called a TV that showed pictures right now they were watching a show about a guy who got his butt kicked ate some spinach than kicked butt the same thing happened in every episode. They were better off watching the show about the people in space with the robot maid and flying cars.

"I'm Popeye the sailor man!" Harry sang, "I'm tough to the finish-"

"-Cause I eat my spinach!" Vega cut in, "I'm Popeye the sailor man."

It was her freaking birthday and instead of celebrating she worried that her fiance would be killed, worried about her children, they were being dropped off in the middle of Hogwarts at the beginning of what would be their fourth year. Dumbledore had decided out if the goodness of his heart to let them have more time together. They didn't even have to ride the train how gracious of him. It was their last night together before she would see them for summer and she really hoped they would be ok. A knock on the door to the flat they were staying brought her out of her musings. She got up her wand sliding into her hand as she opened the door.

Upon seeing who it was she snarled and attempted to close the door only for that person to stick their shoe in the crack.

"Usually when someone tries to slam a door in your face it means go away!" Marlene glared.

"Marlene. I know you're mad but listen!"

"Lupin I don't want anything to do with you!"

"But I think Sirius could be innocent!"

Marlene paused, was it a trap? She opened the door pulling Remus in quickly and trained her wand on him. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Its not sudden. Dumbledore hired me to be the DADA teacher this year and one of the students, a Weasley child has a pet rat that looks remarkably like Wormtail. Every time I tried to approach Dumbledore he waved me off. You were a brilliant Auror Marlene, unlike what others believe i know you wouldn't just believe Sirius just cause you guys had a couple of nights together. I want to help. If Sirius is innocent and he goes to jail. I don't want to lose the rest of my friends."

Marlene sighed, before hugging him, "Thank you Remus."

She hugged him tightly, before losing composure and breaking down into tears, while Remus tried to comfort her.

"Hey, it's gonna be fine." Remus smiled, "I have a plan and it'll all work out for the better."

"Hey who are you two?" A boy with red hair and food stuffed in his mouth asked.

Vega cringed lifting a hand to block the spray of food.

"Um we're new students." She answered, "Just got sorted."

"When did ya get sorted." A dark skinned boy asked, "You guys aren't first years."

"Transfers." Harry sighed, "We're your new fourth year Gryffindors classmates."

The red head boy stared at them before swallowing heavily, "Blimey you're Harry Potter!"

At this all eyes turned to the pair and Harry grinned nervously, "Yeah thats me."

"And who are you?" A chubby face boy asked.

"Vega Black."

"Harry, thats the daughter of Sirius Black he killed your parents."

"Sirius did not kill my parents thank you very much and I suggest you don't speak on what you don't know."

"Sorry mate."

"Oh don't mind him. Thats Ron Weasley he doesn't often think before he talks." A boy said sticking out his hand. "Seamus Finnigan at your service."

"I'm Pavarti." A girl with long ebony hair down to her waist and chocolate eyes smiled, holding out her hand.

Everyone around the table began shaking hands with them and introducing themselves and Harry and Vega exchanged looks, maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

Harry looked up just now hearing parts of Dumbledore's speech, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts -"

At that moment, there was a deafening rumble of thunder and the doors of the Great Hall banged open.A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black traveling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swiveled toward the stranger, suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lightning that flashed across the ceiling. He lowered his hood, shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark gray hair, then began to walk up toward the teachers' table.

The stranger sat down, shook his mane of dark gray hair out of his face, pulled a plate of sausages toward him, raised it to what was left of his nose, and sniffed it. He then took a small knife out of his pocket, speared a sausage on the end of it, and began to eat. His normal eye was fixed upon the sausages, but the blue eye was still darting restlessly around in its socket, taking in the Hall and the students.

"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Moody."

"It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

Harry looked around bored he already knew about the Tri-Wizard Tournament it wasn't all that shocking, Marlene had told him, there was one right after he graduated from Hogwarts. Instead he focused his gaze over to the Ravenclaw table locking eyes with a pretty Asian girl who smiled causing him to blush as he waved awkwardly at her

"-Only students who are of age - that is to say, seventeen years or older - will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration."

"What is that?" Harry asked, they had followed the group of Gryffindors to the common room and were settling in when Harry spotted something moving.

"This is Scabbers, Percy got headboy and a owl so he gave him to me." Ron said

"He looks like-" Vega trailed staring at Harry who nodded, Peter Pettigrew

"Like what?"

"Like he's gonna die sometime soon, his hair is falling off and he lost a finger." Harry scowled

Said rat squeaked moving closer to Ron, "You're scaring him. Besides, it probably has to do with Hermione's bloody cat always trying to eat him!"

"Who's Hermione?"

They turned to the bossy girl they'd met at the feast who fumed, "Honestly Ronald, you need to take better care of your pet and stop blaming mine!"

"Well maybe if your cat wasn't always trying to eat my pet!"

Vega and Harry exchanged looks tuning out the growing argument. Harry glanced around they were in the common room, with a couple of students. If all else failed at least they'd get witnesses and proof.

"That's not a rat." Harry said loudly interrupting the argument before it could began

"What do you mean of course he's a rat." Hermione sighed, walking over.

"No, he's not. He's a wizard."

"An Animagus, by the name of Peter Pettigrew."

"Scabbers can't be Pettigrew… it just can't be true, you know it can't…" Hermione trailed off

"Why can't it be true?"

"Because… because people would know if Peter Pettigrew had been an Animagus. We did Animagi in class with Professor McGonagall."

"Didn't you ever hear, Ron?" said Vega. "The biggest bit of Peter they found was his finger."

"Look, Scabbers probably had a fight with another rat or something! He's been in my family for ages, right — "

"Twelve years, in fact," said Harry. "Didn't you ever wonder why he was living so long?"

"We — we've been taking good care of him!" said Ron.

"RON GIVE HIM THE RAT!" Vega shrieked grabbing a terrified Scabbers squeezing him tightly.

A flash of blue-white light erupted from both wands; for a moment, Scabbers was frozen in midair, his small gray form twisting madly — Ron yelled — the rat fell and hit the floor. There was another blinding flash of light and then — a man stood in his place.

At this everyone in the common room froze, that is until Peter shot up grabbing Ron's wand and pointing it at him.

"Nobody move or I'll kill him!" Pettigrew shouted.

"Please." Vega snorted, "You're nothing a coward."

Pettigrew snarled, "What was your father framed for again. Killing 12 muggles. Do you seriously wanna take that chance girl." At this Peter paused, looking her up and down and licked his lips. "In fact...you girl come here and drop your wand."

Vega hesitated and Peter moved his wand closer to Ron's throat, "Now girl or your friend gets it!"

She nodded dropping her wand on the floor and moved closer, and Pettigrew grabbed her and pushed Ron away who scrambled away from him in shock.

"I can't believe it." He muttered to himself

"What are you going to do there's anti-apparition and portkey wands all over Hogwarts." Hermione snarled

Before Pettigrew could respond Ron fired a spell at Pettigrew the same time Vega through her head back, smashing it into Pettigrew's nose, making him scream in pain, "Stupid child. Re-"

All at once there was chaos, everyone was firing spells at the animagus.

"What is going on in here?" McGonagall froze at the sight of a very alive Peter Pettigrew, frozen on the floor being restrained by multiple robes. "Oh my lord."

"Told you my dad was innocent." Vega mumbled.

They reached the entrance hall, which was packed with people queuing for dinner. Everyone was staring at the two of them and they shrugged. It was too be expected on their first day of school they had exposed an animagus and gotten Gryffindor 100 points. All of Gryffindor thought they were superstars and Vega and Harry had spent the whole time giving looks of triumph at Dumbledore and McGonagall. MGonagall ad the grace to look ashamed while Dumbeldore merely acted as if it was a tiny mistake which infuriated them to no end. Their father could've been sentenced to death instead Pettigrew was trapped in prison and everyone knew of Sirius's innocence. They'd also made friends with almost everyone in Gryffindor its hard no too considering what happened.

"You can put those away," he growled, stumping over to his desk and sitting down, "those books. You won't need them."

They returned the books to their bags, Ron looking excited.

Moody took out a register, shook his long mane of grizzled gray hair out of his twisted and scarred face, and began to call out names, his normal eye moving steadily down the list while his magical eye swiveled around, fixing upon each student as he or she answered before his eye stopped on AVega and Harry before continuing.

"Right then," he said, when the last person had declared themselves present, "I've had a letter from Professor Lupin about this class. Seems you've had a pretty thorough grounding in tackling Dark creatures - you've covered boggarts, Red Caps, hinkypunks, grindylows, Kappas, and werewolves, is that right?" So… do any of you know which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law?"

"Er," Ron said tentatively, "My dad told me about one… Is it called the Imperius Curse, or something?"

"Ah, yes," said Moody appreciatively. "Your father would know that one. Gave the Ministry a lot of trouble at one time, the Imperius Curse."

Moody got heavily to his mismatched feet, opened his desk drawer, and took out a glass jar. Three large black spiders were scuttling around inside it.

Harry felt Ron recoil slightly next to him. Moody reached into the jar, caught one of the spiders, and held it in the palm of his hand so that they could all see it. He then pointed his wand at it and muttered, "Imperio!"

The spider leapt from Moody's hand on a fine thread of silk and began to swing backward and forward as though on a trapeze. It stretched out its legs rigidly, then did a back flip, breaking the thread and landing on the desk, where it began to cartwheel in circles. Moody jerked his wand, and the spider rose onto two of its hind legs and went into what was unmistakably a tap dance.

Everyone was laughing except Moody.

"Think it's funny, do you?" he growled. "You'd like it, would you, if I did it to you?"

The laughter died away almost instantly.

"Total control," said Moody quietly as the spider balled itself up and began to roll over and over. "I could make it jump out of the window, drown itself, throw itself down one of your throats… Years back, there were a lot of witches and wizards being controlled by the Imperius Curse. The Imperius Curse can be fought, and I'll be teaching you how, but it takes real strength of character, and not everyone's got it. Better avoid being hit with it if you can. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" he barked

"Anyone else know one? Another illegal curse?"

"Yes?" said Moody, his magical eye rolling right over to fix on Neville.

"There's one - the Cruciatus Curse." Neville answered

Moody was looking very intently at Neville, this time with both eyes.

"Your name's Longbottom?" he said, his magical eye swooping down to check the register again.

Neville nodded nervously, but Moody made no further inquiries. Turning back to the class at large, he reached into the jar for the next spider and placed it upon the desktop, where it remained motionless, apparently too scared to move.

"The Cruciatus Curse," Moody said. "Needs to be a bit bigger for you to get the idea," he said, pointing his wand at the spider. "Engorgio!"

The spider swelled. It was now larger than a tarantula. Abandoning all pretense, Ron pushed his chair backward, as far away from Moody's desk as possible. Moody raised his wand again, pointed it at the spider, and muttered, "Crucio!"

At once, the spider's legs bent in upon its body; it rolled over and began to twitch horribly, rocking from side to side. No sound came from it, but Harry was sure that if it could have given voice, it would have been screaming.

"STOP IT!" Hermione shouted

Harry turned to see Neville staring into space his face pale a hard expression on his face gripping the table his knuckles turning white.

"Right, know any others?"

"Avada Kedavra," Hermione whispered.

"Ah," said Moody, another slight smile twisting his lopsided mouth. "Yes, the last and worst. Avada Kedavra… the Killing Curse."

He put his hand into the glass jar, and almost as though it knew what was coming, the third spider scuttled frantically around the bottom of the jar, trying to evade Moody's fingers, but he trapped it, and placed it upon the desktop. It started to scuttle frantically across the wooden surface..

"Avada Kedavra!" Moody roared.

There was a flash of blinding green light and a rushing sound, as though a vast, invisible something was soaring through the air - instantaneously the spider rolled over onto its back, unmarked, but unmistakably dead.

"Not nice," he said calmly. "Not pleasant. And there's no counter curse. There's no blocking it. Only one known person has ever survived it, and he's dead. Harry Potter or as most people presume. Now… those three curses - Avada Kedavra, Imperius, and Cruciatus - are known as the Unforgivable Curses. The use of any one of them on a fellow human being is enough to earn a life sentence in Azkaban. That's what you're up against. That's what I've got to teach you to fight. You need preparing. You need arming. But most of all, you need to practice constant, never-ceasing vigilance. Get out your quills… copy this down…"

They spent the rest of the lesson taking notes on each of the Unforgivable Curses. No one spoke until the bell rang - but when Moody had dismissed them and they had left the classroom, a torrent of talk burst forth.

"Are you okay Neville?" Vega asked

"I'm fine, I will be it's nothing." He muttered walking away

Their lessons were becoming more difficult and demanding than ever before, particularly Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts.

To their surprise, Professor Moody had announced that he would be putting the Imperius Curse on each of them in turn, to demonstrate its power and to see whether they could resist its effects.

"But - but you said it's illegal, Professor," said Hermione uncertainly as Moody cleared away the desks with a sweep of his wand, leaving a large clear space in the middle of the room. "You said - to use it against another human was -"

"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like," said Moody, his magical eye swiveling onto Hermione and fixing her with an eerie, unblinking stare. "If you'd rather learn the hard way - when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely - fine by me. You're excused. Off you go."

"I'm not leaving, I was just wondering if you were aware of the fact that's its illegal and barbaric." Hermione muttered

Moody began to beckon students forward in turn and put the Imperius Curse upon them. Harry watched as, one by one, his classmates did the most extraordinary things under its influence. Dean Thomas hopped three times around the room, singing the national anthem. Lavender Brown imitated a squirrel. Neville performed a series of quite astonishing gymnastics he would certainly not have been capable of in his normal state. Not one of them seemed to be able to fight off the curse, and each of them recovered only when Moody had removed it.

All the fourth years had noticed a definite increase in the amount of work they were required to do this term. Professor McGonagall explained why, when the class gave a particularly loud groan at the amount of Transfiguration homework she had assigned.

"You are now entering a most important phase of your magical education!" she told them, her eyes glinting dangerously behind her square spectacles. "Your Ordinary Wizarding Levels are drawing closer —"

"We don't take O.W.L.s till fifth year!" Dean shouted

"Maybe not, Mr. Thomas, but believe me, you need all the preparation you can get! Miss Granger remains the only person in this class who has managed to turn a hedgehog into a satisfactory pincushion. I might remind you that your pincushion, Thomas, still curls up in fright if anyone approaches it with a pin!"

Vega and Harry let out a small laugh causing Dean to glare at them in mock anger

There was a pleasant feeling of anticipation in the air that day. Nobody was very attentive in lessons, being much more interested in the arrival that evening of the people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang; even Potions was more bearable than usual, as it was half an hour shorter. When the bell rang early, they hurried up to Gryffindor Tower, deposited their bags and books as they had been instructed, pulled on their cloaks, and rushed back downstairs into the entrance hall.

"Nearly six," said Ron, checking his watch and then staring down the drive that led to the front gates. "How d'you reckon they're coming? The train?"

"I doubt it," Hermione said

"How, then? Broomsticks?" Harry suggested

"I don't think so… not from that far away…"

"A Portkey?" Ron suggested. "Or they could Apparate - maybe you're allowed to do it under seventeen wherever they come from?"

"You can't Apparate inside the Hogwarts grounds, how often do I have to tell you?" Hermione said impatiently.

"However they're coming in it has to be flashy." Vega offered, "See told you look Beauxbatons have Pegasus."

"Look at their headmaster she's bigger tha n Hagrid." Ron spoke

"It's Madame Maxime." Hermione informed them

"Dumstrang is here, they came from the lake."

"Talk about flashy entrances."

"It's Viktor Krum James!" Ron shouted excitedly

"The Quidditch player here!" Harry grinned

"Boys." Hermione sighed

"Tell me about it." Vega huffed

"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament," Dumbledore went on calmly, "one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire."

Dumbledore now took out his wand and tapped three times upon the top of the casket. The lid creaked slowly open. Dumbledore reached inside it and pulled out a large, roughly hewn wooden cup. It would have been entirely unremarkable had it not been full to the brim with dancing blue-white flames. Dumbledore closed the casket and placed the goblet carefully on top of it, where it would be clearly visible to everyone in the Hall.

"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation. I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line. Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all."

"Shoot, I was going to enter can't now because of the stupid age line." Harry muttered as they walked back to the common room

"Your not serious do you know about the deaths?" Hermione screeched

"Hermione you worry to much, everyone wants to enter." Ron answered

"You can still enter write your name and get an older student to put it in for you and if you want to make sure you do get chosen just put down a fake school."

"Vega you won't do it will you?"

"I don't know Hermione it could be pretty cool."

"There's a rumor going around that Warrington got up early and put his name in," Dean told Harry. "That big bloke from Slytherin who looks like a sloth."

"We can't have a Slytherin champion!" Ron shouted

"Oh come off it!" Vega huffed, "They're not all bad."

"And all the Hufflepuffs are talking about Diggory." Seamus said contemptuously.

"But I wouldn't have thought he'd have wanted to risk his good looks."

"And supposedly Malfoy has a full prove plan to enter the tournement."

"How he's no where near seventeen."

"Listen!" Hermione shushed

People were cheering out in the entrance hall. They all swiveled around in their seats and saw Angelina Johnson who played Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team coming into the Hall, grinning in an embarrassed sort of way.

"Well, I've done it! Just put my name in!" She grinned

"You're kidding!" said Ron, looking impressed.

"Are you seventeen, then?" Harry asked

"Course she is, can't see a beard, can you?" said Ron.

"Be quiet Ron." Harry glared

"I had my birthday last week."

"Well, I'm glad someone from Gryffindor's entering, I really hope you get it, Angelina!" Hermione said

"Thanks, Hermione." Angelina smiled

"Well, the goblet is almost ready to make its decision. Now when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber where they will be receiving their first instructions."

The flames inside the goblet turned suddenly red again. Sparks began to fly from it. Next moment, a tongue of flame shot into the air, and a charred piece of parchment fluttered out of it

Dumbledore caught the piece of parchment and read it by the light of the flames, "The champion for Durmstrang, will be Viktor Krum."

The goblet of fire turned red again another piece of parchment flying out.

"The champion for Beauxbatons, is Fleur Delacour!"

And the Goblet of Fire turned red once more; sparks showered out of it; the tongue of flame shot high into the air, Dumbledore pulled the third piece of parchment.

"The Hogwarts champion, is Cassius Warrington! Excellent! We now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real —"

Just then another piece of parchment flew out of the cup, as Dumbledore read it his eyes widening in shock, "Harry Potter."

Everyone turned to look at him horrified expressions on their faces as the school began whispering.

"I prefer Potter over the Slytheirn."

"Stupid Gryffindor. This is blatant favoritism"

"Black daughter of mass murderer"

"The one who hangs out with Black."

"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore shouted

"Are you done, Dumbledore?" Karkaroff sneered, "Or are five more people going to become the champion?"

"Question is how did you get your name in the tournament."

"I didn't I don't know how it got in."

"Arrogant fool just like his father."

"Bastard."

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for disrespecting a teacher."

"Take all the freaking points but don't talk about my father, if you are, talk about my mother too why don't you make it fair, get over it she never loved you anyway it was never going to happen! Get that through your thick skull!"

"100 hundred points from Gryffindor for talking back." Snape said coldly

"Did you pass the age line and put your name in the cup?" Dumbledore asked

"No." Harry sighed

"Did you ask an older student to put it in for you?"

"No."

"Thiz iz unacceptable, a plot to make zure he winz I prezume." Madame Maxime scowled

"Yeah cause it's not like I'm super rich and super famous and need to win this." Harry scoffed before a thought came to mind.

"I assure you I will get to the bottom of this immediately. The first task is designed to test your daring so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard… very important. The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests."

"LUCKY!" Vega shouted causing all of the adults to look and glare at her

"Definitely the daughter of Sirius Black." McGonagall muttered to herself smiling softly

Harry took a deep breath looking around the tent it was time for the first task, he could do this. He may be forced into competing in the tournament but that didn't mean he had to try. Or maybe he would. It'd be pretty cool to be the fourteen year old who won the tri-wizard tournament. He hoped that Vega was right about the dragon or he would be screwed.

"Well, now we're all here. When the audience has assembled, I'm going to be offering each of you this bag from which you will each select a small model of the thing you are about to face! There are different varieties, you see. And I have to tell you something else too your task is to collect the golden egg !"

'So Vega was right he did have to get something from the dragon, he had made sleeping draught just in case.'

"Ladies first," he said, offering it to Fleur Delacour.

She put a shaking hand inside the bag and drew out a tiny, perfect model of a dragon - a Welsh Green. It had the number four around its neck Krum pulled out the scarlet Chinese Fireball. It had a number three around its neck. Angelina put her hand into the bag, and out came the blueish-grey Swedish Short - Snout, the number two tied around its neck. Harry put his hand into the silk bag and pulled out the Hungarian Horntail, and the number one.

It was official the tournament had begun.

Harry took a deep breath going out to face the most aggressive dragon known to wizarding mankind. He wasn't scared, Vega was brilliant the sleeping draught would work just fine if he could get the dragon to open it's mouth without getting burned in the process.

He stood in front of the dragon as they both stared at each other before another thought came to mind, dragons were reptiles, like snakes right so he should be able to talk to it.

'Hey excuse me?'

'You speak the reptile tongue.'

'Reptile tongue I thought it was serpent.'

'Nonsense it is for any reptile known to man or beast.'

'Oh sorry for offending you.'

'What do you want? You mortals use us dragons for your games and sports tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now like you would do me.'

'I wasn't going to kill you, merely put you asleep so I could get the fake egg.'

'Fake egg?'

'Yes there is a fake egg in your nest take a look.'

The dragon turned around looking over her eggs before spotting the golden egg and handing it to him

'Thank you.'

'You are the chosen one I presume.'

'Yes'

'Be careful I sense many bad things in your future.

'Okay thank you.' Harry hissed turning back to the shocked crowd before Vega stood up cheering for him, despite everyone else whispering about his use of parseltongue. He spotted the pretty Ravenclaw in the crowd and felt his heart soar as he made his way back to the tent.

Cassius went next transfiguring a rock into a small dragon, while the original stared at it curiously as he grabbed the egg.

Fleur did a charm, putting the dragon into a sleepy trance before the dragon snored making a jet of flame come out catching her skirt on fire as she got the egg.

Viktor hit it with a spell right in the eye. The dragon went trampling around in agony and squashed half the real eggs, which got marks taken off.

Cassius and Harry were tied for first place, with Viktor third and Fleur second.

"I was so worried." Hermione said tears in her eyes as she stopped hugging Harry

"I'm so proud of you!" Vega grinned launching herself on him

"Great job and sorry about earlier." Ron muttered

"No problem." Harry laughed wrapping his arm around Vega's waist

At that moment Rita Skeeter popped up, in bright green robes, "Congratulations, Harry! I wonder if you could give me a quick word? How did you feel being able to control that dragon? How you feel now, about the fairness of the scoring?"

"Yeah, you can have a word, Goodbye ." Harry snapped walking off

"I wish somebody would've told me I was dating you!" Vega snorted, "I could've used this time to reap the benefits of being the girlfriend of the Boy-Who-Lived."

Harry rolled his eyes, tossing the prophet away from him, Rita had printed an article stating that he was dating Vega and she was reaping all the benefits of it. She kept making more elaborate stories of how they got together from dragon riding, to defeating a pack of werewolves, to taking her to Paris. At least somebody was having fun.

"Did you ever think someone your name in the tournament to get rid of you?" Vega asked

"I don't know, it's not that dangerous." Harry muttered as they made their way to the Gryffindor common room the room filled with noise

"Great job, Harry!" Fred grinned

"Open the egg! Open the egg!" Lee shouted

"If you insist." Harry said opening it as a ear piercing screech sounded out

"Close the egg! Close the egg!" Lee yelled

"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron asked

"Language!" Hermione hissed

"Potter! Weasley! Will you pay attention ?"

Professor McGonagall's irritated voice cracked like a whip through the Transfiguration class on Thursday, and Harry and Ron both jumped and looked up.

It was the end of the lesson; they had finished their work; the guinea fowl they had been changing into guinea pigs had been shut away in a large cage on Professor McGonagall's desk ; they had copied down their homework from the blackboard The bell was due to ring at any moment, and Harry and Ron, had been having a sword fight with a couple of Fred and George's fake wands at the back of the class.

"Now that Potter and Weasley have been kind enough to act their age," said Professor McGonagall, "I have something to say to you all.

"The Yule Ball is approaching a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish. Dress robes will be worn and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down, But that does NOT mean, that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."

The bell rang, and there was the usual scuffle of activity as everyone packed their bags and swung them onto their shoulders.

This year, everyone in the fourth year and above seemed to be staying obsessed with the coming ball - or at least all the girls were, and it was amazing how many girls Hogwarts suddenly seemed to hold; he had never quite noticed that before. Girls giggling and whispering in the corridors, girls shrieking with laughter as boys passed them, girls excitedly comparing notes on what they were going to wear on Christmas night…

"The Yule Ball is almost here it's going to be so romantic." Lavender squealed

"I know prince charming to sweep me off my feet." Pavarti giggled

"Dressing up, and curling your hair for that special someone." Hermione added blushing her eyes glancing at Ron before turning back to the girls

"I can't wait I love dressing up it's so fun." Vega sighed

Harry and Ron watched as Vega and Hermione joined the conversation with Lavender and Parvarti something that had never happened before hell must have frozen over.

"Why do they have to move in packs?" Harry asked Ron as a dozen or so girls walked past them, sniggering and staring at Harry. "How're you supposed to get one on their own to ask them?"

"Easy you go up to them and ask them out." Vega said walking past them

"Lasso one?" Ron suggested. "Got any idea who you're going to try?"

Harry didn't answer. He knew perfectly well whom he'd like to ask, but working up the nerve was something else…

"Listen, you're not going to have any trouble. You're a champion. You've just beaten a Hungarian Horntail. I bet they'll be queuing up to go with you."

"Ron, can we borrow Pigwidgeon?" George asked walking into the common room followed by Fred

"No, he's off delivering a letter," Ron said, "Why?"

"Because George wants to invite him to the ball," Fred said sarcastically.

"Because we want to send a letter, you stupid great prat," said George.

"Who d'you two keep writing to, eh?" said Ron.

"Nose out, Ron. So… you lot got dates for the ball yet?"

"Nope."

"Well, you'd better hurry up, mate, or all the good ones will be gone." George grinned

"Who're you going with, then?" Ron asked

"Angelina," George answered

"What? You've already asked her?"

Good point, almost forgot about that." George said before shouting across the room, "Oi! Angelina!"

Angelina, who had been chatting with Alicia Spinnet near the fire, looked over at him.

"What?" she called back.

"Want to come to the ball with me?"

"All right, then," she said, and she turned back to Alicia and carried on chatting with a bit of a grin on her face.

"This is horrible we're the only ones who don't have dates to the ball!" Ron asked

"We'll just ask Hermione and Vega, you can go with Hermione since you fancy her and I'll go with Vega." Harry suggested

"Good idea, Harry." Ron said turning to Hermione who had just entered the common room, "Hermione you're a girl."

"I had no idea." She muttered coldly

"Well you can come with one of us!"

"No, I can't."

"Oh come on, we need partners, we're going to look really stupid if we haven't got any, everyone else has…"

"I can't come with you," Hermione said, now blushing, "because I'm already going with someone."

"No, you're not!" said Ron.

"You just said that to get rid of Neville!"

"Oh did I?" said Hermione, and her eyes flashed dangerously. "Just because it's taken you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean no one else has spotted I'm a girl!"

"Okay, okay, we know you're a girl," he said. "Will you come now?"

"I've already told you!" Hermione said angrily, "I'm going with someone else!" before stomping up the Gryffindor stairs

"What'd you do this time?" Vega asked plopping on the couch

"He accused her of lying about her date."

"Her date oh her date she's not lying and no I won't tell you."

"Speaking of dates do you maybe want to come with me I can't think of anyone else to ask?"

"Oh so I'm last minute am I!" She yelled standing up abruptly, "We'll I'll have you know I am nobody's last choice and I have a date already so you two can just go with each other." She snapped

"Who's your date?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

Harry stared at the wall brooding before his face lit up, "I know who to ask, and maybe I'll get you a date two Ron!" He said running out of the common room, he'd ask that really pretty girl from Ravenclaw.

"Wow Luna you look nice." Harry said.

The pretty Ravenclaw girl who he learned was Cho, was going to the ball and apparently dating Cedric Diggroy and in his embarrassment Harry had hastily asked the only girl around one Luna Lovegood who he'd never spoken to until that moment. At the current moment he didn't necessarily find that a bad thing.

She was wearing a sheer fabric of silver robes that spilled out at the bottom, silver earrings and baby blue shoes.

"Thank you Harry you don't look so bad yourself." She smiled

"Where's Hermione?" Ron said completely ignoring, Miranda, Luna's roommate.

The doors opened and Krum appeared along with a girl in pretty blue robes.

"Is that Hermione?"

"It is."

"Want to dance?" Harry asked, he didn't really like dancing but there was something about her.

"Sure."

After three dances they made their way over to were Miranda and Ron were sitting on the side, Ron glaring at Viktor and Hermione as Miranda had a gloomy look on her face

"Hey have you seen, Vega." Harry asked

"No." Ron responded gruffly

"Having fun?" Luna asked Harry

"Yeah sorry I'm not much of a dancer?" Harry grinned

Luna smiled at him."You're not that bad. I've never been invited to a party before it's really nice."

Hermione came over at that moment flopping into a chair.

"Hi," said Harry. Ron didn't say anything.

"It's hot, isn't it? Viktor's just gone to get some drinks."

Ron gave her a withering look. "Viktor ?" he said. "Hasn't he asked you to call him Vicky yet?"

"What's up with you?" she said.

"If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you."

"Ron, what -?"

"He's from Durmstrang!" spat Ron. "He's competing against Harry! Against Hogwarts! You - you're - fraternizing with the enemy , that's what you're doing!"

"Don't be so stupid the enemy ! Honestly - who was the one who was all excited when they saw him arrive? Who was the one who wanted his autograph? Who's got a model of him up in their dormitory?"

"I s'pose he asked you to come with him while you were both in the library?"

"Yes, he did. So what?"

"What happened - trying to get him to join spew , were you?"

"No, I wasn't! If you really want to know, he - he said he'd been coming up to the library every day to try and talk to me, but he hadn't been able to pluck up the courage!"

"Yeah, well - that's his story"

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Obvious, isn't it? He's Karkaroff's student, isn't he? He knows who you hang around with… He's just trying to get closer to Harry - get inside information on him - or get near enough to jinx him"

"For your information, he hasn't asked me one single thing about Harry, not one."

"Then he's hoping you'll help him find out what his egg means! I suppose you've been putting your heads together during those cozy little library sessions -"

"I'd never help him work out that egg! Never . How could you say something like that I want Harry to win the tournament. Harry knows that, don't you, Harry?"

"You've got a funny way of showing it."

"This whole tournament's supposed to be about getting to know foreign wizards and making friends with them!"

"No it isn't! It's about winning! Why don't you go and find Vicky, he'll be wondering where you are."

"Don't call him Vicky !" Hermione jumped to her feet and stormed off across the dance floor, disappearing into the crowd. Ron watched her go with a mixture of anger and satisfaction on his face.

"Are you going to ask me to dance at all?" Miranda asked him.

"No," said Ron, still glaring after Hermione.

She pouted her lip quivering before getting up and walking away with her head held high.

"Wait, Harry I've think I found Vega and she's with... Malfoy "

"What she wouldn't!" Harry said looking up spotting a girl with black dress dancing with Malfoy it was Vega fraternizing with the enemy. They'd only exchanged a few words and encounters but each one had been downright horrible and from the stories Hermione and Ron told them he was a horrible person. Just because they had a Slytherin champion didn't mean they had to be nice to Malfoy.

"I'll be right back Luna." He said walking up to Vega, "May I have this dance."

"Get your own date Potter." Draco sneered

"Calm down Draco it's only one dance." She smiled

"Why are you here with Malfoy you chose him over me."

"We'll at least to him I wasn't last resort!"

"When did you get so chummy wit him anyway."

"We're not he asked me and I said yes."

"Why?"

"He's attractive why not?"

"He's evil!"

"He is not! He's just cynical!"

"Same thing."

"It's not, why do you care anyways?"

"I don't."

"Good."

"I just. I forbid you from going near him."

"Who are you my father?" She sneered placing her hands on her hips

"He wouldn't approve of this either!" He argued

"You know what I'll show you something I know both of you wouldn't approve of." she said walking back over to Draco grabbing his robes and pulled him down snogging him in front of everybody

Harry scowled making his way back to Luna, two could play at this game and kissed her. "Oh Luna I'm so sorry! That was extremely inappropriate."

"Its alright Harry it was quite a nice first kiss."

Harry groaned slamming his face in his hands

Opening the Gryffindor common room, he opened the door to see Ron and Hermione in the midst of an argument.

"Well, if you don't like it, you know what the solution is, don't you?" Hermione yelled

"Oh yeah?" Ron yelled back. "What's that?"

"Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!" She shouted

Ron looked at her opening and closing his mouth before crossing over to her and for a second Harry thought he might hit her until he pulled her into a kiss before pulling away.

"I'm sorry, you're not last resort I just didn't realize-I'm sorry."

"Do you want to go back we have a few hours left." Hermione smiled

"I'd love to."

Harry smiled at them at least their relationship worked out for the better. He thought back to when he walked Luna back to the tower and blushed. So had his own.

"Harry you don't have a lot of time left to figure out what's in the egg."

"He has time Hermione."

"Time it's almost January he has until the end of February."

"Exactly a lot of time."

Seeing that they were either about to get into a heated argument or a heated snog session, Vega stood up grabbing his egg and pulling Harry out the door with her not stopping until they got to the shore of the black lake.

"Harry I'm sorry about last night." She muttered, "I know you don't like Draco but he is really different to his friends. I was just being nice, and I wasn't a last resort to him."

"Vega I forgave you already, I was way out of line and I was just jealous. "

"Jealous so you're telling me you wanted to go to the ball with Draco."

"Oh shut up." Harry laughed

"You know I'd help you solve this egg first right, you're my first and top priority." She muttered lacing his fingers with hers

"You're my first top and only priority even if you aren't doing the tournament." He whispered squeezing her hand tightly

She laughed stretching her legs causing the egg to fall into the water, while Harry gave her a look, which said you-have-to-go-get-that.

"Aren't you going to get that?"

"It's your egg."

"You dropped it."

"You just want to see me in knickers."

"You're right."

Vega chuckled before undressing down to her underclothes and jumping in the lake, only to accidentally open it a song coming out. She swam back up brushing her hair back, "Harry! Get in the water. I solved it hurry up."

"Okay hold on." Harry said getting into the water listening to the song

Come seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you re searching, ponder this:

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And to recover what we took,

But past an hour- the prospect's black,

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back

"We solved the clue." Vega said

"What do you think it means?"

"They took something you'll miss a lot."

"I guess." Harry muttered

"I think you have to go swimming in the black lake, looking for what-mermaids how could I have been so stupid, mermaids above land their singing is horrible but under the water it sounds so wonderful."

"How do you know all this this?"

"The lyrics, you have an hour to look for what you miss, what we need to do is figure out how you're suppose to hold your breathe under the lake for an hour."

"Have I ever told you that you're brilliant." He murmured kissing her cheek

"You can stand to mention it more." She flushed

"Harry you can use Gillyweed, it tastes disgusting but it literally turn you into a fish for an hour." Hermione suggested

"Or he could use the bubblehead charm." Ron protested

"Maybe someone else will use it then he won't be get a lot of points." Vega piped up

"I'll use the Gillyweed it'll be faster being a fish in the water."

"Whatever you use we'll be there to root for you." Ron smiled

Harry shivered casting a warming spell on himself, what was wrong with Dumbledore having the second task with this weather they should have done this first and had the dragons second. He looked around the crowd seeing, Ron, and Luna rooting for him and frowned where the heck was Hermione and Vega?

"Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start on my whistle. They have precisely an hour to recover what has been taken from them. On the count of three, then, One… two… three!"

Harry opened his hand filled with Gillyweed stuffing it into his mouth swallowing it whole. All of a sudden he couldn't breath or walk he was literally a fish out of water he fell into the water taking a deep breath the Gillyweed worked better than expected.

He swam around lost, where the heck were the bloody mermaids?

"How are you doing?"

"Myrtle!" Harry tried to shout but nothing came out of his mouth but a very large bubble.

"You want to try over there!" she said, pointing. "I won't come with you… I don't like them much, they always chase me when I get too close…"

Harry grinned blowing her a kiss and giving her thumbs up before swimming in that direction. Harry sped around a corner and a very strange sight met his eyes.

A whole crowd of merpeople was floating in front of the houses that lined what looked like a mer-version of a village square. A choir of merpeople was singing in the middle, calling the champions toward them, and behind them rose a crude sort of statue; a gigantic merperson hewn from a boulder. Four people were bound tightly to the tail of the stone merperson.

Vega was tied between Hermione and a pretty Slytherin girl he didn't recognize. There was also a girl who looked no older than eight, whose clouds of silvery hair made Harry feel sure that she was Fleur Delacour's sister. All four of them appeared to be in a very deep sleep. Their heads were lolling onto their shoulders, and fine streams of bubbles kept issuing from their mouths. He grabbed Vega and swam up, Dumbledore wasn't dumb enough to let them die.

"Harry...what."

"You're what I would miss the most. Not that shocking you are my best friend."

Vega blushed and smiled.

"We have to get back to shore." Harry said

Vega took in a deep breath, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder, "My knight in shining armor."

Harry grinned, "Don't you mean Malfoy, your prince charming."

"Yes, you're both competing for my love." She laughed nudging him

Harry laughed before listening to the scores. Harry had been first, Cassius second, Viktor third, and Fleur last.

Harry watched as the champions disappeared into the maze on his side and swallowed. He walked cautiously the spell reducto on the tip of his tongue. So far he hadn't met anything and that unnerved him he fingered the portkey Vega had given him that would transport him in front of the Gryffindor Common Room.

He turned right to see Fleur, Viktor and Cassius all fighting for the cup. Without them noticing he sunk past grabbing the cup and felt his eyes widened as he felt jerk in his stomach and on his arm someone had grabbed him while he grabbed the cup which was a portkey and mentally he thanked Vega for giving him her own portkey.

He landed on the floor of a graveyard and looked around at the figure who had grabbed his arm it was Cassius.

"What is this? Is this part of the task?"

"I don't know did you know it was a portkey?"

"No. Keep your wands out just in case?"

"Good idea."

"Someone's coming."

Squinting tensely through the darkness, they watched the figure drawing nearer, walking steadily toward them between the graves. Harry couldn't make out a face, but from the way it was walking and holding its arms, he could tell that it was carrying something. Whoever it was, he was short, and wearing a hooded cloak pulled up over his head to obscure his face. And - several paces nearer, the gap between them closing all the time - Harry saw that the thing in the persons arms looked like a baby… or was it merely a bundle of robes?

And then, without warning, Harry's scar exploded with pain. It was agony such as he had never felt in all his life; his wand slipped from his fingers as he put his hands over his face; his knees buckled; he was on the ground and he could see nothing at all; his head was about to split open.

From far away, above his head, he heard a high, cold voice say, "Kill the spare."

"Avada Kedavra!"

Cassius let out a shout falling to the ground in horror, as Harry stared at her in shock but breath in relief when he saw him wink and put a finger to his mouth.

The short man in the cloak had put down his bundle, lit his wand, and was dragging Harry toward the marble headstone. Harry saw the name upon it flickering in the wand light before he was forced around and slammed against it.

TOM RIDDLE

The cloaked man was now conjuring tight cords around Harry, tying him from neck to ankles to the headstone. Harry could hear shallow, fast breathing from the depths of the hood; he struggled, and the man hit him - hit him with a hand that had a finger missing.

"Petriggew you filthy traitor!" Harry shouted, watching him prepare a cauldron

"It is ready Master."

"Now…" said the cold voice.

Wormtail pulled open the robes on the ground, revealing what was inside them, and Harry let out a yell that was strangled in the wad of material blocking his mouth.

It was as though Wormtail had flipped over a stone and revealed something ugly, slimy, and blind - but worse, a hundred times worse. The thing Wormtail had been carrying had the shape of a crouched human child, except that Harry had never seen anything less like a child. It was hairless and scaly-looking, a dark, raw, reddish black. Its arms and legs were thin and feeble, and its face - no child alive ever had a face like that - flat and snakelike, with gleaming red eyes

"What the bloody hell is that!" Harry yelled cringing, "Did you attempt to have kids."

The thing seemed almost helpless; it raised its thin arms, put them around Wormtail's neck, and Wormtail lifted it. As he did so, his hood fell back, and Harry saw the look of revulsion on Wormtail's weak, pale face in the firelight as he carried the creature to the rim of the cauldron. For one moment, Harry saw the evil, flat face illuminated in the sparks dancing on the surface of the potion. And then Wormtail lowered the creature into the cauldron; there was a hiss, and it vanished below the surface; Harry heard its frail body hit the bottom with a soft thud.

Wormtail was speaking. His voice shook; he seemed frightened beyond his wits. He raised his wand, closed his eyes, and spoke to the night.

"Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!"

The surface of the grave at Harry's feet cracked. Horrified, Harry watched as a fine trickle of dust rose into the air at Wormtail's command and fell softly into the cauldron. The diamond surface of the water broke and hissed; it sent sparks in all directions and turned a vivid, poisonous-looking blue.

And now Wormtail was whimpering. He pulled a long, thin, shining silver dagger from inside his cloak. His voice broke into petrified sobs.

"Flesh - of the servant - w-willingly given - you will - revive - your master."

He stretched his right hand out in front of him - the hand with the missing finger. He gripped the dagger very tightly in his left hand and swung it upward.

Harry realized what Wormtail was about to do a second before it happened – he closed his eyes as tightly as he could, but he could not block the scream that pierced the night, that went through Harry as though he had been stabbed with the dagger too. He heard something fall to the ground, heard Wormtail's anguished panting, then a sickening splash, as something was dropped into the cauldron.

Harry couldn't stand to look… but the potion had turned a burning red; the light of it shone through Harry's closed eyelids…

Wormtail was gasping and moaning with agony. Not until Harry felt Wormtail's anguished breath on his face did he realize that Wormtail was right in front of him.

"B-blood of the enemy… forcibly taken… you will… resurrect your foe."

Harry could do nothing to prevent it he was tied too tightly… Squinting down, struggling hopelessly at the ropes binding him, he saw the shining silver dagger shaking in Wormtails remaining hand. He felt its point penetrate the crook of his right arm and blood seeping down the sleeve of his torn robes. Wormtail, still panting with pain, rumbled in his pocket for a glass vial and held it to Harry's cut, so that a dribble of blood fell into it.

Cassius crept to him untying his binds as the cauldron shimmered at the moment Wormtail turned around as Harry was freed and pushed him into the cauldron knocking it over

"NO!" Pettigrew said looking at the fallen now empty cauldron

"Cassius we need to get out of here now." Harry said pulling him towards the cup

But then, through the mist in front of him, he saw, with an icy surge of terror, the dark outline of a man, tall and skeletally thin, rising slowly from inside the cauldron.

The thin man stepped out of the cauldron, staring at Harry… and Harry stared back into the face that had haunted his nightmares for three years. Whiter than a skull, with wide, livid scarlet eyes and a nose that was flat as a snakes with slits for nostrils…

Lord Voldemort had risen again at that moment Harry grabbed the cup along with Cassius as they disappeared hearing the cry of Voldemort's rage as they escaped landing in the middle of the Quidditch filed

"The dark lord is back." Cassius mumbled to himself getting up hastily

Harry was barley aware of somebody dragging him somewhere the shock of what happened playing over and over in his mind.

"Professor Moody. Why am I in your office? Why did you bring me here?" Harry asked warily

"What happened Harry?"

"The cup was a portkey, he tried to kill Cassius, but missed, a potion and I knocked the cauldron down before he was fully resurrected and left with Cassius." He said, to hyped up on adrenaline to speak properly

"The Dark Lord got his body back? He's returned?"

"Yes."

"Relax here drink this and calm down."

Harry looked at the cup and took a few gulps before setting it down.

"Voldemort's back, Harry? You're sure he's back? How did he do it?"

"He took stuff from his father's grave, and from Wormtail, and me," said Harry.

His head felt clearer; his scar wasn't hurting so badly; he could now see Moody's face distinctly, even though the office was dark. He could still hear screaming and shouting from the distant Quidditch field.

"What did the Dark Lord take from you?" said Moody.

"Blood," said Harry, raising his arm. His sleeve was ripped where Wormtail's dagger had torn it, "There's a deatheater at Hogwarts he put my name in the cup."

"I know who the deatheater is." Crouch grinned

Harry spotted movement out of the corner of his eyes and strawberry blonde hair; Vega had her wand trained on Crouch. Crouch turned looking at where Vega was hidden for a while before turning back to Harry

"It was you wasn't it."

"Smarter than I gave you credit for, I put your name along with your girlfriends the tournament would kill her and get you sent to the dark lord."

"Too bad it didn't work I escaped from your precious lord."

"Insolent child, the Dark Lord will reward me when he finds out how much pain I caused the boy-who-lived shame he wants you for himself. CRUCIO!"

Harry let out a scream convulsing on the floor.

"Stupefy!" Vega shouted only for it bounces off the silent protection charm

"Did you really think that would work girl?" Crouch said releasing the curse off of Harry and grabbing Vega, "Maybe the Dark Lord will allow me to keep you as a gift."

"Get off of me."

"No respect. CRUCIO!"

Vega let out a scream as Harry got up gingerly off the floor, grabbing his wand, "Confringo!"

Crouch let out anguish screamed feeling his bones blast apart.

"Come on we have to get out of here." Harry said pulling Vega to her feet

"We need to tell a teacher."

"Wow this place is huge!" Harry cried out

"Welcome to Number Twelve Grimmuald Place, the Noble and most Ancient House of Black." Sirius drawled

"Wow." Marlene whispered, "I forgot how rich you are."

At that moment the portrait of the late Mrs. Black woke up and began screeching

"Who is in the House of Black whom!"

"Hey mum."

"Yoooou!" She howled, her eyes popping at the sight of the man. "Blood traitor, abomination, shame of my flesh!"

"Yeah and this is my wife Marlene she's pureblood and luckily we're not related." Sirius said

"Pureblood, nice very nice."

"This is your granddaughter Vega."

"A firstborn girl! We haven't one of those in ages! She's wonderful. Maybe you aren't such a disgrace after all."

"This is my godson Harry Potter."

"Potter, half-blood filth I take back my apology."

"What apology?"

"Guys this is my mum lovely isn't she."

"Hey Vega you're related to Malfoy!" Harry called out looking at the Black family tapestry, "If you guys have kids they'll be related. Ha! You guys are kissing cousins!"

"We're distantly very distantly related cousins. It's still weird though. I can't believe I kissed him."

"Don't you like him?"

"No, I told you we were just friends and you made me mad enough to snog him just to piss you off even more. Besides he's dating someone."

"Who?"

"Why would I tell you, I could loose his trust and we're in war his father is a deatheater if all goes well we could get him on our side."

"Right but you can tell me I won't tell."

"You'll find out if you pay attention to all the blondes you know."

"What that doesn't make sense."

"It makes sense you're just to dumb to understand."

"…I don't like you."

"I know you love me."

It had been a long summer, luckily with Cassius backing him up everyone believed that the Dark Lord was back. Still the Daily Prophet kept calling him insane or accusing him to be the Dark Lord instead. Maybe he shouldn't have spoken in parseltongue to that dragon. Now they were back in Hogwarts and Harry just wanted to go a back home.

Harry and Vega went along the trade looking for a compartment bickering with each other

"This is your fault we should have left earlier."

"I need my beauty sleep."

"Obviously it's not helping."

"Why I ought to-"

They were interrupted by Neville who appeared out of breath, "Hi Harry, Vega. Every where's full I can't find a seat."

"What are you talking about?" Vega said looking around, "We can sit with Luna."

"I don't want to disturb anyone." Neville muttered

"Luna's cool she won't mind." Ginny scoffed walking up to them; she slid the door open and pulled her trunk inside.

"Hi, Luna is it okay if we take these seats?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

"Nice to see you again, Luna this is Neville Longbottom." Harry introduced

"Hello."

"I wish that the sorting didn't take so long, I'm starving!" Ron whined

"Your always hungry." Hermione giggled

"It's one of the traits that makes you attracted to me."

"No what makes me attracted to you is when we kiss and-"

"Oi! People are trying not to vomit before dinner." Vega spoke scrunching up her nose in disgust something Harry found cute wait he found that cute?

The sorting hat opened its mouth and began singing

In times of old when I was new,

And Hogwarts barely started,

The founders of our noble school,

Thought never to be parted,

United by a common goal,

They had the selfsame yearning,

To make the world's best magic school,

And pass along their learning.

"Together we will build and teach!"

The four good friends decided,

And never did they dream,

That they might some day be divided,

For were there such friends anywhere,

As Slytherin and Gryffindor?

Unless it was the second pair

Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?

So how could it have gone so wrong?

How could such friendships fail?

Why, I was there and so can tell,

The whole sad, sorry tale.

Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those whose

Ancestry is purest."

Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose

Intelligence is surest."

Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those

With brave deeds to their name."

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot,

And treat them just the same."

These differences caused little strife,

When first they came to light,

For each of the four founders had

A house in which they might

Take only those they wanted,

So, for instance, Slytherin

Took only pure-blood wizards

Of great cunning, just like him,

And only those of sharpest mind

Were taught by Ravenclaw

While the bravest and the boldest

Went to daring Gryffindor.

Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest,

And taught them all she knew,

Thus the houses and their founders

Retained friendships firm and true.

So Hogwarts worked in harmony

For several happy years,

But then discord crept among us

Feeding on our faults and fears.

The houses that, like pillars four,

Had once held up our school,

Now turned upon each other and,

Divided, sought to rule.

And for a while it seemed the school

Must meet an early end,

What with dueling and with fighting

And the clash of friend on friend

And at last there came a morning

When old Slytherin departed

And though the fighting then died out

He left us quite downhearted.

And never since the founders four

Were whittled down to three

Have the houses been united

As they once were meant to be.

And now the Sorting Hat is here

And you all know the score:

I sort you into houses

Because that is what I'm for,

But this year I'll go further,

Listen closely to my song:

Though condemned I am to split you

Still I worry that it's wrong,

Though I must fulfill my duty

And must quarter every year

Still I wonder whether Sorting

May not bring the end I fear.

Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

The warning history shows,

For our Hogwarts is in danger

From external, deadly foes

And we must unite inside her

Or we'll crumble from within

I have told you, I have warned you…

Let the Sorting now begin.

"How come they get a better song then us?" Ron frowned

"The sorting hat knows the war's begun." Hermione whispered

"Or he's talking about the ugly toad look alike in the pink." Harry answered looking up

"Umbridge she works for Fudge what is she doing here?"

"Who knows, who cares let's just try not to get in her way if she works for Fudge she probably doesn't believe me about you-know-who being back."

Harry let out a yawning tuning out parts of Dumbledore's speech only hearing bits of it, "Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast…magic is not permitted in corridors between classes…Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons…Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the..." He stopped causing Harry to look up and see Umbridge standing there

"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge simpered, "for those kind words of welcome. "Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" She smiled, revealing very pointed teeth. "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!"

"How old does she think we are five?" Ron grimaced

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan," Parvati whispered to Lavender, and both of them lapsed into silent giggles.

Harry let out a sigh before turning her out also once again only hearing bits of her speech, "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance…treasure trove of magical…brought something new…some changes will be for the better..some old habits will be retained…practices that ought to be prohibited…"

Harry felt himself zone out daydreaming about a world of the best food ever and beds and extra soft pillows…

"Harry are you okay?" Hermione asked

"The ministry thinks I'm lying about Voldemort being back and now they're all afraid of me or they think I'm some insane psycho." Harry frowned

"Maybe that's what the sorting hat meant somehow he knows that V-v-you-know-who is back and wants us to stand together."

"I can't believe I'm saying this but at least the Slytherins are on our side. It's a good thing Warrington was the champion. Diggory would've bit the dust fro sure." Ron frowned

"Hey we've got Umbridge-" Vega started

"Professor, Umbridge." Hermione interrupted

"Whatever we have the pink fluff monster today, I wonder if she's a good teacher it is OWLS this year."

Both Ron and Harry let out a groan at the mention of OWLS

"Before we begin today's lesson. I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your OWL, or suffer my… displeasure. After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me. I take only the very best into my NEWT Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying goodbye."

"Guess that means you guys won't be in it." Vega whispered to Ron and Harry

"Oh shut up." Ron hissed

"What he said." Harry agreed

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell, so whether or not you are intending to attempt NEWT, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high pass level I have come to expect from my OWL students. Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: if you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing. The ingredients and method are on the blackboard you will find everything you need in the store cupboard you have an hour and a half… start."

Harry looked around the class, Vega, Hermione, Malfoy's and surprisingly enough Parkinson's potions all looked perfect, well they were the best in the class. Ron's was a sick looking color of green, and his own was letting off dark grey steam not good it should have been a slight silver vapor. He let out a sigh counting down the seconds until Snape noticed 3…2…1…

"Potter, what is this supposed to be?"

Right on cue, "The Draught of Peace." Harry muttered

"Tell me, Potter can you read?"

"Yes, I can."

"Read the third line of the instructions for me, Potter."

"'Add powdered moonstone, stir three times counter-clockwise, allow to simmer for seven minutes then add two drops of syrup of hellebore.'"

"Did you do everything on the third line, Potter?"

"No."

"I beg your pardon?"

"No, I forgot the hellebore."

"I know you did, Potter, which means that this mess is utterly worthless. Evanesco."

Harry watched as Snape walked to the front of the class and slapped his forehead, stupid

"Homework: twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion making, to be handed in on Thursday."

Harry resisted the urge to slam his head into the desk can't have people thinking he was crazier than usual.

Professor Umbridge opened her handbag, extracted her own wand, which was an unusually short one, and tapped the blackboard sharply with it; words appeared on the board at once:

Defense Against the Dark Arts A Return to Basic Principles

"Well now, your teaching in this subject has been rather disrupted and fragmented, hasn't it?"

Harry sensing a speech started to tune her out, 'The constant changing of teachers…blah blah blah…Ministry…gibberish…man she looks like a pink toad…standard…OWL year. Why is it called OWL anyway do we test with owls or something…defensive magic this year. Copy down the following, please. OW! '

Harry looked up rubbing his sigh where Vega had elbowed him as she pointed at he boad

She rapped the blackboard again; the first message vanished and was replaced by: Course Aims:

Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can legally be used. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.

For a couple of minutes the room was full of the sound of scratching quills on parchment. When everyone had copied down Professor Umbridge's three course aims she asked, "Has everybody got a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard? I should like you to turn to page five and read 'Chapter One, Basics for Beginners'. There will be no need to talk."

Hermione had not even opened her copy of Defensive Magical Theory. She was staring fixedly at Professor Umbridge with her hand in the air. After several more minutes had passed, however, Harry was not the only one watching Hermione. When more than half the class were staring at Hermione rather than at their books, Professor Umbridge seemed to decide that she could ignore the situation no longer.

"Did you want to ask something about the chapter, dear?"

"Not about the chapter, no."

"Well, we're reading just now, if you have other queries we can deal with them at the end of class."

"I've got a query about your course aims."

"And your name is?"

"Hermione Granger."

"Well, Miss Granger, I think the course aims are perfectly clear if you read them through carefully."

"Well, I don't, there's nothing written up there about using defensive spells."

"Using defensive spells?" Professor Umbridge repeated with a little laugh. "Why, I can't imagine any situation arising in my classroom that would require you to use a defensive spell, Miss Granger. You surely aren't expecting to be attacked during class?"

"We're not going to use magic?" Ron exclaimed loudly.

"Students raise their hands when they wish to speak in my class, Mr. -?"

"Weasley," Ron said, thrusting his hand into the air.

Professor Umbridge, smiling still more widely, turned her back on him. Hermione immediately raised her hand too.

"Yes, Miss Granger? You wanted to ask something else?"

"Yes," said Hermione. "Surely the whole point of Defense Against the Dark Arts is to practice defensive spells?"

"Are you a Ministry-trained educational expert, Miss Granger?" asked Professor Umbridge, in her falsely sweet voice.

"No, but -"

"Well then, I'm afraid you are not qualified to decide what the 'whole point' of any class is. Wizards much older and cleverer than you have devised our new program of study. You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way -"

"What use is that?" said Harry loudly. "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be in a -"

"Hand, Mr. Potter!" sang Professor Umbridge.

Harry thrust his fist in the air. Again, Professor Umbridge promptly turned away from him, but now several other people had their hands up, too.

"And your name is?"

"Dean Thomas."

"Well, Mr. Thomas?"

"Well, it's like Harry said, isn't it?" said Dean. "If we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk free."

"I repeat," said Professor Umbridge, smiling in a very irritating fashion at Dean, "Do you expect to be attacked during my classes?"

"No, but -"

"I do not wish to criticize the way things have been run in this school, but you have been exposed to some very irresponsible wizards in this class, very irresponsible indeed not to mention, extremely dangerous half-breeds."

"If you mean Professor Lupin," Dean piped up angrily, "he was the best we ever -"

"Hand, Mr. Thomas! As I was saying you have been introduced to spells that have been complex, inappropriate to your age group and potentially lethal. You have been frightened into believing that you are likely to meet Dark attacks every other day -"

"No we haven't," Hermione said, "we just -"

"Your hand is not up, Miss Granger!"

Hermione put up her hand. Professor Umbridge turned away from her

"It is my understanding that my predecessor not only performed illegal curses in front of you, he actually performed them on you."

"Well, he turned out to be a maniac, didn't he?" Dean said hotly. "Mind you, we still learned loads."

"Your hand is not up, Mr. Thomas! Now, it is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be more than sufficient to get you through your examination, which, after all, is what school is all about. And your name is?"

"Parvati Patil, and isn't there a practical bit in our Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL? Aren't we supposed to show that we can actually do the counter-curses and things?"

"As long as you have studied the theory hard enough, there is no reason why you should not be able to perform the spells under carefully controlled examination conditions."

"Without ever practicing them beforehand? Are you telling us that the first time we'll get to do the spells will be during our exam?"

"I repeat, as long as you have studied the theory hard enough -"

"And what good's theory going to be in the real world?" Harry interjected

"This is school, Mr. Potter, not the real world."

"So we're not supposed to be prepared for what's waiting for us out there?"

"There is nothing waiting out there, Mr. Potter."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourselves?"

Hmm, let's think…Maybe… Lord Voldemort!"

"Ten points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter."

"Now, let me make a few things quite plain. You have been told that a certain Dark wizard has returned from the dead -"

"He wasn't dead, but yeah, he's returned!"

'"Mr. Potter you have already lost your house ten points do not make matters worse for yourself. As I was saying, you have been informed that a certain Dark wizard is at large once again. This is a lie."

"It is NOT a lie! I saw him, I fought him!"

"Twenty points from Gryffindor! I repeat, this is a lie. The Ministry of Magic guarantees that you are not in danger from any Dark wizard. If you are still worried, by all means come and see me outside class hours. If someone is alarming you with fibs about reborn Dark wizards, I would like to hear about it. I am here to help. I am your friend. And now, you will kindly continue your reading. Page five, 'Basics for Beginners'."

"Hey guys look." Ron said

TRESPASS AT MINISTRY

Sturgis Podmore, 38, of number two, Laburnum Garden s, Clapham, has appeared in front of the Wizengamot charged with trespass and attempted robbery at the Ministry of Magic on 31st August. Podmore was arrested by Ministry of Magic watchwizard Eric Munch, who found him attempting to force his way through a top-security door at one o'clock in the morning. Podmore, who refused to speak in his own defense, was convicted on both charges and sentenced to six months in Azkaban.

"What on earth was he doing at the Ministry of Magic at one o'clock in the morning?" Hermione asked

"I don't know let's go down to Azkaban and ask her." Vega muttered sarcastically

"There is no need to be sarcastic." Hermione huffed

"On the contrary my dear there is always a reason to be sarcastic it's makes them humorous."

"You are not going to like this one bit." Hermione muttered handing Harry he prophet

MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORM

DOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED

FIRST EVER HIGH INQUISITOR

In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"' This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling the falling standards at Hogwarts,' said Weasley. 'The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect he fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position in addition to her own teaching post and we are delighted to say that she has accepted.'

" Among those eccentric decisions are undoubtedly the controversial staff appointments previously described in this newspaper, which have included the employment of werewolf Remus Lupin, half-giant Rubeus Hagrid and delusional ex-Auror, 'Mad - Eye' Moody.

" Wizengamot elders Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden have resigned in protest at the introduction of the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts.

' Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madam Marchbanks. 'This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore.'

" For a full account of Madam Marchbanks's alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page seventeen."

"So now we know how we ended up with Umbridge! Fudge passed this Decree and forced her on us! And now he's given her the power to inspect the other teachers! I can't believe this. It's outrageous!"

"What class do you think she'll inspect first?" Ron asked

"You guys, she'll inspect teachers she doesn't think are doing their job right first, teachers like Professor, Binns or the divination teacher you and Harry share." Vega answered

When they entered Transfiguration, Professor Umbridge and her clipboard were sitting in a corner and the sight of her drove the memory of breakfast right out of his head.

Professor McGonagall marched into the room without giving the slightest indication that she knew Professor Umbridge was there.

"That will do," she said and silence fell immediately. "Mr. Finnigan, kindly come here and hand back the homework - Miss Brown, please take this box of mice - don't be silly, girl, they won't hurt you - and hand one to each student -"

"Hem, hem," said Professor Umbridge

Seamus handed back Harry's essay; Harry took it without looking at him and saw, to his relief, that he had managed an A.

"Right then, everyone, listen closely - Dean Thomas, if you do that to the mouse again I shall put you in detention - most of you have now successfully Vanished your snails and even those who were left with a certain amount of shell have got the gist of the spell. Today, we shall be -"

"Hem, hem," Professor Umbridge said

"Yes?" said Professor McGonagall, turning round, her eyebrows so close together they seemed to form one long, severe line.

"I was just wondering, Professor, whether you received my note telling you of the date and time of your inspec—"

"Obviously I received it, or I would have asked you what you are doing in my classroom." Professor McGonagall said, turning her back firmly on Professor Umbridge, "As I was saying: today, we shall be practicing the altogether more difficult Vanishment of mice. Now, the Vanishing Spell -"

"Hem, hem."

"I wonder," Professor McGonagall, said in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "How you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking."

Professor Umbridge looked as though she had just been slapped in the face. She did not speak, but straightened the parchment on her clipboard and began scribbling furiously.

Looking supremely unconcerned, Professor McGonagall addressed the class once more.

"As I was saying: the Vanishing Spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be vanished. The snail, as an invertebrate, does not present much of a challenge; the mouse, as a mammal, offers a much greater one. This is not, therefore, magic you can accomplish with your mind on your dinner. So - you know the incantation, let me see what you can do…"

"Harry! That's it we can start a defense club." Hermione grinned

"Umbridge would-"

"-She doesn't have to know and the whole school could be invited." Vega interrupted

"Where are we going to hold it?"

"I know a place, we can transfigure a classroom so if anybody comes in it looks like a studying group but when you walk through the wall there's the defense room." Harry suggested

"How are we going to get people to sign up how do we know who isn't in cahoots with you-know-who? I mean how do we know they won't work for him in the end."

"Good point we'll train a select few from each house in our year."

"What about Luna, and maybe Ginny."

"With a few exceptions."

"Vega you choose the Slytherins to train since you're friends with them and we'll do everything else."

"Okay."

"You want to make a defense club?" Draco asked raising and eyebrow

"Look, Malfoy-"

"Can it Weasley, I wasn't speaking to you, didn't your mother teach you manners. Fine we'll join."

"You will?" Terry asked

"Yes, we will, it's not like we like Umbridge the only reason Slytherin house hasn't gotten in trouble is because we tune her out, and know how to not start fights like idiotic Gryffindors."

"Is that so." Harry snarled

"So." Vega interrupted, "From Slytherin house we have Draco, Pansy, Blaise, Vincent, and Greg. From Hufflepuff we have Hannah, Susan, Justin, and Ernie. From Ravenclaw we have Terry, Luna, Padma, Cho, and Marietta. And from Gryffindor, we have Neville, Ginny, Dean, the twins, Pavarti and Lavender plus us." Vega summarized, "Making it, twenty-five people we can manage that."

"We'll meet here after classes every other day okay."

"What is this club called?" Hannah asked

"Does it matter?" Ron said

"Dumbledore's Army." Hermione suggested

"Yeah and when we get caught it totally won't look bad on him." Pansy snorted

"I don't know it doesn't really matter we'll be the fugitives no matter what okay." Hermione sighed

"Founders Fugitives." Vega suggested

"The Founder's Fugitives, cool name." Ginny smiled

Vega blushed her face turning red before mumbling, "I just thought of the Founders part since they made the school and were promoting house unity and all. Hermione had the fugitives part"

"Oh, well just the fugitives would have sounded lame so you took an already great name and made it greater."

"Thanks."

Hey look what's on the sign?" Ron pointed

"I don't know there are too many people in the way." Hermione huffed

"Then move them out the way." Vega voiced pushing her way through the crowed, Harry, Hermione, and Ron following her

BY ORDER OF THE HIGH INQUISITOR OF HOGWARTS

All student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs are henceforth disbanded.

An organization, society, team, group or club is hereby defined as a regular meeting of three or more students.

Permission to re-form may be sought from the High Inquisitor (Professor Umbridge).

No student organization, society, team, group or club may exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor.

Any student found to have formed, or to belong to, an organization, society, team, group or club that has not been approved by the High Inquisitor will be expelled.

The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-four.

Signed: Dolores Jane Umbridge, High Inquisitor

"I really hate that lady at the moment." Harry hissed

"You and me both." Ron said

"This is perfect!" Hermione grinned

"What? How? Harry asked

"Think about it, she banned everything including Quidditch, the whole school plays Quidditch, know even the whole school will hate her it'll be just like the sorting hat says the houses coming together to fight off a greater evil." Vega explained

"Wow the whole school getting together to bring back Quidditch." Ron deadpanned, "Amazing."

"Oh shut up point is Umbridge has just started the pathway to her downfall." Hermione said

"You will notice," said Snape, in his low, sneering voice, "that we have a guest with us today."

He gestured towards the dim corner of the dungeon and Harry saw Professor Umbridge sitting there, clipboard on her knee.

"We are continuing with our Strengthening Solution today. You will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson; if correctly made they should have matured well over the weekend - instructions -" he waved his wand again "- on the board. Carry on."

Professor Umbridge spent the first half hour of the lesson making notes in her corner.

Umbridge had just got to her feet as she strode between two lines of desks towards Snape, who was bending over Dean Thomas's cauldron.

"Well, the class seems fairly advanced for their level," she said briskly to Snape's back.

"Though I would question whether it is advisable to teach them a potion like the Strengthening Solution. I think the Ministry would prefer it if that was removed from the syllabus."

Snape straightened up slowly and turned to look at her.

"Now… how long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" she asked, her quill poised over her clipboard.

"Fourteen years," Snape replied. His expression was unfathomable. Harry, watching him closely, added a few drops to his potion; it hissed menacingly and turned from turquoise to orange.

"You applied first for the Defense against the Dark Arts post, I believe?" Professor Umbridge asked Snape.

"Yes," said Snape quietly.

"But you were unsuccessful?"

Snape's lip curled.

"Obviously"

Professor Umbridge scribbled on her clipboard.

"And you have applied regularly for the Defense against the Dark Arts post since you first joined the school, I believe?"

"Yes," said Snape quietly, barely moving his lips. He looked very angry.

"Do you have any idea why Dumbledore has consistently refused to appoint you?" asked Umbridge.

"I suggest you ask him," said Snape jerkily.

"Oh, I shall," said Professor Umbridge, with a sweet smile.

"I suppose this is relevant?" Snape asked, his black eyes narrowed.

"Oh yes," said Professor Umbridge, "yes, the Ministry wants a thorough understanding of teachers - er - backgrounds."

"Of course." Snape sneered at her

"So what are we going to practice first captain?" Hannah giggled

"Well, I was thinking we'll practice the disarming charm Expelliarmus. So divide into pairs and practice."

Harry walked around watching everybody, Draco and Luna it seems could do spells nonverbally and had each other's wands flying out of their hand every five seconds. Pansy was a very powerful witch but lacked the proper concentration.

"Nice one Hannah!" Harry called out appraisingly

"Thank you my good sir."

"Hey Harry!" Hermione shouted, "What time is it?"

"Ten! We need to get back before Umbitch kills us all!"

"She would kill you Gryffs for sure, to goody goody to manipulate her, us Slytherins would be able to get past her without a problem." Pansy boasted

"Do you really want to take that risk?" Lavender asked

"Good point."

Hermione smiled to herself, they had followed the sorting hat's song to heart, Slytherins and Gryffindor were friends along with Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs hopefully they were able to get rid of Umbridge soon.

"You know what sucks?" Vega sighed

"What?" Harry asked

"I was going to try out for the Quidditch team this year then Umbitch came and now I can't."

"Maybe next year."

"I'm pretty sure something will go bad next year we never get a normal year ever."

"Listen up Draco-" Vega started

"I know I know I can't be mean to Hagrid anymore now that he's back and we're all friends." Draco sighed

"That goes for your groupies too." Ron added

"We are not his groupies." Pansy protested

"Hem, hem."

Professor Umbridge had arrived. She was standing a few feet away from Harry, wearing her green hat and cloak again, her clipboard at the ready. Hagrid, who had never heard Umbridge's fake cough before, was gazing in some concern at the closest Thestral, evidently under the impression that it had made the sound.

"Hem, hem."

"Oh, hello!" Hagrid said, smiling, having located the source of the noise.

"You received the note I sent to your cabin this morning?" said Umbridge, in the same loud, slow voice she had used with him earlier, as though she were addressing somebody both foreign and very slow. .

"Telling you that I would be inspecting your lesson?"

"Oh, yeah," said Hagrid brightly. "Glad yeh found the place all righ'! Well, as you can see - or, I dunno - can you? We're doin' Thestrals today -"

"I'm sorry?" said Professor Umbridge loudly, cupping her hand around her ear and frowning. "What did you say?"

"Stupid bitch you know what he said." Vega snapped

"Another detention, Ms. Black."

Hagrid looked a little confused.

"Er - Thestrals!" he said loudly. "Big - er - winged horses, yeh know!"

He flapped his gigantic arms hopefully. Professor Umbridge raised her eyebrows at him and muttered as she made a note on her clipboard: "Has… to… resort… to… crude… sign… language."

"Well… anyway…" said Hagrid, turning back to the class and looking slightly flustered, "erm… what was I sayin'?"

"Appears… to… have… poor… short… term… memory," muttered Umbridge, loudly enough for everyone to hear her. Hermione had turned scarlet with suppressed rage.

"Oh, yeah," said Hagrid, throwing an uneasy glance at Umbridge's clipboard, but ploughing on valiantly. "Yeah, I was gonna tell yeh how come we got a herd. Yeah, so, we started off with a male an' five females.

"This one," he patted the fir st horse to have appeared, "name o' Tenebrus, he's my special favorite, firs' one born here in theForest-"

"Are you aware," Umbridge said loudly, interrupting him, "that the Ministry of Magic has classified Thestrals as 'dangerous'?"

"Thestrals aren' dangerous! All righ', they might take a bite outta yeh if yeh really annoy them -"

"Shows… signs… of… pleasure… at… idea… of… violence," muttered Umbridge, scribbling on her clipboard again.

"No - come on!" said Hagrid, looking a little anxious now. "I mean, a dog'll bite if yeh bait it, won' it - but Thestrals have jus' got a bad reputation because o' the death thing - people used ter think they were bad omens, didn' they? Jus' didn' understand, did they?"

Umbridge did not answer; she finished writing her last note, then looked up at Hagrid and said, again very loudly and slowly, "Please continue teaching as usual. I am going to walk," she mimed walking "among the students and ask them questions." She pointed at her mouth to indicate talking.

Hagrid stared at her, clearly at a complete loss to understand why she was acting as though he did not understand normal English. Hermione had tears of fury in her eyes now. Vega was clenching her fists so tightly she was drawing blood. Ron had turned a deep shade of red and Harry eyes had narrowed in hatred. Even the Slytherins were staring at her with disgust on their features

"You hag, you evil hag!" she whispered, as Umbridge walked towards Pansy Parkinson. "I know what you're doing, you awful, twisted, vicious -"

"Erm… anyway," said Hagrid, clearly struggling to regain the flow of his lesson, "so - Thestrals. Yeah. Well, there are loads o' good stuff abou' them…"

"Do you find," said Professor Umbridge in a ringing voice to Pansy Parkinson, "that you are able to understand Professor Hagrid when he talks?"

"Yes, I find that I can understand him quite easily now that you ask. It seems that you are the only person I have met who is not able to understand him. Perhaps you should check with Madame Propmhey could be a hearing problem sign of aging you know."

You can see the Thestrals, Longbottom, can you?" she said.

Neville nodded.

"Who did you see die?" she asked, her tone indifferent.

"My… my granddad," said Neville.

"And what do you think of them?" she said, waving her stubby hand at the horses, who by now had stripped a great deal of the carcass down to bone.

"They're very interesting creatures Professor very interesting I would love to hear more about them if you stop with examination so I can continue with my education." Neville smiled fakely

"Wow." Hermione whispered

"He's pureblood, Hermione doesn't matter what type you are we've all been trained to lie and insult someone without it sounding like it." Ron grinned, "Have you met my brothers."

"Professor Umbridge?" Draco called out sweetly

"Yes?"

"You are here to make sure we have the proper education correct?"

"Correct." Umbridge grinned thinking he would tell her something bad about Hagrid

"Why is it then that you insist on disrupting our classes and preventing that from happening? I don't think my father would be very happy about that you see I come here for and education it's what my parents send me too school I don't think they would be happy to know that I'm not learning anything and that you have wasted my time in classes especially with it being my O.W.L.S year and all." He scolded

"Well then I'll just be going now." Umbridge huffed

"Er. Thank you Malfoy." Hagrid muttered

"No problem now get back to teaching uh whatever it is you were teaching." He said waving his hand

"Nice practice everybody!"

"So Ginny what are you doing for Christmas?" Vega asked

"Hey Ginny mistletoe." Pansy shouted

She looked up and looked at Vega before blushing as everyone began to whisper or snicker and let out a sigh before pulling her in for a kiss

"Merry Christmas Vega." She flirted with a wink before walking off

"Well what are you waiting for go after her!" Terry Boot cried pushing her out the door

"What -" Ron sputtered

"Do you want to go find our own mistletoe." Hermione whispered

"Hey where is everyone going?" Harry called out

"To go do what Vega and Ginny just finished doing?" Luna smiled

"Oh right." He blushed

"Mistletoe Harry." She spoke softly

Harry let out a small smile before moving closer and kissing her.

MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN

The Ministry of Magic announced late last night that there has been a mass breakout from Azkaban.

Speaking to reporters in his private office, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, confirmed that ten high-security prisoners escaped in the early hours of yesterday evening and that he has already informed the Muggle Prime Minister of the dangerous nature of these individuals.

"We find ourselves, most unfortunately, in the same position we were two and a half years ago when ex-con Sirius Black escaped. We are, however, doing all we can to round up the criminals, and we beg the magical community to remain alert and cautious. On no account should any of these individuals be approached.

"Are you okay Neville?" Vega asked softly

Harry turned to seeing him gazing at the picture of Bellatrix Lestrange with such fury that it scared.

" 'M Fine." He muttered

"Do you think it's You-Know-Who?" Hermione whispered

"Most likely he's rounding up his deatheaters for his return." Harry answered

"Oh no look at this." Ron stated shoving the paper at them

TRAGIC DEMISE OF MINISTRY OF MAGIC WORKER

"St. Mungo's Hospital promised a full inquiry last night after Ministry of Magic worker Broderick Bode,

49, was discovered dead in his bed, strangled by a potted-plant. Healers called to the scene were unable to revive Mr. Bode, who had been injured in a workplace accident some weeks prior to his death.

Healer Miriam Strout, who was in charge of Mr. Bodes ward at the time of the incident, has been suspended on full pay and was unavailable for comment yesterday, but a spokeswizard for the hospital said in a statement:

"St. Mungo's deeply regrets the death of Mr. Bode, whose health was improving steadily prior to this tragic accident.

We have strict guidelines on the decorations permitted on our wards but it appears that Healer Strout, busy over the Christmas period, overlooked the dangers of the plant on Mr. Bode's bedside table. As his speech and mobility improved, Healer Strout encouraged Mr. Bode to look after the plant himself, unaware that it was not an innocent Flitterbloom, but a cutting of Devil's Snare which, when touched by the convalescent Mr. Bode, throttled him instantly.

"St. Mungo's is as yet unable to account for the presence of the plant on the ward and asks any witch or wizard with information to come forward."

"Mr. Bode he's an unspeakable! He works with my mum." Vega said, "What if my mum's next!"

"Relax, Vega they wouldn't dare." Ron grinned

"I hope so, Ron."

BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

Dolores Jane Umbridge (High Inquisitor) has replaced Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-eight.

Signed: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic

"Argh," Ron groaned, "Great, just great."

"I feel things are going to get a lot worse."

"Correct!" Hermione grinned giving Ron another peck on the cheek, causing Harry to inwardly vomit, they were testing each other for the owls and whatever answer they got right would be rewarded with a kiss. Ginny was trying and failing to test Vega who was too distracted to pay attention, and he was studying with Luna who seemed to get frustrated whenever he didn't know an answer, which was a lot.

"Hermione calm down you're the smartest witch here, you'll pass with flying colors. You're a genius the only people to give you a run for your money is Luna and Vega." Harry grinned

Luna beamed and pecked him on the cheek.

"Well, it wasn't too bad, was it?" asked Hermione anxiously in the Entrance Hall two hours later, still clutching the exam paper. "I'm not sure I did myself justice on Cheering Charms, I just ran out of time. Did you put in the counter-charm for hiccoughs? I wasn't, sure whether I ought to, and it felt like too much-"

"Hermione we just took the test we don't want to talk about it for another bloody hour." Ron interrupted

"Really though." Harry added, "We all know how smart you are."

Hermione let out a huff and sped away from them

"Real tactic guys." Vega laughed before running after them

"Good job, nice patronus Pansy!" Harry complemented before he felt a vision flash in his head

There was a shape on the floor at the very end, a black shape moving on the floor like a wounded animal.

"Take it for me… lift it down, now… I cannot touch it… but you can"

The black shape on the floor shifted a little. Harry saw a long-fingered white hand clutching a wand rise at the end of his own arm… heard the high, cold voice say "Crucio!"

The man on the floor let out a scream of pain, attempted to stand but fell back, writhing. Harry was laughing. He raised his wand, the curse lifted and the figure groaned and became motionless.

"Lord Voldemort is waiting"

Very slowly, his arms trembling, the man on the ground raised his shoulders a few inches and lifted his head. His face was bloodstained and gaunt, twisted in pain yet rigid with defiance…

"You'll have to kill me." Sirius whispered

"Undoubtedly I shall in the end," said the cold voice. "But you will fetch it for me first, Black… you think you have felt pain thus far? Think again… we have hours ahead of us and nobody to hear you scream…"

"NO! Please don't! Stop!" Marlene shrieked struggling against the chains that were holding her, "Crucio me instead! Please don't hurt him!"

"With pleasure. Crucio!"

Marlene let out a shriek of pain as she fell to the ground writhing in pain, Sirius's pleas of protests being ignored and Voldemort's cackling.

Harry let out a scream as he fell to the ground in pain clutching his forehead.

"Harry what's wrong?" Ron called out helping him up

"He's got Sirius and Marlene, Vega he has your parents!"

"What. How do-"

"I saw it a vision he's torturing them, killing them maybe we have to save them. There's a room in the Department of Mysteries full of shelves covered in these little glass balls and they're at the end of row ninety-seven."

"Harry this doesn't make sense." Hermione spoke, "How would Voldemort have gotten there?"

"I saw it."

"It was probably just a dream."

"It's real! I know it is and every minute I waste arguing with you about they could be dead!"

"How are we even suppose to get to the Department of Ministries!" Draco shouted

"Hem, hem." Professor, Umbridge said appearing in the room, "What is this about going to the Department of Ministires."

"I do not have time for you right now!" Vega glared

"Nobody is going-"

"STUPEFY!" Vega shouted with glee, "I'll probably get expelled but it was so worth it."

"Vega-"

"Look I need to go save my parents and she was standing in my way nobody comes between me and the people I care about."

"So how are we-"

"We?"

"Yes, we we're in this together." Ginny smiled

"Not all of you it'll be too suspicious."

"Ginny your not going." Ron spoke

"What I can take-"

"I know you can take care of yourself! I just don't want you to get hurt! If we both go and something happens to us mum will be devastated! At least if I go she won't cry as much."

"Ron! Mum loves you just as much as she does any of us! And I'm going whether you like it or not!"

"How are we going to get there? And don't even think about talking me out of this." Luna spoke

"I don't know."

"We can take the Thestrals of course."

"But only you and Neville can see them."

"We'll help you mount them. Now as I remember this is serious so we better hurry."

"Pansy you need to tell Professor, Lupin where we're going. My necklace is a portkey go if we're not back in an hour or so." Vega smiled handing the necklace over

"Don't go near it!" Vega hissed, yanking Harry and Luna away from the veil, while Ron pulled Neville away.

"Don't you hear the voices?" Luna asked

"I hear them." Harry answered

"So do I?"

"You guys have lost someone near to you. That's why you can hear them whoever it is you lost."

"How come I can't see Thestrals than?"

"You were to young to remember when you-know-who killed your parents."

"Oh."

"Come on we're wasting time."

"Wow, the hall of prophesies." Vega muttered

"How do you know so much about this?" Hermione asked

"My mum is a Unspeakable doesn't stop her from speaking."

"Sirius and Marlene aren't in here."

"Harry, look this ball has your name on it." Ron said pointing to a ball

He grabbed the small ball staring at it.

"Something isn't adding up here we need to go-"

"Very good, Potter. Now turn around, nice and slowly, and give that to me." Lucius drawled stretching out his hand

"I knew it was a trap-"

"Hermione now would be a good time to shut up." Vega hissed

"Where's Sirius?"

Several of the Death Eaters laughed; a harsh female voice from the midst of the shadowy figures to Harry's left said triumphantly, "The Dark Lord always knows!"

"Always. Now, give me the prophecy Potter." Lucius spoke softly

"I want to know where Sirius is!"

"I want to know where Sirius is!" mimicked the woman to his left.

She and her fellow Death Eaters had closed in so that they were mere feet away from Harry and the others, the light from their wands dazzling Harry's eyes.

"You've got him," said Harry, ignoring the rising panic in his chest, the dread he had been fighting since they had first entered the ninety-seventh row. "He's here. I know he is."

"The little baby woke up frightened and fort what it dreamed was true," said the woman

"Where are my parents?" Vega hissed

"Oh so he did spawn, I hope you're better than your pathetic excuse of you're parents."

"Bellatrix Lestrange." Neville whispered

"You need more persuasion? Very well - take the smallest one; Let him watch while we torture the little girl. I'll do it."

"NOW!" Harry yelled

Five different voices behind him bellowed, "REDUCTO!" Five curses flew in five different directions and the shelves opposite them exploded as they hit; the towering structure swayed as a hundred glass spheres burst apart, pearly-white figures unfurled into the air and floated there, their voices echoing from who knew what long-dead past amid the torrent of crashing glass and splintered wood now raining down upon the floor -

"RUN!"

Harry ran his heart pumping he could briefly hear Vega casting, Confringo and Reducto over the chaos her favorite type of spells destructive ones. He heard Ron's cry of stupefy and Luna's voice shouting Impedimenta over and over again.

"We've been split up!"

"What are we going to do?"

"Hermione, Harry, Ron! Come on!" Ginny said dragging them around the corner only to bump into, Vega, Luna, and Neville.

"Are you guys okay?"

"I broke my wand." Neville muttered weakly

Harry examined everyone, Vega cut across her right wrist and pouring out blood not to mention it appeared to be broken, Ginny had a broken ankle, Ron had been hit with confudus, Luna had a busted lip, and Hermione was suffering from a concussion

"Potter! Hand over the prophecy!"

Harry looked around weakly, they were doomed but if he gave them prophecy they were done for. Suddenly the door burst open as Lucius turned around only to be struck down with a stunning curse by a woman with pink hair.

"Harry get the others and go!" Remus shouted at them

"But I can't-"

"GO!" Remus shouted

Harry watched as Remus and his friends subdued most of the deatheaters except for one duo still battling, Marlene, and Bellatrix.

"Come on, you can do better than that!" Marlene laughed, when Bellatrix hit her in the chest causing her to fall back, toppling into the veil.

"MARLENE!" Harry called out he could hear two other voices screaming for him also but he was numb

"NO! MARLENE!" Remus yelled sending a curse at Bellatrix, which she dodged laughing bitterly

"MUM!" Vega cried out falling to the ground

"I guess little Vega Black is an orphan now." Bellatrix sneered

Vega snarled trying to shout a curse at her.

"I'll teach you! I'll take you under my wing too! You need to be taught. You'll be just like me you already are using the killing curse so young but you need to be taught a lesson! CRUCIO!"

"AHHHH-I WILL NEVER BE LIKE YOU!" Vega sobbed, "YOU KILLED MY PARENTS!"

"Did I did really it's not my fault the veil happened to be there." Bellatrix whispered leaning closer to her, "We're alike you and I. We're both Blacks, there's darkness in our souls. Shame I wasn't there to raise you, you could have turned out wonderfully."

"NO!" She shouted slamming her wrist in to Bellatrix's stomach before crying out in pain

"I'll teach you a thing or two CRUCIO!"

Vega let out another cry of pain as Remus shot a stunner at Bellatrix, which she sidestepped, "Want to avenge mum and dad." She cooed, "Do you can you catch me." She giggled running away.

Vega got shakily to her feet only for a pair of strong arms to hold her back, Harry, "Don't go it's what she wants you cant defend yourself."

"Let me go!" She sobbed, "LET ME GO!"

She finally broke down crying in Harry's arm.

"Is everybody going to be okay?" Harry asked

"Yes, everyone will make full recoveries in no time." Madame Pomfrey smiled, "Though Ms. Black seems to have low blood levels. Ms. Granger will make a full recovery, and Ms. Weasley have had their bones reset and fixed."

He looked over everyone ironically enough he would be the one to almost lead everybody to their deaths and walk away with nothing.

HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED RETURNS

In a brief statement on Friday night, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to this country and is active once more.

It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord - well, you know who I mean - is alive and among us again,' said Fudge, looking tired and flustered as he addressed reporters. 'It is with almost equal regret that we report the mass revolt of the Dementors of Azkaban, who have shown themselves averse to continuing in the Ministry's employ. We believe the Dementors are currently taking direction from Lord - Thingy.

We urge the magical population to remain vigilant. The Ministry is currently publishing guides to elementary home and personal Defense which will be delivered free to all wizarding homes within the coming month.'

The Minister's statement was met with dismay and alarm from the wizarding community, which as recently as last Wednesday was receiving Ministry assurances that there was 'no truth whatsoever in these persistent rumors that You-Know-Who is operating amongst us once more'.

Details of the events that led to the Ministry turnaround are still hazy, though it is believed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and a select band of followers (known as Death Eaters) gained entry to the Ministry of Magic itself on Thursday evening.

Albus Dumbledore, newly reinstated Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reinstated member of the International Confederation of Wizards and reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, has so far been unavailable for comment. He has insisted over the past year that You-Know-Who is not dead, as was widely hoped and believed, but is recruiting followers once more for afresh attempt to seize power.

"Oh so now everybody loves me again." Harry muttered sarcastically

"Yes they have to please the masses." Hermione spoke

"Yes," said Neville, "everything's settled right back to normal."

"I s'pose Filch is happy, is he?" asked Ron, propping a Chocolate Frog Card featuring Dumbledore against his water jug.

"Not at all," said Ginny "He's really, really miserable, actually…" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "He keeps saying Umbridge was the best thing that ever happened to Hogwarts…"

"Harry what's wrong?" Vega asked, "Ever since that meeting with Dumbledore you've been really quiet. Did he hurt you? I'll kill him if he did."

"No he didn't hurt me. Dumbledore has a secret organization known as the Order of the Phoenix, Moony and Padfoot are in it along with a whole bunch of people I don't know or care about including Snape."

"Snape-"

"He's a spy for Dumbledore apparently but I don't trust him."

"At least we know why he's so mean can't blow his cover."

"I guess so anyway Voldemort made and has seven horcruxes."

"Seven horcruxes no wonder he's so deformed. But how are you going to destroy them?"

"Destroy them I don't even know what they are."

"Think what else did Dumbledore tell you. He may be manipulative and sneaky but he's on the good side."

"Well he told me about Voldemort's life growing up what he was like..." Harry started, "...And that's how he became Voldemort."

"Since he told you that something about his life will be a horcrux."

"Yeah but what?"

"His snake!"

"What?"

"His snake is obviously a horcrux from what the visions you sometimes have show he actually cares about it so the snake is one, what's her name Nagini. That's one down, and Dumbledore is trying to destroy the ring as we speak that's two down only five left."

"But what if it takes years to destroy them all and how are we suppose to destroy his pet snake that thing is with him at all times."

"Harry, how old his Voldemort anyway all that dark magic can't be good for his health and you knocked the pot down during his rebirth that's bound to effect him some how besides…I'm with you every step of the way." Vega smiled holding his hand, "I'll help you destroy the horcruxes, and don't even think about stopping me."

"Draco are you willing to serve me?"

'NO!' "Yes my lord."

"Hold out your arm."

"My lord if I may I think it would be better if I didn't get the mark."

"Are you saying you don't want to serve me?"

"I do my lord but it'll be suspicious if I decide to wear long sleeves all the time now with your return on everybody's mind, my lord."

"I see smart child you have there, Lucius."

"Thank you my lord."

"I will not mark you, but you will complete the mission assigned to you."

"Yes my lord."

"I assume you know Ms. Vega Black. Apparently the two of you made quite a statement at the Yule Ball"

"Yes."

"A few of my deatheaters have taken a liking to her, and I always reward my servants."

"I don't understand what you're asking me."

"No matter your mission is to give her this." Voldemort said holding out a couple of potions.

"What does it do my lord. If I may ask."

"Nothing that concerns you. It's just something that will help her see the light ."

"I see."

"May I introduce our new defense against the dark arts teacher, Miss Hestia Jones." Dumbledore announced

Immediately wolf whistles rose up through the crowd, as Professor Jones winked and blew a kiss to the crowd.

"I won't have trouble paying in attention in class now that's for sure." Ron grinned

"What's that suppose to mean?" Hermione snapped, raising and eyebrow

"Nothing forget I said it."

"Hello class as stated at the feast I am in Miss Hestia Jones, you may refer to me as Professor Jones. Please take a seat anywhere you like."

Harry stood in shock staring at her; at the feast he couldn't get a good look at her but now well he knew the reasons for the wolf whistles she was wow, long black hair, pouty pink lips, bright blue orbs and a great body. He looked around noticing every boy had the same star struck expression on his face while the girls looked miffed.

"So we're gonna start some training, I'll be putting you in random groups now remember don't hold back, in a battle they won't hold back. I would say nothing life threatening but everything is life threatening-yes Ms…"

"Granger and I hate to prove you wrong." Hermione started as Harry rolled his eyes she didn't mind proving her wrong that part of her personality really irked him she always had to be right and prove a point

"All spells are not life threatening, I highly doubt that silenco is life threatening."

"Ah but that my dear is were you are wrong. For example, silenco!" Professor, Jones shouted silencing her, " Petrificus Totalus."

Hermione drew out her wand, shouting, "Protego." Her eyes widening in fear as she was stuck down.

"You see it is life threatening with the fact that you don't know how to do nonverbal spells or wandless magic." She smirked," Next time Ms. Granger if you're so keen to prove me wrong make sure you can back it up. Now we will practice using nonverbal spells for the next two months-yes Ms. Granger."

Harry snickered at the exasperated tone in her voice as Hermione began talking, "If we spend two months focusing on one subject we won't have time for the other subjects."

"Well seeing as learning how to cast nonverbal spells is extremely difficult I think two months is a fair amount of time to spend on it. Any more interruptions?"

Draco let out another scream as he punched the wall ignoring the crack his hand made or the blood pouring out of it. He kicked the wall shouting all the away throwing chairs, desks and cauldrons alike all over the place.

'How dare he? Did he really think he would help him now-now that he murdered his parents and branded him an orphan he would help him with his task' Draco laughed out loud throwing a cauldron to the floor smashing it to pieces, he would help kill the dark lord or kill him himself if it was the last thing he ever did. He had no intention, of helping him before and now he really wouldn't help. Voldemort was a fool.

He heard the door open behind him and saw Blaise standing behind him a shocked expression on her face before grabbing his hand and healing it.

"What happened?"

"The Dark Lord killed my parents because I didn't want to help turn Black into their sex slave."

"Oh, Draco I'm so sorry-"

"Did you kill my parents, did you help Voldemort kill them, did you lead them to their doom no you didn't so don't be sorry."

"Oh uh, sor-uh are you okay?"

"No I'm not but I will be."

"You know Draco it's okay to cry."

"Malfoy's don't cry."

"Nobody has to know, I lost my dad to and it hurts a lot and you never really get over it but you feel better later and I'll be with you no matter what."

"We can't Blaise I don't want to loose you too."

"You won't loose me I promise we'll just make the Dark Lord think that you're dating Vega and as much as I don't like it, we'll both be safer."

"Of course, you wouldn't like the fact of another girl dating your devilishly handsome boyfriend."

"You're so full of yourself."

"I can fill you up if you allow me to Slytherin," Draco smirked wiggling his eyebrows suggestively

"Who knew Draco Malfoy used cheesy pickup lines."

"Hagrid's not the only half-giant on campus."

Blaisee let out a giggle before it turned into full-blown laughter as Draco joined in sitting besides her before pulling her in for a kiss, "You know I love you."

"I love you too Draco." Blaise smiled softly before kissing him again

Chapter Management Edit Chapter

"I can't believe Dumbledore is dead. Luna-"

"I know and I don't like it but I understand, however you are not breaking up with me understood."

Harry smiled looking at the girl his girlfriend by chance and smiled at her, "I love you."

"I love you too Harry Potter."

"So how many Horcruxes are we looking for?"

"Well, Dumbledore destroyed the ring so that leaves six."

"We know Nagini is one, and we have to find the right Slytherin Locket so we need to figure out what the other four are and destroy all of them."

"Right."

"The others could be something of the founders he really did want to rule Hogwarts," Ron added absentmindedly

"You know Harry he may be right." Hermione piped up

"That still leaves one missing."

"Not anymore." Draco said entering the conversation, "Piece of advice maybe don't talk about this stuff out int he open."

"Malfoy-"

Draco held up his hand, "I'm coming with Potter don't even think about disagreeing. Besides I already found one of the horcrux things." He said holding up a black journal

"How do you know?"

"Please Granger any pureblood can smell and sense the waft of dark magic coming from this journal."

"He's right." Vega said.

"Ok but why put yourself into the line of fire. Aren't Slytherins all about staying out of sight and fighting dirty." Ron asked

"Let's just say he made it personal."

"First things first, we need to get into the Ministry of Magic." Vega spoke

"Why! They hate us they won't let us in! They'll sooner turn us over to Voldemort." Harry shouted

"We need to look up names of people with the initials R.A.B," Luna answered

"What if we get caught?"

"That's a risk we'll have to take," Draco answered

"Look, Harry and I will go disguised as Augustus and Dorcas Meadows" Vega spoke, "I'll do an appearance charm now come on."

"Where's the directory?" Draco hissed he was under the cover of Dorcas' distant relative, John Meadows.

"I don't know," Vega whispered

Harry stopped staring into space before breaking off into a jog, "Umbridge, ah Dolores!"

"Ha-Augustus wait!" Vega shouted running after her followed closely by Draco

"Ah good evening Dorcas."

"Hello, Dolores, but I must ask where did you get that necklace?"

"This old thing nowhere really."

"I would love to buy it from you," Harry spoke

"Oh, Augustus you and I both know you don't have enough money for this."

"I'll buy it then I have a niece who loves antique jewelry such as the one your wearing." Draco cut in, "I have the money."

"I suppose, how much are you willing to pay for it."

"Dolores I know where you got that necklace from and I want it as a birthday gift I will not spend more then I have to."

"30 gallons and no less!"

"I suppose that will do," Draco smiled holding out her hand as Umbridge dropped the locket in her hand

Draco let out a pained hiss as her hand clenched around the locket burning her hand

"Are you okay, John?"

"Oh fine, just remembered if I could bring the money tomorrow seeing as we work in the same building and all, I'll be sure to pay you back."

"I suppose-not! Mr. Malfoy..." Umbridge smirked

Draco turned horrified to see the faces of, Harry, and Vega staring back at him the locket had burned off the appearance charms.

"So why do you children want the necklace?"

"Because you have it and I hate you, simple and easy," Vega smirked as Umbridge turned a shade of purple before shouting

"HARRY POTTER!"

"It's Potter!"

"Catch him!"

"Time to go!"

"Run!"

"Move!"

"The locket!"

"One down, we need to find four more." Vega grinned

"We need to leave in the morning this is a nice muggle hotel but it's not safe." Draco said

"Yeah but how do we destroy this one." Harry said

"I don't know. How did you destroy the other ones?" Vega asked

"I never did. Dumbledore destoryed the ring and the diary is in my pocket." Harry answered

"Great!" Draco huffed, "This is utterly fantastic."

"What do we do with it?" Vega said

"Hide it." Draco suggested

"No if we have to abandon the tent that won't work and neither will our pockets if something happen." Vega answered

"We'll have to wear it." Draco said

"It has dark magic you saw how it burnt through your hand it could be dangerous." Harry protested

"I'll wear it first" Vega said placing it around her neck before anyone could speak, "We don't have much of a choice."

"Wait we can destroy this now!" Draco grinned

"What how?"

"I have a potion." He smirked, "Can combat even the darkest of magics."

"Do you think it'll work?" Vega asked

"Maybe it's worth a shot." Harry said.

"Great." Vega grinned grabbing for the necklace before frowning, "I can't get it off."

"What."

"It's stuck I can't…get…it…off! It's getting tighter! I can't breathe!" She choked

"Vega!" Harry shouted rushing to her side grabbing at the necklace

"You have to kill me I think." She whispered

"No! I won't! I'll find a way." Harry protested

"Harry…I…love…you...tell...them" Vega gasped her face turning blue

"Don't say things like that you're not going to die." Harry gasped

"Harry try parseltongue," Draco suggested

"Wh-"

"Just do it," Draco ordered

'Release. Stop. Open. Loosen Up. Stop choking her!' He hissed letting out a sigh as the necklace loosened and reached up taking it off her neck and hugging her

"You saved me. I thought I was going to die." Vega spoke before crying,

"Vega, calm down it's okay now."

"I know I just…I couldn't breathe and I thought of all the things I wouldn't be able to do or never do and."

"Ssh calm down. It's all right now I won't let anything happen to you."

"Really you mean it?"

"Promise."

"You should destroy it since it almost killed you." Harry added

"Does it really matter?" Vega asked

"Just destroy the damn thing!" Draco shouted

"Okay!" She glared pouring the potion on the locket watching as black dark smoke came through and a cry of agony, "That's unsettling."

"Diary next."

Draco nodded, pulling the diary out of his pocket and watching has Harry poured the potion it, another loud cry of agony coming from it.

"So what next the locket, diary and ring. We have four left." Ginny said

"The other four well one is Nagini I'm sure of it, and the other two is something of Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuffs and the last well we don't know it can't be anything of Gryffindor since we have his sword so that ones a mystery," Harry explained

"So, Ravenclaw treasured her diadem and daughter, Hufflepuff I don't know but it's probably something simple like a fork or a flower or-"

"-A cup," Vega said

"What."

"Helga Hufflepuff's cup it's was in Malfoy Manor." Draco said

"Where is it now?"

"Well..."

"Harry!" Hermione shouted hugging him

"This proves it right your coming to fight." Seamus asked

"Wh-" He muttered before he felt a searing pain in his scar Voldemort was coming

"Listen, Neville he's coming when he comes he'll have his snake you have to kill the snake tell anyone you need to we have to kill that snake to win the war." Vega said

"Crap he knows I know where his Horcruxes are and that I'm destroying them he's coming to kill me than make more." Harry rushed out, "Come on we need to go Luna, Terry lead the lower class men of Ravenclaw to safety, Hermione, Ron you lead the Gryffindors to safety, Pansy, Blaise lead the Slytherins to safety and Susan, Justin you help with the Hufflepuffs."

"Got it."

Harry paused pulling Luna in for a kiss, "Be safe."

"You too."

"Come on lets go."

"So we're in the Room of Requirement but where's the diadem and cup?" Vega asked

"If I can get to the top of this pile I can look for it," Harry spoke

A voice shouted behind them. They turned around to see Zacharias Smith, and Marcus Flint standing there.

"Why am I not surprised?" Vega muttered

"Shut up bloodtraitor! No wonder your mother is dead. What diadem are you talking about?"

"None of your business!"

"Crucio!" Flint shouted as Vega ducked falling to the floor

"Stupefy!" Harry yelled missing as he moved to the side

"Fiendfyre!" Smith shouted out.

"We have to get out of here! The curse will destroy the Horcruxes!" Vega said

"Run!"

The two of them ran losing sight of Flint and Smith among the way until they were trapped in a corner with a circle of fiery beats closing in on them.

"Why do the good die young?" Harry asked

"Shut up stupid!" Vega hissed grabbing Harry and portkeying them to the Gryffindor Common Room

"I speak now, Harry Potter, directly to you. You have permitted your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait for one hour in the Forbidden Forest. If, at the end of that hour, you have not come to me, have not given yourself up, then battle recommences. This time, I shall enter the fray myself, Harry Potter, and I shall find you, and I shall punish every last man, woman, and child who has tried to conceal you from me. One hour."

"Don't even think about it." Vega whispered, "I know what you're thinking. It's not your fault we chose to fight for you.

They walked to the great hall filled with people the house tables gone everyone in a group the dead lying in a row.

Draco let out a shout running over to the body of one dying Pansy Parkinson.

"Draco I'm gonna miss you. You were are my best friend."

"Pansy shit I'm sorry." He muttered

"Hey, can you do something for me."

"Anything name it."

"I have a baby her name is Carina after a constellation I thought of you when I named her."

"Pansy love-"

"I want you and Blaise to take care of her and raise her as your own."

"Promise me please."

"Promise."

"I promise."

"I'll be watching over you and I love you I mean it. You're like the brother I always wanted."

Draco's resolve crumbled as he began sobbing openly over Pansy as her breathing stilled.

"It'll be okay Draco." Blaise soothed rubbing him on the back

"Ginny!" Vega said letting go of Harry and running over to her

"Hey, gorgeous."

"Are you okay?"

"Nothing life-threatening."

"Don't scare me like that." Vega mumbled,

"Sorry."

"You idiot."

"I love you too."

Vega smiled sappily pulling the ginger in for a kiss. A few feet behind Harry spotted the Weasley crying over the dead bodies of George and Fred at least they had each other Harry thought. Voldemort was right he did let everyone die for him it was time to end this all, with one last glance of the last bodies he fled from the great hall heading towards the forbidden forest they'd all be better off without him.

All it took was one flash of green and Harry was gone and in a second he was back trying to still his breathing to appear dead he couldn't blow his cover

"Harry Potter is dead. He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone."

"No!" Vega cried out, "Harry! No!"

He could hear other voices cries and shouts

"NO!"

"Harry!"

The one that struck him the most was Luna always so calm screaming for him like a banshee

"HARRY! NO! WHY HARRY!"

He could hear Voldemort's voice, "You show spirit and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom."

Harry saw Voldemort wave his wand. Seconds later, out of one of the castle's shattered windows, something that looked like a misshapen bird flew through the half light and landed in Voldemort's hand. He shook the mildewed object by its pointed end and it dangled, empty and ragged the Sorting Hat.

"There will be no more Houses. The emblem, shield, and colors of my noble ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, will suffice everyone. Won't they, Neville Longbottom?"

He pointed his wand at Neville, who grew rigid and still, then forced the hat onto Neville's head, so that it slipped down below his eyes. There were movements from the watching crowd in front of the castle, and as one, the Death Eaters raised their wands, holding the fighters of Hogwarts at bay.

"Neville here is now going to demonstrate what happens to anyone foolish enough to continue to oppose me," said Voldemort, and with a flick of his wand, he caused the Sorting Hat to burst into flames.

At that moment yells and curses were heard through the crowd, Neville removed the sorting hat from his head pulling out the sword of Gryffindor and let out a shout slicing off Nagini's neck in a matter of seconds ignoring Voldemort's cry of pain. Through the midst of the fighting, he ran off following where Voldemort had gone.

It seemed everyone was helping against the deatheaters. He spotted Vega and Neville locked in battle with Bellatrix Lestrange, shooting killing curses and jinxes out of her wand.

"Come to die for me to end your family no more filthy Longbottoms or traitorous Blacks." She laughed

"CONFRIGNO!" Neville shouted, causing her to fall to the ground in pain

"REDUCTO!" Vega yelled laughing at her

"How does it feel aunt dear to be bested by us traitorous purebloods."

"You children think you can beat me!" She fired a curse sending the both of them flying before she strike the final blow, she was attacked by giant black dog.

Sirius shifted back into his human form, "That was for my wife you cursed witch." He turned to the kids, "Care to finish her off."

Neville and Vega shared a look before crying together, "Avada Kedvara!"

Bellatrix body convulsed before she stilled her eyes open in a look of shock body mangled and covered in blood as Voldemort let out a scream cursing at them slashing them and sending them to the ground before he could speak again Harry put up a shield spell on them

"Potter!" He sneered

Without giving him time to say anything else Harry shouted, "Avada Kedvara." catching Voldemort completely by surprise as he fell to the ground lifeless.

"Harry!" Luna shouted throwing herself on him kissing him passionately on the lips before pulling away, "I thought you were dead don't ever do that again!" She hissed before kissing him again.

Harry let out a grunt as he was pounced on and looked up into the grinning eyes of his lovely wife Luna.

"Wake up sleepy head." She giggled.

"Do you ever get tired of straddling me?" He grinned leaning up a bit.

"I don't know." Luna wiggled, smirking at his gasp, "Should I."

"Not at all." He grinned pulling her down for a kiss.

They were interrupted as their bedroom door burst opened three kids running in, "Mum!" The oldest a girl with messy black hair and blue eyes with green flecks cried out, "Tell James and Lysander to stay out of my room!"

"Oh come on!" A boy with blonde hair and grey eyes frowned rolling his eyes, "Like it was a big secret Pandora has a crush on Topher."

"Lysander!"

"He has a point." Another boy with messy black hair and green eyes smirked.

"I'm glad you feel that way James." Pandora smirked, "I'll be happy to let Emily and Rose exactly how you guys feel about them."

"Pandora!"

"Pandora!" She mocked

At once the three of them started arguing and Luna let out moan, rolling off her husband and flopping onto the bed. "Ugh."

"They're your kids." Harry smirked.

"Oh now they're my kids." Roxana glared before sitting up, "Pandora Lily, James Sirius, and Lysander Sterling! If the three of you don't stop arguing so help me."

"Sorry mum." They all chorused.

"Better be, now boys stay out of your sisters room or I won't be held responsible for what she does."

"I love you guys." Harry grinned as his children jumped on the bed with him.