A.N. Hey there. I hope your ready for the first chapter of part 2 I have
really enjoyed the writing and you all telling me what you think. What
Happens Next is my first story, and I thank all of who gave their support.
I hope to continue part 2 through out the school year, so we'll see how it
goes
Chapter 1- Back to School
It was Sunday September first, and the morning was dark and rainy. A storm was in full fledge outside the windows of the Potter house. Only a few of the occupants were already awake. There was a loud crack outside as lightening ripped through the sky. This is what brought Harry Potter from a somewhat rest full nights sleep. He was just dozing off again when something felt odd. He felt as though he was being watched. Harry opened his eyes.
"Ugg! Dobby don't do that!" Harry yelled.
"Dobby is very sorry Sir, but it is time for Harry Potter to be getting up. Harry Potter must be leaving for school today." Dobby said with a long face and droopy ears. You could see how Dobby had hated to upset Harry.
Now that Harry was fully awake, he reached for his glasses, and put them on. He saw how hurt Dobby looked.
"I'm sorry Dobby, you just scared me. That's all. I didn't sleep well last night." Harry said hoping it would make Dobby feel better, and to his relief Dobby's ears perked back up.
When Dobby left Harry looked at his clock it was just after eight. Maybe they won't be in such a rush this year. Harry decided that he'd take a quick swim in his tub; after all he wouldn't get to use it again until the Christmas holidays. When he finally got dressed he went down to breakfast.
The table was full as he was the last one down. Everyone said their mornings except for Dudley. Then Harry noticed Dudley looked almost green. Petunia was patting his hand.
"There, there, it will be all right Popkins." She said mothering the boy.
"You alright Dud?" Harry asked.
"Umm, yeah." His voice squeaked.
"He's just nervous about starting a new school. Aren't you dear?" Molly said as she sat a plate of sausage and eggs in front of Harry.
"Well, at least you will be able to owl us to let us know how it is." Harry said. Dudley nodded giving Harry a weak smile.
By half past nine the whole house was in an uproar. You would think that since everyone spent yesterday packing they'd be ready.
"Mum, I can't find my shoes." Ginny yelled.
"Did you try the cupboard, dear?" Molly hollered back.
As the trunks gathered in the front hall along with their owners, the side door bell rang and Ickus went to answer it. "Everyone have their things?" Molly asked looking around the group.
"Mum I still can't find my shoes." Hollered a barefoot Ginny.
"Try above your head dear." Molly said with a smirk. Ginny looked up to see her sandals dancing above her head.
"Fred, George, I'm gonna get you for this!" Ginny yelled her mood today seemed to match the storm outside.
"We were just making sure you wouldn't lose them." Fred said trying to keep that I'm so innocent look, which his bother matched perfectly.
"Well now, let's get your trunks to the cars."
After, the cars were loaded up Arthur shouted out their assigned seats. Petunia, Dudley, Harry, would ride with Moody, Remus, and Tonks, while Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George would ride with Arthur and Molly. "Hey, what about me, am I just supposed to walk there?" yelled an angry completely red Ginny.
"No, we'll just strap you to the top and use you for the siren." Fred joked.
"Sorry dear, I must have miscounted. I thought we only had twelve. We'll just squeeze you in somewhere. I'm sure there will be room." Arthur said looking a little embarrassed at forgetting his only daughter.
"Now then, load up. We're going to be late." Moody growled, his magical eye continually rolling to scope out the situation.
"Would you knock that off? You're making me nauseous with that thing." Tonks said covering her mouth like she was going to be sick.
"Constant," started Moody but was cut off by most of the groups' "vigilance"
"Yes, we know."
They all piled into the cars. Ginny was still upset at her brothers and at being forgotten, so Ginny chose the car that none of her family was in. Moody, Petunia, and Remus were in the front while Tonks, then Dudley and Harry were in the back. "What are you waiting for? Climb on in I'm sure Harry won't mind if you sit on his lap." Tonks said with a smirk.
"Maybe I should try the other car." Ginny said nervously.
"There's the same amount in the other one and you'll have to give it a run to catch up." Tonks smiled trying to hold back laughter. Ginny looked up and saw the other car pulling off down the drive.
"It's ok Gin, I can take it." Harry said patting his lap. Ginny blushed slightly and climbed in the car and on to Harry's lap.
"Whoa there, you didn't eat a bunch of Hagrid's rock cakes for breakfast did you?" Harry said jokingly.
"Are you calling me fat Potter?" Ginny seethed, but also noticed the humor in his face. She started wiggling on his lap knowing her brothers always complained that she had the sharpest, boniest, bum.
"Ahhh, I give. It always looked like you have enough padding back there. How do you manage to sit on that?" Harry retorted.
"Why Harry, have you been looking at my bum?" Ginny asked with a smirk and fluttered her eye lashes.
The whole car erupted in laughter, while Harry just turned pink. He also took her and shifted her weight a little so not to crush anything.
They arrived at King Cross with only a few minutes to spare. They quickly got trolleys and loaded up their trunks and other belongings. Aunt Petunia and Dudley said their goodbyes to everyone just before the barrier that was the secret entrance to platform 9 3/4.
The rest of the group made their way onto the platform. Moody immediately scanned the area for potential dangers and the positioning of the other Aurors. Molly pulled each of her children then Harry and Hermione in for a hug with her eyes sparkling with tears.
Remus found an empty compartment near the front, and they stowed their trunks, cages, and carriers. They finished up their goodbyes as the last whistle blew before the trained chugged away.
Molly and Arthur found their way back through the barrier to an awaiting Petunia and Dudley.
"Ready to go?" Arthur said looking to Dudley who nodded. The twins would apparate back home.
They went back to the car and began the trip to Cigamnon, Dudley's new school. The ride took about an hour and a half, which Dudley spent starring out the window silently. He looked up as the car slowed, turned and passed through an open gate. Perched on the top of the hill was Cigamnon. It was breath taking. It had the look of an old castle, but in better shape.
"Oh, isn't that lovely?" Petunia said.
"It reminds me a bit of Hogwarts, only not as big." Molly said.
It indeed looked like a shorter, smaller version of Hogwarts with a few differences. Cigamnon didn't have as many floors, but was spread out a little differently. There was a small grove of trees near a pond about half the size of the lake at Hogwarts. It also seemed to have a homier feel to the place. Arthur pulled the car up near the front doors where a couple of cars were already parked.
As they were unloading Dudley's trunk the large doors opened and an elderly woman exited. "How do you do? I am Madam Pennysworth. I'm the headmistress here at Cigamnon." She said. She was dressed in black robes and a large black hat.
"Hello, I'm Arthur Weasley, my wife Molly, and this is Petunia and Dudley Dursley."
"Oh yes, our new student. Lovely to meet you dear." Madam Pennysworth said before adding, "It's still early, how about a look around?"
"That would be nice." Petunia said.
She showed them to the Great Hall, the library, past classrooms, up staircases, and more classrooms, before leading them off into the west wing.
"Here we aren't separated into houses like Hogwarts, but we have assigned dorms where hopefully your dorm mates become like your family. We play muggle sports here, and each dorm has its own team. You can try out if you like. Ah, here we are. You were assigned to the North dorm. This is how they're split, North and South," said the Headmistress
They ended in a corridor that had four doors, two of which said head boy on one and head girl on the other. The other two said North and South.
"Here is your card key." She handed Dudley what looked like a motel room key. "It will open both this door and your room door. They are locked from the outside at all times. If you forget your key you can type in the password on that code box."
She pointed to the metal box above the door handle that had buttons for the entire alphabet with a slot in the top for the key.
"The password is turtle dove for the moment, but I'm sure it will change." The headmistress added.
She led them through the door and into the cozy common room. There were staircases on both the right and left sides.
"Girls go to the left, and boys to the right." She said pointing them out. "Like Hogwarts we have a head girl and a head boy as well as prefects starting fifth year. They are there to help everyone with any problems they might have."
She showed Dudley to his room where his trunk was already waiting for him. There were two beds in the room and it looked very similar to a motel.
The headmistress excused herself saying she'd let Dudley get settled and to be in the Great Hall at six.
"Well, it doesn't look so bad does it Pumpkin?" Petunia said.
"No, not too bad." Dudley replied.
"Dud, just remember its close enough that you can come home on the weekends if you want." Arthur said placing his hand on Dudley's shoulder. "You see everything will be fine, maybe try for one of those teams. You can play grasshopper or something like that."
Dudley grinned he loved it when they got all the muggle things wrong. "Cricket you mean."
"Right, I just knew it was some little bug that hops." Arthur said laughing.
After a while the adults bid Dudley goodbye and made their way back home.
Meanwhile, on the Hogwarts Express Remus, Tonks, Kingsley, and Snape were patrolling the corridors making sure that everything was all in order.
Harry sat in the compartment along with Neville playing exploding snap, while Luna read the latest addition of the 'Quibbler.'
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were off in the prefects' compartment, but promised to return when they could.
The boys soon grew tired of the game and silence fell on the three. "Harry what would you say would be the most important quality in a girl. A, intelligence, B, looks, C, sense of humor, or D, magical ability?" Luna asked without looking up from the magazine.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Oh it's a new test to find your significant other." Luna explained.
"Um, I don't know." Harry wasn't sure he wanted advice from the 'Quibbler', but it was a long trip and he didn't have anything else to do. "Sense of humor, I guess."
"Ok." She scratched down the answer with her quill.
Fortunately Harry was saved from answering further questions by the arrival of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Ginny immediately slumped into a seat and pulled a book from her bag muttering words like, arrogant git and blithering idiot.
"What's wrong with her?" Neville asked.
"Malfoy." Ron and Hermione said together. Ron was red faced and looking extremely ticked off.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"Malfoy over heard a conversation Ginny and I were having and um. . ." she shot a look at Ginny she didn't want to say anything to betray Ginny's trust.
"Anyway Malfoy took a couple of words she said and used it to his advantage." Hermione stated.
Flashback outside the prefects' compartment.
"How's it going with Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I haven't been able to really talk to him there's always people around." Ginny answered.
"Your not going to give up that easy are you?"
"No, definitely not. He's too important. I'll do whatever it takes to get his attention." Ginny said with a determined look.
"So you are defiantly sure then?"
"Of course. You've seen him in a quidditch uniform and the way he rides his broom. I can't wait till quidditch season." Ginny trailed off due to an interruption.
"Play your cards right Weasly and you just might get a closer look." Malfroy said.
"I wouldn't look at you if you paid me." Ginny spat.
"Now, Now, Weasly don't tell me that your families so hard up for money that you're trying to get paid for sex." Malfroy replied.
"What's the meaning of this? There will be no prostituting, paid or otherwise. Just get back to your compartments now, before I start taking house points before term begins." Professor Snape had walked up behind them just as Ron came out of the prefects' compartment.
(End flashback)
"Ouch, that had to hurt. Why does Snape have to be such a git?" Harry said.
"Oh, if I had been there." Ron started.
"You would probably have gotten expelled." Hermione finished for him.
The food trolley arrived and they all bought supplies of cauldron cakes, pumpkin pastries, and other assorted sweets. All except Ginny who was still sulking and pretending to read, so Harry bought a few extras just in case she got hungry.
When they finished Ron and Hermione got up saying they needed to do a quick patrol of the train as per the prefect's duties. Hermione asked the others if they would like to come and say hi to some of their other friends on the way.
Neville and Luna agreed but Harry declined the offer. Ginny hadn't muttered a word since arriving back to the compartment.
When the others left Harry moved over by Ginny. "You want to talk about it?"
"No."
"Ginny, don't let Malfroy get you down. He's not worth getting upset over." Harry said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Tears began leaking from her eyes as she tried to blink them back.
"I know, but he basically called me a whore. I know it shouldn't bother me, cause it's Malfroy. It's well, it's just everything today. I feel like something is just not right. Maybe it's just the weather, but I'm definitely having an off day." Ginny said with a trembling voice. She turned and put her head on his shoulder while he hugged her rubbing her back.
"It's ok Gin, its ok." Harry soothed.
A strong bolt of lightening flashed through the dark cloudy sky. The lights flickered on the train as the brakes started to squeal, as the train came to a halt.
"What's happening?" Ginny cried.
"I don't know, but we've stopped. Wands out I think." There was only a faint light coming through the window as Harry squinted out into the darkness.
"Lumos." He muttered followed quickly by Ginny and the two made their way to the door.
The corridor of the train was full of students wanting to know what was going on.
"Do you feel that Harry? It's so cold." Ginny asked.
Harry nodded. They both felt that before. Harry immediately knew what it was from, dementors.
Remus, Tonks, Kingsly, and Snape who were twards the back of the train, all made their way quickly to the corridors shouting orders for the prefects to round up the rest of the students into compartments.
Remus had one focus, find Harry. He didn't want to loose the last bit of family he had. Yes, family the thought dawned on him. Sirius, Lilly, and James were as close to him as family. Harry was the only one left. He had to protect him.
Tonks quickly sent her emergency owl out to the aurors and then to the Order members, as she followed Remus up the isle to the front of the train.
"What are we going to do?" Ginny asked.
Harry made a quick decision, "Everyone back to your compartments, DA members look out for them and anyone who can do the patronus, please help."
A few of the DA members that were in their section started telling the others to get in their compartments. Cho who was standing about two doors down came forward as did Seamus.
"We'll help." They both said.
A scratching noise was heard on the glass of the door in the front of their car as the door started to open. Lightening flashed and they could make out the black robbed figure trying to open the door.
"Remember, happy thoughts." Harry said hoping they could get through this.
"Ginny you'd better stay back with the others." Harry ordered.
"I'm not leaving you." Ginny said with a touch of anger. Everyone's always treating me like a baby she thought.
"But, you never made a patronus." Harry said. "I don't want you to get hurt. I care about you." Harry said as he rushed forward as the door opened.
"Expecto Patronum!" He yelled and a silver stag leapt into the darkness and pushed the dementor back through the door. Harry went to the door and out of the train with Seamus and Cho following.
Ginny knew Harry was right; she hadn't been able to produce more than vapor when she tried last year. Normally, she would have been furious when he'd told her to stay, but this time she hadn't. He said he cared about her. She stood in the middle of the corridor lost in her thoughts for a moment before taking the matter at hand and started helping the other DA members keeping the other students in line.
As she made her way to the back of the car a first year sprung out of the last compartment. She was very tiny and crying.
Ginny called to her, "It's going to be all. . ." She was cut off when the back door sprung open and a dementor emerged reaching for the small frightened girl.
A fire arose in Ginny like none she'd ever felt. She had to help her. She had to do something. She tried, "Expecto Patronum." A weak silver mist shot from her wand and faded into the darkness. The dementor had a hold of the girl and began lowering his hood.
Ginny tried to come up with the happiest moment she could. Harry's birthday, the closet, helping Harry in the pool, the passion of his kisses, the fire she felt in her veins when she was in his arms. The passion, the fire. "The fire," she muttered. Yes, it felt right, the fire.
"Expecto Patronum Incendio" she yelled. Instead of silver mist this time a fiery substance leapt out and took form. She was shocked! She expected an animal or something, but not what she saw. Her patrons stood two legged, well floated, and wielded a sword. The patrons leapt forward and charged the dementor.
It released the child and she ran to Ginny. Ginny pushed the girl back to the other students and followed her patrons out of the door. She watched as her patronus, her Harry, swing the sword through the dementor engulfing it in flames before charging another.
Ginny looked to see hundreds of dementors, some advancing and a few being driven back. She saw Remus, Tonks, and Kingsly holding them off toward the back of the train and Harry, Seamus, and Cho towards the front.
Hermione was emerging from the middle of the train and ran towards her. She looked up to see her patrons return to her as the dementors were driven from the immediate area.
Hermione was in awe, "Ginny, how did you do that?"
"I'll explain later. We need to get to Harry, they need our help." She said as the girls ran towards Harry, Seamus, and Cho. They were having a very hard time producing more then mist and there were too many dementors for Harry to hold off.
"Expecto Patronum Incendio." Ginny yelled and her Harry patronus gallantly sprung forth yet again. Hermione's eyes grew wide, but she followed suit, "Expecto Patronum Incendio."
She yelled while thinking of her picnic with Ron. Ginny noticed the blush that crept to her friends face and told herself to ask about that later.
A fiery otter sprang forth following the other patronus to the dementors that surrounded. Harry, Seamus, and Cho were now on their knees, they were losing their strength fast. One by one the otter and fiery Harry slashed their way through the dementors engulfing them in flames as many fled.
Hermione quickly hollered to Harry the new spell to defeat the dementors. He was getting weak, but tried it. His stag erupted forth, not in the usual silver form, but a fiery one.
By the time Aurors and the Order members arrived the ground was littered with the burnt remains of many dementors. The rest had fled. The new spell, in very little time, had spread to the others who were fighting, all wondering about its origin.
"Who came up with this spell?" A slightly balding older ministry Auror asked.
"Um." Ginny started, but was elbowed by Hermione. She saw the look on Remus's face which said to keep quiet.
"I think someone must have gotten confused." Remus stated. "We really must get the children on their way and safely to Hogwarts and fixed up properly." Remus nodded and gestured for everyone to get back on the train.
Tonks went to where the lunch trolley was kept and relieved it of all the chocolate she could, and started passing it to those who needed it. The train was soon making the last portion of the journey to Hogwarts.
Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny went back to their compartment. "How did you know to do that Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure really. I was trying to come up with my happy thoughts and it just came to me." Ginny answered. "The fire just felt right and it made sense to counter act their coldness."
"Fire!" Hermione gasped. "It's your element."
"I guess so." Ginny shrugged with a smile.
"Hey Gin, I liked your patronus. Harry's saved you again." Ron chuckled.
"I guess you're right." Ginny blushed. "I think it's because he saved me in first year. He became my knight in shimmering armor."
"You mean shining." Ron retorted.
"No, just shimmering." Ginny answered with a grin. Harry sat back with a smile. He understood what she meant. She thought of him more as a person than as a hero. More than just the boy who lived.
A.N. Ok there you have it tell me what you think. Now I am expecting to hear from the regulars from part 1. Please don't disappoint me. I miss you. Oh and it would be nice to hear from some new people as well. You can send you thoughts, opinions, and if you have questions. I would love to hear from you. Sincerely Yours, Yavonna Han PS. Ten points to any one who can name the movie where I got "Knight in shimmering armor from.
Chapter 1- Back to School
It was Sunday September first, and the morning was dark and rainy. A storm was in full fledge outside the windows of the Potter house. Only a few of the occupants were already awake. There was a loud crack outside as lightening ripped through the sky. This is what brought Harry Potter from a somewhat rest full nights sleep. He was just dozing off again when something felt odd. He felt as though he was being watched. Harry opened his eyes.
"Ugg! Dobby don't do that!" Harry yelled.
"Dobby is very sorry Sir, but it is time for Harry Potter to be getting up. Harry Potter must be leaving for school today." Dobby said with a long face and droopy ears. You could see how Dobby had hated to upset Harry.
Now that Harry was fully awake, he reached for his glasses, and put them on. He saw how hurt Dobby looked.
"I'm sorry Dobby, you just scared me. That's all. I didn't sleep well last night." Harry said hoping it would make Dobby feel better, and to his relief Dobby's ears perked back up.
When Dobby left Harry looked at his clock it was just after eight. Maybe they won't be in such a rush this year. Harry decided that he'd take a quick swim in his tub; after all he wouldn't get to use it again until the Christmas holidays. When he finally got dressed he went down to breakfast.
The table was full as he was the last one down. Everyone said their mornings except for Dudley. Then Harry noticed Dudley looked almost green. Petunia was patting his hand.
"There, there, it will be all right Popkins." She said mothering the boy.
"You alright Dud?" Harry asked.
"Umm, yeah." His voice squeaked.
"He's just nervous about starting a new school. Aren't you dear?" Molly said as she sat a plate of sausage and eggs in front of Harry.
"Well, at least you will be able to owl us to let us know how it is." Harry said. Dudley nodded giving Harry a weak smile.
By half past nine the whole house was in an uproar. You would think that since everyone spent yesterday packing they'd be ready.
"Mum, I can't find my shoes." Ginny yelled.
"Did you try the cupboard, dear?" Molly hollered back.
As the trunks gathered in the front hall along with their owners, the side door bell rang and Ickus went to answer it. "Everyone have their things?" Molly asked looking around the group.
"Mum I still can't find my shoes." Hollered a barefoot Ginny.
"Try above your head dear." Molly said with a smirk. Ginny looked up to see her sandals dancing above her head.
"Fred, George, I'm gonna get you for this!" Ginny yelled her mood today seemed to match the storm outside.
"We were just making sure you wouldn't lose them." Fred said trying to keep that I'm so innocent look, which his bother matched perfectly.
"Well now, let's get your trunks to the cars."
After, the cars were loaded up Arthur shouted out their assigned seats. Petunia, Dudley, Harry, would ride with Moody, Remus, and Tonks, while Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George would ride with Arthur and Molly. "Hey, what about me, am I just supposed to walk there?" yelled an angry completely red Ginny.
"No, we'll just strap you to the top and use you for the siren." Fred joked.
"Sorry dear, I must have miscounted. I thought we only had twelve. We'll just squeeze you in somewhere. I'm sure there will be room." Arthur said looking a little embarrassed at forgetting his only daughter.
"Now then, load up. We're going to be late." Moody growled, his magical eye continually rolling to scope out the situation.
"Would you knock that off? You're making me nauseous with that thing." Tonks said covering her mouth like she was going to be sick.
"Constant," started Moody but was cut off by most of the groups' "vigilance"
"Yes, we know."
They all piled into the cars. Ginny was still upset at her brothers and at being forgotten, so Ginny chose the car that none of her family was in. Moody, Petunia, and Remus were in the front while Tonks, then Dudley and Harry were in the back. "What are you waiting for? Climb on in I'm sure Harry won't mind if you sit on his lap." Tonks said with a smirk.
"Maybe I should try the other car." Ginny said nervously.
"There's the same amount in the other one and you'll have to give it a run to catch up." Tonks smiled trying to hold back laughter. Ginny looked up and saw the other car pulling off down the drive.
"It's ok Gin, I can take it." Harry said patting his lap. Ginny blushed slightly and climbed in the car and on to Harry's lap.
"Whoa there, you didn't eat a bunch of Hagrid's rock cakes for breakfast did you?" Harry said jokingly.
"Are you calling me fat Potter?" Ginny seethed, but also noticed the humor in his face. She started wiggling on his lap knowing her brothers always complained that she had the sharpest, boniest, bum.
"Ahhh, I give. It always looked like you have enough padding back there. How do you manage to sit on that?" Harry retorted.
"Why Harry, have you been looking at my bum?" Ginny asked with a smirk and fluttered her eye lashes.
The whole car erupted in laughter, while Harry just turned pink. He also took her and shifted her weight a little so not to crush anything.
They arrived at King Cross with only a few minutes to spare. They quickly got trolleys and loaded up their trunks and other belongings. Aunt Petunia and Dudley said their goodbyes to everyone just before the barrier that was the secret entrance to platform 9 3/4.
The rest of the group made their way onto the platform. Moody immediately scanned the area for potential dangers and the positioning of the other Aurors. Molly pulled each of her children then Harry and Hermione in for a hug with her eyes sparkling with tears.
Remus found an empty compartment near the front, and they stowed their trunks, cages, and carriers. They finished up their goodbyes as the last whistle blew before the trained chugged away.
Molly and Arthur found their way back through the barrier to an awaiting Petunia and Dudley.
"Ready to go?" Arthur said looking to Dudley who nodded. The twins would apparate back home.
They went back to the car and began the trip to Cigamnon, Dudley's new school. The ride took about an hour and a half, which Dudley spent starring out the window silently. He looked up as the car slowed, turned and passed through an open gate. Perched on the top of the hill was Cigamnon. It was breath taking. It had the look of an old castle, but in better shape.
"Oh, isn't that lovely?" Petunia said.
"It reminds me a bit of Hogwarts, only not as big." Molly said.
It indeed looked like a shorter, smaller version of Hogwarts with a few differences. Cigamnon didn't have as many floors, but was spread out a little differently. There was a small grove of trees near a pond about half the size of the lake at Hogwarts. It also seemed to have a homier feel to the place. Arthur pulled the car up near the front doors where a couple of cars were already parked.
As they were unloading Dudley's trunk the large doors opened and an elderly woman exited. "How do you do? I am Madam Pennysworth. I'm the headmistress here at Cigamnon." She said. She was dressed in black robes and a large black hat.
"Hello, I'm Arthur Weasley, my wife Molly, and this is Petunia and Dudley Dursley."
"Oh yes, our new student. Lovely to meet you dear." Madam Pennysworth said before adding, "It's still early, how about a look around?"
"That would be nice." Petunia said.
She showed them to the Great Hall, the library, past classrooms, up staircases, and more classrooms, before leading them off into the west wing.
"Here we aren't separated into houses like Hogwarts, but we have assigned dorms where hopefully your dorm mates become like your family. We play muggle sports here, and each dorm has its own team. You can try out if you like. Ah, here we are. You were assigned to the North dorm. This is how they're split, North and South," said the Headmistress
They ended in a corridor that had four doors, two of which said head boy on one and head girl on the other. The other two said North and South.
"Here is your card key." She handed Dudley what looked like a motel room key. "It will open both this door and your room door. They are locked from the outside at all times. If you forget your key you can type in the password on that code box."
She pointed to the metal box above the door handle that had buttons for the entire alphabet with a slot in the top for the key.
"The password is turtle dove for the moment, but I'm sure it will change." The headmistress added.
She led them through the door and into the cozy common room. There were staircases on both the right and left sides.
"Girls go to the left, and boys to the right." She said pointing them out. "Like Hogwarts we have a head girl and a head boy as well as prefects starting fifth year. They are there to help everyone with any problems they might have."
She showed Dudley to his room where his trunk was already waiting for him. There were two beds in the room and it looked very similar to a motel.
The headmistress excused herself saying she'd let Dudley get settled and to be in the Great Hall at six.
"Well, it doesn't look so bad does it Pumpkin?" Petunia said.
"No, not too bad." Dudley replied.
"Dud, just remember its close enough that you can come home on the weekends if you want." Arthur said placing his hand on Dudley's shoulder. "You see everything will be fine, maybe try for one of those teams. You can play grasshopper or something like that."
Dudley grinned he loved it when they got all the muggle things wrong. "Cricket you mean."
"Right, I just knew it was some little bug that hops." Arthur said laughing.
After a while the adults bid Dudley goodbye and made their way back home.
Meanwhile, on the Hogwarts Express Remus, Tonks, Kingsley, and Snape were patrolling the corridors making sure that everything was all in order.
Harry sat in the compartment along with Neville playing exploding snap, while Luna read the latest addition of the 'Quibbler.'
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were off in the prefects' compartment, but promised to return when they could.
The boys soon grew tired of the game and silence fell on the three. "Harry what would you say would be the most important quality in a girl. A, intelligence, B, looks, C, sense of humor, or D, magical ability?" Luna asked without looking up from the magazine.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Oh it's a new test to find your significant other." Luna explained.
"Um, I don't know." Harry wasn't sure he wanted advice from the 'Quibbler', but it was a long trip and he didn't have anything else to do. "Sense of humor, I guess."
"Ok." She scratched down the answer with her quill.
Fortunately Harry was saved from answering further questions by the arrival of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Ginny immediately slumped into a seat and pulled a book from her bag muttering words like, arrogant git and blithering idiot.
"What's wrong with her?" Neville asked.
"Malfoy." Ron and Hermione said together. Ron was red faced and looking extremely ticked off.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"Malfoy over heard a conversation Ginny and I were having and um. . ." she shot a look at Ginny she didn't want to say anything to betray Ginny's trust.
"Anyway Malfoy took a couple of words she said and used it to his advantage." Hermione stated.
Flashback outside the prefects' compartment.
"How's it going with Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I haven't been able to really talk to him there's always people around." Ginny answered.
"Your not going to give up that easy are you?"
"No, definitely not. He's too important. I'll do whatever it takes to get his attention." Ginny said with a determined look.
"So you are defiantly sure then?"
"Of course. You've seen him in a quidditch uniform and the way he rides his broom. I can't wait till quidditch season." Ginny trailed off due to an interruption.
"Play your cards right Weasly and you just might get a closer look." Malfroy said.
"I wouldn't look at you if you paid me." Ginny spat.
"Now, Now, Weasly don't tell me that your families so hard up for money that you're trying to get paid for sex." Malfroy replied.
"What's the meaning of this? There will be no prostituting, paid or otherwise. Just get back to your compartments now, before I start taking house points before term begins." Professor Snape had walked up behind them just as Ron came out of the prefects' compartment.
(End flashback)
"Ouch, that had to hurt. Why does Snape have to be such a git?" Harry said.
"Oh, if I had been there." Ron started.
"You would probably have gotten expelled." Hermione finished for him.
The food trolley arrived and they all bought supplies of cauldron cakes, pumpkin pastries, and other assorted sweets. All except Ginny who was still sulking and pretending to read, so Harry bought a few extras just in case she got hungry.
When they finished Ron and Hermione got up saying they needed to do a quick patrol of the train as per the prefect's duties. Hermione asked the others if they would like to come and say hi to some of their other friends on the way.
Neville and Luna agreed but Harry declined the offer. Ginny hadn't muttered a word since arriving back to the compartment.
When the others left Harry moved over by Ginny. "You want to talk about it?"
"No."
"Ginny, don't let Malfroy get you down. He's not worth getting upset over." Harry said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Tears began leaking from her eyes as she tried to blink them back.
"I know, but he basically called me a whore. I know it shouldn't bother me, cause it's Malfroy. It's well, it's just everything today. I feel like something is just not right. Maybe it's just the weather, but I'm definitely having an off day." Ginny said with a trembling voice. She turned and put her head on his shoulder while he hugged her rubbing her back.
"It's ok Gin, its ok." Harry soothed.
A strong bolt of lightening flashed through the dark cloudy sky. The lights flickered on the train as the brakes started to squeal, as the train came to a halt.
"What's happening?" Ginny cried.
"I don't know, but we've stopped. Wands out I think." There was only a faint light coming through the window as Harry squinted out into the darkness.
"Lumos." He muttered followed quickly by Ginny and the two made their way to the door.
The corridor of the train was full of students wanting to know what was going on.
"Do you feel that Harry? It's so cold." Ginny asked.
Harry nodded. They both felt that before. Harry immediately knew what it was from, dementors.
Remus, Tonks, Kingsly, and Snape who were twards the back of the train, all made their way quickly to the corridors shouting orders for the prefects to round up the rest of the students into compartments.
Remus had one focus, find Harry. He didn't want to loose the last bit of family he had. Yes, family the thought dawned on him. Sirius, Lilly, and James were as close to him as family. Harry was the only one left. He had to protect him.
Tonks quickly sent her emergency owl out to the aurors and then to the Order members, as she followed Remus up the isle to the front of the train.
"What are we going to do?" Ginny asked.
Harry made a quick decision, "Everyone back to your compartments, DA members look out for them and anyone who can do the patronus, please help."
A few of the DA members that were in their section started telling the others to get in their compartments. Cho who was standing about two doors down came forward as did Seamus.
"We'll help." They both said.
A scratching noise was heard on the glass of the door in the front of their car as the door started to open. Lightening flashed and they could make out the black robbed figure trying to open the door.
"Remember, happy thoughts." Harry said hoping they could get through this.
"Ginny you'd better stay back with the others." Harry ordered.
"I'm not leaving you." Ginny said with a touch of anger. Everyone's always treating me like a baby she thought.
"But, you never made a patronus." Harry said. "I don't want you to get hurt. I care about you." Harry said as he rushed forward as the door opened.
"Expecto Patronum!" He yelled and a silver stag leapt into the darkness and pushed the dementor back through the door. Harry went to the door and out of the train with Seamus and Cho following.
Ginny knew Harry was right; she hadn't been able to produce more than vapor when she tried last year. Normally, she would have been furious when he'd told her to stay, but this time she hadn't. He said he cared about her. She stood in the middle of the corridor lost in her thoughts for a moment before taking the matter at hand and started helping the other DA members keeping the other students in line.
As she made her way to the back of the car a first year sprung out of the last compartment. She was very tiny and crying.
Ginny called to her, "It's going to be all. . ." She was cut off when the back door sprung open and a dementor emerged reaching for the small frightened girl.
A fire arose in Ginny like none she'd ever felt. She had to help her. She had to do something. She tried, "Expecto Patronum." A weak silver mist shot from her wand and faded into the darkness. The dementor had a hold of the girl and began lowering his hood.
Ginny tried to come up with the happiest moment she could. Harry's birthday, the closet, helping Harry in the pool, the passion of his kisses, the fire she felt in her veins when she was in his arms. The passion, the fire. "The fire," she muttered. Yes, it felt right, the fire.
"Expecto Patronum Incendio" she yelled. Instead of silver mist this time a fiery substance leapt out and took form. She was shocked! She expected an animal or something, but not what she saw. Her patrons stood two legged, well floated, and wielded a sword. The patrons leapt forward and charged the dementor.
It released the child and she ran to Ginny. Ginny pushed the girl back to the other students and followed her patrons out of the door. She watched as her patronus, her Harry, swing the sword through the dementor engulfing it in flames before charging another.
Ginny looked to see hundreds of dementors, some advancing and a few being driven back. She saw Remus, Tonks, and Kingsly holding them off toward the back of the train and Harry, Seamus, and Cho towards the front.
Hermione was emerging from the middle of the train and ran towards her. She looked up to see her patrons return to her as the dementors were driven from the immediate area.
Hermione was in awe, "Ginny, how did you do that?"
"I'll explain later. We need to get to Harry, they need our help." She said as the girls ran towards Harry, Seamus, and Cho. They were having a very hard time producing more then mist and there were too many dementors for Harry to hold off.
"Expecto Patronum Incendio." Ginny yelled and her Harry patronus gallantly sprung forth yet again. Hermione's eyes grew wide, but she followed suit, "Expecto Patronum Incendio."
She yelled while thinking of her picnic with Ron. Ginny noticed the blush that crept to her friends face and told herself to ask about that later.
A fiery otter sprang forth following the other patronus to the dementors that surrounded. Harry, Seamus, and Cho were now on their knees, they were losing their strength fast. One by one the otter and fiery Harry slashed their way through the dementors engulfing them in flames as many fled.
Hermione quickly hollered to Harry the new spell to defeat the dementors. He was getting weak, but tried it. His stag erupted forth, not in the usual silver form, but a fiery one.
By the time Aurors and the Order members arrived the ground was littered with the burnt remains of many dementors. The rest had fled. The new spell, in very little time, had spread to the others who were fighting, all wondering about its origin.
"Who came up with this spell?" A slightly balding older ministry Auror asked.
"Um." Ginny started, but was elbowed by Hermione. She saw the look on Remus's face which said to keep quiet.
"I think someone must have gotten confused." Remus stated. "We really must get the children on their way and safely to Hogwarts and fixed up properly." Remus nodded and gestured for everyone to get back on the train.
Tonks went to where the lunch trolley was kept and relieved it of all the chocolate she could, and started passing it to those who needed it. The train was soon making the last portion of the journey to Hogwarts.
Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny went back to their compartment. "How did you know to do that Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure really. I was trying to come up with my happy thoughts and it just came to me." Ginny answered. "The fire just felt right and it made sense to counter act their coldness."
"Fire!" Hermione gasped. "It's your element."
"I guess so." Ginny shrugged with a smile.
"Hey Gin, I liked your patronus. Harry's saved you again." Ron chuckled.
"I guess you're right." Ginny blushed. "I think it's because he saved me in first year. He became my knight in shimmering armor."
"You mean shining." Ron retorted.
"No, just shimmering." Ginny answered with a grin. Harry sat back with a smile. He understood what she meant. She thought of him more as a person than as a hero. More than just the boy who lived.
A.N. Ok there you have it tell me what you think. Now I am expecting to hear from the regulars from part 1. Please don't disappoint me. I miss you. Oh and it would be nice to hear from some new people as well. You can send you thoughts, opinions, and if you have questions. I would love to hear from you. Sincerely Yours, Yavonna Han PS. Ten points to any one who can name the movie where I got "Knight in shimmering armor from.