A/N: This is the edited version. I removed the background noises since they were confusing. I also edited the grammatical mistakes. Hope it makes a better read.

Mike,

Going to the school today … finally. The owl has a small packet. It contains a locket. This is the only thing that will work there. Call my name into it and it will activate. Say 'over' and the communication will stop. It will become warm when I will try talking to you so you will know.

If you ever need to send me something, write Allya Evans on it. That's all, I think.

Samantha Black

Ron glanced around. Still no sign of Hermione. "Reckon how much time she is is going to take," he asked Harry.

"No idea," replied Harry, looking around the crowd.

"I doubt we will be left with any compartment," Ron said, glancing at the Hogwarts Express.

It was September 1st and Ron, Harry and Hermione were to start their sixth year. Harry had spent the enitre holidays at Burrow, except for first two weeks while Hermione had gone home. She needed to explain the war to her parents and hence the need for security wards around their house.

"Harry! Ron!" came a loud voice.

"Finally!" Ron said even without turning around. The moment he turned, he was engulfed by Hermione in a bear hug.

"He is in desperate need of air, 'Mione," Harry said, smiling.

Hermione freed Ron and pulled Harry in to a hug. "How are you both?" asked a beaming Hermione, "It's so good to see you both."

"We missed you," Harry replied. "What took you so long?"

"Oh," Hermione said, airily, "Mom was getting hysterical, nothing else."

"Not much different from here," muttered Ron, eyeing Mrs. Weasley who, at the moment, was instructing Ginny to be safe and out of trouble.

CRACK

"Hello kids," George greeted them.

"Kids?" Harry asked bewildered.

"Riiight," Ron rolled his eyes.

"We want to talk to Harry," Fred said. "Do you mind, Harry?"

"Er—no," Harry replied, glancing at Ron, who shrugged, meaning 'No clue'.

Harry and twins moved to a corner to talk whatever they wanted to.

"How's he?" Hermione asked Ron.

"Hardly any change," Ron replied.

"Looks fine to me."

"He does when he is surrounded by people. But he is still brooding over Sirius' death. He still blames himself over his death."

"Hm.m.m… you did not talk to him?"

"No," Ron shrugged, "First, I didn't know what to say him. Second, I didn't want him to put a mask before me as well. That's what he did throughout the summer. Even Mom believes he is over it now."

"And you?"

"What about me?" Ron asked, slightly uncomfortable.

"Are you over it?" Hermione asked.

"I am," Ron answered. Seeing Hermione raise her eyebrows, he added, "My case was different, 'Mione. I could have saved Linda, if only I had been more attentive. But I understand mopping about what I could or should have done isn't going to change it."

"How's is Linda?"

"She transformed," Ron said sadly, "I witnessed both of her transformations." After a moment he smiled, "She is a cute little girl and the ironic part is she thinks I am her saviour. Little does she know that--" Ron's voice was full of emotions and anger.

Hermione patted his shoulder. "You did what you could, Ron. Don't blame yourself."

Ron nodded. "Talk to Harry when you get a chance," Ron whispered, since Harry and twins were approaching them, "Alone … After prefect's meet, about ... you know."

"What are you two conspiring about?" Fred raised his eyebrows.

"Nothing," Hermione said coolly. "I was just asking Ron why he gave his Prefect's badge back."

"That's the only right thing he has done till now," George said, thumping Ron on his back.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

Ron laughed. "Mom was so angry with me and they come to me, pat my back and say 'Mate, you have made us proud. You get Weasley scholarship from now.' It was them who faced Mum's wrath then."

Harry was laughing as well. "How's your bum, Fred?"

Fred shuddered dramatically for a moment before giving in to laughter. "Oh, it's alright. But that reminds me-"

"Your scholarship," George handed Ron a small bag.

"What?" Ron was shocked. "N-no. I mean distracting Mum was enough … that was just a joke."

"A Weasley word," Fred cut-in in a serious tone.

"Every first of a month, you will find five galleons in the pouch," George instructed Ron.

"Yeah," Fred nodded, "Come on Forge, gotta save our li'l sister."

"They are mental," Ron stated after twins had gone to 'save' Ginny.

"Yeah. Let's go in," Hermione said, "there goes the whistle."

And indeed it had. Everyone got onto the train. Harry, Hermione and Ron waved goodbyes to Mrs. Weasley and twins. Soon they were out of sight.

"Alright," said Ron, dragging his trunk, "find me after the Prefect's meet. I will be somewhere here."

Hermione and Harry nodded and moved in the opposite direction.

Ron walked few steps, and then leaned against a compartment. Pulling out a vial from his jeans, he glanced in either direction. Seeing no one around, he gulped down the contents. Feeling better, he moved-on in his search for a compartment.

Finding a compartment did not seem to be an easy feat. Most of them were full. No doubt he had found partially full compartments but he better finish the journey standing in the corridor than those compartments. After all, who would like the company of flirtatious and giggling girls or the gossip mongrels who just wanted the details of their misadventures in the Ministry three months back?

Fifteen minutes and Ron was still compartment-less and panting. Crossing his fingers, he slid open the door of another compartment. It was empty … Great! … or not.

Ron cleared his throat. "Excuse me. Do you mind, if I come in? Everywhere else is full."

The girl, who was enjoying the scenery outside, turned to Ron. "Come in."

Finally, he had found a compartment. Settling himself, he turned his attention to the girl. "Hi, I am Ronald Weasley."

"Allya Evans," the girl replied.

The girl had short black hair, pale skin, and hazel eyes. She had a regal air to herself.

"Not related to Harry's mom by any means, eh?" Ron joked.

The girl did not reply, only stared at him. "Apparently not," Ron said awkwardly.

Few moments passed in silence.

"Which year are you?" Ron started again.

"Sixth year," Allya replied pointedly.

"Which house?"

"I'm yet to be sorted."

"Ah-ha," Ron chuckled, "that's why I thought I had never seen you before. Transfer student?"

"Can i have some silence here?" Allya asked in a tone which clearly required no answer.

Silence again set in. The girl was not interested in any conversation, but what she found appealing outside was beyond Ron's understanding.

"So," Ron tried once again, "which Quidditch team do you support?" That was bound to start some interesting conversation. Who on earth did not like Quidditch?

The girl stared at him in confusion, first emotion he saw on the girl's otherwise impassive face. "I don't know what it is."

"What?" Ron yelled, "You. Don't. Know. Quidditch?"

"No," Allya replied calmly, "And I would like to keep it that way."

Again, silence ruled the compartment's atmosphere. Ron sighed. If that was how he would be spending his day, it was going to be boring… very boring.

How very wrong he was.

"Look, Harry," Hermione said impatiently, "I agree that's strange but there can be many reasons for it."

"Like?" Harry asked.

"He might be ill," Hermione replied, "or he might have had a fight with that Pansy girl or--."

"But," Harry cut in, as Hermione moved to open the door of next compartment. They were searching for Ron. "You are forgetting he did not utter a single insult to me or you. That has never happened in the last five years."

"There you are!" Hermione exclaimed, seeing Ron. She entered the compartment followed by Harry.

"Finally," Ron greeted them, grinning. "What were you two bickering about?"

"Malfoy!" Hermione answered, rolling her eyes.

"What did he do?" Ron asked, narrowing his eyes and clutching his fists.

"Nothing!" Harry exclaimed. "No insult, no bullying, no word. He came last, stayed quiet and left without any show."

"Oh," Ron said, slumping back on his seat. "Must be stomach ache."

"Oh hi," Hermione said, noticing the girl, "I'm Hermione Granger and this is-" she pointed to Harry, "-Harry Potter."

If Allya knew Harry Potter, she did not show it and quietly shook their hands. "Allya Evans."

"Never seen you before," Harry wondered aloud.

"She is a transfer student," Ron answered instead, "Will join sixth year."

"Really?" Hermione asked gleefully. "Where are you from?"

Instead of replying, Allya simply turned to her favuorite time-pass - staring out of the window. Hermione glanced at Ron who shrugged his shoulders and gave her a look that plainly said – leave her alone.

"Okay," Hermione said awkwardly.

"So, how did your parents take the news about wards?" Harry asked Hermione.

Hermione sighed. "They freaked out at first. Completely. I had to tell them all about the last five years and that did nothing to calm down their nerves. Mom was all hysterical. They did not want me to come back. It took whole two months for me to convince them. I just hope they are safe."

"It's alright, 'Mione," Ron patted her back. "Dumbledore put up the wards. They will beeeeeeee--"

SSCCRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCHH

The train had come to a sudden halt, sending all the occupants of the compartment falling forward. Ron landed on Allya.

"I-I am sorry," Ron said, disentangling himself from her.

"Why did the train stop suddenly?" Harry asked getting up and dusting his robes. Hermione also got up and was sporting a bruise on her forehead where she had hit the compartment door.

Harry was looking out of the compartment door, while Hermione was looking through the window for any clue.

"God!" Hermione gasped.

"What?" Ron asked, sitting beside her. Hermione had paled and was shaking slightly as she pointed to the window.

Ron and Harry immediately fixed themselves at the window. At first they saw nothing. Then, with immense focus, they saw movement in the woods, fifty-sixty feet away. Suddenly, one of them came into clear view before he was lost in the woods again, making Ron gasp.

"They are Death Eaters," he announced with wide, horror-stricken eyes.

"More than twenty-five of them," Allya said. She was also looking out, with binoculars glued to her eyes.

"We a-are under-attack!" Hermione said unnecessarily.

"PREFECTS," boomed a calm voice of Mary, Head Girl, "MEET ME AT THE PREFECTS' CARRIAGE. EVERYONE ELSE, STAY CALM. WE ARE LOOKING INTO THE MATTER."

"I don't think she has noticed," Harry said, gloomily. "I doubt anyone has."

"What will we do?" Ron asked.

"Call the prefects here," Allya said in a commanding tone, getting up from her seat. "We need to plan a counter-attack. Fifteen minutes is what it will take for attackers to reach the train."

Ron, Hermione and Harry were staring at her with bewilderment in their eyes.

"What?" she demanded, "Act fast!"

"Oh yeah," Hermione said, getting up. "MARY, ROBERT (A/N: Robert is the Head boy) AND PREFECTS, REACH COMPARTMENT NO. 153. FAST! IT'S URGENT."

"I will watch the door," Ron said, running out of the compartment.

A minute later, Mary and Robert came panting to the compartment, prefects lined after them.

"What was that?" Robert demanded.

"We are under-attack," Harry said, pointing towards the window. "We got to plan."

"Are you crazy?" Mary said fearfully, while Robert moved to the window.

"He is right, Mary," he confirmed a moment later.

"What will we do?" Mary asked, hyperventilating, "there are kids in the train. God! We'll die."

Hermione immediately moved to her side. "Calm down, Mary. We need to stay ca--"

But Mary wasn't listening. "We are too young to die. These kids--"

"Shut up, will you?" Allya bellowed. "Break down and yes they will leave us."

Silence followed. Allya continued, "How many compartments?"

Robert was the one who answered. "One seventy five."

"Entrances?"

"Fifteen for students and one for driver."

"Prefects?"

"Twenty-four."

Allya was silent for a moment.

"Who are you?" Mary asked her.

"That doesn't matter right now," Harry answered her instead.

"We are still short of eight people," Allya said, more to herself.

"DA," Hermione said suddenly.

"DA MEMBERS, COME TO COMPARTMENT NO. 153 NOW. HURRY-UP," Harry' voice echoed through out the train.

Meanwhile, Allya instructed the Prefects. "You all, guard the entrances in pairs. Don't let the Death Eaters anywhere near the entrance. We can't let them in. Start from there." She pointed towards the driver's end.

No prefect had moved. "What are you waiting for?" Hermione hollered. "Move."

They scrambled in the said direction and were lost in the coming group of DA members.

"What happened?" Terry Boot asked. He was leading the DA members – fifteen in number.

"We are under-attack," Harry announced to the group he had led last year. "We are planning counter-attack."

The group gasped in unison.

"No time for questions," Hermione said, raising her hand to halt the oncoming assault of questions.

"Who among you are good in healing?" Allya asked.

Terry, Hannah, Michael and Cho raised their hands. "Everyone else, guard the doors in this direction in pairs." Harry ordered, pointing to the opposite direction of driver's end.

"We need all the fifth, sixth and seventh years here," Hermione said, "so there are at least two seniors in each compartment."

"But we can't trust the Slytherins," Robert pointed out.

Once again Hermione's voice boomed, "EVERYONE, PAY ATTENTION. WE ARE UNDER-ATTACK--"

As expected, panic broke out in the train. There were shouts, yells, cries from the students.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

"Attack?"

"Who is s--?"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

"NOOO!!"

"Granger -- barking mad--"

"HELP!!"

"PLEASE … PLEASE STAY CALM," Hermione roared over the noise, "WE ARE TRYING TO COUNTER THE ATTACK. YOUR PANIC WON'T HELP. STAY CALM. RAVENCLAW, GRYFFINDOR AND HUFFLEPUFF SENIORS, THAT IS, FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH YEARS MOVE OUT IN THE CORRIDORS NOW. EVERYONE ELSE, STAY INSIDE THEIR COMPARTMENTS. YOU WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ATTACK. THAT'S AN ORDER."

Just then, Ron came running towards them, Allya's binoculars dangling by his left arm. "They are thirty-seven in number. And I noticed five brooms as well. Only ten more minutes."

The corridor was full of seniors, looking at Ron, Hermione and Harry for their orders. Events at the end of last year had cemented their trust in Harry and his friends.

However, it was Allya who issued instructions, after Hermione spelled her voice. "HOW MANY OF YOU ARE GOOD IN HEALING? RAISE YOUR WANDS."

They were confused by this new girl issuing orders, but raised their wands nonetheless. Allya looked at Hermione, who raised her wand, muttered something and announced, "Fifteen."

"THOSE WHO RAISED THEIR WANDS STAY HERE AND EVERYONE ELSE, MOVE TO THE COMPARTMENTS THAT HAVE STUDENTS IN IT. THERE SHOULD BE TWO IN EVERY COMPARTMENT. YOU WILL ATTACK WHEN ORDERED."

However, it took Harry's shout of 'MOVE' that made the students move. Within two minutes, everyone had gotten inside the compartments with only, Ron, Hermione, Harry, Allya, Robert and Mary along with temporary healers standing in a group.

"Robert, Mary," Hermione turned to them, "You also find a compartment." Robert and Mary nodded and left.

"All of you, Healers" Allya turned her attention towards the group, "We will have injuries on the train. Your job will be to tend to them. Heal our soldiers."

Everyone nodded. "Take the help of fourth years to move the injured to Prefect's Carriage," Hermione said. "Spread out."

The healers were gone but in their place had arrived another group, led by none other than Draco Malfoy.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry growled, narrowing his eyes at him.

"We want to help," Malfoy said calmly, "You did not call Slytherins. I have brought them."

Harry was about to retort, but Hermione beat to him, "Why? I am sorry but some of yours' loyalties can't be trusted."

"I have brought only those who can be trusted," Malfoy replied quietly, "We are just protecting ourselves."

"Alright," Ron said before anyone else could, "You all-" he pointed at half of the group, "-find compartments where there are no seniors. Malfoy, you lead the other half. Repair whatever damage is done to the train. Protect the soldiers from the destruction. Alright?"

Malfoy nodded and led his group to some distance away. A quick discussion and they were also lost in the crowd.

"Now we four," Harry said.

"You go to Driver's cabin, Hermione," Harry said, easily slipping into the role of leader.

"And you, Ron," he looked at Ron, "we will fly out and deal with the flying ones."

"You are not going out," Allya said calmly.

"In fact," Hermione said, "you will not lead us."

Harry was staring at Hermione. "And why, may I ask?"

"They are here for you, mate," Ron replied, "if you lead the attack, your booming voice will give you away and flying directly out in the open will make you an easy target."

"He is right, so don't waste time," Hermione said, "You go to the Driver's cabin and see what can be done to restart the train. Take someone with you."

"But," Harry retorted, "that's cowardice."

"It's not," Allya said, "It's called strategy. Your foolishness is exactly what they expect and we will surprise them."

"Plus," Hermione added, "we are not asking you to sit quietly, just don't lead."

Harry wanted to protest but three glares and he left, taking Dean along with him.

"Granger, you lead," Allya said surprising Hermione.

"Me?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Ron replied, "No offence, but I doubt they will hear to a stranger." He nodded apologetically to Allya.

"I know," Allya said. "We three will go out."

Ron immediately went inside the compartment and emerged with Harry's Firebolt in his hands.

"I will attack from the roof top," Allya said, "and you two from air. Done?"

Hermione and Ron nodded.

Ron glanced out to find the Death Eaters just out in the open, just a foot from woods and some 15-20 meters away from the train.

"WANDS AT THE READY," Hermione yelled, "ATTACK!"