King's Cross was not bustling like it used to be. Sure, it was still packed and crowsded, but the energy was low. Muggles were whispering to each other, careful not to let the panic that was enveloping their souls be voiced in their voices. Poor foolish generation, if only they could have voiced their fears and come together with the little bit of courage they could muster. One lone wizard eyed them with curiosity and a bit of suspicion. Hogwarts will not be the same, he mumbled to himself. He was very concerned for the children he saw, around a year in – a – half ago, bunched together in his inn.

Contrary to popular belief, he was as sane as anybody else (although that wasn't such a relief). And he cared immensely for his late brother's students. Echoing the beloved gamekeeper, he whispered there's a storm brewing, it's sure coming. And we best be ready for it when it comes. Taking one last look at platforms 9 and 10, he disappeared into thin air.

*********************************

"Neville, Son, be careful dear. This year isn't going to be easy on any of us." Neville glanced up at his Gran with a wry smile. "I am so proud of you. Each day you're growing up to be more and more like your parents. Please watch after Ginny, dear. You know how she can be." He pulled his Gran into an embrace one last time, savoring every moment for he was not sure when they would see each other again. He chuckled warily, for he knew exactly what Ginny Weasley was like.

They had all grabbed one compartment, the remnant of the DA, that is. Everyone had reminded the group to stick together and they intended to do just that. There was very little breathing room, with Seamus, Neville, Ginny, Parvati, Padma, Luna, Ernie, Hannah, Susan and Terry Boot all squished into one tiny compartment. Terry Boot glanced watchfully out the compartment door. He assigned himself makeshift bodyguard, being the most menacing of them all. They were taking no chances. There was precious cargo aboard and he intended to keep it that way. Fear of the new school year had gripped these students over the summer. Their parents wouldn't tell them much of anything, and it was the unknown that made them tremble more than anything. They couldn't prepare, they had no idea what the school year would be like.

A voice blared through the walls; dark, menacing with evidence of impending doom. Severus Snape. "Greetings, everyone. Welcome home to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, registry proudly denying all mudblood imposters. I am glad to present to all you children our new ministry-approved employees Amycus and Alecto Carrow, teaching Dark Arts and Muggle Studies respectively. I told you this so that you would be on your best behavior for these new appointees when they arrive at Hogwarts." The DA went ballistic, swearing and grimacing as one; except for Ginny Weasley. Smiling, ever so slightly, she motioned them to shut up. "Time's are looking grim, brothers, " gaining momentum she continued, "Harry, Ron , and Hermione are gone, along with numerous others off fighting You Know Who, Tom Riddle. We've been left behind. Not really though. We are here now to defend our school, our home and our brothers and sisters from these cows, excuse me the Carrows, who have waddled their way into our lives. We are as ell ain't going down without a fight." Ginny pasued, looked at Neville for support that he gladly gave willfully.

" She's right, you know." Luna whispered. Ginny continued " The first years, they have to know how great Hogwarts can be. I don't know what we are fighting but I do know we have to fight hard, not for us but for all our brothers and sisters out there that need a little hope."

The compartment door closed, and the plans began.