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Chapter 6:

The Hogwarts Express

Harry couldn't help but laugh as he watched James and Sirius lug their trunks down the stairs. Neither one of them looked happy to be returning to Hogwarts. It was raining heavily outside and the sky was a horrible grey colour. "The ministry can't spare us a ministry car this morning so we're going to have to take a muggle taxi," Dorea told the boys, "time to show me how good you are at muggle studies. I'm going to need help with the money."

They didn't have much problem with the muggle taxi driver. He was a little bit confused by the owls and the large trunks but other than that he seemed perfectly comfortable with the three magical people in the back of his cab. The three in the backseat tried desperately not to discuss anything that the muggle wasn't supposed to know about but that left them with nothing to talk about. Dorea tried making conversation with the taxi driver but almost burst out laughing when he said; "Normally get some right weirdoes going to Kings Cross on the first of September… strange folk you know… nothing like yourselves… wearing strange cloaks and…" The man shuddered at a memory, "always saying weird things… talking about some school… Higwurts I think they said…"

The Hogwarts Express was waiting for them on the platform. There was steam everywhere and James could barely see the other students on the platform. James and Sirius went to find seats, stowing their luggage in an empty compartment half way along the train. They then hopped back off the train to say goodbye to Mrs Potter. Sirius noticed his mother was further down the platform saying goodbye to his younger brother Regulus. Mrs Black barely even acknowledged her eldest son.

Soon the other Gryffindor fourth years were with the two boys, "did you get a compartment?" Peter asked as he lugged his trunk onto the train. James nodded in response.

Dorea turned to Alice, "don't worry about your mum Ali. I promise I will look after her."

"Thank you Aunt Dori," Alice said as tears fell down her cheek. Mrs Potter pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Don't worry love… just have a good year at school… learn lots… have fun…"


The journey from Kings Cross promised to be long and tedious. The ten Gryffindors sat together. Lily had her copy of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 4 out and was taking notes.

"The year hasn't even started yet, Evans… and you're already learning…" James commented.

"Indeed – that's why I'm going to do better than you in my O. next year," Lily replied with a smirk.

"Fair play," James laughed.

The Gryffindors discussed their holidays on their way to Scotland. Several of their other friends came to join them briefly. Dorcas Meadowes and Emmilene Vance, a couple of fourth year Ravenclaws joined them for half an hour. The Gryffindors had a constant flow of guests, Dorian and Doreen Jackson popped their heads in to say hello. As did Will Stone, Kate's brother and several other Gryffindor students. Holly Moresby and Renee Arteage came to see James as they crossed the Scottish boarder. "Alright captain?" Holly grinned.

"I knew you'd get it," Renee smiled as she pointed at his badge.

"Hey girls," James and Sirius said at the same time.

"So are you going to play seeker or chaser this year James?" Holly asked.

"Don't know – haven't thought about it," James replied honestly.

"Fair play… we're so going to win this year!" Renee grinned.

"How's that boyfriend of yours… Preston Rowlands…" Sirius winked.

"He's ok," Renee blushed.

James turned to Holly who had taken the seat next to him, "So Holly… you're in third year now… looking forward to Hogsmeade?"

"You have no idea how much," Holly replied.

"I was wondering if you would like to go with me to Hogsmeade… you know for the first one… I could show you around…" James looked almost nervous as he asked her out.

"I'm not sure I should date my captain. You might get in trouble for special treatment…" Holly blushed.

"I'll have you know my old Captain, Astrix Alixate just married his old keeper…"

"I'm not sure I'm ready for a marriage proposal Potter," she winked.

"Good…" he laughed, "but seriously how about it? Hogsmeade?"

"Sure – I'd love to…" Holly grinned.

The girls left shortly after that and the compartment turned quiet until Lily looked at her watch and told them that they should change into their school robes. They were due to arrive shortly.


When the train pulled into the dark Hogsmeade station, the doors opened and the students heard thunder overhead. They rushed out of the station and into the carriages. James was beginning to get hungry. He couldn't wait for the feast. There was nothing quite like Hogwarts food. James noticed several terrified first years and couldn't help but smile, poor kids. They waited for the carriages to proceed up to the castle. As they waited they discussed the day's news.

James was anxious to hear more about last night's attacks and apparently his friends felt the same way. James told them what his mother had told him. They weren't completely surprised. The carriages started towards the school. James watched as the school came closer. He could barely see it for all the rain but he was excited about being back. The Gryffindors rushed up the steps of the castle and into the Great Hall. The Great Hall looked as magnificent as ever, decorated for the start-of-term feast. Golden plates and goblets sat on the house tables and there were hundreds of candles floating over them in midair. The third years took their place at the Gryffindor table. The house ghost, Nearly Headless Nick was sat not too far away from them. He nodded at James before continuing a conversation with one of the older students.

Several Slytherins walked past the Gryffindor table including Severus Snape. Snape smiled at Lily before continuing towards his own table. Sirius stuck his foot out and tripped Snape over. Snape's wand was out before he hit the ground. Sirius and James began to laugh loudly. "I'm going to get you for that Potter," Snape glared at James.

James sighed, "Can't wait…" as he pulled out his own wand.

Lily was stood now with her wand pointed at James, "Potter – drop your wand."

"Evans – what the hell? I'm only defending myself."

"That's not what it looks like to me," Lily said angrily, "Just go Sev."

Snape laughed before walking away. The second Snape was sat down; James pocketed his wand once more. "What was that about?" James asked.

"Why do you insist on teasing him, Potter?" Lily frowned.

"He's the one who threatened me… and he pulled his wand out first," James replied.

"You tripped him up!"

"Actually Evans…" Sirius began, "that was me…"


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