Author's Notes: I am going to warn everyone now that events take a turn in this chapter you may not like. I posted this update on another site and some of my readers were very upset to the point of stating they would not be reading any further installments. I think this is quite juvenile of them, as I have some great and exciting things planned for this story. I ask you all to read this installment with an open mind and remember that this is a soul-bond story and Harry and Ginny are already well and truly together. Thanks, as always to my betas, Arnel, Brennus, and seekers_destiny.

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Harry was jarred awake by the sound of a neighbour running his lawnmower. Groaning, he cracked his eyes open and judging by the thin sliver of light shining through the crack of the shuttered window by his bed it was early morning, perhaps just after dawn. He didn't recall having shutters on his window in his room at the Weasleys, and he sat up abruptly, his head pounding with the sudden movement. Blearily rubbing his forehead, he reached blindly towards the rickety bedside table to fumble for his glasses. Finding them, he placed them on his nose and squinted about the dim room. Plain, whitewashed walls came into focus, a rough wood doorframe, the window and another bed that contained a lump beneath the dishevelled sheets and bedcovers. The lawnmower sound was coming from the lump, and Harry realized it was only Ron snoring and they were in a room at the Leaky Cauldron.

Heaving a sigh, he fell back against the thin pillows of his bed and stared up at the ceiling. All summer he had been plagued by dreams of the phantom mist that had overtaken him outside his parents ruined cottage. After the first encounter, he had awoken in the guest room of Bathilda's home, surrounded by the worried faces of Ginny, her parents, Bathilda, and Professor Dumbledore. They informed him he had been unconscious for over two days, and had inquired if he had any recollection of what had happened to him.

Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to recall a thing except the piercing pain in his scar and feeling surrounded by immense anger. He hadn't been sure how to put that into words. All he knew was it hadn't been a pleasant experience. Apparently, Professor Dumbledore deduced as much and didn't press the matter.

Harry had been relieved to know Ginny had not been affected by whatever disturbance had caused his seizure, and had only been worried along with her parents. Apparently, Professor Dumbledore had grilled her quite intensely while Harry had been unconscious in the hopes that she would be able to give him further insight into what had happened. Ginny informed Harry later, that the headmaster had been disappointed she hadn't had any further information for him. She also mentioned that the he had taken her parents and Bathilda into a private conference, leaving her to watch over Harry. When her parents returned they had had troubled looks on their faces, but would not share whatever the headmaster had divulged to them.

Harry and Ginny had spent many hours trying to figure out what may have been said in that closed meeting, to no avail. However, the morning after he had awoken, they had come across a disturbing article in the Daily Prophet that detailed the untimely demise of Professor Quirrell. Ginny noted that his death had occurred the same day Harry had his encounter and it set them to wondering if there was some connection. None of the adults were forthcoming with any information and chalked it up to Harry having simply come down with a cold.

Bathilda had insisted they stay an extra day with her, to make sure Harry was at full health. While he had been aggravated that no one seemed to be able to explain what had happened to him, it had been nice to sit with the wizened witch and hear tales about his parents. She informed him he could visit any time and had made him promise to write to her from time to time to let her know how he was fairing. He had readily agreed.

It was clear that the Weasleys were disturbed by the turn of events in Godric's Hollow, as was to be expected, and once they returned to the Burrow did not allow either himself or Ginny to leave the garden. That meant no visits to see Luna and the summer turned out to be interminably long, boring, and hot. They spent most of their time outside by the pond with Ron and the twins, and occasionally Luna when she was able to visit. Percy spent the summer in his room, as he had the previous summer, However, he made considerable use of his owl, Hermes, which had them all speculating as to who he was writing to so prolifically.

Their school letters had arrived on Harry's birthday and they had hoped it would mean a trip to Diagon Alley to procure their school supplies. However, the adult Weasleys had other plans and informed them that they would not travel there until the day before school started. The worried glances Ginny's parents exchanged had not gone unnoticed nor the crease that had appeared between Mrs Weasley's brows when she perused the school lists. All of her children still at Hogwarts were required to obtain a new set of Defence Against the Dark Arts textbooks, none of which would be available used. Ginny also was in need of a wand and school robes, as her petite frame was far too small even for Ron's hand-me-down school robes. Harry had tried to politely remind Mrs Weasley that Ginny would be able to access the money that was in the Potter vault to pay for her school things, but this had not gone over too well.

As it was, when they did finally arrive in Diagon Alley and went to Gringotts to withdraw money from their vaults, Mrs Weasley only took enough from Harry's vault to cover the cost of the new Defence books he needed plus the alterations to the school robes he had purchased last year that were now a few inches too short in the sleeves and hem. He had managed to convince her to allow him to take a bit extra for spending money, but she had not allowed Ginny to do the same. The girl had not complained of this, since, despite their discussion back in autumn, Harry suspected she still had misgivings about sharing in his inheritance. He would have to be sure to speak with her about it at some point, but for the time being took enough to cover both of them.

Ron snorted in his sleep, shaking Harry from his reverie and he slipped out of bed to rummage in his trunk for clothes. He came across the box that contained his wand and removing the lid, slipped the shiny black stick of wood out of the cushioned lining. He recalled how he had felt when Mr Ollivander had placed it in his hand the first time last year. It had been as if a surge of energy had flowed from his hand into the holly wood. The wand maker had been very happy to see him again yesterday when they had entered his shop to obtain a wand for Ginny. After only a couple of tries, the wand that had chosen her was a sleek nine inch golden hazel wood with a dragon heartstring core. As soon as she had wrapped her hand around its spiralled handle the tip of the wand had glowed brightly and colourful sparks had shot out the end. Mr Ollivander had crowed in delight declaring it was a perfect match, foreseeing many a powerful spell being cast by the young witch.

Harry, are you nervous?

He grimaced, realizing he was indeed feeling apprehensive about attending the Wizarding school and being surrounded by students who, to hear Ron tell it, had been speculating over his whereabouts all year. It didn't help matters that he and Ron had heard the muffled sounds of Mrs Weasley's weeping from the room next to their own. She had been very vocal about expressing her dismay at her youngest and only daughter going away to school, and it had taken both Mr Weasley and Professor Dumbledore to convince her that it was for the best. She had made the headmaster promise he would ensure that Ginny was kept safe and free from harm and compromising situations.

Yes, he admitted, knowing his best friend had already picked up on his emotion and it would be pointless to lie.

Me too, Ginny replied. But it's going to be okay. We'll be together.

Yeah, Harry agreed.

He and the Weasley brood had spent a considerable amount of time the prior evening at a table in a corner of the Leaky Cauldron discussing Hogwarts and the various Houses he and Ginny could be Sorted into. The boys had been vague as to how the decision was made over where students were placed and would only state that an enchanted hat made the crucial decision. According to Fred and George, which House you were placed in was more important than just about anything else at the school, and apparently some were better than others.

Gryffindor was, naturally the best because for one, every Weasley ever born had been a Gryffindor and most of the students in that house were the coolest, most daring, and popular. Not to mention they had the best Quidditch team, despite the fact that Gryffindor hadn't won the House cup or Quidditch cup in years.

Ravenclaw was the second choice, containing witches and wizards who were well known for their intelligence and creativity. The mention of Hufflepuff was met with snorts of laughter from the twins and Ron, and they stated that most of the students in that house were a bunch of dullards, rejects not good enough for the other houses. However, even they agreed that being placed in Hufflepuff would be better than Slytherin. Slytherin was filled with a nasty assortment of students, most of whose parents had joined in with Voldemort's Death Eater forces during his rise to power.

"Professor Snape is their Head of House," Ron had groused, "and he's the most evil git I know. Always favouring his own students despite the fact that there's not a decent one amongst the lot of them."

Fred and George had concurred that Snape did not have a sense of humour, and seemed to turn a blind eye to any wrong-doing by a Slytherin student. Harry could agree that from his experience with Professor Snape that he was not one for frivolity, but other than that, he couldn't say he felt derision for the man like the twins and Ron.

He pondered all the information he had learned the previous evening about the Houses. Hogwarts: A History never mentioned how the students were Sorted, only that they were judged by traits that most resembled one of the four founders. The textbook had also mentioned that the founders had once been close friends who had decided to build the school in order to pass on their knowledge to young witches and wizards.

Shoving thoughts of Hogwarts aside for the time being, Harry focused on getting dressed and ensuring everything he needed was in his trunk. He and Ron had spent the night before looking over their school things and flipping through the pages of their new set of Defence Against the Dark Arts books. They had had a good laugh over the large picture of the author, Gilderoy Lockhart that adorned the back of each book. With his perfectly coiffed blond hair, and gleaming white teeth, he had smiled broadly out at them, his blue eyes twinkling merrily as he winked. Ron had immediately announced the wizard looked like a ponce, which had elicited dark looks from the picture of the man in question.

The books were thrown haphazardly in the top of Harry's trunk, next to the box that had contained his wand. Laying his wand aside, he took out a Muggle shirt and trousers, dressed quickly and was just slipping his wand in his back pocket when Ron stirred.

"What'sit?" he mumbled blearily, scrubbing at this eyes and squinting over at Harry.

"Nearly time to go, I think," Harry answered just as the sound of the loud voices of the twins could be heard. They pounded on the door to the room as they passed and soon could be heard trampling down the stairs to the pub below.

"Right," Ron groaned, clearly not a morning person. "I'll be there."

Knowing the red haired boy was indicating breakfast, Harry nodded. Picking up Hedwig's cage he opened the door of the room before grabbing the handle of his trunk. He dragged it across the wooden floor, causing Ron to grimace at the loud scraping.

"Sorry," Harry apologized, and with a final jerk of his arm, tugged the trunk out into the hallway.

"Ah, Harry," Mr Weasley called, and Harry turned to see Ginny's father heading towards him down the hall, followed by his daughter. She smiled brightly at Harry and he returned the smile.

"Let me help you with that," her father said, drawing his wand and easily levitating the heavy trunk.

"Thank you, Mr Weasley," he fell into step beside Ginny and they continued to follow her father down the stairs, Harry's trunk leading the way.

"Wish we could do magic," Ginny sighed and Harry nodded his agreement. He had to admit, despite his nervousness, he was very excited to finally be attending Hogwarts. After spending a year observing Mr and Mrs Weasley perform magic on a daily basis, he felt he was well acclimated to his new world and ready to try his hand at spellwork.

Breakfast was a wild and noisy affair, with Mrs Weasley shouting several times at the twins to behave and stop badgering Percy. Afterwards, they all trooped out the exit that led to Charing Cross Road where Mr Weasley had parked the Anglia the night before. Harry wasn't certain how all of them plus all their trunks, cages, and other paraphernalia were going to fit in the boot of the car, but Mr Weasley didn't appear to have any trouble. He fit all six trunks in the boot and there was still room for their satchels.

Harry, Ginny and the twins sat in the back of the car, while Ron, Percy and the adult Weasleys were in the front. Harry held Hedwig's cage on his lap and was surprised at the amount of the room he still had. He recalled from their trip to Godric's Hollow that there hadn't been a lot of room left with just he and Ginny in the back, certainly not enough to accommodate the twins who were much stockier and taller than the younger children.

"Dad's placed an Undetectable Extension Charm on the car, Harry," Fred leaned over Ginny to whisper.

"But don't tell, Mum," George warned. "She thinks we all really can fit in here, as is, no magic."

"Really?" Harry whispered back, and the twins nodded towards the front where their mother was just remarking to Mr Weasley how roomy the car was.

Despite the heavy traffic, it was a short drive from Charing Cross Road to King's Cross Station, and Harry suspected Mr Weasley had added more enhancements to the automobile that allowed it to easily slip past the stopped traffic. They were pulling into a spot in the car park across from the station in no time. Mrs Weasley ordered Mr Weasley and the older boys to obtain trolleys while directing the younger children to stand by the car with her. They soon returned with four trolleys and they loaded them up. Ushering them across the street, Mrs Weasley led the way into the bustling station with Mr Weasley bringing up the rear.

As they entered, they elicited several strange looks from Muggles taking in the large entourage with turn-of-the-century looking trunks and cages containing two owls and a rat. Ignoring the looks, Mrs Weasley cleared a path to Platform Nine and headed for a column about halfway down the platform.

Harry pulled his letter from Hogwarts out of his jumper pocket and examined it again, noting that it stated that he was to report to Platform 9 3/4. Looking about he could plainly see signs that indicated Platforms Nine and Ten, but none for half or quarters. He was about to ask when Fred and George firmly gripped the handles of their trolleys and began barrelling towards the column Mrs Weasley stood beside. He couldn't help the yelp of surprise that escaped him as the twins approached the hard brick wall and instead of crashing into it as he had expected, disappeared completely.

"What?" Harry asked dumbly.

"Our platform is on the other side," Percy explained.

"But, they disappeared!" Harry exclaimed. "Won't the Muggles notice?" He glanced around at all the people rushing about to reach their destinations.

"It's an enchanted portal," the elder boy expounded, as Ron disappeared through the wall. "As you can see, the Muggles are too busy trying to get where they are going to notice."

"And the Notice-Me-Not Charms cast in this area aid in that," Mr Weasley offered, joining in the conversation. He smiled down at Harry, "Ready to give it a try?"

Harry nodded uncertainly, gripping the handle of his trolley tighter. Taking a deep breath, he moved closer to the column.

"Just walk straight towards it, Harry," Mrs Weasley offered encouragingly. He glanced at Ginny who smiled back.

"Good luck!" she cheered, giving him the fortification he needed to ignore what his brain was telling him was an impossibility. Taking a deep breath and quickening his pace, Harry walked into the column and found himself entering a bustling station, filled with students of all ages and their guardians. There were trunks similar to his own and cages containing owls, rats, and cats. Fred and George waved merrily to him, as they and Ron unloaded their trolleys, stacking the trunks on the platform. Behind them stood a gleaming train, its sides emblazoned with Hogwarts Express.

Students were already on board leaning out of the windows to call final farewells to their parents. Harry stared in wonder at the train and people clamouring about wearing an assortment of Muggle attire and wizard robes.

"You better move, Harry," Fred called.

"Unless you want to be run over," George remarked, nodding towards the column.

Harry stepped aside moments before Percy came barrelling through the column, followed closely by Ginny, and her parents. Mrs Weasley immediately began fussing with Ginny, smoothing her hair and asking if she had the lunch she had prepared for her.

"Yes, Mum," Ginny sighed in exasperation.

"Be good at school," Mrs Weasley reminded her. "Listen to your teachers, don't get into mischief, stay close to your brothers."

"If you don't want me to get into mischief, I'd better avoid Fred and George then," her daughter retorted, succeeding in redirecting her mother's concern for her over to her twin brothers. She turned on the twins and began admonishing them to behave, while Mr Weasley went to assist Percy with transferring all of their trunks to the baggage car.

Ginny turned and grinned to Harry and Ron. "Let's stick together, anyway," she suggested in a low voice so her mother would not hear.

"Fine," Ron agreed, "At least until the train pulls out of the station."

Mrs Weasley had finished lecturing the twins and was now hugging them tightly. Pushing them towards the train, she did the same to Percy as he returned to the group with his father before turning on the trio standing behind her. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she pulled first Ron and then Ginny into tight hugs. Harry stood awkwardly back, beside Mr Weasley who placed a hand lightly on his shoulder. Mrs Weasley whispered in her daughter's ear before turning to Harry.

"Harry, be safe," she simply said before raising her arms and pulling him into a hug. Shock flooded through him as she wrapped her arms about him, enveloping him in her soft warmth. She smelled like fresh cotton and yeast rolls, and he could not name the sensation that was coursing through him - shock, happiness, wonder, joy, regret all in one. She was withdrawing before he had had a chance to respond, or even absorb what had just happened.

The train whistle blew announcing its imminent departure and any stranglers left on the platform began rushing to board the train.

"Go!" Mrs Weasley called to her own children, as she and her husband began ushering them towards the nearest entrance. Harry followed behind Ron and Ginny, and clambered up into the train. They immediately began pushing their way down the aisle looking for an empty compartment to claim.

"Move!" Ron yelled to a couple of first years blocking the corridor. They scampered into the nearest compartment, before peeking their heads back out to see who had barked the order at them. When they spotted Ron and then looked past him at his companions, their eyes grew as wide as saucers and they unabashedly gaped at Harry.

In the close quarters of the train, he was becoming acutely aware of the stares he was receiving from not just the two first years, but any of the students they passed. A trail of whispers followed the trio as they attempted to weave their way through. Ginny took a firm hold of Harry's hand and then Ron's under the pretence of sticking together. Ron glared back at her for a moment, but as soon as he saw the look on his sister's face, he wisely kept his mouth closed and his lips formed a grim line as he returned to the task of leading the way.

"Blimey, that's Harry Potter!... Isn't he our age?... Where's he been?"

Harry cringed inwardly as he heard his name repeated over and over again as they moved down the aisle, and as was quickly becoming a habit just in the brief amount of time he had been back in the eyes of the Wizarding world, brushed his fringe down over the scar that might as well be a large flashing sign signalling his presence.

"Harry Potter! Harry, may I have your autograph?" a small, blond-headed boy stepped out of a compartment, blocking Harry's path, and obtusely unaware of Ginny scowling at his back.

"Er," Harry started, staring at the little boy who stood a head shorter than himself. "No?"

"Oh, please!" the boy persisted. "I'm Muggle-born, you see, but I've read all about you in our History of Magic textbook! You're the first famous wizard I've met!"

"He said no," Ginny firmly interjected, saving Harry the trouble of having to decline again.

The boy ignored Ginny and smiled brightly up at Harry. "That's all right, then. Maybe you'll feel up to it later." He bounced back into his compartment as unperturbed as he had been when he had intercepted them.

"Maybe I'll feel up to it?" Harry echoed as Ginny began dragging him down the corridor.

Ron snorted ahead of him. "As Mum would say, 'you are looking rather peaky, Harry'."

"Your mum never says that to me," Harry answered, feeling put-out that Ron and Ginny were treating him as if he were made of glass.

"We don't think that, Harry," Ginny admonished as Ron chirruped back. "She will one day, mate."

Harry shook his head. Mrs Weasley had warmed greatly to him over the past year and had even been so kind as to pack him a corned beef sandwich along with the ones she had made for the rest of her children, as well as give him his first hug, which he was still trying to process. However, he knew he was toeing a fine line when it came to the matriarch of the Weasley household. It was still going to take more time, and one day seemed a lifetime away.

"Finally!" Ron sighed, opening the door to an empty compartment and flinging himself onto a seat. Ginny pulled Harry inside and slid the door closed, effectively shutting out the shouts and calls of their fellow students. They settled across from Ron who had turned to wave out the window at his mother, who was standing on the platform looking intently from window to window until she knew all her children were accounted for, safely ensconced in compartments. Ginny looked out the window, waving enthusiastically, and her mother beamed when she saw Ginny and waved back.

The compartment door slid open revealing the twins and Percy who entered and clambered over Harry and Ron, ignoring their protests to wave at their mother as well.

Wave to Mum, Harry, Ginny whispered through his head.

Sighing, Harry stood and gazed over Ron's shoulder to wave timorously out at Mrs Weasley. She returned his wave and to his surprise her smile didn't waver. He smiled hesitantly back at her before plopping back into his seat with the others. The train lurched as it began pulling out of the station, and Ginny and Percy continued to wave at their mother until their car had rolled past her.

"Budge over, Ron!" Fred groused good-naturedly, shoving Ron over to make room for himself by the window.

"You nearly squashed Scabbers!" Ron shouted, rescuing his rat from where he had settled on the bench.

"I doubt he would have noticed it," George remarked.

"I'm going to look for Seamus and Dean," the youngest male Weasley groused, placing his still shivering rat in his shirt pocket before exiting the compartment.

"Ah, we should find Lee," Fred suggested, looking over at his twin.

"Agreed," his counterpart said, stepping away from the window.

Percy placed a hand firmly on George's arm before he could pass completely, "The prefects will be patrolling the aisles soon. No funny business."

"Who? Us?" Fred asked innocently.

Their elder brother looked between the twins sternly until both raised their right hands in a solemn vow. "We swear we're up to good."

Harry noticed both boys had their left hands hidden behind their backs with their fingers crossed. Fred glanced over his shoulder and winked down at him.

"We'll see," Percy doubtfully said, before turning his attentions to Ginny and Harry. "Will you two be all right here?"

Ginny nodded. "I imagine Luna will be along sooner or later."

Percy hesitated a moment longer before nodding. "If I'm not in the aisle I'll be in the prefects' carriage if you need me."

"Thanks, mum," Fred called as he and George sidled out the door. Percy glared after them, waving farewell to Ginny and Harry as he exited after his two mischievous brothers.

Harry leaned back on the bench as Ginny heaved a sigh of relief.

"Well," she breathed excitedly. "We're finally on our way, Harry!" She beamed over at him. "And Mum hugged you!"

"Yeah," he said, still uncertain how he felt about Mrs Weasley's sudden turn of affection.

"You didn't like it?" his friend asked in concern. "I thought you'd be happy."

"I am," Harry assured her, "It's just, I don't know what to make of it. No one's ever hugged me before except you, Ginny."

Ginny nodded her head. "I know, Harry, but that's going to change."

Not long after, Luna found them and the three of them spent the morning watching the scenery pass by and speculating what Hogwarts would really be like. They had pulled their robes out of their satchels for inspection and had put them on after seeing several prefects pass by their compartment already wearing their own school uniforms.

Harry had noted that the piping on the prefects robes were different colours than the standard black of their own robes, to which Luna had commented the piping would change colour after they were placed in their respective Houses. Later in the day, Ron returned in time for lunch and scoffed at their eagerness when he saw they already had donned their school attire. Despite his teasing, and more than likely in order not to feel left out, he had quickly pulled his own uniform out and was wearing it before lunch, as well.

Lunch consisted of corned-beef sandwiches Mrs Weasley had packed for them, and which Harry thought were one of the best things he had ever tasted. He was half-way through his second sandwich when a trolley with more sweets than he had ever seen in his lifetime stopped at their door. The portly woman accompanying the trolley, popped her head in and asked them if they wanted anything, and even as Ron was shaking his head no, Harry was standing, his hand reaching in his pocket for the galleons he had taken for spending money.

"What do you want?" he asked his friends, his eyes roving over the colourful boxes that promised to contain Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans, and every other treat imaginable. He reached for a box of Every-Flavour Beans.

"It means exactly what it says, mate," Ron commented, coming to his side and eagerly reaching for a couple of Chocolate Frogs. "May I?" he asked, glancing over at Harry.

"Whatever you want," Harry insisted.

"I'd like a Pumpkin Pasty, please," Ginny told the woman.

"Do you have any candied turnips?" Luna asked, her wide blue eyes staring unblinking at the lady.

"No, dearie, afraid not," the woman responded without batting an eye at the odd request. "How about a sugar quill?"

"No, thank you," Luna replied. "I suppose a Liquorice Wand will have to do."

After perusing the cart a few moments longer and deciding to buy everything it had to offer, the four friends returned to their compartment. Their arms were laden with cauldron cakes, Chocolate Frogs, Liquorice Wands, jelly slugs, as well as the Every-Flavour Beans. They gorged themselves on the sweets saving the Every Flavour Beans for last and were now enjoying a fun game of guessing the flavor before sampling the candy. So far, Luna was winning, as she had an uncanny knack of knowing exactly what flavour each bean was, even when faced with two beans that were nearly the exact same shade of brown. One had turned out to be earthworm, and the other worn shoe leather. Harry was just reaching for a bright red bean he was hoping would be cherry when the compartment door slid open and a bushy haired girl, dressed in her school robes and carrying a satchel of books, poked her head in.

"Hello, Ron," she said, eyeing him speculatively, "I'm surprised to see you in your uniform already!" she exclaimed before turning her gaze to Ginny. "You must be Ginny, Ron's sister. I've heard about you from your older brother, Percy. My name's Hermione Granger, and I'm a second year."

Ron rolled his eyes at Hermione as she continued on. "I'm in Gryffindor just like all of your brothers. I suppose that's where you'll be Sorted, as well." She looked over to where Harry and Luna were sitting and her eyes bulged in shock. "You're Harry Potter!"

"I've been hearing that a lot today," Harry grumbled in acknowledgement of her pronouncement.

Hermione's eyebrows knitted together in thought as she openly scrutinized him. "You're our age," she began indicating herself and Ron. "Why are you just starting this year?"

"He's a slow learner," Ron offered.

Hermione ignored Ron as she took a seat next to him, completely missing the glare he was shooting her as she focused her attention on Harry. "I've read all about you. You're mentioned in Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century; after all, you are the only witch or wizard to ever have survived the Killing Curse." She dug within her satchel and pulled out a textbook whose binding was well worn and cracked from study, and she began flipping the pages near the back of the book. "This book contains the date and your age at the time, and I realized if you had survived you should have been at school last year, only you weren't."

She thrust the book into Harry's lap and pointed to the paragraph containing a brief synopsis of the events that had occurred on October 31, 1981. Harry scanned the words, stopping at the point where Bathilda very clinically described how his parents had been cut down by the Killing Curse before Voldemort turned his attentions to young Harry. He knew now that the old woman had had the most difficulty writing this portion of the book, hence the reason for its succinctness. She had been too close to his parents and him, and simply couldn't bring herself to relive the nightmare of that horrific night when she had first been tasked to write the next edition of their textbook. She had informed him that for many years she had only retained the very basic memories of that evening, as the knowledge of knowing she had been just down the street and helpless to aid Lily and James had tormented her endlessly otherwise. Harry tore his gaze from the words and glared up at Hermione.

"Thanks for reminding me," Harry sarcastically said.

"It's common knowledge," Hermione continued matter-of-factly, oblivious to his discomfort.

"Harry doesn't like talking about it," Luna offered quietly from her spot by the window.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Hermione asked politely.

"I'm Luna Lovegood, Harry's best friend," Luna replied, staring intently at the older girl.

"As am I," Ginny interjected. "And I must say, you have been quite rude."

"Oh," Hermione replied, looking between Luna and Harry, and then over at Ginny who was openly glaring at the girl. Hermione looked somewhat stricken at the sudden amount of tension in the compartment. "I'm sorry. I was just curious, that's all."

"I had difficulty adjusting to the news," Harry offered, feeling a twinge of sympathy. "You see, I didn't know about any of that until last year. As you can imagine, it was quite a blow to realize my parents had been magical and murdered."

"Oh," Hermione nodded, standing and heading to the door, which she quickly opened. "I didn't know. Again, I'm sorry." She stepped out and began closing the door.

"She is such a know-it-all," Ron complained loudly. "She was like that all last year! She doesn't have any friends because she thinks she knows more than any of us."

A sob escaped from Hermione and she turned blindly away, bumping into someone just outside Harry's line of view. She dropped her satchel to the floor and her books spilled out over the corridor floor.

"Look where you're going, Granger!" a cold voice spat.

The door slid open again to reveal Hermione on the floor attempting to gather up her books through her tears and a pale, pinch-faced boy with hair that was so blond it was nearly white, stepped over her and into the compartment. He was accompanied by two larger boys who would have fit in perfectly with Dudley and his gang and Harry immediately felt a strong dislike for the three boys. The larger boys remained in the corridor and began harassing Hermione as she continued to collect her things, kicking her fallen books further down the corridor, and stomping on the parchment and quills that were scattered about.

The blond boy looked around at the four of them with a sneer. "Well, Weasley, I see your little sister will be attending Hogwarts this year." He took in Ron's and Ginny's robes. "I see your father still couldn't manage to scrape together enough money to buy you decent robes."

Ron emitted a low growl as he glared up at the haughty boy, and there was no mistaking the shame Harry felt flood through Ginny at his harsh words. He stood to confront him, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The boy's pale blue eyes alighted on Harry's scar and widened in surprise.

"Harry Potter!" the boy exclaimed. His sneer turned to a smile and he stepped forward, holding out his hand, clearly unshaken by the cold look upon Harry's face. "I'm Draco Malfoy."

Harry stared at Draco's outstretched hand, but did not offer his own. "Apologize," he firmly stated.

"Excuse me?" Draco asked, the smile on his face wavering.

"Apologize," Harry repeated, "To my friends."

"For what? I only stated the truth! I'd be careful who you choose to associate with, Potter," he spat, even as he was back-stepping out of the compartment. His two cronies immediately stopped tormenting Hermione to stand behind their leader.

"I could say the same about you, Malfoy," Harry retorted looking between Draco's counterparts.

"I know the right sort," Draco proclaimed. "This is Crabbe and Goyle. Why don't you come sit with us? We can set you to rights."

"I'm all right here, thanks," Harry replied, as Ron, Ginny and Luna came to stand in the doorway and glare at Draco, as well.

Draco's nose crinkled up in disgust. "Suit yourself, Potter. You'll find out soon enough when we arrive at Hogwarts."

He turned and walked quickly back down the corridor from whence he had come, followed by his friends. Harry watched him a moment longer before kneeling to help Hermione collect the remainder of her things. She kept her head bowed and avoided looking at him. He reached for a plain, black book nearest his feet and picked it up along with a couple of second year spellbooks that had scattered further down the corridor. He silently handed the stack of books to her.

"Thank you," Hermione murmured, taking the books and shoving them into her satchel before finally lifting her head to glance at him. "Again, I'm sorry."

She stood and hurried down the corridor in the opposite direction from Draco.

"I think you hurt her feelings, Ron," Ginny commented.

"Who cares? What about Draco hurting ours?" Ron carped. "He had no right to talk about Dad that way!"

"I know," Ginny agreed, and Harry glanced over at her to see her eyes full of sadness.

"Don't worry about what Draco said," he assured them. "We all know how hard your father works."

"Well, now you've met, Draco," Ron said as they re-entered their compartment. "You don't have to guess which House he belongs to. Slytherin."

"They can't all be like him," Luna commented, settling by the window again.

"Trust me, they are," Ron firmly said.

"You shouldn't judge a whole House by a few students," the blonde girl counselled.

"You'll see when we get to Hogwarts," he retorted, and Harry couldn't help but think how much he sounded like Draco when he said it.

hghghghg ghghghgh

They spent the remainder of the ride to Hogwarts, attempting to put the uncomfortable confrontation with both Hermione and Draco out of their minds by discussing what they could expect upon their arrival at the school. Ron was particularly close-lipped on this matter, as he felt strongly that since he had not been apprised on the matter when he had begun school the previous year, then neither should they. He left them when they approached the station to seek out his own group of friends, stating all the first years were required to stay together and arrive at the school in a separate group from the rest of the student body.

When the train came to a complete stop, Ginny, Harry, and Luna exited their compartment and joined the thronging group of students in the corridor all making their way to the exits of the car. Excited chatter filled the air as both students new and old called out to their friends on the platform. The blond boy from earlier in the day spotted them as they stepped down from the car and waved enthusiastically in their direction.

"Isn't it exciting?" he chirruped, as they approached. "I'm Colin Creevey, by the way!"

"Hello," Luna said kindly, returning Colin's wide smile. "I'm Luna, and these are my friends, Ginny and…"

"Harry Potter!" Colin said breathlessly. "I know. We met earlier, remember, Harry?"

Harry nodded, wincing as Colin pulled his camera out again. Hagrid's familiar voice boomed above the noise of the crowd, distracting the blond boy. He turned his camera away from Harry to begin madly snapping pictures as the giant approached. Ginny heard Harry's sigh of relief and grinned over at him.

"You're a celebrity, Harry," she teased.

"Shut it," he returned.

"First years, come with me!" Hagrid bellowed, causing Colin to jump. The groundskeeper grinned down at the four of them. "Hello, Ginny and Harry! Good to see you again!"

"You, too, Hagrid!" Harry replied, having brightened considerably upon seeing his friend.

"And who are your friends?" Hagrid asked, looking Luna and Colin over.

The small blond boy beamed up at Hagrid in wonder. "I'm Colin! Are you a giant?"

"I suppose to you I am," Hagrid said with a smile and reached down to ruffle Colin's hair with a meaty paw, before turning his attention on Luna. "And I'd bet anything you're Luna Lovegood."

"How did you know?" Luna asked, her blue eyes widening as she gazed up at the giant of a man.

"Look just like your mum when she was a first year," Hagrid replied, causing Luna to smile brightly up at him. "Come along you four, you can ride with me."

He turned and began making his way back down the platform. His large form created enough of a wake in the crowd that the four first years were able to follow easily in his path. Along the way he kept shouting for the first years to follow him, and the quartet was soon joined by the remaining students starting at Hogwarts that year. When they reached the end of the platform, Ginny espied a small dock, about which several boats with lanterns hanging off their bows bobbed in the water. The platform had been so brightly lit by torches, she hadn't even realized they were so close to a lake until then. Most of the older students had already disappeared, leaving just Hagrid and the first years clustered about the dock.

"Everybody choose a boat, but be sure to keep your hands and feet inside at all times," Hagrid warned. "We're crossing the Great Lake, and ye never know what may be lurkin' beneath the surface."

He stepped into the closest boat and gestured for Ginny and the others to follow. All the other students began scrambling for boats as well, some teetering precariously as they fought for seats. Hagrid kept their boat steady, and once the four of them were seated, he turned towards the bow and it began moving out onto the water.

Ginny gazed about, the excitement growing within as they drew away from the dock. In the distance she could see the faint pinpricks of light and the outline of a castle. She glanced over at Harry to find him just as transfixed by the sight. Meanwhile, Colin was again snapping pictures, although it was so dark, Ginny doubted any of them would turn out. He babbled happily to Luna, who didn't seem to mind his constant stream of chatter, and only nodded her head in agreement with whatever he said.

As they sailed swiftly over the water, the far shore drew closer and the size and shape of the castle became more distinct. It was massive, with several towers that reached into the sky. The windows twinkled with candlelight and large torches blazed beside the two heavy oak doors that marked the main entrance to the school.

As they approached the rocky shore, the water rippled beside their boat and the murky shape of some large creature floated beneath the surface and disappeared under their boat. Colin squeaked in delight and leaned precariously over the side of the boat to gain a better look. If it hadn't been for Luna, holding on to the collar of his robes, Ginny was certain he would have fallen overboard.

Soon, the bow scraped along the shallow bottom and Hagrid stepped out to pull the boat further onto dry land.

"Good luck to ya," he called to them, smiling broadly, his white teeth flashing behind his bushy beard.

"Thanks, Hagrid," they chorused, as the other boats slid up around them. Students eagerly began jumping out and climbing the uneven steps.

Ginny stepped out of the boat, followed by her friends, and joined the pack of students. Her anticipation mounted as she climbed the stairs and she resisted the urge to run full tilt up them, shoving students aside.

I can't believe we are finally here, Harry whispered to her, clearly picking up on her excitement.

I know! Ginny squealed, not the least bit embarrassed by her enthusiasm. I've been waiting for this day practically my entire life!

What? I thought the day you finally met me was the day you had been waiting for.

She scowled as she felt her face redden. I'm going to hex Ron.

Harry chuckled, and feeling his happiness bubbling through her caused Ginny's embarrassment to abate. She remembered the first time they had met in their dreams just a year ago, how unsure he had first been. He hadn't trusted that she would want to be his friend. With perseverance, she had won that trust, knowing their meetings in the meadow had been the only times Harry had ever looked forward to.

I'm glad we can experience this together.

Me too! she enthused.

They reached the top of the stairs with the rest of the first years, and Hagrid flung open the heavy doors to reveal Professor McGonagall standing on the other side. All the new students looked expectantly up at her as the groundskeeper stepped aside.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she proclaimed, looking them all over, the grim line of her mouth never wavering. "Before the feast begins, you will be Sorted into your Houses. I will line you up in alphabetical order and you will follow me in an orderly fashion into the Great Hall."

She put great emphasis on the word orderly as she said it and began to arrange them in the line. Somehow she already seemed to know what all the students' names were and what they looked like. Her stern expression did break somewhat when she approached Ginny and Harry, and a hint of a smile appeared on her thin lips. She said nothing as she moved them to their respective places in line, but her warmth towards them was evident all the same. They both grinned up at her, whispering hello. Professor McGonagall nodded her head in acknowledgement before moving on.

She soon had them in a neat line and walked briskly to its front. "Now, follow me!"

Turning, she marched up the steps that led into the castle, and the line followed her in the orderly fashion she had commanded of it. Walking through the entrance, she immediately turned and entered the Great Hall. Hundreds of shimmering candles floated above them, beneath a ceiling enchanted to mimic the evening sky, and Ginny couldn't help but gape up at the ceiling in awe. Four long tables lined the floor, filled with chattering students seated on the benches and another long table stood on a raised platform and contained all of the Hogwarts staff. The staff at the head table quietly observed them as Professor McGonagall ushered the first years to stand in a line in front of the teachers. The loud roar of the chattering students at the four tables abated as they all turned on their benches to stare up at the row of new students before them.

Looking over the tables, Ginny found all of her brothers seated near each other at one, and Fred and George waved excitedly when they saw her looking their way. She smiled tentatively back at them, surprised at the enormous number of butterflies that had suddenly taken up residence in her belly.

She glanced over her shoulder where Harry stood next to Luna. The lenses of his glasses reflected the golden light of the candles, making it hard to see his eyes. Pushing her own nervousness aside, she reached out towards him, and was relieved to feel he was nearly as nervous as she was. He smiled slightly over at her, as Luna explained to him how the candles worked. Apparently, she was quite certain invisible fairies were holding the candles up.

They're enchanted, Ginny whispered, her nervousness abating.

I know, Harry replied, nodding his head at Luna as she continued to tell him that food would magically appear on the tables, delivered by elves. Ginny laughed. At least she knew that much was true, but she would let Harry figure that out by himself.

That bit's true? Harry asked, making Ginny scowl. His knack at reading her mind irked her. Made you stop thinking about the Sorting, he chuckled.

"Attention, everyone!" Professor McGonagall announced, waiting until all the conversations ceased and everyone was giving her their full attention. "It is time for the first years to be Sorted." She placed a small four-legged stool in front of the head table and set a tattered hat upon it.

Hello to those I do not know;

welcome back to those I do.

I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,

and my answers are always true.

There were four founders who created me

to work here in their stead.

I will decide where you will go,

just place me on your head.

Sly Slytherin was resourceful and cunning.

Bold Gryffindor was brave and daring.

Lovely Ravenclaw was witty and smart.

Bright Hufflepuff was loyal and caring.

When Hogwarts began so long ago

the founders were once fast friends.

But over time dissension grew,

and alas, they could not make amends.

Slytherin departed, leaving a gap,

and the others soon followed suit.

But I remain, their faithful servant,

It is good they did not make me mute.

Where once the Houses were divided,

a glimmer of hope I see.

So, all ye students both old and new,

may yet change what the Fates foresee.

After a round of applause, Professor McGonagall unrolled a piece of parchment she had withdrawn from her robe pocket and cleared her throat. "When I call your name, please sit on the stool and place the hat on your head. Amadi, Zera!"

A caramel-skinned, dark haired little girl bounced up to Professor McGonagall, sat on the edge of the stool and plonked the hat upon her head.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat called, and the Ravenclaw table burst into loud applause at being the first house to receive a new student. The little girl ran to sit at the table with her fellow housemates.

"Asher, Noah!" Professor McGonagall announced, and a tall boy, with straight black hair slinked up to the stool.

"SLYTHERIN!" the hat shouted almost as soon as the boy had placed the hat on his head.

Ginny swallowed, the nerves bundling in her belly again. She was at the end of the line, it was going to take forever for it to be her turn, and in the mean time she would have to watch Harry and Luna Sorted. She wasn't sure what she would do if she wasn't in the same house with Harry. All of her brothers were in Gryffindor, and chances were, she would be as well. Surely, Harry would be placed in Gryffindor. They were soul mates, after all.

Stop fretting, Harry assured, even though Ginny could feel his worry bubbling within him.

Only if you will, Ginny replied, realizing while she had been worrying and talking to Harry, three more students' names had been called.

"Cadwallader, Jason," Professor McGonagall stated.

A chubby dark-skinned boy with short, curly hair tentatively approached the chair, sitting precariously on it before placing the hat on his head. The hat took several moments before finally announcing:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

With a face full of relief, the boy ran over to the Hufflepuff table.

"Creevey, Colin!" Professor McGonagall said and the little blond-haired boy who had latched onto Harry ran to the stool and eagerly placed the hat on his head.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Colin was the first student placed in the Gryffindor house and the table erupted in the loudest applause yet as they welcomed a beaming Colin to the table. Ginny watched as her brother, Percy introduced himself to Colin and smiled. Say what you will about Percy, he was very good at being a prefect.

More names were called, Durbin, Hemby, Kettering, Larabee, and the line dwindled bringing them closer to the front. Ginny could see more clearly how ancient the hat looked and wondered what kind of magic had been used to give it sentient thought.

What do you think it does? Harry asked.

Dunno, Ginny replied. Ask Luna. She knows everything.

Speaking of... Harry trailed off and Ginny realized Professor McGonagall was calling Luna's name.

Ginny swallowed, watching her friend calmly walk up to the stool, pick up the hat and place it on her head as she sat.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat announced before she had barely set it on her head. Luna smiled serenely and headed over to her new house table. Ginny's heart sank; she had so been hoping she and Luna would be house and dorm mates. More names were called as Luna settled at her table and began chatting with the Ravenclaw prefect and the two other girls who had been placed in Ravenclaw. She glanced back over at Ginny and smiled encouragingly. Nodding, Ginny turned back, realizing it was Harry's turn. She could feel his trepidation as Professor McGonagall called his name:

"Potter, Harry!"

What little quiet conversation had been happening at the tables ceased as soon as Professor McGonagall announced his name and everyone turned to stare at the front of the Great Hall. Some students at the back rose from their seats to gain a better look and whispers began sweeping over the room.

"Did she say Harry Potter?" "Where has he been this past year?"

Ginny twisted her hands together, watching as he slowly approached the stool, and avoided looking out over the Great Hall. She knew he was trying to ignore the looks and whispers and could feel the spike in his nervousness washing over her. She longed to be able to hold his hand and reassure him, but there were thirteen yet-to-be-Sorted students between them.

I'm here, Harry.

I know. He picked up the hat and placed it on his head as he sat on the stool. It sank low over his head, hooding his eyes and sat there, and sat there, and sat there. The whispering in the hall grew louder as the hat continued to silently deliberate. Harry gripped his knees tightly and Ginny closed her eyes.

Not Slytherin!

Ginny's eyes snapped open as sick fear and dread washed over her. Looking up at where Harry still sat with the hat upon his head, she could see his jaw was tightly clenched and his eyes squeezed shut as he pleaded with the ancient hat.

What's happening, Harry?

He minutely shook his head. No.

Ginny could sense that Harry's emotions were close to spinning wildly out of control and was shocked to notice the candles and torches flaring brightly. The faculty and students had noticed as well, and began murmuring. Harry's eyes sprang open and instantly sought Ginny's out; the awful look of resignation in them sent the dread Ginny had been sharing with him to settle in her stomach like a heavy stone.

"SLYTHERIN!" the hat announced a moment later, raising shouts of triumph from the Slytherin table, as the murmurs from the other tables were silenced in shock.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward and removed the hat from Harry's head, an unmistakable look of sympathy on her face as he rose shakily to his feet. The candle flames flickered uncontrollably as Harry walked slowly towards the table where Malfoy and his cronies sat gloating. He took a seat at the far end, never once looking back at where Ginny stood.

Harry…

I tried to choose, Harry dully replied. It wouldn't listen, said something about the greater good.

What greater good?

I don't know, Ginny.

This - this can't be right. Ginny glanced around the Great Hall. Her brothers all sat looking between her and Harry. Their looks ranging from puzzlement, anger, to vindication.

Ginny only half listened as more student's names were called. Instead she focused on trying to send faint reassurance to Harry. It was futile, they both knew his being placed in Slytherin was only going to make things more difficult for them, and just when her mother had been coming round fully to the idea of Harry. They would have to start all over, and the stigma of Slytherin would be nearly impossible to overcome.

Professor McGonagall called 'Preston', 'Quinton', 'Reed', 'Robbins', 'Salahaddin', 'Starling', 'Sutherland', and 'Sutton'. They went to Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw respectively. Five more names were called that she didn't catch in the dismal haze that was overtaking her, and then it was her turn.

"Weasley, Ginevra," Professor McGonagall called, looking at Ginny and smiling.

Swallowing, Ginny walked slowly up to the deputy headmistress, tentatively took the hat, holding it in her hands as she sat on the stool. She glanced over at Harry one last time, who was watching her intently as she placed the hat on her head. It slipped down over her eyes, blocking him from view, but she could still feel him within her, trying to send her some much needed confidence.

"Hmmmm," a voice, not Harry's spoke in her head, startling her. "You're not a Weasley, I see."

"What?" Ginny whispered.

"You're Ginevra Potter, not Weasley," the hat said slowly. "Interesting. I knew your husband was hiding something, and I was right to place him in Slytherin, even though he begged me not to."

"How could you?" Ginny seethed.

"He'll do great things in Slytherin," the hat informed her. "They will take him far. Now, for you…hm, you'd do well there, too, but…"

"Please, let me be with Harry," Ginny begged, knowing if the hat did place her there, her parents would be thoroughly devastated.

"But, you'd also fit quite nicely in Gryffindor, since all your brothers are there," the hat mused. "I can see you're witty, as well. A very well-rounded young witch."

"I only want to be with Harry," Ginny stated firmly.

"Yes, but you already are, aren't you?" the hat rhetorically asked. "Therefore, I think it best if you are - HUFFLEPUFF!"

Ginny sat in disbelief a moment as anger rose within her. There was an immense roaring in her ears, either from the blood rushing through her veins or the cheering of the students, she could not be certain. Harry felt suddenly very far away, and hot tears pricked her eyes as she stood, tore the hat off her head and threw it down on the stool she had just vacated. The candles again flickered madly as she made her way to the Hufflepuff table.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to collect her tumultuous feelings as she approached her new house mates who were all grinning broadly and warmly welcoming her into their fold. She sat down, smiling weakly at the ones nearest to her before staring over at where Harry sat. He met her gaze, resignation and misery oozing through her, and she thought she might be sick.

This wasn't the way it was supposed to be, Ginny thought morosely.

But it is, came Harry's brief reply, his despair almost more than she could bear.