Disclaimer; the world of HP belongs to the incredibly gifted J.K.Rowlings.

Hermptre, HexWa, insanechildfanfic, linky2, Keronshara, iesa, Rosie,

Thankyou for reviewing.

The question of Herbology being a required subject for Auror training - I took reference from Book 5, the careers advice. Though it is a valid idea that Herbology would come in useful, maybe Potions serves a similar function. The students would learn about healing properties of the individual ingredients.

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Chapter 9 - New Term

Harry was greeted by Moony the next morning at breakfast. "Dumbledore sent a letter for you Harry."

Harry opened it and read the familiar writing.

Dear Harry,

Normally the arrival to school by Hogwarts Express is
mandatory. However I would like you to travel straight
to school. I have left one of Fawkes feathers for you and
will expect you around 4pm tomorrow. I have arranged
for Hedwig to arrive with Ron and Hermione.

Yours,
Albus Dumbledore.

Harry had been looking forward to seeing his friends on the train. He had not actually given much thought to the coming year. He wondered if he would still be banned from playing Quidditch this year. What would Snape say when he saw Harry was still taking Potions? Would things be different, now that Ron and Hermione were a couple? Would he feel like a third wheel?

"Deep thoughts Harry?" remarked Moony.

"No, I'm not going by train to school this year. I have to go straight there." Muttered Harry in response.

Some of his disappointment must have shown in his voice, because Moony answered cheerfully, "Well at least you don't have to wake up early then!"

"Yeh, I could do with a lie in," Harry laughed. "What am I doing today then?"

"Dumbledore thought you could use a day off, you haven't really had a rest this summer. But we do have to measure you for new robes; you've grown a bit since last year." Moony told him.

Moony used a charmed tape measure to take Harry's measurements, and then they gave the list to Tikka who dutifully went to buy the robes.

The rest of the morning they sat reading the Daily Prophet, which Dumbledore had sent. Then after eating sandwiches for lunch, Harry went to pack his trunk. He was putting his books in when he paused with The Green Flame Torch in his hand. He wondered, not for the first time, if it could be based on a true story.

Grabbing a quill and piece of parchment, Harry sat down at the desk in his room. He started to look for geographical references in the story, and noted Cassandra and Bellona's names. Surely if it was real then he could find some reference to them in the history books in the library.

Harry took his notes and the book and went to explore the library. He was so engrossed with his studies, surrounded by heavy leather bound book that he didn't notice Moony come in.

"What are you doing?" Moony asked.

"What? Oh, I wondered if this might be based on a true story," Harry replied in surprise.

"I don't think so, I mean it's pretty popular because of the animagus thing," Moony said doubtfully. Then he looked at all the scribbled notes in front of Harry and asked. "Have you found anything?"

"Well this is more Hermione's specialty. But look here, I think it might have been set in Romania, look at the description of Cassandra's clothes. And this illustration of her village, it looks just like this one in A Romanian Magical History." Harry pointed to his research.

"And there was a Volcanic eruption there around 1136, without warning, they couldn't explain it. It destroyed half the region!" Harry finished excitedly.

"Romania in 1136?" Moony looked at him. "So you think the Torch might have really existed?"

"Well its worth finding out, I mean what if we could make one and use it against Voldemort?" Harry looked proud of his idea.

"Well, wouldn't Dumbledore already have tried it, if it were possible?" Moony countered.

"Yes, I thought about that. If I can work it out, then Dumbledore already knows about it. I just hoped that maybe we could find a way to destroy him, without me actually having to do it!" Harry said in a deflated voice.

"Sorry Kiddo, I know how you feel about all this, still maybe your right. You should keep trying; ask Dumbledore when you see him tomorrow." Moony tried to sound hopeful, then added, "Come on lets go and have some dinner, aren't you hungry?"

Harry rose despondently to follow, realising that he was hungry; he had been so busy that the time had passed quickly.

Harry found Tonks in the dining room, and was greeted by her usual "Wotcher Harry."

"Hi," he managed as he plonked down on the chair. Dinner was actually quite cheerful and Harry found himself laughing at Tonks and Moony. Tonks wanted to know why Harry hadn't kept the blue hair; "I thought it suited you!" she smiled. Which made both Moony and Harry start to laugh again.

The next day Harry stood uncomfortably holding his trunk and said good bye to Moony, promising to write often. Then as he held the feather he felt the now familiar flames glowing and suddenly he was in Dumbledore's office.

"Welcome back Harry," Smiled Dumbledore, not in the least surprised to see him.

"Sorry Professor, I must have had the wrong image in my head, I should have gone to the Gryffindor common room." Apologized Harry.

"No matter, I wanted to speak to you anyway, would you like some tea?" Dumbledore said.

Dumbledore had already conjured a tea-pot and two cups so Harry nodded politely and sat in front of Dumbledore's desk.

"Now Harry, I don't wish to overburden you with subject this year. You are studying Defence against the dark art, Transfigurations, Charms, Potions and Care of magical creatures, am I correct?" Dumbledore looked up to see Harry nod in reply.

"I would like you to continue extra Advances Transfiguration lessons privately with Professor McGonagall, also I am arranging a special duelling club for 5th, 6th, and 7th years, and I hope you will join it!" Dumbledore looked quite pleased with himself at this revelation.

Harry asked curiously, "Who will be teaching the club?"

"Ah! I think I will leave that surprise for the feast!" he smiled. "The ban on Quidditch has been lifted, so you might want to appeal for your position on the Gryffindor team back. Professor McGonagall was quite insistent!"

"Thank you sir, I will," Harry almost shouted in his excitement.

"Well if that is all, I will see you at dinner." Finished Dumbledore.

Harry rose to leave the room and paused momentarily, should he ask Dumbledore about Cassandra? Deciding against it, he levitated his trunk and set it before him to the Gryffindor common room.

A few hours later Harry made his way down o the Entrance Hall to await the arrival of the rest of the students. Harry watched from a corner as the Large wooden doors swung open and the students poured in. After several moments he spotted a red mop of hair above the others and pushed his way through the crowds to meet his friends

"Alright Harry, we missed you on the train!" Ron exclaimed as Harry finally fell into step beside them.

"How are you Harry?" Hermione said quietly as she hugged him.

"Hey guys, lets move, I'm starving!" Harry laughed happily. The trio made their way into the Great Hall and found seats at the Gryffindor table, chatting happily, waving to friends as they passed.

"Hey Harry!" called Neville from across the table.

"God summer Neville?" Harry grinned.

"Brilliant, I got a new wand!" Neville rummaged through his robes and pulled out a shiny new wand, "Gran was so proud of me after.." Neville leant closer and said quietly, "you know! Anyway Mr Ollivander reckons I'll do much better with this wand, said Dad's never really suited me!"

Harry was relieved that Neville had benefited somehow from the disastrous mission that Harry had led his friends on to save Sirius last year.