Stormy Waters

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its respected characters; all copyright goes to the fantasy queen known as JK Rowling: I do own any OC spells explained at the end of the chapter.

Notes: This story is dedicated to MariusDarkwolf for his brilliant story Harry Potter and the Eyes of the Serpent: a recommended read

Normal Speech

'Thought'

{Parseltongue}

'Mind Speech'

Harry/Hermione

Neville/Luna

OC - Sebastian/Amelia

Review Answers for Ch 10:

Thanks to everyone who made their opinion on the Warrior pairings; all are taken into consideration and the final decision will be made when Sirius is freed;

Penny is wise: He said nothing because of Harry's wishes to learn everything in the next time that they met;

Ibris: so you choose Sebastian/Amelia, Sirius/Felicia, Tyler/either Fleur or Tonks, the same again with Dante and Elora/Remus? Interesting choices and I liked the logic involved in them: keep watching to discover what the final judgment is;

Redwoodx: I assume by fourth, you mean fourth Knight – the other that was sensed – in which case, I will say it again: I'M NOT TELLING! All will be revealed in 3rd summer;

T-TrainorTurkeyT: You're not the only one, don't worry;

Zamia: That seems to be the popular choice: Sebastian/Amelia; as for the Sirius choice, not a bad idea;

Happylady: Sirius/Amelia: really?

StormyFireDragon: you're always so nice about my work mate; thanks;

MariusDarkwolf: Sadly I have to say no to that as I don't have ANY experience writing a three-way relationship; however, it seems we have one winner;

"But then," Harry gasped, "That would make him…"

"Yes," Sebastian nodded, "The Holy Knight of Fire!"

'Holy shit!' exclaimed Harry and Hermione in unison, Neville sharing their shocked expressions with his own wide-eyed, jaw-dropped look.

'Well,' thought Harry, watching as Tonks and Sebastian looked over Neville, 'Things have just gotten interesting.'

Chapter 11: Darkness And Light

On the morning of September First, Amelia sent word via Tonks that Harry would have an escort to King's Cross and that, even though there were still frosty relationships between them, Harry would also be going with the Weasleys, Hermione, Neville and the Order, the newly-adopted Potter still in shock as to the new power he had experienced.

Apparently, according to Sebastian, Neville was considered a part of the Big Three, the trio who seemed to lead and command the Holy Knights back in the early days of the warriors. The other two were the Holy Knight of Thunder and the Holy Knight of Ocean, which meant that the newly-appointed Knight was clearly more than he had appeared after only a matter of hours as a Knight, a piece of information that Harry treasured as it meant he could truly trust Neville.

Like Harry and Hermione, Neville had an affinity with his element and his fiery personality meant that he would be able to manipulate the heat and fire within a room, being or an item of the flames. Apparently, Neville would also be able to speak to the dragons and the phoenixes as well as being considerably fire-proof and incapable of becoming too hot or too cold.

When Harry had shared this information, Neville had been impressed to say the least, but, as they waited outside the Leaky Cauldron for the Ministry escorts, Harry then turned to Sebastian, his eyes firm but filled with a calm air as he asked, "Sebastian, when we get to Hogwarts, would you and the Order do me a favour?"

"Name it," Sebastian remarked, Harry clearly noticing the absence of the words "my lord" with that response: the Warrior was learning.

"If you desire to be so formal around me," Harry explained, "Would you mind doing so in private and appearing as friendly and personal as you have been around others?"

"Of course," Sebastian remarked, before he lowered his voice and asked, "And what of those who would see you hurt or weakened?"

"That's the next point," Harry explained, looking to Neville and Ginny as he added, "It's not like McGonagall or Dumbledore will be able to stop me anyway, but I'd like to speak to McGonagall about having one of the Order watching over the Gryffindors as a personal matter. You see," he sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he explained, "I am still as yet to make my choice regarding the ancient Chambers of Gryffindor known as the Lion's Wing and so, if my suspicions are correct, then I'll be asked to remain in Gryffindor Tower and I will need someone to keep an eye on things."

"I am the head of the Order Harry," Sebastian reminded him, "If anyone should be watching over you and Hermione, then I suggest that it should be me."

"And I would agree," Harry nodded, "But I have another small task for you Sebastian and, besides, whoever I choose would need to be with the House at all times and, as the head of my warriors, you would be unable to match such a timetable. It is for this reason that I suggest someone like Tyler or Felicia as their youthful appearances will fit in around Hogwarts, whereas the rest of you could simply act as watchers from a private post or within the lessons. Also," he then added, watching as his isolation from the group finally seemed to be noticed, "I trust you to do the right thing, but Tyler and Felicia are young and I'd like to give them a chance to prove themselves to me."

"As you wish," Sebastian replied, watching as Harry seemed to rejoin the group, "I will speak with them and report back to you at a moment's notice."

"Thank you," Harry sighed, watching as Hermione seemed to remain close to Ginny, her face stern and almost nothing like the Hermione that Harry had known and loved.

'What's wrong Hermione?' asked Harry, directing his thoughts to his girlfriend.

'I'm just worried is all,' Hermione replied, 'My parents were slightly concerned that you and I would be targeted at Hogwarts and I would have to agree with them. But, out of all of the allies we've acquired, Ginny is the only girl I can truly talk to and, well…last night, I was worried about the effect her protection under our House was having on her, so I went to ask her.'

'And what happened?' asked Harry.

'Oh nothing much,' Hermione answered, the sarcasm obvious to Harry, 'Unless you count the green-eyed monster creeping up on the Dead Man Walking and him saying that Ginny shouldn't be allowed to remain a Gryffindor if she needs to lower her standards so that people feel sorry for her.'

'I see,' Harry sighed, looking to where the aforementioned Dead Man Walking was looking to Ginny and Hermione with a sneer on his face that could only be said to describe confidence. 'And what did you do?'

'Nothing much,' Hermione repeated, 'At least…nothing that won't take effect until later on today: say, around the time of the Hogwarts Feast; you can thank the twins for their part in this.'

'Why Hermione Granger?' asked Harry, an amused laugh disappearing in his throat, 'Did you play a little prank on Ron?'

'I'm not saying anything,' replied the Holy Knight of Ocean.

'But you're not denying it either,' the Holy Knight of Thunder teased her. 'Don't worry love: those two could corrupt even the most stoic of people into their wicked ways if, and I can't believe I'm using the words, but if it was for the greater good.'

'And this time,' Hermione remarked, 'It is.'

'Then,' Harry sighed, watching as the Ministry cars turned up, a selection of Aurors showing their badges to Harry as they were escorted into the vehicles, 'I guess the smart thing would be for me to sit back and enjoy the show.'

HPHG

They reached King's Cross with twenty minutes to spare; the Ministry drivers found them trolleys, unloaded their trunks, touched their hats in salute to Mr. Weasley and Harry, and drove away, somehow managing to jump to the head of an unmoving line at the traffic lights; Mr. Weasley kept close to Harry's elbow all the way into the station.

"Right then," he said, glancing around them. "Let's do this in pairs, as there are so many of us. I'll go through first with Harry."

Mr. Weasley strolled toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, pushing Harry's trolley and apparently very interested in the Intercity 125 that had just arrived at platform nine. With a meaningful look at Harry, he leaned casually against the barrier. Harry imitated him.

In a moment, they had fallen sideways through the solid metal onto platform nine and three-quarters and looked up to see the Hogwarts Express, a scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over a platform packed with witches and wizards seeing their children onto the train.

Percy and Ginny suddenly appeared behind Harry. They were panting and had apparently taken the barrier at a run.

"Ah, there's Penelope!" said Percy, smoothing his hair and going pink again. Ginny caught Harry's eye, and they both turned away to hide their laughter as Percy strode over to a girl with long, curly hair, walking with his chest thrown out so that she couldn't miss his shiny badge. Once the remaining Weasleys and Hermione had joined them, Harry and Mr. Weasley led the way to the end of the train, past packed compartments, to a carriage that looked quite empty.

Before anyone could make another move, however, Harry stopped dead and turned to the Weasleys, his face suddenly very plain as he spoke, "While I'm thankful for your escort to the station, all I'm going to say is this: I have no desire to sit anywhere near Ronald or anyone appointed by Mrs Weasley, so, if it's all the same to you, I think Hermione, Neville and I will go and find our own compartment. Mr Weasley, have a nice summer: Fred, George, Ginny, feel free to join us a little later."

"Okay Harry," Ginny replied, Harry smiling to her as he fixed Ron and Molly with a stare that would have frightened even a Basilisk as if daring them to say anything now that he was in earshot. When they didn't, Hermione followed Harry down the train, Tonks, Sebastian and the Order remaining with them until they found a compartment where, as soon as they opened it, Neville gave a gasp as a familiar blonde-haired witch greeted them.

"Hi Luna," he spoke up, the mysterious Luna Lovegood looking to them as she smiled warmly, "Nice summer?"

"Interesting," Luna replied; she was dressed in her Hogwarts robes, though now she also wore a neck-chain of bottle-corks that seemed to radiate a sense of magic. "Dad and I went hunting."

"For Nargles?" asked Hermione, Harry recalling the conversation that the two had held on the way back from Hogwarts.

"Oh no," Luna smiled, "Nargles can only be summoned or called; they can't be hunted: we went hunting for Crumpled-Horned Snorkacks, but we never really found any."

"That's no real surprise," Sebastian spoke up, slightly startling Harry as he thought his guard to have gone patrolling; instead, he was standing on the inside of their compartment, Tonks sat next to Neville and Luna. "The Snorkack is an Ethereal."

"A what?" asked Hermione, Harry slightly baffled as to the purpose for Tonks still being here.

"A creature that exists within the dimensions between ours and the lands of dreams," Sebastian explained, before he looked to Luna as he added, "Nargles are another breed as are the dark omen-considered creatures called Thestrals: Ethereals can only be seen or sensed by those with a clear vision of the world between worlds and, if one such Sensory was found, then they were to be trained in their abilities. How long have you believed in them Miss?"

"Lovegood," Harry informed Sebastian, "Luna Lovegood."

Sebastian seemed taken aback as he looked to Luna before he asked, "Would you have known a Miranda, alias Maia, Lovegood?"

"My Mum," Luna answered, "She died when I was nine years old."

"She was a Sensory," Sebastian explained, "And a very good friend of mine: in fact, when I wasn't on duty for Harry's family, I was enjoying long talks about the world beyond with her."

"Could Luna have inherited her ability?" asked Hermione.

"That's one possibility," Sebastian nodded, before he seemed to lock his gaze on Harry as he added, "Though there is another."

"And," Harry asked, though a part of him felt that he knew what was coming as an answer, "What is that?"

"That she's a Pure Knight," Sebastian explained, before he looked to Luna as he added, "Though it's more likely the first as all Warriors can sense Pure Knights when we meet them and, right now, I'm only sensing one…Harry."

"Oh," Luna gasped, looking to Harry as she added, "I suspected that you had power Harry Potter, or do you prefer Lord Potter?"

"My friends," Harry remarked, nodding to Luna as if to tell her that she was one, "Call me Harry; it's a pleasure to meet and greet you officially Luna."

"The pleasure's mine Harry," Luna explained, before she looked to Tonks as she added, "A Metamorphmagus as well: you're very strong Miss."

"Thank you," Tonks replied, before she looked to Harry as she asked, "I suppose you're wondering what I'm doing here, right Harry?"

"Thought crossed my mind," Harry sighed, looking to his girlfriend.

Tonks heaved a sigh before she leaned forwards and spoke with Harry, "After your encounter with him over the summer, Amelia wanted me to remain at your side as a guard and someone who could liaise with Hogwarts and the Ministry: I'm also to act as a personal checker for your mail, in case you receive anything laced and, once we're alone, Amelia wants me to swear a witch's oath of silence so that I won't betray your secrets and, should anything I'm not meant to see come to you, then it's a case of See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil."

Harry nodded in thanks to her, a part of him gaining a sense of respect for the junior Auror, though through the alliance that Amelia had gained from Harry, it was almost like Tonks was becoming a part of his family. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something about Tonks that reminded Harry of someone else, but he couldn't think about who it was.

Introducing Tonks to Luna, as well as giving her the warning about Tonks' first name, Harry leaned back in his chair and, with the deftest of strokes, removed Excalibur from his belt, laying the gleaming goblin-made sword across his lap, his silver eye almost shining in the reflection from the light of the sword.

"Expecting trouble Harry?" asked Sebastian, looking from Luna to Harry as he addressed his young lord.

"Well," answered Harry calmly, "If the past two years are anything to go by, then this train journey will be anything except uneventful, particularly given my recent acquisitions of the Lordships that I own."

"I guess I should go and inform the Order then," suggested Sebastian, watching as Harry just nodded, resting his head on the window of the carriage as the train finally pulled out of King's Cross, the start of Harry's third year now made official as he left the Muggle world behind, a part of him laughing to himself as an ironic thought filled his head.

'I'm going home…'

Across from him, Harry heard Hermione laugh in agreement as if his thought had been spread across their bond, before the young wizard gently lay his hand on the hilt of his blade and closed his eyes, hoping beyond hope that when he next opened his eyes, he would be looking at the familiar, welcoming sights of Hogwarts School and Witchcraft and Wizardry and that the students on the train would be unaffected by any sort of trauma of accidental magic.

Was that too much to ask?

Yes…

HPHG

'Harry wake up: we need you!'

The sound of Hermione's voice, ringing as clear as a bell within his mind, pulled Harry from his sleep, the train seemingly slowing down, a heavy autumn rainfall now lashing against the window as Harry looked out of the window. He couldn't see anything that seemed to resemble Hogsmeade Village, though when he looked closer, Harry then noticed that the countryside scenery wasn't even Scottish, but somehow signs that they were still in England.

"We can't be there yet," he groaned, before looking to Hermione, "What's going on?"

"I don't know," she answered, "Tonks and Sebastian have gone to investigate, but that's not why I woke you: look at Excalibur!"

Harry looked down, his eyes widening as he saw the edge of his magical weapon glowing with silvery light, the metallic edge of the sword becoming coated by a strange silvery material that, when he looked closer, Harry noticed to be frost. Somehow, someway, Excalibur was being frozen by magical forces unknown and, as Harry looked back to Hermione, he saw that she was shaking.

A sound like a match being lit made both of them jump, Harry instinctively raising the sword as he looked, but calmed down when he saw that it was Neville, who was now holding a football-sized crimson flame between his hands, the Knight of Fire holding out the flame to Harry and Hermione, the Knight of Thunder smiling as he whispered, "You've been practicing."

Neville beamed at the pride, before he asked, "Can't you feel that though Harry?"

Harry suddenly did feel something; like a numbing cold had entered the compartment and was slowly slithering through each of its occupants; however, when the cold reached Harry, it froze solid before Harry clasped at his head, a powerful magic trying to burrow inside him. Looking all around the compartment, Harry tried summoning a bolt of lightning, as if to assure himself that he was going to be all right before he felt it; another numbing presence was now building inside him and, with this presence came a sense of magic that seemed to not only affect Harry, but Excalibur as well, the gleaming silver sword now icing over and becoming heavy in Harry's hands.

"What…what is going on?" gasped Harry, shivering slightly as he saw Neville hand the fireball to Luna, a smile touching the face of the Holy Knight of Thunder as he seemed to pick up on something other than friendship going on between these two.

Looking around himself, Harry concentrated on the power of the storm outside, trying to force some kind of warmth into his fingers as he tried to re-heat Excalibur's surface, the metallic edge reacting to his power, but not enough so that the heavy feeling in his fingers left him. Excalibur was still frozen and, before Harry could ask what was happening, they all felt it: a powerful numbing cold had entered the compartment and, as Harry stared ahead, he then saw the window of their compartment being covered by a black-cloaked figure that seemed to trail its fingers along the glass, Harry aware of a dark and foreboding presence now working its way inside him.

Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Neville's hand as well as the still-glowing edge of Excalibur was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harry's eyes darted downward, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water.

But it was visible only for a split second. As though the creature beneath the cloak sensed Harry's gaze, the hand was suddenly withdrawn into the folds of its black cloak; and then the thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it were trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.

An intense cold swept over them all. Harry felt his own breath catch in his chest. The cold went deeper than his skin. It was inside his chest, it was inside his very heart: Harry's eyes rolled up into his head. He couldn't see. He was drowning in cold. There was a rushing in his ears as though of water. He was being dragged downward, the roaring growing louder.

And then, from far away, he heard screaming, terrible, terrified, pleading screams. He wanted to help whoever it was, he tried to move his arms, but couldn't…a thick white fog was swirling around him, inside him; Harry was aware of a flash from the very edge of his vision, before a new scream filled the compartment, a scream like that of an orchestra of banshees and, when Harry found he could move again, a new voice was speaking, a hoarse, older voice that clearly spoke with authority.

"None of us are hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks!"

Harry's vision began to come back to him, warmth and magic flowing freely through his limbs as he slowly came back to the land of the conscious and, as he looked around the compartment, Harry saw his weapon was now glowing completely, white light snaking from its tip, the light taking the shape of an animal that seemed to stand protectively in front of the students, a new member standing in the doorway, his grey eyes on Harry.

The newcomer was dressed in shabby robes and had dark brown hair with flecks of grey; his face was slightly scarred, as though some great abuse had been suffered and, when he saw the animal in front of Harry, a word left the man's lips, "Prongs."

The animal turned from the man to Harry and the young Lord gasped as he finally saw it: it was a stag! A set of beautiful white antlers were crested above his head and, as he looked at Harry, the stag bowed with respect before he seemed to be absorbed back into the blade of Excalibur, the man still staring in awe and shock as Harry straightened up, Excalibur no longer frosted over, but now warm and powerful in his hands.

"Are you all right?" asked the man, before he stepped aside as Sebastian appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock as he saw Harry in his slumped state.

"My lord," he gasped, "I'm sorry: I should not have left your side."

"Don't worry Sebastian," Harry smiled, "You followed your instincts; there's no cause for forgiveness: besides," he then held up Excalibur as he added, "I think Excalibur saved me."

Sebastian heaved a sigh, before he turned to the newcomer and added, "Thank you sir: as a Warrior of Pendragon, you have my gracious thanks and I ask what I can do to repay you for protecting my lord."

"You can stop being so formal Seba," laughed the man, Sebastian's head snapping up as if he recognised the name.

"Only two people called me that," he gasped, "Lord Potter and…"

The man stepped into the light of the compartment, his eyes shining with happiness as he added, "And me."

"Bloody hell!" Sebastian exclaimed, startling Harry as it was the first time he had heard his protector speak so informally, "Remus!"

"Yes," the man, Remus, replied, before he held out his hand to Harry and added, "Hello there cub: my name is Remus Lupin, I'm your new Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher and…I…knew your parents; now, if you'll let me, I'd like to know you."

Harry looked from Sebastian to Remus as he seemed to finally come back to earth; holding out his hand, he explained, "Anyone who knew my parents as well as Sebastian clearly says are welcome as my friends: it's a pleasure to meet you Remus."

A loud snapping sound had Harry reacting, but it was only Tonks, who had turned up after Sebastian, breaking a large slab of chocolate into pieces, before she began to hand a piece to each of the students, Harry thanking her as he sat back, Excalibur now resting by his leg as he looked at Remus, who was smiling fondly at the young lord.

'My parents,' he thought, Hermione looking to him as if she sensed his thoughts, 'He knows my parents: so does he know Sirius?'

HPHG

They didn't talk much during the remainder of the journey. At long last, the train stopped at Hogsmeade station, and there was a great scramble to get outside; owls hooted, cats meowed, and Neville's pet toad croaked loudly from under his hat. It was freezing on the tiny platform; rain was driving down in icy sheets.

"Firs' years this way!" called a familiar voice. Harry and Hermione turned and saw the gigantic outline of Hagrid at the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified-looking new students forward for their traditional journey across the lake.

"All right, you three?" Hagrid yelled over the heads of the crowd. They waved at him, Harry wondering what Hagrid meant by three, but supposed it had something to do with Neville being with them. He had no chance to speak to him because the mass of people around them was shunting them away along the platform. Harry, Neville, Luna and Hermione followed the rest of the school along the platform and out onto a rough mud track, where at least a hundred stagecoaches awaited the remaining students, each pulled, Harry could only assume, by an invisible horse, because when they climbed inside and shut the door, the coach set off all by itself, bumping and swaying in procession.

The coach smelled faintly of mold and straw. Harry felt better since the chocolate, but still weak.

As the carriage trundled toward a pair of magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boars, Harry saw two more towering, hooded Dementors, standing guard on either side. A wave of cold sickness threatened to engulf him again; he leaned back into the lumpy seat and closed his eyes until they had passed the gates. The carriage picked up speed on the long, sloping drive up to the castle; Hermione was leaning out of the tiny window, watching the many turrets and towers draw nearer. At last, the carriage swayed to a halt, and Hermione got out, but Neville assisted Harry down, his hands warm as though he had pushed his magic into his body in an attempt to aid his brother.

As Harry stepped down, a drawling, delighted voice sounded in his ear.

"You fainted, Potter? Is it the truth? You actually fainted?"

Malfoy elbowed past Hermione to block Harry's way up the stone steps to the castle, his face gleeful and his pale eyes glinting maliciously.

"Piss off Malfoy," growled Harry, his silver eye glowing in the light of the rainstorm, "It's not wise to piss me off right now!"

"And I'd listen to him," added Sebastian, appearing seemingly out of the darkness behind Malfoy as he explained, "I suggest you move along sir and leave my young charge to his tasks: oh and that reminds me, Harry? Professor McGonagall wishes to see you with the matron."

"Great," sighed Harry, following Sebastian inside, Neville and Luna making their own way to the Great Hall as Harry had Hermione at his side, Sebastian leading them towards McGonagall's office, where, as soon as they had stepped inside, the Head of Gryffindor walked in from another room, her face showing concern and pride as she saw her two lions.

Professor McGonagall motioned Harry and Hermione to sit down. She settled herself behind her desk and said abruptly, "Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Potter."

Before Harry could reply, there was a soft knock on the door and Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, came bustling in. Harry felt himself going red in the face. It was bad enough that he'd passed out, or whatever he had done, without everyone making all this fuss. "I'm fine," he said, "I don't need anything -"

"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Madam Pomfrey, ignoring this and bending down to stare closely at him. "I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?"

"It was a Dementor, Poppy," said Professor McGonagall.

They exchanged a dark look, and Madam Pomfrey clucked disapprovingly. "Setting Dementors around a school, she muttered, pushing back Harry's hair and feeling his forehead. "He won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate -"

"I'm not delicate!" said Harry crossly.

"Of course you're not," said Madam Pomfrey absentmindedly, now taking his pulse.

"What does he need?" said Professor McGonagall crisply. "Bed rest? Should he perhaps spend tonight in the hospital wing?"

"I'm fine!" said Harry, jumping up. The thought of what Draco Malfoy would say if he had to go to the hospital wing was torture.

"Well, he should have some chocolate, at the very least," said Madam Pomfrey, who was now trying to peer into Harry's eyes.

"I've already had some," said Harry. "Professor Lupin gave me some. He gave it to all of us."

"Did he, now?" said Madam Pomfrey approvingly. "So we've finally got a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?"

"Are you sure you feel all right, Potter?" Professor McGonagall said sharply.

"Yes," said Harry.

"Very well. Kindly wait outside while I have a quick word with Miss Granger about her course schedule, then we can go down to the feast together."

"Why?"

The question caught both members of staff off-guard, but Harry was now standing protectively next to Hermione, his hand sliding towards his belt as he waited for an answer.

"Well," McGonagall answered, clearly remembering the bad signs of upsetting her male lion over the one that he had clearly taken as his girlfriend, "If you must know Potter, the headmaster has requested that Miss Granger rethink her schedule and apply for a few additional lessons."

"Well," Harry replied, his tone thick and heavy as he tried not to lose it here, "The headmaster has no real say: Hermione, as you know, chose her subjects and chose to stay with me: so, whatever great plan Albus Too-Many-Names Dumbledore had for her will have to be ignored: as I told you, the lessons we are taking are Runes, Ad Charms and Care; nothing more and nothing less."

"I understand that Potter," McGonagall agreed, "But those are your choices and I believe Miss Granger wished to take Arithmancy and Divination, the latter of which is what the headmaster has requested you choose yourself as they will greatly help you in your task to become an…"

"Stop the play," Harry sighed, "I want to leave the theatre: Professor, whatever Dumbledore has told you is nothing more than a pile of crap and I use that term lightly. He seeks to use me because of my new station and turn me against my peers while trying to repair an already broken friendship; so, I will not take any additional lessons requested by the headmaster. Instead, Hermione and I will be joined by Neville Longbottom in a selection of private studies seen to by my guard here, Sebastian McDale, and my family's warriors: the Order of Pendragon. Now, if that is everything Professor, I have a feast to attend to and, in the future, tell the headmaster this: he can keep his abnormally broken nose out of other people's business, clear? Good!"

With that, Harry took Hermione's hand and, turning to leave, added, "Do you mind the work Sebastian?"

"Of course not Harry," the warrior replied, "And I approve Master Longbottom joining us: let's get to the feast."

"Yes," Harry laughed, "I wouldn't want to miss the show."

HPHG

"Oh," said Hermione softly, "we've missed the Sorting!"

New students at Hogwarts were sorted into Houses by trying on the Sorting Hat, which shouted out the House they were best suited to (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin). Professor McGonagall strode off toward her empty seat at the staff table, and Harry and Hermione set off in the other direction, as quietly as possible, toward the Gryffindor table. People looked around at them as they passed along the back of the hall, and a few of them pointed at Harry. Had the story of his collapsing in front of the Dementor travelled that fast?

He and Hermione sat down on either side of Neville, who had saved them seats, Harry noticing Ron looking like he'd been sucking on the world's most sour lemons as they began to talk in friendly terms with their new friend and Harry's new brother.

"What was all that about?" he muttered to Harry.

Harry started to explain in a whisper, but at that moment the headmaster stood up to speak, and he broke off.

Professor Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an impression of great energy. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooked nose. He was often described as the greatest wizard of the age, but that wasn't why Harry had respected him. You couldn't help trusting Albus Dumbledore, and as Harry watched him beaming around at the students, he felt really calm for the first time since the Dementor had entered the train compartment.

"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast..."

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

He paused, and Harry remembered what had been said about Dumbledore not being happy with the Dementors guarding the school. "They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises - or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly, and Harry and Hermione glanced at each other. "It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the Dementors," he said.

Percy, who was sitting a few seats down from Harry, puffed out his chest again and stared around impressively. Dumbledore paused again; he looked very seriously around the hall, and nobody moved or made a sound.

"On a happier note," he continued, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause. Only those who had been in the compartment on the train with Professor Lupin clapped hard, Harry among them. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.

"Look at Snape!" Neville hissed in Harry's ear.

Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defence Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. it was beyond anger: it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well; it was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Harry.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

Harry, Neville, and Hermione stared at one another, stunned. Then they joined in with the applause, which was tumultuous at the Gryffindor table in particular. Harry leaned forward to see Hagrid, who was ruby red in the face and staring down at his enormous hands, his wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard.

"We should've known!" Ron roared, pounding the table. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"

Harry, face showing a sense of true shame as to Ron's ever-loud mouth, and Hermione were the last to stop clapping, and as Professor Dumbledore started speaking again, they saw that Hagrid was wiping his eyes on the tablecloth.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"

However, as the feast began, Harry just placed a hand on Neville's arm and, as he received a look, the Holy Knight shook his head, "Wait a moment: I get the feeling that you'll like this bit."

The words had barely left his lips before a familiar red-head gasped, "What the hell?"

Turning, Harry tried his hardest not to laugh as he saw Ron reaching out to the plates and tureens of food, but, no sooner had his fingers touched the edge than the food literally turned to dust, as if it were nothing more than a prank; however, when anyone else went for the same dish, the food came back and was as delicious as ever.

'Sly,' Harry remarked, his laughter echoing across their bond, 'Very sly: I am so glad those two are on my side.'

'I wanted to punish him,' Hermione reasoned, 'And this did the job.'

Harry laughed in agreement as he watched food continuously disintegrate in front of Ron, while he, Neville and Hermione enjoyed a bountiful feast, Harry noticing a certain headmaster watching with shock and a sense of fear. Seeing the look, Harry stood up and, holding out his hand, walked over to the Ravenclaw Table with Hermione and Neville, where he saw Luna sat alone, her clearly new robes already ruffled and damp from the rain. Taking a seat with her, Harry asked, "What happened?"

"I was locked out of my carriage," Luna explained, "I had to hitch a ride with the Thestrals."

"Are you all right?" asked Neville, Harry watching as his friend conjured a small flame to warm Luna back up.

"Perfectly fine," she remarked, but Harry, who had lived with the human boxing beast, knew bullying when he saw it.

"Luna," he told her, "You're not going back to Ravenclaw Tower tonight: you can come with us and, if anyone says anything, then you let me deal with it, all right?"

"Oh," gasped Luna, "Okay Harry."

As they began eating, much to the chagrin of the other ravens, Harry then sensed he was being watched: looking up, the Knight of Thunder saw he was face to face – literally – with the stout Professor Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw looking both surprised and slightly enraged to see two lions sitting with one of his ravens.

"Potter, Granger," he squeaked, "Detention with me for wrongful place in the feast: please kindly return to your table."

"No," Harry remarked, his voice calm as he added, "And if you want to give out detentions, Professor then please, kindly give them to those who deserve it: like the Ravens who think it funny to lock Luna out of her carriage and steal her shoes and leave her on her own. Until then, I won't attend any detentions or leave her alone: she is my friend and," he then reached under his robe and heard a gasp from Flitwick as Excalibur was revealed, though Harry revealed his Knight's ID, "As the Holy Knight of Thunder, I have the right to protect who I wish and by using any means necessary."

Filius was stunned as he looked upon the blade; it was a legendary weapon and one that no swordsman would dare question: not to mention Harry's declaration as to him being the Holy Knight of Thunder. Being of goblin blood, Filius knew of the Knights and their power; if he didn't repair this fault, then he would lose face in his brothers and kinsmen.

"M-my apologies my Lord Potter," Flitwick bowed, "I was wrong to question your integrity: please accept the apology of a humbled duellist and head of House as well as my word that I will investigate these matters deeply."

"Thank you Professor Flitwick," Harry replied, placing his ID in his pocket as he then decided that there was only one way to officially look out for his friends and allies. Making a quick note on a piece of parchment, Harry quickly called Dobby and told him, "Take this to Gringotts and deliver it personally to Ragnok."

"Yes Harry," Dobby replied, vanishing just as quickly as he had arrived.

Looking to Professor Flitwick, Harry smiled as he added, "Don't worry about where she'll stay Professor: I found…the purrfect spot!

Chapter 11 and Harry has gone out of his way to look after his friends, but can he keep his cool in Hogwarts or will he have to bring in some additional help?

Keep Reading to Find Out;

Next Chapter: Lessons with Remus, Sebastian and Hagrid; Harry discovers the truth behind Ad Charms and the Lion's Wing is explored by the Holy Knights, where Harry meets an old friend;

Please Read and Review…

ALSO:

IT SEEMS WE HAVE A WINNER: ONE OF THE MORE POPULAR CHOICES IS NOW A PAIRING!

I am considering giving the Warriors pairings with some of our favourite HP characters; I have plans for some of them, but would love to hear your opinion; take the ages into account:

Elora: 29

Dante: 30

Felicia: 22

Tyler: 19

Any and all opinions are welcome, as long as two of the pairings involve Sirius – because he doesn't get anyone in canon;