Well, my computer is virus infested so I haven't been able to get on it for a while, I'm lucky I finally the chance to go on the library computers. Here's the next chapter which goes out to Stahchild, my 100th reviewer!

Wow, 100 reviews, I was so happy. Just for you I'll see if I can work in a bit more of the veiled figure. And there's a fair bit of Luna in this chapter so you should be happy.

Anyway that's enough from me, on with the chapter…

The Hogwarts Express

The last week of August flew by quickly as everyone's attention turned to getting ready for Hogwarts.

Mrs Weasley had taken their measurements and fetched their clothes, Hermione had nearly ripped Bill's arms off when he brought over the rest of their books and the Twins had fetched the cauldrons and, to their mothers' surprise, not done anything to them.

'As if we would,' sniffed Fred.

'Bewitching our favourite investor's.'

'Our only investor's.'

'Cauldron. It's just not on.'

'And Hermione knows far too many hexes for our peace of mind so we couldn't mess with hers either.'

'However,' George whispered, pressing a small muslin bag into Harry's hands. 'We did console ourselves with this. Just make sure it ends up in some unsuspecting Slytherin's cauldron eh?'

Fred winked over at him. 'Malfoy would do nicely.'

From the minute they had returned from their own trip to Diagon Alley Hermione had stepped up her study schedule with a vengeance. She had an extensive timetable, which she had helpfully handed out copies of to the three boys, who promptly 'lost' them.

Luckily she was so lost in the wonder of her new books that she didn't even notice that no one else was putting such zealous effort into preparing for their classes.

Unfortunately for Harry, Potions was a practical subject and so whenever Hermione felt the need to brew something up he was likely to be dragged away from whatever he was doing to help.

There were times when this was annoying, like when he really thought he might have a chance at beating Ron in chess - although, on reflection, given that he hadn't won a single game in over five years, he'd probably have lost again anyway.

He just kept reminding himself of the conviction he had felt on Privet Drive, of the need to be prepared, to be ready to face what was coming.

Besides, Potions class was rubbish, so learning anything he could beforehand was probably a good idea.

He'd even kept one or two vials of the potions he'd managed to make successfully tucked away inside a rather nasty vest of Dudley's in his trunk.

The Order seemed to be holding its meetings more often, worried that Voldemort was still lying low. That he was plotting something was a given, but not even Snape seemed to know what.

Remus Lupin in particular was around much more frequently and had managed to find the motorcycle hidden in the debris of what had once been Mrs Black's bedroom.

He had spent an entire Wednesday afternoon teaching it to recognise and respond to Harry.

They had spent quite a few hours since exploring the various functions Sirius had built in. It had an invisibility booster, like the Weasleys old Ford Anglia.

A Turbo Boost button because 'Your mother got him into Knight Rider, which turned out to be a very big mistake. I took his wand away after he spent two weeks trying to make the motorbike talk. I'm only glad she never let him watch the A-Team, I can only imagine what he'd have done with that.'

That had meant a long conversation on what Lupin called 'classic' TV programmes. It turned out that Remus's mother had been Muggleborn and so he'd been around Muggle technology from birth, unlike Sirius, who despite taking Muggle Studies to annoy his family had always remained rather wary of technology.

'Lily used to tease him by waiting until he was watching a programme on TV and then use the remote to change the channel. She hid it down the side of the sofa so he never saw her use it. I'm not sure he even knew it existed. He never did figure out how she did it.'

There were also useful charms against theft and damage, rust and lightening strike and more unusual charms such as an Expanding Charm which allowed it to comfortably accommodate more than one rider or riders of different sizes.

'It only goes so far though,' Remus warned Harry. 'The bike can sit four easily enough, five at a push but no more than that, at least not safely.'

The black leather saddlebags were also equipped with Interior Expanding Charms and a Variable Temperature Charm.

'Generally used to keep the Chinese hot and the beer cold,' Remus remarked. 'That was about as far as Padfoots culinary skills stretched.'

There was more information in the stack of parchment covered in Sirius' familiar scrawl, diagrams of maneuvers Harry was dying to try out, notes on the bikes upkeep and lists of the other enchantments which had gone into its design, most of which were unfortunately impossible to try out in a bedroom in Grimmauld Place.

It seemed like next to no time before Mrs. Weasley was ordering them to pack their trunks and strong-arming Moody into doing a quick scan with his eye for those items which always seemed to disappear just when they were actually needed.

Before they knew it they were falling into bed, eager for the next mornings journey to Hogwarts.

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The trip from Grimmauld Place to Kings Cross was as simple as it could be, given that there were five young people, two owls, a rather large and disgruntled cat and all their various belongings to be ferried about under the watchful eyes of Mrs Weasley and the rather paranoid ones of Alastor Moody.

And the various other Order Members they drafted in between them to help.

It was something of a relief for the teens to finally board the Hogwarts Express and shut themselves away from it all.

'Thank Merlin that's over,' said Ron as he slumped into the seat by the window. 'Anyone for Exploding Snap?'

Having arrived early enough to be practically the first people on board there was plenty of time before they had to worry about the Prefect meeting and just when Malfoy would show his face.

Ron was still annoyed at having been forced awake at an hour he loudly complained should have been made illegal years ago.

It wasn't long though before the platform became busy and the train began filling up. And almost everyone seemed to have a word or two for Harry.

Ernie McMillan stuck his head round the door to say hello and promptly claimed the next carriage up for himself and his friends, just in case anyone tried anything and they needed help.

Obviously the memory of their last trip on the Hogwarts Express was fresh in the Hufflepuff Prefects mind.

A group of young Gryffindors stood staring in the doorway for a good five minutes before Susan Bones shooed them off and ignored their protests they the next carriage down was theirs by promptly installing some of her Ravenclaw friends.

'Hopefully that'll buy you a few moments peace,' she said with a smile.

Unfortunately the peace didn't last long. Almost as soon as Ron, Hermione and Ginny had left for the prefects meeting Dennis and Colin Creevey exploded onto the scene, red-faced with excitement.

'Harry!' exclaimed Colin, pushing a gaudily wrapped parcel at him. 'I couldn't get this to you on your birthday cos we don't have an owl and I didn't know your address to send it in the post and I thought you'd understand and today would be alright really so this is from me and Dennis!'

'Ah, thanks Colin.'

The Creevey brothers were practically dancing with excitement as he ripped the paper off a small camera.

'We thought, maybe, cos I'm not always there then if something happens and you want a picture you can take it yourself!' Colin beamed.

'I can show you how to develop the film so the pictures move and I've got loads of books on photography you can lend though I've read them all so if you wanted, really, you could just ask me and I'd show you how to do it because I'd probably know.'

He paused for breath.

'Did you like the photo album Neville got you? I sent him some of my best shots.'

'It was fantastic,' Harry said sincerely. 'And they were really great pictures Colin.'

The younger Gryffindor almost visibly puffed up with pride.

'Oh, and we got you something else, too,' he continued, turning to hi younger brother.

'It was really Dennis's idea, cos we were in London and we knew you'd miss it cos of your Aunt and Uncle and we thought you'd like it cos he used to play with you so we got you one and got it signed and everything!'

At this Dennis proudly held out an autographed photo of Oliver Wood in all his Quidditch finery.

'He signed it 'To Harry Potter, the best Seeker in Hogwarts,' and said he hoped you won the cup,' squeaked Dennis, blushing as his voice cracked.

Actually, Harry realized as he looked down at the photo, he'd said 'You'd better keep on winning the cup.' That's Wood for you, he thought fondly.

Colin was looking at the photograph critically. 'I bet I could do one just as good of you,' he told Harry. 'If I did maybe you could autograph one for me.'

Colin had been trying to get an autographed photo out of him ever since second year and he looked so hopeful that Harry somehow found himself saying 'Yeah, maybe sometime Colin.'

'You mean it?' breathed Colin. 'Wow, that's great Harry!'

Harry was already beginning to have second thoughts.

'But don't go telling everyone Colin. I don't mind doing one for you but if everyone else knew about it I'd never get any peace.'

Perhaps Colin remembered what had happened when Malfoy and Lockheart had overheard his request for an autograph because he nodded emphatically and said 'You can count on me Harry. And Dennis.'

He glanced over at his younger brother and found him looking so dejected that he ventured 'But maybe you could do one for Dennis too? Then I swear I won't tell anyone else.'

Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. 'Alright, Dennis can have one but that's it alright? No more.'

'Thanks Harry!' Dennis almost squealed and they left the compartment excitedly discussing the details of the upcoming masterpiece shot of Harry they were going to take.

'I'm going to regret this aren't I?' Harry asked Neville.

'Probably,' he grinned. 'You made their day though.'

'Yeah.'

'And if you're lucky OWL year'll keep Colin too busy to bug you.'

'I don't think so,' came a voice from the doorway. 'He's already considering a scrapbook of your achievements and theres a group of younger students discussing what sort of photo opportunities you'll provide them with this year.

They were talking about you dueling the Minister and taming a Griffin when I walked past. Do you think that's likely?' Slightly protuberant eyes regarded him quizzically.

There really aren't that many Griffins in the British Isles unless you count the Bird of Bodmin Moor and you haven't been to Bodmin have you?' Harry shook his head.

And after the Department of Ministries I don't imagine the Minister would really want to duel you, don't you think?'

'I think,' came Ron's voice from behind her, 'that you told us you weren't going to say anything about the Department of Mysteries. What if the Ministry's planted listening devices on the train or something,' he continued sarcastically.

She considered that for a moment before shaking her head. 'I don't really think that's at all likely Ronald,' she said reaching for her earrings. She turned to Harry and tilted her head so that they swung backwards and forwards. They looked like little blue spinning tops.

'Daddy had my Uncle Felix make them for me. He used to be an Auror but he's in Experimental Charms now. They're miniature Sneak-o-Scopes.'

She sat down. 'And besides, unless you've been Obliviated you already know what happened.' She paused and then leaned forward to stare deeply into Ron's eyes. 'Is that it? Have you had your memories removed? Did the Ministry spies catch up with you after all?'

'Oh for heavens sake!' exclaimed Hermione. 'No, we weren't brainwashed by the Ministry and our memories are perfectly fine!'

Luna didn't look convinced. 'But how would you know? You might just think your memories are intact. These people are professionals, they wouldn't leave you memories of your memory being removed.'

Ron groaned. 'Talk like that makes my head hurt.'

Luna leaned forward again. 'That could be one of the signs of memory modification, we did an article on it once. Did it hurt when I mentioned the spies or the Department of Mysteries?'

She turned to Harry. 'You have to work out what's causing the episodes in order to find out where the memory lock is.'

'I am not having an episode…'

'Really Potter, and I thought your taste in friends couldn't get any worse than Mudbloods, Weasleys and miserable failures like Longbottom but it seems I was wrong. You're really scraping the barrel if you're relying on crackpots like Lovegood.'

'At least I actually have friends Malfoy, not just people my father's bought.'

Pale eyes flashed. 'You leave my father out of this!'

'What's the matter Malfoy? Upset he can't buy his way out of prison?'

Malfoy drew his wand. 'I said leave my father out of this!'

'Or maybe,' Ron spoke up, 'it's because his precious Master can't be bothered to get him out. Maybe he doesn't think he's worth it.'

'Don't you dare talk to me about worth you pathetic excuse for a Pureblood!' Malfoy was raging now and Crabbe and Goyle were right behind him, wands raised.

'Enough,' came a cool drawl. Everyone's attention turned to the dark haired Slytherin leaning against the wall of the train. 'This really isn't the time or place Malfoy, we're almost at the station. And you're currently outnumbered.'

A languid hand gestured at the crowd that had formed when Malfoy raised his voice, the DA at the forefront, all with their own wands drawn and hard expressions on their faces.

Malfoy turned back to Harry, angry spots of colour on his usually pale cheeks. 'This isn't over Potter,' he hissed. 'I'm going to make you wish you'd died with your disgusting dogfather.'

Ron and Neville grabbed an arm each as Harry surged forward, and Hermione quickly cast a Knockback Jinx, throwing the three Slytherins out of the compartment.

'I suggest you leave Malfoy, before I do something I won't regret,' she said, voice cold.

Malfoy sneered at her and stormed off as the crowd muttered angrily. The other Slytherin, who Harry belatedly recognized as Blaise Zabini, pushed himself upright and gave the Gryffindors a measuring look.

'I'd watch my back if I were you,' he said calmly before following the other three. Harry couldn't tell if it was a warning, or a threat.

'What did he mean about a dogfather?' asked one of the younger Gryffindors.

'Never you mind!' snapped Ron, glaring at the unfortunate second year. 'Prefects, round up your house, its time everyone was in robes. First years, go get your luggage. Now move!'

He reached out the arm that wasn't holding Harry and slammed the door in their faces. 'Merlin mate I'm sorry. C'mon, sit down and have a chocolate frog.'

The door to the compartment opened slightly and Dean Thomas poked his head through. 'You alright Harry? Bit forceful there weren't you Ron?'

'I thought he did very well,' Hermione said with an approving look in Ron's direction.

'I'm not saying he didn't Hermione, I'm just wondering if you want me and Seamus to help with the Prefecting bit since you three are busy?'

'Thanks Dean,' Ginny said warmly, shooting her boyfriend a grateful smile. 'I'll be out in a minute.'

'Take your time, we've got it covered,' he said and left.

Harry gave his friends a shaky smile. 'You can go if you want you know, I'm not going to break down or anything.'

'We know you're not,' said Neville, 'but what kind of friends would we be to just leave you after what Malfoy said. One of these days I'm going to rearrange his ferret-featured face for him. I'll show him who's a miserable failure.'

Harry laughed. 'I know you will Nev. Hell, you took on his dad last year, you could kick his ass if you wanted to.'

Ron grinned. 'Imagine his face if he knew you beat his father in a duel. Priceless!'

'Yeah.'

'We'll get him Harry, one of these days.'

'Yeah, I know.'

Ron punched him lightly on the shoulder. 'Better now?'

He smiled. 'A bit.'

'Good, we're pulling into the station.'

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OK that's another chapter over and I finally got them to Hogwarts, you must all be relieved!

To everyone who loves Luna, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll make sure there's more of her to come.

To Meggplant: I've been in that situation with fics myself so it was wonderful to know I was distracting other people from their work!

To Sobek: Thanks for that, dunno how I let that one slip by me – I've gone and corrected it so thanks again for letting me know.

Anyway, hope everyone enjoyed it, let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Ewolf