Chapter 46

By the time Harry had raised the alarm at the campsite the battle would be over, and Death Eaters would have retreated as aurors were arriving. The attack had happened so far away from their campsite that there wasn't really anything realistically they could've done sober or otherwise.

There were no deaths in the attacks, and the person in the worst physical condition had actually been trampled as people were running for their lives. Mental damage was a lot worse however. The Death Eaters had tortured several Muggles, and floated them in the air and engaged in what was called Muggle Baiting. It was also reported that a few young women were found naked, and not remembering what had happened to them. Judging by the marks on their bodies it was nothing good.

The group was mostly thankful that no one had died in their absences. It was obvious with the number of capable duelist in the camp that night they probably could've changed the tide of the battle, but Harry silently asked himself at what cost that would have been at. His job and sworn duty was to protect his friends and family, if by extension helped the rest of the country that was great, but he wasn't willing to risk their lives at this time. They after all were not trained aurors, and it was the job of the adults to protect the general public.

The news that Harry and Susan were going to try being boyfriend and girlfriend did not sit well with everyone in the group. Darrel was the least pleased about it, but by the time his sister had gotten a hold of him, and him under no circumstances was he to interfere with Harry and Susan's relationship, and that they were doing it with her 100% support and backing. After this Darrel decided to adopt a wait and see policy. Susan was after all like a sister to him, and if they could all find happiness in it then why not. After all this wasn't completely unprecedented in the Wizarding World.

The other person who was struggling with their opinion on the matter was Lily Potter. Harry's mom had grown up with the sacred beliefs of marriage, and how it should be between one man, and one woman. She was lucky she found herself a loyal pureblood husband who was in love with her enough to never stray from their vows, or be unfaithful in general, but now her son was attempting to take on two women, and she was struggling with it. James and the other Marauders were a little more understanding. They had all grown up in the Wizarding world, and in James and Sirius case they saw lots of very traditional Purebloods do this. Especially right after the war had supposedly ended the first time. Lots of lines had nearly been lost, and were only able to be kept standing because there were two wives, or in some unlucky cases a wife and a consort.

The Marauders had been surprised when Harry brought forth Susan as a girlfriend, because they believed that she would be a consort to House Potter, but Harry firmly stated that if their relationship evolved he would not think of her as less than Hannah, Lady Potter or not. This seemed to cement the Marauders behind him, and even Lily was willing to be like Darrel, and adopt a wait and see policy.

Hannah's parents were surprisingly understanding, and as was the rest of their friend group. Most had said they had seen this coming, and they just thought it would take longer for such a thing to progress. Lord Brandon Abbott expressed that he was happy they decided to get this out of the way at a younger age however to hopefully avoid some of the nastier repercussions of relationships that fall out in big ways between adults.

The days leading up to the express departure were filled with conversations of Harry, Hannah and Susan's relationship, but to the great relief of the trio when the Hogwarts express came calling the topic was dropped by their friends and family.

Harry and the others had all gathered at the Leaky Cauldron for breakfast that day so they could take to the platform all together, and find a few compartments that the group could split up into. This was the first time in three years that Darrel would not be joining them, because after lunch he would be heading straight to Hogwarst to do a staff meeting, and would be sitting at the high table when the feast was going on. The group all poked and teased 'Professor Abbott' and Heidi had already made the hot for a teacher comment that sent everyone into hysterics. Of course since Darrel and Heidi were engaged to be married Dumbledore had not pushed on the topic of their relationship, but had subtly asked them to keep it all outside the classroom, and preferably outside of school hours in general.

Lunch was an exciting affair with the number of people that had gathered. Neville's crowd brought the Weasley's and Wood, and Harry's crowd of course brought in the whole Hufflepuff contingent that usually hung around with him, and Cedric's graduated girlfriend Penelope Clearwater. Penny had a fantastic week after the World Cup as she was approached by Lily Potter's old boss Algernon Croaker, AKA Longbottom who had invited Penny to come and intern with the Unspeakables. Harry was unsure of how much of the recruiting was done at Hogwarts, or if Lily Potter had written the letter to Mr. Croaker about a promising young woman who had just won the world dueling championship, and was the previous year's head girl. Regardless Penny would start her internship in the next week, and they would not be seeing much of her for a while, but she promised to come visit on Hogsmeade weekends, and of course, so she could stay close to Cedric.

Cedric was going to be head boy this year, and unsurprisingly Heidi was head girl. The biggest disappointment so far was that Cedric and Harry were informed that neither of their services as Captain of the Hufflepuff Dueling and Quidditch team would not be required this year due to the Triwizard tournament. This led to some disappointment, but Professor Sprout just smiled at them and said good things were coming. The upside in all that is the fact that Harry would indeed be Dueling Captain next year, and possibly even Quidditch captain if no one else stepped up to the plate.

Penny and Darrel still weren't the only ones who had graduated last year. Oliver graduated and immediately signed on with the Falmouth Falcons Quidditch team when their U17 season was over. His dad stood ten foot tall that Ollie was going to get to represent his family's team even if it wasn't in the dueling aspect. Oliver was after all a phenomenal quidditch player, and Harry looked forward to seeing some of his games throughout the year, and if nothing else listen to them on the Wizarding Wireless.

After lunch concluded the families started apparating, or using the Floo network to get to the platform. Emotional goodbyes were had between some of the families, but of course Harry's whole family would be staying on at Hogwarts for their second year on staff, and Harry only hoped the Marauders would not prank the school too hard this year.

As Harry, Susan, and Hannah were walking towards the express Harry caught a site that froze him in his tracks. The girls both stopped to look at Harry to see what had stopped him cold, and when Hannah saw she whimpered while Susan's hand squeezed very hard on Harry's. The fury was evident.

Draco Malfoy was standing there with a wide smile on his face. The boy was dressed in a dark black suit, and his white hair was looking well kept, and the young man before them was clearly healthy. He had grown out of his scrawny body, and admittedly looked a little more like Harry. Well defined muscles were hidden underneath his clothes, and the boy was certainly taller than Harry almost at 6'0 tall.

Draco Malfoy's appearance was of course shocking, but that's not what lit the fire inside of Harry and Susan. Draco's mother had of course accompanied him to the platform, but the man that was with them, Augustus Rookwood, was someone that Harry desperately wanted to harm.

The ground began shaking as Harry's magical aura began to flare, and many people began looking around for the source of the commotion. Augustus immediately put his eyes upon Harry and smiled with a wave, and a wink. This caused Harry's wand to fall into his hand, and his hand desperately wanted to try the last spell he ever studied from Professor Snape's copy of advanced potion making. His wand was sparking, and before he could start flinging spells an iron grip of a hand grabbed him, "Not here Harry people are watching. You'd never get away with it."

Cedric was at his side glaring hatefully at the man across the platform, and a quick emotion of surprise flickered across his face when he saw Draco, "Harry get on the train. Let's go. We couldn't beat him with Darrel last time, and we certainly can't do it in a crowded train station without him. It's not worth it."

Harry growled and started moving Hannah in front of him standing very close in case something were to happen to her. Susan stayed close to them, but clearly was contemplating flinging curses at the man herself. That monster had held her best friend under the cruciatus curse, and she wanted to make him pay for it desperately just as much as Harry did.

When they got into their compartment Cedric and Heidi immediately started throwing up privacy charms, and as soon as the last one was up Harry blew up, "That son of a bitch. He came here to taunt us. He wanted us to attack him, and knew he could make an escape before anything or anyone could take him down."

Cedric put a hand on his neck while everyone else remained silent, "That was gutsy I have to say. What if someone would've come up from behind, and held him at wand point, and Draco we haven't seen him since…"

"The Chamber of Secrets. When he was being possessed by Tom Riddle's diary." Susan said thoughtfully.

Silence came over the group, and the train was off shortly, but the silence continued. Neville and the others joined in the expanded compartment shortly after departure as Harry updated the group.

The group had thinned out a bit since last year. It would mostly consist of Heidi, Cedric, Harry, Hannah, Susan, Neville, Jack, and Rosalie. Of course Jack and Rosalie would have their own groups of friends, but this quick visit was kept basically in the family. Jack and Rosalie would be starting their 2nd and 3rd years respectively, and Harry expected they would both be shooting up the ladder on their dueling and Quidditch teams. It was after all the era of Potter's!

Outrage and shock was the general consensus, and as the anger started to die down Harry felt a sudden intrusive magic force its way onto his wards, and he immediately drew his wand. What followed was the drawing of eight wands pointing towards the door when it forced its way open and a young smiling Draco Malfoy was standing there, "Ah Potter and his gang. What's with all the wands I thought we could be friends."

Harry stared at the boy and realized that something was not right. He would recognize Draco's magic and whatever was before him was completely different, familiar, but different. Harry spoke sharply, "We aren't interested in your friendship Malfoy. You nearly killed my brother, and I don't know how you convinced the Headmaster to allow you to come back this year after missing a whole year but-"

"Why Mr. Potter? I think you will be shocked at my level of magical education. I think I might just be after your #1 in the class spot after all." The young man said pompously.

Susan rattled off sharply, "Studying under Auntie Bella Draco?"

Draco laughed, and it chilled everyone in the room, "Ah dear Bellatrix. A fine witch, but no I believe if anything she would do some studying under me."

Harry's eyes widened as he realized what he was saying, "Tom?"

The man held his hands out wide as if he was looking for a hug, "In the flesh. I have to say the body is a little inconvenient, but it is after all only temporary."

Everyone's wand shook a little as the impact of what was said began to set in. Harry growled out, "I should kill you where you stand. End this war before it ever truly takes to the battlefield."

Harry's wand was sparking a dangerous green color, and this time no one was going to stop Harry from cursing the boy, but Tom laughed, "Oh Harry my boy if you cursed me dead right here I dare say you would be arrested and thrown in Azkaban for a very long stay. Of course I would also be able to resurrect once again for I am immortal. You will find the whole killing me option quite counterproductive."

Glaring at the man and realizing he had yet to even go for his wand, "What do you want?"

The man's smile grew, "Many things Mr. Potter, May I have a seat?"

Harry withdrew his wand, and allowed the boy into his compartment as everyone else lowered their wands, but none put them away. Everyone looked nervous and Tom spoke, "There is no need to be nervous my young friends. WE-"

"We are not friends. You killed our families, and some of our friends too. We will never be friends. You killed my father, and if I ever get the chance I will kill you. And-" Neville said hotly, interrupting him.

The man did not look disturbed by his outburst but simply interrupted right back, "And with a flick of my wrist the rest of your entire line could end. Now please do not interrupt me again while I am being polite, or you will find just how short my temper can be."

This silenced everyone, "Now as I was saying we can all be friends, and this year can just move on in a flash. I swear I mean no harm to anyone as of right now. I am merely here to study my enemy. Mr. Potter you have become quite the prodigy. Even in my youth dare I say I could not keep up with you. International dueling champion, an animagus at 13-"

"12" Everyone stopped and looked at Hannah, "He became an animagus at 12."

The man raised his eyes appraisingly, "12 even more impressive. You must be Ms. Abbott. I heard about the unfortunate events at your home. I was sorry to hear you were exposed to such a nasty curse so young. So animagus at 12, and most impressively is the array of followers you have gathered. Of all ages as well. International allies, along with allies across the country in the other schools as well, not to mention the older students you have made such an impact on in your house, and perhaps in others. I must admit had it taken me ten years longer to resurrect our fight would've been the bloodiest in Wizarding History. My fanatic following of Death Eaters vs a well established gathering of light wizards. Oh how magnificent it could have been, but no I am here, and I have returned. Within one year I will be back in my full body, and you all will be dead."

This wasn't the words of Draco Malfoy, or even Tom Riddle, the threat that just came out were the words of the feared Lord Voldemort. Harry was gathering up words to retort with, but Voldemort raised his hands, "But it doesn't have to be this way. You could all right here and now pledge your loyalty to me, and I can promise the sparing of all your families. I will make sure my Death Eaters do not raise a single wand towards any of the families that you all are a part of. Of course I cannot guarantee their safety in the public, but I can in your respective homes. What do you say? Can we all get along."

For a moment, no one said anything then a young voice spoke up, "You can go to hell. Take your offer, and take your fake promise, and get the hell out of our compartment."

Voldemort looked at the young woman before him appraisingly, "Oh such fire. I recognize it immediately. You must be Rosalie Potter. The true born daughter of Lily Potter no doubt. She actually told me to go to hell once on a battlefield. She barely escaped that night, but oh my what fire in one so young."

Jack spoke next, "No she's right. What do you expect us to do? Hide in our houses forever? Let the country be taken over by a maniac like you. Over all of our dead bodies. It's the Potter way."

This snapped everyone out of their trance and started the uproar of no, hell no, and go fuck yourself was even heard, the last one coming from Susan. Voldemort held his hands up in surrender with a smile, "I won't say I am not disappointed. What fire you young leaders of the light have, and I look forward to extinguishing it. Mr. Potter I look forward to our first duel. I daresay I am not able to access my wide assortment of power in this body, but I am certainly still no slouch in knowledge, spell variety, and of course skill. We will all be speaking very soon."

With that the body of Draco Malfoy stood up, and walked out of the room. Everyone took a collective breath when the door closed. Harry sat frozen in his seat. He had just come face to face with his worst nightmare, but in all the forms he imagined the man he never thought about the form of Draco Malfoy.

Neville broke the silence, "Well that was intense."

Susan exploded, "How could this happen? How could Dumbledore just let Draco Malfoy come back without investigation or, without-"

Cedric interrupted explaining, "The Malfoy's have long been on the board of governors at Hogwarts, and they influence a few other seats. I don't blame Dumbledore for not challenging it. It would've been impossible, and what would he tell them. Oh the Dark Lord is possessing Malfoy's child I don't think we should let him attend next year."

This quieted the group quite a bit. Harry spoke next, "We have to be so careful this year. We cannot let anyone be alone. Everyone needs to keep their galleon on them at all times, and work on their sound blasting curses to get back up to you as fast as possible. The stakes have been raised again."

The galleon coin was something Harry, Penelope, and Lily had spent a lot of time developing last year. It was finally finished over the Summer, and everyone has their emergency alert charm that was basically just the cadwallader charm. It would scream, and scream loudly, and no basic silencing charm would stop it.

"This just makes the timing of the Triwizard all the more odd. Voldemort is literally going to be walking the halls of our school along with a bunch of nameless foreigners coming in. I am starting to have a feeling none of this was an accident. I feel like we are playing right into their hands one step at a time." Hannah said quietly.

This had the whole group in silence once again. Jack and Rosalie never did end up leaving the compartment, and when their friends came to look for them some joined them, but most just kept moving as the two siblings were clearly nervous to leave their brothers side on the train.

Arriving back at Hogwarts the group sedately walked to the castle. Conversation was quiet, and mild with lots on everyone's mind. When they made it back to the castle the sorting came and went, while the feast followed and passed. Lots of congratulations were handed out to the duelist on the Falcons team, and when the feast finished Dumbledore began with his announcement, "To all new students Welcome, to all our familiar faces welcome back. I would like to start with our usual staffing changes. I would like to announce for the few who don't know that we are starting a new dueling elective class. This class is going to be run by former Hogwarts Alumni, and previously a Hufflepuff student, "Professor Abbott."

This led to an eruption of cheers from the Hufflepuff table, and the chants of the streak were immediate while Darrel smiled and waved to his friends, and offered a short bow. Dumbledore continued, "Professor Abbot is a JR World dueling Champion, and has already signed with Falmouth Falcons for next year. In the meantime he agreed to stay at Hogwarts for one more year to run a little dueling club that will be open to all houses ages. This will be a brush up of skills for older students, and perhaps an introductory to the sport of dueling for younger students wishing to make their house teams. Now moving on from that I would like to welcome back Professor Potter as the Flying Instructor he graciously agreed to stay on with Professor Black as the care of Magical Creatures Professor and Mr. Lupin who instead of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts will be teaching astronomy."

This led to more cheers, and Dumbledore smiled knowing he had probably never held such a beloved staff. Harry was happy that Dumbledore had found a new position for Remus that did not require him to work every night, and most would not ever notice that classes never happened on a full moon. He also noticed that the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher had yet to arrive. Alastor Moody was never late as long as Harry had known the man, and Harry briefly found this to be a little suspicious. Dumbledore then went on to explain the Triwizard tournament to the student body, most of whom had not known anything of it. The general outrage followed when the age restriction was announced, and Harry let out a deep breath happy to know that he was at least safe from that. It was then that the magical ceiling in the great hall erupted in thunder and lightning, and Master Auror Moody from the back of the room arrived throwing a spell towards the ceiling calming it down. Dumbledore and Moody shook hands, and Harry gave the man a nod as he noticed the magical eye go to him. Dumbledore then announced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and even mentioned his close personal friendship with the man.

When the crowd was dismissed Harry shot messenger charms out to Dumbledore, his parents, and the rest of the Marauders for an emergency meeting ASAP.

It didn't take long for the group to gather up in the Headmasters office, and for Harry to explain their confrontation with The Dark Lord, and with Augustus Rookwood on the platform.

When he was finished all the adults were stunned into silence. Dumbledore spoke first, "This is a nasty turn of events. I fear Tom has developed in at least his ideas of strategy. I have to say I sense the work of August Rookwood in this."

Lily nodded her in agreement, "I agree. The setup, the execution, the taunting is all the handy work of my old colleague. I wouldn't be surprised if he orchestrated the possession of Draco Malfoy either."

Moody added in, "That's some seriously dark magic. Can the boy still be alive in there Albus?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "I am afraid not. If this had happened just after one summer of possession I am certain we might have rescued him, but it has been nearly two years, and I am afraid Mr. Malfoy is lost to us."

"Do you think Mrs. Malfoy knows that her son is gone?" Harry asked.

Sirius shook his head, "No way. Cissy may be an evil bitch these days, but she loves her son. If she knew that he wasn't there anymore, and that Voldemort was responsible I think she would turn on him."

Remus asked, "Do you think you could work that angle on your cousin? Persuade her to work with us?"

A few moments of silence before Sirius shrugged, "I would need help. Perhaps Andy and I can approach her, or try to get a feel for how she thinks it can be done. It won't be easy, but I believe it's possible."

James chimed in, "Is there nothing we can do about this boy headmaster?"

Dumbledore stroked his beard in thought, and in normal situations Harry would've laughed at the look the image the old man was creating but instead waited with quiet bits of anxiety, "I believe Mr. Diggory will be correct in his analysis of the situation. If we were to take this to the board, to the aurors, or to anyone else, I think we would be laughed out of the conversation. The Malfoy name has a lot of pull, and I don't think we could even get a real investigation done. I know the thought of taking the young Malfoy out of the picture is an attractive thought, but I believe we face the same problem as no one would believe us when questions started. However there is a silver lining."

Everyone looked at the man sharply at this, "Draco Malfoy was twelve years old with a barley average magical core when he came into this school. Tom could not have changed that over night. When he took over the body he could have begun exercising, and working it, and possibly even undergoing dark rituals to expand his core and power, but I do not believe it will have been enough to stand up to our young Mr. Potter."

Harry's eyes widened, "You think I could take him in a duel headmaster?"

"Dare I say it would likely be your toughest duel ever, but I do believe you could bring it home. Throw in the wands of Ms. Abbott, or Ms. Bones, or your older friend's dare I say you could take him down. As for the others I think they could at least hold him down while reinforcements came in. I believe as long as we are vigilant, and careful we can keep this from becoming a complete disaster." Dumbledore said.

Moody laughed, "Disaster Albus? You have the Dark Lord running around your school in a boys outfit. Disaster is already upon us! Potter you best keep your friends close, and I will keep an eye on the boy. I have heard you have the emergency galleons with the cadawauller charm. It's good, but we will have to do better. This is the Dark Bastard we are talking about. The man is creative, and crafty with Augustus as his new Lucy Lou I think we will have a serious force to be reckoned with. WE MUST ALL REMAIN VIGILANT!"

The man boomed as he walked out of the room. Harry felt a strange power walk by him, but figured as he got older his senses had sharpened, and all the magical items the man keeps on him might put something off, but it was still odd. Harry looked to Hannah, and Susan who were the only two that came up with him, and they both remained silent through the meeting just happy to be included.

The meeting was over though, and everyone promised to be careful and keep their eyes peeled. When Harry got the girls safely back to their common room he took a breath and relaxed as he knew he was at least safe in his common room. He kissed each of the girls goodnight, which led to some whispers in the common room and headed towards bed deep in thought.

{A/N} A long awaited update. More coming from the 4th year soon!