Author's Note:
Hello again! Thanks for your patients with waiting for this update, and for the wait with all of the other chapters. I write when I have the time but haven't had much lately. However, I have no plans on abandoning this story so please hang in there and maybe my work-life balance will get a little better soon.
Now, onto the beginning of Harry's third year. This will be the year when the story finally starts to pick up the pace a little and he will eventually discover everyone in his inner circle. I have six chapters planned for this year and hope you like where I take this – there will be some surprises.
Thanks for reading and enjoy!
Here is my disclaimer that says I do not own anything Harry Potter related. Everything belongs to JK Rowling, except in universe 47837. Probably.
Neville's thick and black brows furrowed together in concentration.
He was trying so hard to perform the task that Harry had set for both him and Justin to complete. It pained Neville to know that he was failing with one of Harry's lessons and he hated the look that Harry was giving him.
Frustration was not something that he ever wanted to see play out in Harry's vibrant green eyes. Especially when it was directed at him.
"Stop!" Harry sighed given the obvious lack of progress.
Harry took a moment to clear his mind and reanalyze the situation.
Meanwhile, Justin's face mirrored the anguish that Neville felt in not performing up to the standards that Harry had set for them.
Both desperately wanted to accomplish the extraordinary feat of wandless magic and make their Harry proud.
"Perhaps we are coming at this from the wrong angle."
"I know that both of you are capable of this but I wonder if you don't have the right focus," Harry then mused out loud.
Justin and Neville turned their head to the side as their leader continued.
"You see, when I first discovered magic it was a matter of life or death. I didn't know that at the time I was magical or that any of this," he gestured with his right hand as some of the discarded items lying on the floor in Neville's room began to rise and swirl over their heads, "was even possible."
With another flick of his magic and will he sent them all back neatly to where they belonged.
"When we began practicing wandless magic when I arrived a week ago it was because I wanted you both to continue your rapid advancement."
Just then the ends of Harry's lips curled up devilishly.
"Of course," he said through his grin at playing the system, "wandless magic is also the only way that any of us can use magic outside of school on account of the trace in our wands."
A sudden look of understanding registered on both of Neville and Justin's faces.
"That's why I never got in trouble for any accidental magic!"
"Correct, Neville," Harry answered.
It went unspoken that both Neville and Justin trusted Harry so completely that they had never even worried about the ramifications of Harry wanting to continue their instruction with magic when he had arrived at Longbottom Manor to stay for the remainder of the summer.
"Maybe I should have been more direct with what we were doing and why we were doing it."
Harry then ran his fingers over his chin until his eyes lit up and his facial expression became much more relaxed. He suddenly knew just the thing that would provide a little extra incentive to his boys; only, at the same time he began to feel a strange sensation growing in his gut.
It sent a chill down his spine and he hesitated for a moment.
"Harry?" Justin cautiously stepped forward.
For his eyes had just seen a complex range of emotions play out in the person that both he and Neville had pledged their life too. It unnerved them.
Harry's eyes turned to his friend and looked them over, and an understanding then washed over the faces of Justin and Neville.
They knew now what Harry had been debating and they began to be a little more enamored with him because of it. But it was something that they thought Harry shouldn't concern himself with because neither could imagine a limit to their devotion.
Which was the very thing that Neville sought to make clear.
"We have killed to protect you, Harry. Don't worry yourself with the details; we know that you have our best interests at heart. Maybe Justin and I need a little bit of an incentive to finally get the hang of this."
Justin nodded and reaffirmed Neville's statement.
"All right," Harry said after a moment to properly acknowledge their devotion and loyalty.
"When you free yourself, come and join me in the library."
Just as quickly as he said that, two ropes shot forth from Harry's outstretched hands and bound their bodies so tightly that they fell to the floor.
Harry didn't even watch the struggle and shut the door behind him and made his way to the legendary Longbottom library to select another tome to peruse for the afternoon.
However, that cold feeling continued to linger in his stomach. For no matter how much he wanted them to learn and grow as fast as possible, his magic didn't like the idea of any harm coming to either of them.
But even his magic agreed that they needed to be capable of certain things; in this case the end justified the means and by the time Harry arrived at the library his conscious was as clear as it had ever been.
The next day everything changed. Or at least it seemed that way from the moment that Harry spotted none other than Albus Dumbledore at the Longbottom breakfast table.
The mysterious and wily Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was chatting quietly with Neville's grandmother, Augusta. The sight caught Harry off guard as his and his friends entered the room.
The scene before them was unusual and both Neville and Justin could feel the change in Harry's magical core from where they stood at his side. The constant connection to their leader's sinfully alluring pull was momentarily reduced, and each knew that Harry's brilliant mind was preparing itself for what Dumbledore's presence meant.
Something was up and all Neville and Justin could do was to center their own minds and magic and behave like they knew that Harry would want them to.
"Ah, good morning boys," the man said in his patented grandfatherly way.
The trio walked over to the front of the long table, all the while Harry putting just the right amount of schoolboy shock into his mask.
After all, it wasn't every day that someone of Dumbledore's caliber made house calls.
"Good morning, Sir," each boy said at nearly the same time.
"Please, take a seat boys," Augusta motioned with her arm before turning to the house elf.
"Three more portions, and another spot of tea for us all. Harry, Justin, do you still prefer honey with your tea?"
"Yes, mam." Justin replied while Harry nodded his head.
The elf house popped away, leaving Dumbledore and his blue eyes – which were not in their usual sparkling state – to focus almost exclusively at Harry.
"You must be wondering why I am here so early in the morning?"
"The thought had crossed by mind, Headmaster," Harry blurted out with the right amount of nervousness required.
Harry's mind was ready for the conversation ahead, and as such, he wasn't thrown off by the man's momentary change of course.
Because Harry knew by now how the Headmaster expertly controlled the release of information, thereby making the person focus on exactly what he wanted them to.
And no more.
It was Dumbledore's turn to nod and he returned his focus to the other side of the table just as Neville and Justin spotted a folded Daily Prophet resting under the man's fingers. Of course, that was something that Harry had already noticed before they had even sat down.
However, it would take a little longer to find out what was to be the real topic of discussion.
"Such a wonderful thing to have such close friends, and I am sure you will see the others in no time. In fact, I just ran into Amos Diggory and he told me that Cedric can't wait to return to the castle. I'm sure by now you have heard that his parents wish him to repeat his year, what with all the time he missed last year."
"Cedric wrote that in his last letter," Harry supplied before turning to Neville.
"Yes, Headmaster," the Longbottom scion said in a quieter voice, "in fact, it was one of the reasons why Cedric couldn't join us this summer since his parents wanted him to study anyways."
"Confusing, really," Justin added.
"We didn't understand why he couldn't come and spend the last part of summer with us if he had to repeat anyways."
"Parents sometimes act irrational even when they have the best interests of the child in mind. However, I would wager that Professor Sprout will be pleased to see the strength of the buddy system."
Dumbledore leaned in then as if what he was about to say was a huge secret.
"Just between us, she makes a speech at the end of every year to the other Heads of Houses to try and convince them of the merits of her system."
Harry and his friends shared a look that Dumbledore took to meant that this delicate conversation was starting they way that he wanted it to.
The old man smiled and for a moment his blue eyes sparkled as brightly as ever.
"And also, I just wanted to stop by Harry and see how you were doing given how the last school year had ended."
Harry didn't think this was the real reason for the man's visit but paid close attention anyways.
"Very sorry my dear boy that I wasn't there to protect you."
Unexpectedly, Augusta slammed her hand down on the table, much to the surprise of Neville whose eyes widened slightly at the outburst.
"Lucius!" she cried out in a barely contained rage.
"He never got to me, Albus. I refused to sign that nonsense decree for your removal."
Now Harry was also taken aback with her reaction, and for a moment wondered if her reaction had been staged.
But he quickly dismissed that notion since he had come to learn during his brief stay in her home that she had been close friends with Harry's Grandmother, and thus had not liked to hear of Lockhart's attempt on his life.
"Yes, that was a rather unfortunate but no less surprising thing for Mr. Malfoy to do. But never fear my dear friend," Dumbledore expressed in his steady and firm voice, "I never doubted for a moment where your loyalties truly lay."
Dumbledore's words calmed the woman and her unexpected outburst and soon the newly reinstated Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry only had eyes for Harry again.
"How are you dealing with everything, Harry?"
The use of his name almost made Harry think the man truly cared for him. Almost.
But Harry was ready to play the part and without even needing to think his face melted into the perfect portrayal of someone who had been scared but had persevered and come out stronger.
"It all happened so fast, sir. One minute my friends and I were in the library studying for exams," Harry paused to look at Neville and Justin. He could have kissed them for the look on their faces; he was so proud they were able to play along.
"And then Luna Lovegood and I decided to go for a walk to stretch our legs and the next thing I knew I was tied to a chair and Professor Lockhart was there."
Harry shook his head expertly.
"I couldn't believe that he was the one, sir. The one behind all of the petrifications in the castle. The one who had hurt Cedric..."
Dumbledore's blue eyes were glistening as Harry let some of his true feelings for Cedric show through. The man couldn't have been happier with how much Harry seemed to care for his friends; it would make it easier for him in the end to face Voldemort in order to protect them.
"I'm glad he is okay now," Harry paused for another moment to make it more dramatic by gathering himself and taking a steadying breath.
"Though, I can't help but feel why it had to be me. Second year in a row that someone has tried to kill me, Headmaster."
Harry knew he needed to be careful with the old man as they tiptoed around the subject of the prophecy lest he cotton on that Harry knew far more than Dumbledore could ever expect.
"I just feel like I have this target on my back that attracts danger!" He finally sighed and rested his chin on his hands that were propped up on the table.
It was a calculated statement and one that Harry knew he really shouldn't expand upon further.
Luckily, his words had, just for a moment, registered a bit too deeply with the old man across from him.
Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw the face that Dumbledore had made. Without a doubt it confirmed the prophecy, no matter how positive he had been after seeing the memory of his mother and Petunia.
Dumbledore sighed.
"I don't know why anything happens, Harry, except that in my experience I have found that it must. It doesn't have to make sense, I'm afraid."
Dumbledore leaned towards Harry, as if trying to make his words more comforting.
"But it's how we respond to things… Harry… that make all the difference. And I'm quite proud as to how you have responded to the unfortunate challenges better than many older witches and wizards would have."
The man finished with one of his trademark looks that might have inspired and soothed a good majority of Hogwarts' student population. After all, this was from the man who had triumphed over Grindelwald and stood in the way of Voldemort capturing Wizarding Britain.
However, Harry wasn't average in the least, and so Dumbledore's words offered him no praise or comfort.
But Dumbledore wasn't finished yet.
"In fact, I've heard from Professor Snape that you plan on applying yourself more. You don't know how happy that makes an old Headmaster like myself feel. It gives me hope for the future to hear young wizards, such as yourself, want to learn such things and challenge themselves."
That line – more than any other – truly stuck with Harry. It was almost as if Dumbledore had come right out and said that he believed in the prophecy. More than that though, Dumbledore's words also told Harry something about what the contents of the prophecy had to include.
Harry had been right to assume that the prophecy had revealed a threat to the Dark Lord, but he had also been right to think that Dumbledore had been subtly manipulating him to fulfill whatever stupid words had set his life on this path over a decade ago.
If anything, Harry was incredulous that a man like his esteemed Headmaster believed in something so uncertain as a prophecy. Surely the man had to know that any foretelling of the future was fickle at best. Right?
From there, it was also rather foolish to put such stock in a child being a threat to someone like Tom Riddle, whose power Harry had felt and knew matched his own limitless potential.
But Harry didn't have the time to question whether Dumbledore was merely a fool or knew more about Harry's abilities than he let on; therefore, Harry filed that away and returned his full attention to the present.
"Well, sir," Harry continued, "I don't like finding myself in these situations and have promised myself to do everything I can in case there is a next time."
Dumbledore gave a half smile at that.
"I'm afraid my boy that even the most prepared find themselves in unexpected situations. But again, it does make an old man happy to hear about it anyways."
"Now, now, Dumbledore," Augusta chimed in.
"I think we are due another spot of tea. Did you boys want anything else to eat?"
"No thanks, gran," Neville supplied.
Justin and Harry also shook their heads.
With that, Augusta sent the elf away and then fidgeted with her fingers before sharing a pointed look with Albus.
Dumbledore nodded and turned his head to Harry again.
"There was something else I wished to speak with you about, my boy. You know, since I am already here."
Here was the real reason for the man's visit; Harry was sure about it.
"Is something wrong, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"Wrong, my dear boy? I wouldn't say that anything bad has happened, but something has occurred that I feel you should be aware about."
Just then the Headmaster's focus turned to Augusta.
"My dear, are you comfortable with Neville and Justin remaining here?"
"I don't think it matters one way or the other, Albus. I've watched these boys for the past week and have hardly seen one without the other. Thick as thieves I tell you!"
Again, and for a brief moment, there was a strange glint in the man's eyes.
"Yes, well, forgive an old man for stating the obvious. I find it best sometimes to make sure everyone is on the same page."
Augusta nodded and everyone focused on Harry again.
"Now Harry, as I said before there has been a recent event that I feel concerns you in some small way. I have no doubt that you would have learned about the true nature of things sooner or later from the rumor mill at Hogwarts but I felt it best to hear it from me."
"Okay, sir?" There was uncertainty in Harry's voice.
He truly wondered where Dumbledore was going with this.
"Someone has escaped from Azkaban, Harry. Do you know about the wizard's prison?"
Harry nodded along.
"Now, no one has ever managed to break out before, but the person who has was once very good friends with your parents…"
It was here that Dumbledore took a few moments to carefully select his next words.
"Of course, you must be wondering how such a person ended up there in the first place if they were so close to the noble Potters, and all I can say about that Harry is that this person betrayed your family to Lord Voldemort."
The use of the Dark Lord's name had an obvious effect on Augusta while Justin and Neville didn't quite know how to best respond.
However, Dumbledore took their lack of a response to mean they were shocked into inaction.
"His name was Sirius Black," Dumbledore continued, "and it's all across the front page of today's Daily Prophet."
The paper was then spread out for all to see and the first thing Harry glimpsed was the crazed expression of Sirius Black.
Of course, Harry had already known something about that man given his efforts in learning about Voldemort and the war before setting foot inside of Hogwarts.
But that didn't mean that Harry knew anything about the man's motivation, so it didn't take a great deal of acting on his part to voice the obvious.
"Do you think he's a danger to anyone?"
Which he knew Dumbledore would take to mean him, and as Harry expected the man tried to downplay just how concerned he really was.
"I wouldn't worry about that, Harry. I have been in touch with the Minister for Magic and was assured that all necessary precautions were being undertaken to find and return him to Azkaban."
Harry took a minute to share a look with his friends, whom Harry noticed were getting a little tired from keeping up their façade in front of Dumbledore for this long.
Still, he was quite impressed with their efforts, but Dumbledore wasn't finished yet.
"However, I do think it best to have someone else do your shopping for you in Diagon Alley for the time being. I have spoken with Augusta and she has agreed to get your upcoming school supplies for all three of you."
"Quite right, Albus!" Augusta agreed.
That more than anything that he had heard today annoyed Harry the most since he had been quite looking forward to picking up a few things; not to mention it would delay his reunion with Luna, Ginny, and Cedric even longer.
With the important things to discuss over with, it wasn't long before Dumbledore excused himself and disappeared out the front door.
Next, Augusta readied herself and made for Diagon Alley through the fireplace, leaving the boys alone.
"Well that is rather disappointing!"
Harry was clearly annoyed and just sat there at the dining room table with his fingers intertwined on the table.
Justin and Neville remained quiet for they knew that Harry was adjusting his thoughts to face this new and undesirable situation. It was better if they didn't interrupt and each were mentally unwinding from their efforts in front of Dumbledore.
"Well, I suppose that it isn't a total waste. I mean, I would have liked to have seen Ginny, Luna, and Cedric, and then of course it's a shame not to visit Flourish and Blotts. However," Harry spoke as his emerald eyes radiated a deep glow that furthered the ethereal quality that Neville and Justin already saw in him, "it still presents us with an opportunity."
His boys followed him as he stood and began walking towards the library.
"We have been here many times before but there were some books that were always off limits since your grandmother would not have approved of them in our hands. Now though, we have free reign over every tome for the next couple of hours and I suggest we use this opportunity to its fullest."
Internally though, Harry's mind wanted to focus on his recent conversation with Albus Dumbledore. But he had been in these situations before and he knew that there would be plenty of time to ruminate over both what had been discussed and how it had been brought up later. Besides, he wasn't about to pass up this opportunity to dive into some of the darker texts that Neville's ancestors had held onto over the years.
As it happened the rest of the summer went by very quickly and before Harry or his friends knew it, August was over and it was time to return to Hogwarts. Of course, the fact that Harry had increased the number of books that he had been planning on owl-ordering to make up for not returning to Diagon Alley might have had something to do with it. Both Harry and his boys had plenty to read and every day was filled with learning magic. Nothing was too light or dark for them to appreciate.
So much so that Harry had needed to impress upon both Neville and Justin the importance of not demonstrating all that they knew as they gathered their things from Neville's room and made for the fireplace to floo to King's Cross station.
"The pair of you has far exceeded my expectations this summer, and it comforts me to know how capable each of you are both with and without your wand; however, I think it would be best for our future not to display all of our talents. In time, others will come to see how remarkable your abilities truly are but we must hold onto our secrets for the time being."
"That was always our intention," Neville spoke from behind before closing the door to his room and joining the others in the hall.
"We know how important staying under the radar is Harry." Justin followed.
"I know I don't have to worry about either of you," Harry acknowledged, "it is just that things with Dumbledore have taken a turn and I want to make sure that we don't make him any more interested in us – or me – than he already is."
Harry took a pause as they approached the stairs to the foyer below.
"Things are happening, things that I don't fully understand yet. And until I do it is important to keep up all appearances."
Harry's magic could feel their agreement with his words.
"But," and with this Harry turned and faced them, "for now let us look forward to seeing our friends."
Both Neville and Justin could feel the anticipation pulsing from Harry's core, and his excitement further stroked their own longing to be reunited with others who felt the same way towards Harry that they did.
With that said, the boys descended the stairs and took the floo one-by-one. A few minutes later they were all inside the magical platform of nine and three-quarters and anxiously awaiting the others.
Only, it was much too crowded for them to be able to see everyone that was there. Parents were busy saying their goodbyes to those, who like Harry and his friends, couldn't wait to return to the castle and were thus actively trying to get away as fast as possible. Conversely, there appeared to be the same number of apparent first years who had trouble letting go of their parent's hands.
Harry, naturally, gave the scene in front of him little mind. He could have cared less that he couldn't make out the forms of three of his followers that he had been separated for over two months; it was enough for him to know that they were in this space and that their magic called to his own.
And while he normally kept his magic very close to his center he could feel it extend outwards and carefully weave throughout the crowd to find its target. It only took a matter of seconds from the time that his power joined again with theirs that his followers came to him.
The sheer strength of their shared magic was enough to fill each of them with an unusual giddiness and feeling of lightheadedness. They all shivered at the intoxicating ripples of power that seeped into their hearts. It was indescribable ecstasy and Harry allowed both his friends and himself to be sated by the feeling of being reunited.
Fortunately, Harry knew better than to chance making a scene and with some effort called his magic back into his body.
"Argh!" Cedric grunted softly through his gritted teeth with the loss of Harry's alluring magic.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling, Harry; it's the greatest sensation I have ever experienced," he managed when he was able to string together coherent words again.
Harry tilted his head to the side and gazed deeply into Cedric's off-gray eyes. The fourth year Hufflepuff was still trying to get his breathing under his control but managed to meet Harry's stare anyways.
"We missed you at Longbottom Manor. We missed all of you in fact," Harry acknowledged the offers with a quick node of his head.
"And trust me when I say that you aren't the only ones that missed the connection that we have."
While Harry was speaking to the others, Justin nudged Neville's side and managed to share a look with the other boy. Out of all of those present, only they knew how true that statement had been. Harry's longing to be with his friends had nearly driven them mad with the ups and downs that his magic experienced.
"However, let's continue this reunion in a private compartment on the train."
The others dipped their heads forward in agreement and as a large group they lugged their belongings to the Hogwarts Express and managed to find an empty compartment in the back.
It was a tight fit with all six of them – and their luggage – but the fact that they were finally together made up for the cramped legroom.
It was also the first time that the six of them were alone on account of Cedric's parents taking him home personally when he had been released from the hospital, something that Luna commented on her in own special and unique way.
"Part of me wondered what this would be like, our first time alone as a group of six. But there are still so many firsts to go that I can't keep all of them straight. So many paths can still happen that the wrackspurts are agitated."
The statement should have struck them as odd. Each knew that their attraction to the Boy Who Lived was not normal but at the same time it was the most natural thing that any of them had ever been involved in.
Except for Harry. He had already come to terms with whatever was happening and he was completely relaxed for the first time in a very long time. His magic was content and happily wove in and around his friends, not only allowing his magic to memorize everything about them but also giving their smaller cores the chance to explore how their magic reacted to others in the group.
While Justin, Neville, Ginny, and Cedric were distracted by Harry's thrall and the newfound strength that they found in each other, Harry's eyes settled on Luna's as the train began to depart.
Harry was interested in seeing if he could get Luna to make any more sense of her complex and invaluable mind.
"What have you seen, Luna? I can't deny how intrigued I am with your gift even though I am well aware of its impact on you. Not to mention how fickle visions of the future can be," he finished in a huff as he then looked to the window.
For a moment he gazed at the view of the city giving way to the countryside when caught sight of a large, shaggy dog that he could have sworn had been looking right at him.
However, Luna responded before he could think about it more.
"Just bits and pieces, Harry. Enough to know that I'm where I am supposed to be and that you are on your way. And you're right, you know. The future is horribly fickle. I was so convinced that Stubby Boardman was going to break out of Azkaban that I didn't see Sirius Black coming!" She huffed.
"Must have been a complete surprise for you as well but don't worry, it'll be over soon."
"You mean Sirius Black will be captured?" Harry peered at her intently.
But Luna just shrugged her shoulders non-committedly and then her eyes refocused as the other part of her awareness began to focus in on the magic of the others.
Harry sat in silence for a moment and watched his friends become more in tune with each other.
No matter his apprehension over Dumbledore, the prophecy, Tom Riddle, or this Sirius Black, Harry found it hard to dwell on those subjects when all of the people that he had ever truly cared about where with him in this moment.
They were his and he was theirs to lead and protect, and that feeling stirred at his magic. Ultimately, it was that sudden burst of appreciation for their deep connection that sent another burst of energy outwards from his chest.
It was just the thing that they needed to cause them to blink their eyes and return to the present.
Which was a good thing since otherwise it would have been a very long and quiet train ride.
"Yes, Cedric," Ginny agreed as she sat back into her seat, "there really is no getting used to that feeling."
"Which is odd, though," Neville piped up, "because at the same time it is the most natural feeling in the world."
There was a chorus of nodding heads as each got comfortable for the long ride ahead.
"How are you doing, Harry?" Justin decided to ask from where he sat directly across from Harry.
"Better. It's nice to finally have you all here with me for the next ten months. And while I understand that some of you had to attend to things that were beyond your control, I don't think I will ever like such a break again."
Harry's voice had been quiet and contemplative, but above all it had been honest and warmed their hearts with the same potency that his magic had just done. It brought them just a little bit closer to him, no matter that they were already at the stage where leaving would have been an impossible thought.
"Anyways," Harry's voice had regained some volume and normalcy, "how was Egypt, Ginny? And then I would also like to hear about your summers, Cedric and Luna."
Ginny had some redness to her cheeks with the sudden attention of the train compartment thrown onto her but that was only for a moment.
"Egypt was so fascinating! The pyramids are truly spectacular, and I am so happy that I didn't have to experience them like a Muggle."
Ginny expanded on her last comment when she noticed the questioning look on several faces.
"Well, Muggles are brought in on large tour busses and can only walk in certain places around the pyramids, and they can only walk in front of the Sphinx. There are so many people trying not to step in camel dung that it can't be that pleasant. I imagine that their impression of the site is limited by not being able to venture underground to see how each of the structures are connected."
"Wait," Justin interrupted, "I've been there with my parents. You're saying there is more to that area than meets the eye?"
"Of course!" Ginny's eyes widened as she remembered her trip more clearly.
"Underneath the pyramids is the largest Gringotts in the world and a market that makes Diagon Alley feel so small… It was incredible… and the magic that I felt. It made me think of you, Harry. You were on my mind constantly."
Harry nodded his head forward.
"It was nice that we had won so much gold in the Daily Prophet drawing to experience that, and I even managed to convince my parents to get me several books on Egyptian magic. I've tried to go through them but they are a bit advanced for me at the moment."
"We can work on that," Harry grinned, which brought a large smile to Ginny's face.
"It was the best trip ever and the sad thing is that it could have been even better because not everyone in my family had a good time. There was so much drama with Ron and his stupid rat that the second half of the trip was spent worrying about Scabbers and we didn't get to go to Alexandria because the rat went missing and we had to stay in Cairo until the twins found it."
"I didn't realize that rats lived that long," Harry said dismissively, thinking back to when Ron shared a compartment with him two years ago and introduced him to his little friend.
Ginny just shrugged and turned to Cedric, who filled them all in on the horrors of having one's parents decide to hold their child back a year.
"I don't even understand where they are coming from. I am one of the best in my year and certainly caught up with all of the work I missed since they made me study from sun up to sun down. I think the only reason I tolerated their decision was because it meant I'd get one more year at Hogwarts with you, Harry."
Cedric chewed on his lip for a minute before he continued.
"I swear, lying in that coma in the hospital wing was a nightmare but then I felt your magic and it comforted my mind and body until I awoke. I don't think there will ever come a time when I take that experience for granted and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to pay you back."
Harry, however, was quick to cut him off by placing his right hand on Cedric's knee.
"I'm just sorry that you had to go through it at all. I don't like it when something of mine is hurt or misused…"
In truth, Harry was slightly torn over the whole experience since it had been Tom Riddle who had hurt his Cedric. If it had been anyone else that person would simply not exist anymore, but Harry didn't even want to imagine a world without someone like Tom in it.
"Trust though that I will do everything in my power to ensure that all of you remain as safe as can be in the future."
Finished with his story, and upon hearing Harry's reply, Cedric leaned back and wiped at the smallest bit of moisture that had caused his eyes to glisten. He had never felt so loved and he promised himself right then and there that he would remain with Harry until the end of time. And his magic only enhanced his vow.
Returning to the group, the only person left to recap the experiences of her summer was Luna.
Of all the individuals in Harry's group Luna was the most exotic and peculiar, and whether they meant to or not everyone leaned in closer.
"Oh, yes, my summer too was eventful. Of course, we never actually saw a Crumple-Horned Snorkack in Sweden, but my father remains hopeful that we are getting closer."
Just then Luna's eyes lost a little bit of their glossiness and appeared to carry some heavy emotion that contrasted with her delicate frame and whimsical style of dress. Also, her voice became deeper and darker.
"I don't have it in me to tell him that they went extinct long ago but it makes him so happy to spend time with me on his expeditions. There aren't many left you know."
Her eyes then became brighter and their sheen returned, so too did her voice revert back to normal.
"Am glad to be returning to Hogwarts, though, least of which is the pudding. I missed butterscotch. We aren't allowed to have it at home because Dad is allergic."
It struck Harry how special Luna was and how unexpectedly easy she fit within his group. To be able to see some aspects of the future and not others, or being able to see things out of context must be an incredibly difficult and lonely existence. And yet, Harry watched as Ginny easily wrapped her arm around Luna's shoulder and comforted her fellow second year without it being strange – like they were the best of friends who had grown up together. The others too acted like they had known each other for many years.
They were a family of sorts and Harry's core just couldn't get enough of their magic. His incomplete star yearned to be complete and Harry needed to keep his eye on the two unformed areas of his magic, lest they burst out of his compartment to find if the person they belonged to was on the train.
There was quiet for a good ten minutes before Neville lifted his head from the window on the other side of Cedric, who sat in between him and Harry.
"Speaking of Hogwarts, Harry, Justin and I almost forgot to tell you our thoughts on the buddy system."
His voice was animated and his excitement caused Cedric's ears to perk up; with all of his studying he had almost forgotten that they were of age to be someone's buddy this year.
"Go on," Harry said.
"Well, Justin and I want to participate as well if that's all right. We think it'll be great to encourage some of the younger years to be receptive to you in case we ever have need of their support or influence. Also, it'll help to have little ears pick up the beginnings of any rumors inside the castle that we wouldn't want to get much further."
"Exactly!" Justin continued.
"After the events of last year, we think we should invest in expanding a network of sympathetic, if not loyal supporters."
"Intriguing," Harry mused. "I had just about the same thoughts on …" but he never got a chance to finish.
They all felt it and then they all heard it. The train's wheels began to screech along the tracks as it came to a stop. Next, the air around them began to chill and soon Neville's breath frosted the glass while he tried to see what was happening outside.
Soon, they all looked to Harry for direction while gripping their wands tightly in case their magic was needed.
Harry, however, had no idea what was going on and the magic that he had sent into the hall was not telling him anything.
Then the light began to fade and their compartment got very dark despite it being midday.
None of the six knew what was happening until Harry saw a dark shape move along the other side of the glass. His magic recoiled back to him and attempted to surround his compartment to keep out this unknown force, but it was no use.
Against his will the door began to slide open and this unknown thing clashed against his magic, and powered through his defenses. Sweat began to collect on his brow as he fought this creature that hid behind its dark robe. Harry didn't understand why his magic was not defending him but he couldn't fixate on it for long since worry and doubt began to creep into his heart and soul. The positive feelings of being reunited with his group left him and he was left with all the fear of being four years old again before he had discovered magic. He was defenseless and soon his consciousness gave way and the last thing he remembered was his head being cared for in Cedric's arms as his body gave way and he fell back.
Harry opened his eyes and felt a fear like he had never felt before wash over him. He was very small and being cradled by this woman with her back to the door of what looked to be a nursery. His eyes managed to catch the face of this woman and he quickly understood that this was his mother and she was whispering softly in his ear about how much she loved him and how sorry she was that she hadn't been able to protect him.
Soon her whispers gave way to tears as an explosion sounded behind her and a man screamed in the hall.
"James!" she sighed as if she had been preparing herself for this day.
Now Harry somewhat understood where he was and that he was witnessing the death of his parents. Except, Harry didn't understand why he was here. Hadn't he just been somewhere else? It was all so hard to remember.
The door to the nursery blasting open didn't help him in trying to remember through all the haze and fear swimming in his head.
But then Harry saw a robbed figure with an aura that cleared his mind. No longer was his mind struggling to figure out why he was suddenly a baby again or what he had been doing prior. Gone too was all the fear and doubt that had gripped at his heart with witnessing the death of his father.
Harry remembered it all now because he of the way the other person's magic affected him. This was Voldemort and this was what Tom Riddle had turned into. And that didn't frighten him; it confused him. Because the creature in front of him was so far removed from the Tom that he greatly desired to meet that it severed the control that whatever had brought him into this memory held over him.
This was not his equal and this man held no sway over him at all. And just like that Harry applied his returned mental faculties to the situation in front of him. All of the magic and dark creatures flitted through his brain and he arrived at the conclusion that a Dementor had entered into his compartment on the train and tried to make him relive his worst memory.
Only, this was not his worst memory or his greatest fear because he had no love or felt no loss over his parent's death. If anything, he was more discouraged at seeing how far removed Voldemort had become from that tantalizing young boy that resided within the diary.
Also, now that he was free of the Dementor's control he began to feel the magic of his friends and it called him to leave the arms of his mother just as the Dark Lord's curse hit her in the back.
Harry opened his eyes in the present and saw Cedric's face. He felt the older boy's hands cradled around his body and protecting him as the others had moved to stand in front of Harry and the Dementor with their wands drawn.
However, they were on their knees and struggling against the fear-induced hallucinations of the Dementor. Justin was the closest to it and his head was inches away from the skeletal hand that was moving slowly towards its prey.
The sight of one of his boys being so close to certain death and the knowledge that all of his people had fought against all odds to shield him spurred his magic to life.
But now things had changed with his realization over what he was fighting and that it held no hold over his heart, and his magic shielded Justin and everyone else.
Soon, they were able to stand – though their legs were still wobbly. Harry rose to stand out of Cedric's protective embrace and began to walk towards the Dementor that was confused over what was happening. Never in its long years had prey escaped it.
Next, Harry's hand was raised and began to collect and focus his magic before shooting out and into chest of the Dementor that hovered before him. His magic surrounded it and studied the creature and penetrated deep within its own magical core. Suddenly, Harry understood what made a Dementor tick and how to defeat it.
Using his magic he surrounded the Dementor in its entirety and cut off its source of food. Without fear, even the smallest traces that it was normally able to take up, it began to starve.
"You see," Harry said as he walked to stand right in front of the hood, "a Patronus will protect you and you alone from a Dementor because it is still able to feed from the back and the sides. Take those away and it will simply fade away into nothingness."
And true as his words, the Dementor began to fight against Harry's invisible cell as its food source was eliminated. It was agitated and howled in pain, but little by little began to crumble in on itself and soon there was nothing left.
The lights then flickered back on and the train began to inch forward again. In the hall, Harry next began to hear the confused whispers of the other students trying to find out what had happened.
But they were clueless based on the sounds that reached his ears. And they would remain in the dark until it was too late for them to do anything about it.
Let me know what you think! We are now beginning year three and my outlines for the next 5 chapters are already fleshed out. Again, thanks for your patience and hopefully the next update is not that far off!