Chapter 18:

Harry and the others waved to the Weasleys from the door on the Hogwarts Express. As they turned the corner, Ron was the first to move towards a compartment. The train rattled as they moved down the alley looking for Marcus and the others. They hadn't heard from Marcus all break and hoped he would return. Hermione had owled both Allie and Kristen. Allie had responded right away. Her parents were nervous about her returning to Hogwarts, but Allie had showed them the book Hermione had lent her, A Modern History of English Wizardy. Hermione later explained to Ron and Harry that the book even included a little from the war. She had showed Allie a few weeks prior when they discussed what had caused it. Eventually, Allie's parents agreed to consider a possible return. Kristen's return was completely unknown. Her response to Hermione was short. Her parents had fought her to go to Hogwarts in the first place. They were skeptical of wizards, and it did not help that a cousin of hers lived near the village that was attacked. Kristen asked Hermione did not contact her for the next week so the owls would not frighten her parents. The last sentence said I do hope I can return. I'll miss you if I can't.

The group looked through windows to find an empty compartment. As they walked Harry noticed Dudley. He had been so sure his aunt and uncle would refuse to allow him to return. Harry opened the door as Dudley counted his money, no doubt preparing for the trolley.

"I'd have thought you weren't returning." Harry said from the doorway. Dudley looked up.

"If I were underage I wouldn't. Mom and Dad threw a fit when I said I was returning. Dad even refused to drive me to the station. Said 'No son of mine is going to that crackpot old school'. Mom cried when I left, but I kept telling her I'd be fine. Even told her if I had any trouble, I could ask you for help." Harry chuckled.

"Did that help?" Dudley shook his head.

"Nope. Made it worse actually. Should have known better." Harry nodded. He was not his aunt and uncle's favorite person, but he didn't care. They weren't his favorite either.

"No one should do anything at Hogwarts. It's one of the safest places in the world, but if they do, I'll help you." Dudley and Harry smiled.

"Thanks." Dudley nodded as Harry turned back out the door.

"Hey Harry!" Dudley suddenly called out. Harry stopped a few feet away as Dudley came to his own doorframe.

"Just thought you might want to know. Matthew and a few of his friends aren't returning." Harry smiled. In truth he had mostly forgotten about Matthew.

"Thanks."

Soon the group found their friends. Luna and Neville were sitting by the windows with Marcus sitting next to Neville. They all talked about their holidays, avoiding bringing up the News or the conflicts that had taken place in the last week. The group was just happy to be reunited.

When the Trolley came around with the sweets everyone jumped up except Neville. Neville remained in his seat looking upset.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"Marie isn't coming back. Her parents wouldn't let her and wanted her to break up with me." Neville looked down at his lap. Harry wondered if he was trying to hide his tears. Harry stood in the compartment awkwardly. He never knew what to say in these situations. As he ordered his candy, he bought five additional chocolate frogs. When he turned around, he saw Neville starring out the window. Harry dropped off his candy on his seat and dropped the chocolate frogs in Neville's lap. Neville jumped from the surprise, but immediately smiled as he noticed the chocolate.

"Thanks Harry." Harry smiled as Neville unwrapped one. He couldn't help think of Remus. He had been right, chocolate really did make everything better. As the train bumped along the tracks the group continued to talk about their breaks and what they were looking forward to the most at the feast. Suddenly Neville jumped to his feet, hitting his head of the shelf above in the process.

"Bloody hell Neville!" Ron, along with everyone else had jumped at the sudden movement. Neville stood gawking at his chocolate frog card; his hands trembling slightly.

"Neville?" Hermione said quietly, leaning towards Neville.

"I-I-I'm on a card." Neville slowly lifted his head to look at his friends.

"That's marvelous Neville."

"What does it say?"

"Neville Longbottom, known for his heroics during the Battle of Hogwarts; including killing You Know Who's snake and assisting Harry Potter. Limited Edition."

"Allie!" Hermione shouted as she ran towards their friend sitting at the Gryffindor table. Allie jumped up embracing Hermione.

"I couldn't find you lot on the train. I looked forever."

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that. I wish I had known for certain you had returned. I would have looked for you." Allie smiled as the group sat down together.

After a few words, including rule reminders from McGonagall the Great Hall was filled with laughter as friends were happy to be together again. But Harry's group had taken a serious turn.

"The News didn't mention any specifics, but they constantly brought up Azkaban for that man who was caught being part of the attack. What makes the prison so special?" Marcus asked as the group ate their meal.

"Well, its on an island that is difficult to get to. It also is fortified with magic, including anti-appreviation wards to prevent prisoners from escaping." Ron took a bite of meat before he continued. "It's also guarded by Dementors. It's rare that anyone escapes from it. In fact, no one ever had until we were in third year."

"So, it's a good thing that man is going there."

"Definitely. It's one of the most secure places in all of Britain and – " Hermione was cut off by Professor McGonagall.

"We will have two new events in the next month. The first a Parents Weekend." The hall was filled with mixed emotions. McGonagall lifted her hand and silence fell once again. In two weeks, we will have a Parents weekend. The weekend will include School Tours, gatherings and a Quidditch match." The hall erupted with excitement at the thought of a Quidditch match. Many muggles were extremely excited to show their parents the wizarding sport. McGonagall lifted her hand again and the hall silenced almost immediately.

"The following week we will have more visitors. A muggle film crew will be coming for a few hours to make a documentary of our wizard and muggle program. I will give you more information in the coming week. Now off to bed. Classes begin again in the morning."