CHAPTER TWO
THE ARRIVAL
Disclaimer: All characters so far belong to the God-like JK Rowling. Ah this is the gangs fifth year at school, and Lupin has been reinstated as dada professor!
A/N: OK, chapter 2 is up, hope you like it, I know I put this under a romance, but it's really gonna be a bit of everything! The gang return to Hogwarts, and things are about to get DARKER!
Harry shook his black hair out of his eyes irritably as he wrestled with his enormous trunk, while trying to keep Hedwig under control. The massive white owl was screeching unrestrainedly, shocked that her owner had had the nerve to keep her locked up for so long. Ginny stood next to him, by his side as usual. Harry sighed. He had always found her clinginess endearing, but as he glanced at Hermione and Ron, who were teasing each other playfully, he envied them their happy-go-lucky, casual relationship. With a last tug Harry heaved his trunk off the train, only to have it burst open, showering the ground with his belongings. Gritting his teeth, Harry began to stuff objects randomly back into his trunk, while Ginny chuckled softly at his side. Struggling to see through his rain-soaked glasses, Harry fumbled in the gutter, searching for his moneybag.
"Oh for God's sake Potter, if you went any slower you would be going backwards." Came the sarcastic voice of Draco Malfoy.
Harry whipped round, squinting and trying to think of a rude comment to throw at the sneering boy. Malfoy beat him to it.
"Of course, it might help if you had window wipers fitted to those things first!" He crowed, gesturing towards Harry's glasses.
The joke was not funny in the slightest, however Crabbe and Goyle almost wet themselves laughing. Muttering under his breath Harry snatched his moneybag and promptly tripped over the hem of his robes, falling flat on his face. Malfoy was almost paralysed with laughter. Pansy Parkinson, a nasty Slytherin girl screeched like a demented house elf. Shaking with suppressed anger, Harry picked himself up with as much dignity as he could muster and lugged his belongings into the nearest horseless carriage.
"You should know better than to let him get to you." Ron chided gently.
"Oh shut it Ron." Harry snapped, his temper getting the better of him. "I didn't see you staying too calm on the train."
The moment the words left his lips he regretted them. It had been a low blow and he knew it.
"Listen Ron, I'm sorry…I…" Harry began, but he realised he was wasting his breath. Ron, looking hurt, was staring out of the window.
Hermione looked pained. Eager to keep the peace, she put her arm across Ron's heaving shoulders while flashing Harry a small smile. They passed the rest of the journey in silence.
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On their arrival at the castle Harry hopped out of the carriage, eager to patch things up with Ron and begin the term amicably. His positive attitude was dampened almost immediately on hearing an all too familiar sound.
"HARRY, HEY HARRY! Alright! I've been dying to see you! Have a good summer?" The squeaky voice of Colin Creevey, a fourth year Gryffindor, and Harry's biggest fan penetrated the air.
"Hi Colin." Harry said, sounding particularly unenthusiastic. Colin didn't seem to notice.
"Hi Ron, Hermione!" Colin squealed, delirious at seeing his hero again, and throwing an admiring glance at Ginny. Harry slipped a protective arm around Ginny's waist. Hermione looked annoyed, and turned away, while Ron greeted Colin equally unenthusiastically.
"Look Harry, I made you something and I brought you a present from my holiday – LOOK!"
Colin thrust a gaudy card at Harry. It was crudely homemade and endowed with the inscription 'Welcome back to the best friend ever!' Harry missed the sentiment entirely but tried to sound sincere as he thanked Colin and unwrapped his present.
"A book on the history of magic in ancient Rome – gee, erm thanks Colin, uh that's great."
Harry was sure his lack of enthusiasm must have been evident in his voice but judging by Colin's reaction – he looked as though he had just been picked to play Quidditch for England – it couldn't have been.
Leaving the trembling Colin in their wake, the bedraggled quartet made their way up to the huge wooden doors at the castle entrance. Ron reached out a dripping hand and turned the large brass handle. Harry was dreaming of the magnificent opening feast as they stepped into the entrance hall.
Immediately they realised something was amiss. The castle walls, usually dancing merrily by candlelight, were dark. Stumbling slightly, they followed the familiar path to the great hall. Harry became aware of a burning sensation in his scar, which only added to his unease. They took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Being one of the last to arrive, they could not fail to notice the sombre faces of the faculty – apart from Severus Snape, who was trying to suppress a smile – the black drapes decking the hall, and the nervous bubbles of chatter around them. Harry's stomach tied in a knot – something was evidently very wrong. The knot tightened as his eyes fell upon the empty chair at the long faculty table. The chair that normally belonged to Professor Lupin, defence against the dark arts Professor, and one of Harry's close friends. A quick glance at Ron showed that he too had noticed. Their petty feud forgotten, Harry and Ron exchanged worried looks. Tightening his grip on Ginny's hand, Harry waited for Dumbledore to address the group. Albus Dumbledore did not keep them waiting long. The customary single handclap he used to silence the students was unnecessary. A hush spread around the hall as he took to his feet and cleared his throat.
"I have only one announcement to make, and as you have probably guessed it is not a happy one." Dumbledore said solemnly."
"Remus Lupin is dead."
A/N: da da daaaaaa!! Hope you like!! Please review!!
