Chapter 2:

Alone

"So why you wanted me earlier at Hogwarts Professor?" Harry asked impatiently as they boarded the Hogwarts Express. "You will find out soon enough-soon enough. But you must promise this first-" Harry nodded in agreement. "You must not tell anyone even Ron about the reason you came early. Your life depends upon it." Dumbledoore's face was so fixed on Harry that he made him shiver when their eyes met. Harry knew he couldn't disappoint him or Sirus so he shook his head in agreement and didn't ask anymore questions the rest of the way.

The outline of the castle was seen from a distance when the train came to a halt. This was usual of course-normally the first years crossed the lake while everyone else rode the horseless carriages to the front of the castle. The castle looked beautiful as always. The huge structure towered over the entire land. And yet the dark forest looked darker than ever. The castle was different though. Maybe because there were only a few people there but it shouldn't have felt that away still. Harry, Ron and Hermione always stayed nearly by themselves every Christmas since their first year but it was still different. Harry shrugged it off as they approached the top of the steps. Thoughts started to flow through Harry's mind about the first time he saw the top of these steps and it was also the first time he met Draco Malfoy, his archrival. Still the thought was pleasant because it was the beginning of his new life.

"Harry-Harry! You just drifted off into la la land again didn't you?!" Sirus teased as Harry nearly tripped over his own feet. They laughed and strolled along behind Dumbledoore. They headed for his quarters. Harry knew this because he had been there quite a few times himself. He wondered if he would see Fawkes, the phinox that gave two feathers to two different wands (his and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named). Once again he drifted off into the memories that his brain seemed to be producing out of nowhere.

They entered his quarters and began to talk. "Harry, you are here earlier because you must learn a different magic than you know. You don't fancy the Dark Arts but you must learn them." Puzzled Harry looked at Dumbledoore who's attention seemed to be facing someone behind him. Harry turned around to see a girl around his age standing behind him. She had a striking resemblance to someone he knew but couldn't think of. She was wearing a dark green witching gown. Something like Professor McGonagall would wear. Her hair was pinned up but noticeable long and brown, her eyes were like ice yet they were brown. "This is Aurora Snape. She will be teaching you the dark arts under my supervision this year." Harry mouthed Snape's name and the girl spoke. "Yes my brother is Severus." "That's who she looks like-but she's prettier." Harry thought to himself as he shook her hand. "You and You alone will study this Harry. No one must know. You are the most sought after person among the dark side, Harry, and I won't be here to protect you forever. During this week you will learn the routine you will have to perform each day in order not to be spotted." As Dumbledoore finished Harry stared in awe at his words. He-learn the dark arts-he has trouble in potions. Sensing confusion Professor dismissed Harry and Aurora for them to discuss this arrangement.