Chapter 4: An Unfortunate Meeting

'Wow' breathed Dudley, 'it's more fantastic than I ever imagined.' The Dursleys stood, taking in the sights; wizards were everywhere, in robes or Muggle clothing, and the shops, so many name leapt out at them: Flourish and Blotts, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Ollivanders, Eeylops Owl Emporium, Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. 'There's so many, where to first Harry?'

'You'll probably want to change your Muggle money' Harry said, more to Uncle Vernon than Dudley. 'We'll go to Gringotts.' They made arrangements to meet everyone else back at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner. 'I'll see you there,' said Harry to the Weasleys and Grangers, 'now, on to Gringotts.' As they approached the snowy white building with its bulky doors Uncle Vernon gave an impressive gasp, as they entered he delivered a more impressed nod o approval at the rhyme. 'Now, lets find a free goblin' said Harry.

'Goblin!?!' Aunt Petunia did a double take and noticed the small guards were in fact goblins, the nearest one gave a crooked smile and saluted, 'Oh my!' Grinning, Harry took the Dursleys to a counter, where a bespectacled goblin was engrossed in an accounts book.

'Why hello Mr. Potter, come to downsize our bank again have you? And who are your friends.' Harry introduced the Dursleys and explained their needs. 'Ah, I do so enjoy Muggle accounts, this will be the five hundredth I've initiated. Piketip! Will you take these kind people to their vault.'

As a less dignified Piketip approached, Harry turned to his family; 'How do you feel about rollercoasters…?'

* * *

'AAARRRRGGGGHHHH'

'Woooooohooooooooeeeeeee!'

'HolyMaryMotherofGod!'

'You told me you liked them' Harry said.

'Slow it down! Slow it down!' cried Uncle Vernon.

Putting on a husky voice, Harry imitated Griphook from his first ever ride; 'one speed only, heeheeheee.'

'Are we nearly there?' asked a green Aunt Petunia.

'Yeah, your vault has been opened beside mine.'

'We get a whole vault!' said Uncle Vernon.

SCCCCCRRRREEEEEEECCCCCHHHHHHHHH!

Piketip wrestled the cart to a stop, his passengers queasily disembarked, then with a squealing of metal he roared off again. Taking their key, Harry and the Dursleys went to their vault. Harry opened the door and a bellow of smoke came out, inside was a vault similar to Harry's; heaps of gold, silver and bronze coins were spread across the floor.

'These are Galleons, Sickles and Knuts.' Harry explained. 'One Galleon is seventeen Sickles, and one Sickle is twenty-nine Knuts. Hmm…if this is just your loose change you should do well.'

'It was only £750!' exclaimed Uncle Vernon.

'In that case, I guess I've lasted four years at school on just £100.' said Harry. As he helped Uncle Vernon sort out enough money into a sack, Harry told his family about his parents' savings and inheritance. After they got their money Harry opened his vault to reveal a smaller but similar sight. He quickly scooped up his school funds, but missed the small exchange that passed between the Dursleys behind his back, stifling a giggle, they and Harry went back to the cart track. 'There should be a cart by soon.'

'Harry,' asked Uncle Vernon, 'Can we put money from our bank here as well?'

'Oh yeah, just transfer it, the goblins have found using computers sometimes helps, as that goblin said, he's opened five hundred accounts for Muggle families of wizards, lots of them prefer to bank here.'

'How do they access it from outside of Diagon Alley?'

'I dunno, I supposed you get a card or something, I think you can just use a cashcard machine.'

'Good, well I'll move our money here I think, it also means I can put fifteen years worth of pocket money in your vault.' At this announcement Uncle Vernon grinned widely while Dudley and Aunt Petunia chortled at Harry's impression of a fish.

'Erm…thanks?!' he spluttered weakly. The Dursleys were still all in hysterics by the time the doors opened and they re-entered Diagon Alley. 'Okay, I have to go shopping now, you can wander around and get Dudley's robes, he'll need the same size as me, try Madam Malkin's, she's got my size from last year.'

'I'll stay with Harry,' said Dudley, 'Can you buy my clothes for me?'

'Sure, here's some money, show him the sights Harry.'

'Brilliant, we'll meet you at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner then, come on Dudley, I need potions stuff from the apothecary's first.' Harry brought his supplies, plus some extras for creating potions that had helped in the first few years. While he did this, Dudley gazed at glinting unicorn horns and charmed owl feathers, next they went to the Magical Menagerie to get Hedwig some owl treats, but Dudley missed the extra money that Harry gave the witch behind the counter.

Leaving the shop they headed for Flourish and Blotts when – 'Hello Potter!' the drawling voice of Draco Malfoy turned Harry and Dudley around. 'Been making new friends eh, another Mudblood is he? Won't last too long then.' At this Dudley bristled, Harry had explained the insult, and while he wasn't a wizard, Dudley was still a proud person. Drawing himself up, he stepped up to Malfoy and stared into the malicious eyes.

'Do you have a problem with me?' Harry joined him and Malfoy looked uneasy without Crabbe and Goyle to back him up. 'I'm not a Muggle wizard since you ask, I'm Harry's Muggle cousin.'

'Even better' Malfoy sneered with false bravado, 'I love turning Muggles into rats–' quickly he raised his wand.

'Accio vand' a voice said calmly. Harry turned as Malfoy's wand flew into the speaker's hand. 'Hello Harry, haff a good summer?' It was Viktor Krum.

'Hi Viktor' Harry said in amazement, 'Hermione told me you were here, somewhere, I just didn't expect such an entrance.'

'Ah, but vot good comes from your cousin being a rat though.' Viktor gave a short laugh, then turned to Malfoy. 'Haff your vand back boy, see you at Hogwarts, I'll turn you into a ferret there!' Malfoy grabbed his wand and ducked into the crowd. 'Ah, being free of childhood restrictions is such fun.'

'Oh yeah, you're nineteen now, congratulations!' Dudley than 'ahemed' in the background. 'Oh yeah, this is my cousin Dudley, he's a Muggle, but he can be a wizard at some things.'

'Yes, vot you did vos very brave, not many knowing Muggles stand up to a vizard with a vand.' Viktor said. 'Now, I believe you ver on your vay to Flourish and Blotts, I haff to go there as vell.'

The trio continued shopping for Harry's school list, he picked up the new books and then the boys went to their favourite shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies. 'I vould like to see the teaching manuals' Viktor said as he went in. 'Maybe you should vead them as vell Harry, you could learn about how to play for a team.'

'Yeah, I still don't know what I want to do when I leave school.' As Harry and Viktor browsed the books, Dudley walked up by the display of broomsticks, he'd only ever seen Harry's Firebolt, so was amazed at the range of models available. 'Hey Viktor,' Harry whispered, 'would Dudley be able to fly on a broomstick?'

'Vell your friend Neville can…he's probably at the same level of skill as Dudley.'

'What do you think, he could start with a Nimbus 1500 couldn't he?'

'Vell I suppose so, vy?'

'I owe him for being a friend, plus he punched out a Death Eater who almost fried me, that deserves something.'

'You buy it, and I vill teach him, is that a good deal?'

'Done, now see if you can get him out to the front.'

'I vill buy my book first'

Viktor went to the till, paid the starstruck cashier, signed their 'receipt book' and then left with Dudley. Harry quickly hurried up to the cashier, and placed his order for the broomstick to be delivered to his room. Then he too signed the cashiers book, waved his hand in front of their glazed over eyes 'Viktor Krum and Harry Potter.' and left the shop.

Outside Harry found Viktor showing Dudley the model Quidditch field in the window. 'Hey Viktor I just remembered, we're having dinner at the Leaky Cauldron with the Grangers and Weasleys, would you like to come?'

'Very vell, I vill consider it an honour, and I vill be able to see Hermyone again. See I say her name better now?' The three friends split the loads Harry had brought, and overhead he noticed a slim package fly to the Leaky Cauldron, supported by three owls.

As they walked, Harry suddenly thought of something that had been niggling at his mind. 'Viktor, how come your still learning at Hogwarts? You're nineteen, you're and adult…you're a teacher!' Viktor simply smiled to himself and walked on, with a guffawing Dudley and a flabbergasted Harry.

Chapter 5: A Family Again

Dinner that night was as good as a Hogwarts feast for Harry; delicious food, friends and his family. Everyone chatted happily, but every now and again pub patrons came over to see them, or rather to meet Harry and Viktor. After a batch had left Harry turned to Viktor. 'I was right? You are going to be a teacher aren't you?'

'Vell, I haff to try something else, Quidditch is a big part of my life, but I need something else, ve don't alvays qualify for the Vorld Cup.'

'But Hermione said you're going to be in Gryffindor.'

'Yes, officially I vill be a teacher, but I vill live with you students due to time I haff missed, so I vill attend some of your lessons.'

'Are you a Prefect then, Dumbledore didn't tell us who was, but me Hermione and Ron all are.'

'Vy vould I be a Prefect, I can use magic anyvay.'

'That's a good point'

'That's vy I'm Head Boy.'

Nearby Ron spluttered on a fish bone in disbelief and Hermione turned to hug Viktor proudly.

'You wonderful boyfriend'

'You poor sod' Ron blurted, causing Harry, Hermione and Viktor to laugh at his face of disgust.

'Don't forget you're a Prefect Ron.' Harry reminded him.

'Yeah…but I…come on…Head Boy…it's…oh forget it.' Giving them a sulky look he viciously turned on his salmon.

'So what are you teaching Viktor' asked Mr. Weasley from opposite the table. 'You're not the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher are you?' he looked apprehensive, could Viktor survive more than a year?

'No, but I do know who the new vun is, so do you Harry, very vell I recall.'

'Who is it?' Harry interjected.

'You vill find out on the Express tomorrow' Viktor replied cryptically. 'Myself I vill be teaching vith Madam Hooch, giving advanced flying lessons…and Quidditch lessons in private.' He added with a wink to Harry.

'Can you play for the Gryffindor team' asked Dudley as he joined the conversation.

'Depends on the captain.'

'Who's that?' asked Harry, then looked up to see Viktor staring at him pointedly. 'Me, but I don't know anything about captaining, I only know Seeker moves, not Chaser formations or Beater tactics, and besides how will we both play, we're both seekers.'

'I haff been trained as a Keeper as vell Harry, I vouldn't mind playing you know, I believe that Oliver Vood left two years ago, that leaves you a Keeper short.'

'Well, I guess we could sort something out, you and I could rotate positions if you train me, assuming you don't fail my try-outs' Harry scoffed jokingly.

'Vell I vill just put you in detention,' Viktor smoothly retorted, 'did I mention I vos made assistant head of Gryffindor?'

'Touché' said Harry, then both burst out laughing. They spent the rest of the evening talking and joking, all thoughts of the earlier attack were gone. At about nine the party slowly separated and drifted up to their rooms. Harry was in number eleven, where he had stayed after blowing up Aunt Marge. As he entered a soft hoot came from the top of the wardrobe: 'Hello Hedwig' he said sleepily to the slumbering owl, and before he could reach for the letter on her leg he fell softly into his bed.

'Good night dear' wheezed a sleepy mirror, but Harry was already dozing.

* * *

Harry woke at eight following a refreshing eleven hours of sleep.

Three hours to go…

A soft cooing in his ear made him turn over to find Hedwig perched on his chest, holding out her leg expectantly. Yawning off sleep Harry removed the letter and handed a treat to Hedwig from his trunk. Screeching happily she devoured the snack as Harry unfolded his letter, it was a usual Sirius reply, short and sweet:

Hi Harry

I can't really speak now, I've got to pack to get to London tomorrow and I'm mid-pack. I'll see you at Kings Cross on Monday on 9 ¾ - I've got great news.

Oh great, thought Harry, now I've put him in trouble again. Why did he keep bringing Sirius closer to trouble?

I'm meeting Remus so you'll see him as well.

Sirius

PS: Fudge and Dumbledore cleared me, I'm free.

Slowly the significance of the last word dawned on Harry, free. With a whoop that sent a ruffled Hedwig back on top of the cupboard Harry leapt from his bed and raced out the door, still wearing his clothes from the day before. He ran down the hall and pounded on doors to Ron and Hermione's bedrooms. 'Wheres'a fire' managed a bleary eyed Ron, he'd spent half the night talking to Dudley.

'HE'S FREE! HE'S CLEARED RON, SIRIUS HAS BEEN CLEARED HERMIONE!' Harry shouted, waking up the floor.

'What, you mean, YEEHHHAAAA' cried Ron. In an embarrassing show of emotion Ron and Harry hugged and jumped up and down, cheering away, soon they were joined by Hermione and as the three generally demolished peace everyone else caught up on the events. It became very noisy until Mr. Weasley's piercing whistle got through the ruckus.

'Congratulations Harry, but it's nine o'clock, lets eat, get ready and move out.'

Two hours…

Flustered with excitement Harry went to his room, washed and changed then ran downstairs to eat breakfast. Only Ron had matched him for speed, as the two ate a hurried breakfast, he noticed something. 'Where's Viktor, Ron?'

Through a mouthful breakfast came; 'I think he's arriving soon, he stayed with some student friends, we're giving him a lift though, he should be here by about ten. Hagrid went back to Hogwarts last night.' As soon as the boys finished they went upstairs and packed all their stuff, Harry also fetched two mysterious parcels from his cupboard and put them in the top. By the time they got the trunks downstairs it was a quarter to ten.

One and a quarter to go…

The Dursleys and Ginny were already there, 'Ginny, give me a hand helping mum and dad' winking at Harry, Ron led his sister upstairs, he knew about Harry's dealings from the day before. Harry packed in his jumper, which he had been wearing as an excuse, and pulled his packages out of the trunk.

'Morning Harry,' Uncle Vernon said, 'good news about your godfather then.' He handed Harry the Daily Prophet he had been given by Tom.

'Excellent,' he agreed, 'but I've also got a surprise for you.' He placed the first package, a large dome on the table. 'this is for all of you, consider it fifteen years of rent, before you ask, I just felt like it, plus it'll make living arrangements easier. Open it Uncle V.'

'Harry, we…I' he stuttered 'I haven't even given you fifteen years pocket money yet!' pulling back the paper he revealed a handsome tawny owl in the cage. 'Wow, this is brilliant, can we send letters with him, it will make communicating easier, eh Petunia?' as they fussed Harry pulled out the longer present and handed it to Dudley.

'This one's for you.' Dudley's eyes lit up as he tore off the paper, the silver Nimbus 1500 rolled off and floated on the table. Dudley imitated Harry's wonderful codfish impression by gaping widely. Then he reached over and shook Harry's hand to within an inch of breaking it. The family then all began conversing at once, and Harry enjoyed his first real conversation with them for fifteen years. Eventually the name for the owl became the topic of conversation. 'How about Bob?' he asked to howls of derision.

'No,' said Dudley, 'how about Winters?'

'Parkinson' said Uncle Vernon.

'Ooohhh, how about Churchill?' cooed Aunt Petunia. The owl seemed to ruffle his feathers at this, and so the name was agreed on. Then Viktor's head poked around the door.

'I vill be needing some help!' he managed before staggering in under a heavy trunk.' Quickly Dudley and Harry rushed to help.

'Whoa, have you got the Bulgarian Quidditch team in here?' asked Harry.

'Pah! Fame is vorth nothing when it comes vith a heavy trunk – Hello Mr. Krum, can I have your autograph, carry your trunk? I have a bad back, must go! – however I see Dudley has something that has lightened his day.' He nodded at the broomstick. 'You're first lesson vith me is on Vednesday.' At this Dudley's eyes glazed over, Viktor Krum, his teacher.

Soon everyone thundered downstairs, the great tradition of barely catching the express was on, Ron congratulated Dudley on his broom, while Hermione cooed over Churchill with Aunt Petunia. Everyone then loaded the trunks into the massive boot space, and by ten fifteen they were ready.

Only forty-five minutes to go, forty-five…

Easily fitting into the Weasleys' Ministry car, everyone enjoyed a luxurious ride to King's Cross, arriving with half an hour…half an hour…to spare. As everyone got out two Ministry wizards came from the door to help them out, Mr. Weasley had asked for assistance when he realised they had seven trunks altogether. Trunks, owls, suitcases and people, everything was loaded onto trolleys, much to Ginny's annoyance, and taken into the station, in pairs the children went through. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley waited to get the Muggle parents cleared, Muggle children automatically got through, that explains why so many get lost at stations Harry thought. 'See you in a minute…twenty minutes…' Harry said as he went through the barrier…then he was through, and the Hogwarts Express stood gleaming in the steam. Moving up to Ron's trolley, Harry helped load their trunks into the compartment that had been reserved for the Gryffindor Prefects and Viktor as Head Boy, but where was the mysterious fourth Prefect? Harry checked on his watch, Where is Sirius? We leave in a few minutes, he thought. Then he clambered out and went to meet the Dursleys.

Two minutes…

A hand tapped Harry on the shoulder.

One minute thirty…

A familiar voice cleared its throat. 'Excuse me…'

One minute, one minute…

'I'm looking for my godson, have you seen him?'

Forty-five seconds…

Harry turned with a grin to see Sirius in front of him. 'He's about your height, same eyes, and has a fetching scar here!' Sirius playfully poked Harry's forehead. 'I believe my friend here taught him how to fight Boggarts.' He gestured to his left to reveal a grinning Remus Lupin.

Thirty seconds, THIRTY SECONDS…

'You're here, you're free.' Harry voice choked over so he embraced his godfather. Tears ran down Harry's face as he experienced the happiest moment of his life.

Ten…nine…eight…

'How are you doing?'

Six…five…four…

'Fine now…now I have a father again.' Sirius looked down into Harry's eyes, and saw the son he had never had before, then enfolded him in another deep hug, then on Harry's forehead, his scar began to glow a bright acidic green.

Two…one…zero…

The Dursley and Weasley parents stepped through the entrance to see Harry and Sirius embracing, and with a satisfied smile, Aunt Petunia knew she had a 'Potter' family again.

Now…NOW…NOOOOOWWWWWW.

As they stepped away, a fireball ripped out the portal, and two bloodied Ministry wizards flew through. Mr. Weasley turned and quickly caught the nearest before he fell. 'What's going on, Cecil, what's going on?'

'You-Know-Who…'

Chapter 6: Escape by Express

'GET ONTO THE TRAIN' Mr. Weasley bellowed as Cecil faded into unconsciousness. Along the platform a panic started as parents tried to find places with their children on the Express. 'Vernon, go to Harry, Black! Lupin! Get down here, we've got to close the portal!' as he said this another fireball shot through.

'Harry!' his godfather caught his attention, 'help your relatives, get everyone on the train,' he gave him a quick hug, 'we'll finish this later.' Another gout of flame came through, heading for a family 'Extingus!' cried Sirius, and a jet of water shot from his wand to douse the ball. The Dursleys arrived and Harry took action, he pulled open the door to the Gryffindor carriage and hustled them in.

Harry pointed his wand at his throat 'Sonorus, everyone get on board' his magnified voice thundered over the crowd, 'Prefects, make sure everyone is on. Quietus.' As he rubbed his neck, Harry noticed Ron, Viktor and Hermione had fought their way to him. 'C'mon we've got to get away, I'll get to the driver, get everyone on board.'

'I vill help the Ministry vizards,' Viktor interjected, 'nobody knows I am Head Boy anyvay.' Harry was suddenly aware he had taken Viktor's role, but then he was running up to the front, while Ron, Hermione and the other Prefects boarded everyone, Viktor ran to the entrance as an explosion broke through, sending another Ministry official flying.

'Ere' wots goin' on?' the puzzled driver was leaning out the side as Harry approached at speed.

'It's Voldemort' he said so fast the driver couldn't be astonished at the name. 'Get the train started and move out slowly when all the parents and children are on, the Ministry wizards can jump on as it goes.' The driver obeyed quickly (it was Harry Potter after all) 'And send an owl ahead to Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts, let him know what's happening.' Harry ran back down the clearing platform. Another explosion sounded as he saw Neville Longbottom loading an old woman into the Prefects compartment.

'Are you sure this is safe Nevvy?'

'Yes Gran, absolutely, now please get on the train.' Neville gave Harry a strained look as he pushed his grandmother on, 'see look, would Harry Potter ride if it was unsafe.'

'Oh I suppose not' she replied as Harry gave a quick smile of reassurance, and she clambered into the compartment with the Dursleys. Harry turned to see several Ministry wizards rise and release a silver burst through the portal in an effort to stop the Dark Wizards breaking through. Was Voldemort actually there is what was bothering Harry, if so why was his scar not hurting.

He ran down to the portal where most of the Ministry wizards were crouched down behind trolleys, three magical stretchers were loading Cecil and the other two injured wizards onto the train. As Harry arrived he saw another fireball form in the doorway. 'Extingus!' cried several of the wizards, and it successfully shrunk under the water barrage. As it faded Harry saw into King's Cross, Muggles were running everywhere screaming, but thankfully the Death Eaters were concentrating on the portal.

As one of them drew back his lips to mutter the Avada Kedavra curse Harry raised his wand in retaliation: 'Stupefy!' the stunning spell knocked the Dark Wizard over a trolley and into another caster. Harry took in the situation as he ducked behind a cart, there were half as many Ministry wizards as Death Eaters, they were trapped with the Express the only form of exit, how could they successfully delay the inevitable breakthrough?

Suddenly he felt his insides turn a terrible cold, and he shivered as a dark shadow moved into the portal, Voldemort he thought, then as the figure passed through it revealed the cloaked form of a Dementor, a dreaded keeper of Azkaban. The other wizards were experiencing similar trouble, only Sirius and Lupin were upright, trying to cast their Patronus spells, but they were weakening. Struggling to his knees Harry focused on Sirius's freedom, and his joy at having a new father. 'Expecto Patronum' he bellowed, and 'Prongs' erupted from the tip of his wand. As the first Dementor moved back from the new attack, Harry saw there were two more behind it, no wonder so many of the wizards were struggling to hold on. However as the first Dementor weakened the Ministry wizards seemed to recover, and small Patroni closed in on the Dementors, joining Harry's stag in forming a barrier. Almost fearful of the white mist the Dementors backed out in front of the Death Eaters, 'Prongs' rode back to Harry and then the Ministry saw their chance.

'EVERYONE BACK, NOW' bellowed Mr. Weasley as the Death Eaters cursed the Dementors cowardice. The Ministry wizards, Harry and Viktor ran back to the train. 'Keep your heads down!' Mr. Weasley shouted at the occupants, any second now angry Death Eaters would be coming through the portal. As Harry and Viktor reached the Prefects carriage, Harry was horrified to see Draco Malfoy leaning out, wand raised. Harry raised his wand, but Malfoy was already shouting:

'GET DOWN!' without thinking Harry and Viktor dived to the floor. BANG! Harry felt hot air rush over his head as the spell flew towards the portal. He rose with Viktor as the Express slowly began to draw away, leaping into the door Malfoy held open, Harry turned to see several Death Eaters floored around the entrance, Malfoy had hit them with a curse at the same time as several other Prefects, he had saved Harry's life!

As the train gathered speed Harry watched from the window as several Death Eaters swarmed onto the platform, launching off curses at the rapidly receding train. A few Ministry wizards returned fire, but they were well out of range. A shuffling beside him made Harry turn to see Malfoy leave for the Slytherin compartment, on his chest the silver 'P' shone. On exiting he turned to see Harry watching him, he opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, instead he gave Harry a searching gaze before leaving. Harry turned back to the window, and saw smoke rising from King's Cross, thank god the Ministry of Magic is based in London, they'll sort that out quickly. Then as the train rounded the bend, Harry saw the Dark Mark shoot up into the sky, and once again his chest turned to ice.

* * *

Back on platform nine-and-three-quarters the smoke swirled round the figure entering, behind him another person followed, one arm made of silver. 'Failure again,' Voldemort spat, turning to the nearest Death Eater he raised his wand 'Crucio' the spell rolled off his tongue and the wizard squirmed in pain. Chuckling softly Voldemort walked to the end of the platform, he saw the steam from the Hogwarts Express rise in the distance, and turned to the nearest Death Eaters who were standing. 'After them, use your broomsticks, you must stop them before they reach Hogwarts, and the old fool himself.' As the group of Death Eaters mounted their brooms, the smaller silver-armed figure darted forward to give final instructions.

'Keep the Potter boy alive, do with the rest as you will.' He hissed, then Wormtail turned to follow his master and the rest of the Dark Wizards and the unconscious forms of fallen Death Eaters and some Ministry officials. As they exited the platform, as he left, a hissing laugh escaped his lips, soon, soon…

* * *

As Viktor left to find the Ministry officials, Harry wearily slumped down by the window in the Gryffindor Prefects compartment. Inside the carriage were Ron and Hermione, the Dursleys, Neville and his grandmother (with stuffed vulture hat) and two younger students who he didn't know. 'Everybody okay?' he managed weakly. Everyone nodded, but they were clearly shaken by the attack. Neville reached above the seats and opened his trunk, rummaging inside he removed some chocolate, and split off pieces for everyone. As he passed Harry, Neville's cloak shifted and Harry saw the glint of a silver badge, he was the mysterious fourth Prefect! Quietly he whispered to Neville; 'when did you get the letter?' as Neville turned, Harry gave him a wink and pointed to the badge on his chest. Neville mouthed 'July' and then gave Harry a contented smile.

Turning back to the window, Harry looked out onto the fields and back towards London, the city had become a smudge on the horizon. Movement caught Harry's eye and he stared as several black dots floated up over a distant hill and headed for the train. Reaching into his trunk he grabbed his Omnioculars and trained them on the hilltop – Death Eaters on broomsticks, they were still after the train! 'Erm, Neville come with me, Ron, will you and Hermione watch the window please.'

Giving Harry a funny look Ron and Hermione went to the window anyway as he led Neville into the corridor, which was slightly crowded with parents. He turned to Neville to explain what was happening; 'There's a group of Death Eaters following the train, we have to find Mr. Weasley, first get them into compartments' he muttered to Neville and between them they cleared the corridor. As they were doing this Harry went to each house's Prefects and alerted them to the threat stalking them. As he went to enter the Slytherin compartment he saw Malfoy already had the other Prefects at the window, he turned and saw Harry, gave him a grim nod of acknowledgement and then went back to the window as Harry and Neville went into the next carriage.

As soon as they entered Harry caught sight of Mr. Weasley hurrying towards them, 'Death Eaters!' they both said at the same time, 'I've got all the Prefects organised in the end compartments.'

'Well done, Viktor has taken care of the rest that I missed out, Harry, we can't outrun them in the Express. They'll be catching us up soon, we're at the windows but how can we stop them?'

'What broomsticks are they on?' Neville interrupted, unlike his usual self.

'Nimbus 2000s mostly' Harry replied, then Neville took off down the carriage from where Mr. Weasley had come from. 'Neville, where are you going?' Mr. Weasley gave Harry a questioning look so he shrugged back, Neville was Neville, except now he seemed more confident than Harry had ever realised.

'Arthur, they're here!' shouted a Ministry wizard as a loud THUMP came from the end of the train.

'I have to go Harry, get back to the front, the others will need you.'

'Have you seen Sirius and Lupin?'

'Other end' Harry caught as Mr. Weasley disappeared into a compartment. Torn between going to look and returning, Harry eventually gave up and returned back the way he had come, Sirius and Lupin could look after themselves. He ran down the corridor to the Gryffindor compartment and opened the door.

'Stupefy!' cried Ron and he sent a blue beam out at a Death Eater near the carriage. Harry joined Hermione at a window and looked out at the scene; several spells were issuing from the train at the Death Eaters who swooped around them, sending back fireballs and green blasts. As fireballs impacted most were doused with carefully aimed extinguishing charms, but both the Ministry wizards and Hogwarts students were having trouble hitting the Death Eaters. Behind Harry the compartment door slid open and Viktor entered, part of his cloak was singed but he have Harry a small grin, Neville also entered with a smile on his face.

'I haff an idea…'

* * *

In the corridor were Harry, Viktor, Neville and several other Hogwarts students, all wearing looks of determination. Around him Harry could hear and see the ongoing skirmish with the Death Eaters, many students had small cuts or burns, while a few were lying on couches having been hit by stunning spells or small explosions. 'are you sure this will work?' he murmured to Viktor. He got a short nod in return and a gesture to begin. 'Let's go' he said to the group, and kicked open the compartment door and leapt from the train.

With a swoop he felt the familiar wind in his face as his Firebolt launched him skywards, stopping at twenty feet above the train, he waited while the other students took off from the train, with Viktor acting as rearguard. Fortunately for him most of the Death Eaters had moved up to the engine so the escape from the middle was unnoticed. The rear carriage was fighting a large fire, while the Prefects were under more fire as they were directly behind the engine.

As Viktor arrived Harry turned to the group, 'Wands out!' he ordered, 'I need two of you to go and help with the fire, everyone else we're gonna do a Hawkshead.' With this Neville and another student flew down after the rear carriage while the rest massed together and launched themselves forward at the train, Harry and Viktor in the lead.

As the nearest Death Eater pulled up from an attack he turned to see a mass of grim students heading towards him in a wedge, holding their wands at the ready. 'Stupefy' cried the leading figure, then the dark wizard felt a weird tingling and fell from his broomstick to the ground as the formation rushed passed him.

Continuing the Hawkshead formation Harry led the assorted Quidditch students, including Cho Chang of Ravenclaw, Terence Higgs of Slytherin and Angelina Johnson from Gryffindor, through the small group of Death Eaters, knocking several off the brooms and leading others into the beams from the Prefects and Ministry wizards. As they passed the engine Harry shouted again; 'Break by pairs, go after single wizards and watch each other and friendly spells.' With this he and Viktor pulled flawless loops and raced after the nearest Dark Wizard who frantically tried to pull away from two Leg-Locker Curses then yelled as his legs locked and sent his broom crashing down into a ditch. As Harry pulled up again he gave a victorious cry as he noticed only five Death Eaters remained in the sky.

Then his cry turned to horror as one Death Eater sent a thunderbolt into a knot of students, two fell while the rest lost control and shot upwards. Bursting with speed Harry and Viktor shot forwards on their brooms, the students and Death Eaters dodged aside as the speeding Seekers shot through the dogfight. Five feet above the ground Viktor caught Adrian Pucey and two feet from impact Harry swooped under an unconscious Alicia Spinnet. As he pulled up Cho Chang brought Alicia's broom over and then took off again with Percy Bole. Placing Alicia on her broom Harry swooped to the nearest compartment and willing hands took her inside. Harry took off again and was heartened to see that only two Death Eaters remained in the air, but now there were only six students, and the Dark Wizards were sending out more arcs of lightning.

Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw that most of the Prefects had stopped firing, they could easily avoid their own people, but the Death Eaters were just too manoeuvrable on their brooms. Then an idea came to Harry, and he charged straight at the nearest Death Eater. The Dark Wizard looked up but Harry was too close, and as he swooped he forced the wizard to flip over on his broom, and lose steering capabilities. Moving in a straight line the broom was now an easy target for the Prefects in the Hufflepuff carriage, and several disarming spells struck the wizard and his broom, sending both plummeting.

The last Death Eater searched for escape, but he was blocked by students on all sides, and the train below him, the only option left was straight up. With a sudden move the Dark Wizard feinted left and then zoomed upwards as Harry had predicted, and he and Viktor gave chase once more. Up, up, up went the trio of wizards, leaving the rest to gaze upwards into the sky. 'Harry,' Viktor cried, 'vot shall ve do ven ve catch him?' It was a good point, Harry didn't know why they were going after him, if they stunned the man it would kill him.

'Try and trap him, we can't knock him off and we can't keep heading upwards forever.' As the duo resumed the chase it was clear the Death Eater was having similar thoughts as he began to level off. Coming to a sudden halt he turned to face the two young wizards, they drew their wands, but Harry was puzzled when their opponent remained stationary. Reaching up he removed his hood to reveal a familiar face, it was that of Professor Karkaroff.

'H-hello b-boys, nice to s-see y-you.' He stammered. Viktor nearly dropped his wand, while Harry opened and shut his mouth in a dazed manner. 'I wasn't e-expecting to see you again, I-I was only s-supposed to take the p-platform.'

'Vy?' Viktor interrupted, 'You left us for HIM, vy, you van avay like a coward.'

'I had no choice, he found me, threatened me, I have to work for him now, he'll kill me.'

'Vot about the vones he's already killed? Have you thought of them? Vot about Diggory, Mr. Crouch, Harry's parents?' Viktor spat the accusation at Karkaroff. 'Maybe I vill stun him Harry, he deserves no better.'

'No,' Harry said, 'I want him to speak to Dumbledore, he'll know how to deal with him.' Training his wand on the former Durmstrang head, Harry and Viktor headed back down to the line. Most of the Death Eaters were still down, but a few looked up dazedly as Harry, Viktor and Karkaroff flew overhead, Voldemort would not be pleased…

* * *

After five minutes Harry and company had caught up with the train, and under Ministry wands they landed until they were identified as friendlies. Under the supervision of four Ministry wizards, Karkaroff was led to an empty compartment in the first carriage. As Harry and Viktor entered the aisle Mr. Weasley came up to them, wearing a frustrated look, he couldn't decide whether to praise or scold them, instead he just gave an exasperated 'Humph' and let them go past.

As Harry entered the second carriage a great cheer erupted from the parents, students and Ministry officials there. Harry and Viktor gave winning smiles, although both really just wanted to sit down. As they slowly progresses through the mob, Harry met Alicia who gave him a hug, while Bole shook Viktor's hand. Wearily they repeated the similar cheering mob as they passed through the rest of the carriages, but it was blissfully peaceful in the Prefects carriage when they entered.

Harry couldn't help but notice the walls were scorched, and most of the Prefects sported burns. Ron and Hermione rushed forwards from the Gryffindor compartment and started gabbling all at once:

'Harry, you were amazing.'

'And you Viktor, that was brilliant flying.'

'We nailed two Death Eaters!'

'You saved Alicia and Percy!'

'Who was that person you brought back?' Harry and Viktor tried to explain but eventually shrunk under the barrage of questions, the rest of the compartment doors opened, and the rest of the Prefects came out into the corridor. As everyone crowded round, the door into the carriage opened and Sirius walked through causing most of the students to leap back (why should they read the Daily Prophet?) and a few drew out their wands. They stopped immediately when Harry ran and embraced him, then as Hermione explained for those who hadn't heard the news about Sirius's acquittal, they slipped into a compartment with Viktor and Ron to talk about the fight.

When they were inside both Viktor and Harry collapsed on one of the seats. 'Phew' Harry exclaimed, 'I don't know what was worse, the fight or getting through that lot!' Sirius gave a short chuckle, then he settled down on the opposite seat.

'You realise what you did was very stupid?' he said softly. Harry and Viktor both looked at the floor in the traditional response. 'It was also very brave, and saved a lot of lives…it's what your father would have done Harry, you should be proud of yourselves.' He than settled down and looked out the window. 'You remember I said I had great news in the letter?' Harry looked puzzled, he was free and Harry's new father, wasn't that the great news. 'The great news is that I'm the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.' Now Harry wore a look of total bewilderment, Sirius was teaching at Hogwarts! As he gave an amused laugh, Ron, Hermione and Neville entered from the corridor as the crowd outside dispersed.

'Hey, what's so funny?' asked Ron. 'We've just had to deal with that mob, and you're all having a laugh.'

'Hermione, Ron, Neville, may I introduce the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.' Harry managed before chortling again, this time at their amazed looks. As they congratulated Sirius and joined Harry in laughing, the Hogwarts Express rushed on in the increasing darkness. Harry turned out of the conversation and let his thoughts wander as he gazed out of the window. What would happen to the parents? Would Dumbledore know what to do about Karkaroff? How would this year finally turn out?

* * *

'You failed me again Wormtail, you and your Death Eaters.' The voice was harsh and raspy, 'The Potter boy escaped, I have lost a Death Eater whom would have served me well, now he may as well be a Mudblood loving whelp again.'

'Please master, one more chance.' Peter Pettigrew cowered in front of Voldemort.

'Crucio' as Wormtail writhed before him, Voldemort voiced his thoughts; 'you will get another chance, I will still find a use for Karkaroff, that traitor will pay more than he has.' He lifted his wand and removed the curse from a violently shaking Wormtail. 'He will be useful for a short while longer, as will you. Now, marshal my forces again, we will gather for the next stage of my plan. If Harry Potter will not come to me, I will have to go to him.' As Voldemort chuckled harshly Pettigrew scurried away to fulfil his master's orders, after he left Voldemort turned to the huddled forms of the Ministry wizards he had captured in the attack. 'Now, what shall I do with you?'