Disclaimer: I don't own Hp and so on and so on…

Only own Simon and Draco's Brother and some other characters that can't be mentioned yet…

A/N: Sorry this took so long. And I'm really sorry about the chapter I posted and removed! But I changed it and it's way better now! Especially the part with Dumbledore so please read it and forget all you read in the previous one! Really forget it cause it has nothing to do (almost) with the plot anymore and again, I'm really sorry for all who already read it! Ok, also, this chap is almost Hogwarts so hold on tight! And please review!

--Tincerbel

CHAPTER FIVE

ON THE WAY BACK HOME

When Harry woke up the next morning after a great dream-less sleep he could almost smell the beginning of the school year. This time though, the weather was nice, unlike last year when they got to King's Cross station in the pouring rain. Just when he opened his eyes he felt a sharp, familiar pain in his arm, which vanished a few seconds later. Very nervously, Harry sat up and reached for his glasses, then went over to his suitcase to get dressed. They had to leave at 10:30 to get to platform nine and three quarters in time and it was only 8:45.

Suddenly Harry noticed an owl was sitting on the windowsill with a letter that said "HARRY" on it.

"No!" Harry muttered. "What was I thinking?!"

Because of what happened with the scar he completely forgot to mail Sirius back. He quickly opened the letter and read.

Harry,

Is anything the matter? Is something going on? I was getting worried; I connected Arthur Weasley and I hear all is well as far as he knows but why didn't you owl me? Is there something you didn't tell Arthur? I hope everything is all right! Anyway, I'll be away for a while so you won't get any letters soon, please write me back anyway, but know that I won't return an answer and please don't write me again until I contact you, I'm leaving as soon as I hear from you so hurry.

Don't worry, things are looking alright so far, seems things are at ease.

Love,

Snuffles.

Harry examined the letter closely. The last line was written in a shaky handwriting. What did it mean? Where things not all right as Sirius wrote? But that was nothing comparing to: "Is there something you didn't tell Arthur?" As if he knew… 'But he couldn't have…'

Harry quickly drew out a quill and a Parchment out of his now not so packed suitcase and wrote:

Dear Sirius,

Sorry I haven't written, Hedwig is away at the moment and I didn't think pig was up to the trip, not to mention Errol, so I couldn't have sent anything until you just now when I got this letter with your owl.

Everything is alright, don't worry! Me, Ron and Hermione are having a great time and today we're going to Hogwarts.

Please contact me as soon as you return, and please take care of yourself and be careful! And don't worry about me!

Harry.

'Well, it's just a little lie isn't it? It seems like he's lying to me too.' Harry mumbled to himself as he tied the letter to owl's leg making Hedwig stare at him suspiciously.

He decided not to tell Ron or Hermione about the letter because he knew that if he would tell them how worried Sirius sounded it would bring the arm back into conversation and Hermione and Ron will probably press on Harry to tell Dumbledore or even go to tell Arthur.

Just as the owl drew away from the window a groan announced Ron was awaking. A few minutes later he and Ron went down to the kitchen. Hermione and Ginny came down a short while later. They had a quick breakfast and got ready to go.

"By the way," said Hermione as Fred and George went down the stairs. "How are we all getting to King's cross?"

"Dad got another car for today, Bill will be driving that one." Ron explained.

At 10:25 they all got their suitcases into the trunks, (which was quite hard considering they had six of them). They said good-bye to Charlie who was the only one staying in the Burrow as Percy was at work and the rest were going to London and drove off. Ron, Hermione and Harry drove in one car with Molly and Arthur Weasley while Fred, George and Ginny sat in the other with Bill.

They got there just in time. They unloaded their suitcases onto trolleys and walked towards platforms nine and ten. It was 10:50 when they reached it, "Ten minutes to go," Harry noted to himself as they reached the opening that lead to platform nine and three quarters.

"Why don't the three of you go first." Grinned Mrs. Weasley to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

To get to station nine and three quarters you had to go through a ticket-booth into a hidden station where the scarlet train of Hogwarts awaited. Getting through the boarder itself wasn't hard at all but getting through it unnoticed with a huge suitcase and a cage with an owl in it was a different story… Harry, Ron and Hermione went over to the ticket-both, acting as casual as they could (considering they had an owl and a grumpy ginger cat) and as if by mistake slipped into the boarder. As soon as they were out in the station they could see the huge scarlet, steam engine train waiting for them along with many Hogwarts students who were saying good-bye to their families.

They stood outside the train and waited for the rest to show up. When Ginny and Bill finally arrived ("Some Muggle tourists group blocked our way.") The usual "Kiss and Lecture ceremony", as Ron called it began. Every time, just before it was time leave, Mrs. Weasley would hug and kiss each of her children while giving this small speech of what they shouldn't do. Even in his first year, when he met Ron, Harry saw her do it. She started with Ginny; after squeezing her as tight as she could she said: "Alright dear, you are in your fourth year now and… Oh, I'm going to miss you so much! So remember, fourth year is hard work, isn't it Ron? Though with your grades I don't think it's going to be much of a problem…"

After squeezing her again she turned to Ron. "Ron, this year you have your O.W.L.s so I want you to listen in classes and behave yourself, and I don't want to get any letters saying you were sneaking out at night again you hear?! Owl me when you get there, alright?" Ron hardly nodded because Mrs. Weasley sized him into a tight hug, then she hugged Harry and Hermione, both felt quite embarrassed but also quite pleased. Harry felt like Mrs. Weasley was the Momish Aunt he never had. "Have fun dears." She said. Then, at last, she turned to Fred and George who were now going to attend their final year at Hogwarts. "Fred… George… This is your final year so I ask you to be at your best." She said and hugged them. "And have fun, but not too fun! And watch over you brother and sister won't you?"

"You know what mom?" Said George "I just remembered. We never did send you that toilet seat we promised." They all laughed their heads off and even Mrs. Weasley smiled. Harry remembered the toilet seat… It was in his first year, when he first got to the platform. "And ah…" She added as if it was by the way. "Don't forget to owl me about the, ah… thing with…" She mumbled very unclearly but Fred and George seemed to understand every word and nodded along. Ron gave them a stare.

"And all of you: remember to be very, very careful, especially this year, you hear?!" She gave Fred and George a sharp look "You are safe with Dumbledore from…" She mumbled quietly. "But if I get a letter saying you were out at night or something… it'll be me you'll have to hide from!"

"Don't worry mom…" Said Fred. "I promise you we'll manage to get the toilet seat out in daylight."

"It's not funny!" She snapped at him. Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth to say something more when they heard the whistle that informed the train was about to leave platform nine and three quarters.

"Have fun kids!" Said Mr. Weasley who was standing aside silent the whole time.

"So, we should get going…" Said Bill and leaned to kiss his mother.

"I'll see you at home then?" Mr. Weasley mumbled to him. He nodded shortly and put his arm around Ginny. Harry, Ron and Hermione were very surprised when Bill climbed with them onto the train. Fred, Ginny and George on the other hand didn't seem surprised atall. As soon as they got on the train Lee Jordan appeared from near by compartment and invited Fred and George to join him and they disappeared out of sight. The rest of them walked along the train looking for an empty compartment. Ron led them into one of the last compartments and the put their luggage down, settling comfortably in the chairs.

"So Bill," asked Ginny after a while. "Why are you going to Hogwarts anyway?"

"Yeah Bill," said Ron in curiosity. "Why don't you just Apparate there?"

"Ron!" Snapped Hermione.

"No Hermione, I don't know!" Cried Ron. "What does 'Hogwarts A History' say?!"

"I've told you this a million times already! You can't Apparate into Hogwarts! And besides, even if you technically could they wouldn't tell you where it is anyway."

Ron made a face but Bill said "But she's right Ron. I have some business with Dumbledore and I needed to get to Hogwarts as soon as possible so I got permission to go with the school train."

Hermione and Harry switched looks. "Seems to be a popular excuse, doesn't it?" Harry whispered to Ron remembering Simon.

"So how long will you be staying?" Ron asked suspiciously.

"Just this one night… I just need to trade a few words with Dumbledore…"

The ride was quiet and nice; the weather outside was great even as they drew north.

A while into the drive someone knocked on their compartment door. For a second Harry thought it might be Malfoy but was relieved to see two boys he saw occasionally in the Gryffindor common room.

"Ginny!" A taller and tanned boy said warmly as he walked in followed by a shorter, well-built boy. "We were wondering where you disappeared to. Emma was looking all over for you!"

"Hey Kenny, Hey Adam," Ginny said in a small smile.

"C'mon! What are you waiting for?" The shorter one said. "Emma saved a compartment for all of us!"

"Alright," Ginny said getting up. "I'll see you guys later alright?" She gave them, or more gave Harry one more look before she left and then closed the door behind her.

After about two hours or so the lady with the food trolley arrived along with Fred and George who came to join them for a light lunch. Harry bought them all his favorite wizard candy; Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans along with Chocolate Frogs, and pumpkin juice.

"And I would like The Daily Prophet please," Bill said and handed her some money.

"The paper…" Ron mumbled remembering something. "What ever happened to Rita Skeeter?!" he whispered sharply to Hermione. Hermione gave him a smirk. "I gave her an assignment," She said looking pleased. "She'll be back working at the Witch Weekly and the Prophet in a while… and writing about important stuff for a change." She said very proudly.

"What did you make her write?" Harry smiled suspiciously. "Oh no! Don't tell me, you didn't…"

"didn't what?--" Ron's jaw dropped. "You made her write about…"

"Society issues, what's wrong with that?!" She snapped at them. "It's important and it's much better than the way I tried it, this way it's far more affective."

"You made her…"

"Write about House Elf use, that's right!"

Ron and Harry fought the laughter but they just couldn't help it.

"I can see it now 'SPEW saves the day! Get your badges here' HA!" Ron gasped for air.

"Oh shut up!"

***

A sliver-bearded man and a big black hound sat in silence in a clean neat room. The room was very dark, all the curtains in it were drawn and the only source of light was the gloom of a big fireplace and a thin line of light coming from the door which was opened ajar, waiting. The room was not the only thing in silence though, no voice or noise came from outside either, and they could hear nothing but the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. Then, rather suddenly noises were heard but neither the man nor the dog moved or turned to look at each other. Footsteps were heard, not dim and far, but just around the hall, one pair of them was firm, the other drugging itself and stumbling occasionally.

"You're not going!" Said a firm middle-aged woman's voice. "You heard what Dumbledore said, you don't have to go if this is how you feel!"

"Well, too bad, I'm going and you can't stop me!"

"Yes, I can Severus!" The footsteps stopped. "All I have to do is stop helping you walk! Look at you, you can hardly carry your own weight!"

"Wait!" Called the voice of Minerva McGonagall as running footsteps echoed down the hall. "Your chocolate bucket!" At this the man and the dog both turned to look at each other, amusement on their face. Though they couldn't see what was actually going on outside they could understand what was going on as if they were there. "Madam Pompfrey will kill me if she knew you haven't even eaten your chocolate!"

"Where are you stirring?!" Snape called in anger. "You're going the wrong way!"

"I know, I'm taking you to your room."

"That's it!" Snape roared. "You won't take me there?! Fine!" He called, apparently braking loose from the woman's grip. "I'll get there myself!" The dog and Dumbledore both heard a few loud, shaky footsteps coming towards the office and then a great bang as a man behind the door hit the floor. Then a high ringing laughter was spreading upon the empty hall. "Severus Snape, you sorry man!" The woman, now sounding much younger helped him up and following footsteps of McGonagall were heard. "Your night has been way too long my friends." She said seriously. "You ought to get some sleep after this." And finally, the door was knocked upon, and opened shortly after revealing three figures.

"Headmaster," Breathed Snape as he entered. "Dog," He added in a murmur, the hound growled softly. Severus Snape looked the worst Dumbledore had ever remembered him and he had sure seen him through some hard moments. He was as skinny as a stick and icy pale though he only left the castle the day before; it seemed like he saw his greatest fear come true.

"Hello Albus," Smiled a woman as she helped Snape to his seat, the farthest from both the door and the fireplace, and then taking a bucket full of chocolate from McGonagall and placing it by him. "Eat." She ordered. "Thanks Minerva." She added and sat down in a couch the closest to the door.

"Well Minerva," Dumbledore said. "I will like a word with you after this discussion, but in the meanwhile you should rest for tonight."

"Thank you headmaster, I'll be in my office if you need me." She said and left. When the door was closed behind her there was sudden motion in the room but it was so dark that they couldn't see quite sharply how amazingly the dog turned into a man, and he sat down on the couch nearest to Dumbledore.

"Sirius old friend!" The woman smiled.

"Long time no see!" Sirius said happily, though still serious and troubled.

And then-- silence. There was no sound in the room what so ever except for the fireplace and the noise of chocolate cubes being suppurated, coming from the darkest corner of the room.

"Are you feeling better Severus?" Dumbledore asked Snape softly.

"I'll live," He said shortly.

"And you?" He looked at the woman. "The potion's wearing off I see,"

"Yes." She said cheerfully. "Just a little while longer."

"Well then, I called upon you though I know how weary and tired you are after this sleepless night." He said rather formally. "And of the last incidents," He added looking directly at Snape who was eating his chocolate, ignoring his look completely. "Because I must know the news you bare immediately, the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves. So…" The headmaster turned his powerful blue eyes to Snape and then to the woman. "Did you get any news?"

"What you feared is true." Snape groaned, taking another bite. "More are joining."

"Not just there," Sirius s hissed venomously. "Also… I talked to Arthur. I bet that's the only reason they're keeping it quiet so far! Are odds aren't good." He said directly to Dumbledore who nodded.

"I bet it is," Dumbledore said calmly. "But I think we should not take action yet, do you agree?" All three nodded.

"What abouthe boy?" The woman asked softly. "How is he? You know Albus I just recalled something Simey' said a while ago after he came back from his little watch… Something about Potter waking up early at many times holding his right side…"

"Right Side!? That's where--!" Sirius said pani. "Do you think it has something to do with it all… but then again, I just got a letter, it was false alarm he said Hedwig was merely delayed. And Arthur said all is well as far as he knows."

"But how far does he know?" Snape hissed from his dark corner. "I mean, I'm sure someone who thinks himself as brave as he does wouldn't run to tell if a thing such as that would have happened."

"You watch it when you're talking of my godson in my presents!"

"Will you please!?" The woman said sharply loosing her soft and usual cheerful tone. "This is not the time for one of your stupid brawls!"

"So Harry is well as far as know." Dumbledore concluded. "Did you get any letters lately?" He turned to the woman.

"Yes, nothing's new… They're working on it but it seems harder than we thought… and they need to find someone to help them in first… But they're feeling all right and it's quiet up there so far… and they're already on their way back for now but-- Oh, but I'm so worried for dear Hagrid!"

"We all are," Dumbledore said softly. "Let's just hope they'll get back here safe and sound.

"And are there any news on where we stand?" He then asked Sirius.

"We have a lot, but not nearly enough." He said gloomily. "Too many of the Ministry stand behind Fudge."

"I hate to say it," Snape said, his mouth full. "But until something horrible happens I think nothing will get through to those air heads!"

"That may seem that way now," Dumbledore said. "But we mustn't loose hope."

"Don't worry," The woman said quietly. "Brighter times will come, eventually. So, anyway, I know Arthur Weasley talked to many of his colleagues, the Weasleys are very fond of in the Ministry you know… The Diggorys are with us of course, and Fletcher is doing his best… He sends his greetings to Minerva by the way." She gave a sudden smile. "And about Minerva," She exclaimed. "Why are you going to see her later." She said rather than asked. "She should be here with us, you have to tell her, surely you trust her enough to tell her about Sirius?"

"Of course I do." Dumbledore said. "But it's a bit different telling her, you know she would take it a little differently than you have… But if you already mentioned it Sirius and I are off to see her later today."

"That would be good." The woman said gladly.

There was a long moment of silence in which no one spoke and each of them stared tensely at the floor.

"So, anyway," Sirius said awkwardly, breaking the silence. "Will there be any transfers joining from any of the schools?"

"Some were transferred from Drumstrang, all 1st years who were meant to join there." Dumbledore said. "They'll be sorted with everyone else of course."

"And speaking of Drumstrang," Snape smirked. "How is my old friend?"

"Did anyone even hear from him?" Sirius smirked as well, in one of the very few times when he agreed with Snape.

"Well, let's say Karkaroff won't be returning to Drumstrang any time soon, though he was not heard of in the Ministry or around but I managed to contact him, not that he was very pleased… not pleased at all." Dumbledore said. "Seemed mad, said to never owl him or contact him again… Right now, I think he can't and won't harm us or help us, but I'll keep an eye on him.

"They found a substituted of course, Elmon Bellsterog, but we should see how we could help the students there…"

"And also," He suddenly started again. "About pupils, a former student who left is joining… Lena's kid…" Snape stopped chewing on his chocolate.

"Au Lena…" The woman sighed sadly. "Tell me, who's Elinor holding up?"

"She's good, and she says she'll do the best she can, you know, our Ministry alone is not quite enough." Dumbledore exclaimed. "But she's very afraid for the child… there seems to be something going on… I think it will be for the best for her to come here."

"Will I take her right back into my house then or will she be sorted again?" Snape asked, speaking softly for the first time that day.

"I think there's no reason why she shouldn't but I'm going to console the hat just in case… Well," Dumbledore cut himself again; he seemed a little less focused and calm then usual. "That's all, now, you three all better rest for a while, and more chocolate Severus. Rest for as much as you need," He said to the woman.

"No, you'll need my help, I'm going to be there."

"Very well. You, Severus, I'd like to see in the opening feast as well, you could use a good meal. Sirius, I'm going to talk with Minerva now, meet me here in an hour."

***

"Shouldn't get too fool." Said Bill as he helped himself to another sandwich. "The opening feast is tonight, ah…" He said gazing out the window with a dreamy look on his face.

"You must really miss it…" Said George in an emotional voice.

"Why don't you do the final exams for us as well, you did really well on yours."

"Shut up Fred."

"Yeah, Don't even remind me…" said Ron gloomily. "We have our O.W.Ls this year."

"I think it's rather exciting." Hermione glared at him. "We have so much to learn this year."

"No. We have so much to learn this year!" Ron said.

"Harry?" Hermione looked at him worried. "You've been awfully quiet, something wrong?"

"What?" Harry was shaken as if out of a dream. "What? I'm fine. You know, I just remembered a dream I must have had last night, I mean, I didn't remember it at all until just now," Ron and Hermione both peered at Harry. "Well, it was a dark room, at Hogwarts I think, and Dumbledore and, snuffles, Snape, and a woman I didn't know were there." He said quietly. Ron and Hermione switched looks. "And they… were talking about all sorts of things… and that more are joining to Voldemort." Ron shivered as he always did. "And about students from Drumstrang…"

"Do you think… it was, more then a dream?" Whispered Ron. "Do you think it had a meaning?"

"I don't know…" Harry said pondered, both Ron and Hermione seemed worried by the dream but it didn't feel like something so bad to him.

"Maybe it has something to do… with your new scar…" Hermione whispered very sharply.

"I doubt it." He said quickly, his stomach turning.

Before they knew it, the candies and sandwiches were all gone, it was getting dark, unfortunately wet outside and they were close to the castle.

"We should put our robes on." Said Hermione. "We're getting close."

Bill was very impressed when he saw the shiny Prefect badge on Hermione, who blushed into the shade of the watermelon bean Harry ate earlier.

About an hour later the train started to slow down. Because of the fog they couldn't see the castle but Harry could feel it, they're almost home.

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A/N: End of chap 5! Hope u liked (or didn't as long as u tell me about it!). Next chap is finally at Hogwarts! YAY! Also a big Author's note to explain a surprise u will see. Again, sorry I put up the wrong thing, just do me a favor and forgive me and forget what u read!

--Tincerbel