Chapter One: Discoveries
One day in late August, a small scrawny boy sat on a bench in the garden, comtemplating his future. Was he destined to live with his aunt and uncle for the rest of his life? This boy was known as Harry Potter, he was fifteen and had black hair and wore glasses over his green eyes. Harry was wearing his cousin's left-overs. His cousin, Dudley, was five-times bigger than Harry, so his clothes hung off of poor Harry. As Harry sat on the bench, a large snowy owl landed next to him, in its claws was a heavy parchment envelope with green writing on the front and a red seal on the back. Harry took the envelope from the owl and petted her back, he watched as she flew off before reading the letter. He opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper, the same heavy parchment, and began scanning what it said. "Ah," he said quietly. "My new books,' The list read; The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 5), by Miranda Goshawk Historical Magic, by Arista Tillery The Theory of Magic, by Adalbert Waffling The Intermediate Wizards Guide to Transfiguration, by Caroline Switch Two Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, by Phydilla Spore Wonderful Beasts and Their Whereabouts, by Chimaera Toadstool How To Stay Alive When the Dark Comes For You, by Theodore Quaker and An Intermediate's Guide to Potion Making, by Ludwig E.Vile
Just as Harry finished reading, Dudley came around the corner. "Whatcha reading?" Dudley asked, more rudley than politely. "As if you read," Harry muttered under his breath. "What was that?" Dudley said. "Nothing," Harry said quickly. Dudley pushed Harry aside and sat on the bench. "Whats this?" He asked picking up the Hogwarts letter, as he picked it up, another piece of paper fell out. Harry picked it up and read it.
To all students, Hogwarts would like to announce the first annual Hogsmeade Wizard Faire. Students must have a parent or guardian signature to attend. Forms should be turned in to your head of house upon arrival. Thank You, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress "Hmm," Harry said outloud. "What?" Dudley asked, curious. Without answering, Harry gathered up all the pieces of his Hogwarts letter and went inside. Should I ask Uncle Vernon to sign it? Or just send it to Sirius? I'll try Uncle Vernon first, if he fails, then Sirius will sign it. Harry found Uncle Vernon in the kitchen, reading his paper. "Excuse me, Uncle Vernon?" Harry said tentively. With a sigh, Uncle Vernon put down his paper. "What is it Harry?" He almost snapped. "Well," Harry began, wondering now why he even bothered to ask his uncle. "I have this form from my-my school, theres going to be some sort of faire, and I need a signature from you," Harry said through clenched teeth. "Is that so?" Uncle Vernon said. "And all you know is its 'some sort of faire'?" "Yes sir," Harry said. Why oh why did I even think of him making this easy? Harry thought "So will you sign it or not?" Harry asked, impatiently. "Of course I won't sign it, if you ask in that tone of voice!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, his face turning a brilliant shade of red. "Go to your room!" Harry turned with a sigh and went up to his room, and as much as he would have liked to slam the door, he didn't. Harry laid the letters from Hogwarts on his desk and sat on his bed. Why can't he just sign it and get it over with? Why does he draw things out? Harry walked over to his desk and grabbed a sheet of paper and his quill.
Dear Sirius, How are you? I hope all is well. How is Buckbeak, good? Anyway, Hogsmeade is having a faire and I need your signature to go, would you please sign it? The form is enclosed. I hope to see you soon, Harry That sounds good, now if only Hedwig would get back... Harry thought. Now I need to get my new books... I am NOT asking Uncle Vernon to take me.... "Hey!" Harry said outloud. "I've never been here, when it was time to get my books, where was I? "My first year, Hagrid took me to get my stuff, my second year, I was at the Weasley's. Third year, I ran away and was at The Leaky Cauldron. Fourth year, I was at the Weasley's...This will be hard, especially since my aunt and uncle won't take me," Harry grabbed another sheet of paper, and after dipping his quill in ink, he wrote a letter to his friend, Hermione Granger.
Dear Hermione, I've just gotten my new booklist, and realized, that I have no way of getting to Diagon Alley to get them. I'm sending you my money and my list, would you get them when you get your books? You can give me mine on the train. How are you? How was your summer? Mine was boring as usual. Hope you get this on time. Your friend, Harry "Now where is Hedwig?" Harry said outloud, not expecting an answer, though he got in the form of Hedwig swooping in through the open window. "Hello Hedwig, feel up to a journey?" Or two? "I need you to take this to Sirius, and after you deliver it to him, can you take this one to Hermione?" Why do I always feel stupid talking to an owl? Hedwig looked at him and cocked her head. She nipped his finger gently as a reply. Harry gave her the letters, and she flew out the window. He watched her fly out of sight. He ent to his trunk and pulled out one of his schoolbooks, Magical Drafts and Potions, by Arsenius Jigger. Ah, potions. maybe there's something in here to poison Snape with... Harry thought. An hour later, Harry lay sleeping on his bed, the book lay on thr floor where Harry's numbless fingers had dropped it. A sharp rap on the door woke Harry. "Mm?" He said sleepily. "Supper is ready!" Aunt Petunia said in her shrill voice. "Alright, coming," Harry said getting up. Hearing Petunia's footsteps fading away, Harry stayed where he was, trying to remember the dream he had been having. It was about a girl, that much he could remember. There was a lot of flashing light, and yelling. His friend's Ron and Hermione were in the dream also. Harry shook his head, as if to clear it. "Harry!" Petunia called. Harry got up and went downstairs. The Dursley's were already seated at the table. Harry slipped int his seat next to Dudley. "Thank you for joining us, Harry," Uncle Vernon said in disapproving tone. "Sorry," Harry said. "I fell asleep," "I don't want excuses from you," Vernon said. They ate the rest of the meal in silence. After the meal, Harry asked if he could go to his room, Petunia told him to wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen. Sighing, Harry obediantly went and did what he was told. After wiping the last counter, he went upstairs. Going to his calender, he marked off another day. Two more weeks until Hogwarts, he thought blissfully. He picked up the book he had dropped and started reading again, before he knew it, he was asleep and dreaming again. *** In his dream, he was running through the woods, he heard voices ahead of him, someone called his name. He saw a girl run past him. She had long dark hair, she yelled something indistingushable to Harry and disappeared. There were brilliant lights flashing all over the place as curses and counter-curses were being said. Harry heard someone cackle, in his dream, he froze. He knew the sound of that laugh... Harry awoke with a yelp, clutching at his scar. Harry heard his Uncle grunt in the next room, Dudley's snores were making the house viberate. Breathing heavily, Harry put on his glasses and got out of bed. Going to his desk, he riffled through his drawers until pulling out a small dark red book with black binding. He got out a fresh quill and opened the book. Harry had begun a dream journal, as he had so many dreams, and most seemed to come true, especially the ones about Voldemort. He paused for a moment as he remembered something. Gryffin, he thought, her name was Gryffin. *** Harry was sitting at the breakfast table with his relitives two weeks later. "Uncle Vernon?" Harry asked tentatively. "What?" Vernon said with a snap. "Er, I need to go to King's cross tomorrow, remember?" "Yes, yes. What time to do you need to be there?" Vernon said sighing. He would be glad when Harry was gone, he always was. That was the only reason he would take the boy to the train station. "I need to be at ten-thirty," Harry replied. Vernon grunted, and Harry took that as a yes. After breakfast, Harry went upstairs and began to pack his trunk. Coming to his broom, the Firebolt his god-father had given him, Harry took it out of the trunk, along with his broom-servicing kit. But, like always, there was nothing Harry could do to it, no trimming of the tail, no polishing, nothing. Packing it carefully away, Harry began gathering his schoolbooks, coming to his dreamjournal, Harry left it on his desk, in case he had another dream that night. "Harry!" Aunt Petunia called him. Better go see what she wants, he thought heading downstairs. *** Harry sat in the train, waiting for Ron and Hermione to get on. He had been looking forward to coming back all summer, it was his home. He had just fallen asleep, when the compartment opened. Harry opened one green eye and saw a girl standing in the doorway. As she stepped into the room, Harry felt a wave of nuasea come over him, and the queerest deja vu he had ever felt. The girl had dark red hair and stunningly fierce green eyes that just bore into you. "'Allo," Harry said poiletly, though wondering where he had seen her before. "Hell," she replied. "May I sit here?" she asked. "Everywhere else is full," "Sure," Harry said. Who is she?! The thought frusterated him. The girl sat across from him and looked at him quizzically. "I'm Gryffin Nightwind," she said. Gryffin? he thought. "I'm Harry-" "Potter, I know," she said. "I know who you are, in fact, everyone knows who you are," She smiled, and Harry smiled back. *** Soon Gryffin and Harry were so engrossed in conversation, that they didn't hear the door open, nor did they see Ron and Hermione standing there. "Ahem," Ron said clearing his throat. "Ron!" Harry cried joyfully. "Hermione!" Harry was thrilled to see his friends, it had been a long and lonely summer. "Harry, I got you, your books, I even refilled your money pouch," Hermione said, handing Harry his things. "I owe you, Hermione," He said. "Buy her some books, she'll be happy," Ron said grinning at Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Hello," she said to Gryffin. Gryffin gave a little wave. "Who's she?" Ron asked curiously. "Your in Gryffindor, aren't you?" Hermione asked her. "Yes," Gryffin replied simply. "You don't ever talk much," Hermione continued. "Yes I am, I don't like to talk," Gryffin said. "Obviously," Ron whispered to Harry. "I'm Gryffin," Gryffin said, introducing herself to Ron and Hermione. "Excuse me, is Gryffin in here?" a girl said. "Aslin?" Gryffin asked. "There you are!" the girl said, coming into the compartment. "How are you?" Gryffin asked. The girl, Aslin, replied, "Oh the usual, you know... bored," Gryffin laughed. "I don't know, bored can be fun," "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Aslin Bards," Aslin said. "Yes, Aslin, my hyper friend," Gryffin said as Aslin sat down. "So?" Aslin asked. The five of them began to chat. "Look, the infamous Harry Potter and poor, pathetic Weasley," a voice drawled. "Oh bug off, Malfoy. You're wasting your breath," Ron told Draco. "Gonna make me, Weasley? I'll gladly fight you anytime!" Draco said threatingly. His 'enforcers' Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle sniggered behind him. "Go shove some socks down your throat!" Gryffin snapped. "What was that, Nightwind?" Draco said. "You heard what I said," Gryffin said, her voice like ice. "Why don't you go bother someone else?" Aslin chimed in. "Oh I'm so scared," Malfoy said shaking with laughter. "Draco," Gryffin said her voice low and bitter. Draco continued laughing. Gryffin, now thoroughly mad, walked over to Draco and slapped him hard across the face. That put an end to his laughter. Draco pulled out his wand, Crabbe and Goyle copied him. Behind Gryffin, four wands were pulled out and pointed at the three intruders. At the same time, seven curses were yelled and the compartment was filled with light and shouting. When the compartment cleared, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Aslin, were all sprawled on the floor, none of them hurt, or cursed in anyway. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle, were lying in the hallway, moaning and clutching various parts of their bodies. Only Gryffin still stood, untouched. "What happened?" Hermione asked, her voice a little shaky. She knew some sort of powerful magic was at work, because if there wasn't, all of them, including Gryffin, would be unconscious on the floor. "It doesn't matter," Gryffin said. Hermione noticed that now her wand was out and at the ready. "She used her powers," Draco said standing up. "Obliviate!" Gryffin yelled, her wand pointing stright at Draco. Dazed, Draco walked away, his friends following forlornly, and cursed, behind him. "Gryffin, we're not allowed to do that sort of magic," Hermione said, her eyes wide. Gryffin put her wand away, and turned around. Where he was laying on the floor, Harry could see how much Gryffin's eyes resembled a bird's. "I said, that it didn't matter," Gryffin repeated evenly. "But-" Hermione began. "Forget it, Hermione," Harry said as he helped Aslin to her feet. "If she doesn't want to talk about, don't push her," Harry had been the last to get flung back from the curses. He remembered Gryffin standing tall, her arms outstretched, she had been chanting something. Whatever she had been chanting, was why Harry, Ron, Hermione and Aslin were all fine. She hadn't let her protective barrier around Draco and his friends, which is why they had been the ones to get hurt. Ron stood and went to the window. It had begun to rain, sometime during the fight. "It's raining," He said to the others. "I love a good rainstorm," Gryffin said going to the window. Hermione joined Ron at his window. There was a flash of lightning that lit the who compartment. "Anyone hungry in here?" The witch that brought the foodcart said. "Ooh! Food!" Aslin said cheerfully, rushing to the cart. Having settled with their snacks, the five students sat and watched the storm. *** "Firs' years this way!" A familiar deep voice called over the crowd. "Hello Hagrid!" Harry called. "Hey 'Arry, how's things goin'?" Hagrid called back. "Pretty good," "Well, gotta go," Hagrid yelled with a wave as he walked to the lake. A trail of first years following in his wide wake. Harry and his friends climbed into one of the horseless carriages that would take them to the castle. They arrived before the castle and the students climbed out. Harry and his friends walked into the great hall, which was adorned with the usual house banners. A scarlet banner with a gold lion, for Gryffindor. Blue with a gold eagle, for Ravenclaw. Yellow with a black badger for Hufflepuff and green with a silver snake, for Slytherin. Candles floated in the air, as if on invisable strings. Four long tables were filled students of all ages, and at the head of those tables, was another long one, where the teachers sat. Harry took a seat next to Ron's younger sister, Ginny, who blushed shyly and said a quiet hello. Down at the other end of the table, were Ron's older twin brothers, Fred and George. They were sitting with their friend Lee Jordan, and making as much noise as they could. Soon, Hagrid cam through a door in the wall and took his seat at the head table. He gave Harry a jovial wave. Harry waved back. The hall doors burst open, and Professor McGonagall entered with the line of first years. Professor Dumbledore stood, and looked around the room, and at the nervous first years. "So we begin another year..." He began. "And in a few moments, another Sorting Ceremony will begin, but first, a few announcements," Harry heard someone hear him whisper to their friend, "Why can't he make his speeches short? That way, the sorting will be over sooner! I'm hungry!" "Due to events that took place last year, I implore that no student roams the grounds after dark. And as always the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden. Quidditch will begin the first week of October, and the first game will be a week later. The Hogsmeade Farie will be open two weeks after Quidditch starts. Consult your Prefects for your new Common Room password. And remember, Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus. I hope you all will enjoy this year as much the last few years. Professor McGonagall?" "What's he talking about? Enjoyed the past few years!!! You almost got killed those last four years!!" Ron whispered to Harry incredulously. Has it really been five years? Harry thought. Professor McGonagall placed a brown three-legged stool on the floor and put the Sorting Hat on it. The Sorting Hat was a very old and patched black hat. "There are four Houses in Hogwarts, to one you will spend the next seven years in. That house will be your home. The students in it will be your friends and your family. You will recieve points for your triumphs and lose points for your failures. "The four houses are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. "Now, when I call your name, you will, please, come over to the stool and place the Sorting Hat on your head. When the Hat calls out which house you will be in, you will join your fellow students. "Brownlee, Wendy," McGonagall barked. A girl with brown pigtails and freckles came running up to the stool and shoved the hat on her head. "Hufflepuff!" The hat shouted All the Hufflepuffs stood up to meet their new member. "Evans, Cerridwen!" McGonagall called out. A redheaded walked nervously to the stool and gingerly placed the hat on her head. After a moment's consideration, the hat called out "Hufflepuff!" Cerridwen went and joined Wendy at the Hufflepuff table. "George, Gregory," slithered up to the stool, the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!" Draco stood up and patted Gregory on the back. "Graham, Chealsea," became a Ravenclaw, so did "Hanson, Doug," "Kelaher, Stevie," became a Slytherin. "Nolan, Peter," became the first new Gryffindor. He sat next to Neville Longbottom, you would have thought them related. Both pale haired, light of eye, and both a little on the plump side. "Porter, Allison," became a Ravenclaw also. "Van/Owens, Bethanne," became a Gryffindor. And last came "Walters, Penny," a Ravenclaw. "Now that the Sorting is over," Dumbledore said as McGonagall carried the hat and stool out. "Let's eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands twice and the food magically appeared on the silver plates in front of the hungry students. "Glad that's over!" Ron said hungerily as he began to eat heartily. "I agree!" Aslin said as she chose what she was going to eat. Harry sat and ate and watched everyone. They all seemed to enjoy theirselves more when they were here, at Hogwarts. The Weasley twins were causing mischief down at their end of the table. Probably a Canary Cream, Harry thought, grinning. He also noticed that Fred kept looking down at Harry's end of the table, But at what? Harry thought. The meal cam to a close all too soon, the food disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared, and their plates were wiped clean. "Now it is time for you to all go to your House Common rooms, to sleep, to study, and have fun," Dumbledore said, a twinkle in his eye. "If are new, follow your Prefect, or a fellow student to your House. Good Night," Dumbledore said, turning to go. "Now you first years, follow me," The Gryffindor Prefect called out. Harry and his friends followed the other Gryffindors to the Common Room. Gryffin and Aslin hung at the back of the group, talking in low voices. Before they reached their Common room, Gryffin and Aslin were acosted by Draco. "Hey Gryffin," Draco said nastily. Gryffin turned and glared at him. "I see you've had time to visit Madam Pomfrey, or did Snape fix you up?" Gryffin said coldly. "I will get you for that, though I'm suprised you used your powers in front of Potter. To protect him like that must mean you like him," Draco said with a sneer. "You know why I did that, though how you got such information is beyond me," Gryffin said. "Draco, why don't you just go and play with your little friends," Aslin said to him. "My 'little' friends have more brains then you could ever imagine," Draco said almost threatingly. "Is that why their mentality is so low?!" Aslin exclaimed. Gryffin laughed behind her hand. "Your going to have to wake up earlier than that to match her wit," Gryffin, unable to control her smile. "Yeah? Well, in a few days, you'll be on your knees begging me to tell you what I know. Sometimes witches who disappear, come back," With a final glare, Draco stalked off. "I...will...hurt...him...one...day..."Gryffin said shortly. "Of course you will, and I'll help!" Aslin said cheerfully. "Now can we go get some rest?" "Yeah," *** "What is it with Prefects that makes them act superior to us non- Prefects?" Ron asked sleepily as he and Harry climbed up to their room. "I dunno, maybe thats why they're made Prefects?" Harry replied just as sleepily. They climbed into their big canopy beds and had just fallen asleep when their room mates came in. "Hey Harry!" Seamus Finnagin said cheerfully, not noticing that Harry was alseep. "Wha-? Oh hi Seamus," Harry said yawning. "How was your summer?" Neville asked him. "Fairly good," Harry said through another yawn. He wondered what Neville would do or say, if he found out that Harry pretended to be him when he ran away two years ago. The thought always amused him. "May I go back to bed now? And I suggest you be quiet, Ron's asleep too," Harry said as he lay back down. The other boys put on their bedclothes and snuffed out the candles. *** Harry awoke to birds singing and the sweet sound of Ron cursing. "Why do I always get everything second hand?!" Ron muttered as he put on his, second hand, robes. Harry sat up and stretched. He put on his glasses and looked out the window, it was going to be a beautiful day. He got dressed and followed Ron down into the common room. Gryffin and Aslin were playing a game of Wizard Chess; Ron, curious, went over to see how the game was going. Harry sat in a chair next to Hermione, who was studying her schedule intently. Harry saw his own schedule laying on the table. For sake of nothing else to do, Harry picked it up and began reading. "Double potions with Slytherin first thing today?" He grumbled. "Yeah, I was disappointed too. And did you notice how there's no Defense Against the Dark Arts, listed?" Hermione asked. "It just says, 'wait until further notice'. Wonder what that means?" Harry asked. "I don't know, but come on, we'd better go eat some breakfast... else our stomachs will be complaining during potions," Hermione said half- jokingly. The chess game had just finished as Harry and Hermione pushed their chairs away from the table and got up. The five students headed downstairs, and were ambushed at the foot of the stairs by Draco and his croonies. "So Gryffin," Draco said putting his arm around her. "How are you this morning? No dreams? No visions of your mo-" Gryffin decided he'd said enough, she shut him up by shoving her elbow into his ribs, and slammed her fist into his mouth. Crabbe and Goyle looked at Gryffin mencingly, she glared back at them. Just then, as Draco began to pull out his wand. "What is going on here?" She barked. "Nothing, Professor, that I can not handle," Gryffin said. "Draco here started something, I thought to finish it," Which was almost true. "I want the rest of you to continue to class, breakfast, or whatever you have to do. Gryffin, you and Malfoy follow me," McGonagall said. The two students followed McGonagall to Madam Pomfrey's, the school nurse, office. "What happened?" She exclaimed, tsking her tongue at Malfoy's very bloody lip. "These two were fighting," McGonagall explained. Gryffin did her best to keep a straight innocent look. "I want you to tell me what happened," the Professor said sternly. "I won't speak while he's in earshot," Gryffin said bluntly. "And why not?" McGonagall asked, exasperated. Why did these two have to fight so often? Even Potter didn't get in as much trouble as they did! Her and the other Professors had stopped taking points away from them, and started giving them just dentention. "Because he's a loud-mouthed, big-headed-" "Thats enough! Draco, stay here, I will deal with you after Miss Gryffin," McGonagall and Gryffin went out into the hall. "Now, what happened?" "He keeps talking about my mother. You know what happened to her, a- and you know my feelings about what happened!" Gryffin managed to stammer out. "I know child, but you happened to have a very bad temper that you seem to have trouble controling. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, all had to visit Madam Pomfrey the first day back! Now what happened on the train?" McGonagall's voice almost rose to breaking point. "I was in a compartment with Potter, Weasley, Granger, and Aslin. Draco came in and basically started to annoy me. He made a stupid joke about Harry being 'imfamous' and had another crack at Ron, about how poor he was. You and Dumbledore told me to protect Harry, so, someone said something, and wands got pulled out. I protected Harry and his friends from the curses and jinxes....and let Malfoy, Goyle and Crabbe get what they had coming to them. Thats all," McGonagall sighed. "I wish you two would put aside your differences when you are here. The less strain on Dumbledore and I, and the other Professors, the better," Gryffin hung her head, "I'm sorry. I will try to control my temper, but if I absolutely have to, can I use I silenceling charm or a memory charn on him? One that will make him forget about my mother, just until the end of the year?" she asked, almost pitifully. "Yes, I suppose it could be for the better," McGonagall said. "You can go find your friends and have breakfast now," "Thank you," Gryffin said as she turned to go. She hurried down the stairs, forgoing breakfast, she just conjured something up as she hurried down to potions class. She needed to talk to Snape, not only about Draco, but about the potion he brews for her..... *** "I hope Gryffin isn't in too much trouble," Hermione commented as they followed McGonagall's advice, and were eating breakfast. "Oh she'll be fine. The Professor's stopped taking points from her and Draco, they just do some sort of detention," Aslin remarked calmly. "They stopped taking points and now just give detention? Why?" Ron asked befuddled. "Because the last few years, they faught so often, that Dumbledore said as long as they were petty fights, like this one, then they'll just get detention," "They must get into to trouble more often then you and me!" Ron said with his mouth full. "Ron don't talk with your mouth full!" Hermione admonished. Ron gave her a cross-eyed grin. Hermione shook her head. They finished their breakfast and headed down to the dungeons for double potions. When they came in, Gryffin as sitting quietly at a desk, a cup, with a potion in it, was next to her elbow. "Make sure you drink it all," Came Professor Snape's voice from his desk. Gryffin glanced at the door, "Don't be shy, sit down!" she said. Harry and the others took seats around her, soon the other students arrived. "Today, we will be testing how much you've learned over the years, a simple test actually. You will write down, every potion that you have made in this class. Along with the complete list of ingrediants and how the potion should come out!" Snape smiled maliciously. A few groans could be heard, but the students dutifully got out their papers and quills and began writing. *** "How can classes last so long?!" Ron grumbled as he and the others made their way to their common room. "I know! I wish classes would get over with and Quidditch would start," Aslin said. "Me too," Harry replied sleepily, as if he would sleep through dinner. "What position do you play?" "Chaser. I was a back up, and now that Angelina passed all her tests and left Hogwarts, I get to take over her spot," "Oh, cool," Harry said. "You know what I want?" Gryffin said suddenly. "What?" Hermione asked tiredly. "A nice long, hot, hot bath," Gryffin mumbled dreamily. "I'll see you guys later," she said as she turned around and headed in the oppisite direction. Harry and the others went ahead into the common room. Aslin went to her room, and Harry to his. Ron had challenged Hermione to a game of wizard chess. *** Gryffin lay in the tub relaxing, her thoughts drifting to and fro, eventually she fell asleep and began dreaming. At that same time, Harry was asleep and was dreaming also, in fact, Gryffin was having the same dream as Harry........ *** "Harry! Duck!" Gryffin yelled in the dream, Harry turned and ducked. He saw a flash of bright blue light over his head. Gryffin was running through the woods yelling something incoherant. It almost sound like she was cursing something. He heard Ron's voice over to his left, he heard Hermione scream in pain. Harry looked wildly around, Where is he? he thought. "Never!" He heard someone shut, then something struck his head, and all consciousness was lost. *** Gryffin saw Harry go down, stuck by what looked like lightning. That's two down, she thought grimly, rushing to Harry's side. She saw one of the Weasley twins, she couldn't tell which in the light, but something told her it was Fred.... "Go find Hermione!" she yelled to him. "She was over there!" she pointed out the last location she had seen Hermione. How could it all go so wrong? she thought as cackling laughter came from her right. Spinning around, she saw a figure bent over Harry, wand pulled at and aimed at his chest. "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!" Gryffin shrieked, calling on all her power to defeat that figure of evil..... *** Aslin heard Gryffin's cry and rushed to the bathroom where Gryffin was sitting on the floor in a bathroom, rocking and saying, "He's coming back, he's coming back," over and over. She couldn't stop. If her dream came true, and most of them did, the results would be disasterous. Aslin wrapped her arms around Gryffin, hoping she woulsd stop roacking and shaking. "It has begun," Gryffin said in a hollow voice. ***
One day in late August, a small scrawny boy sat on a bench in the garden, comtemplating his future. Was he destined to live with his aunt and uncle for the rest of his life? This boy was known as Harry Potter, he was fifteen and had black hair and wore glasses over his green eyes. Harry was wearing his cousin's left-overs. His cousin, Dudley, was five-times bigger than Harry, so his clothes hung off of poor Harry. As Harry sat on the bench, a large snowy owl landed next to him, in its claws was a heavy parchment envelope with green writing on the front and a red seal on the back. Harry took the envelope from the owl and petted her back, he watched as she flew off before reading the letter. He opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper, the same heavy parchment, and began scanning what it said. "Ah," he said quietly. "My new books,' The list read; The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 5), by Miranda Goshawk Historical Magic, by Arista Tillery The Theory of Magic, by Adalbert Waffling The Intermediate Wizards Guide to Transfiguration, by Caroline Switch Two Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, by Phydilla Spore Wonderful Beasts and Their Whereabouts, by Chimaera Toadstool How To Stay Alive When the Dark Comes For You, by Theodore Quaker and An Intermediate's Guide to Potion Making, by Ludwig E.Vile
Just as Harry finished reading, Dudley came around the corner. "Whatcha reading?" Dudley asked, more rudley than politely. "As if you read," Harry muttered under his breath. "What was that?" Dudley said. "Nothing," Harry said quickly. Dudley pushed Harry aside and sat on the bench. "Whats this?" He asked picking up the Hogwarts letter, as he picked it up, another piece of paper fell out. Harry picked it up and read it.
To all students, Hogwarts would like to announce the first annual Hogsmeade Wizard Faire. Students must have a parent or guardian signature to attend. Forms should be turned in to your head of house upon arrival. Thank You, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress "Hmm," Harry said outloud. "What?" Dudley asked, curious. Without answering, Harry gathered up all the pieces of his Hogwarts letter and went inside. Should I ask Uncle Vernon to sign it? Or just send it to Sirius? I'll try Uncle Vernon first, if he fails, then Sirius will sign it. Harry found Uncle Vernon in the kitchen, reading his paper. "Excuse me, Uncle Vernon?" Harry said tentively. With a sigh, Uncle Vernon put down his paper. "What is it Harry?" He almost snapped. "Well," Harry began, wondering now why he even bothered to ask his uncle. "I have this form from my-my school, theres going to be some sort of faire, and I need a signature from you," Harry said through clenched teeth. "Is that so?" Uncle Vernon said. "And all you know is its 'some sort of faire'?" "Yes sir," Harry said. Why oh why did I even think of him making this easy? Harry thought "So will you sign it or not?" Harry asked, impatiently. "Of course I won't sign it, if you ask in that tone of voice!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, his face turning a brilliant shade of red. "Go to your room!" Harry turned with a sigh and went up to his room, and as much as he would have liked to slam the door, he didn't. Harry laid the letters from Hogwarts on his desk and sat on his bed. Why can't he just sign it and get it over with? Why does he draw things out? Harry walked over to his desk and grabbed a sheet of paper and his quill.
Dear Sirius, How are you? I hope all is well. How is Buckbeak, good? Anyway, Hogsmeade is having a faire and I need your signature to go, would you please sign it? The form is enclosed. I hope to see you soon, Harry That sounds good, now if only Hedwig would get back... Harry thought. Now I need to get my new books... I am NOT asking Uncle Vernon to take me.... "Hey!" Harry said outloud. "I've never been here, when it was time to get my books, where was I? "My first year, Hagrid took me to get my stuff, my second year, I was at the Weasley's. Third year, I ran away and was at The Leaky Cauldron. Fourth year, I was at the Weasley's...This will be hard, especially since my aunt and uncle won't take me," Harry grabbed another sheet of paper, and after dipping his quill in ink, he wrote a letter to his friend, Hermione Granger.
Dear Hermione, I've just gotten my new booklist, and realized, that I have no way of getting to Diagon Alley to get them. I'm sending you my money and my list, would you get them when you get your books? You can give me mine on the train. How are you? How was your summer? Mine was boring as usual. Hope you get this on time. Your friend, Harry "Now where is Hedwig?" Harry said outloud, not expecting an answer, though he got in the form of Hedwig swooping in through the open window. "Hello Hedwig, feel up to a journey?" Or two? "I need you to take this to Sirius, and after you deliver it to him, can you take this one to Hermione?" Why do I always feel stupid talking to an owl? Hedwig looked at him and cocked her head. She nipped his finger gently as a reply. Harry gave her the letters, and she flew out the window. He watched her fly out of sight. He ent to his trunk and pulled out one of his schoolbooks, Magical Drafts and Potions, by Arsenius Jigger. Ah, potions. maybe there's something in here to poison Snape with... Harry thought. An hour later, Harry lay sleeping on his bed, the book lay on thr floor where Harry's numbless fingers had dropped it. A sharp rap on the door woke Harry. "Mm?" He said sleepily. "Supper is ready!" Aunt Petunia said in her shrill voice. "Alright, coming," Harry said getting up. Hearing Petunia's footsteps fading away, Harry stayed where he was, trying to remember the dream he had been having. It was about a girl, that much he could remember. There was a lot of flashing light, and yelling. His friend's Ron and Hermione were in the dream also. Harry shook his head, as if to clear it. "Harry!" Petunia called. Harry got up and went downstairs. The Dursley's were already seated at the table. Harry slipped int his seat next to Dudley. "Thank you for joining us, Harry," Uncle Vernon said in disapproving tone. "Sorry," Harry said. "I fell asleep," "I don't want excuses from you," Vernon said. They ate the rest of the meal in silence. After the meal, Harry asked if he could go to his room, Petunia told him to wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen. Sighing, Harry obediantly went and did what he was told. After wiping the last counter, he went upstairs. Going to his calender, he marked off another day. Two more weeks until Hogwarts, he thought blissfully. He picked up the book he had dropped and started reading again, before he knew it, he was asleep and dreaming again. *** In his dream, he was running through the woods, he heard voices ahead of him, someone called his name. He saw a girl run past him. She had long dark hair, she yelled something indistingushable to Harry and disappeared. There were brilliant lights flashing all over the place as curses and counter-curses were being said. Harry heard someone cackle, in his dream, he froze. He knew the sound of that laugh... Harry awoke with a yelp, clutching at his scar. Harry heard his Uncle grunt in the next room, Dudley's snores were making the house viberate. Breathing heavily, Harry put on his glasses and got out of bed. Going to his desk, he riffled through his drawers until pulling out a small dark red book with black binding. He got out a fresh quill and opened the book. Harry had begun a dream journal, as he had so many dreams, and most seemed to come true, especially the ones about Voldemort. He paused for a moment as he remembered something. Gryffin, he thought, her name was Gryffin. *** Harry was sitting at the breakfast table with his relitives two weeks later. "Uncle Vernon?" Harry asked tentatively. "What?" Vernon said with a snap. "Er, I need to go to King's cross tomorrow, remember?" "Yes, yes. What time to do you need to be there?" Vernon said sighing. He would be glad when Harry was gone, he always was. That was the only reason he would take the boy to the train station. "I need to be at ten-thirty," Harry replied. Vernon grunted, and Harry took that as a yes. After breakfast, Harry went upstairs and began to pack his trunk. Coming to his broom, the Firebolt his god-father had given him, Harry took it out of the trunk, along with his broom-servicing kit. But, like always, there was nothing Harry could do to it, no trimming of the tail, no polishing, nothing. Packing it carefully away, Harry began gathering his schoolbooks, coming to his dreamjournal, Harry left it on his desk, in case he had another dream that night. "Harry!" Aunt Petunia called him. Better go see what she wants, he thought heading downstairs. *** Harry sat in the train, waiting for Ron and Hermione to get on. He had been looking forward to coming back all summer, it was his home. He had just fallen asleep, when the compartment opened. Harry opened one green eye and saw a girl standing in the doorway. As she stepped into the room, Harry felt a wave of nuasea come over him, and the queerest deja vu he had ever felt. The girl had dark red hair and stunningly fierce green eyes that just bore into you. "'Allo," Harry said poiletly, though wondering where he had seen her before. "Hell," she replied. "May I sit here?" she asked. "Everywhere else is full," "Sure," Harry said. Who is she?! The thought frusterated him. The girl sat across from him and looked at him quizzically. "I'm Gryffin Nightwind," she said. Gryffin? he thought. "I'm Harry-" "Potter, I know," she said. "I know who you are, in fact, everyone knows who you are," She smiled, and Harry smiled back. *** Soon Gryffin and Harry were so engrossed in conversation, that they didn't hear the door open, nor did they see Ron and Hermione standing there. "Ahem," Ron said clearing his throat. "Ron!" Harry cried joyfully. "Hermione!" Harry was thrilled to see his friends, it had been a long and lonely summer. "Harry, I got you, your books, I even refilled your money pouch," Hermione said, handing Harry his things. "I owe you, Hermione," He said. "Buy her some books, she'll be happy," Ron said grinning at Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Hello," she said to Gryffin. Gryffin gave a little wave. "Who's she?" Ron asked curiously. "Your in Gryffindor, aren't you?" Hermione asked her. "Yes," Gryffin replied simply. "You don't ever talk much," Hermione continued. "Yes I am, I don't like to talk," Gryffin said. "Obviously," Ron whispered to Harry. "I'm Gryffin," Gryffin said, introducing herself to Ron and Hermione. "Excuse me, is Gryffin in here?" a girl said. "Aslin?" Gryffin asked. "There you are!" the girl said, coming into the compartment. "How are you?" Gryffin asked. The girl, Aslin, replied, "Oh the usual, you know... bored," Gryffin laughed. "I don't know, bored can be fun," "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Aslin Bards," Aslin said. "Yes, Aslin, my hyper friend," Gryffin said as Aslin sat down. "So?" Aslin asked. The five of them began to chat. "Look, the infamous Harry Potter and poor, pathetic Weasley," a voice drawled. "Oh bug off, Malfoy. You're wasting your breath," Ron told Draco. "Gonna make me, Weasley? I'll gladly fight you anytime!" Draco said threatingly. His 'enforcers' Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle sniggered behind him. "Go shove some socks down your throat!" Gryffin snapped. "What was that, Nightwind?" Draco said. "You heard what I said," Gryffin said, her voice like ice. "Why don't you go bother someone else?" Aslin chimed in. "Oh I'm so scared," Malfoy said shaking with laughter. "Draco," Gryffin said her voice low and bitter. Draco continued laughing. Gryffin, now thoroughly mad, walked over to Draco and slapped him hard across the face. That put an end to his laughter. Draco pulled out his wand, Crabbe and Goyle copied him. Behind Gryffin, four wands were pulled out and pointed at the three intruders. At the same time, seven curses were yelled and the compartment was filled with light and shouting. When the compartment cleared, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Aslin, were all sprawled on the floor, none of them hurt, or cursed in anyway. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle, were lying in the hallway, moaning and clutching various parts of their bodies. Only Gryffin still stood, untouched. "What happened?" Hermione asked, her voice a little shaky. She knew some sort of powerful magic was at work, because if there wasn't, all of them, including Gryffin, would be unconscious on the floor. "It doesn't matter," Gryffin said. Hermione noticed that now her wand was out and at the ready. "She used her powers," Draco said standing up. "Obliviate!" Gryffin yelled, her wand pointing stright at Draco. Dazed, Draco walked away, his friends following forlornly, and cursed, behind him. "Gryffin, we're not allowed to do that sort of magic," Hermione said, her eyes wide. Gryffin put her wand away, and turned around. Where he was laying on the floor, Harry could see how much Gryffin's eyes resembled a bird's. "I said, that it didn't matter," Gryffin repeated evenly. "But-" Hermione began. "Forget it, Hermione," Harry said as he helped Aslin to her feet. "If she doesn't want to talk about, don't push her," Harry had been the last to get flung back from the curses. He remembered Gryffin standing tall, her arms outstretched, she had been chanting something. Whatever she had been chanting, was why Harry, Ron, Hermione and Aslin were all fine. She hadn't let her protective barrier around Draco and his friends, which is why they had been the ones to get hurt. Ron stood and went to the window. It had begun to rain, sometime during the fight. "It's raining," He said to the others. "I love a good rainstorm," Gryffin said going to the window. Hermione joined Ron at his window. There was a flash of lightning that lit the who compartment. "Anyone hungry in here?" The witch that brought the foodcart said. "Ooh! Food!" Aslin said cheerfully, rushing to the cart. Having settled with their snacks, the five students sat and watched the storm. *** "Firs' years this way!" A familiar deep voice called over the crowd. "Hello Hagrid!" Harry called. "Hey 'Arry, how's things goin'?" Hagrid called back. "Pretty good," "Well, gotta go," Hagrid yelled with a wave as he walked to the lake. A trail of first years following in his wide wake. Harry and his friends climbed into one of the horseless carriages that would take them to the castle. They arrived before the castle and the students climbed out. Harry and his friends walked into the great hall, which was adorned with the usual house banners. A scarlet banner with a gold lion, for Gryffindor. Blue with a gold eagle, for Ravenclaw. Yellow with a black badger for Hufflepuff and green with a silver snake, for Slytherin. Candles floated in the air, as if on invisable strings. Four long tables were filled students of all ages, and at the head of those tables, was another long one, where the teachers sat. Harry took a seat next to Ron's younger sister, Ginny, who blushed shyly and said a quiet hello. Down at the other end of the table, were Ron's older twin brothers, Fred and George. They were sitting with their friend Lee Jordan, and making as much noise as they could. Soon, Hagrid cam through a door in the wall and took his seat at the head table. He gave Harry a jovial wave. Harry waved back. The hall doors burst open, and Professor McGonagall entered with the line of first years. Professor Dumbledore stood, and looked around the room, and at the nervous first years. "So we begin another year..." He began. "And in a few moments, another Sorting Ceremony will begin, but first, a few announcements," Harry heard someone hear him whisper to their friend, "Why can't he make his speeches short? That way, the sorting will be over sooner! I'm hungry!" "Due to events that took place last year, I implore that no student roams the grounds after dark. And as always the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden. Quidditch will begin the first week of October, and the first game will be a week later. The Hogsmeade Farie will be open two weeks after Quidditch starts. Consult your Prefects for your new Common Room password. And remember, Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus. I hope you all will enjoy this year as much the last few years. Professor McGonagall?" "What's he talking about? Enjoyed the past few years!!! You almost got killed those last four years!!" Ron whispered to Harry incredulously. Has it really been five years? Harry thought. Professor McGonagall placed a brown three-legged stool on the floor and put the Sorting Hat on it. The Sorting Hat was a very old and patched black hat. "There are four Houses in Hogwarts, to one you will spend the next seven years in. That house will be your home. The students in it will be your friends and your family. You will recieve points for your triumphs and lose points for your failures. "The four houses are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. "Now, when I call your name, you will, please, come over to the stool and place the Sorting Hat on your head. When the Hat calls out which house you will be in, you will join your fellow students. "Brownlee, Wendy," McGonagall barked. A girl with brown pigtails and freckles came running up to the stool and shoved the hat on her head. "Hufflepuff!" The hat shouted All the Hufflepuffs stood up to meet their new member. "Evans, Cerridwen!" McGonagall called out. A redheaded walked nervously to the stool and gingerly placed the hat on her head. After a moment's consideration, the hat called out "Hufflepuff!" Cerridwen went and joined Wendy at the Hufflepuff table. "George, Gregory," slithered up to the stool, the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!" Draco stood up and patted Gregory on the back. "Graham, Chealsea," became a Ravenclaw, so did "Hanson, Doug," "Kelaher, Stevie," became a Slytherin. "Nolan, Peter," became the first new Gryffindor. He sat next to Neville Longbottom, you would have thought them related. Both pale haired, light of eye, and both a little on the plump side. "Porter, Allison," became a Ravenclaw also. "Van/Owens, Bethanne," became a Gryffindor. And last came "Walters, Penny," a Ravenclaw. "Now that the Sorting is over," Dumbledore said as McGonagall carried the hat and stool out. "Let's eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands twice and the food magically appeared on the silver plates in front of the hungry students. "Glad that's over!" Ron said hungerily as he began to eat heartily. "I agree!" Aslin said as she chose what she was going to eat. Harry sat and ate and watched everyone. They all seemed to enjoy theirselves more when they were here, at Hogwarts. The Weasley twins were causing mischief down at their end of the table. Probably a Canary Cream, Harry thought, grinning. He also noticed that Fred kept looking down at Harry's end of the table, But at what? Harry thought. The meal cam to a close all too soon, the food disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared, and their plates were wiped clean. "Now it is time for you to all go to your House Common rooms, to sleep, to study, and have fun," Dumbledore said, a twinkle in his eye. "If are new, follow your Prefect, or a fellow student to your House. Good Night," Dumbledore said, turning to go. "Now you first years, follow me," The Gryffindor Prefect called out. Harry and his friends followed the other Gryffindors to the Common Room. Gryffin and Aslin hung at the back of the group, talking in low voices. Before they reached their Common room, Gryffin and Aslin were acosted by Draco. "Hey Gryffin," Draco said nastily. Gryffin turned and glared at him. "I see you've had time to visit Madam Pomfrey, or did Snape fix you up?" Gryffin said coldly. "I will get you for that, though I'm suprised you used your powers in front of Potter. To protect him like that must mean you like him," Draco said with a sneer. "You know why I did that, though how you got such information is beyond me," Gryffin said. "Draco, why don't you just go and play with your little friends," Aslin said to him. "My 'little' friends have more brains then you could ever imagine," Draco said almost threatingly. "Is that why their mentality is so low?!" Aslin exclaimed. Gryffin laughed behind her hand. "Your going to have to wake up earlier than that to match her wit," Gryffin, unable to control her smile. "Yeah? Well, in a few days, you'll be on your knees begging me to tell you what I know. Sometimes witches who disappear, come back," With a final glare, Draco stalked off. "I...will...hurt...him...one...day..."Gryffin said shortly. "Of course you will, and I'll help!" Aslin said cheerfully. "Now can we go get some rest?" "Yeah," *** "What is it with Prefects that makes them act superior to us non- Prefects?" Ron asked sleepily as he and Harry climbed up to their room. "I dunno, maybe thats why they're made Prefects?" Harry replied just as sleepily. They climbed into their big canopy beds and had just fallen asleep when their room mates came in. "Hey Harry!" Seamus Finnagin said cheerfully, not noticing that Harry was alseep. "Wha-? Oh hi Seamus," Harry said yawning. "How was your summer?" Neville asked him. "Fairly good," Harry said through another yawn. He wondered what Neville would do or say, if he found out that Harry pretended to be him when he ran away two years ago. The thought always amused him. "May I go back to bed now? And I suggest you be quiet, Ron's asleep too," Harry said as he lay back down. The other boys put on their bedclothes and snuffed out the candles. *** Harry awoke to birds singing and the sweet sound of Ron cursing. "Why do I always get everything second hand?!" Ron muttered as he put on his, second hand, robes. Harry sat up and stretched. He put on his glasses and looked out the window, it was going to be a beautiful day. He got dressed and followed Ron down into the common room. Gryffin and Aslin were playing a game of Wizard Chess; Ron, curious, went over to see how the game was going. Harry sat in a chair next to Hermione, who was studying her schedule intently. Harry saw his own schedule laying on the table. For sake of nothing else to do, Harry picked it up and began reading. "Double potions with Slytherin first thing today?" He grumbled. "Yeah, I was disappointed too. And did you notice how there's no Defense Against the Dark Arts, listed?" Hermione asked. "It just says, 'wait until further notice'. Wonder what that means?" Harry asked. "I don't know, but come on, we'd better go eat some breakfast... else our stomachs will be complaining during potions," Hermione said half- jokingly. The chess game had just finished as Harry and Hermione pushed their chairs away from the table and got up. The five students headed downstairs, and were ambushed at the foot of the stairs by Draco and his croonies. "So Gryffin," Draco said putting his arm around her. "How are you this morning? No dreams? No visions of your mo-" Gryffin decided he'd said enough, she shut him up by shoving her elbow into his ribs, and slammed her fist into his mouth. Crabbe and Goyle looked at Gryffin mencingly, she glared back at them. Just then, as Draco began to pull out his wand. "What is going on here?" She barked. "Nothing, Professor, that I can not handle," Gryffin said. "Draco here started something, I thought to finish it," Which was almost true. "I want the rest of you to continue to class, breakfast, or whatever you have to do. Gryffin, you and Malfoy follow me," McGonagall said. The two students followed McGonagall to Madam Pomfrey's, the school nurse, office. "What happened?" She exclaimed, tsking her tongue at Malfoy's very bloody lip. "These two were fighting," McGonagall explained. Gryffin did her best to keep a straight innocent look. "I want you to tell me what happened," the Professor said sternly. "I won't speak while he's in earshot," Gryffin said bluntly. "And why not?" McGonagall asked, exasperated. Why did these two have to fight so often? Even Potter didn't get in as much trouble as they did! Her and the other Professors had stopped taking points away from them, and started giving them just dentention. "Because he's a loud-mouthed, big-headed-" "Thats enough! Draco, stay here, I will deal with you after Miss Gryffin," McGonagall and Gryffin went out into the hall. "Now, what happened?" "He keeps talking about my mother. You know what happened to her, a- and you know my feelings about what happened!" Gryffin managed to stammer out. "I know child, but you happened to have a very bad temper that you seem to have trouble controling. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, all had to visit Madam Pomfrey the first day back! Now what happened on the train?" McGonagall's voice almost rose to breaking point. "I was in a compartment with Potter, Weasley, Granger, and Aslin. Draco came in and basically started to annoy me. He made a stupid joke about Harry being 'imfamous' and had another crack at Ron, about how poor he was. You and Dumbledore told me to protect Harry, so, someone said something, and wands got pulled out. I protected Harry and his friends from the curses and jinxes....and let Malfoy, Goyle and Crabbe get what they had coming to them. Thats all," McGonagall sighed. "I wish you two would put aside your differences when you are here. The less strain on Dumbledore and I, and the other Professors, the better," Gryffin hung her head, "I'm sorry. I will try to control my temper, but if I absolutely have to, can I use I silenceling charm or a memory charn on him? One that will make him forget about my mother, just until the end of the year?" she asked, almost pitifully. "Yes, I suppose it could be for the better," McGonagall said. "You can go find your friends and have breakfast now," "Thank you," Gryffin said as she turned to go. She hurried down the stairs, forgoing breakfast, she just conjured something up as she hurried down to potions class. She needed to talk to Snape, not only about Draco, but about the potion he brews for her..... *** "I hope Gryffin isn't in too much trouble," Hermione commented as they followed McGonagall's advice, and were eating breakfast. "Oh she'll be fine. The Professor's stopped taking points from her and Draco, they just do some sort of detention," Aslin remarked calmly. "They stopped taking points and now just give detention? Why?" Ron asked befuddled. "Because the last few years, they faught so often, that Dumbledore said as long as they were petty fights, like this one, then they'll just get detention," "They must get into to trouble more often then you and me!" Ron said with his mouth full. "Ron don't talk with your mouth full!" Hermione admonished. Ron gave her a cross-eyed grin. Hermione shook her head. They finished their breakfast and headed down to the dungeons for double potions. When they came in, Gryffin as sitting quietly at a desk, a cup, with a potion in it, was next to her elbow. "Make sure you drink it all," Came Professor Snape's voice from his desk. Gryffin glanced at the door, "Don't be shy, sit down!" she said. Harry and the others took seats around her, soon the other students arrived. "Today, we will be testing how much you've learned over the years, a simple test actually. You will write down, every potion that you have made in this class. Along with the complete list of ingrediants and how the potion should come out!" Snape smiled maliciously. A few groans could be heard, but the students dutifully got out their papers and quills and began writing. *** "How can classes last so long?!" Ron grumbled as he and the others made their way to their common room. "I know! I wish classes would get over with and Quidditch would start," Aslin said. "Me too," Harry replied sleepily, as if he would sleep through dinner. "What position do you play?" "Chaser. I was a back up, and now that Angelina passed all her tests and left Hogwarts, I get to take over her spot," "Oh, cool," Harry said. "You know what I want?" Gryffin said suddenly. "What?" Hermione asked tiredly. "A nice long, hot, hot bath," Gryffin mumbled dreamily. "I'll see you guys later," she said as she turned around and headed in the oppisite direction. Harry and the others went ahead into the common room. Aslin went to her room, and Harry to his. Ron had challenged Hermione to a game of wizard chess. *** Gryffin lay in the tub relaxing, her thoughts drifting to and fro, eventually she fell asleep and began dreaming. At that same time, Harry was asleep and was dreaming also, in fact, Gryffin was having the same dream as Harry........ *** "Harry! Duck!" Gryffin yelled in the dream, Harry turned and ducked. He saw a flash of bright blue light over his head. Gryffin was running through the woods yelling something incoherant. It almost sound like she was cursing something. He heard Ron's voice over to his left, he heard Hermione scream in pain. Harry looked wildly around, Where is he? he thought. "Never!" He heard someone shut, then something struck his head, and all consciousness was lost. *** Gryffin saw Harry go down, stuck by what looked like lightning. That's two down, she thought grimly, rushing to Harry's side. She saw one of the Weasley twins, she couldn't tell which in the light, but something told her it was Fred.... "Go find Hermione!" she yelled to him. "She was over there!" she pointed out the last location she had seen Hermione. How could it all go so wrong? she thought as cackling laughter came from her right. Spinning around, she saw a figure bent over Harry, wand pulled at and aimed at his chest. "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!" Gryffin shrieked, calling on all her power to defeat that figure of evil..... *** Aslin heard Gryffin's cry and rushed to the bathroom where Gryffin was sitting on the floor in a bathroom, rocking and saying, "He's coming back, he's coming back," over and over. She couldn't stop. If her dream came true, and most of them did, the results would be disasterous. Aslin wrapped her arms around Gryffin, hoping she woulsd stop roacking and shaking. "It has begun," Gryffin said in a hollow voice. ***