New grudges and discoveries on the Hogwarts express.
'Knight to B7'
'Bishop to D6'
'Queen to E3, and that's checkmate. That makes the score 5 for me 1 for you.' Ron said quite amused by the look on Harry's face which read "not again".
The last days of the vacation had been relaxed. The incident that had occurred earlier was already being forgotten. The wreck in front of the house had indeed been removed the next day, the only thing that reminded anyone that it had been there was an oil stain which kept the gnomes away.
There had been a slight concern about how they were going to get to the station but this was resolved when Mr. Weasley was able to "convince" his superiors that it was safer to drive Harry in a ministry vehicle than using Muggle public transportation.
The car arrived exactly on time at the Burrow, announcing it's presence with a blare of the horn.
'You two ready?' Mr. Weasley asked.
'Just a moment. I have to put my chess-set away.' Ron replied trying to stuff the pieces a little to fast into the box.
'Hurry up then. These drivers are not known for their patience.' Mr. Weasley said while trying to lift a trunk manually before deciding that magic works faster.
After a while he had all the luggage outside and was pushing into in the trunk of the car. When he finally got all of them in he, with the assistance of the driver, slammed the trunk shut. Just then Mrs. Weasley came out carrying another suitcase.
'Arthur don't forget this one, will you?' She said in an tone that implied that he had forgotten it.
The word Mr. Weasley used after that remark was one Harry didn't think he knew.
'Arthur! Think about the children.' Mrs. Weasley said taken aback by her husbands knowledge of such foul language. When he finally got that last suitcase in, the car was definitely hanging low on the rear tires and the headlights were facing upwards.
'How do you think we'll get to the train station?' Harry asked Ron.
'From the look of it, I think we're going to fly. The car looks like it's going to take off any minute now.' Ron answered with a smile on his face.
'No, Arthur assured me this car couldn't fly. Now get in dears.' Mrs. Weasley interjected and pushed them into the car. It wasn't quite as roomy as the Ford Anglia but there was enough space for Harry, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley if they kind of sat on top of one another. Fortunately Fred and George were still in the house.
'This is not going to work.' Ron said being squished between Harry and the door on the left side.
'Mom, there just isn't enough room for all of us.' Ginny whined and got out, relieving the pressure on the other passengers.
'Then I'll sit next to the driver…' Mrs. Weasley said while getting out as well and moving to wards the front end of the car.
'Sorry, ma'am but I am not allowed to have anyone sitting next to me. Ministry policy.' The driver said a bit to cold for his sake. Because Mrs. Weasley was now getting seriously irritated with the whole situation. She got into one her anger fits like when Fred and George have stepped over the line again.
'Now YOU listen to me! I'm going to see my children of to school and some STUPID rule is NOT going to stop me!' She practically yelled at the driver. He gulped and gave in. Now there was just one more end to tie up.
'FRED! GEORGE! GET OVER HERE NOW!' Mrs. Weasley bellowed towards the house.
As if on cue they came running out of the front door. At the car they managed to squeeze themselves into back and shut the door. None in the back were capable of moving much, but at least they were able to breathe. Mr. Weasley walked up to the window where his wife was sitting. She rolled down the window.
'Doesn't look like I'll be able to fit in there, dear.' Mr. Weasley said to his wife.
'That's not true dad.' Fred said. 'We can always tie you to the roof.'
'You two better behave or I will send your mother over every time you we get a letter from Hogwarts.' Mr. Weasley said in a warning voice but with an amused smile on him. 'See you later, dear. I have to go to the office anyway.' He said towards his wife again.
'But you have the day off.' Mrs. Weasley said a bit disappointed.
'I do, but with all the paperwork that keeps piling up, I don't even get time to plan raids.'
'What's so bad about that?' Mrs. Weasley countered. For a moment Mr. Weasley seemed temped to begin an argument but decided not to. He kissed his wife and told the driver to go.
The drive to Kings-cross was quite uneventful except for the fact that Mrs. Weasley kept badgering Fred and George for the reason why they took so long to get to the car. The twins refused to comment on the situation until their mother threatened them to clean out their room while they were at school. They admitted that they had some experiments running that they needed to shut-down safely before they could leave. This brought more tension in the car as Mrs. Weasley now started asking exactly what experiments they were doing in there. Fortunately for the twins (and unlucky for us) they arrived at the train station just as Mrs. Weasley started to threaten them again.
With some reluctant help from the driver they loaded the luggage onto trolleys and made their way towards platform 9 3/4.
'What are you thinking about?' Ron asked Harry as they got into position to go through the barrier.
'Nothing. Just wondering what's gonna happen this year.' Harry answered as he pushed his trolley casually through the barrier and looked at the bright red steam engine waiting for them to get onboard. 'There are just some things I get never tired of seeing.'
Shortly after them came Fred and George and after them Ginny and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley gave the usual goodbyes and warnings to her children and then stepped back through the barrier.
'Say Ron, have you seen Hermione yet?' Harry asked looking around to see if he could see her.
'No. But I am sure she's around here somewhere. She probably looking for us.' Ron answered and took a step onto the train.
'You should look more ahead of you then behind you.' Hermione's voice came from in front of them. She was standing in the door opening. Summer had been good to her. She definitely looked more feminine (I leave your imagination to picture that), her hair was shorter and she had a slight tan on her skin.
'Hermione! So good to see you.' Harry said with a smile, for a moment he wanted to hug her but he reconsidered and just offered his hand to shake.
'Good to see you too Harry. Has anything happened during the summer?' Hermione asked, but before Harry could answer the last whistle for boarding sounded and they quickly climbed onto the train.
'Phew, as to answer your question, yes something did happen but we'd better find a quiet place to talk about it.' Harry replied.
'The last compartment is probably empty, we can go there then.' Hermione said.
The trio walked to the last compartment and chose a section near the very end of the train. Once they were properly seated Harry began to tell the story of what had happened. He was about halfway of telling how Marus had picked him up at the Dursleys when another trio he knew was standing in the doorframe of their section.
'So Potter. You survived the summer then?' Draco asked in a sly voice. Crabbe and Goyle were standing behind him with dumb, smug faces.
'As you can see Draco. I'm in perfect health. Now is there any other purpose for you to question my health or are you here to enforce the tradition?' Harry sneered back. Draco didn't expect such a potent response.
'What tradition?' He asked, vaguely aware of what Harry meant. Somewhere in the back of the train, the compartment door opened and closed.
'The tradition that we sit here minding our own business, then you come looking for us and start to insult us, we get annoyed and we hex you.' Harry explained while moving his hand to his wand.
'You'll not get us so easily this time. I've been improving my…' Draco was cut off. A gloved brown leather glove had slammed down on Draco's left shoulder. On the ring finger of the hand (it was the right hand BTW) was a golden signet ring, with the golden lion figure on a blood red background, underneath the lion was a figure of a crossed wand and sword.
'You're a Malfoy, right?' Marus asked in a deep voice which made everybody who heard it shiver. Marus was wearing his brown cloak again, he had it wrapped closely around him so that it hid every part of him. The hood was also closely drawn around his head, hiding his face.
Crabbe and Goyle were staring dumbfounded at each other wondering, no doubt, how this character had managed to slip by them without them noticing.
'I am Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy.' Draco answered as bravely as he could, but from the quiver in his voice it was clear that he was scared out of his wits.
'I wouldn't be so proud of that name if I were you.' Marus said taking a step closer to Draco.
'My father is a powerful man. You'd better not make me angry, you wouldn't want him as your enemy.' Draco said to Marus, he was trying to break free of the grip Marus had on him. But the more he struggled, the tighter the grip became.
'I think it's the other way around, young Malfoy. You don't want me as your enemy.' Marus strengthened the grip so it felt to Malfoy like he had his shoulder in a vice.
'LET go of ME!' Malfoy bit at Marus. 'Crabbe, Goyle, get him off of me!' He ordered.
'You might want to reconsider that particular order. For their sake.' Marus said in a dangerously calm way. Crabbe and Goyle backed off, the part of their brain that told them they were dealing with something stronger than them had kicked in.
'My father will eat you alive when he hears about this!' Draco cringed in pain as Marus clamped down even tighter on his shoulder.
Marus moved closer to Draco's ear and whispered. 'Your father and I were enemies 6 years before you were born. Your threat holds no value with me.' Marus moved back again. 'You on the other hand I have no quarrel with. Stay out of my way and you wont get… killed.'
Draco was mortified by Marus' last comment but he still felt the need to defend his family's pride. 'My father has powerful friends they will…' There was a loud snap, and Draco's expression turned into one of extreme agony.
'Where are those friends now?' Marus said in a sly voice full of contempt. 'I know this hurts… Do you know what I just did?' Draco shook his head. 'I just broke your collarbone… Do you now what the fun part is?' Marus didn't wait for a response. 'You have two of them… Unless you want me to break the other one I'd suggest you get to the first-aid post at the front.'
He released Draco, who backed away slowly. 'Who are…' Draco was such pain that he couldn't finish the question.
'Pray you never truly find out. Oh, and Malfoy. This is probably clear, but don't come back here again if you value your own health.' Draco walked slowly backwards not wanting to expose his back to Marus. Crabbe and Goyle quickly followed suit. When they were well away Marus seated himself next to Ron across from Harry and Hermione.
For awhile there was nothing to hear but the train moving. The three of them just sat there, staring at Marus, filled a mix of awe and disgust. Neither of them could stand Draco but Marus had crossed the line between cruel and downright mean. Eventually it was Marus who broke the silence.
'WHAT? Do I have spinach on my teeth?'
'We can't see your teeth!' Harry replied.
'Then stop staring at me. It's rude to stare you know.' Marus bit back. He looked all three of them in the face. 'Ohhh. You think I went too rough on that Malfoy, don't you?'
'You didn't need to break anything.' Hermione answered. 'A good hex would have scared him off just fine.'
'Or you could've just turned him into a ferret.' Ron added.
'Perhaps you're right. But if you consider what Harry has already told you about me, don't you think that would have been worse. Besides bones heal easily with magic, some hexes don't.' Marus explained.
Ron and Hermoine gulped.
'As for turning him into a ferret. I can see how that can be amusing but transfiguring someone isn't my style.' Marus continued.
'You still went too far. It wasn't necessary.' Hermione said with as much authority as she could muster.
'You want me to apologize to him then?' Marus said in a bemused tone. 'I don't do apologies, especially not to a Malfoy.'
'Just who do you think you are?' Hermione said, just a tad angry.
Marus sighed deeply. 'I can't tell you that. Not yet anyways. For now I am Marus, just Marus.' He said in a plain voice.
'What happened to your last name?' Ron asked before he realized he did.
'You mean Clammens? That isn't my real last name. I was thinking of clam chowder when I made it up.'
There was a brief silence again, disturbed slightly by storm clouds thundering in the distance, although that was barely audible over the noise of the train.
'Why are you dressed like that?' Hermione asked, trying to make friendly conversation.
'Yeah, what's with the Dementor outfit?' Ron added.
'Hmmm, I didn't realize it was that bad, perhaps I should wash my cloak more often.' Marus replied casually. 'Do I really look that terrifying?' He asked hopefully.
'In a way.' Harry answered. 'Why are you so secretive? Why is the Ministry after you? Who are you, really?' He asked in quick succession.
'I need to remain like this until it is safe to reveal myself. I will get to why the Ministry is after me in a moment and I can't tell you who I really am.' Marus answered in quick succession.
'What did I ask?' Harry asked being confused by the pace of the converstion.
'You wanted to know why I am wanted by the Minisry.' Marus helped.
'Right.'
'Before I explain that, you should know that, at any given time, the Ministry has a list of approximately two-hundred beings and creatures which they want either dead, kissed or in Azkaban.'
'Kissed?' Ron asked with a stupid smile.
'The Dementor's kiss.' Hermione hissed at Ron.
'That's right. Now when your godfather escaped from Azkaban in your third year, he knocked me of first place.' Marus explained. Harry, Ron and Hermione were staring at him incredulously.
'How..? How do you..? How?' Harry stammered.
'How I know about Sirius? That's a secret. Let's just say that I had an extensive preparation for this assignment. I know more about you and anyone closely involved with you than you do.' Harry slowly went for his wand again. 'You'd never get chance to use it properly. I am not your enemy Harry, you have little to fear from me.'
'If you knew where he was, would you turn him?' Harry asked pleadingly.
'I know where he is and I also know he is innocent. If anything, I'd love to see the current administration fail because they couldn't catch him.'
'How do you know he is innocent?' Hermione asked. She was trying to get as much info as possible out of Marus.
'I saw Pettigrew.' Marus said flatly, sounding a bit annoyed from the questioning.
It didn't take long for Hermione to put one and one together. 'You were there?!' She said and the three of them looked at Marus with surprise and anger.
If he were there he could have helped. He could have apprehended Peter Pettigrew and prevented Voldemort from rising in the process.
'Yes, I was there… Professor Lupin nearly ran me over when he fled into the woods… Look as much as I want to explain, this is neither the place nor the time. We can finish this another time.' Marus said and looked away.
Harry stood up, wearing an angry frown. He felt anger boiling inside him. Here was a man who could've prevented years of misery and suffering for so many people and he wanted to shrug it off.
'No!' Harry said, staring with an angry glare towards Marus. 'We'll talk about this NOW!'
'There is nothing to say. There was nothing I could have done to change the course of events of that night.'
'You could have caught that rat!!' Harry yelled.
'I was not allowed to interfere unless your life was in such danger that you couldn't save yourself.' Marus stood up and returned the gaze. 'Going on a pointless rat hunt wasn't my top priority. Either way it's a moot point now.'
'INTERFERE?!! POINTLESS?! If you caught him Voldemort would never have risen, my life wouldn't need protection!!' Harry yelled, his anger was surging through his body. He felt like he could blow up ten Aunt Marges. But he also felt his scar itch.
Voldemort? Here? Harry looked around but saw nothing unusual. Then he looked back at Marus, that disturbed him even more. The outline of Marus' eyes were glowing faintly red.
'ENOUGH!!!' Marus bellowed. 'I WIL NOT BE BLAMED FOR HAVING POOR DIVINATION SKILLS!! THERE WAS NO F****** WAY I COULD HAVE KNOWN WHAT WOULD HAPPEN!!' Marus sat down again and put his hand to his to face to rub his eyes. The itching of Harry's scar died down again. 'Didn't you think that thought had also crossed my mind? It's always easier to blame someone with such hindsight.' He sighed. 'If only you knew how often I was temped to disregard my orders, to risk my freedom, for the sole reason of saving your life.' Marus said in a calm tone of voice.
Harry sat down as well his anger had died down somewhat. Placing blame was too easy and completely wrong in this situation.
'I didn't mean it I was just…' Harry began, but was cut off by Marus who raised his hand to motion for silence.
'That's alright Harry. I'm used to being berated for things that aren't my fault.'
'So. How long have you been watching Harry?' Hermione asked.
Marus briefly looked at her and said. 'I have been watching him for four years now. But the organization I work for has been monitoring him for the past 15 years.'
'How come we never noticed you?' Ron asked in utter amazement.
'I have my ways.' Marus said.
Just then the witch with the food cart came by.
'Hello dears, would you like something of the trolley?' She asked.
Harry and Hermione bought several cauldron cakes and other sweets which they then shared with Ron who couldn't afford anything. Marus didn't buy anything, but the witch didn't ask him if he wanted anything either. The witch moved on to the next compartment.
'Didn't you want something?' Harry asked Marus.
'Not really. Besides she didn't ask.' He answered.
'Yeaw, why diwnt she awk you -swallow- anything?' Ron asked with his mouth full. 'It was almost as if she didn't see you.'
Marus turned to face him. 'She saw me all right. She just didn't notice me.' He explained. Harry and Ron got an expression on their face that usually only appeared when a teacher explained something that sounds like common sense but they lacked the logic to see it.
'It's like this.' Hermione started to explain. 'When you look straight ahead you still see things off to your side.'
'Right. Well that explains… nothing.' Ron said.
'I wasn't finished. Even though you see things of to your side you don't register it unless your directly looking at it.' Hermione continued. 'So unless we actually look at him we don't notice him.'
'That's right.' Marus said. 'Except that I get to choose who notices me.'
'How do you do that?' Harry asked.
'It's this cloak. It allows me to remain unnoticed if I wish but it can't make me disappear completely. Other items of your acquaintance do that.' Marus looked around. 'It also make me impossible to spot by magical means, I wouldn't appear on the Marauder's map, for instance.'
'Geez, Is there anything you don't know about us?' Ron asked a bit agitated.
'I don't know. You tell me.' Marus countered casually.
This shut Ron up, but Hermione wasn't quite done with the questioning.
'How do you manage to get to Hogwarts without being noticed?' She asked.
'Well I apparate into Hogsmeade, since so many people do it I've just never been noticed and I have learned how to do it without leaving a signature.' Marus paused for moment to see her response. Hermione appeared to be searching for another question. 'Or I take the train. It's hardly ever being checked for suspicious characters. I like riding by train, it gives me the opportunity to rest for awhile, to put my mind at ease.' Marus trailed off and leaned back against the seat.
'What about during out third year, how did you get past the Dementors?' Hermione asked in a firm tone.
Marus sounded like he was dozing off. 'Well, you should know about Dementors that they are incredibly evil, amazingly vigilant and as dumb as a door. In this cloak I have the "feel" of a ghost to them so they never bothered to look closer. And I used some of the secret passages, like the one Harry used to get to Hogsmeade during that year.'
Hermione wanted ask something else but didn't as Marus dropped his head to his chest and a few moments later soft snoring could be heard. She then turned to Harry who was peeling the card out of a chocolate frog box.
'Do you think he is asleep?' She whispered.
'How would I know? Why don't you check under his hood if his eyes are closed?' Harry whispered back. 'Another Dumbledore. Let's just be glad he isn't paying attention to us.'
'Do you think he's human?' Hermione continued to whisper. They moved closer together to reduce the sound of their conversation.
'I don't know but he creeps me out.' Ron said giving a suspicious sideways glance to Marus.
'So far I've seen nothing to prove otherwise… Except that he knocked a tree down with a single blow. Not to mention those bite marks on his neck.' Harry said, moving a bit closer to Hermione. 'Hermione you're ahead of us. Do you know anything about vampire bites?' He asked.
'I haven't quite read that part just yet. I know a little about it but I would have see those marks to make any kind of assessment.' Harry and Hermione both turned to look at Ron, who immediately guessed what they wanted to ask him.
'NO. I wont do it. Look what he did to Malfoy.' Ron said in a raised voice, Marus gave a loud snore, the three of them were instantly silenced. Not until they were sure he was still asleep did they continue with the conversation.
'What about that speech he gave you? You know the one about were-creature rights.' Hermione whispered. 'It sounds to me like he would have to be one of them to be so passionate about it.' She added.
'You mean he is a werewolf?' Ron asked. 'I didn't know werewolves had that kind of strength in human form. Professor Lupin didn't seem that strong.'
'Yes, but he was trying to blend in. It would make sense that he didn't do anything that was humanly impossible.' Harry said. 'Also Marus seemed to be acquainted with the people in that shop in Diagon Alley and those people are werewolves.'
There conversation was interrupted when they heard soft chuckling instead of snoring coming from Marus. When he noticed the conversation had stopped he resumed with snoring but he couldn't keep his laughter back. So he ended up laughing nasally.
'You're awake!' Harry exclaimed, slightly perturbed.
'Yes. As much as I want to sleep, I can't until we've all arrived safely at Hogwarts.' Marus said with a yawn.
'What was so funny anyway?' Ron asked.
'Your conversation. It's just so typical that when someone's humanity is being questioned, you're either a vampire or a werewolf.' Marus sighed. 'While there are so many other fascinating, not to mention more dangerous, human-like creatures out there.' Marus made a general wave at the window, which caused the crack at the front of his cloak to open, revealing black school robes underneath.
'Creatures like what?' Hermione asked slyly.
'Creatures like me.' Marus answered not willing to give her more fuel for a another inquisition.
'So what are you then?' Harry asked.
'Neither vampire nor werewolf. For now I'm human, until I tell you otherwise.' Marus said while closing the crack in his cloak.
'So, if you're going to Hogwarts, are you a new teacher?' Hermione asked frightfully.
Marus remained silent for a while before breaking into laughter. When he finally managed to compose himself he said. 'No, I'm not a teacher. I simply have no patience for teaching.'
'But if you're not a teacher then what are you going to do?' Harry asked.
'I'll be enrolling as a student.' Marus answered.
'A STUDENT!!' The three of them exclaimed.
'How old are you then?' Harry asked.
'Hmm…' Marus said as if he needed to think about it. 'I am 18.'
'You're too old to be student.' Was Hermione's response.
'Ah, but you see, it's different in my case. Dumbledore was kind enough to make an exception for me.'
'If he keeps making exceptions like that they'll become standard.' Ron said.
The conversation ended as the Hogwarts express pulled into the station.
The four of them stood up and proceeded towards the nearest exit, Marus took point. All students walked onto the platform and made their way towards the horseless carriages with the first years still dazed from the experience trailing them. The sky was partly clouded with dark clouds that promised rain. The air was heavy, like just before a thunderstorm is going to hit and in the distance behind them soft claps of thunder could be heard. With the last rays of sunshine vanishing behind the horizon, the entire scenario reminded Harry of his dream and he fixed his gaze on Marus as they moved of the platform. Then a familiar voice boomed over the crowd.
'First years o'er 'ere. Come on this way. All first years this way.' Hagrid was directing all first years towards the boats as usual.
'Hagrid, good to see you.' Harry said overjoyed.
''e Harry, good to see you too.' Hagrid said back. Harry, Ron and Hermione moved towards him with Marus closely behind them.
'How did your mission for Dumbledore go?' Harry asked.
'Quite well. Figure I might need to leave 'gain but I'll be teaching until then.' Hagrid said then he saw the cloaked person behind him.
'Friend of yours, Harry?' Hagrid asked pointing at Marus.
'Not really. He just makes sure I don't die this year.' Harry answered.
'Do he now? Well it's 'bout time the Ministry gave you some protection.' Marus paid no attention to the conversation he was just looking around.
'Harry, I suggest we get into a carriage. We're much too exposed out here.' Marus said a little tense.
'Wait a minute.' Hagrid said. 'Dumbledore told me you're coming.' Marus fixed his gaze on Hagrid now.
'Did he? Well now you've seen me. See you later.' Marus turned around and started to walk towards the carriages.
'Wait. I got orders from Dumbledore. You're t' come by boat to the castle.' Hagrid said quite loud. Marus walked back towards him.
'Please keep you're voice down. No need to expose me just yet.' Marus said. 'Why does he want me to go by boat? I can't protect Harry if I can't see him.'
'I dunno. Dumbledore's order just said that I was t' take you by boat to Hogwarts.' Hagrid said. The last of the first years had taken their seat in the boat.
'I don't suppose I can talk you out of this?' Marus asked. Hagrid shook his head. 'Very well then. See you at Hogwarts Harry.' Marus said and walked over to the boats taking an empty one off to the side.
'See ya at the school Harry.' Hagrid said and also stepped into one of the boats which then set out across the lake. Harry stared at them for awhile but then quickly made his way to the carriages.
Hermione and Ron had already pulled themselves into one and Harry quickly stepped in after them. Although, as soon as he got in he wished he had taken another carriage. Draco and support were sitting across from them with angry looks on their faces, Draco was clutching his shoulder which apparently still hurt.
The carriages began to make their way across the road. All the passengers just sat there looking angrily at each other not making a sound. Then Draco spoke up.
'Where is that… individual, that did this to me?'
'Awaiting you're arrival at school, Malfoy.' Ron said with a smirk. 'Why do you want to know? You're not scared of him, are you?' He continued.
Does he want to fight Draco? Harry thought.
'You wish! He caught me by surprise. He wont be so lucky next time.' Draco sneered.
The carriages arrived at the school. All the students got out and quickly walked to the entrance because the thunderstorm had come quite close and several flashes could be seen in the nearby hills.
'All prefects, come over here for moment.' Professor McGonagal yelled over the noise of the thunderstorm. Harry, Hermione, Draco and several other students of the other houses ran over to her.
'You're a prefect too?' Harry asked.
'Yes!' Hermione and Draco said in unison. They glared at each other and then returned their attention to Professor McGonagal.
'I assume you are all familiar with your responsibilities and duties as described in the letters that were send to you.' Everyone nodded. 'Good, We are expecting great troubles to arise this year. I hope I can trust everyone of you to keep the moral in your respective houses up during this year.' Everybody nodded in agreement again. 'Good. You can join your classmates in the great hall. I have to get back to the first years.' She said and walked away.
As Harry and Hermione walked to the great hall they passed a plaque on the wall that read:
"Remember those that fell in service of good." With several names engraved under it. Among those names was Cedric Diggory.
Harry felt his hart burst as he read it and he couldn't suppress the tears that followed.
Hermione walked over to him and said. 'Don't blame yourself for that. It wasn't your fault.'
'That doesn't make it any easier.' Harry sobbed.
'Come on. Standing here wont make you feel any better either.' Hermione said and she pulled him into the great hall.
The atmosphere there was quite cheerful, despite the fact that everyone there knew Voldemort had risen, they were all enjoying the fact they were back at Hogwarts. Harry just wished he could be cheerful too.
He and Hermione seated themselves next to Ron at the end of the Gryffindor table near the teachers. Harry looked at them to see who was appointed as the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Even though he hoped to see professor Lupin sitting there, he didn't expect it. Instead of Professor Lupin, there was a middle-aged man with black hair with streaks of gray in it and a bald patch on the back of his head. He also had a short black/gray beard that was well trimmed. The teacher, whoever he was, seemed somewhat out of it as if he wasn't sure where he was.
Harry turned his attention back to the table as a discussion had broken out between several gryffindors about something that happened during a quidditch match between England and Germany.
The thunderstorm had broken loose at full force. Brilliant flashes were lighting up the great hall.
No rain! No matter how bad I am at divination, this is not a good omen. Harry thought.
Then the doors opened and some very anxious first years came in lead on by Professor McGonagal. The line was closed by Marus, he stopped at the door, crossed his arms across his chest and leaned casually against the doorframe. He had swung his cloak backwards but kept his hood securely over his head.
When Professor McGonagall had reached the teachers table turned around and saw him standing there she threw him a disapproving look but nothing else. She walked out the hall and returned a moment later with a stool and the sorting hat.
After the sorting hat song (I still can't rhyme in English) Professor McGonagal opened up a scroll and said. 'When I read out your name come forward and I'll put the sorting hat on your head so you can be sorted into your house.' She began to read out names. Harry wondered in what house Marus would be sorted but his name never came up.
Then the last first year was sorted into Ravenclaw, overall each house had gotten about an even number of new students. Marus was still standing in the doorway.
Dumbledore stood up. Everybody feasted their eyes on him. 'Students of Hogwarts, it does me great pleasure to see you all again. Before I can let the feast begin I must finish the sorting ceremony. There is one more student who due to personal circumstances could not attend at the appropriate age. As he expressed great interest in finishing his wizarding studies properly so I gave him permission to enroll into Hogwarts even though he is older than the average student.' Dumbledore stopped briefly to gauge the reaction of the students. 'He will, therefore be inserted into fifth year so he can make an attempt at the O.W.L.'s. I hope you can make him feel as welcome as you all were welcomed during your first time here. Professor McGonagal, if you will.' He said. Professor McGonagal's expression changed, she didn't like the order that was given to her one bit. She rolled the scroll down and read the name silently in herself before she spoke up.
'Come forward… Lionar M. Panther.' She said with a clear hesitation in her voice.
Several teachers and some of the older students looked up with a faint recognition of the name, Harry immediately looked at Hermione who also looked like she heard the name somewhere before.
'You know him?' Harry asked.
Hermione turned to face him. 'I know I have heard that name before. I just don't remember where.'
Marus had started to slowly walk towards to the stool with the sorting hat on it. As he walked he glanced the Slytherin table in a manner that suggested he was memorizing each face. He briefly stopped when he saw Draco. Draco looked frightened and he was still clutching his shoulder. As Marus or Lionar was about halfway he looked away from the Slytherin table and turned towards the teachers table. He looked at the teachers one by one until he suddenly saw Snape. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at Snape. There was a silent staring match between them. Snape's expression was something between hate and… fear. That was an emotion no one had ever seen on him before.
The match was broken off by a cough from Professor McGonagal, the ruling. Undecided.
Marus stepped up to the stool and turned around on a sickle and took down his hood. The face Harry saw was definitely not what he expected. Marus had brown curly hear that could use a cut and his face was adorned with a week old beard that matched his hair. His eyes were a cold and dark brown similar to his hair, but the oddest feature were the thin-wire frame glasses that he wore.
Someone at the Ravenclaw table blurted into laughter but was instantly silenced by the look Marus shot in that direction. He sat down on the stool and put on the sorting hat. I took the hat more than a minute before shouting:
'GRYFFINDOR'
There was no cheer, no clapping or any jubilation whatsoever. Dumbledore's face fell a bit. Marus/Lionar walked silently over to the Gryffindor table and sat across from Harry, Hermione and Ron.
'Now some start of term announcements.' Dumbledore began. 'First years must know that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students. Also with the threat of Voldemort at the present time, it is not allowed for any students to leave the school after dark.' As Dumbledore said Voldemort a shiver went through the great hall, although it was less noticeable at the Slytherin table. 'Furthermore it is forbidden for anyone who has not been cleared to explore the deeper dungeons to go there. Any student who is found there will be expelled without exception. Now let's eat.' Dumbledore clapped his hands and the plates filled themselves with food. The atmosphere lifted instantly and animated chatter erupted everywhere.
Harry sat staring at Marus/Lionar for a while before he began to eat.
This is the face of a terrible criminal? He doesn't even look capable of anything threatening. Why was he selected to protect me? It doesn't make any sense. Still there is something about him that makes me nervous. His name seems to spark a memory with people. Who is he? I swear I'll find out! Harry thought to himself.
'Something on your mind Harry?' Marus/Lionar asked.
'Is this really who you are?' Harry asked in return. 'How do I know this isn't one of your disguises?'
'You don't! But suffice it to say that I no longer need to hide myself.' Marus/Lionar answered.
'So what should I call you then? Lionar?' Harry asked.
'Actually I prefer Leo. Only my mother calls me Lionar and only when she's angry with me.' Leo said.
They all dug into the food and began eating , when Ron, out of the blue, asked. 'What does the "M" in your name stand for?'
'My middle name.' Leo answered, not looking up from a plate of chicken legs.
'Which is?' Ron asked while refilling his goblet with pumpkin juice.
'Mine to keep.' Leo replied curtly.
'Oh.' Was all Ron could say after that.
There were a few more moments of silent eating before Hermione's curiosity got the better of her.
'I know I've heard your name somewhere before. Have you been in the news lately?' She asked, looking straight at Leo to see his reaction.
'No.' He said still not looking up from his plate.
'Please tell me. Where could I have heard or read your name?' Hermione asked with determination. Leo slowly looked up and gazed her straight into her eyes, with one of those soul piercing stares. Hermione lost her nerve and looked away.
'I'm a criminal on the run. Perhaps you saw my wanted poster.' Leo said looking back down at his plate again. Some of the Gryffindors close to Leo apparently heard what he had said and shuffled away him as far as they could.
The feast continued undisturbed for a few more minutes until Professor Dumbledore tapped his glass to get everyone's attention.
'I'm sorry to disturb your meal like this but in the excitement we just had I forgot to introduce our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Please give a warm welcome to Professor Doodle.' Dumbledore pointed out the middle aged wizard Harry had already noticed there before.
Professor Doodle got up slowly because he hadn't realized immediately that Dumbledore meant him. As he stood up and looked around at the students, who were clapping sporadically since most of them were holding something, he got that confused look on his face again, like he didn't remember what he was doing there.
Oh brother! Harry thought to himself. What kind of fool did Dumbledore hire this year?
After the clapping had died down Dumbledore told the students they could continue with the feast.
'Hey Harry.' Ron said. 'Wanna place a bet as to how long he will last?'
'RON!' Hermione snapped at him. 'You don't place bets over such a thing. It's impolite.'
Hermione looked away from Ron and turned to Harry, hoping he would back her up.
'Nah, it's probably not even worth gambling about.' Harry said. Hermione shot him a look that said 'boys'.
They continued eating. The Quidditch discussion next to them flared up again, Harry didn't catch everything but from what he could hear Germany tried win by use of force after their seeker had been hit in the head by a bludger at fifty feet up, which caused him to break his back on impact with the ground. In order to still be able to win they employed a policy of cobbing (Excessive use of elbows towards opponents) and blatching (flying with intend to collide). This proved to be effective as the game ended in a draw and they were scheduled for a rematch.
Harry had become so absorbed by the discussion that he didn't even take notice that Draco and the two stooges had come over for a little chat.
'I see you're enjoying your meal, Potter.' Draco sneered. Harry turned to face him with an annoyed look.
'What do you mean by that, Malfoy?' Harry sneered back.
'Well, seeing as what the hat allows into your house I suspect you wont last very long. Should the Dark Lord attack.' Draco said making general gesture to Leo. 'This may well be the last meal you have.'
'Do you always judge on appearances or are you so stupid to think I am just another Gryffindor?' Leo asked not even bothering to look Draco in the eye as he said it.
'You best be watching what you say to me, you've made a dangerous enemy today.' Draco spat a him.
'Oh, really? Give a sign the moment he walks in willya?' Leo replied in a humorous tone of voice. Several Gryffindors started giggling as Draco was starting to lose his temper with Leo's lack of fear for him.
'I meant me you stupid oaf!' Draco said disregarding the fact that they were close enough to the teachers table to be overheard. 'Which reminds me. You owe this from what you did to me.' Draco put his hand on Leo's shoulder in an attempt to break his collarbone, while it was obvious that he lacked the physical strength to do it.
'You might want to consider that my offer to break your other collarbone still stands.' Leo said. Draco immediately stopped trying to break anything and stepped back.
'Crabbe, Goyle. Break something on him' Draco ordered. They moved towards Leo when Leo gave them another command.
'Crabbe, Goyle. Play dead.' For some reason the two of them dropped to the floor and closed their eyes.
'GET UP!!' Draco shouted in complete disarray. Anyone who was paying attention to what was happening had broken into laughter, some of the teachers also started to notice something was happening. 'What did you do? WHAT did YOU do?' Draco asked.
Leo stood up to full height. Even though Draco was almost the same height, Leo seemed to be towering over him. 'Weak minds are easily persuaded to do my bidding. How strong is your mind, Malfoy?'
Draco gulped and started to back away from him. By now the teachers knew something was going on and sent McGonagal over to investigate.
'What is going on here?' She asked. The laughing abruptly stopped.
Leo answered first. 'Mister Malfoy just wanted to wish us good luck for our next year. Then suddenly his friends just fainted.' Professor McGonagal turned to Draco.
'Is that true Mr. Malfoy?' She asked. Clearly she didn't believe Leo.
'Yes.' Draco said but the word wasn't synchronized with his lips. He was actually saying 'No.'
Professor McGonagal didn't seem to notice though and went back to the teachers table. Draco watched her leave but couldn't do anything about it.
'You were lucky this time Malfoy. If you feel the need to insult or threaten a Gryffindor again, you'd better make sure I'm not around.' Leo said dangerously calm like he did on the Hogwarts Express. 'I will not hold back next time. Now slither back to your friends and take these with you.' Leo pointed at Crabbe and Goyle who were still playing dead on the floor.
'You will pay for this. I swear.' Draco yelled.
'Don't make promises you can't keep. Now! Get lost. Crabbe! Goyle! Get up and follow him.' Leo spat back. Draco moved back to the Slytherin table with Crabbe and Goyle closely behind him.
The rest of the feast was uneventful, even though Fred and George were trying convince people to start a food fight with the Slytherins. This idea was nipped in the bud by Professor McGonagal.
At the end everybody was stuffed and tired. Neville was so tired he'd fallen asleep on his pudding, which he was snuggling like a pillow.
Dumbledore stood up. 'That was another great meal. And now it's time to rest. Prefects, please guide your classmates your House's quarters.' He said. Everybody stood up and began to make their way towards the exit.
Harry and Hermione both pinned on their prefect badges. 'Time to get to work.' Harry said.
'Neville. Neville! Wake up! We're going to bed.' Hermione said as she passed him to get to the front of the group. Harry moved to the back to prevent any stragglers to get lost.
He almost bumped into Leo when he tried to evade a pile of chicken bones on the floor.
'Whoa, sorry about that.' Harry said. 'Say if you're in fifth year with me that means you'll be sleeping in the same dormitory as me. Right?' He asked but before Leo could answer Professor McGonagal had walked up behind them.
'Mr. Panther. Professor Dumbledore wants to have a word with you.' She said. Not waiting for an answer she turned around.
'Okay.' Leo said in her direction. 'See you later Harry.' Leo turned around as well and followed McGonagal into the back room Harry had been in during his fourth year after his name had come out off the goblet.
Harry turned around and ran after the Gryffindor procession. He quickly caught up with them and began briefing the first years about some of the features and rescuing one of them out off the trick step. Shortly after they arrived at the picture of the fat lady.
'Password?' She asked.
'Cassiopeia.' Hermione answered. Neville groaned loadly.
The portrait swung open and all the Gryffindors filed in one by one. Harry and Hermione stepped up front to explain the sleeping arrangements to the first years.
'This is the Gryffindor common room, this is where we spend most of our time when we don't have classes.' Harry said.
'The Girls dormitories are up the stairs to your right…' Hermione continued.
'… same for the boys, on the left.' Harry finished. 'You will find that your stuff has already been brought up there.' He added.
'Any questions?' Hermione asked. There were no questions. 'Then I bid you all a goodnight.'
The first years went up the to see their rooms while some of the older students stayed downstairs to finish some conversations they had begun at the feast.
'I still say Germany should be disqualified for using excessive force…' One of the third years began.
'Will you give it a rest? Those Germans had every right to be pissed…' Another one said.
'Come on. Cut it out. It doesn't matter anymore. Frankly I'm more con -unngh-.' Dean Thomas interjected, he wasn't paying attention to where he was walking and he fell over a chest that was inconveniently placed in the center of the common room.
The chest was made out of wood and braced with iron. There were ten padlocks on it, with a number on each one. 0 to 4 on the front and 5 to 9 on the back.
'Whose bright idea was it to put this in here in the middle of the room?' Dean said as he picked himself off the floor.
'Who does it belong to?' Lee Jordan asked, while checking for a name tag on it. 'There's no name on it.'
'Let's open it.' Dean proposed.
'NO!' Hermione cut in. 'It doesn't belong to us, it could be dangerous.'
'I could have gotten hurt because of it, I am gonna find out what's in it. Aloha-.' Dean said with his wand out but he was interrupted.
'STOP!!' Leo shouted and he ran from the portrait-hole to the center of the room. 'Don't you know that messing with stuff that ain't yours, is potentially lethal.' He yelled at Dean, who cringed under the fury Leo exerted.
'There is no need to get angry.' Hermione said trying to diffuse the situation.
Leo sighed. 'I have every reason to be angry.' He said a little calmer. 'This chest is mine and I know what protections are on it. If I hadn't stopped him, he could have been hurt. Bad!' Everybody backed away from the chest except for Leo and Harry.
Leo took out a big key chain with several multi-sized keys on it. He began to open the locks in the sequence 1…9…8…1. Then the chest swung open.
All the students present stepped closer as Leo began to dig in the chest for something. When he got up he appeared to be holding a brown blanket. As Harry stared down into the chest there was nothing in there.
'What is that, that it needs to be protected so fiercely?' Harry asked.
'Heh. You'll see.' Leo said. He unfolded the brown blanket which was quite big. Then he began swaying it, he kept swaying it until he reached a certain speed when suddenly threw it against the wall.
As it hit the wall it rolled up, moved to a spot some 2 meters above the floor and then unrolled itself until it hit the floor. With it being completely unrolled and hanging still Harry could finally see what it was. It was a door.
Leo walked up it and touched the round doorknob which popped out as he did so. A magical shimmer went over the door and it locked itself into place. Leo then pushed it open and Harry could see there was a room on the other side.
Leo walked over to the chest, picked it up and carried into his room. When he came out he walked over to Harry.
'Harry. Can I talk to you in private?' Leo asked pointing to his room.
'EH, Sure.' Harry replied, eyeing Hermione and Ron who both looked a bit concerned.
Leo guided Harry into his room and then shut the door behind them. Harry was amazed with what he saw in this room. The room itself was 2 by 3 meters and about as high as the door. On the far end of it there was a bed which just about fit in between the walls. On the right side of the room (if you're standing at the door) there were many framed letters and a few photos, there was also a rack with medals on it. Harry quickly glanced over several of the letters, one of them was a letter of acceptance for a apparating license. The others were something similar except for one that stood out as Harry remembered his own very well. It read:
Dear Mr. Panther,
We are pleased to inform you that you that you've been accepted into Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
And so on.
He framed his Hogwarts letter? Wait a minute, if he got that letter how come I haven't seen him before? Harry thought, Leo saw Harry's confused look and pointed out another letter beneath it. This one had a dark frame that suffered a lot of abuse. The letter itself looked like it had been torn to shreds and then taped back together again.
Mr. L.M. Panther,
Despite the fact that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has accepted you into his fold. We at the Ministry of Magic feel that in order to ensure the continued safety of the wizarding community you mustn't go to Hogwarts. If you choose to disobey this order you will be arrested and most likely put down.
Please understand that we have the interest of many at heart and we simply cannot allow you to add to the list of potential dangers. It is better for all concerned that you remain at home and not pose a threat to our children.
Yours Sincerely,
The Minister of Magic
Cornelius Fudge.
A surge of hate ran through Harry. Such a letter should not be sent to an eleven year old boy, no wonder Leo didn't like the Ministry that much. It also made Harry wonder.
Why would Leo be considered so dangerous that the minister himself sent this letter?
Harry looked at Leo with a pleading look but he did not dare ask. When Leo shook his head as to say 'Not now' Harry stopped thinking about it and continued to observe the room.
Under the framed letters was a wooden desk with a candle holder, a red cover scrapbook and a laptop on it. That laptop was apparently bewitched, because the screensaver on it, which was fireworks, occasionally jumped of the screen and exploded with a soft pop in the air. Closer to the door Harry saw a broomstick with in golden letters on it "Nimbus 1981 SE", it had seen a lot of action from the look of it. There were several large scratches and burn marks visible.
On the other side of the room next to the bed there was a large closet that came all the way up to the ceiling. There was nothing unusual about it though and next to it were several shelves that held a variety in books. The top one had several Muggle Novels with writers as: Frank Herbert, J.R.R. Tolkien, Roald Dahl and several others that Harry didn't know. Some of the books seemed to be there twice but as Harry examined them closer he could see that Leo had them in two different languages, English and another language Harry had never seen before.
The shelf below it held several magic books such as: Magical Martial Arts, Advanced wand handling for dummies and Combat Curses. Next to that were five ring binders. The title on the side read like : HP. yr1. "The Philosophers stone" ; HP. yr2. "Chamber of Secrets" etc. The fifth one just said : HP. yr5.
He wasn't lying when he said he was watching me for four years.
The shelf under it had several books with no visible title, as well as a pensieve with a red diary on top of it.
Harry then turned to Leo who had seated himself on his bed.
'What do you think?' Leo said as he motioned Harry that he could sit in the chair at the desk. 'I've been calling this home for the past 5 years.' Harry was unsure what to say. 'Er… It's nice, I guess. You didn't ask me to come here to talk about your room, did you?'
Leo sighed and straightened himself. 'No, I wanted you in here because I know you still have questions about me. About were I belong in the greater plan. So, I figured that you should ask them here, where we can be alone, away from prying ears and eyes. In here we are alone, and safe.' He said. Leo tried to put up a friendly face but he had forgotten how to do it. The face he made, made Harry laugh.
'What do want to know?' Leo said.
'Are you completely you? No more disguises or false names?' Harry asked. He put his arm on the open scrapbook.
'Rest assured Harry. This is my real face and Leo is my real name. There is no need for me to hide it here.' Leo answered.
'Why are you wanted by the Ministry?'
'A lot of reasons, few of which are known to me. If you want specifics. Then I'm afraid I can't give you any. You'll sleep better not knowing.' Leo said, evading the question.
'Did you kill someone?' Harry asked. Leo's face got a smirk on it.
'Among other things but that is hardly relevant.' Leo answered.
'If you're protecting me I'd say it is.' Harry was getting annoyed by the evasive answers.
Leo rubbed his eyes before responding to that. 'Look! I didn't choose this mission, I was assigned to it. Now, I made a promise I would protect you and I haven't broken any promises yet.'
'Okay, okay. There's no need to get angry.' Harry said. 'What about this?' He pointed at the framed letter from Cornelius Fudge. 'Why did he think you would be to dangerous to attend Hogwarts?'
Leo remained silent for a moment before answering. 'Are you sure you want to know?'
'Yes.' Harry said resolutely but he doubted if he actually wanted to hear this.
'~SIGH~. I have darkness within me… It sometimes gets the better of me, during those times I am dangerous… to both sides. Minister Fudge knows this. Even though he knows I take precautions for it. He, in his "infinite" wisdom, decided I was too great a risk for his career to be allowed into Hogwarts…' Leo realized he had begun ranting and stopped abruptly.
'Too great a risk for his career?' Harry asked with surprise.
'He wants to remain in office for as long as he is able. Having me in Hogwarts could have damaged his public opinion. I hate politics and politicians.' Leo said.
'So if you're that dangerous, why does he let you protect me?'
'He doesn't know I protect you. He thinks someone else in the Order is.'
'The Order?' Harry asked hoping he would get more but Leo clammed up on the subject.
'Any other questions Harry?' Leo asked, Harry thought about that but couldn't think of any off hand. 'Good, then I can get to the rules.'
'What rules?'
'If I'm to protect you, I feel I need to make things clear as to our relationship.' Leo explained.
Upon hearing the word relationship Harry chuckled. 'What relationship? We're not even friends.'
'The mission outline doesn't state we have to be friends. Which is fine by me. You'd better memorize this because I'm not gonna tell you twice.'
Harry nodded.
'Good. I'll be attending the same classes as you so I will be able to keep an eye on you. While we are in public you can address me as Leo.' He paused a moment to see if Harry was paying attention. 'My duty is to protect you from any danger in any way I see fit, keep in mind that my way probably isn't the way you like it. I am to protect you from everyone I feel is a threat to you and I mean everyone. Whether it is you're friends or yourself.'
'Myself?' Harry interrupted.
'Yes, yourself.' Leo continued. 'Now even though I am going to be hovering around you, that doesn't mean I am going to be your lackey. Any problem you get into that isn't dangerous to your life, is not my problem. Still with me here?' Leo asked to make sure he had Harry's attention. 'If you ever need me for something you can find me here in this room. Always knock before you enter and never ever come in here if I'm not in. I've put wards on stuff I hold dear and you could get seriously hurt, not to mention that you would piss me off if you did so and I caught you.' Breath pause. 'Lastly, if you go on an illicit stroll around the grounds of Hogwarts I will know about it. I will not betray you but I cannot protect you if I don't know where you are. Are we in agreement about this?' Leo stuck out his hand for Harry to shake.
Harry took it and said. 'Sure, no problem.'
'Then I bid you a goodnight and I will see you in the morning.' Leo said.
'See you in the morning.' Harry said and he stood up, turned around and walked to the door.
'Pull it Harry. If you push you end up in my training room.' Leo called after him.
Harry pulled open the door and stepped into the common room. That was the most unrevealing conversation he just had, if any it raised more questions for Harry to find answers.
But it had not been a complete waste of time. As the door closed behind him, Harry silently laugh to himself as he looked at the newspaper clipping he had snatched from the scrapbook. He didn't know what was in it but I would most likely reveal more about Leo than he would ever learn from Leo himself.
Of course he realized that Leo would notice it missing but until then this piece of paper would lead to answers long overdue.