Chapter 5
Fight on the Hogwarts Express
Harry woke, knowing at once that in the night he had seen that boy again, but he couldn't remember anything else about it. He rolled over in his bed listening to the ghoul in the attic moaning mournfully. The sun was just rising, turning the bedroom a deep shade of red. Harry squinted at Ron who was still snoring gently tucked up in his warm duvet. Harry looked at Hedwig who had just flown in the open window. Her feathers were gleaming in the red gold light. She came and perched next to him on his pillow, pulling at his ears gently. Harry rolled over and pulled the duvet over his ears to stop her. She flapped her wings angrily, and flew off out of the window. Harry decided that it was too nice to stay in bed, so he quickly pulled on his jumper and jeans, both Dudley cast offs, and far too big for him. He couldn't use his wizard money to buy ordinary muggle clothes. He looked out of the window to see where Hedwig had gone. Again he looked by the hedge, and caught a fleeting glance of two long pointy ears, and two tennis ball shaped eyes before they vanished.
The rest of the week passed quickly and happily, with Harry seeing no more of Dobby. Long sunny days were spent playing Quidditch, going for long walks, and occasionally doing some holiday assignments. All too soon it was time to go back to school, and Ron, Ginny, Harry, Fred and George and Mr and Mrs Weasley were loaded into the big black ministry car. Although Mr Weasley didn't say anything Harry supposed that he was still at risk from Voldemort, and the ministry were trying to keep him out of danger. Harry hadn't seen Percy more than three times during his week at the Weasleys. Ron said that he had taken to sleeping in his office, tightening controls on cheap foreign imported wands. Ron mimicked Percy's fussy tones, "They're very dangerous you know, people buy them, and then they end up doing Avada Kedavra instead of an alohomora, and someone's dead, because they bought a cheap import." On platform nine and three quarters they met up with Hermione who was attracting many stares from the students waiting to get on. Harry heard one boy asking another if she was new, and whether he thought she would go out with him. Harry thanked the Weasleys for their wonderful hospitality. They looked a little nervous about letting him go out of their sight. "You will be careful this year, Harry won't you. Not do anything dangerous. Please" Mrs Weasley told him quietly. "Just be sensible Harry. I've sent an owl to Dumbledore speaking of my concerns. Please be careful Harry," Mr Weasley added. Harry looked at their serious faces, and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. He had a terrible feeling that he might never see them again. He reassured them, he'd be careful and then boarded the train, and found a spare compartment. "Just ignore them" Ron tried to reassure Harry, who was still looking a bit funny. "They're just going over the top. I mean what could get you at Hogwarts with Dumbledore looking out for you?" Harry suddenly smiled, and quickly changed the subject to who the new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher would be. Their suggestions were getting more and more ridiculous when Hermione walked in, "I don't think that even Dumbledore would let a vampire teach us," she said, over hearing Ron's last suggestion. She sat down, Crookshanks at her feet. The train let out off a huge belch of steam, and started to pull slowly and painfully out of the station. Harry, Ron and Hermione waved frantically to the rapidly retreating Mr and Mrs Weasley. "Well then, have you done your holiday assignment? How did you find that essay of Professor Flitwicks?" began Hermione. Harry and Ron grinned, this was more like the Hermione they knew. They happily discussed the essay, and then Hermione decided that she needed to find Neville. Almost as soon as she had gone, Malfoy appeared at the door to the apartment. "Hello there. It's the famous Harry Potter" he sneered. Goyle and Crabb appeared behind him. "Haven't gone the way of your parents yet? Still basking in the glory of winning the Tri-wizard Cup. Pity you had to get rid of that loser Diggory first." This was too much for Harry. He had not escaped from Lord Voldemort, for this. He leapt up; Ron was at his side his wand outstretched. "What did you say?" he demanded. "You heard what I said, it wouldn't do for the famous Harry Potter to lose," Malfoy said, his face in a twisted smile. Harry charged at Malfoy who stepped back, letting Harry run straight into Crabb. Crabb threw him back with a vicious punch to his nose. Ron threw down his wand and started attacking Goyle who had Ron in a headlock in seconds. Crabb then sat on top of Harry using his face as a punch bag. Harry couldn't move, or even breathe with Crabb's great weight on his chest. Harry's face was going slightly blue when Hermione suddenly walked in. She grabbed Malfoy round the waist where he was giving Harry a few well- aimed kicks to the ribs and threw him out into the corridor, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" she yelled. Both Crabb and Goyle stopped and stood up. Goyle had a cut lip, but Crabb seemed remarkably unscathed. "Get out now!" and to Ron and Harry's amazement they obeyed and disappeared out of sight. Hermione then turned her anger onto Harry and Ron. "What do you think you were doing? Who started it?" "Malfoy was saying that Harry killed Diggory so he could win the Triwizard Tournament," Ron panted. "So you started it," Hermione exclaimed. "Can't you see they are much stronger than you." She looked at Harry whose face had swelled and was one big purple bruise streaked with blood. She got a handkerchief out of her bag and gave it to him telling him to get cleaned up. Harry pulled himself off the floor groaning. His ribs seemed to be on fire where Malfoy's strong boots had kicked him. Ron had fared a little better and just had a nosebleed. "I don't know what we are going to do," Hermione sighed. "We can't tell a teacher, because you started it, and everyone who sees you is going to know you've been in a fight. They'll be taking points off Gryffindor before we've even started term." "Well what did you expect us to do? Just let him destroy Diggory's memory and carry on insulting Harry and his parents" replied Ron angrily. "Aren't they more important than a few points?" "I'm sorry I didn't mean that. I just meant that if you try fighting them you're going to lose. There are three of them for a start. There are other ways of getting revenge." "Oh yeah like what?" But Harry interrupted, "Oh just shut up both of you." moaned Harry. "Look we're sorry. We came off worst. We won't do it again, you're acting like a teacher." Hermione stopped and looked at Harry again. He looked like a survivor from a large explosion. Blood covered his face, and large angry bruises were appearing on his face. Hermione and Ron both looked at each other, and then did their best to make Harry comfortable. He was feeling extremely woozy, and closed his eyes. Hermione suddenly dashed over to her trunk and started rummaging in it. "Where's that book, I know it's here somewhere." "What are you doing?" groaned Ron. "it's not the time to be reading." "Oh just shut up will you" yelled Hermione. "There was a spell I read, in one of the books I read over the hols, ah, I'm sure it was this one. Yes it was after the one about warts. Here. Look how to reduce bruising. This simple little charm will help anyone who's suffered bruising however big or small just, oh yes I remember Aradia brudiom Fenchosa." She retrieved her wand and pointing it at Harry, whispered the words and immediately Harry felt his face reduce in size, and went back to its normal colour. The pain disappeared, and Harry sat up feeling better already. "Wow Hermione!" said Ron impressed, and a little sheepish. "Look I'm sorry about.
"Don't worry about it" said Hermione looking pleased. "Thanks Hermione" said Harry. Just then the old witch with the trolley peered in and asked if they wanted anything. Harry dashed out and bought back the largest bar of chocolate that she had. "I think we deserve it," said Harry as he divided it out. The rest of the journey passed uneventfully, and the sun was just disappearing over the high hills behind Hogwarts as they left the train for the fleet of horse-less carriages. Once inside they all made their way to the great hall, the roof speckled with twinkling stars, reflecting the world outside. Harry was looking forward to the sorting ceremony when the first years tried on the sorting hat, which decided the house that they entered. He noticed that many of the first years, as they huddled together, were pointing and staring in his direction, but he ignored them, and instead speculated which of the first years looked like Slytherins. Then Hermione suddenly pointed to the teachers' table. A young witch had just entered, and the hall went quiet as everyone stared. The woman had long straight lustrous hair reaching down to the back of her knees. She was wearing a very tight blue dress, and reminded Harry of a computer game heroine that Dudley would spend hours trying to beat on his new playstation. "Just look at her," went the whispers round the hall. "She can't be a teacher." "Do you think that she is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" "Wow, I'm glad I choose Defense of the Dark Arts instead of Arithmancy." She swept into her chair at the teachers' table, her matching cloak draped perfectly over her petit shoulders. She looked over the gathered children lazily. Many of the boys were still staring, their mouths open. Hermione nudged Ron crossly, as he gazed in wonder. The sorting ceremony was over very quickly, and Dumbledore began his speech. Harry thought that he didn't have his usual composure, "Welcome all. Welcome to Hogwarts and welcome to a New Year. First I would like to introduce Professor Jenai, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher." He was drowned out by whooping and cheering, mainly from the boys. Dumbledore held up his hands to quieten them. "And now there are a few more messages. Filch has told me once again that magic is strictly banned from the corridors. He has extended the list of banned objects to include Egg Bombs and Martyn's Magic Impossible To Remove Markers. This is after a rather unfortunate incident last term." Dumbedore's eyes swept particularly to the Gryffindor Table where Fred and George sat looking rather guilty. "Also there are various creatures guarding this castle, so please will no pupil go into the grounds without an adult, and anyone entering the Forbidden Forest will not return in more than five pieces. The Daily Prophet will no longer be deliver to Hogwarts. I feel that it will be distracting to your studies." Ron and Hermione looked at each other confused, "Why, what's in the Daily Prophet?" Ron whispered, Hermione shrugged. Dumbledore continued, his loud voice cutting through their conversation. "And finally before we tuck into this delicious feast, I would like to see Harry Potter in my office immediately after the feast. You may begin." A whisper ran round the hall at the name of Harry Potter, particularly from the First Years. Ron leaned over to Harry, "Has Malfoy told him about the fight?" he asked urgently. "Dumbledore said that if you two were in trouble again then, you'd be expelled" whispered Hermione. Harry felt sick. What if he was expelled? He might have to live with the Dursleys. That was a fate worst than death. He hated Malfoy. Why couldn't he just keep quiet? Why did he have to tell? They'd come off worse after all. The food that had appeared on the plates didn't look so appetizing. Harry couldn't believe it. He'd only been at Hogwarts an hour, and he was already in trouble. "Look, I'll tell him it wasn't your fault," continued Hermione. "Say Malfoy started it." Harry said nothing. He looked at the large piece of Black Forest gateaux on his plate, but he couldn't eat it. The meal seemed to go on for hours. Eventually the plates were magically cleaned, and the hall cleared. Harry hung back reluctant to go to Dumbledore's room, but eventually the hall was nearly empty, and Harry had to go and find Dumbledore. He stood outside the door that led to Dumbledore's tower and wondered what to do. He didn't know the password, but just as he was about to knock the door swung open, and Dumbledore's voice echoed down the stairs, "Come on up Harry." Harry stood on the moving stairs with apprehension. When he reached the circular room Dumbledore was standing at the furthest window looking out. "Sit down please Harry," Dumbledore said quietly. Harry sat nervously on the nearest chair. Dumbledore turned looking very old and serious. Help, thought Harry, I'm really in for it now. "How are you Harry?" he asked gravely. "I'm fine sir," then he burst out, he couldn't bear the disappointment in Dumbledore's face as he expelled him. "I'm sorry about the fight. It was just that he was saying that I." "Harry," Dumbledore interrupted. "This isn't about a fight." Harry stared at Dumbledore in bewilderment. What did Dumbledore want then? "As far as this school is concerned it didn't happen. No this is about something infinitely more serious." The butterflies in Harry's stomach fluttered even more. What could be worse than being expelled? Dumbledore's eyes fixed on Harry, "The Daily Prophet, I don't know if you know, the wizarding world does not believe. chooses to ignore the evidence that Voldemort is and has arisen. Now the Daily Prophet received something that it and the whole world cannot ignore. A message." He paused and looked sadly at Harry. It was the same sort of look that Mr and Mrs Weasley had given him as he left for Hogwarts.
"The message was found on the body of an old auror known as Rufus Redchurch. He was responsible for bringing many of the helpers of Voldemort to justice. He was also a senior minister at the ministry." Harry wondered where all this was going. Why was Dumbledore telling him all this? "The message was written in his blood, and contained the black mark. It went as follows." Dumbledore turned to face the window again. "To all those of the wizarding world. Those of you who foolishly believe
that I am past, will be proved wrong. I have returned. My powers are restored and will be demonstrated by the death of those who many stupidly
believe is stronger than me. Harry Potter will die, and all those who
protect him will perish also. I will return and rule. It is my time.
Beware of Lord Voldemort. "The ministry now have their proof," continued Dumbledore bitterly, "The ministry is in chaos, no-one doubts the authenticity of the black mark. This leaves you, Harry, you in the middle of it all." He turned again to face Harry who was sitting numbly in his seat staring at the floor. "Harry, I have been conversing with the giants much to the criticism of some of my peers that foolishly consider giants to be a danger, they have agreed to come and protect the castle. Five giants will be patrolling the grounds. They may be able to help. However we may not be able to protect you here Harry. I want to offer you the chance to go into hiding. "Believe me, I do not take this option lightly, but Lord Voldemort is stronger than even I, and it is possible that he may break through the defenses that are in place at Hogwarts. However the option of you going into hiding means separation from me, and it is possible that he may find you wherever you go. Harry, the choice is yours, and yours alone." Harry looked up from the floor, not quite believing the offer in front of him. "If I.if I stay at Hogwarts and He comes.won't it put you and everyone else in danger?" "Harry it is not your duty to protect them, yes it is possible, I won't lie to you, but so is everyone at the moment. No one is safe. Just because you leave doesn't mean that there isn't a danger for those left behind. We will do our best to protect you where ever you decide." Harry thought. He couldn't imagine leaving Hogwarts, Hermione and Ron. Leaving Dumbledore and all the other teachers. He'd rather be dead. But on the other hand he could be putting them all at risk by staying. He tried to explain this to Dumbledore. Dumbledore listened gravely and paused before replying, "Harry I know that you want to stay. Perhaps then we will make an arrangement as follows . if things become too dangerous for you or any of the pupils we will reconsider our positions. Of course if Hogwarts is directly threatened I will consider evacuating the castle anyway. Do not let this influence your decision to any extent." Harry thought about leaving Hogwarts, and a pain shot through his chest. He couldn't bear to even think about leaving. "Sir. I think, I would feel better at Hogwarts. But if there is any threat to anyone, I will go. I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me." Harry's insides were churning, and he was glad that he hadn't eaten anything at the feast. "A brave decision Harry. It is a choice that I would not like to give anyone, but you have chosen wisely." "Why does He want to kill me so much? I'm only a boy. Why me?" Dumbledore looked at Harry somberly "I wondered when you would ask this. And I'm afraid the answer is you. When Voldemort tried to kill you the curse rebounded as you know. This means that he can never be as powerful as he was before, until he kills you. Magic often works in strange ways and therefore you are the largest obstacle between Voldemort and his gaining total power." That doesn't answer why Voldemort wanted to kill me in the first place thought Harry, but he had a funny feeling that Dumbledore was avoiding answering that question. Harry felt even more ill than he did at the table in the Great Hall thinking that he was going to be expelled. He stared out of the window where the setting sun was creating a mixture of pinks and purples in the sky. The room seemed suddenly dark and the candles flickering on the walls did not replace the light of the setting sun. On his perch, Fawkes was grooming himself, his feathers gleaming a deep bronze- gold in they dying sun's rays. Dumbledore continued, "Harry I have explained the situation, I would ask you to consider the risk to yourself. Please could you keep to the rules - no nighttime adventures. Also please do not go out into the grounds without an adult, and I'm afraid there will be no visits to Hogsmeade." "But what about Quidditch?" said Harry suddenly. The lurching in his stomach had got worse at the thought of being banned from Quidditch. "What about that?" Dumbledore seemed to consider this for some time. "I do not see there being much danger in Quidditch matches." He eventually said. "But as for practices, you would be a bit of an open target. I believe it would be best if you avoided those." Harry's face fell. But at least he wouldn't have to miss the Quidditch matches, but would the team still want him if he wasn't able to attend practices? He could be dropped from the team. "Anyway I think we have discussed everything. It would perhaps be best if you only told Hermione and Ron about our discussion. I don't want to cause a panic. I shall explain to the teachers all they need to know. If you want to discuss anything, don't hesitate to come and find me. Oh and Harry, just be careful please. Right, you better get back to your tower. Good bye then Harry" Harry left Dumbledore's room feeling much worse that he went in.
Fight on the Hogwarts Express
Harry woke, knowing at once that in the night he had seen that boy again, but he couldn't remember anything else about it. He rolled over in his bed listening to the ghoul in the attic moaning mournfully. The sun was just rising, turning the bedroom a deep shade of red. Harry squinted at Ron who was still snoring gently tucked up in his warm duvet. Harry looked at Hedwig who had just flown in the open window. Her feathers were gleaming in the red gold light. She came and perched next to him on his pillow, pulling at his ears gently. Harry rolled over and pulled the duvet over his ears to stop her. She flapped her wings angrily, and flew off out of the window. Harry decided that it was too nice to stay in bed, so he quickly pulled on his jumper and jeans, both Dudley cast offs, and far too big for him. He couldn't use his wizard money to buy ordinary muggle clothes. He looked out of the window to see where Hedwig had gone. Again he looked by the hedge, and caught a fleeting glance of two long pointy ears, and two tennis ball shaped eyes before they vanished.
The rest of the week passed quickly and happily, with Harry seeing no more of Dobby. Long sunny days were spent playing Quidditch, going for long walks, and occasionally doing some holiday assignments. All too soon it was time to go back to school, and Ron, Ginny, Harry, Fred and George and Mr and Mrs Weasley were loaded into the big black ministry car. Although Mr Weasley didn't say anything Harry supposed that he was still at risk from Voldemort, and the ministry were trying to keep him out of danger. Harry hadn't seen Percy more than three times during his week at the Weasleys. Ron said that he had taken to sleeping in his office, tightening controls on cheap foreign imported wands. Ron mimicked Percy's fussy tones, "They're very dangerous you know, people buy them, and then they end up doing Avada Kedavra instead of an alohomora, and someone's dead, because they bought a cheap import." On platform nine and three quarters they met up with Hermione who was attracting many stares from the students waiting to get on. Harry heard one boy asking another if she was new, and whether he thought she would go out with him. Harry thanked the Weasleys for their wonderful hospitality. They looked a little nervous about letting him go out of their sight. "You will be careful this year, Harry won't you. Not do anything dangerous. Please" Mrs Weasley told him quietly. "Just be sensible Harry. I've sent an owl to Dumbledore speaking of my concerns. Please be careful Harry," Mr Weasley added. Harry looked at their serious faces, and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. He had a terrible feeling that he might never see them again. He reassured them, he'd be careful and then boarded the train, and found a spare compartment. "Just ignore them" Ron tried to reassure Harry, who was still looking a bit funny. "They're just going over the top. I mean what could get you at Hogwarts with Dumbledore looking out for you?" Harry suddenly smiled, and quickly changed the subject to who the new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher would be. Their suggestions were getting more and more ridiculous when Hermione walked in, "I don't think that even Dumbledore would let a vampire teach us," she said, over hearing Ron's last suggestion. She sat down, Crookshanks at her feet. The train let out off a huge belch of steam, and started to pull slowly and painfully out of the station. Harry, Ron and Hermione waved frantically to the rapidly retreating Mr and Mrs Weasley. "Well then, have you done your holiday assignment? How did you find that essay of Professor Flitwicks?" began Hermione. Harry and Ron grinned, this was more like the Hermione they knew. They happily discussed the essay, and then Hermione decided that she needed to find Neville. Almost as soon as she had gone, Malfoy appeared at the door to the apartment. "Hello there. It's the famous Harry Potter" he sneered. Goyle and Crabb appeared behind him. "Haven't gone the way of your parents yet? Still basking in the glory of winning the Tri-wizard Cup. Pity you had to get rid of that loser Diggory first." This was too much for Harry. He had not escaped from Lord Voldemort, for this. He leapt up; Ron was at his side his wand outstretched. "What did you say?" he demanded. "You heard what I said, it wouldn't do for the famous Harry Potter to lose," Malfoy said, his face in a twisted smile. Harry charged at Malfoy who stepped back, letting Harry run straight into Crabb. Crabb threw him back with a vicious punch to his nose. Ron threw down his wand and started attacking Goyle who had Ron in a headlock in seconds. Crabb then sat on top of Harry using his face as a punch bag. Harry couldn't move, or even breathe with Crabb's great weight on his chest. Harry's face was going slightly blue when Hermione suddenly walked in. She grabbed Malfoy round the waist where he was giving Harry a few well- aimed kicks to the ribs and threw him out into the corridor, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" she yelled. Both Crabb and Goyle stopped and stood up. Goyle had a cut lip, but Crabb seemed remarkably unscathed. "Get out now!" and to Ron and Harry's amazement they obeyed and disappeared out of sight. Hermione then turned her anger onto Harry and Ron. "What do you think you were doing? Who started it?" "Malfoy was saying that Harry killed Diggory so he could win the Triwizard Tournament," Ron panted. "So you started it," Hermione exclaimed. "Can't you see they are much stronger than you." She looked at Harry whose face had swelled and was one big purple bruise streaked with blood. She got a handkerchief out of her bag and gave it to him telling him to get cleaned up. Harry pulled himself off the floor groaning. His ribs seemed to be on fire where Malfoy's strong boots had kicked him. Ron had fared a little better and just had a nosebleed. "I don't know what we are going to do," Hermione sighed. "We can't tell a teacher, because you started it, and everyone who sees you is going to know you've been in a fight. They'll be taking points off Gryffindor before we've even started term." "Well what did you expect us to do? Just let him destroy Diggory's memory and carry on insulting Harry and his parents" replied Ron angrily. "Aren't they more important than a few points?" "I'm sorry I didn't mean that. I just meant that if you try fighting them you're going to lose. There are three of them for a start. There are other ways of getting revenge." "Oh yeah like what?" But Harry interrupted, "Oh just shut up both of you." moaned Harry. "Look we're sorry. We came off worst. We won't do it again, you're acting like a teacher." Hermione stopped and looked at Harry again. He looked like a survivor from a large explosion. Blood covered his face, and large angry bruises were appearing on his face. Hermione and Ron both looked at each other, and then did their best to make Harry comfortable. He was feeling extremely woozy, and closed his eyes. Hermione suddenly dashed over to her trunk and started rummaging in it. "Where's that book, I know it's here somewhere." "What are you doing?" groaned Ron. "it's not the time to be reading." "Oh just shut up will you" yelled Hermione. "There was a spell I read, in one of the books I read over the hols, ah, I'm sure it was this one. Yes it was after the one about warts. Here. Look how to reduce bruising. This simple little charm will help anyone who's suffered bruising however big or small just, oh yes I remember Aradia brudiom Fenchosa." She retrieved her wand and pointing it at Harry, whispered the words and immediately Harry felt his face reduce in size, and went back to its normal colour. The pain disappeared, and Harry sat up feeling better already. "Wow Hermione!" said Ron impressed, and a little sheepish. "Look I'm sorry about.
"Don't worry about it" said Hermione looking pleased. "Thanks Hermione" said Harry. Just then the old witch with the trolley peered in and asked if they wanted anything. Harry dashed out and bought back the largest bar of chocolate that she had. "I think we deserve it," said Harry as he divided it out. The rest of the journey passed uneventfully, and the sun was just disappearing over the high hills behind Hogwarts as they left the train for the fleet of horse-less carriages. Once inside they all made their way to the great hall, the roof speckled with twinkling stars, reflecting the world outside. Harry was looking forward to the sorting ceremony when the first years tried on the sorting hat, which decided the house that they entered. He noticed that many of the first years, as they huddled together, were pointing and staring in his direction, but he ignored them, and instead speculated which of the first years looked like Slytherins. Then Hermione suddenly pointed to the teachers' table. A young witch had just entered, and the hall went quiet as everyone stared. The woman had long straight lustrous hair reaching down to the back of her knees. She was wearing a very tight blue dress, and reminded Harry of a computer game heroine that Dudley would spend hours trying to beat on his new playstation. "Just look at her," went the whispers round the hall. "She can't be a teacher." "Do you think that she is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" "Wow, I'm glad I choose Defense of the Dark Arts instead of Arithmancy." She swept into her chair at the teachers' table, her matching cloak draped perfectly over her petit shoulders. She looked over the gathered children lazily. Many of the boys were still staring, their mouths open. Hermione nudged Ron crossly, as he gazed in wonder. The sorting ceremony was over very quickly, and Dumbledore began his speech. Harry thought that he didn't have his usual composure, "Welcome all. Welcome to Hogwarts and welcome to a New Year. First I would like to introduce Professor Jenai, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher." He was drowned out by whooping and cheering, mainly from the boys. Dumbledore held up his hands to quieten them. "And now there are a few more messages. Filch has told me once again that magic is strictly banned from the corridors. He has extended the list of banned objects to include Egg Bombs and Martyn's Magic Impossible To Remove Markers. This is after a rather unfortunate incident last term." Dumbedore's eyes swept particularly to the Gryffindor Table where Fred and George sat looking rather guilty. "Also there are various creatures guarding this castle, so please will no pupil go into the grounds without an adult, and anyone entering the Forbidden Forest will not return in more than five pieces. The Daily Prophet will no longer be deliver to Hogwarts. I feel that it will be distracting to your studies." Ron and Hermione looked at each other confused, "Why, what's in the Daily Prophet?" Ron whispered, Hermione shrugged. Dumbledore continued, his loud voice cutting through their conversation. "And finally before we tuck into this delicious feast, I would like to see Harry Potter in my office immediately after the feast. You may begin." A whisper ran round the hall at the name of Harry Potter, particularly from the First Years. Ron leaned over to Harry, "Has Malfoy told him about the fight?" he asked urgently. "Dumbledore said that if you two were in trouble again then, you'd be expelled" whispered Hermione. Harry felt sick. What if he was expelled? He might have to live with the Dursleys. That was a fate worst than death. He hated Malfoy. Why couldn't he just keep quiet? Why did he have to tell? They'd come off worse after all. The food that had appeared on the plates didn't look so appetizing. Harry couldn't believe it. He'd only been at Hogwarts an hour, and he was already in trouble. "Look, I'll tell him it wasn't your fault," continued Hermione. "Say Malfoy started it." Harry said nothing. He looked at the large piece of Black Forest gateaux on his plate, but he couldn't eat it. The meal seemed to go on for hours. Eventually the plates were magically cleaned, and the hall cleared. Harry hung back reluctant to go to Dumbledore's room, but eventually the hall was nearly empty, and Harry had to go and find Dumbledore. He stood outside the door that led to Dumbledore's tower and wondered what to do. He didn't know the password, but just as he was about to knock the door swung open, and Dumbledore's voice echoed down the stairs, "Come on up Harry." Harry stood on the moving stairs with apprehension. When he reached the circular room Dumbledore was standing at the furthest window looking out. "Sit down please Harry," Dumbledore said quietly. Harry sat nervously on the nearest chair. Dumbledore turned looking very old and serious. Help, thought Harry, I'm really in for it now. "How are you Harry?" he asked gravely. "I'm fine sir," then he burst out, he couldn't bear the disappointment in Dumbledore's face as he expelled him. "I'm sorry about the fight. It was just that he was saying that I." "Harry," Dumbledore interrupted. "This isn't about a fight." Harry stared at Dumbledore in bewilderment. What did Dumbledore want then? "As far as this school is concerned it didn't happen. No this is about something infinitely more serious." The butterflies in Harry's stomach fluttered even more. What could be worse than being expelled? Dumbledore's eyes fixed on Harry, "The Daily Prophet, I don't know if you know, the wizarding world does not believe. chooses to ignore the evidence that Voldemort is and has arisen. Now the Daily Prophet received something that it and the whole world cannot ignore. A message." He paused and looked sadly at Harry. It was the same sort of look that Mr and Mrs Weasley had given him as he left for Hogwarts.
"The message was found on the body of an old auror known as Rufus Redchurch. He was responsible for bringing many of the helpers of Voldemort to justice. He was also a senior minister at the ministry." Harry wondered where all this was going. Why was Dumbledore telling him all this? "The message was written in his blood, and contained the black mark. It went as follows." Dumbledore turned to face the window again. "To all those of the wizarding world. Those of you who foolishly believe
that I am past, will be proved wrong. I have returned. My powers are restored and will be demonstrated by the death of those who many stupidly
believe is stronger than me. Harry Potter will die, and all those who
protect him will perish also. I will return and rule. It is my time.
Beware of Lord Voldemort. "The ministry now have their proof," continued Dumbledore bitterly, "The ministry is in chaos, no-one doubts the authenticity of the black mark. This leaves you, Harry, you in the middle of it all." He turned again to face Harry who was sitting numbly in his seat staring at the floor. "Harry, I have been conversing with the giants much to the criticism of some of my peers that foolishly consider giants to be a danger, they have agreed to come and protect the castle. Five giants will be patrolling the grounds. They may be able to help. However we may not be able to protect you here Harry. I want to offer you the chance to go into hiding. "Believe me, I do not take this option lightly, but Lord Voldemort is stronger than even I, and it is possible that he may break through the defenses that are in place at Hogwarts. However the option of you going into hiding means separation from me, and it is possible that he may find you wherever you go. Harry, the choice is yours, and yours alone." Harry looked up from the floor, not quite believing the offer in front of him. "If I.if I stay at Hogwarts and He comes.won't it put you and everyone else in danger?" "Harry it is not your duty to protect them, yes it is possible, I won't lie to you, but so is everyone at the moment. No one is safe. Just because you leave doesn't mean that there isn't a danger for those left behind. We will do our best to protect you where ever you decide." Harry thought. He couldn't imagine leaving Hogwarts, Hermione and Ron. Leaving Dumbledore and all the other teachers. He'd rather be dead. But on the other hand he could be putting them all at risk by staying. He tried to explain this to Dumbledore. Dumbledore listened gravely and paused before replying, "Harry I know that you want to stay. Perhaps then we will make an arrangement as follows . if things become too dangerous for you or any of the pupils we will reconsider our positions. Of course if Hogwarts is directly threatened I will consider evacuating the castle anyway. Do not let this influence your decision to any extent." Harry thought about leaving Hogwarts, and a pain shot through his chest. He couldn't bear to even think about leaving. "Sir. I think, I would feel better at Hogwarts. But if there is any threat to anyone, I will go. I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me." Harry's insides were churning, and he was glad that he hadn't eaten anything at the feast. "A brave decision Harry. It is a choice that I would not like to give anyone, but you have chosen wisely." "Why does He want to kill me so much? I'm only a boy. Why me?" Dumbledore looked at Harry somberly "I wondered when you would ask this. And I'm afraid the answer is you. When Voldemort tried to kill you the curse rebounded as you know. This means that he can never be as powerful as he was before, until he kills you. Magic often works in strange ways and therefore you are the largest obstacle between Voldemort and his gaining total power." That doesn't answer why Voldemort wanted to kill me in the first place thought Harry, but he had a funny feeling that Dumbledore was avoiding answering that question. Harry felt even more ill than he did at the table in the Great Hall thinking that he was going to be expelled. He stared out of the window where the setting sun was creating a mixture of pinks and purples in the sky. The room seemed suddenly dark and the candles flickering on the walls did not replace the light of the setting sun. On his perch, Fawkes was grooming himself, his feathers gleaming a deep bronze- gold in they dying sun's rays. Dumbledore continued, "Harry I have explained the situation, I would ask you to consider the risk to yourself. Please could you keep to the rules - no nighttime adventures. Also please do not go out into the grounds without an adult, and I'm afraid there will be no visits to Hogsmeade." "But what about Quidditch?" said Harry suddenly. The lurching in his stomach had got worse at the thought of being banned from Quidditch. "What about that?" Dumbledore seemed to consider this for some time. "I do not see there being much danger in Quidditch matches." He eventually said. "But as for practices, you would be a bit of an open target. I believe it would be best if you avoided those." Harry's face fell. But at least he wouldn't have to miss the Quidditch matches, but would the team still want him if he wasn't able to attend practices? He could be dropped from the team. "Anyway I think we have discussed everything. It would perhaps be best if you only told Hermione and Ron about our discussion. I don't want to cause a panic. I shall explain to the teachers all they need to know. If you want to discuss anything, don't hesitate to come and find me. Oh and Harry, just be careful please. Right, you better get back to your tower. Good bye then Harry" Harry left Dumbledore's room feeling much worse that he went in.