Chapter 7 - Journey back to Hogwarts
Hermione and Tonks took Harry to Percy's bedroom and laid him down on the bed. Hermione stroked his hair "Can we get some help for him?" Hermione asked, turning towards Tonks. "I've already spoken to Dumbledore. He's on his way and is bringing Madam Pomfrey with him." She patted Hermione on the shoulder. "Don't worry kid, he'll be fine." Hermione gave her a small smile and turned back to Harry. Tonks looked at them both then walked quietly out of the room. Hermione reached over and took Harry's hand.
"I'll make Draco Malfoy pay Harry, I promise you." She then put her head down beside him and realised how tired she was.
Hermione then felt a tap on her back. She jumped up, wand at the ready. "Miss Granger", came a soft kindly voice, "you were asleep my dear." Hermione rubbed her eyes. "Oh, Professor Dumbledore, Malfoy did this to him. Please, help him." Dumbledore helped Hermione up and took her to the door. "Poppy - Madam Pomfrey - is here Hermione, go fetch her for me will you please?" Hermione nodded, wiping her eyes. She then gave Harry one more look. "He will be alright, Hermione" Dumbledore promised. Hermione nodded, and walked out of the door.
Dumbledore walked towards Harry, sat down beside him and put his head in his hands. How much more does this boy have to go through, he thought. He touched his arm and whispered "Harry, sit up my boy" and waved his wand. Harry opened his eyes and slowly sat up, unblinking. He looked at Dumbledore, but said nothing. "Drink this, Harry. It will stop the pain. I must ask you some questions". He tipped some liquid down Harry's throat and Harry immediately started coughing. Dumbledore put his arm round Harry and waited. Harry then cried out in pain and Dumbledore held him more tightly. Harry looked round, his eyes squinting into the light. "Pro-professor Dumble-dore"? "Yes Harry, you're alright". Dumbledore stopped holding Harry and slowly stood up. "I'm sorry Harry, I should have been here". "Where is Mr and Mrs Weasley, Professor?" "They have just arrived with me, Harry. We came as quickly as we could. They are concerned about your friend Ron. It seems he took his Brothers death extremely badly and has been acting strangely ever since. You must not be too upset about anything he may have said to you in anger. We will find him and I'm certain he will be fine." Harry nodded but this seemed to make him feel more worried for Ron. He shut his eyes, trying to imagine what it was like the moment he found Percy but couldn't. He opened his eyes and looked back at Dumbledore. "Professor, Malfoy and the others, how did they get through the barriers you put up?" Dumbledore sighed. "I don't know Harry", he then turned to look at the boy and power seemed to surge through him, "but I mean to find out." "Young Malfoy, Harry. Did he tell you anything that may help us? "Only that he blames me completely for his Fathers death, Professor and that Voldemort needed me alive. I saw so much pain in his eyes Sir, I never knew he was close to his Father." "Grief does strange things to us all Harry. Unfortunately, it has pushed Master Malfoy and his Mother over the edge." Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry for a moment then changed the subject.
"Harry, I must ask you about your vision of Lucius Malfoy." Harry simply nodded, he knew this was coming. "I must know exactly what he said to you, as much as you can remember." Harry told Dumbledore all about his and "Malfoys" strange conversation including this time how not to trust any of his friends, including Dumbledore. Dumbledore sat silently as Harry spoke, though the frown on his face seemed to deepen. "Yes, Harry, this was very cryptic." "Could it have been Malfoy's ghost, Sir?" Harry asked. "No Harry, that's not possible. Malfoy crossed over. The ministry made sure he and all the others did. They didn't need spectres of death eaters rejoining Voldemort. No, I don't know what this vision was but tell me, did your family speak to him also?" Harry thought back to that day and suddenly remembered something. "Yes Professor, they did but when he had gone, they acted like he wasn't ever there and told me I had been talking to myself. I presumed Malfoy had used some spell on them. What do you think it means, Professor?" "I don't know Harry but I promise you, I will find out. Try not to fear Harry, this will not be allowed to happen again. I will keep you safe". Dumbledore announced, his eyes blazing.
Dumbledore then stood up. "I must return to the ministry now Harry. Minister Fudge will need to be informed of the latest news. Madam Pomfrey is here and will tend to your wounds. You will feel as good as new in a few hours." He then patted Harry on the arm. "Take care my friend". He whispered to him and walked towards the door. He turned back as he reached it. "One more thing Harry. The ministry and I feel it would be a good idea to continue your DADA special classes for ANY children who feel it necessary to learn them. He then smiled at Harry, his eyes twinkling. "I do feel however that it may be a suitable to change the name." Harry then smiled back and nodded. Dumbledore then headed out of the room.
Harry laid back thinking about all that had happened. A dead Death Eater coming to see him, a Ravenscar in his bedroom, Ron running off and Malfoy becoming a fully fledged Death Eater. Why do these things always happen to him? He fell back to sleep again and never saw Madam Pomfrey come in and gasp when she saw Harry's injuries.
Harry awoke to see the Sun shining. He stretched, realising he felt so much better and turned to see Hermione sitting next to him, a wide smile on her face. "Harry, thank goodness!" She said, grinning. "How long have I been asleep?" He asked her. "2 days!" She laughed. "You look so much better though. Colour back in your cheeks." He grinned and sat up and looked around expectantly. He could hear a lot of hustle and bustle going on downstairs. "Is Ron back?" He asked Hermione hopefully. The smile disappeared. "No Harry and Dumbledore has had the whole order looking for him. I think Hagrid did find him but he refused to return home. Hagrid said Ron was acting very strangely and but seemed ok so he left him. We should see him today though Harry, shouldn't we." Hermione finished, noticing that Harry was looking very upset. "Why?" Harry asked her. "Because its September the 1st silly! We are going back to school today!" Harry looked at her surprised at these words - then realised for the first time that she had her school robes on. "You'd better get ready, we have leave to catch the train in one hour. Ill see you downstairs." She headed towards the door. "Hermione", Harry said quietly. She turned around. "I remember now - you saved me. I'd probably be dead now if I wasn't for you, or worse. So, I just wanted to say" - he paused - "Thanks." She smiled sweetly at him. "What are friends for?" She said and they looked at each other for a moment and Harry found himself blushing. "See you in a bit", she said quickly, and disappeared.
Harry sighed and got out of bed. He looked around for his trunk and found it by the door. He pulled it into the middle of the room, opened it and removed his robes. He put a towel round himself and headed for the bathroom. He passed Ginny on the way, who blushed when she saw him and then vanished down the stairs. He didn't notice that Luna Lovegood was watching him from Ron's room as well with a smile on her face.
He reappeared from the bathroom ten minutes later, still with his towel round him and went back to his room. Or Percy's he thought, feeling slightly sick and was once again concerned for Ron. He towelled himself down and started to dress in his robes. When he had finished he looked in his mirror and frowned slightly. He patted at his hair but of course, it wouldn't stay down. Well, he thought, ready as Ill ever be. He glanced at the clock. Thirty minutes until the Hogwarts Express left. Better go, he said to himself, packed everything back in his trunk and headed for the door. Just as he reached it, pain exploded from his forehead.
He dropped his trunk and grabbed his head, tears of pain in his eyes. "You feel that Potter," hissed a cold voice in his head. "My Death Eaters may have failed, but do not forget I can still get to you boy. Tell your friend Dumbledore his end is approaching and you will be ours!" Harry was on the floor, rolling around in pain. "Stop!" he cried. "Stop it, you bastard". As if this pain wasn't enough, he then felt his right arm burn as well. He screamed and thought he heard someone yelling from behind the door. "Harry?" Something is wrong Molly, the door won't open! HARRY!" He opened his eyes and yelled in shock when he saw a figure in the room with him. She was beautiful, looked to be in her thirties and there was a bright glow around her. She had long black hair and dark eyes. She smiled at him and then spoke "Harry Potter, you were warned not to interfere. You will not go to him. You will not warn him. You will lead him to us. You are mine!" She waved her hand and Harry screamed in pain as his arm felt like it was on fire. He heard Voldemorts high laughter ringing in his ears. "Tom and I cannot be stopped young Gryffindor." She said softly. "I will return in time. Then your work will begin." She then laughed. "Catch you later" she yelled joyfully and vanished. All the pain disappeared with her and Harry slumped to the floor. The bedroom door crashed open and a whole mob raced in.
Dumbledore helped Harry up. "Voldemort"? he asked Harry, who was shaking. "Yes and a woman. A beautiful woman. She said I was hers and my work will begin soon. She said I would lead him to her. Voldemort was with her. They were laughing at me. It hurt, Professor." Molly Weasley and Hermione rushed forward to Harry. Dumbledore looked very stern. "It is as a feared," he said turning to Arthur. "They have joined together, Voldemort and Rosenna. I did expect this in a way. Call the Order together Arthur. We must meet as soon as possible. Things just got a whole lot worse." He turned to Harry. "You must start up your Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape again Harry. They are more important than ever now." Harry merely nodded but this news made his innards squirm. "Take them to Kings Cross Molly, then join us later at the usual place." Molly nodded, helping Harry up. "Come on, all of you. We have a port key in my rather messed up kitchen. Lets go." Neville and Molly supported Harry as they all walked downstairs.
A couple of minutes later, they had all teleported right outside the train station and there were lots of people milling around. No one had noticed them. "Ten minutes!" screeched Molly. "All of you, run. Get your seats. Goodbye Ginny dear, take care and keep in touch." "Yes Mum", Ginny groaned. She then raced, with the others, to the barrier leading to their train. Ginny and Neville hopped through first, Luna followed them and Hermione and Harry rushed through together. Harry's heart leapt as soon as saw the Express and noticed Hermione was smiling too. It certainly felt good to see the train.
They all jumped onboard. The train was already quite full. Neville and Luna settled in a carriage with Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas and Parvati Patel, who all waved at Hermione, Ginny and Harry. Seamus actually jumped up and said "Hiya Harry, good holidays?" Harry smiled, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Seamus had hardly spoken to him last year, believing that he had made up Voldemort returning. "Yeah, ok, thanks Seamus" Harry answered, then waved as they looked for another carriage.
They went past lots of full seats, greeting many members of the DA warmly. Finally they entered a carriage with only one other person who was reading the Daily Prophet. "Erm, is it ok if we sit in here please." Ginny asked. The reader put his paper down and stared. Harry snapped "Ron" and Ginny and Hermione both smiled with delight. Ron didn't smile, he just glanced at them again then carried on reading his paper. Harry quickly said "Ron, I'm sorry about what happened back at the Burrow and I'm so sorry about Percy too, you know I liked him. I didn't mean that I was a know- all. I was trying to help, that's all" and he held out his hand to Ron. Ron looked up at him and asked "Are you staying in here you three". Hermione said "Er, yeah sure". Ron got to his feet "Then Ill disappear for you." He walked towards the carriage door. Harry grabbed his arm. "Don't be so daft, what's wrong with you?" Ron just looked at Harry then down at his arm. "Get your hand off me, you filthy half blood." Harry looked like he had been punched. Ginny gasped, putting her hand over her mouth and Hermione looked furious. Ron seemed to look at Harry for a moment, swallowed, then he walked out. It was a while before any of them spoke. "What's happened to him?" Harry asked Hermione. "I don't know," she said "But that was a terrible thing to say." "I know Ron despises anyone being called anything like that," Harry said. "It doesn't make any sense". Ginny was in tears. "I'm going after him, someone's got to talk to him." She got up and ran out. "Go after her Hermione." Harry said wearily. "Will you be ok?" She asked him. "Ill be fine, go on" and he watched her follow Ginny out of the carriage.
Harry leant back and closed his eyes. This was the worst start of term ever, he thought. Ron's gone mad and now TWO power crazy lunatics were after me. He sighed, stretched and opened his eyes. And saw a bunch of Slytherins gazing at him including Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy Parkinson. Harry tried to get up but was pushed back down. Malfoy walked towards Harry, putting his foot up on the seat next to him and leaned over. "Hello, Potter. Good summer?" he asked and they all laughed. "How come you are going back to school?" Harry snapped. He couldn't believe it. "Well, what can I say, Dumbledore needs me." Malfoy smirked and grabbed Harry hair. "Hows that scar been doing?" He asked, looking closely at Harry's lightning scar. "Any pain lately?" They all laughed again. They heard aloud bang from somewhere down the train and Malfoy snapped to Goyle "check it". Goyle looked out the door but no one was there. He shook his head to Draco, who shrugged and turned back to Harry. Harry glared at Malfoy. "Just piss off Malfoy, you little Daddy's boy!" The Slytherins went quiet and Malfoy went red. He dragged Harry up by his collar and pinned him again the wall of the carriage by his wand. Harry struggled but couldn't throw Malfoy off him. He was still weak from their last meeting. "You are going to regret that!" Malfoy spoke softly. "Oh yeah," Harry whispered, "Quivering in my boots Malfoy." Malfoy held his wand to Harry's face. He grinned at him evilly. "Why don't I give you another scar for you to show off, Potter?" All the Slytherins watched expectantly and Harry flinched. "What is happening here?" A voice said behind them. "Get away from him now Malfoy," another voice yelled. Everyone looked round. Snape and McGonagall stood there, Snape's face sneering and McGonagalls furious. Malfoy released Harry and put his wand away. "Just a friendly argument Professors, no harm done." "Move along then please Draco, all of you" Snape said. "Wait, McGonagall cried, "Aren't you going to punish them Snape, you heard what Malfoy was saying." "I heard nothing Professor, he said to her, mild surprise on his face. "Nothing happened here". She fumed. "Well, I'll just have to tell Dumbledore about this then wont I". She headed out. "As you wish" Snape called after her. He glanced at Harry. "I wouldn't be alone if I were you Potter, you don't know who's about." He then walked out behind the gang of Slytherins who were all pointing and shouting insults at Harry.
Harry looked after them furiously, feeling hatred and anger for all of them, especially Snape. Some member of the order he is, Harry thought bitterly. Ginny and Hermione walked back in and looked at Harry. Harry sighed. They had obviously passed McGonagall.
The train moved along nicely with no other interruptions and they all finally arrived at Hogwarts. After their trip on the Thestrals, which still freaked Harry out, Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Neville who had joined them, headed towards the Entrance Hall. A lonely figure hid behind a wall watching them. Ron sighed. He hated all of this but what could he do. He needed information and only one person could give it to him. He had to do as he was told.
He walked out behind the wall but a hand grabbed him and shoved him back against it, out of sight. "What did you think you were doing Weasley", Malfoy hissed. "I don't know what you are talking about." "Yes you do, you think I'm stupid? You sent up that bang with brought Snape and McGonagall running, with your wand." "You protected Potter." "I didn't Malfoy ok, I wouldn't." Malfoy glared at him. "I'm doing you a favour Weasel, never forget that. Now, you want something and I've promised ill give it to you if you keep your end of the bargain." "I did as you asked Malfoy," Ron snapped back. I want my information now." Malfoy smiled. "What's the hurry Weasley, all in good time. You say what I tell you say, do as I tell you to do and you'll get your revenge then, I swear to you". Ron looked defeated and Malfoy smiled. "Now, run along then, I'll be in touch." Ron snarled at him but headed towards the school. Malfoy chuckled and sauntered towards the waiting Crabbe and Goyle. "Everything's just great," he told them and they guffawed and the three of them walked away, never noticing Luna Lovegood hiding in the shadows, listening to everything they had said. She emerged, her eyes big. Ron, a traitor?? She didn't believe it. What was she going to do?
Wow, knackered now. Hope you liked that chapter, please R&R.
Hermione and Tonks took Harry to Percy's bedroom and laid him down on the bed. Hermione stroked his hair "Can we get some help for him?" Hermione asked, turning towards Tonks. "I've already spoken to Dumbledore. He's on his way and is bringing Madam Pomfrey with him." She patted Hermione on the shoulder. "Don't worry kid, he'll be fine." Hermione gave her a small smile and turned back to Harry. Tonks looked at them both then walked quietly out of the room. Hermione reached over and took Harry's hand.
"I'll make Draco Malfoy pay Harry, I promise you." She then put her head down beside him and realised how tired she was.
Hermione then felt a tap on her back. She jumped up, wand at the ready. "Miss Granger", came a soft kindly voice, "you were asleep my dear." Hermione rubbed her eyes. "Oh, Professor Dumbledore, Malfoy did this to him. Please, help him." Dumbledore helped Hermione up and took her to the door. "Poppy - Madam Pomfrey - is here Hermione, go fetch her for me will you please?" Hermione nodded, wiping her eyes. She then gave Harry one more look. "He will be alright, Hermione" Dumbledore promised. Hermione nodded, and walked out of the door.
Dumbledore walked towards Harry, sat down beside him and put his head in his hands. How much more does this boy have to go through, he thought. He touched his arm and whispered "Harry, sit up my boy" and waved his wand. Harry opened his eyes and slowly sat up, unblinking. He looked at Dumbledore, but said nothing. "Drink this, Harry. It will stop the pain. I must ask you some questions". He tipped some liquid down Harry's throat and Harry immediately started coughing. Dumbledore put his arm round Harry and waited. Harry then cried out in pain and Dumbledore held him more tightly. Harry looked round, his eyes squinting into the light. "Pro-professor Dumble-dore"? "Yes Harry, you're alright". Dumbledore stopped holding Harry and slowly stood up. "I'm sorry Harry, I should have been here". "Where is Mr and Mrs Weasley, Professor?" "They have just arrived with me, Harry. We came as quickly as we could. They are concerned about your friend Ron. It seems he took his Brothers death extremely badly and has been acting strangely ever since. You must not be too upset about anything he may have said to you in anger. We will find him and I'm certain he will be fine." Harry nodded but this seemed to make him feel more worried for Ron. He shut his eyes, trying to imagine what it was like the moment he found Percy but couldn't. He opened his eyes and looked back at Dumbledore. "Professor, Malfoy and the others, how did they get through the barriers you put up?" Dumbledore sighed. "I don't know Harry", he then turned to look at the boy and power seemed to surge through him, "but I mean to find out." "Young Malfoy, Harry. Did he tell you anything that may help us? "Only that he blames me completely for his Fathers death, Professor and that Voldemort needed me alive. I saw so much pain in his eyes Sir, I never knew he was close to his Father." "Grief does strange things to us all Harry. Unfortunately, it has pushed Master Malfoy and his Mother over the edge." Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry for a moment then changed the subject.
"Harry, I must ask you about your vision of Lucius Malfoy." Harry simply nodded, he knew this was coming. "I must know exactly what he said to you, as much as you can remember." Harry told Dumbledore all about his and "Malfoys" strange conversation including this time how not to trust any of his friends, including Dumbledore. Dumbledore sat silently as Harry spoke, though the frown on his face seemed to deepen. "Yes, Harry, this was very cryptic." "Could it have been Malfoy's ghost, Sir?" Harry asked. "No Harry, that's not possible. Malfoy crossed over. The ministry made sure he and all the others did. They didn't need spectres of death eaters rejoining Voldemort. No, I don't know what this vision was but tell me, did your family speak to him also?" Harry thought back to that day and suddenly remembered something. "Yes Professor, they did but when he had gone, they acted like he wasn't ever there and told me I had been talking to myself. I presumed Malfoy had used some spell on them. What do you think it means, Professor?" "I don't know Harry but I promise you, I will find out. Try not to fear Harry, this will not be allowed to happen again. I will keep you safe". Dumbledore announced, his eyes blazing.
Dumbledore then stood up. "I must return to the ministry now Harry. Minister Fudge will need to be informed of the latest news. Madam Pomfrey is here and will tend to your wounds. You will feel as good as new in a few hours." He then patted Harry on the arm. "Take care my friend". He whispered to him and walked towards the door. He turned back as he reached it. "One more thing Harry. The ministry and I feel it would be a good idea to continue your DADA special classes for ANY children who feel it necessary to learn them. He then smiled at Harry, his eyes twinkling. "I do feel however that it may be a suitable to change the name." Harry then smiled back and nodded. Dumbledore then headed out of the room.
Harry laid back thinking about all that had happened. A dead Death Eater coming to see him, a Ravenscar in his bedroom, Ron running off and Malfoy becoming a fully fledged Death Eater. Why do these things always happen to him? He fell back to sleep again and never saw Madam Pomfrey come in and gasp when she saw Harry's injuries.
Harry awoke to see the Sun shining. He stretched, realising he felt so much better and turned to see Hermione sitting next to him, a wide smile on her face. "Harry, thank goodness!" She said, grinning. "How long have I been asleep?" He asked her. "2 days!" She laughed. "You look so much better though. Colour back in your cheeks." He grinned and sat up and looked around expectantly. He could hear a lot of hustle and bustle going on downstairs. "Is Ron back?" He asked Hermione hopefully. The smile disappeared. "No Harry and Dumbledore has had the whole order looking for him. I think Hagrid did find him but he refused to return home. Hagrid said Ron was acting very strangely and but seemed ok so he left him. We should see him today though Harry, shouldn't we." Hermione finished, noticing that Harry was looking very upset. "Why?" Harry asked her. "Because its September the 1st silly! We are going back to school today!" Harry looked at her surprised at these words - then realised for the first time that she had her school robes on. "You'd better get ready, we have leave to catch the train in one hour. Ill see you downstairs." She headed towards the door. "Hermione", Harry said quietly. She turned around. "I remember now - you saved me. I'd probably be dead now if I wasn't for you, or worse. So, I just wanted to say" - he paused - "Thanks." She smiled sweetly at him. "What are friends for?" She said and they looked at each other for a moment and Harry found himself blushing. "See you in a bit", she said quickly, and disappeared.
Harry sighed and got out of bed. He looked around for his trunk and found it by the door. He pulled it into the middle of the room, opened it and removed his robes. He put a towel round himself and headed for the bathroom. He passed Ginny on the way, who blushed when she saw him and then vanished down the stairs. He didn't notice that Luna Lovegood was watching him from Ron's room as well with a smile on her face.
He reappeared from the bathroom ten minutes later, still with his towel round him and went back to his room. Or Percy's he thought, feeling slightly sick and was once again concerned for Ron. He towelled himself down and started to dress in his robes. When he had finished he looked in his mirror and frowned slightly. He patted at his hair but of course, it wouldn't stay down. Well, he thought, ready as Ill ever be. He glanced at the clock. Thirty minutes until the Hogwarts Express left. Better go, he said to himself, packed everything back in his trunk and headed for the door. Just as he reached it, pain exploded from his forehead.
He dropped his trunk and grabbed his head, tears of pain in his eyes. "You feel that Potter," hissed a cold voice in his head. "My Death Eaters may have failed, but do not forget I can still get to you boy. Tell your friend Dumbledore his end is approaching and you will be ours!" Harry was on the floor, rolling around in pain. "Stop!" he cried. "Stop it, you bastard". As if this pain wasn't enough, he then felt his right arm burn as well. He screamed and thought he heard someone yelling from behind the door. "Harry?" Something is wrong Molly, the door won't open! HARRY!" He opened his eyes and yelled in shock when he saw a figure in the room with him. She was beautiful, looked to be in her thirties and there was a bright glow around her. She had long black hair and dark eyes. She smiled at him and then spoke "Harry Potter, you were warned not to interfere. You will not go to him. You will not warn him. You will lead him to us. You are mine!" She waved her hand and Harry screamed in pain as his arm felt like it was on fire. He heard Voldemorts high laughter ringing in his ears. "Tom and I cannot be stopped young Gryffindor." She said softly. "I will return in time. Then your work will begin." She then laughed. "Catch you later" she yelled joyfully and vanished. All the pain disappeared with her and Harry slumped to the floor. The bedroom door crashed open and a whole mob raced in.
Dumbledore helped Harry up. "Voldemort"? he asked Harry, who was shaking. "Yes and a woman. A beautiful woman. She said I was hers and my work will begin soon. She said I would lead him to her. Voldemort was with her. They were laughing at me. It hurt, Professor." Molly Weasley and Hermione rushed forward to Harry. Dumbledore looked very stern. "It is as a feared," he said turning to Arthur. "They have joined together, Voldemort and Rosenna. I did expect this in a way. Call the Order together Arthur. We must meet as soon as possible. Things just got a whole lot worse." He turned to Harry. "You must start up your Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape again Harry. They are more important than ever now." Harry merely nodded but this news made his innards squirm. "Take them to Kings Cross Molly, then join us later at the usual place." Molly nodded, helping Harry up. "Come on, all of you. We have a port key in my rather messed up kitchen. Lets go." Neville and Molly supported Harry as they all walked downstairs.
A couple of minutes later, they had all teleported right outside the train station and there were lots of people milling around. No one had noticed them. "Ten minutes!" screeched Molly. "All of you, run. Get your seats. Goodbye Ginny dear, take care and keep in touch." "Yes Mum", Ginny groaned. She then raced, with the others, to the barrier leading to their train. Ginny and Neville hopped through first, Luna followed them and Hermione and Harry rushed through together. Harry's heart leapt as soon as saw the Express and noticed Hermione was smiling too. It certainly felt good to see the train.
They all jumped onboard. The train was already quite full. Neville and Luna settled in a carriage with Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas and Parvati Patel, who all waved at Hermione, Ginny and Harry. Seamus actually jumped up and said "Hiya Harry, good holidays?" Harry smiled, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Seamus had hardly spoken to him last year, believing that he had made up Voldemort returning. "Yeah, ok, thanks Seamus" Harry answered, then waved as they looked for another carriage.
They went past lots of full seats, greeting many members of the DA warmly. Finally they entered a carriage with only one other person who was reading the Daily Prophet. "Erm, is it ok if we sit in here please." Ginny asked. The reader put his paper down and stared. Harry snapped "Ron" and Ginny and Hermione both smiled with delight. Ron didn't smile, he just glanced at them again then carried on reading his paper. Harry quickly said "Ron, I'm sorry about what happened back at the Burrow and I'm so sorry about Percy too, you know I liked him. I didn't mean that I was a know- all. I was trying to help, that's all" and he held out his hand to Ron. Ron looked up at him and asked "Are you staying in here you three". Hermione said "Er, yeah sure". Ron got to his feet "Then Ill disappear for you." He walked towards the carriage door. Harry grabbed his arm. "Don't be so daft, what's wrong with you?" Ron just looked at Harry then down at his arm. "Get your hand off me, you filthy half blood." Harry looked like he had been punched. Ginny gasped, putting her hand over her mouth and Hermione looked furious. Ron seemed to look at Harry for a moment, swallowed, then he walked out. It was a while before any of them spoke. "What's happened to him?" Harry asked Hermione. "I don't know," she said "But that was a terrible thing to say." "I know Ron despises anyone being called anything like that," Harry said. "It doesn't make any sense". Ginny was in tears. "I'm going after him, someone's got to talk to him." She got up and ran out. "Go after her Hermione." Harry said wearily. "Will you be ok?" She asked him. "Ill be fine, go on" and he watched her follow Ginny out of the carriage.
Harry leant back and closed his eyes. This was the worst start of term ever, he thought. Ron's gone mad and now TWO power crazy lunatics were after me. He sighed, stretched and opened his eyes. And saw a bunch of Slytherins gazing at him including Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy Parkinson. Harry tried to get up but was pushed back down. Malfoy walked towards Harry, putting his foot up on the seat next to him and leaned over. "Hello, Potter. Good summer?" he asked and they all laughed. "How come you are going back to school?" Harry snapped. He couldn't believe it. "Well, what can I say, Dumbledore needs me." Malfoy smirked and grabbed Harry hair. "Hows that scar been doing?" He asked, looking closely at Harry's lightning scar. "Any pain lately?" They all laughed again. They heard aloud bang from somewhere down the train and Malfoy snapped to Goyle "check it". Goyle looked out the door but no one was there. He shook his head to Draco, who shrugged and turned back to Harry. Harry glared at Malfoy. "Just piss off Malfoy, you little Daddy's boy!" The Slytherins went quiet and Malfoy went red. He dragged Harry up by his collar and pinned him again the wall of the carriage by his wand. Harry struggled but couldn't throw Malfoy off him. He was still weak from their last meeting. "You are going to regret that!" Malfoy spoke softly. "Oh yeah," Harry whispered, "Quivering in my boots Malfoy." Malfoy held his wand to Harry's face. He grinned at him evilly. "Why don't I give you another scar for you to show off, Potter?" All the Slytherins watched expectantly and Harry flinched. "What is happening here?" A voice said behind them. "Get away from him now Malfoy," another voice yelled. Everyone looked round. Snape and McGonagall stood there, Snape's face sneering and McGonagalls furious. Malfoy released Harry and put his wand away. "Just a friendly argument Professors, no harm done." "Move along then please Draco, all of you" Snape said. "Wait, McGonagall cried, "Aren't you going to punish them Snape, you heard what Malfoy was saying." "I heard nothing Professor, he said to her, mild surprise on his face. "Nothing happened here". She fumed. "Well, I'll just have to tell Dumbledore about this then wont I". She headed out. "As you wish" Snape called after her. He glanced at Harry. "I wouldn't be alone if I were you Potter, you don't know who's about." He then walked out behind the gang of Slytherins who were all pointing and shouting insults at Harry.
Harry looked after them furiously, feeling hatred and anger for all of them, especially Snape. Some member of the order he is, Harry thought bitterly. Ginny and Hermione walked back in and looked at Harry. Harry sighed. They had obviously passed McGonagall.
The train moved along nicely with no other interruptions and they all finally arrived at Hogwarts. After their trip on the Thestrals, which still freaked Harry out, Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Neville who had joined them, headed towards the Entrance Hall. A lonely figure hid behind a wall watching them. Ron sighed. He hated all of this but what could he do. He needed information and only one person could give it to him. He had to do as he was told.
He walked out behind the wall but a hand grabbed him and shoved him back against it, out of sight. "What did you think you were doing Weasley", Malfoy hissed. "I don't know what you are talking about." "Yes you do, you think I'm stupid? You sent up that bang with brought Snape and McGonagall running, with your wand." "You protected Potter." "I didn't Malfoy ok, I wouldn't." Malfoy glared at him. "I'm doing you a favour Weasel, never forget that. Now, you want something and I've promised ill give it to you if you keep your end of the bargain." "I did as you asked Malfoy," Ron snapped back. I want my information now." Malfoy smiled. "What's the hurry Weasley, all in good time. You say what I tell you say, do as I tell you to do and you'll get your revenge then, I swear to you". Ron looked defeated and Malfoy smiled. "Now, run along then, I'll be in touch." Ron snarled at him but headed towards the school. Malfoy chuckled and sauntered towards the waiting Crabbe and Goyle. "Everything's just great," he told them and they guffawed and the three of them walked away, never noticing Luna Lovegood hiding in the shadows, listening to everything they had said. She emerged, her eyes big. Ron, a traitor?? She didn't believe it. What was she going to do?
Wow, knackered now. Hope you liked that chapter, please R&R.
