Chapter 7: Home Again
Harry woke with a start, he was sure he had heard something, glancing round the room he saw it was empty, with the exception of himself and Ron. "Must be getting paranoid," he thought to himself, not without reason though. Harry was worried, the dreams he had experienced so many times last year had ceased to bother him, and his scar hurt much less. While he was glad about that, he couldn't help but let it worry him, why would they stop all of a sudden? True, Voldemort had sort of sent them to him, intent on tricking Harry, and he had been trying to practice Occlumency, it still bothered him though. He never even felt surges of emotion anymore, and the way things were going Voldemort had a lot to be happy about. Something wasn't right, but Harry didn't want to dwell on what it might be. Harry looked over at the clock 7.30; he may as well get up. He considered waking Ron, then thought better of it and headed downstairs alone. He was quite surprised to see that Remus, Molly, and Hermione were all already up. He walked over to the couch Hermione was sitting on and sat down next to her. "Morning"
"Oh, morning Harry" Hermione said distractedly, she was watching the floor intently
"Hermione? Are you okay?" asked Harry, a concerned look enveloping his features
"Mm hm" she mumbled getting up and walking over to the doorway, still staring at the floor
"Hermione? What's up?" Harry was definitely worried now; this wasn't like Hermione at all
"Nothing, nothing" she said rushing back over to the couch.
"Hermione" said Harry "I know you too well, you're not going to fool me, what's bothering you?"
Hermione surveyed the room, as though checking their privacy, "You have to promise you won't freak out or panic."
"What?" Harry was shouting now, "Why would I panic?"
"See you're doing it already. You mustn't over-react, I might be wrong."
"Humph" Harry snorted in disbelief "When was the last time you were wrong?"
"Just because it doesn't happen often doesn't mean it can't. And this time I really hope I've made a mistake."
"Hermione what is it?" Harry demanded desperately.
"Well, um, maybe I'm being paranoid but it's felt like I've been being watched over the past few days, Crookshanks has been acting funny and well just before you came in here I saw a rat" Hermione spoke so quickly Harry struggled to understand. He did hear the last part loud and clear though.
"You don't mean? Not Wormtail?"
"I don't know Harry, but it's all that makes sense to me."
"That filthy bastard, how dare he show his face here?" Harry's voice was rising
"Harry, Ssh, we don't even know for sure it is him. I mean for one thing how would he get here? Dumbledore certainly wouldn't have told him where it is. "
"I suppose" Harry didn't know what to think.
"Unless? No."
"What Hermione?"
"Well, this is a bit far fetched but what if it was him with Lestrange in the alley way, and when we thought he apparated he simply turned into a rat, and then. And then he could've snuck back with us." Her face contorted, she looked both scared and furious, scared because of what Voldemort could know if Pettigrew had been there so long, and furious because he had the audacity to even try such a thing.
"Oh god." Harry's face fell, "Hermione what if you're right? We have to tell Sirius. Or Remus."
"No. We can't. Harry think about how they would react to that, he betrayed them and their best friends. They would-"
"I know he betrayed them!" Harry bellowed, "He killed my parents! We can't just let him scurry around the house picking up secrets to tell Voldemort, we can't let him get away!"
"Harry calm down. Listen to me. Sirius and Remus would tear apart the house 'till they found him, and then they would kill him."
"So? It's no more than he deserves!"
"I know, but when he dies so does Sirius' chance at freedom. Harry we have to capture him. Prove to everyone that Sirius is innocent. Then see him punished for what he did."
"I- I'm sorry Hermione, you're right, it's just. I hate him so much. It's his fault, all his fault, as if betraying my mum and dad wasn't bad enough, then he goes back to Voldemort and helps him to rise again. He's scum, no he's lower than scum, he' s worse than Voldemort himself!"
"I know Harry, I can only begin to understand how much you hate him, but we have to catch him."
"But how? We go back to Hogwarts tomorrow."
"Damn. I completely forgot." Hermione paused, deep in thought "We'll just have to tell someone here, someone who can keep a look out, if we don't catch him by tomorrow that is, he never was the smartest of people."
"But who can we tell? Sirius and Remus are pretty much the only people that are always here, and you already ruled them out."
"I don't know." Hermione looked lost; surely they had not come across such an opportunity when there was nothing they could do about it. "Typical" she thought "Just typical."
Harry and Hermione both sat in silence deep in thought for several minutes.
"Hey guys, you're up awfully early aren't you?" It was Charlie Weasley, Ron's older brother. He stood in the doorway, with a large bag hanging over his shoulder.
"Charlie? What are you doing here?" Hermione looked at him in amazement, their prayers had been answered.
"Found out how bad things were getting here and suddenly dragons didn't seem that important." He said simply
"Are you staying? Here?" squeaked Hermione, barely able to contain her excitement, if Charlie was here, they could tell him, and he would catch Wormtail, and everything would work out fine.
"Um, yeah, why?"
"Well" began Hermione and she retold the whole story to Charlie, and Ron, who had appeared minutes later.
"Wow" said Ron in disbelief "So Pettigrew's back?"
"We don't know for certain, but it looks that way," conceded Hermione
"And you want me to catch him?" asked Charlie looking thoroughly confused
"Yes"-said Hermione
"How do I know that he won't just transform when I catch him?"
"I know a spell that you can place on whatever you keep him in to stop it from breaking so he can't escape." Said Hermione, as though it was the simplest things in the world, it worked perfectly well with Rita Skeeter after all.
"How will I know if it's Pettigrew?"
"I don't suppose you will, but if you catch any rats that are here, there's a good chance it'll be him." Harry said enthusiastically
"This sounds a bit mad if you ask me." Said Charlie, not sure whether to believe it "It does rely a lot on coincidence, perhaps too much."
"Still it won't do any harm if you catch a few rats though will it?" pleaded Harry "We have to get him. He's the reason my parents are dead, the reason Sirius went to Azkaban, and the reason Voldemort is back. We have to get him."
"Okay, I guess you're right, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank-you!" said Hermione beaming at him.
"Charlie!" Molly had obviously spotted her son "Why didn't you let us know you were here?!"
"Hi Mum, I just got a bit sidetracked" Charlie grinned sheepishly, "Good to see you!"
"Of course it is, good to see you too, though I'd rather it was under better circumstances!" she babbled as she hugged him, "Now, anyone for breakfast?"
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It was September 1st, and everyone at Grimmauld Place was in a desperate rush to get the four Hogwarts students to Kings Cross on time. There was a frantic search taking place for some of the simplest things - Harry had lost a quill, Ron a book (though no-one knew how for it had never even been opened), Hermione Crookshanks, and Ginny had managed to misplace her new robes.
"Harry?" called Ron looking up from the middle of a stack of clothes "This your quill?" he waved it above his head.
"Yeah, where was it?"
"Um, in my book" said Ron sheepishly
"The book you lost?"
"Yeah, but it's here now!"
"Good, should we help the girls find their things?"
"I s'pose, just let me put this lot into my trunk." Said Ron, emerging from the heap.
"I'll look for Crookshanks, you see if you can spot Ginny's robes" called Harry as he headed out of the room, his trunk in tow.
"Harry! You're packed! Well done." It was Molly, looking decidedly stressed, "Is Ron almost finished?"
"Yes mum" replied Ron appearing in the doorway.
"Excellent!" cried Molly, obviously glad to have less to worry about, "now where are those girls?"
"Crookshanks!" exclaimed Tonks, who was precariously making her way through the collection of trunks and animals that was beginning to gather in the hallway, stumbling with every other step.
"There you are!" a relieved look taking over Hermione's face, "I thought for a minute we'd have to leave without you."
Charlie appeared from the kitchen, "We ready to go?" It was decided that they should take Fred and George's car for speed, they were cutting it very finely as it was. Fred and George however, were busy at their shop and Charlie volunteered to drive.
"Just waiting on Ginny" commented Harry
"Ginny!" yelled Molly "We have to go now or you will miss the train!"
"Ok, ok, I'm ready," retorted Ginny, she looked round at everyone expectantly "are we going then?"
"Harry?" It was Sirius "can I have a word before you go?"
"'Course" Harry replied, turning to the rest of the group he said, "I'll catch you up in a minute okay?"
"Yes, ok, see you outside then." Said Lupin as he headed outside closely followed by Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Molly, Tonks, Arthur, and Charlie.
"So, uh." Harry didn't really know what to say. He was really going to miss Sirius, but at the same time he was just glad Sirius was there to miss.
"I was wondering Harry, do you still have the mirror I gave you last year?" Sirius asked tentatively, he was almost afraid to bring up the subject. He had heard from Lupin how badly Harry took his "death" and that mirror would only have served as a reminder.
Harry blushed and looked rather embarrassed "Erm, no I don't, it kind of got, um, smashed."
Sirius grinned at Harry's embarrassment "Oh well, never mind. I'll miss you Harry." He looked searchingly at Harry. "You are coming here for Christmas though right?"
"Of course!" replied Harry indignantly, a sad smile creeping onto his face, "I'll miss you too."
"I know, but you'll have plenty to distract you at school!" said Sirius enthusiastically; trying to disguise the jealousy he was feeling. "Speaking of school you'd better be going, remember and Owl me!" He reached out and hugged Harry.
"I will," said Harry, "I'll see you soon! Bye!"
"Bye!" Sirius called out as he watched Harry climb into the car and vanish. He turned around and retreated into the house, or prison, as he preferred to refer to it. Though he wasn't quite so upset to be there as he was last year, after all anywhere was better than death. Especially when he had revenge to exact. He was going to get even with Voldemort, he had to, it was why he had come back. Harry wouldn't have to fight him. Not if Sirius got there first, he couldn't risk Harry's life. He would kill Voldemort; Harry wouldn't even have to know until it was over. Then everything could return to normal, or as normal as it ever could be after all that had happened.
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Harry got into the car and closed his eyes, dreading the bizarre sensation that was about to follow, and also because he couldn't bear to watch Sirius, he felt like he was losing him again, and though he knew he wasn't it didn't help. When he opened them, he was faced with the sight of the apparation chamber at Kings Cross. It was 5 minutes to 11; the train would be leaving soon. He grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage and made a run for the gateway to platform 9 ¾. The others followed suit and after a minute or two they were all standing on the magical platform, faced with the familiar scarlet train; The Hogwarts Express.
Harry looked over at the train and the sight filled him with a warm feeling, he was going home, because that's what Hogwarts was. He couldn't wait to be back. He wanted this to go on forever. His time at Hogwarts had been the best of his life, no it was his life. His life truly had begun when he discovered that he was a wizard, nothing before then mattered, except of course that short while he had with his parents, the time that he couldn't even remember. After today, Harry would only experience this once more, and then it would be over. Harry didn't like to admit it but he was terrified. Hogwarts was a safe haven. Where friends were close by, always ready for fun, and the worst enemies did was play silly pranks or spout insults. Not like the real world, where enemies killed each other, and friends were either dead or busy fighting a war that didn't look ready to end any time soon. Granted Harry's time at Hogwarts was more eventful than mosts', but much worse awaited him. For the millionth time he wished he wasn't Harry Potter- The Boy Who Lived, he just wanted to be boring, ordinary, Harry Potter.
"Harry, are you alright?" Harry's pattern of thought was disturbed, and looking around he realised almost everyone was aboard the train and Lupin was looking concernedly at him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Harry, and after bidding the adults goodbye he climbed aboard the train, his eyes searching for his friends.
"Harry! In here." It was Ginny; she was sitting in a compartment with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. "Ron and Hermione are in the prefects compartment."
"Are you sure about that?" asked Harry suggestively
"Well you never know," replied Ginny, and both broke down into laughter.
"Huh?" Neville looked confused, not that it was unusual
"Oh of course, you don't know!" started Ginny looking pleased "Ron and Hermione are going out."
"Really?" said Neville looking bewildered.
"It was always going to happen." Added Luna dazedly, looking out of the window as the train pulled out of the station. They were on their way.
Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna spent the first few minutes catching up on the holiday gossip, but soon ran out of things to say and then they busied themselves in amiable silence. Harry, Ginny and Neville started up a game of exploding snap, and Luna contented herself by reading the latest edition of The Quibbler. The game of exploding snap had been going for a few rounds, and when Ron and Hermione arrived back the players were glad of the excuse to stop.
"How was the Prefects meeting then?" asked Ginny, who to her relief had not been made one.
"Pretty boring really, it was the exact same as last year, don't know why they made us go back." Said Ron, "What's been happening here then?"
"Nothing much" replied Harry. "Fancy a game of chess Ron?"
"Yeah sure! I don't know why you insist on playing me though; we both know I'll win!"
"You never know" said Harry laughing, he did know that Ron would win, but that didn't mean it wasn't good fun all the same, plus he was getting ever so slightly better.
After an extensive game Ron leaned back and placed his arms behind his back, a smug grin spreading onto his face "Ha! Told you I'd win!"
"Yeah, yeah, big surprise, just try not to get such a big head it floats off okay?" said Harry, grinning despite the fact he had been beaten.
"Yeah Weasley, couldn't have your one and only pathetic excuse for a talent being the end of you now could we?" drawled Malfoy, looking pleased with himself.
"At least he has a talent!" shot back Hermione
"Ooh, a mudblood sticking up for you! That the best you can do?" Malfoy sent a scathing look around the compartment "Hmm, well, looking at this sorry bunch, maybe it is" He smirked
"So Malfoy, how's your dad?" asked Harry sarcastically, hatred etched upon his face
Draco lost his composure for a brief second, but quickly covered it with a sneer "How's your godfather Potter?"
This didn't have the desired result though "Oh he's doing just fine!" replied Harry with a smile
Malfoy looked at him bewildered, Potter was usually so touchy about his family, something strange was going on. "You're mad Potter."
Harry tried to suppress a laugh, "That's the best you've got Malfoy?"
Malfoy sent Harry a scowl that would rival one of Snape's, and stared coldly into his eyes, "You'll get what's coming to you Harry; the Dark Lord will exact his revenge."
"Well he's tried often enough before, why should this time be any different?" Harry put on a confident façade, hoping to fool Malfoy. But that remark hit home, it was what Harry was dreading.
"This time his plan's foolproof" and with that Malfoy strode out of the compartment. He had said that with such ease and conviction that Harry was beginning to wonder if it was true. Hermione however interrupted his thoughts, sensing the atmosphere.
"We're almost there; we should probably get our robes on now."
"Right" replied Neville, who went to get changed, the others followed suit.
Harry was looking out of the window eagerly; he loved to catch that first glance of Hogwarts. There it was, the spectacular castle, how he loved that place. The train pulled to a halt, and the students flowed from it, a sea of children, trunks, and animals. Someone was easily seen through all the commotion though; Hagrid. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny managed to push their way over to him.
"Hi Hagrid!" called Harry
"A'righ there Harry?" he replied "How've you all been?"
"Pretty good!" replied Ron, "How 'bout you, and Grawp?"
"I've been good." Replied Hagrid
"And Grawp?" asked Hermione, surprised Hagrid hadn't mentioned him
"Um, oh look, I have te go, firs' years, you know."
"Hagrid, why do you have your umbrella?" asked Harry, looking worried; this wasn't like Hagrid at all.
"Bad times, you never know who to trus'" a strange look was taking over his face
"That's not Hagrid!" Harry hissed "Run!"
"I don' think so" replied this pseudo-Hagrid, raising the umbrella to point at them
Harry looked around, even though there were so many people no-one was in a position to help them. He did the only thing he could think of he pulled out his wand. "Hagrid? I know you're in there somewhere! You have to fight them!"
The man standing in front of them looked as though he was having an inner battle with his thoughts, Hagrid was fighting it. "Don' tell me you think that's enough? Hagrid's mind is weak and pathetic, he will not win." The pseudo-Hagrid raised the umbrella and pointed it towards Hermione, "Mudblood's first!" he said, followed by a sick laugh that could not have been Hagrid, "Avada Ked-"
"Nooo!" yelled Ron, leaping in front of Hermione, at the exact same time as someone appeared from behind them shouting
"Conoscasi!"
Hagrid stopped, and looked blank for a minute, then his face fell "I'm sorry,I'm so sorry, I couldn' help it, they were in my head, and - and I didn' mean it!" Hagrid broke down into tears.
"Hagrid it's okay, no-one got hurt, everyones fine, no harm done." Said Hermione, though she still looked terrified.
"Bu-but I almos' killed yeh!" Hagrid said
"it's fine. Thanks to -" Hermione looked round at their savior
"Ali?" gasped Ron
A/N: I know, I know, I didn't really write about Hogwarts at all, but this lastest longer than I thought it would. Sorry i left you a bit of a cliffie! - Actually no I'm not, maybe this will persuade more of you to review *evil laugh* Kidding, kidding. The next chapter will be up soon, hopefully before the weekend if all goes well! *cough* reviews always help *cough* See you all then! p.s. Please, please, please review, I need to know what you think! Criticise me if you like - i undoubtedly deserve it! I just want to hear from you all.
In reply to those of you I did hear from:-
Hplova4eva - I'm glad you're still enjoying, hope you read the rest and like it just as much!
Anna L.Black - Thank you so much for reviewing all the time - you're like my most faithful reader and I am eternally grateful! :D It makes me happy knowing that people out there like the story! Hope you continue to enjoy - and review!!
Harry woke with a start, he was sure he had heard something, glancing round the room he saw it was empty, with the exception of himself and Ron. "Must be getting paranoid," he thought to himself, not without reason though. Harry was worried, the dreams he had experienced so many times last year had ceased to bother him, and his scar hurt much less. While he was glad about that, he couldn't help but let it worry him, why would they stop all of a sudden? True, Voldemort had sort of sent them to him, intent on tricking Harry, and he had been trying to practice Occlumency, it still bothered him though. He never even felt surges of emotion anymore, and the way things were going Voldemort had a lot to be happy about. Something wasn't right, but Harry didn't want to dwell on what it might be. Harry looked over at the clock 7.30; he may as well get up. He considered waking Ron, then thought better of it and headed downstairs alone. He was quite surprised to see that Remus, Molly, and Hermione were all already up. He walked over to the couch Hermione was sitting on and sat down next to her. "Morning"
"Oh, morning Harry" Hermione said distractedly, she was watching the floor intently
"Hermione? Are you okay?" asked Harry, a concerned look enveloping his features
"Mm hm" she mumbled getting up and walking over to the doorway, still staring at the floor
"Hermione? What's up?" Harry was definitely worried now; this wasn't like Hermione at all
"Nothing, nothing" she said rushing back over to the couch.
"Hermione" said Harry "I know you too well, you're not going to fool me, what's bothering you?"
Hermione surveyed the room, as though checking their privacy, "You have to promise you won't freak out or panic."
"What?" Harry was shouting now, "Why would I panic?"
"See you're doing it already. You mustn't over-react, I might be wrong."
"Humph" Harry snorted in disbelief "When was the last time you were wrong?"
"Just because it doesn't happen often doesn't mean it can't. And this time I really hope I've made a mistake."
"Hermione what is it?" Harry demanded desperately.
"Well, um, maybe I'm being paranoid but it's felt like I've been being watched over the past few days, Crookshanks has been acting funny and well just before you came in here I saw a rat" Hermione spoke so quickly Harry struggled to understand. He did hear the last part loud and clear though.
"You don't mean? Not Wormtail?"
"I don't know Harry, but it's all that makes sense to me."
"That filthy bastard, how dare he show his face here?" Harry's voice was rising
"Harry, Ssh, we don't even know for sure it is him. I mean for one thing how would he get here? Dumbledore certainly wouldn't have told him where it is. "
"I suppose" Harry didn't know what to think.
"Unless? No."
"What Hermione?"
"Well, this is a bit far fetched but what if it was him with Lestrange in the alley way, and when we thought he apparated he simply turned into a rat, and then. And then he could've snuck back with us." Her face contorted, she looked both scared and furious, scared because of what Voldemort could know if Pettigrew had been there so long, and furious because he had the audacity to even try such a thing.
"Oh god." Harry's face fell, "Hermione what if you're right? We have to tell Sirius. Or Remus."
"No. We can't. Harry think about how they would react to that, he betrayed them and their best friends. They would-"
"I know he betrayed them!" Harry bellowed, "He killed my parents! We can't just let him scurry around the house picking up secrets to tell Voldemort, we can't let him get away!"
"Harry calm down. Listen to me. Sirius and Remus would tear apart the house 'till they found him, and then they would kill him."
"So? It's no more than he deserves!"
"I know, but when he dies so does Sirius' chance at freedom. Harry we have to capture him. Prove to everyone that Sirius is innocent. Then see him punished for what he did."
"I- I'm sorry Hermione, you're right, it's just. I hate him so much. It's his fault, all his fault, as if betraying my mum and dad wasn't bad enough, then he goes back to Voldemort and helps him to rise again. He's scum, no he's lower than scum, he' s worse than Voldemort himself!"
"I know Harry, I can only begin to understand how much you hate him, but we have to catch him."
"But how? We go back to Hogwarts tomorrow."
"Damn. I completely forgot." Hermione paused, deep in thought "We'll just have to tell someone here, someone who can keep a look out, if we don't catch him by tomorrow that is, he never was the smartest of people."
"But who can we tell? Sirius and Remus are pretty much the only people that are always here, and you already ruled them out."
"I don't know." Hermione looked lost; surely they had not come across such an opportunity when there was nothing they could do about it. "Typical" she thought "Just typical."
Harry and Hermione both sat in silence deep in thought for several minutes.
"Hey guys, you're up awfully early aren't you?" It was Charlie Weasley, Ron's older brother. He stood in the doorway, with a large bag hanging over his shoulder.
"Charlie? What are you doing here?" Hermione looked at him in amazement, their prayers had been answered.
"Found out how bad things were getting here and suddenly dragons didn't seem that important." He said simply
"Are you staying? Here?" squeaked Hermione, barely able to contain her excitement, if Charlie was here, they could tell him, and he would catch Wormtail, and everything would work out fine.
"Um, yeah, why?"
"Well" began Hermione and she retold the whole story to Charlie, and Ron, who had appeared minutes later.
"Wow" said Ron in disbelief "So Pettigrew's back?"
"We don't know for certain, but it looks that way," conceded Hermione
"And you want me to catch him?" asked Charlie looking thoroughly confused
"Yes"-said Hermione
"How do I know that he won't just transform when I catch him?"
"I know a spell that you can place on whatever you keep him in to stop it from breaking so he can't escape." Said Hermione, as though it was the simplest things in the world, it worked perfectly well with Rita Skeeter after all.
"How will I know if it's Pettigrew?"
"I don't suppose you will, but if you catch any rats that are here, there's a good chance it'll be him." Harry said enthusiastically
"This sounds a bit mad if you ask me." Said Charlie, not sure whether to believe it "It does rely a lot on coincidence, perhaps too much."
"Still it won't do any harm if you catch a few rats though will it?" pleaded Harry "We have to get him. He's the reason my parents are dead, the reason Sirius went to Azkaban, and the reason Voldemort is back. We have to get him."
"Okay, I guess you're right, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank-you!" said Hermione beaming at him.
"Charlie!" Molly had obviously spotted her son "Why didn't you let us know you were here?!"
"Hi Mum, I just got a bit sidetracked" Charlie grinned sheepishly, "Good to see you!"
"Of course it is, good to see you too, though I'd rather it was under better circumstances!" she babbled as she hugged him, "Now, anyone for breakfast?"
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It was September 1st, and everyone at Grimmauld Place was in a desperate rush to get the four Hogwarts students to Kings Cross on time. There was a frantic search taking place for some of the simplest things - Harry had lost a quill, Ron a book (though no-one knew how for it had never even been opened), Hermione Crookshanks, and Ginny had managed to misplace her new robes.
"Harry?" called Ron looking up from the middle of a stack of clothes "This your quill?" he waved it above his head.
"Yeah, where was it?"
"Um, in my book" said Ron sheepishly
"The book you lost?"
"Yeah, but it's here now!"
"Good, should we help the girls find their things?"
"I s'pose, just let me put this lot into my trunk." Said Ron, emerging from the heap.
"I'll look for Crookshanks, you see if you can spot Ginny's robes" called Harry as he headed out of the room, his trunk in tow.
"Harry! You're packed! Well done." It was Molly, looking decidedly stressed, "Is Ron almost finished?"
"Yes mum" replied Ron appearing in the doorway.
"Excellent!" cried Molly, obviously glad to have less to worry about, "now where are those girls?"
"Crookshanks!" exclaimed Tonks, who was precariously making her way through the collection of trunks and animals that was beginning to gather in the hallway, stumbling with every other step.
"There you are!" a relieved look taking over Hermione's face, "I thought for a minute we'd have to leave without you."
Charlie appeared from the kitchen, "We ready to go?" It was decided that they should take Fred and George's car for speed, they were cutting it very finely as it was. Fred and George however, were busy at their shop and Charlie volunteered to drive.
"Just waiting on Ginny" commented Harry
"Ginny!" yelled Molly "We have to go now or you will miss the train!"
"Ok, ok, I'm ready," retorted Ginny, she looked round at everyone expectantly "are we going then?"
"Harry?" It was Sirius "can I have a word before you go?"
"'Course" Harry replied, turning to the rest of the group he said, "I'll catch you up in a minute okay?"
"Yes, ok, see you outside then." Said Lupin as he headed outside closely followed by Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Molly, Tonks, Arthur, and Charlie.
"So, uh." Harry didn't really know what to say. He was really going to miss Sirius, but at the same time he was just glad Sirius was there to miss.
"I was wondering Harry, do you still have the mirror I gave you last year?" Sirius asked tentatively, he was almost afraid to bring up the subject. He had heard from Lupin how badly Harry took his "death" and that mirror would only have served as a reminder.
Harry blushed and looked rather embarrassed "Erm, no I don't, it kind of got, um, smashed."
Sirius grinned at Harry's embarrassment "Oh well, never mind. I'll miss you Harry." He looked searchingly at Harry. "You are coming here for Christmas though right?"
"Of course!" replied Harry indignantly, a sad smile creeping onto his face, "I'll miss you too."
"I know, but you'll have plenty to distract you at school!" said Sirius enthusiastically; trying to disguise the jealousy he was feeling. "Speaking of school you'd better be going, remember and Owl me!" He reached out and hugged Harry.
"I will," said Harry, "I'll see you soon! Bye!"
"Bye!" Sirius called out as he watched Harry climb into the car and vanish. He turned around and retreated into the house, or prison, as he preferred to refer to it. Though he wasn't quite so upset to be there as he was last year, after all anywhere was better than death. Especially when he had revenge to exact. He was going to get even with Voldemort, he had to, it was why he had come back. Harry wouldn't have to fight him. Not if Sirius got there first, he couldn't risk Harry's life. He would kill Voldemort; Harry wouldn't even have to know until it was over. Then everything could return to normal, or as normal as it ever could be after all that had happened.
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Harry got into the car and closed his eyes, dreading the bizarre sensation that was about to follow, and also because he couldn't bear to watch Sirius, he felt like he was losing him again, and though he knew he wasn't it didn't help. When he opened them, he was faced with the sight of the apparation chamber at Kings Cross. It was 5 minutes to 11; the train would be leaving soon. He grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage and made a run for the gateway to platform 9 ¾. The others followed suit and after a minute or two they were all standing on the magical platform, faced with the familiar scarlet train; The Hogwarts Express.
Harry looked over at the train and the sight filled him with a warm feeling, he was going home, because that's what Hogwarts was. He couldn't wait to be back. He wanted this to go on forever. His time at Hogwarts had been the best of his life, no it was his life. His life truly had begun when he discovered that he was a wizard, nothing before then mattered, except of course that short while he had with his parents, the time that he couldn't even remember. After today, Harry would only experience this once more, and then it would be over. Harry didn't like to admit it but he was terrified. Hogwarts was a safe haven. Where friends were close by, always ready for fun, and the worst enemies did was play silly pranks or spout insults. Not like the real world, where enemies killed each other, and friends were either dead or busy fighting a war that didn't look ready to end any time soon. Granted Harry's time at Hogwarts was more eventful than mosts', but much worse awaited him. For the millionth time he wished he wasn't Harry Potter- The Boy Who Lived, he just wanted to be boring, ordinary, Harry Potter.
"Harry, are you alright?" Harry's pattern of thought was disturbed, and looking around he realised almost everyone was aboard the train and Lupin was looking concernedly at him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Harry, and after bidding the adults goodbye he climbed aboard the train, his eyes searching for his friends.
"Harry! In here." It was Ginny; she was sitting in a compartment with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. "Ron and Hermione are in the prefects compartment."
"Are you sure about that?" asked Harry suggestively
"Well you never know," replied Ginny, and both broke down into laughter.
"Huh?" Neville looked confused, not that it was unusual
"Oh of course, you don't know!" started Ginny looking pleased "Ron and Hermione are going out."
"Really?" said Neville looking bewildered.
"It was always going to happen." Added Luna dazedly, looking out of the window as the train pulled out of the station. They were on their way.
Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna spent the first few minutes catching up on the holiday gossip, but soon ran out of things to say and then they busied themselves in amiable silence. Harry, Ginny and Neville started up a game of exploding snap, and Luna contented herself by reading the latest edition of The Quibbler. The game of exploding snap had been going for a few rounds, and when Ron and Hermione arrived back the players were glad of the excuse to stop.
"How was the Prefects meeting then?" asked Ginny, who to her relief had not been made one.
"Pretty boring really, it was the exact same as last year, don't know why they made us go back." Said Ron, "What's been happening here then?"
"Nothing much" replied Harry. "Fancy a game of chess Ron?"
"Yeah sure! I don't know why you insist on playing me though; we both know I'll win!"
"You never know" said Harry laughing, he did know that Ron would win, but that didn't mean it wasn't good fun all the same, plus he was getting ever so slightly better.
After an extensive game Ron leaned back and placed his arms behind his back, a smug grin spreading onto his face "Ha! Told you I'd win!"
"Yeah, yeah, big surprise, just try not to get such a big head it floats off okay?" said Harry, grinning despite the fact he had been beaten.
"Yeah Weasley, couldn't have your one and only pathetic excuse for a talent being the end of you now could we?" drawled Malfoy, looking pleased with himself.
"At least he has a talent!" shot back Hermione
"Ooh, a mudblood sticking up for you! That the best you can do?" Malfoy sent a scathing look around the compartment "Hmm, well, looking at this sorry bunch, maybe it is" He smirked
"So Malfoy, how's your dad?" asked Harry sarcastically, hatred etched upon his face
Draco lost his composure for a brief second, but quickly covered it with a sneer "How's your godfather Potter?"
This didn't have the desired result though "Oh he's doing just fine!" replied Harry with a smile
Malfoy looked at him bewildered, Potter was usually so touchy about his family, something strange was going on. "You're mad Potter."
Harry tried to suppress a laugh, "That's the best you've got Malfoy?"
Malfoy sent Harry a scowl that would rival one of Snape's, and stared coldly into his eyes, "You'll get what's coming to you Harry; the Dark Lord will exact his revenge."
"Well he's tried often enough before, why should this time be any different?" Harry put on a confident façade, hoping to fool Malfoy. But that remark hit home, it was what Harry was dreading.
"This time his plan's foolproof" and with that Malfoy strode out of the compartment. He had said that with such ease and conviction that Harry was beginning to wonder if it was true. Hermione however interrupted his thoughts, sensing the atmosphere.
"We're almost there; we should probably get our robes on now."
"Right" replied Neville, who went to get changed, the others followed suit.
Harry was looking out of the window eagerly; he loved to catch that first glance of Hogwarts. There it was, the spectacular castle, how he loved that place. The train pulled to a halt, and the students flowed from it, a sea of children, trunks, and animals. Someone was easily seen through all the commotion though; Hagrid. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny managed to push their way over to him.
"Hi Hagrid!" called Harry
"A'righ there Harry?" he replied "How've you all been?"
"Pretty good!" replied Ron, "How 'bout you, and Grawp?"
"I've been good." Replied Hagrid
"And Grawp?" asked Hermione, surprised Hagrid hadn't mentioned him
"Um, oh look, I have te go, firs' years, you know."
"Hagrid, why do you have your umbrella?" asked Harry, looking worried; this wasn't like Hagrid at all.
"Bad times, you never know who to trus'" a strange look was taking over his face
"That's not Hagrid!" Harry hissed "Run!"
"I don' think so" replied this pseudo-Hagrid, raising the umbrella to point at them
Harry looked around, even though there were so many people no-one was in a position to help them. He did the only thing he could think of he pulled out his wand. "Hagrid? I know you're in there somewhere! You have to fight them!"
The man standing in front of them looked as though he was having an inner battle with his thoughts, Hagrid was fighting it. "Don' tell me you think that's enough? Hagrid's mind is weak and pathetic, he will not win." The pseudo-Hagrid raised the umbrella and pointed it towards Hermione, "Mudblood's first!" he said, followed by a sick laugh that could not have been Hagrid, "Avada Ked-"
"Nooo!" yelled Ron, leaping in front of Hermione, at the exact same time as someone appeared from behind them shouting
"Conoscasi!"
Hagrid stopped, and looked blank for a minute, then his face fell "I'm sorry,I'm so sorry, I couldn' help it, they were in my head, and - and I didn' mean it!" Hagrid broke down into tears.
"Hagrid it's okay, no-one got hurt, everyones fine, no harm done." Said Hermione, though she still looked terrified.
"Bu-but I almos' killed yeh!" Hagrid said
"it's fine. Thanks to -" Hermione looked round at their savior
"Ali?" gasped Ron
A/N: I know, I know, I didn't really write about Hogwarts at all, but this lastest longer than I thought it would. Sorry i left you a bit of a cliffie! - Actually no I'm not, maybe this will persuade more of you to review *evil laugh* Kidding, kidding. The next chapter will be up soon, hopefully before the weekend if all goes well! *cough* reviews always help *cough* See you all then! p.s. Please, please, please review, I need to know what you think! Criticise me if you like - i undoubtedly deserve it! I just want to hear from you all.
In reply to those of you I did hear from:-
Hplova4eva - I'm glad you're still enjoying, hope you read the rest and like it just as much!
Anna L.Black - Thank you so much for reviewing all the time - you're like my most faithful reader and I am eternally grateful! :D It makes me happy knowing that people out there like the story! Hope you continue to enjoy - and review!!
