Chapter Three Rushing into Things

Note: Thanks Unicorn11 for noticing that Luna's mum is already dead. I can be so stupid sometimes.

"Harry! Hermione! So great to see the both of you!" Mrs. Weasley hugged the both of them. "Well, let's get going then. Gotta get to Platform Nine and Three Quarters!" Hermione and Harry glanced at each other. "Mrs. Weasley, the term doesn't begin until September 2nd! Are you okay? Haven't been taking any potions, have you?" Hermione gave Mrs. Weasley an odd stare.

"Never mind why you've got to go to Hogwarts instantly."
"But-but- our books!"
"Dumbeldore will explain everything! Now get in the car! Oh, Harry, Hedwig broke her wing a couple of days ago, she should be fine and ready to fly now. Go, both of you! You guys go in the back seat with Ron and Ginny, Arthur and I will be up front."

Harry and Hermione got into the old Ford Anglia (this time not bewitched) and looked at Ron and Ginny. "I don't know either," the both of them said at once. "I reckon it's got something to do with the Malfoys. Been making trouble all summer!" Harry looked around. This was all happening too fast. "I really don't like this, Harry..."

All four of them were excited. Ron was talking about Fred and George. "Guess what Harry?! Dumbeldore gave 'em permission to set up a joke shop inside Hogwarts! Only available to Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs of course. I don't think they mentioned that when asking him permission. They're selling awesome stuff - I mean, stink pellets, luminous balloons, dungbombs!" Harry grinned.

"And how's Percy doing?" asked Hermione.
"Don't wanna talk about it..."
"M'kay."

They arrived at London. "Get onto the train, all four of you. Go, GO!" Harry could tell neither Hermione, Ron, or Ginny knew more than he did. This was all so odd. The four of them got onto the platform, only to find out that the Hogwarts Express was slightly smaller - only one section of it was there. It looked big enough for 8 people only. They all got on, and found Professor Dumbledore on the train.

"Ah, Harry! Hermione! Ron! Ginny! Come sit down, I'll explain everything to you. First, a spot of tea while we wait for Miss Abbot and Miss Lovegood?"
"Professor, please! What the heck is happening?"
"I cannot tell you until the two others arrive."
"Why are only the six of us going to Hogwarts? WHY?!"
"I just said, Mr. Weasley, I will answer that once the two others get here."

About 5 minutes later, Luna Lovegood came in. "So sorry I'm late! Didn't exactly expect to come this early..." Dumbeldore began to talk with Luna's father. She whispered to Harry, "Do any of you know what's going on?" Everyone shook their head no. "I demand to know! Why isn't Dumbledore telling us?!"
"We're waiting for Hannah Abbot, Luna," said Ginny annoyingly.
"Yes well... whatever..." Luna got out a copy of the Quibbler and started to read it, but soon Hannah Abbot arrived.

Hannah was a small girl with long red hair and freckles. In fact, Harry thought, if you didn't know any better you'd think she was a Weasley with her appearance.

Dumbledore got up, and the train began moving. "So, you six have been told you're coming to Hogwarts. You don't know why. Tell me, what have you noticed? Ask, and I will answer."
"Why's the train so... small?" asked Luna.
"Ah, Miss Lovegood, only you six are attending this month's courses."
"Why are we going to Hogwarts then? And why are we the only people attending Hogwarts the first month? Why is it starting so early?" Hermione had about ten more questions, but Dumbledore cut her off.

"The reason, Miss Granger... because Bellatrix Lestrange and a significant amount of death eaters have been spotted, and chances are they are going after your families. You six have the most vulnerable families. Which is why your family members have been moved to Grimmauld Place for protection, whereas you six will be taken to Hogwarts under my care for safety. Please do not ask more questions concerning this, I will explain more to you later."

"So, what about the Great Hall? Where will we sleep?"

"You will sleep in the great hall. During mealtimes, you will all be able to eat at the staff table with Professor McGonagall and myself."

"What do you mean we're taking 'courses'"?

"You will see later, Miss Abbot, you will see."

"But, Professor... I have no... no family..."

"Yes, but then again the Order was looking after you, and that consists of Ron's parents, so I will take you and Hermione."

"Professor... my parents can't be a target! They're..."

"Miss Granger, that's just it. They're muggles."

Hermione thought for a second, then slipped a silent, "oh."

The train stopped, and they came to Hogwarts. "So flippin' odd," muttered Ron. Indeed, odd it was, but this was only part one of about 500 in Harry's lifetime.