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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, obviously.........

Special thanks to my beta, Dreamermarie! And more special thanks to Severus' Wife for pointing out my little blunder and to downwithfudge and sentinel-witch thanks for taking the time to review, it is much appreciated!

Chapter 6: Back to School

Several weeks (and Potions assignments) later found Harry waiting to board the Hogwart's Express. Harry was not sure how he felt about going back to Hogwart's, but he knew it was a lot better than staying in Grimmauld Place without Sirius. He just wasn't sure what was going to happen now that Fred and George were not attending school.

"Don't look so glum," George said to him. Mrs. Weasley had forced Fred and George to come see everyone off at the school train.

"Yeah, it won't be so bad. At least Umbridge is gone," Fred added with a smirk, thinking about the swamp that he and George had put in a corridor the year before.

"Where do you think she is anyhow?" George asked.

"I don't want to know," Harry answered.

"Harry! Ron! Why don't you help Fiona get her trunk on the train?" Mrs. Weasley called out.

"I don't think so," Fred interrupted.

"We shall help Fiona put her trunk on the train," George said, walking over to where Fiona was standing. Hermione rolled her eyes as she picked up her own trunk and half dragged it to the train.

"Allow me," Fred said, bowing practically to the floor before picking up one end of Fiona's trunk while George picked up the other. Then they carried her trunk onto the train and set it in the compartment where Ron and Harry had put theirs.

After all the trunks were on the train, everyone reassembled by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to say one last farewell. Mrs. Weasley fought back tears as she hugged and kissed everyone good-bye.

"Be careful this year- things may be a bit different than you remember them," Mr. Weasley said, shaking Harry's hand. After everyone said one last good-bye, they hurried onto the train before it began its departure.

Harry walked back to the compartment they had saved earlier. He opened the door and looked down. Luna Lovegood was sitting in the seat closest to the door and was apparently reading a copy of i The Quibbler /i . Harry refrained from rolling his eyes and instead, walked to the end of the compartment and took a seat next to the window. Hermione took the empty seat next to him and Ron sat across. Ginny didn't even bother coming into the compartment since she had already found Dean. Fiona sat across from Luna and was looking at her with an odd expression on her face. Luna was pretending to read her newspaper sideways. Every so often she would glance over the top and beam at Ron, who was totally oblivious to her.

"So," Ron started, not sure of what he was even going to say.

"When are we starting DA meetings?" Luna asked, temporarily abandoning her newspaper and the article on Ancient Runes that she was reading.

"No clue," Harry said. "Dumbledore turned it into a class. I guess it will show up on our schedules." He turned to look out the window.

"Oh," Ron said stupidly. "Say, anyone want to play gobstones?" He asked.

"Not now, Ron. We have to report to the prefect compartment," Hermione said.

"Alright, see you later mate," Ron said to Harry as he walked out of the compartment behind Hermione. He stopped for a second when he saw Luna staring at him. He muttered i 'weird' /i under his breath before continuing out of the compartment. Harry sat in his seat and looked out the window. Soon Luna started talking to Fiona.

"Ever seen a Crumple-Horned Snorkack?" Luna asked her.

"Um, no. I don't think I have," Fiona said with an amused expression on her face. i 'I'm glad she thinks Luna is amusing!' /i Harry thought to himself. He then had to sit and listen to Luna explain everything about the Crumple-Horned Snorkack while Fiona sat there smiling as if she were extremely interested. i 'Well, maybe she is interested but I sure am not!' /i Harry thought. Luckily, Ron and Hermione came back right as Luna was about to explain the mating process.

"Well, we've got the new password!" Ron said. "It's going to be i 'quaffle' /i ."

"Guess who picked it," Hermione added testily. Harry ignored their quarreling.

"Oh and Fiona, I'm really sorry about this but Professor McGonagall sent an owl and you're to go with the first years when we get to Hogwart's. Really sorry- you've got to be sorted and everything," Hermione said. A smile came across Ron's face.

"Don't even think about it Ron. Don't listen to anything anyone tells you, Fiona. It's not so bad- a little humiliating really, but otherwise it's alright," Hermione said as she began telling Fiona about the sorting hat. Ron scowled remembering how Fred and George had tricked him into believing the sorting would actually be painful.

Presently, Ginny walked into the compartment.

"What do you want?" Ron demanded rudely.

"I'm just letting you know that we're almost to Hogwart's and we should start getting ready!" Ginny snapped at him. Both Ginny and Hermione glared at Ron. Everyone started getting their robes.

"Just pull your robe over your clothes. We'll get fully changed later," Hermione said, noticing Fiona looking warily at Ron and Harry. "Oh, the train's slowing!"

"Leave your things here," Harry said pointing to Fiona's trunk and owl cage. She nodded but didn't respond. Hermione was looking at Fiona, wondering if she would ever let anyone be her friend.

"Oh, and just to warn you about Hagrid-"Hermione started as the train came to a slow stop.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" A familiar voice called. Harry looked over and waved to Hagrid who was standing near hoards of trembling first years. "Ello there 'arry!" He called back.

Hermione walked Fiona over to where the first years were standing. Fiona was a good head taller than most of the first years and looked awfully out of place. Hermione felt bad for her and hoped that Dumbledore wasn't expecting Fiona to get sorted in front of the whole school with the other first years.

"Any more firs' years? Follow me and mind yer step! Firs' years, follow me!" He bellowed. "Alrigh' let's go!" He called out to the first years and began leading them in the opposite direction of the other students. Fiona looked longingly at Harry and Ron as she saw them walking over to a large carriage before she started following Hagrid. She followed him up a steep, windy path. She kept right behind him and ignored all of the other first years that were meandering about and staring at everything. One boy almost got lost when he started straying from the path and Fiona could have sworn she heard someone whisper i "Hufflepuff for sure." /i

"Jus' round this bend yeh'll get yer first view o' Hogwart's," He called out. Fiona almost stopped as the castle came into view. The panorama was more beautiful than anything Fiona had ever seen. Off in the distance, Fiona thought she saw a dragon, but she could have been mistaken.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called out. Fiona looked down; she hadn't noticed the little cluster of boats. Hagrid took one to himself. Fiona climbed into the one directly next to him. Three boys followed and kept whispering obnoxiously. Occasionally she heard snippets of what they were saying. Two of the boys were hoping to be put in Slytherin and the third quickly became labeled muggle-born, as he had no clue about any of the houses. He was immediately pushed away from the other two boys who then began to ridicule Fiona and wonder how stupid she was for being such an old first year. Fiona just looked at them and smiled as she ducked under a curtain of ivy while they got hit in the face.

Soon, they reached the castle and the students began scrambling out of the boats and hastily following Hagrid. They followed him up large, stone steps. Hagrid pounded on two large oak doors with his oversized fist.

The doors swung open immediately. Standing directly behind the doors was a stern-looking witch in emerald green robes that had her hair pulled tightly into a bun. Fiona remembered her from the Order meetings she had watched with Fred. The witch stared down at all the first years. She looked at Fiona and it seemed that a small smile crept across her face. Fiona blinked and it was gone.

"Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said.

"Thank-you, Hagrid. Follow me please," she said towards the first years and Fiona.

Fiona followed Professor McGonagall through the giant oak doors and into the biggest entrance hall she had ever seen. She couldn't see the ceiling; it was up so high. The Professor brought them into a small room- past where Fiona could hear all of the other students talking and laughing. After everyone finished crowding into the tiny room, Professor McGonagall began talking.

"Welcome. The start-of-term banquet is about to begin. However, before it does each of you will be sorted into one of the four houses- Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Your house will become your new family while you're here at Hogwart's. You will eat meals and take classes with members of your house. Your free time will be spent in your house common rooms," she paused before continuing, "each house has its own history that you shall learn later if you so choose. First you must understand that while here, any wrongdoing will lead to a deduction of points to your house, and vice versa. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup. Now, the ceremony will begin shortly, good luck and please wait quietly." Then she left. As soon as the door closed behind her, the first years began talking and spreading rumors about how you were sorted. Fiona smirked as she watched the first years grow more and more horrified as new stories were told.

"Harry Potter!" a small voice squeaked in Harry's direction. Harry looked all around before he felt something pull his robes. He looked down to see the big toothy grin of Dobby the house elf.

"Hello Dobby," Harry said.

"I must speak with Harry Potter! A warning," Dobby said, looking at Harry.

"Ok, Dobby. I'll meet you in the kitchens after the ceremony," Harry said, about to turn around.

"No, no! Dobby must talk now! He must speak with the great Harry Potter right away!"

"Dobby, I'll miss the sorting!"

"Harry Potter i must /i come with Dobby!"

"Oh, alright! But I have to get back quickly!" Harry said reluctantly, as Dobby pulled him away from the other students and through a tiny door. "Dobby, where are we? And when did this door get here?"

"Our tunnels are much faster than your great hallways, Harry Potter."

"If you say so," Harry said uncomfortably- the house elf passageways were a little small.

"Dobby has come to warn Harry Potter. Harry Potter is the greatest wizard alive and he is Dobby's friend-"

"Ok Dobby, really what did you want to tell me?" Dobby looked skeptical for a moment. "Dobby, I forbid you to hurt yourself." Harry added, holding Dobby's arms so he couldn't move.

"Oh, thank you! You is too kind, you is. Now Dobby must tell you- be careful Harry Potter!"

"Dobby, I know to be careful-"

"But they is being watched and you too, Harry Potter- without you even knowing it!"

"How? Who- students?" Harry asked, accidentally letting go of Dobby's arms.

"Yes! The, the i Sl /i -"Dobby started before he started pulling his ears and howling.

"Enough!" Harry shouted, grabbing Dobby's arms.

"I is a bad house elf, I is. I must go Harry Potter, but you will visit me?" Dobby asked hopefully, rubbing the ears that he himself had damaged.

"Of course, Dobby," Harry said. "Oh here- you dropped something." Harry handed over the piece of paper that was lying next to Dobby.

"Thank-you Harry Potter- you truly are the greatest!" Dobby said, before running in the opposite direction.

"I might be the greatest, but I might not be able to get out of here!" Harry said aloud to himself before turning around and opening what he hoped was the same door he came in. He was thankful that it was. He quickly went to the Gryffindor table and hoped that someone had saved him a seat. Luckily, Hermione did.

"Later," he whispered to her as she raised her eyebrows at him. The ceremony had already begun and almost all the first years had been sorted. Fiona was last, but there were only four people in front of her. The last first year "Zindler, Thomas" was sorted into Hufflepuff. Then it was Fiona's turn. She sat on the stool awkwardly as she was much to big for it. She heard more than a few snickers as the hat was lowered onto her head. However, it hardly hovered above her head before it called out her house.

"GRYFFINDOR!" Fiona heard the name echo across the hall. The Gryffindor table burst out into applause while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were giving a standing ovation. Even Professor Dumbledore seemed pleased.

As Fiona sat down and the cheering at the Gryffindor table subsided, Professor Dumbledore stood up. The hall immediately became silent.

"Welcome students- new and old. And now please, enjoy." With that Dumbledore sat down and threw his long beard over his shoulder. Fiona looked perplexed until she saw large golden platters filled with food. Ron's plate was already half full while Hermione was helping herself to the platter of potatoes. Harry was apparently whispering something in Ron's ear.

"Tha's nith, Hawy," Ron said with his mouth full of food. Hermione looked at him with disdain and turned away to eat her own food. Fiona sat and listened to everyone else throughout dinner while she ate. Harry introduced her to everyone at the table, including Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Parvati. Lavender and Parvati kept giggling and looking in Dean and Seamus' direction. Harry noticed that although Dean and was talking with Ginny, he kept stealing looks at Lavender and Parvati. Harry found himself wondering how long Ginny would stay happy with Dean.

Hermione was trying her best to ignore Ron- who was now taking dessert from every platter in his reach. She ended up trying to talk to Fiona, but Fiona wasn't listening. Instead, she was looking over at the Slytherin table.

Draco looked up from his dessert to see a pair of green eyes looking at him. He sneered at Fiona before turning to Crabbe and started throwing verbal assaults his way. Crabbe seemed to be ignoring him, or perhaps, he simply couldn't understand him.

After all the platters seemed to be nearly empty, Dumbledore stood up.

"A few start-of-term notices are in order. First, our caretaker, Mr. Filch has updated his list of forbidden objects. I encourage you to check in his office for the full list as most of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes appear to have been added."

"Second, all students should note that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden, as the name suggests. It is imperative that you pay special attention to this as the forest is even more dangerous than usual."

"Quidditch trials will be held at the end of the second week of this term. Second years and above only. Please speak to Madame Hooch if you wish to try out."

"Finally, this year we will have something completely unprecedented at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year we shall have a Halloween Ball. Fourth years and above only; other students are permitted to go on invitation. This ball will be different in that it will be a masquerade, but instead of wearing just a mask, students will be required to change their hair color and eye color- even your skin color if you feel up to it. For those of you who are charm-challenged there is always wigs and the like- it makes for good conversation. Dress robes are also a requirement. That is all."

"What is that all about?" Ron asked, completely confused. Harry could see many other people with the same expressions on their faces. A soft murmuring sound seemed to have engulfed the Great Hall as everyone was whispering back and forth.

"Come on, Ron. Really- it's not that difficult! Dumbledore is just trying to promote inter-house unity," Hermione said, glaring at Ron.

"I know but the robes, the masks, the i dancing /i . It's just horrible, maybe I won't go."

"Oh you are definitely going Ron Weasley, even if I have to transfigure you a date. Now let's go, we are supposed to be leading the first years!" Hermione said sighing loudly before calling to all the first years. Ron just followed behind her, motioning for the other two prefects from fifth year to follow quietly.

"You probably should have gone with them," Harry said. "Since you didn't, I'll show you to the common room. We already know the password."

"Not so fast Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, walking over to them. "I need to see the two of you in my office- right away. I'll be waiting." Harry was confused. He hadn't done anything wrong, that he knew of anyway.

"All right Fiona, let's go to McGonagall's office," Harry said, clearly annoyed that his first day back at Hogwart's was being ruined. It didn't help that on his way out he saw some first year girls ogling him and giggling furiously. Fiona tried hard to keep up with Harry. His legs were longer than hers and she felt like she was practically running next to him. She almost tripped going up the marble stairs and she could have sworn a suit of armor began to laugh at her.

Harry and Fiona finally reached the Professor's office and the Professor motioned Fiona inside.

"Wait our here for a moment, Mr. Potter," she said, shutting the door on him. Fiona felt terrified. Professor McGonagall just walked around her desk and sat in her chair. She motioned for Fiona to take a seat. Fiona sat down and looked around the room, her eyes rested on the welcoming fire.

"Welcome to Hogwart's, Fiona Clarec," McGonagall started. "I have something for you from Professor Dumbledore. He insists that you have this amulet." She opened a drawer in her desk and out floated one of the most striking charms that Fiona had ever seen.

"This amulet is extremely powerful and no one is to know that you have it. You are to wear it at all times. I trust you can keep this a secret? Now, I must stress that it is very important you not tell anyone about this, especially Harry, but it is in both of your best interests that he doesn't know anything about this."

"Yes, Professor thank you," Fiona said hoping the meeting was over; she was feeling a bit tired. She looked at the amulet. It was a crystal-like teardrop on a white gold chain. It was a dark green color and it sparkled in the light. Professor McGonagall muttered something and the amulet fastened itself around Fiona's neck.

"Good luck with your classes, Fiona," Professor McGonagall said. "Could you please inform Potter that I am waiting for him. Thank you."

"Good night, Professor," Fiona said as she opened the door. Harry, who was leaning against the wall outside, stood up immediately.

"My turn?" he asked. "Don't bother waiting."

"Harry, I don't know how to get back-"Fiona started.

"Oh, right. Well, I shouldn't be long then," Harry mumbled before walking into McGonagall's office. Fiona sat on the corridor floor just outside the door. Seeing she was alone, she took her amulet out of her robes to look at. This amulet confused her. So much had changed in her life recently, she didn't know who to trust or what to do anymore. But what did this have to do with Harry? Surely something, or else Professor McGonagall wouldn't have mentioned him.

Inside the office, Harry stood waiting for McGonagall to notice him. He would have been nervous had he not almost been expelled every other year he was at school.

"Please Potter, take a seat," McGonagall said, motioning towards the chairs. Harry sat in the same chair Fiona had just sat in. "Now Mr. Potter. Your ridiculous lifetime ban from Quidditch has been lifted- however, you will be watched closely while on the Quidditch pitch as result. Despite this, it has been decided that you will be made Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team." Harry stared at her in shock. Not being able to play Quidditch had been one of the worst things to happen to him. He couldn't describe how it felt to be able to play again- and to be i captain /i !

"Thank you, Professor," he stammered; unsure of what he was supposed to say in return.

"Not a problem, Potter- just promise me that you will work with Weasley some more. Also, we are down quite a few players this year- you'd best start scouting right away. Now, I'll keep watch and let you know if I see anyone with potential," the professor added.

"Of course, Professor."

"And one more thing, Potter," She said, opening her drawer. Another amulet floated out. "I trust you can keep this a secret." She began as his amulet clasped itself around his neck. It felt strangely light and he looked down at the yellow gold chain around his neck. The amulet glowed and felt very warm. He sat and listened to Professor McGonagall explain how he must wear the amulet at all times and how it was to be kept a secret- especially from Hermione and Ron. She was about to say something else when a loud banging noise was heard from the hallway. She jumped up immediately and rushed to the door.

Outside, Fiona was posed with her wand outstretched in front of her. Someone was running down the hallway in the opposite direction.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked her. Fiona turned around, noticing the professor and Harry for the first time. "Who was that?"

"Erm, I don't really know," she said looking at Professor McGonagall.

"Was it a student?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Would you like Harry to escort you to the infirmary?"

"Oh! No, no I'm fine- really," she said. Harry looked at her skeptically.

"Well, Potter, that is all. Please hurry back to your common room and be careful!" Professor McGonagall said. "I'll see the both of you tomorrow." Instead of going back into her office, she shut and locked the door. Harry thought she was heading in the direction of Dumbledore's office. When she was gone, Harry turned to Fiona.

"It was Malfoy, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Fiona admitted, looking at the floor.

"Why didn't you tell her?"

"He was just being stupid, Harry, nothing serious."

"For now, anyway. Listen, Malfoy's up to no good; before he used to just make fun but now-"

"I don't like him either, you know? Let's go back to the common room," Fiona suggested.

"Good idea."

On their way back to the common room, Harry pointed out different things about Hogwart's to Fiona.

"Watch there, that's a trick step. It'll jam your foot, if you step on it," Harry said, skipping a step on yet another large marble staircase. As they walked he explained about the magical staircases and doors. Apparently, one staircase changed direction- but only on Fridays- and there was a door that you had to politely ask to open itself. Presently, they found themselves facing a portrait of an enormous woman in a pink dress. Fiona suppressed the urge to laugh.

"Password?" she asked.

"Quaffle," Harry answered. The portrait immediately swung open. Behind was the entranceway to the Gryffindor common room. "Fiona, this is the Gryffindor common room."

"Harry! Fiona! You're back!" Hermione said before Fiona could even step in. She looked around. The room was quite cozy with its large fireplaces, comfy couches and armchairs. Many people were there socializing already and talking about their summer holiday. Ron and Lavender were sitting in two armchairs playing chess off in a corner. Harry eyes them suspiciously but didn't say anything, as Ron didn't look like he was having too much fun. Lavender kept giggling and glancing at Parvati, who was sitting in front of a fireplace pretending to read. Every time she giggled, Ron would turn a darker shade of pink.

"What took you so long?" Hermione asked. Harry gave her a look that meant she'd find out later. "No problem. Fiona if you want I'll show you to our room. Harry, Ron said Hedwig has brought you a letter and attacks anyone that enters your room. I guess you'd better go look at it."

"Right," Harry said before walking over to the stairs to get into his dorm.

"Now, boys dormitories are off to the left, girls to the right. Our room just happens to be at the very top of the tower. There's a beautiful view of the lake and grounds- although it is quite a climb. We've been in this dorm since our first year. You, Parvati, Lavender, and Me share a room. We each get a four-poster bed, desk, and dressing table. Plus we have two bathrooms. The boys only get one. Well, I usually use the prefect bathrooms but ours are really nice, too." Fiona tried to take all this information in at once as she climbed the steps behind Hermione.

Well, another chapter is posted!  I hope you liked it and please, review!