Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all his friends belong to someone other than me. If anyone is unaware as to who this someone is then I'm very surprised. You must not be "with it" if you haven't figured out that J.K. Rowling came up with all this stuff not me. The plot is mine though and so is Orion. Who is Orion? You guys won't know till you read this chapter.

Chapter 2 – The worm, the train, and the teacher

Severus Snape, Potions Master and bane of Gryffindors all over England, was not having a good day. It had started out nicely enough until he had come to the evenings Order meeting. He had managed to get his usual quota of sneers and biting remarks throughout the course of the meeting and he was quite enjoying how lost Lupin looked. Even years later Snape still did not like the werewolf/Marauder and it gave him a sense of satisfaction to see the man wallowing over the disappearance of the Potter child. 'Leaving is the one useful thing that boy has ever done' he had thought to himself. But then in a display of cosmic unfairness the damn boy had returned far more powerful then before yet with the same disrespect for authority. That is why Snape now found himself stuck against a wall with a knife poking at his throat every few seconds. He had been left there some time ago while Harry and Dumbledore spoke in private. If that wasn't enough to put him in a bad mood the Dark Mark on his arm had started to burn signaling that he was being summoned by Voldemort. Trapped by magic as he was he could not leave and since the Dark Lord hated when his followers didn't show up Snape knew he would be receiving the Cruciatus curse aplenty when he managed to get there. All because of that infernal boy. Who did he think he was threatening him? Because of him his position as a spy could be compromised. At that moment Snape decided to truly give the boy a piece of his mind...that is, as soon as the boy in question got back and released him from his spells.

Snape was forced to wait for his chance as another half hour passed before Dumbledore and Harry finally returned to the group. Dumbledore was twinkling brightly while Harry looked slightly resigned as if being convinced to do something he really didn't want to do. Snape watched as Harry approached the trio of wizards waiting for information. He was upset to see that Potter didn't even spare him a glance, nor did he make any motion to undo his spells.

"I've spoken with Albus and I'm afraid in order for his plan to work," Harry cast a glare towards the still twinkling Headmaster "I'm going to have to leave to get some things ready." He then turned to speak solely to Lupin. "I'm sorry Moony but it looks like I'm going to have to leave you for awhile again."

"When will you be back?" Snape would have sneered at the pathetic plea that could be heard in the werewolf's voice. That is he would have sneered if he wasn't still concerned about that damn dagger.

Harry gave a soft smile "Don't worry Moony. You'll be seeing me before long." He gave the werewolf a pat on the back before walking to the door. He was stopped at the door by a slight cough from Dumbledore. "Aren't you forgetting something Harry?"

Harry turned but looked slightly confused. "I don't think so."

Snape seethed inwardly. This whelp was planning on just leaving him here?

Dumbledore gave a nod in Snapes direction.

"Oh." Potter at least had the decency to look slightly embarrassed. "I guess I forgot about him didn't I?" He walked over to the Potions Master and took away the dagger and replaced it in a hidden sheath. "Now Snape, have you learned your lesson? Are you going to remain civil with me?" He paused and tried to gauge Snape's response. After a couple of seconds he smiled, "I'll take your remaining silent and turning a brilliant fuchsia while glaring at me as a resounding YES." His eyes glazed over momentarily and then with a wave of his hand Snape felt the magic that had been holding him disappear. He dropped to floor and clutched his arm which hadn't stopped burning since he had first been summoned. Harry turned and resumed his trek towards the exit. Snape took this opportunity to glare daggers at the boy's retreating back. "Do you have any idea what you've done Potter?" he spat the words out, "The Dark Lord summoned me almost an hour ago and because of your damn trick I haven't answered him. Now he'll be suspicious of me. You've thrown my work to get him to trust me back by months."

Harry turned and everyone was surprised to see that he looked greatly amused. "Shoot." He said while snapping his fingers once, "I knew I was forgetting something."

Dumbledore was not as impressed. "Harry did you intentionally stop Professor Snape from attending this Death Eater meeting."

Harry simply smiled at the Headmaster mischievously. "Me? Now how could you think I would do something like that?"

Snape was now looking quite smug as he thought of the boy getting in trouble. It might not make up for the punishment he would receive but it would certainly help.

Dumbledore frowned. "Harry, how could you have risked his position amongst the Death Eaters and his very life for a simple prank? Perhaps I was hasty in agreeing to you be ready."

Now it was Harry's turn to give a disappointing look at the Headmaster. When he finally spoke the cold emotionless voice from earlier had returned. "Well Albus, perhaps you should get all the facts first. I would never endanger our fight against Riddle and I would have expected you to understand that what I did was done for a reason."

Snape sneered. "And what could that possibly be?"

Harry turned his glare to Snape. "You need to realize that not everyone lets petty grudges get in the way of their jobs Snivellus. My reason for not allowing you to answer the call was that if you had gone to Voldie tonight then he would have killed you."

Everyone was stunned and Snape palled. "Nonsense. He hasn't shown any sign of questioning my loyalty."

Harry smirked. "Nothing besides sending a spy to monitor your activities that is." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the frozen body of a rat. A rat that had one silver paw."

"Pettigrew." Remus growled as he recognized his former friend.

Harry smiled at his friend. "Yes Moony, I caught him. Seems he had been following Snape here for awhile and had reported back enough to convince Voldie that Snivellus here wasn't loyal." He turned to look at Snape once more. "Snape, if you had gone tonight you would have been revealed as a spy and tortured before being killed. Don't bother thanking me or anything."

Everyone else was too stunned to reply and watched silently as Harry tossed the frozen Animagus to Remus's feet before leaving Grimmauld Place and apparating away with a pop.

The rest of the summer holidays had gone quickly for Ginny, filled as they were with household chores and the odd day at Diagon Alley helping out in the twins store. Before long September 1st had rolled around and the Weasleys were arriving at Kings Cross station to bored the Hogwarts Express. As she walked through the barrier to Platform 9¾, closely followed by her brother Ron, she quickly tried to spot the messy mop of black hair which would mean Harry had returned.

"He won't be here Gin." She turned to look at her brother. "You don't know that. Maybe he's back now." She knew she was just trying to convince herself and Ron knew it too. "If he was going to be here we would have known." He sighed. "I'm starting to think that he isn't ever going to come back."

Ginny didn't get a chance to disagree as the two young Weasleys heard someone calling out to them.

"RON! GINNY!"

They turned just in time to see a blur of bushy hair push its way through the crowd before quickly enveloping them both into a three-way hug.

"Hermione! We've got to breath." Ginny squeaked out. Hermione quickly let go blushing slightly and Ginny was amused to see her brother was looking a little disgruntled that his hug had been cut short. She smiled to herself. 'This could be fun'

Hermione covered her embarrassment by quickly starting to talk. "Oh you won't believe it. I got made Head Girl! I never thought I would get it. I mean, I always hoped but with all the trouble we always got into I never really believed it. Oh it's going to be great. Head Girl gets a free pass to the Restricted section of the library whenever they want. Just think about all the books I'll be able to read. I'll be able to learn so much."

Somehow she seemed to have gotten this all out in one breath and both Ron and Ginny looked slightly dazed.

Ginny was the first to catch up. "Congratulations!" she squealed quickly giving her friend a hug. "We knew you'd get it."

This seemed to snap Ron out of his daze. "Of course they'd give it to you. If the smartest witch in the school wasn't made Head Girl then we would have staged a revolt." He said as he took his turn at giving her a hug. Ginny giggled to herself as she watched both of them share a brief hug before separating and blushing brightly.

"Well," Ginny said sweetly, "if the two of you are done maybe we should get ourselves onto the train?" Hermione blushed even more before nodding her head and leading the way through the crowds to the train. Ron gave his sister a glare, which was met by an innocent smile, before picking up his trunk and following after.

'This is the year Harry. I think they're finally going to get together.' she sighed to herself. 'If only you were here to see it.' With this last thought she began dragging her trunk in pursuit of her brother and her best friend.

The three quickly found an empty compartment and before long were joined by Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Since the Department of Mysteries adventure and Harry's subsequent disappearance the five had stuck together and the Gryffindor Trio had been replaced by the Group of Five as they were sometimes referred to. Luna hadn't changed much in the past year and was still as "Loony" as ever but the rest of them had come to appreciate her individuality. Though she would still often get on Hermione's nerves when she would tell them of some crazy story being printed in the Quibbler, her father's newspaper.

"Did you read this months copy of the Quibbler. Harry has been seen in England and will be attending Hogwarts this year disguised as a first year. He's trying to hide from the Ministry who found out he's been trying to subvert all the Boggle Sprunts and get them to leave the Ministry." Everyone rolled their eyes at her for they had heard too many of her crazy theories to give them much credit.

Hermione quickly rose to her feet dragging Ron with her. "Well Ron and I need to go to the prefects meeting now. I'm just dying to find out who the Head Boy is and we need to have a meeting so we can pass out the rules to all the prefects."

She had begun to drag Ron towards the door but she stopped when she noticed him blushing. "What wrong Ron?"

He continued to blush but removed a small badge from his pocket, the words "HEAD BOY" clearly visible.

Hermione squealed before wrapping him in a big hug and planting a kiss on his cheek increasing his blush till his face matched his hair. "Oh Ron I'm so proud of you. This is wonderful. I knew you could do it. This is great! Two Gryffindor Heads and just think of all the studying we'll be able to do since we both can get into the Restricted Section." It was quite comical to the others present as they watched Ron blush from the kiss, and pale at the thought of extra work both at the same time. He still seemed to be in shock as Hermione pulled him out of the compartment so happy that she was skipping as told him of all the plans for studying she had.

"I suppose I should follow them then shouldn't I?" Luna said as she dreamily got to her feet before exiting the compartment to head towards the prefect compartment. Ginny smiled at her friends exit and she was glad her friend had been made prefect last year. She was equally glad that she hadn't. Her mother had been disappointed in her but the twins, Fred and George, had been ecstatic that they there was another Weasley to follow them in the proud tradition of rule breaking. Ginny agreed with them as she had no desire to go around taking points and enforcing rules on others. 'Besides, why do I need to be a prefect when I have the two Heads on my side' she thought to herself.

She and Neville spent the next few hours chatting about the coming year and snacking on treats from the food cart before Neville excused himself to find Luna who at this point would probably be patrolling the train with the rest of the prefects.

Ginny was left alone but she didn't really mind that much. She was surprised how much more confident Neville had become in the last year. His growth of confidence had begun when Harry started teaching Defense to the DA. After the battle at the Ministry he had to get a new wand instead of his father's which he had used before. The new wand had increased his spell power and success rate which had served to reinforce his newfound faith in his abilities. Since then he had become a much stronger individual and after many months of worrying had mustered up the courage to ask Luna out on a date at Hogsmeade. Ginny smiled fondly about how happy her friends were together now. She just wished that she could have the same thing.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the compartment door sliding open to reveal non other then the Slytherin Prince, Draco Malfoy, accompanied by his two goons Crabbe and Goyle.

"Well if isn't the youngest of the Weasels. All by yourself are you?" he drawled. He then began to leer at her as he let his eyes stray over her body. "I suppose I could keep you company if you want. I'm sure we could find something...fun to do." He smirked.

Ginny had a hard time restraining herself from throwing up as she thought of Malfoy doing anything to "keep her company" and the look of disgust she gave him clearly expressed this thought. "I'm quite alright by myself. Why don't you find another compartment and maybe you find something "fun to do" with your two flunkies instead." She looked pointedly at Crabbe and Goyle who were clearly confused at the way the conversation was going.

Draco on the other hand understood immediately. "You better watch yourself Muggle-lover. The worlds changing and you're on the losing side. Potter knew it. That's why he ran away. He knew the Dark Lord would win and like the coward he is he left you all." He now had a smug smile on his face.

"Harry will be back and I hope I'm there to see your face when he wipes the floor with Voldemort and the rest of the scum like your father." Ginny snapped back, pulling her wand from her robes. Most people knew by now that bringing up Harry was a touchy subject with the young witch and if you weren't careful it was likely you could get hexed. The three Slytherins were quick to raise their wands as well and Malfoy gave a chuckle as he spoke, "I'd be careful if I was you. We do outnumber you."

His gloating was interrupted by a voice from outside the compartment.

"Mr. Malfoy, there you are."

A young man perhaps in his mid-twenties came up behind the three Slytherins. He stood tall at about 6'4" with sandy blond hair and blue eyes. 'He looks good' Ginny thought to herself.

"Mr. Malfoy," he began again. "I believe you're supposed to be patrolling the last section of the train. I just came from there and there are several disputes going on that need a prefects attention. I'd hate to issue a detention because you weren't attending to your duties." He said sternly.

Draco tried to turn on the charm. "Of course professor. I was on my way there when Miss Weasley here started to create a disturbance. I was just trying to do my duty sir."

He didn't seem to buy it and the young man took a look inside the compartment. "She's here by herself and the compartment seems to be in order. I'm puzzled as to what kind of disturbance you could be refereeing too." He shook his head before smiling. "Never mind though. Head to your position and I'll deal with Miss Weasley." He quickly shooed them away and Ginny got a bright smile on her face as she watched Draco scowling as he headed down the train. After they had entered the next section of the train the new professor turned to address Ginny with a smile on his face. "Now I assume you're finished "causing trouble" Miss Weasley?" his tone made it clear he had seen through Malfoy's act.

"Yes sir." Ginny answered with a smile of her own. There was something about this professor that made her feel safe and happy.

"Well in that case. I shall return to my own duties. Enjoy the rest of the ride." He began to leave but stopped as Ginny spoke up. "Professor...?"

"Orion, Professor Orion." He politely answered.

"Thank you Professor Orion. What subject are you teaching?"

He gave her a mischievous smile and his eyes sparkled brightly. "You'll just have to wait and see won't you. See you in class." With that he left the compartment leaving her alone with her thoughts once more.

The rest of the train ride passed uneventfully and before long she was entering the Great Hall after having grabbed a carriage with some of her friends from her year. She headed over to the Gryffindor table and found a seat with her brother and Hermione. Ron was examining the teachers table carefully.

"Do either of you know who that is sitting beside Tonks?" he asked. Tonks had managed to survive the curse of the Defense teacher and was back for her second year as the DADA teacher. Her Metamorphmagus abilities had made her quite popular and the male population of the school was especially fond of her.

Ginny took a look towards the staff table noticed the young professor who had helped her on the train earlier. She quickly filled Ron and Hermione in on what had happened.

Hermione was looking at him appreciatively. "He's certainly good looking isn't he?" she began to blush as she realized what she'd said.

Ginny looked around and saw that a good number of the girls seemed to be thinking the same thing as they gazed at the new professor. He seemed oblivious and was in the midst of an animated discussion with Tonks.

"He sure is." Ginny agreed.

After hearing Hermione's comment Ron had flushed slightly and was glaring at the staff table in anger. "He doesn't look that great to me. He's probably another Lockhart who thinks that he's gorgeous. I can't believe Dumbledore would hire another git like that."

"Don't be silly Ron." Hermione said. "From what Ginny said it sounds like he's quite nice. I wonder what he's teaching though. All the teacher's from last year are still here." Her eyes widened in excitement. "Do you think he's teaching a new subject?" Ron just grumbled under breath to Ginny's amusement and Hermione could barely contain her excitement throughout the sorting.

When all of the first years had finally been sorted Dumbledore rose to his feet. "Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. While I do have some very exciting announcements for you I believe that for my own safety I should let you all eat first. So without further ado...Let the Feast begin!" Foods of all kind quickly appeared on the table and the students and staff alike quickly began filling their plates.

Ginny took this opportunity to study the new professor a little but more. She remembered her first year where the incompetent DADA teach Gilderoy Lockhart was exposed as a fraud but as she watched him she saw very little in common between Professor Lockhart and Orion. She was shocked as he looked up from his plate and caught her eye. He gave a little smile at having caught her observing him and gave her a smile wave. Ginny blushed slightly and returned to her food unaware of the jealous glares she was receiving from some of the girls at the other tables.

"What did you say his name was again?" Hermione asked.

"Orion. He wouldn't tell me what he was teaching though."

Hermoine's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "I think I've heard of him before. I just can't remember where."

"Probably Witch-Weekly." Ron grumbled. "Arrogant sod."

"RON!" Hermione exclaimed giving him a glare. "You haven't even met him yet."

Ron only gave a grunt in response and Ginny glanced up towards the staff table to see Professor Orion watching the three of them with an amused smile on his face.

As the meal came to an end all the dishes disappeared from the table and Dumbledore rose to his feet once more. "Now that our stomachs are all nicely filled with food I'll get to our start of term announcements. I will remind everyone yet again that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to all students unless accompanied by a teacher. Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to inform you all that the list of items prohibited from the school has now reached one thousand five hundred thanks to the many Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes which are banned." Ginny smiled knowing how happy her brothers would be at the news. "I must also remind you that magic is prohibited from being used in the corridors. Now I would like to welcome back Professor Tonks who has managed to break the curse of the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and has returned to us for a second year." Tonks rose and gave a quick wave while the students, especially the males, applauded for her loudly. Dumbledore gave her a smile before continuing. "I also have the pleasure of introducing a new subject to Hogwarts this year." Hermione was on the edge of her seat in anticipation. "For the first time Hogwarts will be teaching the subject of Advanced Magic. Many of the skills learnt in this class are those that only a few members of the wizarding community possess. This class will be open to six and seventh year students. To gain admission to this class you must have your Head of Houses support. I encourage you not to apply unless you have been achieving high marks in your classes for as they title of the class says the subject matter will be highly advanced. Even if you gain entrance to the class it is possible that some of the subject studies will be beyond your abilities so think very carefully before applying." Hermione was now almost drooling in excitement at the thought of all that she could learn. Ginny also thought it sounded interesting and planned on trying for it. Dumbledore continued. "Teaching this class will be Professor Orion." Professor Orion rose to his feet to take a small bow. He smiled at the huge round of applause he was receiving from the students. "That is all the announcements for tonight so prefects. I'll leave it to you to escort the students to bed. Sleep pleasant dreams."

Hermione was hopping up and down in excitement as they made their way to Gryffindor tower. As they entered the Common Room she pulled Ginny and Ron over to the couch in front of the fire and sat them down.

"I remember where I've heard of Professor Orion before." She said with excitement.

Ron didn't look terribly interested but Ginny wanted to learn more about him and nodded for Hermione to continue.

"He's really fascinating. He's only 26 years old yet is widely acknowledged as one of the smartest wizards in the world. His theories on magic and its limits are very progressive and its said that he doesn't even need to use a wand for his spells. That's probably one of the subjects we'll be learning, Wandless magic."

Ron was now looking mildly interested. "Well how did someone so young learn all of this?" he asked unable to hide the dislike he felt for this new teacher.

Hermione glared at him. "I told you. He's a genius. No one knows where he went to school but about five years ago he seemed to appear out of nowhere. He's written three books already and they all are on the Best Seller list for magical theory. Do you realize how lucky we are to have him teaching?"

Ginny had a thought of her own. "Do you think he an Order Member?" The three of them were still not allowed to attend Order meetings so had very little idea as to what was going on.

Hermione looked thoughtful. "It's possible. If he was joining the Order it would be a great boon for our side. He knows so much and is a very powerful wizard."

"Great." Ron grumbled once more. "A Lockhart with the brains of Hermione. Bloody wonderful."

Hermione was getting very frustrated. "What's your problem Ron! He looks like he'll be a great teacher. I don't see why you don't like him so much."

"And I don't see why you're practically in love with him." Ron retorted. "We don't know anything about him. You said it yourself he appeared out of nowhere. He could be a Death Eater."

Hermione was shocked. "A Death Eater? That's ridiculous."

"Whatever. I don't like him and I don't trust him." And with that Ron stormed away up to the boys rooms.

Ginny had just been sitting there in open-mouthed shock as her brother made a royal prat of himself. She knew Ron was upset because Hermione had said that Professor Orion was good looking. She just hadn't realized how much it had bothered him.

"Now what was that all about?" Hermione asked. Without waiting for an answer she turned and stormed up to the girls rooms leaving Ginny alone on the couch wondering how on earth she was going to put up with two people who were so thick. She shook her head ruefully and then followed Hermione up to bed.

Miles away, just outside of a small village, Harry Potter watched as 15 wizards in black robes wearing white masks apparated into the village square. They then began to separate and approach the different houses. With a deep breath Harry, and keeping to the shadows, silently wished that he was at Hogwarts, sitting and talking with friends.

"Well," he said to himself, "let's get this over with." Harry began firing spells as he ran to attack the Death Eaters.

A/N: That's it for another chapter. So what did you think? Be honest. Who thought that Harry was going to be the new teacher? You all did didn't you? Please note that Orion popped up five years ago. Not one year ago when Harry ran away.

Response time:

Lady of Masobelle: Sorry that I left you hanging. I just love the cliffies though. My fics are my chance to get back everyone who left cliffies in their stories. Hope you don't mind it too much. As to Ginny figuring out that Harry is teaching...who said Harry was teaching? :)

Medicated Drama Queen: Snape will start to grow up a little and stop letting grudges get in the way. Now that he has been exposed as a spy he will be forced to contribute in other ways. He'll also get plenty of opportunities to work with Harry.

Gryphon's wing: As I said above Snape will get an attitude adjustment and I won't be letting him get hurt...yet. Sorry that you don't like H/G. I think it's the best ship so I'm usually more prone to writing it. Hope you enjoy anyways.

Emma-Lizzy-Black: Thanks for your loyal support :)

Silver Warrior: Harry's rapid growth in power will be explained later on. In short, he found someone powerful to train him and got better. Any guesses on who trained him?

Potter Reader: Hope this is a fast enough update for you. Sorry but you're going to have to wait a while to find out about the training.

Wolfmoon: I love how everyone assumed Harry would be teaching. My summary never said Harry would be teaching only that there would be a teacher who more about the gang then he should. You'll have to wait to find out what Dumbledore asked Harry to do.

Pheonix Friend: As far as I know it never says the twins sent the singing valentine. The way I say it though, comparing Harry's eyes to a toad and all the rest seems much more like a twin thing to do as opposed to an 11 year old who can't even manage to say a single word to him. Ginny in first year just seems to shy to have written something like that.

Aiza.Braelyn: I'm glad my story was good enough to review if it was your first time. You weren't rude at all. My update time varies but if it's ever more then two weeks I start feeling guilty and usually rush to get one out. Hermione and Ron won't find out Harry's back for awhile. When they do they'll be mad for a little while but they'll get over it quickly.

Kraeg001: I aim to please.

Thanks to everyone else who reviewed. Your reviews are what make me write. The reason this chapter came out quickly was because I couldn't wait to introduce the new teacher. I thought it was great that you all assumed it would be Harry. Hope you all enjoyed and please review this chapter too.

Next chapter: Classes start, Weasley vs Malfoy, and more of the mysterious Orion.