Ron, Hermione and Harry descended from the train steps and onto the platform of Hogsmeade station, where the unmistakable figure of Hagrid stood, holding up a bright lantern, his booming voice surely could be heard for miles around the town.

'Firs' years! Firs' years! This way...'

The three made their way to the carriages waiting for the higher years. These carriages were to take them up to the castle. Harry recoiled at the sight of the bony, jet-black horse-creatures who were pulling the carriages. They had never been a pleasant sight. He wished he hadn't seen death take place right in front of his eyes for that was what allowed him to see the vile creatures.

'Ron!' said a small voice from behind them. The three turned around.

Luna Lovegood stood there, looking very much changed. Ron's jaw dropped as he saw the changes the summer had wrought upon Luna. She was certainly taller, and her dirty blond hair was wavy, and she had green eyes now.
'Contacts,' she explained, smiling at Hermione. Hermione was looking at Luna like she had grown three heads during the summer instead of having her hair chemically curled.

'I was wondering whether I could ride with you guys.' Luna gave a shy smile at Ron, whose face begun to blend with his hair. 'Ginny and I wanted to talk to you about some things.'

Harry sighed. Aside from not noticing anything new about Luna Lovegood, he sincerely hope this had nothing to do with anything they had done the previous term. The recent past had not really been all sunshine and roses for him, and they knew it.

Ginny and Luna led the three to a carriage and they all climbed inside. As soon as the door closed, Luna began to speak.

'Last year was - ' she broke off when Harry mumbled something below his breath.

'Harry!' said Hermione, nudging Harry's leg. 'What was that? What were you saying?' asked Hermione, smiling at Luna.

'Well,' said Luna, 'I was thinking that we should form another group, with Dumbledore's approval, of course. It could be like a junior version of the Order of the Phoenix - '

'No,' said Harry. Everyone turned to look at him.

'No?' asked Ginny. 'What do you mean, no? You can't not be a founding member! You were the one who thought of Dumbledore's Army, your parents were part of the original Order of the Phoenix, and Harry, for goodness' sake, you're THE BOY WHO LIVED!'

'I don't care!' exclaimed Harry. 'You don't understand.'

'You're right, Harry,' said Ginny frostily. 'I don't.' She turned to Luna and Ron, who sat silently together, staring at Harry. 'Fine then. You can opt not to join, but I don't see why the rest of us can't. You'll be in this for sure, Ron - ' said Ginny, looking venomously at her brother, as if daring him to disagree with her, ' - and so will Hermione.'

Hermione turned to Harry. 'It's not a bad idea, you know. We can legalize the club, act as agents against You-Know-Who in Hogwarts - '

'Of course we won't do any actual battle,' said Luna, getting animated. 'We'll just hold practical lessons on Defense Against the Dark Arts and stuff like that that can empower students against the possible threat of the Dark Lord - '

To Harry's relief, the carriage drew to a stop. The carriage door was opened from outside and he was the first to jump off, walking away from his friends who were still talking animatedly about the new club.

His friends were so... Insensitive.

He walked into the Great Hall and sat down on the Gryffindor table beside the Weasley twins, who were talking to several seventh-years. Since the twins had not completed the seventh year, they were going to graduate with the batch who were seventh-years this term. Gone were their old friends. Good thing most Gryffindors remembered the racuous twins.

He knew Hermione, Ron and Ginny had taken their seats beside him, and that Luna had gone off to sit with her housemates in Ravenclaw. He wasn't willing to listen to the crap about the new club, he was going to be dead before he had anything to do with Voldemort again. Actually, that was not such a bad idea...

Professor McGonagall had started the Sorting Ceremony, which Harry was absent-mindedly watching. Suddenly he wondered -

'Hey, isn't Princess Ania supposed to be sorted too?' asked Hermione.

'Princess who?' asked Ginny.

'Princess Ania,' said Ron. 'Remember? Of Kierra? She's entering sixth-year here.'

'Really? I wonder how she's going to be sorted.'

They didn't have to wait any longer. McGonagall had sorted the last of the first-years, and instead of the customary speech the Headmaster gave before the Feast started, McGonagall remained standing in front of the Hall.

'This year, we have the privilege of receiving a much older student,' said McGonagall. 'She is entering her sixth year here in Hogwarts. We are indeed lucky to be in the presence of great company. Because of this, the Headmaster has chosen four sixth-years, one from each house, to be her 'friend' for a few months.'

Hermione and Harry looked at each other pointedly.

'From Hufflepuff: Ernie Macmillan.' The boy stood up, smiling widely. He waddled over in front of the Hall as McGonagall called the second sixth-year.
'From Ravenclaw: Terry Boot.' The tall, slim girl stood up among cheers and smiled. She walked gracefully to the spot beside Ernie.

'From Slytherin: Draco Malfoy.' Harry's eyes narrowed as the arrogant Malfoy sneered at him. Malfoy took his place beside Terry Boot.

'Not HIM!' hissed Hermione. 'They can't be serious. Draco Malfoy?'

'And from Gryffindor, Harry Potter.' Harry groaned. Since he pretty much disliked the Princess, he wasn't very glad that he was the Chosen One for Gryffindor. He walked to the front of the hall, glaring at Malfoy.

'She'll be in Slytherin with me, Potter.'

Harry smiled sardonically at Malfoy. 'See if I care, Malfoy.'

The door at the side of the Hall opened and out walked the Princess. She was wearing her school robes, only it had no house crest on the left breast yet.

McGonagall gestured for Ania to sit on the stool. She took the seat and glanced nervously at the Hall. Then, the Sorting Hat was lowered on her head.

Harry couldn't help it if he was chosen to help her around for the next few months if ever she was sorted into his house, so he settled for sincerely hoping that she wouldn't be a -

'GRYFFINDOR!'

Harry groaned.