Chapter 5

Homesick?

Professor Dumbledore had certainly taken Harry's knowledge of the TriWizard tournament better than Harry had expected the following morning. The Headmaster even started asking Harry what he thought of it all in front of the other teachers. Knowing there was no way he was going to get out of this, Harry did the only thing he could think of at the time.

He was completely honest.

He told Professor Dumbledore that it was a good idea, especially the age restriction. His summer with the Marauders had taught him many things but then it came to his sessions (the dueling sessions more than anything), Harry found that he learned just as much by observing than doing it himself. He told Dumbledore that this would probably benefit the younger students to see what they could be capable of. This seemed to take many of the staff by surprise. They were clearly thinking Harry would complain about not being able to compete.

After the adults recovered from their shock conversations continued normally. Everyone was still hesitant to talk about the Tournament around Harry. Harry took the hint and didn't bring the topic up again. For the rest of the week, Harry spent as much time with his guardians as possible. It was the final week of the summer meaning soon Sirius and Remus would be at the Noble House of Black after dropping Harry off at Platform 9 ¾.

Determined to prove he had learned something over the summer, Harry worked harder than he ever had during his training sessions with Sirius. He still had trouble defeating his godfather but Harry did at least put up quite a fight. Sirius was certainly impressed and decided to give Harry a gift. The day before they were to leave, Sirius gave Harry a small square mirror. Sirius explained how the mirror worked. All Harry had to do was to saw Sirius' name and they could talk whenever Harry needed to.

The arrival of September 1st seemed to come too soon for Harry and his guardians. Despite how draining the summer had been, Harry had actually enjoyed his time with Sirius and Remus. He had grown to know his godfather as well as he knew Remus and was afraid to lose that. Harry didn't think he would ever be the prankster that his father and godfather had been but perhaps that was a good thing. He received plenty of detentions from Professor Snape as it was.

Once again Harry's mode of transportation to Platform 9 ¾ was a portkey. It had been the method he had used with Remus last year which had been Harry's first time with the strange way of travel. He still wasn't used to it and would have probably fallen down if Sirius and Remus hadn't been holding on to his shoulders. The platform was full of people allowing the family of three to blend in with the crowd.

The sight of the shiny scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express seemed to bring both happiness and sadness to Harry. Turning around to face his guardians, Harry tried to think of something to say but any resemblance to a vocabulary seemed to have left him. He wanted to say thank you for everything they had done for him. He wanted say something to let them know how much he would miss them.

Fortunately Sirius seemed to understand and pulled Harry into a fierce embrace. "Be careful, Pronglet," he said softly. "Remember, we are only an owl or mirror away if you need anything or if anything happens. Try to have some fun and enjoy everything happening around you for once."

Harry looked up at Sirius and smiled. He knew what Sirius wasn't saying. If you need me use the mirror especially if you have another episode and enjoy watching the Tournament. "I will, Sirius," he said with a nod. "Thanks for everything." Pulling away from his godfather, Harry turned to Remus who pulled him into another embrace.

"Study hard," Remus said earning a groan from Sirius, "but not so much that you miss out on everything." He pulled away and held Harry at arm's length so their eyes met. "You're a smart one, cub. We know you'll make the right choices. Just remember that sometimes it helps if you don't have to face everything alone."

Harry also knew what Remus wasn't saying. It's not too late to tell Ron and Hermione the truth. They can help you. Harry knew why Remus was so persistent on telling someone. Both Sirius and Remus had told Harry about when the Marauders discovered Remus was a werewolf. Remus had admitted that it had been a relief when his friends had discovered the truth because it meant no more worrying and no more lying.

The problem was this was something entirely different, at least in Harry's mind. Remus would never hurt any of his friends. They all turned into animals during the full moon. They were protected from the werewolf's craving of human flesh. Harry wasn't so fortunate. There was no form of protection when these episodes came and there was no way to control it. It was like a faucet that was suddenly turned on full until the water ran out.

The whistle blew, alerting everyone it was time to leave. Harry quickly hugged Remus and Sirius again before waving goodbye as he hurried to the train. He was already dressed in his school robes, like last year, since all of his belongings were already at Hogwarts. The moment he stepped on the train, Harry looked back at his guardians, waved one last time before searching for his friends.

It didn't take long for Harry to find the overabundance of red hair entering the train. All of them had frustrated looks on their faces which struck Harry as odd. Normally the Weasleys were such a fun-loving bunch. He started to wonder if something else had happened since the World Cup that Ron hadn't told him.

Hermione came in after the Weasleys holding Crookshanks and immediately noticed someone was watching them. "Harry!" she cried happily as she hurried over to him. "Where have you been? Mrs. Weasley was hoping to see you before the train left."

The four Weasley siblings instantly turned around and noticed the dark haired, bespectacled fourteen-year-old Hermione was talking to. Ron instantly was at Harry's side, pulling him to a nearby compartment as the train moved out of the platform. Rain started to hit the windows making Harry aware of the actual weather outside. He had been in the Marauder Quarters all morning packing up his things so he hadn't even known it was anything less than sunny.

Hermione was the last to enter the compartment and collapsed in her seat as Ron collapsed in the seat across from her. Sitting down beside Ron, Harry looked at his friends curiously. It was a rare occasion to find both Ron and Hermione silent. "So what's going on?" Harry asked. "I don't think I've ever seen Fred and George so…so quiet."

Ron let out a huff. "Mum, Dad, Bill, Charlie and Percy know something," he said irritably. "They've been teasing us all summer. Something big is supposed to happen at Hogwarts this year. I just wish they would have told us what."

Hermione looked at Harry hopefully. "You were at Hogwarts, Harry," she said. "Do you know what's going on?"

Yes I do but I can't tell you. "Sirius and Remus wouldn't say anything," Harry lied. "All I know was that Remus was gone half of the summer on assignments for Dumbledore. He wouldn't tell me where he went only that it wasn't dangerous. Sirius said something about finding out during the welcoming feast so we'll probably find out tonight."

"So what did you do all summer, Harry?" Hermione asked curiously. "You were really vague in your letters."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "A little of this, a little of that and a lot of learning," he said nonchalantly. "Sirius thought it was best that I know how to protect myself better with everything that happened last year." He noticed the intrigued looks on the faces of his friends. "He only taught me the basics in Magical and Muggle defense." Harry looked at the window and watched the rain streaming across it. He really didn't know what else to say. If he went into detail they would probably be jealous and that was the last thing Harry wanted.

"Well that's good, Harry," Hermione said with a smile. "You should know how to protect yourself."

"Maybe we can get Sirius to teach us sometime," Ron proposed. "What do you say, Hermione?"

"It would be beneficial," Hermione answered as she pulled out The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 4. "Most witches and wizards probably overlook he Muggle types of self defense because they have a wand." She opened the book and looked up at Harry again. "I'm really happy for you, Harry. Living with Sirius and Mr. Lupin has obviously done you some good. I don't know why so many people have a problem with it."

Harry looked at Hermione in confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "Why should anyone have a problem with it? Sirius was found innocent and Remus is harmless during the full moons as long as he takes his potion which Sirius never lets him forget. They treat me better than the Dursleys ever would." Harry suddenly grew nervous. Why hadn't he heard about this? Did Sirius and Remus know? "They—they can't take me away, right?" he asked Hermione. "I mean—Sirius did adopt me—"

"Harry, calm down," Hermione said gently. "You're right. Mr. Black did adopt you so no one can legally take you away from him. I guess people were just taken by surprise that one moment Mr. Black was a servant to Voldemort and the next he's found innocent and your guardian. What Mr. Black did was smart. He adopted you before anyone could even try to object."

"I don't think anyone's trying to do anything, Harry," Ron added. "There were just a few articles by Rita Skeeter criticizing Fudge for letting 'the-boy-who-lived' live with an ex-convict and a werewolf. She trashes everyone. She lives to gossip…especially about 'the-boy-who-lived' or the 'Azkaban Escapee'."

Harry could only groan in annoyance. "So in other words, if you see her, run the other way," he summarized as he leaned forward and buried his face in his hands. "I can't believe this. Why does everyone feel that my life is any of their business?"

Hermione put her book down and moved so she was on her knees in front of Harry. "I know we can't begin to understand what this is like for you, Harry," she said gently. "Just remember that no matter what anyone says you have a family now; one that no one can take away from you. People are going to say what they want but that doesn't make them right. We know Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin are great guardians for you. We saw them at the World Cup when you collapsed and afterwards."

Harry slowly shook his head. He should have known Hermione would have brought that up. She had been incredibly lenient so far in Harry not answering any of her questions. Typical Hermione. She needs an answer for everything.

"So did Professor Dumbledore find out why you collapsed?" Hermione asked curiously.

Harry shook his head. As a matter of fact, nothing had really been said about the incident since the talk Remus and Sirius tried to have with Harry the day after. Remus had of course dropped hints and snippets of advice but that was all. Both Remus and Sirius had backed off from the topic when Harry had walked away that day. No explanations were given because none were needed. This was all a part of his magic maturing too rapidly. The problem was how was he supposed to make Hermione back off without telling her the truth?

The rainfall increased in intensity as the train ride continued. The compartments were lit by lanterns making the atmosphere feel a little eerie. By mid-afternoon, Harry had retreated to the floor of the compartment and was sound asleep…at least everyone thought he was. After evading the majority of Hermione's questions, Harry found that this was the best way to avoid any more that may arise. He had heard the lunch trolley come and go and had 'slept' through visits by countless students who had wanted to ask Harry if Krum had really given Harry the Snitch at the World Cup or how the summer had been with Sirius Black.

After the compartment door had opened the tenth time, it had taken every last ounce of restraint for Harry not to jump to his feet and lock it with a flick of his wand. It was a good thing Harry hadn't. The moment he heard Ron and Hermione groan in annoyance, Harry knew it wasn't a friend who had entered. Only one person could get that reaction out of Hermione.

"Well, well," drawled the voice of Draco Malfoy. "What do we have here? Potty, Weasel and the Mudblood without a teacher to protect you this time." The sound of his loud footsteps approaching pushed Harry to full alertness. He was lying on his right side which he could use to his advantage. He could hear the shuffling of robes followed by Ron and Hermione jumping out of their seats.

"Get out Malfoy!" Ron hissed.

"Or what, Weasel?" Malfoy shot back. "You're going to curse me? That's a laugh. When did Potter hire you as his bodyguard?"

Hearing Malfoy's voice allowed Harry to know that Malfoy was standing near his feet. In one fluid motion, Harry kicked Malfoy's wand out of his hand then flipped to his feet while flicking his wrist, disengaging his wand from his wrist holster. "Accio Malfoy's wand," he hissed, gripping Malfoy's wand a moment later.

Malfoy was staring at Harry with his eyes wide and he slowly stepped back. "H—how did you do that?" he asked nervously.

Harry re-holstered his wand as he slowly walked towards Malfoy who was in turn walking backwards to keep the distance between them. "You're not wanted here, Malfoy," he said evenly as he continued to take slow steps towards the blond haired boy. The moment Malfoy stepped out of the compartment Harry tossed his wand at him before gripping the compartment door. "A word of advice, don't come back." He then closed the door.

Turning around, Harry noticed that Hermione and Ron were staring at him with their mouths hanging open. Shaking his head, Harry straightened his robes before moving back to his original seat and stared out the window. Hermione was either the first to recover from the shock or the first to lose her footing when she sat down. Ron just stood there, gaping like a fish.

"W—what was that?" Ron asked in disbelief. He looked at Hermione for help but received none so he returned his attention to Harry. "You just…you…how did you do that? What was that spell?"

"It was just a Summoning Charm, Ron," Harry answered with a shrug. He continued staring at the window, not wanting to see the looks on the faces of his friends. He knew he had startled them since Malfoy didn't scare easily. Harry closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against the window. He could only hope they weren't afraid of him. "I told you Sirius taught me how to defend myself this summer."

"Er—Harry?" Hermione asked softly. "We're supposed to be learning the Summoning Charm this year. How much did Mr. Black teach you?"

Harry shrugged and remained silent. This was not really the start of the year he had hoped for. He had never been one to talk about his summers before. It had always been something that had been 'forgotten' then moment he stepped on the train. No one asked so he never told. No one cared about the Dursleys so why was it so different with Sirius and Remus?

There was an uncomfortable silence in the compartment that stretched for the remainder of the journey. When they finally arrived at the Hogsmeade station, Harry couldn't wait to jump off of the train. He had been so used to the fresh air and outdoors this summer that being confined for so long was starting to make him feel a little claustrophobic.

The harsh and heavy rain forced everyone above their first year to hurry to the horseless carriages. Harry jumped in followed by Ron, Hermione and Neville Longbottom, a fellow Gryffindor in their year. They waited for the door to close then waited as the carriage moved up the track to the large castle known as Hogwarts. Harry could hardly wait. Once Dumbledore had made his announcement, Ron and Hermione would forget everything that happened on the train…at least that was what Harry hoped.

Entering the castle had been more of a challenge than normal. It seemed that Peeves the poltergeist was having some fun on the already wet students. He was throwing red water balloons at unsuspecting students. Ron was one of his victims forcing everyone to hurry into the Great Hall as fast as possible. Harry followed Ron and Hermione to the far side of the hall to the Gryffindor table and sat down. The golden plates and goblets made Harry aware of how hungry he really was. Chatter filled the hall as more and more students took their seats at their house tables. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Ron glancing at him periodically along with Hermione who was sitting across from him. Please hurry up. I need the distraction.

Glancing up at the Head Table, Harry noticed that there were several vacant spots. Hagrid and Professor McGonagall were missing along with the spot Remus had occupied one year ago as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It was becoming a pattern for a Defense teacher to only last one year. Harry let out a sigh as he stared at his plate. This year was going to be so different. Remus had helped him so much last year it was hard for Harry to think of an entire school year without his advice.

"Harry?" Hermione asked quietly. "Harry, are you all right?"

Harry looked up at Hermione and immediately looked away. He knew he was being selfish. Remus and Sirius deserved some time off from worrying. "I'm fine," Harry said softly. "I just hope the new Defense teacher is as nice as Remus."

Hermione reached out and grabbed Harry's hand while Ron gripped Harry's shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry," Ron said confidently. "You still have us and it's not like you can't send them an owl. "

Harry nodded as he stared at his plate. He didn't know why he felt this way. He really didn't know what he was feeling. He had never felt like he was missing something before when the school year started. He never felt like he wanted to be some place other than here, at school. What was going on? Why was this happening? Why was he feeling this way?

"Harry," Hermione said softly as she leaned closer so that no one could overhear her. "It's normal to miss them, you know. Everyone misses their family from time to time when they're away at school. Last year you had Mr. Lupin here to help you with everything. This summer you had Mr. Black. We know you care about them. You don't have to hide that from us."

Slowly looking up at Hermione, Harry bit his lower lip nervously. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "This is…new to me…having a family that actually cares." Thinking about it, Harry found his lips breaking into a half-smile. "So this is what it's like to feel normal?"

Hermione smiled back as Ron grinned. "Welcome to reality, Harry," Ron said happily. "Soon you'll experience the joys of expectations, being grounded, and Howlers. Every teenager's dream."

Harry couldn't hide his smile at the thought of it as the doors of the Great Hall opened. "I can't wait," he said as he watched Professor McGonagall enter followed by the line of completely soaked first years. Deep down Harry knew Sirius and Remus would never do anything like that if Harry caused any trouble. Sirius would probably congratulate him. Remus would attempt to scold while trying to keep Sirius in check.

The moment Professor McGonagall placed the stool with an old and frayed wizard's hat in front of the first years, silence filled the Hall. The sorting was about to begin and although it was long, it was something Harry hadn't seen since his own sorting. Slowly, the brim of the old hat opened widely as if it were a mouth and the hat started to sing:

'A thousand years or more ago,

When I was newly sewn,

There lived four wizards of renown,

Whose names are still well known:

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,

Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,

Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,

Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,

They hatched a daring plan

To educate young sorcerers

Thus Hogwarts School began.

Now each of these four founders

Formed their own house, for each

Did value different virtues

In the ones they had to teach.

By Gryffindor, the bravest were

Prized far beyond the rest;

For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

Would always be the best;

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

Most worthy of admission;

And power-hungry Slytherin

Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide

Their favourites from the throng,

Yet how to pick the worthy ones

When they were dead and gone?

'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

He whipped me off his head

The founders put some brains in me

So I could choose instead!

Now slip me snug about your ears,

I've never yet been wrong,

I'll have a look inside your mind

And tell where you belong!'

Applause broke throughout the hall but something struck Harry as odd. "Does the song change every year or something?" he asked over the noise.

"What do you think the hat does all year long?" Ron asked rhetorically.

The sorting progressed with Professor McGonagall calling names. There was a Dennis Creevey who joined Gryffindor, a younger brother of a third year, Colin Creevey who seemed to idolize Harry for some strange reason. It annoyed Harry to no end. He hated it when people treated like him like a celebrity when he wasn't one. Colin seemed to make it his mission to always have his camera in hand to get pictures of Harry whenever he could.

Harry tuned out the rest of the sorting. In fact, it wasn't until Ron started grabbing for food that Harry realized the sorting was over. Hermione started up a conversation with the Gryffindor House Ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, about house elves working at Hogwarts. Harry had to hide a smirk at her outrage when she started ranting about slave labor and refused to eat.

As soon as dinner was over, Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet, silencing the hall with just the movement. "A few start of the term announcements," he said pleasantly. "Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that use of any of the four hundred and thirty-seven items on his list is forbidden. A copy of the list is posted outside his office. The Forest is once again out-of-bounds along with the Hogsmeade village to anyone below their third year. Also, I regret to inform everyone that there will be no Quidditch this year for the reason that starting in October and continuing throughout the school year we will be having—"

The doors swung open to reveal a man who was wearing a black cloak and leaning on a staff. This man pulled back his hood to reveal his long dark grey hair. Everyone stared at the man as he slowly walked towards the Head Table. A soft cluck could be heard during every other step as he limped. A flash of lightning lit up the hall, illuminating his face that was deeply scarred. There was a large piece of his nose gone and his eyes were just…scary. One was normal while the other was rather large and an intense deep blue. The eye seemed to move around unnaturally: left, right, up and down.

As the man reached the Head Table, he shook hands with Professor Dumbledore then took a seat in Remus' old chair. Harry closed his eyes as the words of his godfather echoed in his mind. Harry had no intention of misbehaving in the new teacher's class. The man looked even scarier than Professor Snape and that was saying a lot.

"Please welcome your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody," Professor Dumbledore announced. "Now, back to what I was saying. This year Hogwarts will serve as a host to a Triwizard Tournament."

"WHAT!?!" shouted Fred Weasley. "Are you joking?"

The entire hall busted out in laughter. "Not at all, Mr. Weasley," Professor Dumbledore answered pleasantly. He went on explaining about the Tournament. All of the students were captivated to hear about the event that was held between the schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to strengthen international ties between students. Everyone seemed to be eager enter until Professor Dumbledore announced that only students of the age of seventeen and older would be able enter. Several students under the age barrier groaned in frustration. Dumbledore then mentioned that measures were also being taken so anyone underage couldn't enter.

With no further announcements, everyone was sent to bed. Many of the students under seventeen were discussing how unfair the age restriction was and that they would find a way to enter regardless. Harry just remained silent on his way to the Gryffindor Tower. The three Weasley brothers thought that the prize money of a thousand galleons was too much not to try. The Weasleys never had much money and the mere thought of a thousand galleons was awfully tempting.

Harry was the first to venture up to his dorm room. Searching in his trunk, Harry found the small square mirror Sirius had given him. For a long moment, Harry contemplated on talking to his godfather but then decided not to and put the mirror away. Yes, Harry missed them but he knew he couldn't bother them like this. He was fourteen-years-old after all and they needed time to be Moony and Padfoot again. He could make it though the year just like everyone else. He had done it before he had met Sirius and Remus, he could do it again.