CHAPTER THREE: TRAINS OF LAND AND THOUGHT

(Author's Note: This is slightly AU in that in this fic, Blaise Zabini is a girl rather than a boy. With all due respect to J.K. Rowling, I enjoy the female Blaise characterizations I've seen more than the male ones, so I've opted to use that in this fic. Also, the reason Gaius was wearing Gryffindor robes will be explained in this chapter. Thanks, JuliusCaesar489.)

Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys still attending Hogwarts walked off of Platform 9 3/4 and boarded the Hogwarts Express, as did Draco Malfoy and his two pet thugs, Crabbe and Goyle. Once all students were aboard, the train departed the station.

The Trio sat in their usual compartment, joined by Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, and the new student Gaius Maxwell. Gaius stared reading a book entitled Dark Forces of History, and the rest began talking. It wasn't more than a minute after they sat down before Draco Malfoy showed up to do his usual taunting. "Hello, Potter. Get anyone else killed or sent to Azkaban over the summer?" asked Draco in a falsely-polite voice.

A shouting match ensued, making reading impossible for Gaius. He got up to leave, but found Draco in his way. "Excuse me" he tried. Malfoy didn't budge. In fact, he further blocked the doorway. "I asked nicely the first time. Out of my way, Malfoy!" "Hah! Me? Draco Malfoy, move for a bloody yank! Why, I'd-" whatever Draco was about to say was cut off as Gaius slugged him. Draco fell to the ground, jaw in hand. The occupants of the compartment burst out laughing at the pathetic sight of a moaning Draco Malfoy on the floor.

"Oh, you can laugh. But he will regret his actions, I tell you! You will regret yours as well, Potter! I-" Draco was cut off again, this time by Ginny. "You never answered my question, Malfoy." Stuttering, then seething, Draco stalked off to his compartment. "What question?" Ron asked his sister. Oh shit Ginny thought, trying to come up with an explanation that wouldn't end in Draco's death...

Damn! Blaise Zabini thought as she walked through the Hogwarts Express. Every bloody compartment is full! She was so caught up in her thoughts that she failed to notice an empty one. "Hey! You looking for a seat?" was called to her by a boy in an otherwise-empty compartment. Thank God for small favors she thought as she answered with a "Yes" and sat in the compartment.

"I don't think I've ever seen you before." Blaise said to her compartment-mate. "No, you haven't. I'm Gaius Maxwell. I transferred here from AIAM. (AN: Abbriviation for American Institute of Applied Magics) What's your name?" "My name is Blaise Zabini. I'm in Slytherin- tell me, Gaius, if you're a transfer, then why do you have Gryffindor robes on?"

Gaius chuckled. "Dumbledore had the hat sort me the day after I arrived. Figured it would 'ease my transition' or something of that sort. By the way- why is there so much animosity between Gryffindors and Slytherins?" Blaise shrugged. "I don't know. Just the way it's always been, I suppose. I never paid much attention to it. Oh, and Gryffindor or not, thanks for the seat."

"No problem. But if I may ask- why were you so late in looking for a seat?" Gaius asked. Blaise turned slightly crimson, and muttered something. "I'm sorry, what was that?" "I said I was in the bathroom..." Gaius smirked. "Feminae..."

Before Blaise could reply, a large roar was heard. The hairs on the back of Gaius neck stood up as Blaise asked "What the hell was that?" His face grim when he replied. "A Revenant."

"Revenant: An undead creature of the Skeletal Wraith type that combines the properties of Dememtor, Skeleton, and is imbued with both Necromantic and Elemental powers. Most commonly found are ice revenants, although other types, including water, fire, earth, and wind, exist." -quotation from The Book of Theosade-Kæl, a 7th-century mage.

Harry watched the Dementor-thing advance through the Hogwarts Express. "Expecto Partonum!" he cried, trying to banish the creature. Harry's partonus, while powerful, did nothing. The Revenant, looking as bored as a faceless abomniation can, merely fired a blast of ice towards Harry, who barely managed to dodge it. "Tempestas Incendias! " shouted Gaius as he advanced towards the Revenant. As is withdrew, students all began shouting every fire-spell they knew at the creature. It kept retreating, but was not destroyed.

"Exorciso Revenanto!" the creature shrieked- and then crumbled to dust in a blue haze. Everyone turned towards the source of the spell- and naught but a large black dog where a man's voice had been before.

The Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogsmeade Station without further incident. As the Trio disembarked from their carrage, they noticed Gaius getting out of a carriage- and helping Blaise Zabini out as well. He waved to her, then walked over to the Trio.

"What are you doing with her? She's a bloody Slytherin!" Ron exclaimed. Raising an eyebrow, Gaius said "Your point being...?" Ron stuttered, then settled for looking mad. Nearby, Blaise was getting similar treatment from her own housemates...

"Master, the attack was a failure. Please forgive your humble servant!" Wormtail begged. "Do not concern yourself, Wormtail. The Revenant fulfilled its purpose. The enemy will now spend time worrying over my control over the Revenants, while I shall bring forth my new army. An army filled with terrors the likes of which this world has never seen. Bring me the Book of Nogran!" Voldemort said. And then- he laughed. He laughed the bone-chilling laugh which had scared countless wizards and muggles before he killed them. Caught up in the sound, Wormtail shivered.

That's it for Chapter Three! R&R, s'il vous plait.