Chapter 14
School days
Harry awoke early the next morning to assist Dumbledore with reinforcing the wards as well as adding detection spells to the existing matrix. After breakfast, he and Dumbledore made their way outside to the edge of the wards. Harry reached out with his mind and slowly began to feel for the signatures of the spells in the grid as well as testing their strength.
Harry looked at Albus and said" let me try something"
"Albus I believe I can reinforce them myself."
Dumbledore just nodded at Harry and said" very well but don't overdo it and weaken yourself to much."
Harry nodded and explained" I'm going to pull the magic from the elements. As part of the new wards if a Death Eater comes on the grounds, an Earth elemental will trap him or her and hold them. If they come from the Air an Air Elemental will hold them there and if they manage to get past those guards I have Fire and Water elementals that will attack."
Harry closed his eyes in concentration and began the first phase of reinforcing the existing wards. Harry raised his arms and began to chant softly under his breath, repeating the same phrase repeatedly, slightly changing the inflection each time. Slowly Harry began to glow with a holy white light that grew brighter and brighter. Slowly Harry reached out his hands and placed them on the now visible shell of the wards and said a single word "restoro" suddenly the wards began to glow brightly and give off a high pitched hum as Harry power went through the wards repairing damage to them and making them even more powerful.
Then as quickly as it began the sound and light ceased. Dumbledore looked at Harry and nodded in approval. "Well done Harry, well done."
Harry nodded, replied, and said, "Thanks But really it's the founders blood in me that gives me special access to the wards since he was one of the original people to set them."
Dumbledore nodded knowingly.
Harry closed his eyes and began to concentrate on setting the new protective elemental ward. Harry slowly began to chant again but this time he spoke loudly and commandingly as if he were speaking to someone. Raising his eyes to the sky, he called out and suddenly a thunderstorm began to form over the castle, lightning flashing menacingly in the sky. Then Harry stamped his foot on the ground and what seemed to be a small earthquake shook the ground. Harry clapped his hands and the wind began to howl around them like a small hurricane. Finally Harry placed his hands again on the now visible wards and yelled" protectus" as he finished the final syllable the sky erupted and fire began to rain down from the sky appearing to engulf the entire school and the grounds for a minute. Lightning repeatedly struck the shields adding more and more power to the wards. Then suddenly the shell appeared to be entirely encased in earth slowly growing from the ground reaching the top and going back down again. Finally the sky let loose a torrent of rain not seen since the great flood. The entire school appeared to be underwater for a moment before this too subsided.
Then with a thought Harry ended the spell and called out and called out" formus." Dumbledore looked on in awe as what appeared to be four man shaped objects began to appear in front of Harry.
Harry then spoke to them; "You have heard my command?"
they nodded and Harry continued, "Let no one pass on these grounds that bear this magical signature."
Harry said and as he said this Harry sent out the magical signature that accompanied the Dark Mark to them.
Harry then said, "If any enter here capture them and hold them."
The figures replied in unison, "We obey Master."
Harry nodded and said to them "there is one who is my agent" at this, Harry sent them the magical signature unique to Snapes aura.
"He is a teacher here, allow him passage."
The Elementals nodded and said, "We obey Master."
Harry just nodded and "said go about your duties."
The Elementals bowed appeared to melt into the wards and disappear.
Harry nodded and said "It is done Albus."
Dumbledore nodded and said "Very well done, if bad comes to worse then this will be one of the safest places in the wizarding world."
Harry nodded and said" That was my idea as well. If worse comes to worse then Hogwarts can be locked down and used as a defensive stronghold."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful at this and said, "Do you really think it will come to that Harry?"
Harry just shrugged and replied "I really don't know Albus, I'd like to think not but given the circumstances it would not surprise me in the least if Voldemort tried to attack and take the castle."
Dumbledore just nodded at Harrys reasoning and said "Well it's almost 11:00am Harry perhaps we should be making our way to Kings Cross."
Harry nodded and with thought turned them both invisible and opened a gate to Platform 9 and three quarters. As they stepped through all hell was breaking loose on the platform. There were at least 35 Death Eaters attacking a small group of aurors that were pinned down trying to protect a small group of students.
Harry said "hurry Albus we have to get those students on the train and to safety."
As before Harry cast shielding bubbles on himself and the students and aurors as well as anti-apparition wards to prevent them escaping. Suddenly making themselves visible the Death Eaters split their attack to include Harry and Dumbledore. While the Death Eaters were concentrating on them, the Aurors managed to get the upper hand on the remaining Death Eaters. Seeing that the day was lost and their attack foiled the Death Eaters tried to disapparate only to find themselves trapped.
Fighting with renewed fury the Death Eaters pressed the attack and managed to kill one of the Aurors. Harry seeing that the last of the students had boarded finally unleashed on the Death eaters.
Raising his hand at them, Harry cried "STUPIFEY" and the group in front oh him immediately fell unconscious.
Dumbledore managed to stun five more and the Aurors finished off the remaining ten Death Eaters. Sighing in relief Dumbledore ordered the Aurors to accompany the train to Hogwarts for additional protection. They just nodded and boarded as the Train finally pulled away. Harry snapped his fingers and all the death Eaters were bound in ropes, and lifted in the air.
Opening a portal to the ministry holding area Harry sent them through and asked Dumbledore "Can you explain to the ministry for me?"
Dumbledore nodded and said, "Where will you be Harry?"
Harry replied, "I'm going to accompany the train as well. With Malfoy on the loose I'm going to be there in case anything happens."
Dumbledore nodded and said "Alright, but be careful Harry don't risk the students."
Harry just nodded, portaled to his favorite compartment on the train, and sat down. Sure enough Ginny Weasley along with Ron and Hermione all came in and sat down.
Harry grinned at them and said "Hello, everyone"
Ron was the first to speak" bloody hell Harry about time you got here. Do you know how many were hurt?"
Harry just shook his head and said "Not at the moment, we decided it was safer to get everyone to the school first then ask questions later."
They nodded knowingly and Harry looked over at Ginny and said "Hey ya Gin. How was your summer?"
She nodded and said "Not too bad but it was a bit lonely without all of you guys there."
Harry nodded in apology and said" I know I'm sorry Gin but it was necessary that we get some extra training."
Ginny nodded and replied, "I know that's what Dad said. But it was still kind of hard for me to be Fred and Georges sole guinea pig for the summer" she finished with a laugh.
Harry loved the sound of her laugh it was so soothing to him. Looking at her closely, he was surprised; she had really come into her own over the holiday.
"Wow" Harry thought to himself she's even more beautiful than I remember. Harry caught her eye and they both blushed as they realized that they were both thinking along the same lines. The friends were making conversation and generally having a good time when the door to their compartment slid open revealing a smirking Malfoy.
Malfoy looked surprised to see Harry there and said, "Well, well, well if it isn't Potty and the mud-blood lovers gang" he sneered.
Harry just stood up and looked at him closely "Well Malfoy it seems your conversation is just as delightful as ever."
Malfoy just looked smug and said "Well it finally seems that you second hand scum finally used some influence to get your muggle loving father into the Ministers spot."
Ron and Ginny both stood up enraged reaching for their wands.
Harry raised his hand and stopped them saying. "Well Malfoy, it seems that your father is finally going to get what he deserves. If you were smart you would not follow his example." Harry stated coldly.
Malfoy looking slightly less smug replied "Well at least I have a father unlike some here."
Harry just responded "true enough you do....... For the moment" looking at Malfoy with a cold fire burning in his eyes.
Malfoy looked like he wanted to respond but Harry interrupted him saying" As much as I would like to stand here trading witty retorts with you Malfoy I have more pressing matters. Leave now please."
At this, Harry waved his hand and Malfoys mouth disappeared. Glaring at Harry, Malfoy stormed out and made his way back to his own compartment. Listening Harry and the others could hear the astonished laughter of any that Draco passed on the way.
Upon arriving the friends were greeted with the familiar sight of Hagrid calling the first years to the boats. "Firs years this way" he called
Harry went to greet his first friend "Hello Hagrid how was your summer?"
Hagrid grinned down at Harry and said "ello there arry, blimey yeve grown over tha summer."
Harry just grinned and said" thanks Hagrid."
Hagrid returned the grin and said "Well best be off, see ya at tha feast"
Harry just nodded and said" See you there Hagrid"
The friends made their way to the Great hall to await the sorting and the feast. As they entered, the Harry made his way to the head table, as Ron, Hermione and Ginny made their way to their seats at the Gryffindor table. Harry was about to sit down but Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry you may if you wish, sit with your friends."
Harry just laughed and said thanks Professor. Dumbledore just nodded and said after the feast would you please come to my office we some news about today's attacks to discuss." Harry just nodded and made his way to his friends determined to enjoy the feast.
Professor McGongall made her way to the front of the hall trailed by a bunch of nervous looking first years. She called out "When I call your name come forward and I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses."
The hat sang a sorting song and the first years were divided to their new houses.
"Not to bad" Harry thought. Gryffindor got 15 new members.
Dumbledore stood up to make the beginning of term announcements.
"Welcome or as the case may be welcome back to Hogwarts for another school year. First on the agenda is to inform you all that all decrees issued by Ms. Delores Umbridge from last year are hereby declared null and void."
The hall erupted in applause. "Secondly Dumbledore continued, Please take notice that the forbidden forest is just that forbidden to all"
said Dumbledore looking fondly over at the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore continued, "A full list of items forbidden at Hogwarts may be found posted in the office of our caretaker Mr. Filch."
Getting a serious looking his eyes Dumbledore looked over the student body and spoke "As I'm sure you are all aware Lord Voldemort has returned with a vengeance." Many students looked around the room to see all the empty places at the house tables to signify missing students. Dumbledore just nodded sadly and said, "Many people have died this summer due to Death Eater activity. I encourage you all to come to the staff or each other if needed to help you through your grief." However Dumbledore continued "This is only the beginning I'm afraid. These are truly Dark Times we live in. But if we remain united and determined then hope will remain."
Dumbledore looked over at Harry and continued" Most of you are aware by now that Mr. Harry Potter over the course of the summer has discovered his true heritage as Gryffindors Heir. Although he sits among you he is in fact, become my apprentice and is charged with the protection of the school and the students that dwell within it. Prefects will answer to the head boy and girl and they in turn will answer to Mr. Potter or any Head of House."
Dumbledore continued and said, "I don't need to remind most of you that it was due in fact to Mr. Potters intervention on numerous occasions that the death count was not higher over the summer."
When Dumbledore said this, many of the Slytherins sneered and Harry quietly caught a sneered "Good old Saint Potter"
coming from their direction. Dumbledore seemed to hear it as well because he rested his gaze on the Slytherin table and continued. "Mr. Potter will also be teaching a class in practical defense as well this year and I encourage you all to attend and give him your utmost attention. As you may have noticed there is no new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year."
Students all nodded and Dumbledore continued "That is because in light of past years teachers I have decided to teach this class myself as it is now more important than ever."
Many students looked up at Dumbledore in surprise and the Gryffindors were ecstatic. Dumbledore finished "Well I guess this old mans ramblings have kept you from your dinners long enough. Enjoy the feast and have a good first day tomorrow."
As Dumbledore said this food began to appear on all the tables and everyone pushed their dark thoughts to the back of their minds and enjoyed the feast.
Dean and Seamus along with Neville were trying to engage Harry in conversation about the DA this year but he said all would be revealed in their first class. Harry found himself distracted his gaze kept going back to Ginny, thinking about her. The way she laughed, the brightness of her smile. The way the light picked up the color of her hair and reflected off her eyes. Harry sighed and thought, "I wonder if she would ever go out with me?"
Ron trying brought Harry out of his musings to talk to him with a mouth full of food "Hello? Harry you there mate?" Harry just smiled at his friend and nodded. Ron continued
"Where were ya there Harry?"
Harry replied, "Sorry Ron just got lost in thought."
Ron then asked Harrys advice on whom to place on the quidditch team this year. Harry looking at Ginny said well gin for sure. But post for team tryouts and I'll help you choose."
Ron just grinned and said thanks mate. "
It's too bad you can't play on the house team."
Harry just sighed and said "I know but circumstances being what they are this is for the best. Besides" said Harry with a wry smile, "I know you'll wipe the floor with the Slytherins this year."
Ron with a wicked grin just looked at his friend and said "That's first on agenda"
They both laughed at this and finished their dinner. After everyone had had their fill Dumbledore stood up and said "Would prefects please lead their houses to their dormitories."
As the students were being lead away, Harry bid his friends good night and followed Dumbledore to his office. Upon entering Harry noticed two Aurors guarding a prisoner clad in black robes, hood pulled low over his face. Harry looked at the Death Eater in disgust and went over to pull the hood down to see the identity of the being. Harry gasped aloud at the sight before him sitting before him with the Dark Mark clearly visible sat Percy Weasley.
A/N Thanks all for reading and reviewing P.S I am looking for a beta to help me out with some grammer and such, so if interested please e-mail me at bravehart_70_2000@yahoo.com. Just a note in my defense though it's been years since I've written anything more than technical reports so please bear with me as I relearn my old college crap.
ALSO A special thanks to my new Beta Missy Watts. Thanks a million.
School days
Harry awoke early the next morning to assist Dumbledore with reinforcing the wards as well as adding detection spells to the existing matrix. After breakfast, he and Dumbledore made their way outside to the edge of the wards. Harry reached out with his mind and slowly began to feel for the signatures of the spells in the grid as well as testing their strength.
Harry looked at Albus and said" let me try something"
"Albus I believe I can reinforce them myself."
Dumbledore just nodded at Harry and said" very well but don't overdo it and weaken yourself to much."
Harry nodded and explained" I'm going to pull the magic from the elements. As part of the new wards if a Death Eater comes on the grounds, an Earth elemental will trap him or her and hold them. If they come from the Air an Air Elemental will hold them there and if they manage to get past those guards I have Fire and Water elementals that will attack."
Harry closed his eyes in concentration and began the first phase of reinforcing the existing wards. Harry raised his arms and began to chant softly under his breath, repeating the same phrase repeatedly, slightly changing the inflection each time. Slowly Harry began to glow with a holy white light that grew brighter and brighter. Slowly Harry reached out his hands and placed them on the now visible shell of the wards and said a single word "restoro" suddenly the wards began to glow brightly and give off a high pitched hum as Harry power went through the wards repairing damage to them and making them even more powerful.
Then as quickly as it began the sound and light ceased. Dumbledore looked at Harry and nodded in approval. "Well done Harry, well done."
Harry nodded, replied, and said, "Thanks But really it's the founders blood in me that gives me special access to the wards since he was one of the original people to set them."
Dumbledore nodded knowingly.
Harry closed his eyes and began to concentrate on setting the new protective elemental ward. Harry slowly began to chant again but this time he spoke loudly and commandingly as if he were speaking to someone. Raising his eyes to the sky, he called out and suddenly a thunderstorm began to form over the castle, lightning flashing menacingly in the sky. Then Harry stamped his foot on the ground and what seemed to be a small earthquake shook the ground. Harry clapped his hands and the wind began to howl around them like a small hurricane. Finally Harry placed his hands again on the now visible wards and yelled" protectus" as he finished the final syllable the sky erupted and fire began to rain down from the sky appearing to engulf the entire school and the grounds for a minute. Lightning repeatedly struck the shields adding more and more power to the wards. Then suddenly the shell appeared to be entirely encased in earth slowly growing from the ground reaching the top and going back down again. Finally the sky let loose a torrent of rain not seen since the great flood. The entire school appeared to be underwater for a moment before this too subsided.
Then with a thought Harry ended the spell and called out and called out" formus." Dumbledore looked on in awe as what appeared to be four man shaped objects began to appear in front of Harry.
Harry then spoke to them; "You have heard my command?"
they nodded and Harry continued, "Let no one pass on these grounds that bear this magical signature."
Harry said and as he said this Harry sent out the magical signature that accompanied the Dark Mark to them.
Harry then said, "If any enter here capture them and hold them."
The figures replied in unison, "We obey Master."
Harry nodded and said to them "there is one who is my agent" at this, Harry sent them the magical signature unique to Snapes aura.
"He is a teacher here, allow him passage."
The Elementals nodded and said, "We obey Master."
Harry just nodded and "said go about your duties."
The Elementals bowed appeared to melt into the wards and disappear.
Harry nodded and said "It is done Albus."
Dumbledore nodded and said "Very well done, if bad comes to worse then this will be one of the safest places in the wizarding world."
Harry nodded and said" That was my idea as well. If worse comes to worse then Hogwarts can be locked down and used as a defensive stronghold."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful at this and said, "Do you really think it will come to that Harry?"
Harry just shrugged and replied "I really don't know Albus, I'd like to think not but given the circumstances it would not surprise me in the least if Voldemort tried to attack and take the castle."
Dumbledore just nodded at Harrys reasoning and said "Well it's almost 11:00am Harry perhaps we should be making our way to Kings Cross."
Harry nodded and with thought turned them both invisible and opened a gate to Platform 9 and three quarters. As they stepped through all hell was breaking loose on the platform. There were at least 35 Death Eaters attacking a small group of aurors that were pinned down trying to protect a small group of students.
Harry said "hurry Albus we have to get those students on the train and to safety."
As before Harry cast shielding bubbles on himself and the students and aurors as well as anti-apparition wards to prevent them escaping. Suddenly making themselves visible the Death Eaters split their attack to include Harry and Dumbledore. While the Death Eaters were concentrating on them, the Aurors managed to get the upper hand on the remaining Death Eaters. Seeing that the day was lost and their attack foiled the Death Eaters tried to disapparate only to find themselves trapped.
Fighting with renewed fury the Death Eaters pressed the attack and managed to kill one of the Aurors. Harry seeing that the last of the students had boarded finally unleashed on the Death eaters.
Raising his hand at them, Harry cried "STUPIFEY" and the group in front oh him immediately fell unconscious.
Dumbledore managed to stun five more and the Aurors finished off the remaining ten Death Eaters. Sighing in relief Dumbledore ordered the Aurors to accompany the train to Hogwarts for additional protection. They just nodded and boarded as the Train finally pulled away. Harry snapped his fingers and all the death Eaters were bound in ropes, and lifted in the air.
Opening a portal to the ministry holding area Harry sent them through and asked Dumbledore "Can you explain to the ministry for me?"
Dumbledore nodded and said, "Where will you be Harry?"
Harry replied, "I'm going to accompany the train as well. With Malfoy on the loose I'm going to be there in case anything happens."
Dumbledore nodded and said "Alright, but be careful Harry don't risk the students."
Harry just nodded, portaled to his favorite compartment on the train, and sat down. Sure enough Ginny Weasley along with Ron and Hermione all came in and sat down.
Harry grinned at them and said "Hello, everyone"
Ron was the first to speak" bloody hell Harry about time you got here. Do you know how many were hurt?"
Harry just shook his head and said "Not at the moment, we decided it was safer to get everyone to the school first then ask questions later."
They nodded knowingly and Harry looked over at Ginny and said "Hey ya Gin. How was your summer?"
She nodded and said "Not too bad but it was a bit lonely without all of you guys there."
Harry nodded in apology and said" I know I'm sorry Gin but it was necessary that we get some extra training."
Ginny nodded and replied, "I know that's what Dad said. But it was still kind of hard for me to be Fred and Georges sole guinea pig for the summer" she finished with a laugh.
Harry loved the sound of her laugh it was so soothing to him. Looking at her closely, he was surprised; she had really come into her own over the holiday.
"Wow" Harry thought to himself she's even more beautiful than I remember. Harry caught her eye and they both blushed as they realized that they were both thinking along the same lines. The friends were making conversation and generally having a good time when the door to their compartment slid open revealing a smirking Malfoy.
Malfoy looked surprised to see Harry there and said, "Well, well, well if it isn't Potty and the mud-blood lovers gang" he sneered.
Harry just stood up and looked at him closely "Well Malfoy it seems your conversation is just as delightful as ever."
Malfoy just looked smug and said "Well it finally seems that you second hand scum finally used some influence to get your muggle loving father into the Ministers spot."
Ron and Ginny both stood up enraged reaching for their wands.
Harry raised his hand and stopped them saying. "Well Malfoy, it seems that your father is finally going to get what he deserves. If you were smart you would not follow his example." Harry stated coldly.
Malfoy looking slightly less smug replied "Well at least I have a father unlike some here."
Harry just responded "true enough you do....... For the moment" looking at Malfoy with a cold fire burning in his eyes.
Malfoy looked like he wanted to respond but Harry interrupted him saying" As much as I would like to stand here trading witty retorts with you Malfoy I have more pressing matters. Leave now please."
At this, Harry waved his hand and Malfoys mouth disappeared. Glaring at Harry, Malfoy stormed out and made his way back to his own compartment. Listening Harry and the others could hear the astonished laughter of any that Draco passed on the way.
Upon arriving the friends were greeted with the familiar sight of Hagrid calling the first years to the boats. "Firs years this way" he called
Harry went to greet his first friend "Hello Hagrid how was your summer?"
Hagrid grinned down at Harry and said "ello there arry, blimey yeve grown over tha summer."
Harry just grinned and said" thanks Hagrid."
Hagrid returned the grin and said "Well best be off, see ya at tha feast"
Harry just nodded and said" See you there Hagrid"
The friends made their way to the Great hall to await the sorting and the feast. As they entered, the Harry made his way to the head table, as Ron, Hermione and Ginny made their way to their seats at the Gryffindor table. Harry was about to sit down but Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry you may if you wish, sit with your friends."
Harry just laughed and said thanks Professor. Dumbledore just nodded and said after the feast would you please come to my office we some news about today's attacks to discuss." Harry just nodded and made his way to his friends determined to enjoy the feast.
Professor McGongall made her way to the front of the hall trailed by a bunch of nervous looking first years. She called out "When I call your name come forward and I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses."
The hat sang a sorting song and the first years were divided to their new houses.
"Not to bad" Harry thought. Gryffindor got 15 new members.
Dumbledore stood up to make the beginning of term announcements.
"Welcome or as the case may be welcome back to Hogwarts for another school year. First on the agenda is to inform you all that all decrees issued by Ms. Delores Umbridge from last year are hereby declared null and void."
The hall erupted in applause. "Secondly Dumbledore continued, Please take notice that the forbidden forest is just that forbidden to all"
said Dumbledore looking fondly over at the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore continued, "A full list of items forbidden at Hogwarts may be found posted in the office of our caretaker Mr. Filch."
Getting a serious looking his eyes Dumbledore looked over the student body and spoke "As I'm sure you are all aware Lord Voldemort has returned with a vengeance." Many students looked around the room to see all the empty places at the house tables to signify missing students. Dumbledore just nodded sadly and said, "Many people have died this summer due to Death Eater activity. I encourage you all to come to the staff or each other if needed to help you through your grief." However Dumbledore continued "This is only the beginning I'm afraid. These are truly Dark Times we live in. But if we remain united and determined then hope will remain."
Dumbledore looked over at Harry and continued" Most of you are aware by now that Mr. Harry Potter over the course of the summer has discovered his true heritage as Gryffindors Heir. Although he sits among you he is in fact, become my apprentice and is charged with the protection of the school and the students that dwell within it. Prefects will answer to the head boy and girl and they in turn will answer to Mr. Potter or any Head of House."
Dumbledore continued and said, "I don't need to remind most of you that it was due in fact to Mr. Potters intervention on numerous occasions that the death count was not higher over the summer."
When Dumbledore said this, many of the Slytherins sneered and Harry quietly caught a sneered "Good old Saint Potter"
coming from their direction. Dumbledore seemed to hear it as well because he rested his gaze on the Slytherin table and continued. "Mr. Potter will also be teaching a class in practical defense as well this year and I encourage you all to attend and give him your utmost attention. As you may have noticed there is no new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year."
Students all nodded and Dumbledore continued "That is because in light of past years teachers I have decided to teach this class myself as it is now more important than ever."
Many students looked up at Dumbledore in surprise and the Gryffindors were ecstatic. Dumbledore finished "Well I guess this old mans ramblings have kept you from your dinners long enough. Enjoy the feast and have a good first day tomorrow."
As Dumbledore said this food began to appear on all the tables and everyone pushed their dark thoughts to the back of their minds and enjoyed the feast.
Dean and Seamus along with Neville were trying to engage Harry in conversation about the DA this year but he said all would be revealed in their first class. Harry found himself distracted his gaze kept going back to Ginny, thinking about her. The way she laughed, the brightness of her smile. The way the light picked up the color of her hair and reflected off her eyes. Harry sighed and thought, "I wonder if she would ever go out with me?"
Ron trying brought Harry out of his musings to talk to him with a mouth full of food "Hello? Harry you there mate?" Harry just smiled at his friend and nodded. Ron continued
"Where were ya there Harry?"
Harry replied, "Sorry Ron just got lost in thought."
Ron then asked Harrys advice on whom to place on the quidditch team this year. Harry looking at Ginny said well gin for sure. But post for team tryouts and I'll help you choose."
Ron just grinned and said thanks mate. "
It's too bad you can't play on the house team."
Harry just sighed and said "I know but circumstances being what they are this is for the best. Besides" said Harry with a wry smile, "I know you'll wipe the floor with the Slytherins this year."
Ron with a wicked grin just looked at his friend and said "That's first on agenda"
They both laughed at this and finished their dinner. After everyone had had their fill Dumbledore stood up and said "Would prefects please lead their houses to their dormitories."
As the students were being lead away, Harry bid his friends good night and followed Dumbledore to his office. Upon entering Harry noticed two Aurors guarding a prisoner clad in black robes, hood pulled low over his face. Harry looked at the Death Eater in disgust and went over to pull the hood down to see the identity of the being. Harry gasped aloud at the sight before him sitting before him with the Dark Mark clearly visible sat Percy Weasley.
A/N Thanks all for reading and reviewing P.S I am looking for a beta to help me out with some grammer and such, so if interested please e-mail me at bravehart_70_2000@yahoo.com. Just a note in my defense though it's been years since I've written anything more than technical reports so please bear with me as I relearn my old college crap.
ALSO A special thanks to my new Beta Missy Watts. Thanks a million.
