The next morning was a bit hectic. Everyone was rushing about trying to get
ready. Harry and Hermione were the only ones who didn't need to do this as
they had been living out of their trunks for the past few weeks. This year
they would be getting ministry cars again, what with Voldemort back and
all, the ministry felt extra protection was necessary for Harry.
When they arrived at King's Cross they got carts, balanced all their things on them and headed for platforms 9 and 10. They took the barrier in pairs to get through to platform 9 ¾ and started looking for an open carriage. Harry, Ron and Hermione took the farthest one back, Fred and George found Lee Jordan and some other friends to sit with, and Ginny decided to sit with some of the 4th year kids. Sirius was going to get there separately as he didn't want to be seen on the trip, nor spend the whole trip as a dog.
They spent the first part of the trip talking about what spells they hoped to learn and who the DADA teacher was going to be. Hermione couldn't wait to get back to her Arithmancy classes. Harry couldn't wait to play quidditch. He hoped it wouldn't be called off this year; it was the one thing he truly loved and made him feel better than anything.
After the trolley lady passed and they were filled up with sweets, the door to their carriage opened. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle walked in looking very smug.
"I'm surprised you came back Potter, after the way last year ended for you. I would think you would have the decency not to out of respect for Cedric, it being your fault he's dead and all," Malfoy sneered.
Before Harry could say anything Hermione was out of her seat.
"How dare you! You have no idea what you're talking about. I think you better leave now if you know what's good for you," she said pulling out her wand.
"You think I'm afraid of you, mudblood?" Malfoy asked.
"I think you'd better be afraid of all of us," said Ron as he and Harry got up and stood with Hermione. All three of them had their wands out and pointed at their uninvited guests.
"We didn't come to stay anyway," Malfoy said as the three of them backed out into the corridor. They were remembering the train ride home at the end of last year and how long it took for the effects of the hexes and curses to fade. They were all out of the cabin and Harry moved to shut the door when Malfoy called to him.
"Have any good dreams this summer, Potter?"
Then he was off down the corridor leaving Harry stunned.
"How would he know?" he asked aloud.
"Well he is Lucius' son," began Hermione "and he's a death eater, right?"
"I guess I just didn't think that Mr. Malfoy wouldn't want his son advertising this fact just yet." Harry replied.
"Maybe Mr. Malfoy was the person outside your window, Harry!" Ron exclaimed.
"But that would mean Voldemort knows where I live! How could he find out! I need to warn the Dursley's..." Harry trailed off, wondering how to do this.
"I'll just have to send Hedwig, they won't like it but I can't just not try."
"Before you do that, talk to Dumbledore, Harry. He might have a better idea by now of what's going on. He said he had to look into some things last time you spoke with him, right? Let's see what he's found first," Hermione said
"I guess you're right, Hermione."
The rest of the trip was uneventful and soon they arrived at Hogwart's.
When they got off the train they heard someone calling:
"First years students, line up over here please!"
"That's not Hagrid!" said Harry as they all turned to look
"Dumbledore!" cried Ron, "where's Hagrid?"
"Probably still out trying to get the support of all the giants," said Hermione matter-of-factly.
Dumbledore saw them staring and nodded, he collected all the first-years and headed towards the boats. Harry, Ron and Hermione headed for the horse- less carriages. They found an empty one and climbed in, a moment later they heard someone ask:
"Is the last seat taken?"
"No it's n-" Harry began and then stopped abruptly.
Cho Chang was looking in at them.
"No it isn't," Hermione said for him, "would you like to join us?"
"Thank you," she said as she stepped in. She took the empty seat next to Harry.
Harry was very still. He couldn't think of anything to say so he blurted out:
"I saw you in Diagon Alley yesterday."
"Excuse me?" Cho replied.
"Yesterday. I was there to get my school supplies and I saw you there. I tried to catch up to you to say hi but...I...er...got sidetracked," Harry said.
"No, you couldn't have seen me there," Cho started, "I got all of my supplies over a week ago. I wasn't in Diagon Alley yesterday."
Harry didn't know what to say. He knew, he KNEW, that he had seen Cho. He couldn't see why she would lie about it. Everyone was looking at him so he just said:
"Must've been someone else..."
Hermione and Ron were eyeing Cho. They hadn't really seen her as they were already into Madam Malkin's when Harry spotted her but they knew that he would be able to recognize if it weren't her.
The rest of the ride was a bit awkward, as no one knew what to say. They rode in silence until the carriages stopped and everyone got off.
"Bye!" Cho called as she walked off to join some friends, "I hope to talk to you later!"
"I'll bet she does..." Hermione said with a bit of contempt in her voice as they started walking.
"What do you..." Harry started, "you don't think she was lying, do you?"
"You tell me. Did you see her? Is there any chance it could have been someone else?"
Harry thought for a moment. He remembered when he turned and saw her how he was so sure it was her. And right before Snape grabbed him he had definitely been close enough to be sure.
"No. No chance it could have been someone else, not unless she has a twin," Harry replied.
"Then she lied." Hermione said flatly.
They were in the Great Hall now. Everyone took their seats and waited.
Harry was torn. He didn't want to believe Cho would lie to him, couldn't think of a reason she would. He also couldn't see what other explanation there could be. Unless...
"Maybe it was someone disguised as Cho!" Harry whispered urgently.
"What?" Ron said, "Why?"
"Well I don't know why, but it could be done...remember the Polyjuice Potion?"
"Yes," said Hermione with a shiver. She had had a very bad experience the one time they had all drank that potion. "And I have an idea why, someone was trying to get you to follow them Harry. Someone who knew you liked Cho."
"That means Snape saved you when he pulled you down that alley, good thing he didn't realize that or he'd never let you live it down," said Ron.
"The only people who know I like Cho are you two, Ginny, Fred and George. Unless one of you decided to share the information then I don't know who it could have been."
"Harry, anyone could have seen you ask her to the ball last year, and you do kind of stare off a little when you look at her. You don't need to be brilliant to put it together," Hermione said.
They all stopped talking as the doors banged open and Professor McGonagall walked in with the first-years.
They all watched as the first years were led to the front and sorted into their houses. When McGonagall was just a short way in to calling out the names, they heard her say:
"Chang, Su."
"Is that Cho's sister?" asked Ron.
"They do look very much alike," said Hermione.
They stopped talking when they heard the sorting hat call out:
"Gryffindor!"
"What!" said Harry, Ron and Hermione together. Luckily they were not heard, as the Gryffindor table was busy applauding for Su.
Su came over to the table and sat down. The rest of the sorting went on as usual. When it was finished, Professor McGonagall took the stool and the sorting hat off to the side and Dumbledore stood up.
"I'm sure you're all quite hungry after your long trip here, but first, a few announcements. As you know we had yet another opening for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, and I have been able to have one of your previous instructor's return. Professor Lupin."
Harry was ecstatic! Lupin was returning, this was wonderful! They would once again be able to learn valuable defense spells. He, Ron and Hermione were the only ones who really cheered, however. Most of the students were whispering nervously to one another, they were afraid, as Lupin was a werewolf.
"I know you've all heard about our dear professor being a werewolf and all, but fear not. His transformation is kept under control thanks to our Potions Master, Professor Snape."
Harry was a little shocked to see Snape at the table. He hadn't really bothered to look at any of the instructors when they came in, as he was too busy discussing Cho with Ron and Hermione. He wanted to ask Dumbledore if he had heard from Sirius about Snape in Diagon Alley that day, but it would have to wait.
"Our other vacancy, at least for the first part of the year, is for the Care of Magical Creatures position. May I present to you, Professor Arabella Figg.
"It can't be!" Harry cried.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"She's lived next door to me on Privet Drive since I can remember. The Dursley's would make me stay with her any time they went somewhere. She used to make me listen to her drone on about cats all the time. I can't believe she's a witch!"
They stared at him for a moment and then the three of them began clapping with the rest of the students. Dumbledore then continued on with the rest of the announcements regarding the forest, the trick toys that weren't allowed and the list in Filch's office.
"Now, enjoy the feast!"
All the plates filled with heaps of all of their favorite foods, they ate till they were stuffed and still managed to polish off all of the dessert that appeared. When everything was done they all started to get up and head for their common rooms. Harry, Ron and Hermione stopped when they saw Lupin heading in there direction.
"Remus!" Harry said with delight, "I can't believe you're here, this is wonderful!"
"I'm glad to see you to, all of you, Harry I need to ask you to come with me before you go off to bed. Professor Dumbledore needs to speak with you and so do a few other people."
"Alright, I'll see you later!" Harry said to Ron and Hermione as he walked away.
He walked with Lupin all through the halls to Dumbledore's office.
"Godric," Lupin said, and the wall slip open.
"Godric? Why did he choose...?" Harry started. But he stopped when he saw who was in the office.
"Hello Harry, please sit down," said Dumbledore with a smile.
Harry nodded as he took a seat and looked around the room. Besides Dumbledore, Lupin and himself, there was Snape, McGonagall, Arabella Figg, Sirius and Cornelius Fudge, who was looking skeptically at Harry. He had expected Sirius but not everyone else.
"I heard about you adventure in Diagon Alley," Dumbledore said as he looked back and forth from Harry to Snape, whom Sirius was glaring daggers at.
"Yes sir, it was good of Professor Snape to warn me, but I expected he wouldn't be here. It seemed when we spoke that he was unable to find another way to reach anyone else," Harry said.
"That was the situation yesterday," Dumbledore said, "however, there was a change in plans."
"What do you mean? Whose plans?"
"Voldemort's," came Snape's reply, "He wanted me to come back here so he had someone on the inside. I'm supposed to watch you."
"I'm sure he wants you to do more than just watch him!" Sirius stated in a very icy tone. He was standing now, and shaking with fury. He obviously had no trust for Snape despite the fact the Dumbledore seemed to have nothing but trust for him. "What are you going to do when he tells you to hurt Harry? Or kidnap him or kill him? Will you be able to say no? Or will you give in like the coward you are?"
Snape stared at Sirius with more hatred than he had ever shown towards Harry. He seemed beyond words at the moment but he started to stand.
"Sirius, would you kindly sit down!" Dumbledore said, "You too Severus! We are not here to fight. I do not want to have to spend time watching you two so you won't go at each other. This is most certainly not the time!" he paused a moment and spoke again, slowly, "We have to concentrate all our effort into finding out Voldemort's plan and putting a stop to it."
They both looked at each other with contempt but they sat down.
"Thank you, now Severus, tell us what you know," said Dumbledore.
"As I've said before, I know that something went wrong during Voldemort's rebirth. It doesn't seem like it was an error on Pettigrew's part from what I've been able to find out, but there was an error nonetheless. Voldemort needs Harry back to fix whatever the problem is. I only just found this out the day before yesterday and was unable to uncover more information as I was sent back here soon after."
"We will have to find everything we can about that ritual. Severus obviously will not be able to obtain any more information while he is here. It is doubtful he will be told what's going on at all, except for when it's time to go for Mr. Potter," spoke up Professor McGonagall.
"You may be right Minerva," said Dumbledore, "we can't rule out the possibility that Voldemort is suspicious of Severus." He turned and looked at Snape, "His show of trust for you may be just as much of an act as you are giving to him."
Snape just nodded and stared at the floor, "We must find out soon. The only other thing I know is that his time is limited. He will not wait long to correct whatever error was made and he has followers everywhere. Some of the death eaters with students in this school will be using them as lookouts. Not only watching Harry, but anyone who he spends a lot of time with and me to make sure I will not betray them. They will look for anything that will help Voldemort achieve his goal."
Harry sat back and tried to process all that was being said. All of the teachers were looking out for him but he was feeling more uneasy by the minute. He hadn't counted on one of the threats to him being on the inside, but in truth he really would have to keep an eye out for anyone following him or watching him. The one place he always felt safe now seemed tainted, and he still wasn't sure where Snape really stood, as he would never admit anything bad in front of Dumbledore.
"Harry I think it's time you headed to your common room to get some sleep," Dumbledore's voice interrupted his thoughts, "I just needed you to be aware of who knows about this, and what the immediate threats are."
"Okay," said Harry, feeling a little dazed. He said goodnight to all of them, went to the doorway and opened it. As he stepped into the hall he realized he never mentioned anything about Cho. He had wanted to talk Dumbledore and Sirius to see if they could offer help as to who the girl he saw actually was. He decided against it at this time as he realized he didn't want Snape to hear of it, he knew that Snape was not going to be any nicer to him in potions as he had to keep up appearances for Malfoy and the other death eaters' kids, telling him he might have saved Harry's life would give him a reason to act even more smug and arrogant. He would tell the others about it tomorrow, now he just needed sleep.
He began walking back towards his common room, unaware that at that very moment, someone was watching him, very closely.
Harry reached the common room and stopped at the painting of the fat lady. She asked for the password and he realized that he had no idea what it was because he left right after the feast with Lupin. He wasn't sure what to do, he had no idea how late it was if anyone would hear him if he tried to call to them. He doubted anyone would be taking any strolls if it were really late. He sighed and started heading back towards Dumbledore's office.
Less than halfway there he heard someone coming down a corridor towards him. He recognized the high-pitched laughter right away, it was Peeves. He ducked down a side corridor quickly as he didn't want to go anywhere near Peeves, there were too many times that he had gotten in trouble because of the ghost's loud mouth and it certainly wasn't going to happen on his first night back. He would just wait for him to pass.
Peeves stopped right near the entrance to the corridor Harry was hiding in. He apparently decided to start making lots of noise by lifting one of the paintings away from the wall, and letting it slam back against it. The painting had quite a few people in it that began screaming at Peeves to stop.
It was now incredibly loud in the hallway and Harry knew that Filch would probably be by to see what all the commotion was. He decided he didn't want to be there for that, as Filch would find some way to give him detention for nothing. He started off down the corridor he was in to find another way around.
After 15 minutes of wandering, Harry found that he was a bit lost. He tried to retrace his steps and was just becoming more confused so he sat down against a wall to think for a moment.
It was utterly silent in the corridor. Harry would have even been happy to hear Peeves if it meant he could find his way out of here. He was just beginning to wonder if he should chance just spending the night here when he heard a noise. He jumped up and looked in the direction it came from, but there was nothing there. He stood there for a long time just staring; when he was just about to sit back down he caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked harder and saw that one of the shadows on the wall was moving ever so slowly. He began to step backwards further down the corridor, keeping pace with the shadowy figure until it picked up speed.
Harry didn't care if he was quiet anymore, he turned and ran. He had no idea where the corridor led but he didn't have a choice; no one knew where he was so no one could help him. When he looked behind him he almost tripped when he saw someone wearing a long black cloak catching up to him. He turned again and put on a burst of speed.
He rounded a corner without looking and crashed right into something, as he scrambled to get up he realized it wasn't a something but a someone.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled, "We have to move! There's someone chasing me..." Harry stopped when he glanced behind him and saw the corridor was empty.
"There was someone chasing me..."
"Did you see who it was?" Sirius asked, clearly looking distressed
"No, they were wearing a black cloak which completely covered them. What are you doing here anyway? Umm...where is here?"
"Here is near the Hufflepuff common room, and I am looking for you, we all are. Dumbledore realized you never received the password after you left and I went out to give it to you. When I couldn't find you, I alerted the others and we went looking for you."
"I was actually on my way back to Dumbledore's office when I had to hide from Peeves. I didn't want detention which Filch would have given me if he found me anywhere near Peeves making trouble."
"Detention is better than dead Harry. Come on, I'll take you back to your common room and tell the others I've found you. I need to speak to Dumbledore about whoever it is that was chasing you."
"Sirius," Harry started as they were walking through the halls, "there's something else I need to tell you. It's about yesterday in Diagon Alley."
"What is it Harry?" said Sirius with concern.
"Remember how I said that before Snape grabbed me I was following Cho? Well on the way here tonight, Ron, Hermione and I were sitting with Cho in our carriage. I told her that I had seen her in Diagon Alley, but she said she hadn't been there for over a week. I have been thinking a lot about this and I am POSITIVE it was her!" Harry said quickly.
Sirius was silent for a moment.
"Well if you're positive it was her, could she be lying to you?" Sirius asked.
"I don't see what reason she would have to lie, but I think it was someone pretending to be Cho, trying to get me to follow them. I know you can use Polyjuice Potion to look exactly like someone else so it is a possibility..." Harry trailed off
"Maybe that someone was the person chasing you tonight," Sirius said more to himself than Harry. "Why didn't you say something...?" he started, "Oh," he said as he realized, "You didn't want to say anything in front of Snape. Well I wouldn't either, but I wish you'd told me before now, oh well you're okay so it doesn't really matter."
They stopped talking then as they were in view of the painting of the fat lady and Dumbledore was standing in front of her. The other instructor's were standing nearby as well.
"Sirius!! Thank goodness you've found him!" came Professor McGonagall's voice. "Where were you Harry?"
"I'll explain what happened," said Sirius, "Harry needs some rest before classes tomorrow."
"I agree," said Dumbledore. "I'll meet all of you back in my office."
The instructors started away in that direction and Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"The password is "Phoenix," Dumbledore said to Harry, "I will want to speak to you more tomorrow about this evening, but for now I will find out what I can from Sirius. This could be a very trying year for all of us, you especially. I need you to be cautious in every decision you make as you know it is not completely safe for you anywhere right now."
They each said goodnight and Harry went through into the common room. He found Ron and Hermione asleep on the chairs near the fireplace. They had tried to wait up for him but it was just too late for them to stay awake. He went over to Ron first and shook him awake.
"Ron," he said softly, "come upstairs, it's very late."
Ron looked around groggily and slowly sat up. He looked around for a minute and then he looked up at Harry. Suddenly he remembered why he was there.
"Where have you been?! Why would they keep you up so late? Is everything okay?" He started asking quickly. The noise he was making woke up Hermione and soon she was badgering Harry about his whereabouts as well.
"Listen it is very late. I am okay and I promise I will explain everything I know tomorrow, but if I don't get some sleep then I'm going to start my first day of classes snoring. Please let's just go to sleep?" he pleaded with them.
They agreed to wait and went upstairs to their rooms.
Harry called good night to Ron as he crawled into his four-poster. He was asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
The next morning Harry found it very hard to get going. He felt as if he'd had an hour of sleep at most and literally had to drag himself down to the great hall for breakfast. Ron and Hermione were a little better off but still very tired.
"Harry you promised to tell us about last night," Hermione said after they found seats.
Harry, who was dozing off in his seat, jerked his head up when he heard his name.
"Yes, umm...last night. Hermione, I'm not awake enough to think yet! Please give me a little more time. I'll tell you at lunch, please?"
"Fine, but only because I don't want you to leave anything out, your so tired."
"What do we have first?" Ron asked.
"History of Magic," Hermione answered him.
Ron groaned but Harry perked up a bit.
"This makes you happy?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Normally no, but Professor Binns won't care if I sleep through class." Harry said.
"Harry! You can't sleep through class! You might miss something important!" Hermione admonished him.
"Well, take good notes for me then, will you?" he smiled at her.
Hermione heaved a heavy sigh and looked at Harry.
"Just this once and ONLY because I know your lack of sleep wasn't your fault!"
They looked at her in shock. This certainly wasn't the answer they expected.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing...um, thanks!" Harry said quickly.
History of Magic was the same as always and Harry really did get to nap through most of it. Whenever Professor Binns would look in Harry's direction often, Ron would nudge him in the ribs so he could look like he was listening.
When the class was over, they had Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Harry was a little more rested and able to pay more attention. Professor Sprout was also nowhere near as boring as Professor Binns so that helped a great deal.
Finally it was lunchtime and the three friends made their way back to the great hall. When they were seated Hermione and Ron immediately looked at Harry and asked him to tell them about the previous night. So Harry told them everything from when he left the table with Lupin after the feast until he woke them up last night. When he was done the looked at him for a moment, and Harry realized they were afraid.
"Harry this is worse than I imagined!" Hermione said in despair.
"That person who chased you last night probably has friends!" Ron put in.
"Well I don't intend on getting lost in the corridors again, and we don't know that he has anyone with him. We don't even know if he's still in the castle!" Harry said firmly.
Hermione looked at him with her disapproving glare that Harry had come to know so well.
"We can't take this lightly, no making assumptions. We have to use every fact we know to stay safe," she said with conviction.
"What we have to do is get going," said Ron, "lunch is over and we have to get to class."
"What do we have now?" Harry asked.
"Care of Magical Creatures, with that new professor, Arabella Figg."
As they walked out the doors and started down the hill, they saw a lot of the rest of the class already there, but as they got closer they still didn't see Professor Figg.
"I wonder where she is..." Harry started, looking around.
"Looking for your precious giant, Potter?" came a drawling voice from behind them.
They spun around to see none other than Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.
"I think it's wonderful he was finally sacked! Now maybe we can learn something in class rather than getting attacked by that great oafs stupid beasts!" Malfoy went on.
"It was your own fault you were attacked, Malfoy!" Harry began, "And Hagrid wasn't fired, he's..."
Just then he was interrupted as someone called to them:
"Could you all please come around back here, then we can begin class!"
They walked around to the other side of the hut and saw Professor Figg standing there with many cages around her. Harry was trying to get a closer look at what was in them when Ron jumped back in horror next to him.
"Spiders! Why are we studying spiders? There's nothing magical about them, unless...they're not Acromantula, are they?" All the color had completely drained from his face and he appeared to be ready to faint. Nearby, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were laughing silently.
No they aren't spiders Mr. Weasley. They are Doxy, sometimes called the Biting Fairy. Come take a closer look, but please be careful! They all stepped nearer to a cage and peered inside. Harry could see what looked like a weird hybrid of a spider and a fairy.
"As you can see," Professor Figg went on, "The Doxy have a very similar form to fairies, they are small and human looking. However they are covered in black hair and they have an extra pair of arms and legs. They also have wings which are thick, curved and shiny, much like a beetle's. Doxies are found throughout northern Europe and America, preferring cold climates. They lay up to five hundred eggs at a time and bury them; the eggs then hatch in two to three weeks. Be very cautious though as Doxies also have double rows of sharp, venomous teeth.
Several of the students murmured to each other upon hearing this. They were definitely a little nervous and clearly hoped they didn't have to handle one of these Doxies.
"Don't worry, there is an antidote and I have some here in the event any of you are bitten. However if you do as you are told, you won't need to use it.
The lesson went on and she explained the ways in which they would be caring for the Doxies in groups. They had to make sure the climate was right for them and that their eggs hatched. Harry groaned inwardly knowing that this meant they would be spending several weeks with these poisonous creatures.
When the class ended Harry told Ron and Hermione that he wanted to speak to Professor Figgs. He had some questions he wanted to ask her. They said they would meet him in the common room later and they were off.
Harry turned back to Professor Figgs.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked as he neared her.
"What do you mean?" Professor Figgs replied.
"That you're a witch. I live next to you almost my entire life and you never said a word about it. Why?"
When they arrived at King's Cross they got carts, balanced all their things on them and headed for platforms 9 and 10. They took the barrier in pairs to get through to platform 9 ¾ and started looking for an open carriage. Harry, Ron and Hermione took the farthest one back, Fred and George found Lee Jordan and some other friends to sit with, and Ginny decided to sit with some of the 4th year kids. Sirius was going to get there separately as he didn't want to be seen on the trip, nor spend the whole trip as a dog.
They spent the first part of the trip talking about what spells they hoped to learn and who the DADA teacher was going to be. Hermione couldn't wait to get back to her Arithmancy classes. Harry couldn't wait to play quidditch. He hoped it wouldn't be called off this year; it was the one thing he truly loved and made him feel better than anything.
After the trolley lady passed and they were filled up with sweets, the door to their carriage opened. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle walked in looking very smug.
"I'm surprised you came back Potter, after the way last year ended for you. I would think you would have the decency not to out of respect for Cedric, it being your fault he's dead and all," Malfoy sneered.
Before Harry could say anything Hermione was out of her seat.
"How dare you! You have no idea what you're talking about. I think you better leave now if you know what's good for you," she said pulling out her wand.
"You think I'm afraid of you, mudblood?" Malfoy asked.
"I think you'd better be afraid of all of us," said Ron as he and Harry got up and stood with Hermione. All three of them had their wands out and pointed at their uninvited guests.
"We didn't come to stay anyway," Malfoy said as the three of them backed out into the corridor. They were remembering the train ride home at the end of last year and how long it took for the effects of the hexes and curses to fade. They were all out of the cabin and Harry moved to shut the door when Malfoy called to him.
"Have any good dreams this summer, Potter?"
Then he was off down the corridor leaving Harry stunned.
"How would he know?" he asked aloud.
"Well he is Lucius' son," began Hermione "and he's a death eater, right?"
"I guess I just didn't think that Mr. Malfoy wouldn't want his son advertising this fact just yet." Harry replied.
"Maybe Mr. Malfoy was the person outside your window, Harry!" Ron exclaimed.
"But that would mean Voldemort knows where I live! How could he find out! I need to warn the Dursley's..." Harry trailed off, wondering how to do this.
"I'll just have to send Hedwig, they won't like it but I can't just not try."
"Before you do that, talk to Dumbledore, Harry. He might have a better idea by now of what's going on. He said he had to look into some things last time you spoke with him, right? Let's see what he's found first," Hermione said
"I guess you're right, Hermione."
The rest of the trip was uneventful and soon they arrived at Hogwart's.
When they got off the train they heard someone calling:
"First years students, line up over here please!"
"That's not Hagrid!" said Harry as they all turned to look
"Dumbledore!" cried Ron, "where's Hagrid?"
"Probably still out trying to get the support of all the giants," said Hermione matter-of-factly.
Dumbledore saw them staring and nodded, he collected all the first-years and headed towards the boats. Harry, Ron and Hermione headed for the horse- less carriages. They found an empty one and climbed in, a moment later they heard someone ask:
"Is the last seat taken?"
"No it's n-" Harry began and then stopped abruptly.
Cho Chang was looking in at them.
"No it isn't," Hermione said for him, "would you like to join us?"
"Thank you," she said as she stepped in. She took the empty seat next to Harry.
Harry was very still. He couldn't think of anything to say so he blurted out:
"I saw you in Diagon Alley yesterday."
"Excuse me?" Cho replied.
"Yesterday. I was there to get my school supplies and I saw you there. I tried to catch up to you to say hi but...I...er...got sidetracked," Harry said.
"No, you couldn't have seen me there," Cho started, "I got all of my supplies over a week ago. I wasn't in Diagon Alley yesterday."
Harry didn't know what to say. He knew, he KNEW, that he had seen Cho. He couldn't see why she would lie about it. Everyone was looking at him so he just said:
"Must've been someone else..."
Hermione and Ron were eyeing Cho. They hadn't really seen her as they were already into Madam Malkin's when Harry spotted her but they knew that he would be able to recognize if it weren't her.
The rest of the ride was a bit awkward, as no one knew what to say. They rode in silence until the carriages stopped and everyone got off.
"Bye!" Cho called as she walked off to join some friends, "I hope to talk to you later!"
"I'll bet she does..." Hermione said with a bit of contempt in her voice as they started walking.
"What do you..." Harry started, "you don't think she was lying, do you?"
"You tell me. Did you see her? Is there any chance it could have been someone else?"
Harry thought for a moment. He remembered when he turned and saw her how he was so sure it was her. And right before Snape grabbed him he had definitely been close enough to be sure.
"No. No chance it could have been someone else, not unless she has a twin," Harry replied.
"Then she lied." Hermione said flatly.
They were in the Great Hall now. Everyone took their seats and waited.
Harry was torn. He didn't want to believe Cho would lie to him, couldn't think of a reason she would. He also couldn't see what other explanation there could be. Unless...
"Maybe it was someone disguised as Cho!" Harry whispered urgently.
"What?" Ron said, "Why?"
"Well I don't know why, but it could be done...remember the Polyjuice Potion?"
"Yes," said Hermione with a shiver. She had had a very bad experience the one time they had all drank that potion. "And I have an idea why, someone was trying to get you to follow them Harry. Someone who knew you liked Cho."
"That means Snape saved you when he pulled you down that alley, good thing he didn't realize that or he'd never let you live it down," said Ron.
"The only people who know I like Cho are you two, Ginny, Fred and George. Unless one of you decided to share the information then I don't know who it could have been."
"Harry, anyone could have seen you ask her to the ball last year, and you do kind of stare off a little when you look at her. You don't need to be brilliant to put it together," Hermione said.
They all stopped talking as the doors banged open and Professor McGonagall walked in with the first-years.
They all watched as the first years were led to the front and sorted into their houses. When McGonagall was just a short way in to calling out the names, they heard her say:
"Chang, Su."
"Is that Cho's sister?" asked Ron.
"They do look very much alike," said Hermione.
They stopped talking when they heard the sorting hat call out:
"Gryffindor!"
"What!" said Harry, Ron and Hermione together. Luckily they were not heard, as the Gryffindor table was busy applauding for Su.
Su came over to the table and sat down. The rest of the sorting went on as usual. When it was finished, Professor McGonagall took the stool and the sorting hat off to the side and Dumbledore stood up.
"I'm sure you're all quite hungry after your long trip here, but first, a few announcements. As you know we had yet another opening for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, and I have been able to have one of your previous instructor's return. Professor Lupin."
Harry was ecstatic! Lupin was returning, this was wonderful! They would once again be able to learn valuable defense spells. He, Ron and Hermione were the only ones who really cheered, however. Most of the students were whispering nervously to one another, they were afraid, as Lupin was a werewolf.
"I know you've all heard about our dear professor being a werewolf and all, but fear not. His transformation is kept under control thanks to our Potions Master, Professor Snape."
Harry was a little shocked to see Snape at the table. He hadn't really bothered to look at any of the instructors when they came in, as he was too busy discussing Cho with Ron and Hermione. He wanted to ask Dumbledore if he had heard from Sirius about Snape in Diagon Alley that day, but it would have to wait.
"Our other vacancy, at least for the first part of the year, is for the Care of Magical Creatures position. May I present to you, Professor Arabella Figg.
"It can't be!" Harry cried.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"She's lived next door to me on Privet Drive since I can remember. The Dursley's would make me stay with her any time they went somewhere. She used to make me listen to her drone on about cats all the time. I can't believe she's a witch!"
They stared at him for a moment and then the three of them began clapping with the rest of the students. Dumbledore then continued on with the rest of the announcements regarding the forest, the trick toys that weren't allowed and the list in Filch's office.
"Now, enjoy the feast!"
All the plates filled with heaps of all of their favorite foods, they ate till they were stuffed and still managed to polish off all of the dessert that appeared. When everything was done they all started to get up and head for their common rooms. Harry, Ron and Hermione stopped when they saw Lupin heading in there direction.
"Remus!" Harry said with delight, "I can't believe you're here, this is wonderful!"
"I'm glad to see you to, all of you, Harry I need to ask you to come with me before you go off to bed. Professor Dumbledore needs to speak with you and so do a few other people."
"Alright, I'll see you later!" Harry said to Ron and Hermione as he walked away.
He walked with Lupin all through the halls to Dumbledore's office.
"Godric," Lupin said, and the wall slip open.
"Godric? Why did he choose...?" Harry started. But he stopped when he saw who was in the office.
"Hello Harry, please sit down," said Dumbledore with a smile.
Harry nodded as he took a seat and looked around the room. Besides Dumbledore, Lupin and himself, there was Snape, McGonagall, Arabella Figg, Sirius and Cornelius Fudge, who was looking skeptically at Harry. He had expected Sirius but not everyone else.
"I heard about you adventure in Diagon Alley," Dumbledore said as he looked back and forth from Harry to Snape, whom Sirius was glaring daggers at.
"Yes sir, it was good of Professor Snape to warn me, but I expected he wouldn't be here. It seemed when we spoke that he was unable to find another way to reach anyone else," Harry said.
"That was the situation yesterday," Dumbledore said, "however, there was a change in plans."
"What do you mean? Whose plans?"
"Voldemort's," came Snape's reply, "He wanted me to come back here so he had someone on the inside. I'm supposed to watch you."
"I'm sure he wants you to do more than just watch him!" Sirius stated in a very icy tone. He was standing now, and shaking with fury. He obviously had no trust for Snape despite the fact the Dumbledore seemed to have nothing but trust for him. "What are you going to do when he tells you to hurt Harry? Or kidnap him or kill him? Will you be able to say no? Or will you give in like the coward you are?"
Snape stared at Sirius with more hatred than he had ever shown towards Harry. He seemed beyond words at the moment but he started to stand.
"Sirius, would you kindly sit down!" Dumbledore said, "You too Severus! We are not here to fight. I do not want to have to spend time watching you two so you won't go at each other. This is most certainly not the time!" he paused a moment and spoke again, slowly, "We have to concentrate all our effort into finding out Voldemort's plan and putting a stop to it."
They both looked at each other with contempt but they sat down.
"Thank you, now Severus, tell us what you know," said Dumbledore.
"As I've said before, I know that something went wrong during Voldemort's rebirth. It doesn't seem like it was an error on Pettigrew's part from what I've been able to find out, but there was an error nonetheless. Voldemort needs Harry back to fix whatever the problem is. I only just found this out the day before yesterday and was unable to uncover more information as I was sent back here soon after."
"We will have to find everything we can about that ritual. Severus obviously will not be able to obtain any more information while he is here. It is doubtful he will be told what's going on at all, except for when it's time to go for Mr. Potter," spoke up Professor McGonagall.
"You may be right Minerva," said Dumbledore, "we can't rule out the possibility that Voldemort is suspicious of Severus." He turned and looked at Snape, "His show of trust for you may be just as much of an act as you are giving to him."
Snape just nodded and stared at the floor, "We must find out soon. The only other thing I know is that his time is limited. He will not wait long to correct whatever error was made and he has followers everywhere. Some of the death eaters with students in this school will be using them as lookouts. Not only watching Harry, but anyone who he spends a lot of time with and me to make sure I will not betray them. They will look for anything that will help Voldemort achieve his goal."
Harry sat back and tried to process all that was being said. All of the teachers were looking out for him but he was feeling more uneasy by the minute. He hadn't counted on one of the threats to him being on the inside, but in truth he really would have to keep an eye out for anyone following him or watching him. The one place he always felt safe now seemed tainted, and he still wasn't sure where Snape really stood, as he would never admit anything bad in front of Dumbledore.
"Harry I think it's time you headed to your common room to get some sleep," Dumbledore's voice interrupted his thoughts, "I just needed you to be aware of who knows about this, and what the immediate threats are."
"Okay," said Harry, feeling a little dazed. He said goodnight to all of them, went to the doorway and opened it. As he stepped into the hall he realized he never mentioned anything about Cho. He had wanted to talk Dumbledore and Sirius to see if they could offer help as to who the girl he saw actually was. He decided against it at this time as he realized he didn't want Snape to hear of it, he knew that Snape was not going to be any nicer to him in potions as he had to keep up appearances for Malfoy and the other death eaters' kids, telling him he might have saved Harry's life would give him a reason to act even more smug and arrogant. He would tell the others about it tomorrow, now he just needed sleep.
He began walking back towards his common room, unaware that at that very moment, someone was watching him, very closely.
Harry reached the common room and stopped at the painting of the fat lady. She asked for the password and he realized that he had no idea what it was because he left right after the feast with Lupin. He wasn't sure what to do, he had no idea how late it was if anyone would hear him if he tried to call to them. He doubted anyone would be taking any strolls if it were really late. He sighed and started heading back towards Dumbledore's office.
Less than halfway there he heard someone coming down a corridor towards him. He recognized the high-pitched laughter right away, it was Peeves. He ducked down a side corridor quickly as he didn't want to go anywhere near Peeves, there were too many times that he had gotten in trouble because of the ghost's loud mouth and it certainly wasn't going to happen on his first night back. He would just wait for him to pass.
Peeves stopped right near the entrance to the corridor Harry was hiding in. He apparently decided to start making lots of noise by lifting one of the paintings away from the wall, and letting it slam back against it. The painting had quite a few people in it that began screaming at Peeves to stop.
It was now incredibly loud in the hallway and Harry knew that Filch would probably be by to see what all the commotion was. He decided he didn't want to be there for that, as Filch would find some way to give him detention for nothing. He started off down the corridor he was in to find another way around.
After 15 minutes of wandering, Harry found that he was a bit lost. He tried to retrace his steps and was just becoming more confused so he sat down against a wall to think for a moment.
It was utterly silent in the corridor. Harry would have even been happy to hear Peeves if it meant he could find his way out of here. He was just beginning to wonder if he should chance just spending the night here when he heard a noise. He jumped up and looked in the direction it came from, but there was nothing there. He stood there for a long time just staring; when he was just about to sit back down he caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked harder and saw that one of the shadows on the wall was moving ever so slowly. He began to step backwards further down the corridor, keeping pace with the shadowy figure until it picked up speed.
Harry didn't care if he was quiet anymore, he turned and ran. He had no idea where the corridor led but he didn't have a choice; no one knew where he was so no one could help him. When he looked behind him he almost tripped when he saw someone wearing a long black cloak catching up to him. He turned again and put on a burst of speed.
He rounded a corner without looking and crashed right into something, as he scrambled to get up he realized it wasn't a something but a someone.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled, "We have to move! There's someone chasing me..." Harry stopped when he glanced behind him and saw the corridor was empty.
"There was someone chasing me..."
"Did you see who it was?" Sirius asked, clearly looking distressed
"No, they were wearing a black cloak which completely covered them. What are you doing here anyway? Umm...where is here?"
"Here is near the Hufflepuff common room, and I am looking for you, we all are. Dumbledore realized you never received the password after you left and I went out to give it to you. When I couldn't find you, I alerted the others and we went looking for you."
"I was actually on my way back to Dumbledore's office when I had to hide from Peeves. I didn't want detention which Filch would have given me if he found me anywhere near Peeves making trouble."
"Detention is better than dead Harry. Come on, I'll take you back to your common room and tell the others I've found you. I need to speak to Dumbledore about whoever it is that was chasing you."
"Sirius," Harry started as they were walking through the halls, "there's something else I need to tell you. It's about yesterday in Diagon Alley."
"What is it Harry?" said Sirius with concern.
"Remember how I said that before Snape grabbed me I was following Cho? Well on the way here tonight, Ron, Hermione and I were sitting with Cho in our carriage. I told her that I had seen her in Diagon Alley, but she said she hadn't been there for over a week. I have been thinking a lot about this and I am POSITIVE it was her!" Harry said quickly.
Sirius was silent for a moment.
"Well if you're positive it was her, could she be lying to you?" Sirius asked.
"I don't see what reason she would have to lie, but I think it was someone pretending to be Cho, trying to get me to follow them. I know you can use Polyjuice Potion to look exactly like someone else so it is a possibility..." Harry trailed off
"Maybe that someone was the person chasing you tonight," Sirius said more to himself than Harry. "Why didn't you say something...?" he started, "Oh," he said as he realized, "You didn't want to say anything in front of Snape. Well I wouldn't either, but I wish you'd told me before now, oh well you're okay so it doesn't really matter."
They stopped talking then as they were in view of the painting of the fat lady and Dumbledore was standing in front of her. The other instructor's were standing nearby as well.
"Sirius!! Thank goodness you've found him!" came Professor McGonagall's voice. "Where were you Harry?"
"I'll explain what happened," said Sirius, "Harry needs some rest before classes tomorrow."
"I agree," said Dumbledore. "I'll meet all of you back in my office."
The instructors started away in that direction and Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"The password is "Phoenix," Dumbledore said to Harry, "I will want to speak to you more tomorrow about this evening, but for now I will find out what I can from Sirius. This could be a very trying year for all of us, you especially. I need you to be cautious in every decision you make as you know it is not completely safe for you anywhere right now."
They each said goodnight and Harry went through into the common room. He found Ron and Hermione asleep on the chairs near the fireplace. They had tried to wait up for him but it was just too late for them to stay awake. He went over to Ron first and shook him awake.
"Ron," he said softly, "come upstairs, it's very late."
Ron looked around groggily and slowly sat up. He looked around for a minute and then he looked up at Harry. Suddenly he remembered why he was there.
"Where have you been?! Why would they keep you up so late? Is everything okay?" He started asking quickly. The noise he was making woke up Hermione and soon she was badgering Harry about his whereabouts as well.
"Listen it is very late. I am okay and I promise I will explain everything I know tomorrow, but if I don't get some sleep then I'm going to start my first day of classes snoring. Please let's just go to sleep?" he pleaded with them.
They agreed to wait and went upstairs to their rooms.
Harry called good night to Ron as he crawled into his four-poster. He was asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
The next morning Harry found it very hard to get going. He felt as if he'd had an hour of sleep at most and literally had to drag himself down to the great hall for breakfast. Ron and Hermione were a little better off but still very tired.
"Harry you promised to tell us about last night," Hermione said after they found seats.
Harry, who was dozing off in his seat, jerked his head up when he heard his name.
"Yes, umm...last night. Hermione, I'm not awake enough to think yet! Please give me a little more time. I'll tell you at lunch, please?"
"Fine, but only because I don't want you to leave anything out, your so tired."
"What do we have first?" Ron asked.
"History of Magic," Hermione answered him.
Ron groaned but Harry perked up a bit.
"This makes you happy?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Normally no, but Professor Binns won't care if I sleep through class." Harry said.
"Harry! You can't sleep through class! You might miss something important!" Hermione admonished him.
"Well, take good notes for me then, will you?" he smiled at her.
Hermione heaved a heavy sigh and looked at Harry.
"Just this once and ONLY because I know your lack of sleep wasn't your fault!"
They looked at her in shock. This certainly wasn't the answer they expected.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing...um, thanks!" Harry said quickly.
History of Magic was the same as always and Harry really did get to nap through most of it. Whenever Professor Binns would look in Harry's direction often, Ron would nudge him in the ribs so he could look like he was listening.
When the class was over, they had Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Harry was a little more rested and able to pay more attention. Professor Sprout was also nowhere near as boring as Professor Binns so that helped a great deal.
Finally it was lunchtime and the three friends made their way back to the great hall. When they were seated Hermione and Ron immediately looked at Harry and asked him to tell them about the previous night. So Harry told them everything from when he left the table with Lupin after the feast until he woke them up last night. When he was done the looked at him for a moment, and Harry realized they were afraid.
"Harry this is worse than I imagined!" Hermione said in despair.
"That person who chased you last night probably has friends!" Ron put in.
"Well I don't intend on getting lost in the corridors again, and we don't know that he has anyone with him. We don't even know if he's still in the castle!" Harry said firmly.
Hermione looked at him with her disapproving glare that Harry had come to know so well.
"We can't take this lightly, no making assumptions. We have to use every fact we know to stay safe," she said with conviction.
"What we have to do is get going," said Ron, "lunch is over and we have to get to class."
"What do we have now?" Harry asked.
"Care of Magical Creatures, with that new professor, Arabella Figg."
As they walked out the doors and started down the hill, they saw a lot of the rest of the class already there, but as they got closer they still didn't see Professor Figg.
"I wonder where she is..." Harry started, looking around.
"Looking for your precious giant, Potter?" came a drawling voice from behind them.
They spun around to see none other than Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.
"I think it's wonderful he was finally sacked! Now maybe we can learn something in class rather than getting attacked by that great oafs stupid beasts!" Malfoy went on.
"It was your own fault you were attacked, Malfoy!" Harry began, "And Hagrid wasn't fired, he's..."
Just then he was interrupted as someone called to them:
"Could you all please come around back here, then we can begin class!"
They walked around to the other side of the hut and saw Professor Figg standing there with many cages around her. Harry was trying to get a closer look at what was in them when Ron jumped back in horror next to him.
"Spiders! Why are we studying spiders? There's nothing magical about them, unless...they're not Acromantula, are they?" All the color had completely drained from his face and he appeared to be ready to faint. Nearby, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were laughing silently.
No they aren't spiders Mr. Weasley. They are Doxy, sometimes called the Biting Fairy. Come take a closer look, but please be careful! They all stepped nearer to a cage and peered inside. Harry could see what looked like a weird hybrid of a spider and a fairy.
"As you can see," Professor Figg went on, "The Doxy have a very similar form to fairies, they are small and human looking. However they are covered in black hair and they have an extra pair of arms and legs. They also have wings which are thick, curved and shiny, much like a beetle's. Doxies are found throughout northern Europe and America, preferring cold climates. They lay up to five hundred eggs at a time and bury them; the eggs then hatch in two to three weeks. Be very cautious though as Doxies also have double rows of sharp, venomous teeth.
Several of the students murmured to each other upon hearing this. They were definitely a little nervous and clearly hoped they didn't have to handle one of these Doxies.
"Don't worry, there is an antidote and I have some here in the event any of you are bitten. However if you do as you are told, you won't need to use it.
The lesson went on and she explained the ways in which they would be caring for the Doxies in groups. They had to make sure the climate was right for them and that their eggs hatched. Harry groaned inwardly knowing that this meant they would be spending several weeks with these poisonous creatures.
When the class ended Harry told Ron and Hermione that he wanted to speak to Professor Figgs. He had some questions he wanted to ask her. They said they would meet him in the common room later and they were off.
Harry turned back to Professor Figgs.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked as he neared her.
"What do you mean?" Professor Figgs replied.
"That you're a witch. I live next to you almost my entire life and you never said a word about it. Why?"
