A/N: This is where the ball really starts rolling. Well, just wanted to tell you that. Lights, Camera, Action.

Chapter 3: Back Home

As soon as the trio set foot on the steps of Hogwarts a sharp, crisp voice rang out through the air.

"Weasley! Get yourself up to my office now! What are you standing there for? Get a move on! Keep moving Potter. Yes, you too Miss Granger!" Professor McGonagoll called over the crowd of students.

"What do you think she needs Ron for?" Hermione asked Harry worriedly as they stepped into the Great Hall.

"No clue. Probably going to talk to him about being Quidditch Captain. No need to worry I'm sure." Harry said soothingly noticing Hermione's sudden edge. She always got worried for no apparent reason but usually her instincts were right on.

"So what's up Professor McGonagoll?" asked Ron a little impatiently because he was missing the Start-of-Term Feast.

"Be patient Mr. Weasley. We need to wait for Professor Dumbledore." she said as she stared out into the corridor waiting for Dumbledore. After a really long time(Ron lost count after a half hour) Dumbedore came striding in.

"Ah, Mr. Weasley I'm glad to see you're well. I'm sorry I kept you but I had to stay until the end of the feast." Dumbledore told him.

"Are you serious? I missed the feast? But I'm hungry and my cousin was coming to Hogwarts this year! I wanted to see her sorted! What the hell is this all about anyways!" Ron said with obvious agitation.

"Yes I am serious. Yes, unfortunately you did miss the feast. Your cousin was sorted into Gryffindor like everyone in your close and extended family has been. And we will come to that once you sit down and get comfortable. Why don't you have some food that was brought up from the kitchens before we begin?" Dumbledore said with a hint of amusement.

"Where do you think he is? it is getting late! He missed the feast completely!" the complete wreck that was Hermione asked Harry.

"Don't worry about him go to bed. You need rest. We're starting lessons tomorrow. I'm tired. I want to go to bed too but you're forcing me to stay. Please Hermione. I beg of you." Harry begged Hermione.

"No! We have to wait! I want to know why he missed the feast and still is missing!" shrilled Hermione.

"But-" Harry started but was cut off by the portrait hole opening. "Ron! Thank god! Now I can go to bed!" Harry started up the stairs to boy's dorms but Hermione grabbed him by the sleeve and threw him back into an armchair.

"You sit! I want to know what kept you Ronald! Nothing silly like Quidditch captain duties and such could keep you gone so long. So what is the deal?" Hermione asked.

Ron did his best to look deeply offended at the quidditch comment before answering them. "How could you say Quidditch is silly? And don't go on about that house unity malarchy. Don't answer because I want to tell you guys what happened and I don't feel like arguing with you. So here is what happened..."

A/N: I know I promised 2 chapters today but will I? I kind of want to leave you hanging. I'm just evil like that. I guess I won't or will I? mwuahahahaha!