Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Fighting Sword

Chapter 2: New Year

--oo00oo—

Harry stepped out of the black taxicab in front of London's King's Cross station. He was Lucky he had managed to finish his shopping trip in muggle London as early as he did, otherwise he would have surly have missed the Hogwarts express; as it was he was heading for platform nine and three quarters as quickly as he could without drawing attention towards himself; the last thing he needed was to attract the attention of the wizarding press that was sure to be buzzing around somewhere.

The press never got tired of looking for an interesting story, even if that story had been missing for a summer.

Fortunately, Harry knew, his friends were every bit as stubborn, if not more so, as the press and they would be standing, waiting for him by the Hogwarts express probably refusing to get onto the train until the very last moment. He hoped they didn't waste their entire summer worrying over him.

Passing the barrier without any problems he gave the platform a quick search to find the familiar faces he was looking for and noticed the platform was even more crowded then he'd seen it before. Aside from the surprising amount of ministry guards standing watch everywhere, there were also large groups of order members making sure everyone got onto the train safely. Realizing that he was staring Harry headed for the train, keeping his eyes open and his head down. He was halfway to the train before he saw a patch of read hair a good half a foot above a handful of other read haired people in the madness; he headed their way.

Over the summer the youngest Weasley male had somehow managed to grow a good four inches to his already impressive height making him the tallest in the group and none of his brothers could come close to his height. But even with the advantage of his height he wasn't the first Weasley to notice him heading in there direction. It was the second oldest Charlie that was the first to notice Harry. Not wasting anytime telling his family, he started waving and shouting for Harry to hurry because the train would be leaving shortly.

Harry smiled as Ron noticed him and started waving at him enthusiastically, nearly elbowing his mother atop the head before Hermione gave him a good whack across the back of the head. Waving back Harry jogged over and gave his friends and the closest thing he had to family hugs thanking them for waiting for him even after a full summer without contact. All of them were happy to see him.

"Come along all of you onto the train now, we don't want to miss it, you to Harry dear. Even with the extra carts it's going to be crowded on the train this year. I'm just grateful that the grangers were kind enough to find a cart for all of us and hold it with bill and the twins." Molly, being the mother of seven children had no problem keeping them in line as she guided the group forwards onto the train and through it until they were at the very back. "Now everyone, make yourselves comfortable it's going to be a long ride."

"Miss Weasley, why are there so many people who are not students at Hogwarts getting onto the train?"

"The dark lord's rain of terror has returned and Albus has decided that anyone who needed protection could come to Hogwarts. Now Harry, do you have any idea how scared we all were not knowing were you where. We all love you so much and we couldn't do anything to protect you. What happened Harry? What made you leave the safety of your aunts and uncles?"

"It wasn't much. My Uncle was upset because he lost his job and he blamed me and I was scared so I left." He looked straight into Miss Weasley's eyes praying that she would leave it alone, he didn't want to tell her what his uncle was about to do and would have done if his aunt hadn't come home. And he really didn't want to lie to her about where he was.

"Okay Harry, I trust you, and I trust that you would tell us anything important or anything that might endanger you. Now tell me Harry, have you been eating enough, you haven't grown much at all. You're still as small as a third year and much to thin." Molly Weasley, the mother hen that she was towards him always notice the little details that were proof of a life of neglect he had lived until the day he started Hogwarts.

"It's okay Miss Weasley, not everyone can grow like Ron here. I'm probably just a late bloomer." Trying to reassure the mother of seven children that he wasn't starving wasn't an easy thing to do, especially since he was starved for most of his life. "And I'm not thin, I'm lean, there's a difference." During his training Harry learnt that sometimes to escape something you didn't want you had to do something you didn't want to do and using the red haired woman's fear of hurting him hurt

"Okay Harry, just make sure you eat enough, take care of your self. Don't let those Slytherins bully you. Don't get into any fights. And please Harry don't go chasing after any type of trouble like you normally do it's getting far too dangerous out there."

"Yes Miss Weasley. But normal trouble finds me." He couldn't help but sigh, why did everyone think he looked for trouble? Even in the training camp he was told to stop looking for trouble. It wasn't something he had control over; trouble was just one of those things that just sort of happened around him.

"Even so, do what you can to avoid it Harry dear."

--oo00oo--

The bright red steam engine was well on its way before the twelve people managed to settle themselves within the extended compartment and even then it was still complete chaos. There was only just enough room for all of them on the benches and that was with Ginny sitting atop her oldest brother's lap. The twins were trying to scare the grangers. Molly was trying to convince her oldest to cut his hair. Ginny was trying to defend her brother. Hermione was trying to reassure her parents that Hogwarts was perfectly safe. Charley Ron and Percy were arguing over the ministry's decision to cut the research into dragons.

All conversation stopped and more then just a few wands were drawn when the compartment's doors opened reveling Neville and Luna. "Hi guy's, is there any room for three more? My grandmother is around somewhere, probably looking for me."

"Of coarse Neville, there is always room for more, just make yourselves comfortable." Miss Weasley smiled brightly welcoming in the two new students before noticing the problem with seating everyone. Without being asked or prompted to, the twins along with Bill and Charlie moved to the floor offering the newcomers their seats.

Everyone was again settled and had started up their various conversations when again the compartment's doors opened again revealing an older woman in dark green wool robes and a fox-fur scarf. She also held a large red handbag in one hand and a distinctive hat topped with a stuffed vulture in her other. Neville's grandmother had arrived.

She stood tall and proud, barely moving as she surveyed the room. Having multiple wands pointed at her didn't faze her in the slightest. Noticing Neville she turned to him and with an extremely firm voice that he was doing a incredibly good job at trying to end up like his parents or died.

What was surprising was when Neville didn't even twitch or blink when his parents were menchend instead he looked straight into his grandmother's eyes and said, with a voice just as firm, "I wasn't in any danger. I've been surrounded the entire time by people who are sworn to protect me as a student of Hogwarts and once getting onto the train I headed straight here with Luna where again I am well protected." After a few moments of silence Neville continued with a much lighter tone "Would you like to join us, we left you a place to sit beside me." Once Augusta, Neville's grandmother, was sitting Neville turned back to Luna and continued his conversation about some rare and exotic plant that was most likely extinct.

It took everyone else a little longer to go back to their conversations.

The train half way to Hogsmeade before Harry asked the oldest Weasley boy what all happened during the summer while he was away. It took nearly the rest of the trip for everyone to fill him in on the happenings of the wizarding world. It was far worse than Harry could imagine. The year Voldemort had without having to worry about the ministry was enough to reform his army. He was now believed to be even stronger then he was before Harry had defeated him in Godric's Hollow when he was only a year old. They were sure that during his time as a none-caporal being Voldemort must have continued his search for immortality and power because he was now capable of things he wasn't capable of before. Some things he was now capable of no one heard of before.

Voldemort had started attacking muggles all over England, whole schools burned to the ground and major government building destroyed by the monster. The death toll was in the hundred of thousands and so far, there was nothing they could do but pick up the pieces after. The barrow was destroyed and Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place was no longer safe.

The wizarding would was panicking and families were tarring themselves apart. Children were betraying their parents; parents were locking their children up in the name of safety. Friends were killing each other in fear and anger when the other wouldn't take their side of the war. Children were being found locked in hiding closets and passages, their parents splattered across every possible surface in the house's they were found in.

The war had started and they were not ready for it.

--oo00oo—

It seemed like forever before the train slowed and then finally stopped allowing the fifteen occupants of the last compartment in the rear of the train out of the cramped space. Before anyone was able to stand Molly told everyone to sit back down and to allow Bill and Charlie to make sure it was safe to leave. Once Bill gave the all clear everyone made their way out of the train. Molly making sure everyone stayed within the safety of the group.

Once off the train they spit up into three groups of five and climbed into the thestral pulled carriages. Harry was sharing a carriage with the three Grangers and Bill Weasley. The Grangers were obviously amazed at the sights that were surrounding them as the cart was pulled forward. The castle could not yet be seen through the thick woods all around them and the large stone wall but once they turned the last corner and entered the gates there was a loud gasp of wonder and delight at the magnificent sight in front of them. Perched atop a mountain on the other side of a dark lake was the castle in all its amazing glory.

"There's home." Even Harry couldn't keep the wonder out of his voice as he smiled. Nothing could compare to coming back to Hogwarts after being away for so long. Nothing could compare to Hogwarts.

"This is where you go to school honey." Hermione's father didn't even look down at her when he asked.

"Yeah dad, this is it. Isn't it just wonderful?" she smiled.

It didn't take long for the carriage to stop in front of the castle were students, family and first years were all being split up and led into the school. Harry and Hermione joined with Ginny Neville and Luna as they headed into the grate hall behind McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. Once they were in the grate hall it was obvious that Hogwarts had changed to accommodate the additional people who would be living there.

There were still the four house tables and the head table at the front of the great hall but on the opposite end of the hall to the grate table was another long table where the families that would be staying at Hogwarts were now sitting.

Shortly after sitting down the first years were brought in and were now standing in front of the high table looking as nerves as first years always looked. Scanning the group of new students Harry noticed someone that looked vaguely familiar. He had short purple hair that was spiked up in an odd direction and long dangling earrings with a scull at each of the ends. When he turned to face Harry he realized who it was immediately. Even with the dark make-up around the eyes, the pasty white skin and black lips, he would always remember the young boy who was never afraid to stand up to anyone, including his cozen Duggly.

"Hey, look at that kid." Ron said tapping Harry on the arm and pointing towards the group of first years. "Doesn't he look funny?"

"That's because he's a punk, or something. I wonder what house he'll end up in. Where do you think the sorting hat's going to place him?" Hermione turned to the others in their group after giving the first year Ron had pointed out a good look. "I think he's going to end up in Slytherin. "

"Gryffindor, no other house will do for him." He was sure that anyone that small that would stand up to the whale he had for a cousin, especially after Dudley had become a boxer, was going to end up in Gryffindor.

The hall silenced as the first years lined up and McGonagall placed the stool in front of them.

Everyone watched as the sorting hat's brim opened wide like a mouth. Everyone waited for the new song but it wasn't a new song it was the same one as the year before.

In times of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
The founders of our noble School
Thought never to be parted:
United but a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning
"Together we will build and teach!"
The four good friends decided
And never did they dream that they
Might someday be divided,
For were there such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why I was there and so can tell
The whole sad sorry tale
Said Slytherin "We'll tech just those whose ancestry is purest
Said Ravenclaw We'll teach all those whose
Intelligence is surest
Said Gryffindor "We'll teach all those with brave deeds to their name
Said Hufflepuff I'll tech the lot
And treat them just the same
These differences cased little strife
When first they came to light
For each of the four founders had
A House in which the might
Take only those they wanted so
For instance Slytherin
Took only pure blood wizards
Of great cunning just like him
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daring Gryffindor
Good Hufflepuff she took the rest
And taught them all she knew
Thus the Houses and their founders
Retained friendships firm and true
So Hogwarts worked in harmony
For several happy years
But then discard crept among us
Feeding on our faults and fears
The Houses that like pillars four
Had one held up our School
Now turned upon each other and
Divided sought to rule
And for a while it seemed the School
Must meet an early end
What with duelling and with fighting
And clash of friend on friend
And at last there came a morning
When old Slytherin departed
And though the fighting then died out
He left us quite downhearted
And never since the founders four
Were whittled down to three
Have the houses been united
As they once were meant to be
And bow the sorting hat is here
And you all know the score
I sort you into Houses
Because that is what I'm for
But this year I'll go further
Listen closely to my song
Thought condemned I am to slit you
Still I worry that it's wrong
Though I must fulfil my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear
Oh know the perils read the signs
The warning history shows
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external deadly foes
And we must unite insider her
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you I have warned you
Let the sorting now begin

"Wasn't that the same as the year before?" Neville asked confused turning to Hermione who had pulled out Hogwarts: A History.

"Yes it was. Exactly the same." She was flipping through the pages quickly searching the book desperately looking for some information on the topic.

"Has the sorting hat ever done something like that before?" Harry asked, sure of the answer already.

"No. Never." Hermione said looking at everyone else at the table.

"Think we should take its advice?" Harry asked not bothering to take his eyes of off the ceremony

"Yes. I think we need to. We should talk more about it latter or McGonagall is going to start taking points."

Professor McGonagall satisfied with the silence lowered her eyes to the parchment she was holding.

"Beniot, Jason

A short stubby first year stepped forward and placed the hat on his head. It took only a few seconds before the Rip near the brim opened and shouted out "Ravenclaw!"

Slowly the crowed of first years was cut nearly in half before the name Mark Evins was called out.

Every one started to whisper as the first year walked confidently up to the stool and sat down, allowing McGonagall to place the hat on his head. Everyone seemed surprised when the rip opened and shouted "Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table seemed to clap louder then ever while Mark made his way to a seat at the table a little ways away from Harry and his friends.

Everyone quietly watched the sorting ceremony, only clapping when someone was sorted. Once the last had been sorted Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, stood.

"Welcome students and guests, New and old to another year at Hogwarts" everyone in the hall seemed to relax instantly once the Headmaster had spoken. "We have much to cover before you go to bed but first let's fill our empty tummies!"

The outbreak of applause wasn't as strong as it usually was even with all the extra people and it didn't take a genius to figure out why. There was a war going on out side the school and for the last two months most of the students had to deal with the issues that come with living during wartime.

"Harry Potter?" hearing his name Harry turned to face Mark "I thought you whet to St. Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys; what are you doing here?"

"I'm not a criminal; I'm a wizard, like you."

"Dad said you probably were but I didn't believe him." Mark replied before turning to the feast in front of him. I think I'm going to like it here."

Once every one had finished eating and the noise level had become impossibly loud Dumbledore stood. The noise went down immediately and everyone turned to look at Dumbledore; waiting for his warnings and speech.

"Now for the usual start-of-term notice, the forbidden forest is forbidden No student should be caught wandering to near it there are things in it that will enjoy having you for dinner. Magic is NOT permitted in corridors between classes.

There was some clapping mixed in with the confused murmurs through the hall before the headmaster continued. "Now for the new notices, Quiditch will continue until we feel it's become too dangerous. The punishments for breaking the rules will be fully reinforced. No one is to be outside after supper and everyone must be in his or her dormitory before eight. I also suggest that you travel in groups, especially the younger years. I wish you all a good night. First years fallow the prefects they will lead you to your rooms."

The hall broke out into a loud uproar of noise as perfects collected all the first years and started to head out to their respective houses.

--oo00oo—

Once the sixth year boys along with Hermione and Ginny were all within the boy's dorm, the boys started putting up their various posters and pulling out their favorite teddy's or blankets while the girls made themselves comfortable. Shockingly Neville was the first one to speak. "Professor Dumbledore has asked just about every member of the DA into his office for tea. Apparently he has been trying to find out more about what we did and how we met but because of what happened when that sneak told Umbrige nobody has spoken about it, not even to him

"Also, because what happened at the end of last year Dumbledore has decided that we five and Luna should be aloud into the order as miner members; although I don't think they will be able to keep up the allusion that we are minor members for ever," Hermione continued excitedly, proud that her idea's work as well as they had.

"And fudge is no longer in office but unfortunately he got replaced by a copy of himself" Ron continued

"Copy?"

"This new guy is exactly like Fudge when it comes to running the wizarding world and what ever you do Harry, stay away from him."

"But that's enough of our summer; what happened in yours?"

"Yeah mate what happened? You just disappeared on us."

Harry cast three separate silencing spells. Only one Hermione recognized and a very powerful locking charm on the door and window.

"This can not leave you two." After Ron and Hermione nodded Harry continued. "I ran away from the Dursley's and found an Elvin portkey that transported me to a mage training ground."

"Nice one Harry"

"It's the truth"

"You can use magic from other races?"

"Yes and a mage is more then just a person that can use the magic of another race. Tonks is a Metamorphmagus, which is actually non-human magic and she isn't a mage. I can't tell you much else. Sorry guys. You're my best mates and I would tell you everything if I could. As it is there is so much I want to tell you so many funny things that happened but I can't I'm sorry."

It's okay harry. We should head to be we'll have a busy day tomarow