A short man in a cloak was racing to a cottage. He was nearly out of breath, but he kept running. Finally, he reached the cottage. He slowly opened the door, panting.

"My-my lord. I — I have news," he said, his voice squeaking. There was a large chair, in front of the fireplace, and a tall, thin, pale figure was sitting in it. Next to him was a huge snake. It looked up at the man and hissed.

"What is it, Wormtail? How is our plan going?" The voice was high-pitched, and cold, but male.

"F-Fine my lord. We have the perfect plan — "

"Of course we do, Wormtail!" the man in the chair interrupted. "I wouldn't expect any less…but what are you not telling me, Wormtail? What are you hiding from me? Nagini has not been fed in the longest time, and she is very hungry. Surely you wouldn't care for me to feed you to her, would you?"

"W-well, someone besides Dumbledore may be looking out for Harry this year…" Wormtail whimpered, backing away from the huge snake.

"Who?"

"An old friend of his mother."

The figure rose. It was Voldemort. "An old friend of Lily's? Yes… I see. However, I'll bet she does as good a job watching over Harry as she did watching over his mother. She won't be a threat. However, if she becomes one, we'll take matters into our own hands. But don't worry, Wormtail. I believe that no one will be able to rescue Harry after we kidnap those two close to him. It is certain we will not fail. Harry will come, and I will finally be able to finish what I set out to do fourteen years ago, and kill Harry Potter."

Harry jolted awake, panting. His scar burned, even more painful than usual. He gasped for breath, and looked wildly around. Everything was dark — but he was safe in Ron's house. His breathing slowly returned to normal, but Harry couldn't sleep. After grabbing his glasses, he picked up his mother's diary, and snuck out into the hallway. He managed to find enough light and read.

"Harry!"

Harry looked up, and saw Hermione, in her pink bathrobe, looking worryingly down at Harry. Crookshanks was in her arms.

"What are you doing here, Harry? It's very late," said Hermione.

"You're up too," said Harry. "And anyway, I can't sleep. I… I had a nightmare."

"About You-Know-Who?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," said Harry. He knew that this would upset Hermione, but he also knew that Hermione sensed that the dream was about Voldemort anyway. Harry told Hermione about the dream he'd had, and she listened silently. Finally, when he was finished, she still did not say anything for a minute or two.

"Harry, I don't know what to say, except that he's never succeeded before."

"He's never been this strong before though," Harry reminded her.

"Well, even if he does try something, Harry, don't forget you've got tough allies. Don't forget Dumbledore. Also, there's Sirius, and…" she hesitated, "me." Harry nodded. "Well, goodnight, Harry." She got up, and went back to her room. Harry went on reading, and fell asleep on the floor.

"Harry — Harry!"

Harry opened his eyes blearily. He felt around for his glasses, found them, and quickly put them on. Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny were standing around Harry, looking nervously at one another, all still in their pajamas.

"What? What's wrong?" asked Harry.

"Nothing — just — what are you doing sleeping out here, in the hall?" Fred asked.

"Heard a noise," Harry lied quickly, standing up hurriedly. Ron followed Harry back into the room and shut the door behind them.

"What really happened, Harry? You haven't been sleeping well…" said Ron, eyeing Harry.

"Nothing — I just can't sleep," said Harry, changing quickly. "Don't worry about me."

"All right," said Ron.

They both got dressed and headed downstairs to a wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

After breakfast everyone was ready to go to Diagon Alley. They all had received their letters from Hogwarts, which listed the school supplies they would need, and they had to go to Diagon Alley to buy everything they needed for the coming school year. They had to travel by Floo Powder, which Harry didn't like.

Mrs. Weasley started a huge fire in the fireplace, and handed everyone pinches of Floo Powder, which they threw on the fire. Harry took a pinch for himself, after safely putting his glasses in his pocket, and threw it on the fire. He stepped in, and yelled, "Diagon Alley!" He began spinning wildly, but eventually stopped, and stepped out in the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron, a wizarding pub in London.

The innkeeper, Tom, noticed Harry, who was soon joined by the rest of the Weasleys (except Percy) and Hermione. "Hello! Here for school supplies?" asked Tom, smiling.

"Yeah," Harry answered. He, Hermione, and the Weasleys all moved quickly to the brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldron, and tapped the third brick on the left, which then provided a large archway into Diagon Alley, a long street of wizard shops.

The first stop was Gringotts, a bank for wizards that was run by Goblins. They all climbed into a tiny black car, and stopped at both the Weasleys and Harry's vaults. After their moneybags had been refilled, the children were allowed to roam the shops together, while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley followed. The first stop was the Apothecary, for refills of supplies for Potions. Then, they went to Madame Malkin's Robes For All Occasions, and Harry and Hermione replaced their Hogwarts robes.

As they were walking towards Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore, Harry saw Dean Thomas, another Gryffindor, along with his best friend with sandy-colored hair, Seamus Finnigan.

"Hiya, Harry, Ron, Hermione!" said Seamus.

"Having a good summer?" asked Dean.

"Pretty good," said Harry. "Want to pick up your things with us?"

"Sure," said Seamus and Dean together.

They all stepped into Flourish and Blotts and went up to the counter.

The clerk behind the desk smiled, and greeted them. "Hello! Hogwarts students, no doubt? What do you need?"

Harry went first. "I'll need the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5, Recognizing Danger…" Harry read off the books listed in his Hogwarts letter, and the clerk got the books as Harry called them off.

Once Harry had finished, his stack was on the counter. He paid the clerk, and stepped back. Once everyone else had brought their books, it was time to go for ice cream.

Harry walked beside Ron and Hermione, and followed them. As they were walking, a young girl, dressed in a dark green cloak, came rushing by, and knocked into Harry, making them both fall and say, "Ouch!"

The young girl got to her feet immediately, and bit her lip. "I'm really sorry…" She looked at Harry and saw his scar. Her mouth opened, but she noticed, and closed it. "Sorry, Harry Potter… bye!" She raced off.

Harry picked himself up, and shook his head. "Wonder who that was…"

That evening, they said goodbye to Seamus and Dean, and made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron. As Harry was standing beside the fireplace, waiting to use the Floo Powder to return to the Burrow, he felt eyes on the back of his neck. He jerked his head around, and saw no one.

"Come on, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. "Your turn." Harry shook himself, and helped himself to the Floo Powder.

That night, upon returning to the house, he wrote to Sirius about the dream and his scar burning. He knew Sirius would say just to contact Dumbledore, and possibly would leave and put himself in danger, but Harry felt he should tell Sirius anyway. He didn't mention the eyes though.

The next few weeks flew by, and soon Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and Ginny were all packed. They used Ministry cars to get to King's Cross-Station, which turned out much better than the taxis Mrs. Weasley had had to borrow last year.

This year the sun was shining brightly, which Harry hoped was a good omen of the year ahead. The year before the weather had been horrible and the year had proven likewise.

At quarter-till eleven, they all unloaded their trunks, and rolled them all the way to Platform Nine-and-three-quarters. They had fifteen minutes until the Hogwarts Express left. The Platform was found by walking through the barrier between Platforms Nine and Ten.

"Ron, Harry, and Hermione first," said Mrs. Weasley, urging the three of them forward. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione had Hedwig, Pig, and Crookshanks, they would draw the most attention. They walked casually through the barrier, and then waited for everyone else inside.

After everyone had passed through, there were ten minutes left. They got their trunks on the train. Ron, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, George, and Fred found a compartment all for themselves.

"Come on, Harry," Fred called, offering Harry his hand, to help pull him up. Harry immediately snapped his head around, feeling as though he was being watched… but as before, no one was there.

They settled in and the train slowly began moving. Hermione undid Crookshanks' basket, and allowed him to sit on her lap, twitching his tail, watching everyone else.

They talked about all sorts of things, like the Gryffindor Quidditch team (specifically Ron's chances at being Keeper), the O.W.Ls (Ordinary Wizarding Levels, horrible tests fifth years had to take), and what the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be like.

Every year since Harry had gone to Hogwarts, there had been a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Something always happened to them, or came up.

After a couple of hours, the door to their compartment opened, and the last three people Harry wanted to see walked in.

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle stood by the doorway.

"Well, well. Guess you were brave enough to come back, Potter. And, to still be friends with Weasley and Granger," Malfoy smirked. "After nearly getting killed, I'd thought you'd be smarter than to hang around Muggle-lovers and a Mudblood! It seems you never learn, Potter."

"Watch your language, Malfoy!" Ron said angrily, rising. "Mudblood" was a foul, degrading term for someone with Muggle parents, like Hermione. "It also seems that you never learn either. I bet that you wouldn't have lasted two minutes facing You- Know- Who face-to-face, Malfoy."

Malfoy laughed. "You- Know- Who? Hear that? Potter's best friend is too scared to say the name!"

"I don't hear you using his name either, Malfoy," said Fred, making Malfoy scowl.

"Yeah, and I figure it'd be worst for the son of one of his most loyal supporters to be afraid to say You- Know- Who's name," added George.

Malfoy sneered. "Need your big brothers to stand up for you, Weasley?" He turned to Crabbe and Goyle. "Let's go." They turned, and left.

Ron eyed them angrily as they left. "He better watch his mouth this year…"

The plump old witch with a trolley of snacks came through, and they bought some candy, and pumpkin juice.

Their conversation turned to Hogwarts classes.

"I wonder who'll teach Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts," said Ron.

"That would be me," an unfamiliar voice announced, making everyone jump.

A small-framed witch was standing by the door. She had dark blue eyes, and black hair, which was neatly brushed up in a ponytail. Her skin had healthy color to it. The witch seemed to be younger in her mind than in years.

She smiled, looking at each of their nervous faces. "Sorry to scare you. I was just walking through the train. Meeting people is something I really like to do."

Too bad you scared us nearly half-to death, Harry thought to himself.

"I'm Professor Somorum. I'm new this year," she introduced herself.

Ron said, "I'm Ron Weasley. Theses are my brothers, Fred, and George, my sister, Ginny. These are my friends Hermione Granger, and — "

"Harry Potter," said Professor Somorum in a hushed voice. She stared into Harry's eyes. "Yes. Hello, Harry Potter. I'm going to be extremely proud to teach you," she whispered.

"Thank you," said Harry, looking away. He didn't like looking into her eyes. They seemed to pry inside your mind, and to try and figure out exactly what you were thinking.

Hermione broke an odd silence by saying, "So, where do you come from?"

Professor Somorum took one last look at Harry, and then moved over to sit next to Hermione.

"I come from loads of places, Hermione. My parents moved a lot. We lived in France, once. I even went to a French wizarding school, for a while. Since my parents moved a lot, they taught me Wizardry. So you see, it is very lucky that I got a job. I played Quidditch for a while, Seeker. I had a group of friends, in London. We got together, and played Quidditch. I always played Seeker!" she remembered.

Harry's head turned to Professor Somorum.

"Harry's Seeker for Gryffindor," Fred said, glancing at Harry.

"Really! Imagine. Well, I should probably move on. I'll see you all in class. Goodbye, everyone," said Professor Somorum, saddened to be leaving. "I wish I could be a student again like you. Oh well. Goodbye." She stood up, but came over to Harry. She bent very close to him, and whispered, "I'd learn to look people in the eyes, if I were you, Harry Potter, even if it's hard. You never know when that may come in handy." With that, she smiled at Harry, and left.

"What an odd teacher," said Ron. Everyone else nodded.

"Seems nice though," said Ginny.

"I'm not so sure," whispered Harry. Everyone turned to look at him. "She seemed…weird."

"You should be used to people knowing you by now," said Fred jokingly.

"It's not that. When she looked into my eyes, it was like she was looking for something. Like she could sense what I was thinking," Harry muttered.

They didn't talk much for the remainder of the train ride. When they got to Hogsmeade station, Harry, Ron, and Hermione saw Hagrid, a half-giant, very hairy man who was not as frightening once you got to know him as he seemed at first. Every year, Hagrid led the first years on a boat ride to Hogwarts. Hagrid had been expelled in his third year for a crime he hadn't committed, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione had proven in their second year.

"Firs' years over 'ere! Firs' years over 'ere!" called Hagrid.

"Hey Hagrid!" Harry said, waving madly.

"'Lo Harry! Have a good summer?" asked Hagrid. "'Lo Ron, 'Ermione!" Ron and Hermione greeted Hagrid as well, and then the three of them got into a horseless carriage, and were driven up to the huge Hogwarts castle. They exited, and followed the large crowd into the huge front doors. Inside, everyone was greeting people they recognized when a large pile of broomsticks came zooming in and pelting themselves at everyone.

A large group of third-year girls screamed and had to leap out of the way. Suddenly, there was a loud cackling and a loud pop, and Peeves appeared.

Peeves was a wicked little poltergeist, who always made trouble.

"Watch out," he cackled manically.

"Peeves! Knock it off," said Harry angrily.

"Ooo! Brave, noble, Harry Potter The Murderer! Can't finish me off like you did Diggory!" Peeves mocked. He heaved a broomstick at Harry, who dove out the way.

"Shut up, Peeves!" bellowed Ron. "That's not Harry's fault!"

"Come on," urged Hermione, motioning towards the doors of the Great Hall "Let's go."

The students all rushed into the Great Hall. Inside, were four long tables, one table for each of the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and Fred all took their seat at the Gryffindor table, and greeted other Gryffindors that they knew. They said hello to Neville Longbottom, a round-faced boy, who was very forgetful.

After saying hello to Neville, Seamus Finnagin, and Dean Thomas, Colin Creevy and his brother, Dennis, came in. Colin was a year behind Harry, and Dennis was a year behind Colin. Colin looked up to Harry, and constantly wanted to take his picture.

"Hello Harry! Did you have a good summer?" Colin asked eagerly.

"Hello, Colin. It was fine," said Harry monotonously.

"Mr. Potter."

Harry quickly turned around. Professor Dumbledore was standing behind him, with a very serious look on his face.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore?" said Harry.

"Please, come with me," he beckoned Harry. Harry followed Dumbledore out into the Great Hall. Sadly, he turned to Harry.

"Harry, when did you last hear from Sirius?" asked Dumbledore.

Harry thought hard. "A little over a week ago. Why?"

Dumbledore stood silently for a moment, and then slowly reached out his hand. In his hand were an article, and a letter. "You better read these." Dumbledore whispered.

Harry unfolded the article and read:

SIRIUS BLACK NEARLY CAPTURED

Earlier today, the Ministry of Magic received an Owl from an anonymous wizard, who reported as having seen "An odd, hairy wizard,

who seemed to be the infamous Sirius Black."

The Ministry sent trained wizards to search the area mentioned

in the letter and were led to a wizard named Remus Lupin's house.

Lupin is a werewolf, and attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and

Wizardry. He was the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor there

two years ago, but retired at the end of the year. Lupin was brought in

for questioning.

Cornelius Fudge announced earlier today, "We have now

figured out that Sirius Black was housed at Lupin's, but left. He is on

the run, and is an illegal Animagus." Lupin was returned to his house,

with a heavy fine, and Ministry wizards were placed around his house.

Meanwhile, Sirius Black continues to flee from the Ministry,

avoiding well-earned punishment. Cornelius Fudge is hopeful that he

will be caught soon though.

Harry's heart sank. If Sirius was captured — Harry couldn't bear to think of it. Harry then unfolded the note and read it too:

Dear Harry,

I'm sure you've heard the news now. I have to be brief.

I want to promise you I'll be fine. I've avoided the Ministry before. I'll write to you when I can, but I'll have to ask you not to write to me.

I want you to promise to not try to rescue me, no matter what you hear or read. Promise me Harry. If something were to happen to you, I'd never forgive myself.

I told Dumbledore about your dream, right before I had to leave. If you have another one like it, tell Dumbledore immediately, all right?

I'll get through this, Harry.

Best to Ron and Hermione.

Sirius

"Sirius asked me to make sure that you understand how serious he is about staying safe," said Dumbledore.

"If Sirius needs me, I have to help him!" shouted Harry.

"Sirius would rather die than lose you," said Dumbledore.

"What's going to happen if they find him is worse than death," Harry reminded Dumbledore.

"Alas, Harry. Sometimes we must think of others before ourselves," Dumbledore said wisely. "And now, I think it would be best to return to the feast. The Sorting is over, I believe." Dumbledore turned, and went back into the Great Hall, and Harry followed him.

Harry found his seat at the Gryffindor table again, and sat down.

"What happened, Harry? You missed the Sorting. Are you all right?" asked Ron, seeing Harry's face. Hermione turned, andlistened too. Before Harry could answer though, Dumbledore was giving his start-of-term notices.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. First off, I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Somorum." The black-haired woman from the train stood up, and there was polite applause. Dumbledore continued, "Also, first years should be aware that the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students. Now, I believe that everything else can be said after the feast. Enjoy!"

Immediately, the empty trays and plates on the tables filled with wonderful foods, like steaks, potatoes, ham pies, and other delicious foods.

Harry handed Ron the article, and letter, and whispered, "Read this." He then served himself a little portion of food, but didn't feel very hungry. He mainly moved around the food on his plate.

Ron finished reading it, and swore. "After everything we've done! I wish I knew who turned him in… I could kill them!" said Ron through gritted teeth.

"Ron! Come on, really," said Hermione. "I'm sorry Harry. They didn't get him though!"

"But now they know he's an Animagus! Probably even what kind! He'll be found soon. And he doesn't want me rescuing him," Harry snapped.

"He's nervous about losing you," said Hermione, trying to calm Harry down.

"What'll happen to him if he's found is worse than death," said Harry.

"Hey Harry," said Fred suddenly, making Harry snap his head around. "Dumbledore didn't mention when try-outs for Quidditch would be… maybe he'll say that after the feast."

Just then, all of the resident ghosts of the Hogwarts houses floated in. Harry saw the Bloody Baron, a ghost covered in silvery blood, take his place at the Slytherin table. The Fat Friar sat next to some third year in Hufflepuff. Nearly-Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghosts impressed a group of First-year Gryffindor boys by showing how his head nearly came all the way off. As the Fair Lady of Ravenclaw took a seat, Harry glanced around the Ravenclaw table, hoping to see Cho Chang. Harry saw her, sitting next to a group of younger Ravenclaw girls. A shiny silver badge, with a "P" was pinned to her robes. Harry's eyes widened. Cho Chang was a Prefect. Harry realized that she was a Sixth year, meaning she had just one year left after this one, and his stomach fell a little. He continued watching her, and at one point, she turned and saw him. She smiled, just before Harry jerked his head away, embarrassed.

Harry turned to Hermione, and asked, "Hermione, why weren't you made a Prefect? You've got the best grades of your year, if not the whole school."

Hermione turned a deep red. "I — I don't know. I suppose my record's not clean enough. Besides, we still have another Prefect." Harry knew from her tone that she had really wanted to be a Prefect, and didn't want to discuss it any more.

"Look, Harry," said Ron pointing towards the Head Table. "Look at Snape!"

Harry looked up at the Head Table. Dumbledore was chatting with Professor McGonagall, who was Head of Gryffindor house. Her hair was always in a tight bun, and today was no exception.

Hagrid, who taught Care of Magical Creatures, was talking to Professor Flitwick, a tiny wizard, who taught Charms.

Snape was the professor of Potions, as well as the Head of Slytherin house. He had always wanted the Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts position and usually disliked any of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. He was eating silently, but was occasionally glancing at Professor Somorum, who seemed to be continuously talking to him. He actually seemed respectful to her. He was the only one though. Other than Professor Dumbledore, the other teachers all seemed uneasy about Professor Somorum joining them.

Professor Somorum looked happy, and excited about teaching. There seemed to be something on her mind, though.

"How come Snape doesn't hate Professor Somorum like all the others?" Harry wondered aloud.

Then, the food disappeared, and desserts took their place. There was ice cream, éclairs, and everything imaginable. Harry was helping himself to an éclair when Hermione said, "Harry, do you know that boy?"

Harry turned and followed Hermione's gaze. At the Slytherin table, sitting beside Malfoy, was the small boy from the Cedric's funeral. He was staring at Harry, looking emotionless. Malfoy was chatting away at him, livid.

"That's Emeric Diggory," Ron said, looking at the boy too. "He was sorted earlier."
"I've never met him. How's he related to Cedric?" Harry asked, turning back to the table, trying to ignore Emeric.

"Dunno… I reckon he's Cedric's cousin though," said Ron. "His mum was Cedric's aunt, I think."

Soon, everyone was full, and Professor Dumbledore stood up, and got everyone's attention again.

"Our stomachs are full and happy, as our minds shall be, starting tomorrow. But, before I release you to return to your houses, I have a couple of remaining notes. First of all, there are spots on two of the house teams this year: Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. If you are able, I suggest practicing, or becoming friends with your team captains. Both may increase your chance of making your team.

"Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to inform you to not track in any mud, or you shall be duly punished." Harry turned and saw Argus Filch by the doors of the Great Hall, holding his scrawny, dusty-colored cat, Mrs. Norris, in his arms. Dumbledore continued, "Now, with that said, I believe that it is time for you to go and get some rest for tomorrow. Goodnight." The Prefects began leading the First years to the dormitories.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked with Fred and George. Now they were talking about Professor Somorum.

"It's odd, having a witch for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I don't think we've ever had one before, have we George?" asked Fred.

George shook his head. "She seems pleasant though."

They continued to talk until they got to their dormitory. They walked up to the Fat Lady, which was a picture of a large woman in a pink dress that made sure that only Gryffindors entered.

"Password?" she asked, looking at them.

"Er — " Harry looked around.

"It's 'Cirdog.' I heard the Prefect tell the First years," said George. The Fat Lady swung open, revealing the Gryffindor Common Room.

Before they climbed in, Harry felt someone watching him. He spun around, but no one was there.

"What's wrong?" asked Hermione.

"Nothing…" said Harry.

They climbed into the Common Room and walked up the stairs, and said goodbye to Hermione, who went to the girl's dormitory.