A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed, here's the next chapter for
reviewing so promptly. It's not as long as most of my chapters are but I
didn't want to drag it out and make it too boring, there is only so much
Harry can do on his way to Hogwarts. My readers at HP.com enjoyed it
(especially what happens at the end) and I hope you'll enjoy it as well.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything related to it. Only this current fic (which just appeared on my brain one night and couldn't be dislodged until I wrote it) and some of the characters born from this fic belong to me.
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Chapter 6 ~ On The Train to Hogwarts
Harry woke up early the next day. His body was a little sore after all the exercise he had gone through on the last week.
Lotty had prepared his bath and his muggle clothes waited in the dressing room. He took his time to dress, it was the last morning in the Manor and he wanted to spend as much time in it as he could.
Eventually, he couldn't ignore the fact that he had guests in the house and they would all be waiting to find out how they were going to make their way to London.
Only the adults were around the table when he entered the dining room.
"Good morning." He said taking his seat at the head of the table.
"Good morning, Harry dear." Said Mrs. Weasley.
"Did you sleep well?" Asked Lupin looking at Harry closely.
Harry nodded. "I think I was more tired than I thought."
"Exercise is good for the body as it is to the soul." Said Mr. Weasley. "We all need a little of exercise from time to time."
"Where are the professors?" Asked Harry noticing for the first time that those of his professors that had attended the night before where not around the table this morning.
"Dumbledore and McGonagall have returned to Hogwarts." Said Lupin. "The others have eaten and have gone to London."
"Why didn't they go to Hogwarts with Dumbledore and McGonagall?" Asked Harry full of curiosity. He couldn't understand why they would go to London when the students were due to arrive at Hogwarts that evening.
"They'll be waiting for us at the station." Moody said walking into the room, it was obvious by his answer that he had heard Harry's question and understood his confusion.
Harry was surprised. In the last five times he had traveled to Hogwarts, none of the teachers had waited for them at the station, and the only one to travel with them had been Lupin three years ago.
"Why?" He asked.
"Protection." Said Moodly simply, without bothering to explain.
Lupin seemed to understand what he wanted to know. "Voldemort has been active on the last weeks." He said. "Dumbledore wants to make sure that all students get to Hogwarts safely."
"Would Voldemort bother to attack?" Asked Harry, fearing the answer. "He would if he wants to." Mr. Weasley said. "Especially after what happened last June."
Mrs. Weasley didn't seem too happy that Harry was learning about the several measures they had taken to protect the students, but she seemed resigned and was only thankful that Harry was the only one to be told and that the rest had not come down yet.
Moments later the sound of footsteps were heard from the entrance hall and the young people started to enter in search of breakfast.
Ron and Hermione were among the first to enter. They took their customary seats beside Harry.
"I'm famished." Ron said as soon as his plate was placed before him.
Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't bother to say what she thought as she buttered her toast. "How long have you been up?" She asked Harry instead.
"A while now." Harry replied. "They were telling me their plans for today."
"Whose?" Ron asked.
"Dumbledore's." Harry promptly said.
"Oh? What did they plan?" Hermione asked eager to learn what Harry had learned.
"Dumbledore and McGonagall have returned to Hogwarts, but the others will be waiting in the station." Harry reported.
"Why? They've never done that." Ron exclaimed.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Said Hermione. "They will be there for protection."
"That's what Moody said." Nodded Harry. "Lupin said that Voldemort has been active lately."
"Well, we did know that he wouldn't bother to hide now that everybody knows he's back." Hermione said.
"But your scar hasn't pained you, has it?" Ron asked fearfully.
Harry shrugged. "It has been bothered me for more than a year now. If there had been attacks, he hasn't been personally involved. I expect the Death Eaters have been the ones behind the latest trouble."
"What is he waiting for then?" Ron asked.
"He'll need to recoup after his attack on the Ministry last June." Hermione replied. "Several of his Death Eaters were captured, he'll need to get new recruits or try to help those in Azkaban to break out."
"With the dementors on his side, it'll be easy." Ron said.
"But I thought the Ministry had sacked them and had aurors patrolling the island." Said Harry.
Ron snorted with derision. "Fudge's chosen men. I don't think they'll be enough to keep him out of Azkaban. They'll probably run if Death Eaters try to help those inside."
"But why hasn't Voldemort done anything to help them? I expected to hear of their escape before now." Harry said.
"So did I, perhaps he's waiting for security to settle down." Ron said thoughtfully.
"And don't forget that new spells and enchantments have been placed around the island. They have obviously helped to keep the prisoners inside." Hermione reminded them.
They would've continued with their discussion if Mrs. Weasley hadn't spoken just then. "Your luggage will be waiting in the entrance hall." She said. "We'll be flooing one by one to the Leaky Cauldron, cars will be waiting for us there to take us to the station. As soon as you're done start getting ready to go."
Harry groaned. "If I had known we were traveling by Floo I wouldn't have eaten much."
"I expect it's the fastest way to get us there." Hermione said. "And much safer if we travel in small groups."
"I suspect they thought so too." Said Harry. "But that doesn't make me any less queasy about traveling by floo powder."
"Just don't think about it." Ron said. "It's best not to think about your stomach when you're flooing."
They were done with their meal and left the table to go in search of their luggage.
Their trunks were in the parlor room instead of the entrance hall where the luggage belonging to their guests was found.
Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage waited for him beside the fireplace. Hedwig was standing proudly in her cage looking at Pig with scorn as Pig twittered and flew around his cage.
"Honestly." Exclaimed Ron walking to Pig's cage. "I don't know why it doesn't stop doing that. I bet that if we let it go in the Pitch it's bound to beat the Snitch."
Harry laughed but he knew that no matter how much Ron complained about Pig he was still attached to his pet.
Crookshanks was settled in his wicker basket. Harry could hear it meowing plaintively from inside.
The fire had been lit and a small canister full of floo powder waited in a stand beside the fireplace.
"Well dears, are we ready?" Asked Mrs. Weasley coming into the room pulling Ginny along behind her.
"Mum, let go." Mumbled Ginny pulling her arm from her mother's grasp.
"Come along, Ginny, we have to leave or we'll be late." Mrs. Weasley said grabbing Ginny's trunk.
Ginny grimaced but followed her mother to the grate.
Harry pushed his trunk toward the fireplace and put Hedwig's cage under his arm.
Mr. Weasley and Lupin were now in the room and the rest waited in line in the entrance hall.
"I'll floo first and wait for you." Mrs. Weasley said pulling Ginny's trunk with her. She took a pinch of the powder and threw it into the fire. As the flames soared in the grate she stepped in, placing Ginny's trunk on its side beside her. "Leaky Cauldron." She yelled and she started spinning out of sight.
Roberts stood by the fireplace and took a pinch of the powder for the next person.
"Here, give me Hedwig and Pig." Ginny said taking the cages. She walked to the fireplace as Roberts threw the powder into the fire. "Leaky Cauldron." She said and was instantly gone.
Harry followed. "Goodbye, Master Harry." He heard Roberts say as he threw the powder into the fire. "Goodbye Roberts, thank you for everything." He replied before stepping into the fire.
He was spinning rapidly inside the grate. He closed his eyes and tried to keep from thinking about his stomach. Soon enough, he was standing in the grate of the Leaky Cauldron. Mrs. Weasly and Ginny were waiting before the fireplace for him. Sitting around a table were Kinsley Shacklebolt and Tonks.
"Are you all right, dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley as she tried to dust the ash from his clothes.
"I'm fine." He said.
Ron arrived next and Mrs. Weasley turned her attention to him.
Harry walked toward Tonks and Kingsley.
"Ready to return to Hogwarts?" Kingsley asked with a smile.
Harry nodded. "Should be a better year with Umbridge gone."
"Everything is better with her gone." Tonks said with a tone full of scorn.
Hermione was the next one to arrive and Neville followed soon after.
"Let's get you lot into the car." Kingsley said leading them out of the pub.
A line of black cars waited in front of the building.
"Get in dears, we have to get going." Ordered Mrs. Weasley.
The luggage was stored and the young people settled in before the car turned on its engine and started down the street toward the station.
"Where did you get that many cars?" Asked Ron of his mother as the car made its way through traffic.
"The Ministry sent them, dear." Said Mrs. Weasley.
"Why?" Harry asked. Since more than a year ago he was persona non grata with the Ministry and it was hard to believe that they bothered to send so many cars for his and his guests' use.
"They're probably trying to change the public's opinion of the Ministry after all the reports that have come out of last June's attack." Said Ron.
"It doesn't matter their reasons, dear." Mrs. Weasley said but her expression made it clear that she agreed with her son.
It didn't take long for them to arrive to the station. Hestia Jones and Bill were waiting for them with carts for their luggage.
"Everything all right, dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley as Bill helped her out of the car.
"No activity so far." He reported.
Mrs. Weasley seemed glad to hear his report and led her group to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 while Bill and his partner waited for the next group.
Harry could've sworn that he was being watched as a slight tingle ran down his back. But nobody stopped them on their way to the barrier. Madam Hooch was waiting beside the barrier and nodded abruptly to Mrs. Weasley as they began to cross.
Platform 9 ¾ was busy as always with the difference of Snape, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout's presence.
Some parents seemed concerned at this change in tradition, others were glad to see them patrolling the platform.
"Hurry up, now." Panted Mrs. Weasley as they hurried through the crowd, "I want you all in the train quickly."
"Ron and I have to go to the Prefect's compartment." Hermione said.
"Well, all right. Take care dears, and look after your sister, Ron, only you two are left now." Mrs. Weasley said kissing her son's cheek while Hermione waited for him to say goodbye.
"All right. Not to worry, mum." Said Ron and quickly pushed his cart behind Hermione.
"You three run along. Ginny, make sure you listen to your brother." Mrs. Weasley said hugging her daughter. "Be good. Harry, dear, take care." She hugged Harry tightly as she had done with each of her children.
"I will, thank you for everything." Harry said as soon as Mrs. Weasley let him go.
Neville had walked away from them as his grandmother came into view.
Ginny was called by friends from other houses. "I'll see you inside." She said to Harry before hurrying to her friends who were curious about the well reported party in Gryffindor Manor.
Harry hurried into the train as he ignored calls from others to join them. He didn't want to talk about the party, he just wanted to get a compartment and store away his luggage.
The compartments all seemed to be filling quickly but Harry went straight to the back where he knew the compartments were still empty.
He found one away from the crowds and stowed his trunk and Hedwig's cage in the racks above.
Time seemed to pass and nobody had joined him yet. Part of him was happy to be alone, but another was restless.
He felt the train vibrating as it prepared to leave the station. He knew Ron and Hermione would be busy with the first years, and he hoped that the teachers would be too busy patrolling the train to wish to join him.
The train started to move when he heard footsteps in the corridor.
The door of his compartment opened and Harry turned to look who it was.
A witch stood on the door. She looked around and turned to whisper something to somebody behind her. The response was also whispered, after which, the witch turned back to look into the compartment.
Harry looked at her with curiosity. She had never seen this witch before, she was dressed in white robes; the hood was up and kept her face in shadow, which made it difficult for Harry to see her features, but from the little he could see she seemed to be an older woman.
"Excuse me young man," she said. "Would you mind sharing this compartment?"
Harry shrugged. A minute ago he would have said he was waiting for others to join him, but his response was different. "I don't mind."
The witch turned to look at whoever was behind her and stepped back into the corridor.
Another witch came in, but unlike the first one, she was clearly a young woman. She was wearing a glittering blue robe, Harry could've sworn that it looked like the shining surface of a calm lake. Her hood was also up and her face was also shadowed but her mouth and chin were clearly visible.
"Get comfortable, my Lady, I'll return to you if you want me." The old witch said in a respectful tone.
The young witch nodded. "Thank you, Elspeth." She said with a husky voice.
The old woman curtseyed and closed the door as she left.
Harry looked at his companion with curiosity. My Lady? He asked himself, did she belong to the aristocracy? He had never met a witch or wizard who belonged to an aristocratic family, but he supposed there must be some. But this girl seemed to be older than eleven, if he could only see her face, he thought, he could make sure but he thought she looked much closer to his own age. If that was the case, how come he hadn't seen her around Hogwarts. He was sure that she would be somebody he'd remember.
The young woman sat in silence by the window across from Harry. She was looking out and robes seemed to glitter more brightly in the sunshine.
"Is this your first time at Hogwarts?" He asked curious about her.
She turned to face him and Harry was sure that even though her hood hid her eyes she could see him very clearly.
"No." She said before turning to look back out the window.
Harry frowned in confusion. He was sure that he hadn't seen her around Hogwarts in the past years and he was sure that she would be somebody who would stand out among the student population.
"What house are you in?" Harry asked, trying once more to make conversation with her.
She turned back to look at him before answering. "I do not attend Hogwarts." She said before turning back to the window.
Harry was more confused than ever. How could this not be her first time at Hogwarts if she doesn't attend?
The train had passed the busy streets of London and was now crossing through the countryside.
He was about to ask another question when the door opened once more.
"I cannot believe he's still a prefect, I would've chucked him out after what happened last year." Ron was saying. "Sorry, mate, we - "
He never finished as he glanced at Harry's companion. He turned to look at Harry questioningly but only received a shrug as a response.
Ron stumbled into the compartment as Hermione pushed him in. "We were patrolling the train but the teachers prefer to do it instead." She finished Ron's sentence. She hadn't noticed that Harry wasn't alone yet until Ron sat beside Harry and she looked into the compartment.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Hello."
Their unknown companion turned to look at her and said "hello" in her husky voice before turning to look out the window again.
Hermione looked at Harry and received another shrug as a response.
The trio slid down near the door allowing them to whisper without fear that their companion could hear them.
"Who is she?" Asked Ron.
"Dunno. She hasn't spoken much." Harry said.
"What did you learn so far?" Hermione asked.
"Only that this is not her first time to Hogwarts but she's not a student?" Harry said.
"That doesn't help much." Ron whispered.
"I told you, she hasn't spoken much." Harry replied.
"Was she here when you came in?" Hermione glanced at their companion but she seemed not to be paying them any attention.
"No. I was sitting her when a witch opened the door and asked if I minded sharing the compartment, then she stepped back into the corridor and she came in," Harry nodded toward the window. "She just sat and the other witch left."
"Did this other witch say anything? Maybe her name?" Hermione asked.
"No name, she called her my Lady." Harry responded.
"My Lady?" Asked Ron. "Does this mean she's an aristocrat?"
Harry shrugged. "Dunno."
"It could be an honorary title." Hermione said.
"Wonder what she's doing here?" Mumbled Ron.
"Beats me. She's very quiet though and she doesn't seem to pay much attention to anything besides what's outside the window." Said Harry.
Their conversation was interrupted as the door opened once more.
The three friends turned promptly to look at the door, but, Harry noticed, their companion did not.
The older witch was back. She was pushing a cart before her.
"My Lady," she said, "I thought you'll enjoy a cup of tea."
The young witch turned toward her servant and for the first time since she came into the compartment, she smiled. "Thank you, Elspeth. Perhaps my companions would like to join me." She turned to look at them.
"Yes, of course. Thank you." Said Hermione.
The old witch had pushed her hood back and Harry could see her face clearly. Her skin was lined by the pass of time. Her eyes were a clear blue full of wisdom, and her hands were callused from hard work. She unfolded a small table and placed it before her mistress. A tray with a pot of tea and a plate of sandwiches were placed upon it.
"Thank you." Said the young witch again. The older witch curtseyed once more and left them.
Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione and noticed that they were as curious as he had been since the moment their companion had come into the compartment.
The young witch had pushed her hood back and finally, Harry could see her features clearly. Her tanned skin contrasted with the shine of her clear gray eyes, which were looking at him and his friends with a serene glance. Her long, black hair flowed down her back with a grace Harry had never seen.
She smiled and started to pour the tea into the four teacups on the tray.
Harry passed the teacups to Ron and Hermione after she finished pouring.
"Thank you." He murmured as he took his.
The girl nodded regally and sipped her tea carefully as she kept an eye on Harry.
He saw her glance briefly at his scar, but unlike others who had met him over the years, she didn't remark on it.
"Er..." He mumbled looking at his friends and their unknown companion not knowing what to say. He settled for introductions. "I'm Harry Potter, and these are my friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you." Said Hermione while Ron nodded at her side.
The girl nodded regally once more and continued sipping before she answered.
"Brenna Alastrine." She replied.
Well, Harry thought, now we know her name. It was a start.
"Are you transferring to Hogwarts?" Asked Hermione, determined to know more about this girl.
"No." Brenna said.
"Are you visiting?" Ron asked not knowing what else to ask, she wasn't transferring, she had never attended Hogwarts before, but she had been there, what else could she be doing in the train?
"Not exactly." Brenna said huskily.
Hermione was about to ask another question but the door opened and a voice interrupted her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the famous Harry Potter and his loyal followers." Said a sneering voice from the door.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Exclaimed Ron while Harry glared at the blond young man leaning against the door. He hadn't forgotten the last time he had come face to face with Draco Malfoy.
"I see your mother found a way to turn you back. A pity really." Harry said.
Malfoy's face turned into a grimace swift enough to have been missed if they hadn't been watching him closely.
"You'll be sorry for that, Potter. You may be sure of it." Said Malfoy menacingly.
There was a delicate cough from the corner against the window. Everybody turned to look at Brenna, who until now had stayed silent.
Malfoy frowned at the sight of the new girl, but after glaring at Harry stepped out of the compartment and closed the door behind him with a snap.
Brenna's eyebrows were raised questioningly.
"Don't mind him, he's a git of the first order." Said Ron.
"He's a bully." Hermione exclaimed.
"He's angry because his father was sent to Azkaban." Harry replied.
"I see." Brenna said quietly.
The door was opened again, Harry turned quickly to see if Malfoy had returned, but instead Brenna's older companion stood in the opening.
She quietly took the cups and the tray and efficiently took it away.
Brenna had turned to look out the window.
Harry sighed and whispered to Ron and Hermione. "Didn't learn much, did we?"
"Nope." Said Ron as Hermione shook her head in exasperation.
"I don't think she wants us to know more about her than we already do, not that it isn't much in the first place." She said looking at the slim figure looking out the window. "I don't' understand all this secrecy."
"Let's leave her alone." Harry replied understanding why a person would like to keep things to him or herself. "We're bound to find out more as the year progresses."
"You're right." Said Hermione knowing full well why Harry said what he did.
Hermione and Ron left soon after that. "Patrolling, you know." Ron explained as they were leaving. But they returned several times during the trip. Ginny eventually made her way to the compartment chatting all the while about her friends and their eagerness to know how the house party had gone. She kept glancing to Brenna with curiosity but Harry knew nothing more than what he already knew. Neville also visited for a while and even Luna made a brief appearance. Luna surprised Harry when she curtsied before Brenna. Brenna looked amused but only nodded to Luna when Harry introduced her and didn't remark on her behavior.
But for several hours he was left alone with his silent companion, and dark thoughts started to invade his mind. He tried to shake them off and turn his attention instead to trying to find the answer to the puzzle that was Brenna. What was she doing here?
Darkness had fallen and Harry knew they were nearing the station at Hogsmeade.
"It's time to get changed." Hermione stuck out her head around the door as she passed the compartment.
Harry nodded and look apprehensively at his silent companion.
The restroom was a few doors away and he decided to go there to change. He didn't feel comfortable changing before a stranger, even if he had only to don his robes.
It didn't take him long to change into his school uniform, he returned to find Ginny, Ron and Hermione waiting for him by the door of his compartment.
"Did you learn anything more?" Asked Ginny as soon as he joined them.
"No, she hasn't spoken much." Harry said.
Hermione and Ginny sighed in disappointment.
"There's nothing more to it. We'll find out eventually." Said Ron. "C'mon, we'll be arriving at Hogwarts in a few moments."
Ron and Hermione went to the prefect compartment ready to help with the first years while Harry returned to his compartment with Ginny.
Ron had been right, it hadn't been more than half an hour later when the train stopped in the Hogsmeade Station.
Harry walked out of his compartment with Ginny, with a last glance back toward Brenna, who continued sitting by the window as if waiting for someone to come to her.
Harry and Ginny stepped out of the train. The teachers were around the platform guiding the students toward the carriages – except those who were walking toward Hagrid called by his roaring "firs' years 'ere!"
Harry saw Snape glaring down at the students at one end of the platform while Professors McGonagall and Sprout waited by the entrance of the station hurrying the students.
Harry and Ginny found Ron and Hermione. They were among the last group of students left in the station.
"Did you see who else came on the train with us?" Asked Ron as they walked toward the remaining carriages.
"Who?" Asked Ginny.
"Lupin." Hermione replied.
"What is he doing here?" Asked Harry, he had thought that only teachers, besides their new acquaintance and her servant, were traveling with them to school.
"Seems he was hired to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts after all." Said Ron.
"Great! I was hoping that it would be someone good." Ginny exclaimed. They all knew she had been rather nervous about her classes this year as she was just getting ready to pass her O.W.L.s and had been especially eager to know who would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Harry turned to look back at the train, he could see Brenna stepping down of the train, two women walking behind her. Both wore the same color robes, but Harry only recognized one, the older woman Brenna had called Elspeth, he had not seen the other woman in the train.
Lupin was waiting by the carriages. Only Snape and Lupin remained, the rest of the teachers had taken a carriage back to the school.
"Had a nice trip?" Asked Professor Lupin with a smile.
"Well enough." Said Ron. "Professor? Do you by chance know who they are?" He asked nodding toward Brenna and her entourage walking a few yards behind them.
Lupin turned to look at the small group and frowned. "I didn't know there was anybody else besides students and teachers on the train."
"The youngest one sat in our compartment but didn't talk much." Ginny said.
Lupin was still frowning as she looked at the group getting nearer and nearer. Then he shook his head slightly and looked back at the young people watching him closely. He smiled. "You better take a carriage or you'll be left to walk up to the castle." He said.
"So you don't know about them either." Stated Hermione.
Lupin turned to look at the nearing trio and frowned once more. "Dumbledore said nothing to me about it." He simply said.
Hermione pulled them to one of the remaining carriages. As they climbed into the carriage, Harry noticed Brenna and her companions stop by Lupin, who opened the door to the last carriage for them.
Harry climbed into the carriage and looked back through the window. He saw Brenna's other companion push back her hood.
Professor Lupin gasped in surprise. "Emma!" He exclaimed.
"Hello Remus!" Harry heard her say before the carriage pulled up and they started down the road to the castle.
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A/N: There you go. Don't forget to review! : )
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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything related to it. Only this current fic (which just appeared on my brain one night and couldn't be dislodged until I wrote it) and some of the characters born from this fic belong to me.
*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 6 ~ On The Train to Hogwarts
Harry woke up early the next day. His body was a little sore after all the exercise he had gone through on the last week.
Lotty had prepared his bath and his muggle clothes waited in the dressing room. He took his time to dress, it was the last morning in the Manor and he wanted to spend as much time in it as he could.
Eventually, he couldn't ignore the fact that he had guests in the house and they would all be waiting to find out how they were going to make their way to London.
Only the adults were around the table when he entered the dining room.
"Good morning." He said taking his seat at the head of the table.
"Good morning, Harry dear." Said Mrs. Weasley.
"Did you sleep well?" Asked Lupin looking at Harry closely.
Harry nodded. "I think I was more tired than I thought."
"Exercise is good for the body as it is to the soul." Said Mr. Weasley. "We all need a little of exercise from time to time."
"Where are the professors?" Asked Harry noticing for the first time that those of his professors that had attended the night before where not around the table this morning.
"Dumbledore and McGonagall have returned to Hogwarts." Said Lupin. "The others have eaten and have gone to London."
"Why didn't they go to Hogwarts with Dumbledore and McGonagall?" Asked Harry full of curiosity. He couldn't understand why they would go to London when the students were due to arrive at Hogwarts that evening.
"They'll be waiting for us at the station." Moody said walking into the room, it was obvious by his answer that he had heard Harry's question and understood his confusion.
Harry was surprised. In the last five times he had traveled to Hogwarts, none of the teachers had waited for them at the station, and the only one to travel with them had been Lupin three years ago.
"Why?" He asked.
"Protection." Said Moodly simply, without bothering to explain.
Lupin seemed to understand what he wanted to know. "Voldemort has been active on the last weeks." He said. "Dumbledore wants to make sure that all students get to Hogwarts safely."
"Would Voldemort bother to attack?" Asked Harry, fearing the answer. "He would if he wants to." Mr. Weasley said. "Especially after what happened last June."
Mrs. Weasley didn't seem too happy that Harry was learning about the several measures they had taken to protect the students, but she seemed resigned and was only thankful that Harry was the only one to be told and that the rest had not come down yet.
Moments later the sound of footsteps were heard from the entrance hall and the young people started to enter in search of breakfast.
Ron and Hermione were among the first to enter. They took their customary seats beside Harry.
"I'm famished." Ron said as soon as his plate was placed before him.
Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't bother to say what she thought as she buttered her toast. "How long have you been up?" She asked Harry instead.
"A while now." Harry replied. "They were telling me their plans for today."
"Whose?" Ron asked.
"Dumbledore's." Harry promptly said.
"Oh? What did they plan?" Hermione asked eager to learn what Harry had learned.
"Dumbledore and McGonagall have returned to Hogwarts, but the others will be waiting in the station." Harry reported.
"Why? They've never done that." Ron exclaimed.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Said Hermione. "They will be there for protection."
"That's what Moody said." Nodded Harry. "Lupin said that Voldemort has been active lately."
"Well, we did know that he wouldn't bother to hide now that everybody knows he's back." Hermione said.
"But your scar hasn't pained you, has it?" Ron asked fearfully.
Harry shrugged. "It has been bothered me for more than a year now. If there had been attacks, he hasn't been personally involved. I expect the Death Eaters have been the ones behind the latest trouble."
"What is he waiting for then?" Ron asked.
"He'll need to recoup after his attack on the Ministry last June." Hermione replied. "Several of his Death Eaters were captured, he'll need to get new recruits or try to help those in Azkaban to break out."
"With the dementors on his side, it'll be easy." Ron said.
"But I thought the Ministry had sacked them and had aurors patrolling the island." Said Harry.
Ron snorted with derision. "Fudge's chosen men. I don't think they'll be enough to keep him out of Azkaban. They'll probably run if Death Eaters try to help those inside."
"But why hasn't Voldemort done anything to help them? I expected to hear of their escape before now." Harry said.
"So did I, perhaps he's waiting for security to settle down." Ron said thoughtfully.
"And don't forget that new spells and enchantments have been placed around the island. They have obviously helped to keep the prisoners inside." Hermione reminded them.
They would've continued with their discussion if Mrs. Weasley hadn't spoken just then. "Your luggage will be waiting in the entrance hall." She said. "We'll be flooing one by one to the Leaky Cauldron, cars will be waiting for us there to take us to the station. As soon as you're done start getting ready to go."
Harry groaned. "If I had known we were traveling by Floo I wouldn't have eaten much."
"I expect it's the fastest way to get us there." Hermione said. "And much safer if we travel in small groups."
"I suspect they thought so too." Said Harry. "But that doesn't make me any less queasy about traveling by floo powder."
"Just don't think about it." Ron said. "It's best not to think about your stomach when you're flooing."
They were done with their meal and left the table to go in search of their luggage.
Their trunks were in the parlor room instead of the entrance hall where the luggage belonging to their guests was found.
Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage waited for him beside the fireplace. Hedwig was standing proudly in her cage looking at Pig with scorn as Pig twittered and flew around his cage.
"Honestly." Exclaimed Ron walking to Pig's cage. "I don't know why it doesn't stop doing that. I bet that if we let it go in the Pitch it's bound to beat the Snitch."
Harry laughed but he knew that no matter how much Ron complained about Pig he was still attached to his pet.
Crookshanks was settled in his wicker basket. Harry could hear it meowing plaintively from inside.
The fire had been lit and a small canister full of floo powder waited in a stand beside the fireplace.
"Well dears, are we ready?" Asked Mrs. Weasley coming into the room pulling Ginny along behind her.
"Mum, let go." Mumbled Ginny pulling her arm from her mother's grasp.
"Come along, Ginny, we have to leave or we'll be late." Mrs. Weasley said grabbing Ginny's trunk.
Ginny grimaced but followed her mother to the grate.
Harry pushed his trunk toward the fireplace and put Hedwig's cage under his arm.
Mr. Weasley and Lupin were now in the room and the rest waited in line in the entrance hall.
"I'll floo first and wait for you." Mrs. Weasley said pulling Ginny's trunk with her. She took a pinch of the powder and threw it into the fire. As the flames soared in the grate she stepped in, placing Ginny's trunk on its side beside her. "Leaky Cauldron." She yelled and she started spinning out of sight.
Roberts stood by the fireplace and took a pinch of the powder for the next person.
"Here, give me Hedwig and Pig." Ginny said taking the cages. She walked to the fireplace as Roberts threw the powder into the fire. "Leaky Cauldron." She said and was instantly gone.
Harry followed. "Goodbye, Master Harry." He heard Roberts say as he threw the powder into the fire. "Goodbye Roberts, thank you for everything." He replied before stepping into the fire.
He was spinning rapidly inside the grate. He closed his eyes and tried to keep from thinking about his stomach. Soon enough, he was standing in the grate of the Leaky Cauldron. Mrs. Weasly and Ginny were waiting before the fireplace for him. Sitting around a table were Kinsley Shacklebolt and Tonks.
"Are you all right, dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley as she tried to dust the ash from his clothes.
"I'm fine." He said.
Ron arrived next and Mrs. Weasley turned her attention to him.
Harry walked toward Tonks and Kingsley.
"Ready to return to Hogwarts?" Kingsley asked with a smile.
Harry nodded. "Should be a better year with Umbridge gone."
"Everything is better with her gone." Tonks said with a tone full of scorn.
Hermione was the next one to arrive and Neville followed soon after.
"Let's get you lot into the car." Kingsley said leading them out of the pub.
A line of black cars waited in front of the building.
"Get in dears, we have to get going." Ordered Mrs. Weasley.
The luggage was stored and the young people settled in before the car turned on its engine and started down the street toward the station.
"Where did you get that many cars?" Asked Ron of his mother as the car made its way through traffic.
"The Ministry sent them, dear." Said Mrs. Weasley.
"Why?" Harry asked. Since more than a year ago he was persona non grata with the Ministry and it was hard to believe that they bothered to send so many cars for his and his guests' use.
"They're probably trying to change the public's opinion of the Ministry after all the reports that have come out of last June's attack." Said Ron.
"It doesn't matter their reasons, dear." Mrs. Weasley said but her expression made it clear that she agreed with her son.
It didn't take long for them to arrive to the station. Hestia Jones and Bill were waiting for them with carts for their luggage.
"Everything all right, dear?" Asked Mrs. Weasley as Bill helped her out of the car.
"No activity so far." He reported.
Mrs. Weasley seemed glad to hear his report and led her group to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 while Bill and his partner waited for the next group.
Harry could've sworn that he was being watched as a slight tingle ran down his back. But nobody stopped them on their way to the barrier. Madam Hooch was waiting beside the barrier and nodded abruptly to Mrs. Weasley as they began to cross.
Platform 9 ¾ was busy as always with the difference of Snape, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout's presence.
Some parents seemed concerned at this change in tradition, others were glad to see them patrolling the platform.
"Hurry up, now." Panted Mrs. Weasley as they hurried through the crowd, "I want you all in the train quickly."
"Ron and I have to go to the Prefect's compartment." Hermione said.
"Well, all right. Take care dears, and look after your sister, Ron, only you two are left now." Mrs. Weasley said kissing her son's cheek while Hermione waited for him to say goodbye.
"All right. Not to worry, mum." Said Ron and quickly pushed his cart behind Hermione.
"You three run along. Ginny, make sure you listen to your brother." Mrs. Weasley said hugging her daughter. "Be good. Harry, dear, take care." She hugged Harry tightly as she had done with each of her children.
"I will, thank you for everything." Harry said as soon as Mrs. Weasley let him go.
Neville had walked away from them as his grandmother came into view.
Ginny was called by friends from other houses. "I'll see you inside." She said to Harry before hurrying to her friends who were curious about the well reported party in Gryffindor Manor.
Harry hurried into the train as he ignored calls from others to join them. He didn't want to talk about the party, he just wanted to get a compartment and store away his luggage.
The compartments all seemed to be filling quickly but Harry went straight to the back where he knew the compartments were still empty.
He found one away from the crowds and stowed his trunk and Hedwig's cage in the racks above.
Time seemed to pass and nobody had joined him yet. Part of him was happy to be alone, but another was restless.
He felt the train vibrating as it prepared to leave the station. He knew Ron and Hermione would be busy with the first years, and he hoped that the teachers would be too busy patrolling the train to wish to join him.
The train started to move when he heard footsteps in the corridor.
The door of his compartment opened and Harry turned to look who it was.
A witch stood on the door. She looked around and turned to whisper something to somebody behind her. The response was also whispered, after which, the witch turned back to look into the compartment.
Harry looked at her with curiosity. She had never seen this witch before, she was dressed in white robes; the hood was up and kept her face in shadow, which made it difficult for Harry to see her features, but from the little he could see she seemed to be an older woman.
"Excuse me young man," she said. "Would you mind sharing this compartment?"
Harry shrugged. A minute ago he would have said he was waiting for others to join him, but his response was different. "I don't mind."
The witch turned to look at whoever was behind her and stepped back into the corridor.
Another witch came in, but unlike the first one, she was clearly a young woman. She was wearing a glittering blue robe, Harry could've sworn that it looked like the shining surface of a calm lake. Her hood was also up and her face was also shadowed but her mouth and chin were clearly visible.
"Get comfortable, my Lady, I'll return to you if you want me." The old witch said in a respectful tone.
The young witch nodded. "Thank you, Elspeth." She said with a husky voice.
The old woman curtseyed and closed the door as she left.
Harry looked at his companion with curiosity. My Lady? He asked himself, did she belong to the aristocracy? He had never met a witch or wizard who belonged to an aristocratic family, but he supposed there must be some. But this girl seemed to be older than eleven, if he could only see her face, he thought, he could make sure but he thought she looked much closer to his own age. If that was the case, how come he hadn't seen her around Hogwarts. He was sure that she would be somebody he'd remember.
The young woman sat in silence by the window across from Harry. She was looking out and robes seemed to glitter more brightly in the sunshine.
"Is this your first time at Hogwarts?" He asked curious about her.
She turned to face him and Harry was sure that even though her hood hid her eyes she could see him very clearly.
"No." She said before turning to look back out the window.
Harry frowned in confusion. He was sure that he hadn't seen her around Hogwarts in the past years and he was sure that she would be somebody who would stand out among the student population.
"What house are you in?" Harry asked, trying once more to make conversation with her.
She turned back to look at him before answering. "I do not attend Hogwarts." She said before turning back to the window.
Harry was more confused than ever. How could this not be her first time at Hogwarts if she doesn't attend?
The train had passed the busy streets of London and was now crossing through the countryside.
He was about to ask another question when the door opened once more.
"I cannot believe he's still a prefect, I would've chucked him out after what happened last year." Ron was saying. "Sorry, mate, we - "
He never finished as he glanced at Harry's companion. He turned to look at Harry questioningly but only received a shrug as a response.
Ron stumbled into the compartment as Hermione pushed him in. "We were patrolling the train but the teachers prefer to do it instead." She finished Ron's sentence. She hadn't noticed that Harry wasn't alone yet until Ron sat beside Harry and she looked into the compartment.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Hello."
Their unknown companion turned to look at her and said "hello" in her husky voice before turning to look out the window again.
Hermione looked at Harry and received another shrug as a response.
The trio slid down near the door allowing them to whisper without fear that their companion could hear them.
"Who is she?" Asked Ron.
"Dunno. She hasn't spoken much." Harry said.
"What did you learn so far?" Hermione asked.
"Only that this is not her first time to Hogwarts but she's not a student?" Harry said.
"That doesn't help much." Ron whispered.
"I told you, she hasn't spoken much." Harry replied.
"Was she here when you came in?" Hermione glanced at their companion but she seemed not to be paying them any attention.
"No. I was sitting her when a witch opened the door and asked if I minded sharing the compartment, then she stepped back into the corridor and she came in," Harry nodded toward the window. "She just sat and the other witch left."
"Did this other witch say anything? Maybe her name?" Hermione asked.
"No name, she called her my Lady." Harry responded.
"My Lady?" Asked Ron. "Does this mean she's an aristocrat?"
Harry shrugged. "Dunno."
"It could be an honorary title." Hermione said.
"Wonder what she's doing here?" Mumbled Ron.
"Beats me. She's very quiet though and she doesn't seem to pay much attention to anything besides what's outside the window." Said Harry.
Their conversation was interrupted as the door opened once more.
The three friends turned promptly to look at the door, but, Harry noticed, their companion did not.
The older witch was back. She was pushing a cart before her.
"My Lady," she said, "I thought you'll enjoy a cup of tea."
The young witch turned toward her servant and for the first time since she came into the compartment, she smiled. "Thank you, Elspeth. Perhaps my companions would like to join me." She turned to look at them.
"Yes, of course. Thank you." Said Hermione.
The old witch had pushed her hood back and Harry could see her face clearly. Her skin was lined by the pass of time. Her eyes were a clear blue full of wisdom, and her hands were callused from hard work. She unfolded a small table and placed it before her mistress. A tray with a pot of tea and a plate of sandwiches were placed upon it.
"Thank you." Said the young witch again. The older witch curtseyed once more and left them.
Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione and noticed that they were as curious as he had been since the moment their companion had come into the compartment.
The young witch had pushed her hood back and finally, Harry could see her features clearly. Her tanned skin contrasted with the shine of her clear gray eyes, which were looking at him and his friends with a serene glance. Her long, black hair flowed down her back with a grace Harry had never seen.
She smiled and started to pour the tea into the four teacups on the tray.
Harry passed the teacups to Ron and Hermione after she finished pouring.
"Thank you." He murmured as he took his.
The girl nodded regally and sipped her tea carefully as she kept an eye on Harry.
He saw her glance briefly at his scar, but unlike others who had met him over the years, she didn't remark on it.
"Er..." He mumbled looking at his friends and their unknown companion not knowing what to say. He settled for introductions. "I'm Harry Potter, and these are my friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you." Said Hermione while Ron nodded at her side.
The girl nodded regally once more and continued sipping before she answered.
"Brenna Alastrine." She replied.
Well, Harry thought, now we know her name. It was a start.
"Are you transferring to Hogwarts?" Asked Hermione, determined to know more about this girl.
"No." Brenna said.
"Are you visiting?" Ron asked not knowing what else to ask, she wasn't transferring, she had never attended Hogwarts before, but she had been there, what else could she be doing in the train?
"Not exactly." Brenna said huskily.
Hermione was about to ask another question but the door opened and a voice interrupted her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the famous Harry Potter and his loyal followers." Said a sneering voice from the door.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Exclaimed Ron while Harry glared at the blond young man leaning against the door. He hadn't forgotten the last time he had come face to face with Draco Malfoy.
"I see your mother found a way to turn you back. A pity really." Harry said.
Malfoy's face turned into a grimace swift enough to have been missed if they hadn't been watching him closely.
"You'll be sorry for that, Potter. You may be sure of it." Said Malfoy menacingly.
There was a delicate cough from the corner against the window. Everybody turned to look at Brenna, who until now had stayed silent.
Malfoy frowned at the sight of the new girl, but after glaring at Harry stepped out of the compartment and closed the door behind him with a snap.
Brenna's eyebrows were raised questioningly.
"Don't mind him, he's a git of the first order." Said Ron.
"He's a bully." Hermione exclaimed.
"He's angry because his father was sent to Azkaban." Harry replied.
"I see." Brenna said quietly.
The door was opened again, Harry turned quickly to see if Malfoy had returned, but instead Brenna's older companion stood in the opening.
She quietly took the cups and the tray and efficiently took it away.
Brenna had turned to look out the window.
Harry sighed and whispered to Ron and Hermione. "Didn't learn much, did we?"
"Nope." Said Ron as Hermione shook her head in exasperation.
"I don't think she wants us to know more about her than we already do, not that it isn't much in the first place." She said looking at the slim figure looking out the window. "I don't' understand all this secrecy."
"Let's leave her alone." Harry replied understanding why a person would like to keep things to him or herself. "We're bound to find out more as the year progresses."
"You're right." Said Hermione knowing full well why Harry said what he did.
Hermione and Ron left soon after that. "Patrolling, you know." Ron explained as they were leaving. But they returned several times during the trip. Ginny eventually made her way to the compartment chatting all the while about her friends and their eagerness to know how the house party had gone. She kept glancing to Brenna with curiosity but Harry knew nothing more than what he already knew. Neville also visited for a while and even Luna made a brief appearance. Luna surprised Harry when she curtsied before Brenna. Brenna looked amused but only nodded to Luna when Harry introduced her and didn't remark on her behavior.
But for several hours he was left alone with his silent companion, and dark thoughts started to invade his mind. He tried to shake them off and turn his attention instead to trying to find the answer to the puzzle that was Brenna. What was she doing here?
Darkness had fallen and Harry knew they were nearing the station at Hogsmeade.
"It's time to get changed." Hermione stuck out her head around the door as she passed the compartment.
Harry nodded and look apprehensively at his silent companion.
The restroom was a few doors away and he decided to go there to change. He didn't feel comfortable changing before a stranger, even if he had only to don his robes.
It didn't take him long to change into his school uniform, he returned to find Ginny, Ron and Hermione waiting for him by the door of his compartment.
"Did you learn anything more?" Asked Ginny as soon as he joined them.
"No, she hasn't spoken much." Harry said.
Hermione and Ginny sighed in disappointment.
"There's nothing more to it. We'll find out eventually." Said Ron. "C'mon, we'll be arriving at Hogwarts in a few moments."
Ron and Hermione went to the prefect compartment ready to help with the first years while Harry returned to his compartment with Ginny.
Ron had been right, it hadn't been more than half an hour later when the train stopped in the Hogsmeade Station.
Harry walked out of his compartment with Ginny, with a last glance back toward Brenna, who continued sitting by the window as if waiting for someone to come to her.
Harry and Ginny stepped out of the train. The teachers were around the platform guiding the students toward the carriages – except those who were walking toward Hagrid called by his roaring "firs' years 'ere!"
Harry saw Snape glaring down at the students at one end of the platform while Professors McGonagall and Sprout waited by the entrance of the station hurrying the students.
Harry and Ginny found Ron and Hermione. They were among the last group of students left in the station.
"Did you see who else came on the train with us?" Asked Ron as they walked toward the remaining carriages.
"Who?" Asked Ginny.
"Lupin." Hermione replied.
"What is he doing here?" Asked Harry, he had thought that only teachers, besides their new acquaintance and her servant, were traveling with them to school.
"Seems he was hired to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts after all." Said Ron.
"Great! I was hoping that it would be someone good." Ginny exclaimed. They all knew she had been rather nervous about her classes this year as she was just getting ready to pass her O.W.L.s and had been especially eager to know who would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Harry turned to look back at the train, he could see Brenna stepping down of the train, two women walking behind her. Both wore the same color robes, but Harry only recognized one, the older woman Brenna had called Elspeth, he had not seen the other woman in the train.
Lupin was waiting by the carriages. Only Snape and Lupin remained, the rest of the teachers had taken a carriage back to the school.
"Had a nice trip?" Asked Professor Lupin with a smile.
"Well enough." Said Ron. "Professor? Do you by chance know who they are?" He asked nodding toward Brenna and her entourage walking a few yards behind them.
Lupin turned to look at the small group and frowned. "I didn't know there was anybody else besides students and teachers on the train."
"The youngest one sat in our compartment but didn't talk much." Ginny said.
Lupin was still frowning as she looked at the group getting nearer and nearer. Then he shook his head slightly and looked back at the young people watching him closely. He smiled. "You better take a carriage or you'll be left to walk up to the castle." He said.
"So you don't know about them either." Stated Hermione.
Lupin turned to look at the nearing trio and frowned once more. "Dumbledore said nothing to me about it." He simply said.
Hermione pulled them to one of the remaining carriages. As they climbed into the carriage, Harry noticed Brenna and her companions stop by Lupin, who opened the door to the last carriage for them.
Harry climbed into the carriage and looked back through the window. He saw Brenna's other companion push back her hood.
Professor Lupin gasped in surprise. "Emma!" He exclaimed.
"Hello Remus!" Harry heard her say before the carriage pulled up and they started down the road to the castle.
*~*~*~*~*
A/N: There you go. Don't forget to review! : )