JuveFan: Thank you for the kind words and thanks for reading and reviewing. He is home now and there will be plenty of pranks, trouble, and Voldemort. I will have to check with my mom to see what part he is from, I can't seem to remember where in Malta he is from. Thank you again
Kelly: Thank you Kelly for reviewing and I hope this update was soon enough. I am glad that you chose to read this story and hope you keep up with it until the end. Thank you again
Ren: Hello again to you and glad to see that you are still reading the story. I know what you mean about the mental picture. I had about 7 different pictures come to mind when I was trying to figure out what ones I wanted to use. If I could draw I would post them so everyone could see how I saw her looking. No I have to say that darling Draco missed out on this but will be getting his end very soon. He will be their first real prank as the new Marauders. I hope you liked the Dean and Ginny talk. Oh and enlarging the pictures well lets just say Harry has a project for dear Colin Creevey LOL.
Butler: Hello again to you Butler and thank you for reading and reviewing. I am so glad you like the last chapter. Thank you again.
Silvercrystal77: Hello there Silver I am so glad to see that you are still reading and reviewing the story. I am also glad that you loved the last two chapters. I hope you like the Dean and Ginny part in this chapter; I know you will let me know how it was. You honor me with your kindness and I hope to be sitting here typing you a personal response at the end of this story.
Stahchild: First I want to say thank you so much for reviewing. I'm sorry you don't like the Harry/Ginny ship stories but with not liking that ship I am so glad you like my story. I thank you for pointing out my spelling mistakes and I have went back and fixed them. I also took off the boldness and made it Italics. I love to hear what my readers think about the story and if they make suggestions that make it better I do my best to make it happen. Thank you again for reading my story and being so kind and reviewing. Until next, time happy reading.
Nymphadora003: Hey there I hadn't gotten a review and was worried that you had stopped reading. I am so sorry that things have been so hectic for you. Just so you know you can take all the time you want before you read the next chapter. I would hate it that you would stop but if you ever stopped reading because the story was bad or for what ever reason, your choice. I hope you will not stop until the story is done. I am glad you like chapter 24 and 25 and hope you liked 26. Yes things are going well for them now but you never know what is to come. I know that I need to shorten the spacing, but I was trying to get this chapter done. I promise that I will fix it. I am glad you reviewed before I posted so I could answer your review. Thank you so much for your nice review.
May 17, 2004 19 days
until the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be released.
Can Love Find Me Now
Chapter 26
The Ride Back Home
September 1st
The smell of fresh cooked bacon was in the air along with baking muffins, eggs, sausage, and pancakes. Harry stretched as the aroma assaulted his nose; a smile spread across his lips as the thought of Hogwarts filled his mind; yes he was going home today. His smile faded quickly as he remembered the nightmare he had last night.
The Dream
He was pacing around a familiar room; he had been here before but when. Then it hit him; he was in the Riddle house. He was seeing through Voldemort's eyes again. There on the rug was his snake Nagini; the one that had almost killed Mr. Weasley last year. What was going on and why was he here. He had cleared his mind last night; what was happening? There was movement coming from the hall; he could hear footsteps coming their way.
"Wormtail get in here now I do not have the patience for your foolishness."
"Master please I have news for you about the item that you are searching for."
"Tell me now!"
"I have learned that there are two items not one; it was sold to Romulus Blacks mother fifty years ago. We know that they were left to Harry Potter or one of his friends."
"How do you know this Wormtail; are you toying with me or do you know this as fact?"
"My Lord we know it as fact; it was in the Daily Prophet that Black left a Will and left everything to Potter and his friends and nothing to his family."
"Good Wormtail; now go and find out which one of those Mudblood traitors has the item."
"My Lord you will be more powerful if you have both items; I will find them for you My Lord."
"Wormtail do not fail me or you will be punished; now go before I change my mind and punish you now."
"Yes My Lord; (as he bowed out of the room) Yes My Lord, I will not fail you My Lord."
With a flash the dream changed again; he was now in a field of Lily's and Daisies. He looked all around but there was no one there but himself. He started walking towards the hill in front of him;
"Maybe there is a house over that hill" he thought as he walked.
Once he got to the top of the hill he looked down into the valley in front of him. There in the distance he could see a village to the left and to the far right was a lone house in the middle of a grove of trees. Something told him to head towards the house in the grove. As he got closer to the house he heard voices coming from the back of the house. Instincts told him to draw his wand; he searched his robes for his wand but it was not there. With his heart beating a mile a minute he placed his body against the side of the house and moved slowly to the corner. He took a deep breath and peaked around the corner to see if the people looked friendly or not; his breath caught in his throat at the site before him. There sitting on a blanket was Sirius, his mum, and his dad. They were talking and laughing; he decided to make his appearance known. As he came around the corner the laughter stopped and they stood; looking around to try and find what had disturbed the air.
"James what's happening; someone is here that should not be."
"Lily I am not sure love; they are not evil and I feel they are confused."
"James how can you tell they are good?"
"I don't know but I do."
"I trust what you feel James. Sirius can you feel anything or are you in the dark like me?"
"Lily don't get mad or go into a rage ok but it feels like Harry."
"WHAT! HE CAN'T BE HERE SIRUS; THAT WOULD MEAN HE IS DEAD; MY SON CANNOT BE DEAD SIRIUS. YOU HAVE TO BE WRONG SIRUS; YOU JUST HAVE TO BE."
"Love calm down; Harry is not dead and you know it. If he were dead we would know as soon as he died."
"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN; HE SAYS HE FEELS HIM. HE WOULD HAVE TO BE DEAD TO HE HERE JAMES AND YOU KNOW IT."
"Lily please, listen to me; you know that if and when Harry dies we will know. Do you feel that he has died?"
"No'
"Then calm down so we can figure out what is happening."
"James; do you think he could be tormented about the events in The Department of Mysteries. That could open his mind up to us right now; I know I should have told you but I felt him before."
"Sirius when?"
"I think it was around his birthday; we were in the Craven of the Dead and in the catacombs."
"Then that can only mean one thing Sirius; Harry's powers are growing and if he is here watching us then he can hear us."
"Yes I would think so; Harry if you are here please go back you should not be here; we love you and watch over you son."
"Your mother is right Harry if you are here you need to go back; it is not safe for you to be here."
"Harry if you can hear me know that my death is not your fault; I know that you are blaming yourself; I am with you always as is your mum and dad."
"Sirius the evil is coming; we have to get him out of here; Harry GO NOW!"
Harry sat on his bed as he remembered the dream; it had been so real to him. He could see them but they could only feel him; he needed to talk to Dumbledore. He grabbed his wand and thought of the full dream with Voldemort, Sirius and his parents. When he felt that it was at the top of all his thoughts he placed his wand to his temple and pulled the thin silver thread out and placed it into his pensive. His head felt lighter; yes he would start using his pensive more often and that should help him clear his mind better this year. He crawled out of bed and got dressed. He made his way down to the kitchen for breakfast and worrying about his last dream. Remus sat at the table reading a paper; not even aware of what was going on around him. Harry sat beside him and nudged him with his elbow. He jerked his head up and looked at Harry like he was mad.
"Harry, why did you go and do that for?"
"Sorry Remus, I need to talk to you right now", he whispered
"Ok let's go in the parlor."
"Alright but hurry"
Harry was up and out the door before Remus had the paper laid down on the table. Remus just about sprinted out the door; he knew it must be important since he didn't wait for him. As he entered the parlor Harry was pacing back and forth across the parlor floor; with a pained look on his face. He felt a jab of pain in his heart for his friend's son; not knowing what he would tell him he walked over and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Harry has something happened; is someone hurt?"
"No one is hurt sir; I had a nightmare or dream; I'm not sure which."
"Well, are you going to tell me or what?"
"I'm not sure where to start. I was Voldemort again or at least I was seeing through his eyes. He has been looking for an item for a while now. Wormtail came to him and told him they know where it is and that there are two items not one. They will help him be more powerful if he gets them; by what Wormtail told him. I'm not sure how they work or what they are but they are here."
"Stop a minute; what is here and how does he know they are here Harry?"
"Wormtail told him that Mrs. Black bought the items over fifty years ago; so what ever the items are one of us was given them in the Will. That is how he knows; the article in the Daily Prophet."
"But Harry how does he know they are here?"
"Well not so much here but that they have been left to me, you or one of my friends. He knows that nothing was left to Mrs. Malfoy, Draco or Bellatrix Lestrange. So he knows one of us has them."
"Ok Harry I will contact Dumbledore right away about this; we knew he was looking for something that will protect him. Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Have you ever heard of the Craven of the Dead?"
"It is said that is one of the places where the dead go but I'm not to sure about the facts. Dumbledore would be the person to ask about that, or have Hermione research it."
"Well after Voldemort faded away I was standing in a filed and when I got to the top of a hill there was a valley and a house. Something told me to go towards the house and I found Sir…Sirius and my parents. I could see and hear them but they couldn't see me but they could feel me. My mum got upset because she though I had died, then my dad said I couldn't be. They said evil was coming and for me to go and then I woke up."
"Harry, do you remember every detail?"
"Kind of but I did put the memory in the pensive; that way you or Dumbledore can see it."
"Good thinking; we need to put a sealing charm on the pensive so you can take it with you anyway. As soon as we get you all off on the train I will go to Hogwarts and talk to Dumbledore; I am sure he will talk to you after the feast."
"Si…Remus one thing that they said was that for me to be there; my powers must be growing and that I must feel tormented about what happened in June."
"Dumbledore has always felt you were going to be very powerful. When you were born he came to see your parents; he told them you were special and powerful and he is always right."
"Why don't I feel the power growing?"
"I'm not sure that you can feel your power growing. I know growing up I never did; do you ever remember feeling your power growing up?"
"No I don't think so but could it happen?"
"I'm not sure Harry; we'll ask Dumbledore ok."
"Alright as long as you're with me tonight I'll be able to get through this. Thanks Remus"
"No problem Harry; what are godfathers for? Let's go have breakfast so we can get you ready to head out to the best year you are going to ever have."
By the time they got back to the kitchen the table was full of people. Harry went and sat with Ginny and Remus went back to his chair he had occupied before Harry had come in. Harry received worried looks from his three friends; he gave them a nod to indicate he would tell them all later. With reluctance they went back to their breakfast. Ron was eating like the food was going to disappear before he got enough to eat, Hermione was picking at her food and eating very little, Ginny ate as she normally did; with her left hand on Harry's knee. He was glad that she was beside him. Once breakfast was over Harry and Remus went to his room and started getting his things shrunk down. Remus put the sealing charm on the pensive and a protective charm on the cage with Neville's owl and her babies. Harry put his belongings in his pockets and took the cage and headed down to the parlor. Remus made his way to Ron's room to shrink his stuff for the trip; next stop was Ginny and Hermione's room. By nine o'clock everyone was ready to head for the train station; at ten o'clock their guard had arrived to escort them to the train. Tonks, Kingsley, Diggle, Moody, Remus and Mrs. Weasley were taking them to the station today. Ginny and Hermione would go with Diggle, Kingsley and Mrs. Weasley. Ron and Harry would be escorted by Remus, Moody and Tonks. Mrs. Weasley's group left first; followed ten minutes later by the boys and their guard.
The first group arrived to the station by ten-thirty; at ten-forty-five the boys came through the entrance between platforms 9 and 10. Seeing Platform 9 ¾ was heaven to Harry; this was the first step to returning home and he couldn't wait. As he and Ron got to the others he heard someone calling his name; as he turned around there stood Neville and Luna by one of the doors on the train. He waved to them and yelled;
"We'll be there in a minute ok" and turned back to say his good-bys to everyone.
Mrs. Weasley had Ron in a bone crushing hug; tears flowing down her cheeks. She released him and then grabbed Ginny in the same manner. Hermione was next in line for one of the famous Weasley hugs. Once she released Hermione, Harry knew he was next and he wanted her to hug him this time and he would return the hug with all the love he could. Her arms wrapping around him brought him back to reality; he hugged her back so hard she flinched but did not release him.
"Mrs. Wea…sley…I…can't…breath."
"Oh Harry dear I'm sorry"
"It's ok"
"Now you four; behave this year; No running off and getting into trouble; understood. Don't give me that look Ron; I know you say you don't go looking for it but you have to be careful. Harry dear please don't make that face; I understand believe me I do but you have to be careful. Now I made you all some food for the train: Ron stop with the faces. I made a basket for you with enough for Neville and Luna; no sandwiches but a nice lunch to tide you over until you get to school."
"Thank you mum"
"Now off you go, the train will be leaving soon; you don't want to miss it."
With one more final hug from Mrs. Weasley the four boarded the train. They found the compartment with Neville and Luna and made themselves comfortable until the train pulled out. As the train pulled from the station the six teens hung their heads out the window waving good-by to Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. Lovegood and the Order members; Harry was on his way home. Hermione, Ron and Luna headed to the prefects meeting and vowed to return soon. Neville, Harry and Ginny sat and talked for a bit before Katie Bell came to the door.
"Hey Harry, how was your summer?"
"It was great this year. How was yours Katie?"
"It was ok; I just stopped by to let you know that I'm the new Quidditch caption and to let you know that the ban has been lifted so you are the Gryffindor star seeker again. Ginny you are going to try out for another position this year right?"
"Yep, I want to try out for the chaser position."
"Well we need two new chasers so I don't see a problem with that. Well I will see you all later."
When the three arrived back to the compartment; Neville and Harry were checking on the mother owl and her babies; giving them water, food and some TLC (Tender Loving Care). As soon as Ron sat down he wanted to play a game of chess but Ginny said no way.
"Ron we need to figure out who is going to do the interview; remember"
"Ok I can wait until later for a game."
"Good, ok there are three choices Rita Skeeter. Mr. Lovegood and Mellisa Hagforth; who do we want to use."
"Harry, who do you want to use."
"Neville we are going to chose together; since we are going to do this together."
"Why don't we just use Rita again; she did do a good job last year."
"Only because you blacknailed her Hermione"
"Ron, it is blackmailed and why does that matter"
"She might want to be paid again like she did last time"
"Ok, we won't use Rita; Luna do you think your dad will do the interview?"
"No, he said he would run the story for us but he rather someone else do the interview."
"Well if that reporter from the Daily Prophet does it then it will go in that paper and not in the Quibbler."
"Ron's right about that, if we want it in the Quibbler then we have no choice then to use Rita Skeeter."
"Alright then it's settled Rita Skeeter will do the interview; Hermione first thing in the morning send her an owl asking her if she will help us again, now on with more important things. How are we all doing on our Animagus exercises?"
Everyone started talking about how well they were doing with their training. They decided they would work every night until they could change into their forms. Hermione informed everyone that she had already brewed the potion they would need to take to see if they could in fact become Animagus; her and Ginny knew the wand movement for the spell that would be said over each person after they drank the potion. Harry informed them that he had a list of ideas for their first prank and wanted to know when they wanted to carry it out. Just as the conversation was getting good their compartment door opened and there stood Draco Malfoy and his goons.
"Well Potter I see you made it back for another year but you won't see the end of it."
"Malfoy don't you ever get tired of this crap?"
"No one was talking to you Mudblood; so shut it."
Ron, Harry and Neville jumped up with wands out ready to hex him into next week. Hermione pushed her way through the boys and punched him right in the nose. Everyone was in shock; yes she had slapped him in their third year but she punched him and he was bleeding. Crab and Goyle grabbed their leader and pulled him down the train with Malfoy cussing Hermione out as he went. She stood there with a smile on her face while she rubbed her knuckles. Ron pulled her into a hug; telling her how great and brave she was. Then it happened; you could hear muffling noises coming from Ron's chest; they all thought she was crying. Ron pulled away from her just a bit and lifted her face to him; they were all shocked to see her laughing. She was laughing so hard she had tears running down her face. Ron didn't know if he should worry or laugh too. Next thing you know everybody was laughing right along with Hermione. She was fighting so hard to catch her breath so she could talk but it just wasn't happening. It took the whole compartment ten minutes to get the laugher to stop. Once Hermione was back to normal she let out a big sigh.
"You know that felt good and I mean it felt really good. Who would have thought I would punch Malfoy and make him bleed?"
"You did good Hermione and I have to say I am proud of you."
"Thanks Gin"
They decided to eat some of the food that Mrs. Weasley packed for them at one o'clock; still talking about the pranks they wanted to do and which house they would get first. Slytherin house would be first and affected each time they did a different house. They decided the first prank would be on just Malfoy and his goons; then the fun would begin. Not to long after Malfoy's visit Dean popped in to say his hello's to everyone and to see Ginny. He talked to the whole group for about twenty minutes; then asked Ginny if she wanted to go for a stroll with him on the train. Harry tried his best not to strangle him right there in front of everyone. Hermione shot him a look that said let her go talk to him; which he knew she had to do but could not stand the thought of him being alone with Ginny. Ginny on the other hand was scared to death; she knew she had to talk to him about the "Us" issue but she didn't want to hurt him. She gave Harry's hand a gentle squeeze and said she would be back soon.
Dean found an empty compartment for them to use and let her enter first. She nervously took a seat and Dean came and sat beside her and tried to hold her hand but she stood and started pacing the floor.
"Ginny is there something wrong?"
"Dean, I just don't know where to begin."
"How about relaxing a bit; you know I won't bite."
"I know (soft chuckle) you won't; it's just what I have to say it hard."
"Out with it Ginny no harm in doing that."
"Dean I…you know…Merlin this is hard. Dean… you see…When I said I liked you I meant that ok."
"Ok Ginny; what's wrong?"
"I like you Dean I really do but I don't…like you…in a girlfriend…boyfriend kind of way."
"Ginny"
"Wait, let me talk please; this is just so hard for me. I know we…you never asked for any of this; I was the one who said I liked you first. I want you to know I am sorry but I don't want to lead you on; when I don't feel for you that way. I would like to stay friends ok."
"Ginny, I won't say that I understand your thinking but I like you as a friend too. I know you said you liked me and I was hoping that we could try to date. I won't say you are the only girl for me because; well we have never dated. I'm glad you told me how you feel and that you didn't lead me on like some girls would; thanks for that."
"Thanks so much; you're a good friend and I don't want to lose that. I just hope that you will find the right girl for you. I was so sure you would get really pissed off at me; that you would already feel I had been leading you on. I am sorry for that."
"Ginny, you don't have to say sorry; you didn't do anything wrong. We thought we liked each other in a different way and we didn't; no harm ok."
"Thank you"
"Your welcome; what are friends for anyway."
"You are going to make some girl very happy; I hope you find her soon."
"Hey I'm still young; I think I might want to play the field a bit (eyebrows wagging) if you know what I mean."
"Well, just don't break any hearts."
"I won't and hey what about you; got any guys (eyebrows wagging) lined up to go after?"
"Nope, the one (eyebrows wagging) has already snagged me, (huge smile) and he will have a hard time losing me."
"Oh, I see you must have finely gotten Harry (eyebrows wagging) to notice you; Oh! By that smile on your face; I'm guessing that I'm right."
"Yes Dean, (blushing the Weasley red) but I have to tell you I was not expecting him to. We wrote each other over the summer and when he came to the house we started talking; you know getting to know each other and all that. Two weeks ago he asked me to be his girlfriend and of course I said yes."
"I'm so happy for you Ginny; you deserve to be happy and so does he. Well are you ready to go back so your boyfriend doesn't think I'm trying to steal you away?"
"Dean, (slapping him playfully on the arm) be nice or I'll hex you into next week (laughing) and no one will be able to help you."
"Ok, ok I sure don't want you mad at me; I heard what you did to Malfoy and I sure don't want you to hex me."
"Come on let's get back before Ron' sends a hunting party."
"Alright"
When Ginny and Dean returned back to the compartment; laughter could be heard up and down the hall of the train. As Dean opened the door all eyes were on the two teens. Dean left her at the door and said good-by and headed back to his own compartment. Ginny sat down next to Harry and just leaned over and kissed his cheek; whispering in his ear that everything was fine and they would talk later. As the sunset and darkness covered the country side; the six were having trouble staying awake. Hermione went to the front of the train to check and see how long before they would arrive in Hogsmeade. When she returned; she made the boys grab their things and go change while the girls changed into their robes in their compartment.
Twenty minutes later the train was pulling into Hogsmeade train station. Harry grabbed the cage with Neville's owls for him since he had to grab his trunk and Ron helped Luna with her trunk. As they stepped out onto the platform they could hear Hagrid calling for the first years to follow him.
"Firs' years! Firs years over here. Come on now; hurry along. Arry, Ron, Ermione, Ginny welcome back."
"Hey Hagrid; how was your summer? They all yelled at him."
"I'll talk to ya later; Welcome Home Arry."
"Thanks Hagrid and we'll see you later."
They made their way over to the line of students waiting for a carriage; Harry could see the Thestrals hitched to the carriages and wondered if the others could see them after the events in June. He tried to look at each of their faces to see if by chance they could see them. Neville and Luna look at them and nodded to them; he noticed six of the Thestrals were looking at him; so he nodded to them and whispered "Thanks" and they nodded back to him. Harry headed for an empty carriage; not waiting for the others to move and was soon followed by Ron, Neville, Ginny, Hermione and Luna. Harry sat by the window and watched as Hogwarts came into view; it was the most beautiful site; it was home. He felt his hand being squeezed; he looked over to Ginny and gave her hand a squeeze back; "thanks" he whispered to her.
Pulling up in front of the castle his breath caught in his chest; there on the steps Remus Lupin and Professor Dumbledore stood. Climbing out of the carriage he grabbed the owl cage in one hand and Ginny's hand in the other, (I hope I don't miss the sorting this time.) he thought walking towards the front doors. When they reached the top step the two men motioned for him to come over. Never letting go of Ginny's hand he walked over; the others right behind them.
"Good evening Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Neville, Ron, Luna"
"Evening sir"
"Harry would you follow us to my office; that way we have privacy."
"Sir could we do this later; I know it's important but I would like to go to the feast and hear the sorting."
"I am sure we can put it off for just a bit Harry; we will see you in my office shortly then; the password (whispering in his ear "Mars Bars") will let you in."
Ron was the first to ask what was going on and wanted to know why Remus was there and why he needed to go to Dumbledore's office. He told him he would find out soon enough and to just leave it alone. Harry pulled Luna aside and asked her if she would meet them after the feast; she told him she couldn't because of her prefect duty to get the first years to their dorm. He agreed that she needed to do her prefect duties and they would just talk over breakfast in the morning. You could see Professor McGonagall off to the side gathering the first years; as she ushered them to the small chamber off to the side. Harry saw a boy that looked mighty familiar to him but he wasn't sure where he had seen him. Harry joined his friends at the Gryffindor table to wait for the sorting to begin. Soon in came Professor McGonagall with the first years; once at the front she put the hat on the stool and stepped back.
We all know the time has come
For the next war has begun,
A thousand years ago
Four great wizards created me,
You heard my warning last
So hear my plea,
Unite like days of old
Divided you will fall,
Last year this was foretold
The writing is on the wall,
Judge your classmates for who they are
Not which house they are in,
Do not keep your foe to far
Keeping them close is not a sin,
The danger is near and far
Ignore the warning if you dare,
Listen to the boy with the scar
He can see what's in the air,
So put me on so we can see
Which house is right for you,
It is all up to me
You all know what to do,
Gryffindor the house of the brave at heart
Caring, daring, with nerves of steel,
Hufflepuffs the patient kind, just and loyal
Unafraid to work,
Ravenclaw who are smart and wise
Love to learn and be advised,
Slytherin might be your house if you are cunning enough
Willing to do what it takes to achieve and get ahead,
Don't be scared just come on up
And put me on your head,
So I can put you in a house
Let the sorting begin.
"When I call you name please come up and place the hat on your head."
"Alastor, Corena"
"Ravenclaw"
"Bullock, Mathew"
"Hufflepuff"
"Carney, Susan"
"Slytherin"
As people were put in different houses; Harry wondered if he had looked that small and so scared when he was sorted. He knew he probably looked terrified during his sorting. There seemed to be more students starting this year; compared to other years. Harry brought his attention back to the sorting; waiting for it to end so they could eat.
"Tatum, William"
"Gryffindor"
As the sorting continued Harry was watching the young boy he though he knew. He racked his brain trying to figure it out; until McGonagall called out his name "Evans, Mark". Harry sat up straight and strained to try and see what would happen; yes he knew that boy and he was the one Dudley had used as a punching bag on Privet drive .
"Please let him be in Gryffindor" he thought.
"Gryffindor"
Harry was on his feet and clapping as hard as he could; he got the boys attention and waved him over. Mark had a look of recognition on his face; he looked around scared but walked over to where Harry was.
"Ron bunch up so Mark can sit with us."
"Why?"
"I'll tell you later ok"
"Oh alright Harry"
"Hi Mark I'm Harry"
"Hi Harry, I know you don't I?"
"Yes and no, we know Dudley Dursley"
"You aren't going to beat me up to are you?"
"No I'm not like him but we can talk more in a few minutes. Just know I am your friend ok"
"Ok Harry, thanks"
Hermione gave them a look and they stopped talking; the last names were called and everyone waited to eat. Dumbledore stood and the hall fell quiet;
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts; Tuck In."
With that said the food appeared on the table and everyone started eating. Ron had already finished half his food by the time Harry looked up for a drink of juice.
"Ron you had a good lunch on the train you can't be that hungry."
"Srry Arry, I goging oy"
"What?"
"He said Sorry Harry I'm a growing boy"
"I'm glad you can understand him Gin, I don't think I ever will"
"Fifteen years of living with him will do that for you"
"So Harry, how do you know Mark?"
"He lives near my Aunt and I have heard Dudley talking about him."
"Oh, well it's good that you know him; it will help him adjust"
"I know Hermione; that's why I had him sit with us"
"So Harry, how do you know Dudley?"
"He's my cousin; and he used to beat me up all the time too. So are both your parents no-magical?"
"No my parents aren't magical; someone on the train told me I was moogle born."
"Muggle born and yes that is what you are called if your parents are not magical. Hermione is a muggle born, Neville, Ron and Ginny here are purebloods, and my mum was muggle born and my dad was pureblood."
"How do you remember all this stuff anyway?"
"You'll get it sooner or later; Mark do you know much about your family?"
"Yeah, why do you ask Harry?"
"Well my mum's last name was Evans and that's your last name; I was just wondering because I don't know much about my family; we could be related."
"What was your mum's name?"
"Lily Evans and then she married my dad and became a Potter"
"Wait you're Harry Potter, there were kids on the train talking about you. They say that you have been teaching them to fight and that some guy named Vodormolt is after you."
"Yes I did teach some of the students and it is Voldemort that is after me; you heard right."
"Why is he after you?"
"I can't tell you now but maybe one day I can; I promise ok"
"Ok, and about your mum; I'll ask my mum and see if she might be part of the family."
"Thanks Mark"
"No problem Harry"
Dumbledore stood and the hall went quiet. Beaming at the students that sat before him he cleared his throat.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. I would like to reintroduce your Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Remus Lupin; most of you will remember he taught here three years ago. I want you all to welcome him back. The hall erupted into a loud round of applause (except for Slytherin). Just a few announcements before we head to our comfortable beds. The forbidden forest is just that forbidden and is forbidden to all and a few of the older students here (looking at Harry and his friends) would do well to remember this. Mr. Filch has asked me to inform you there are many new items that have been added to his list of items not allowed; please review the list in his office at any time. There is no magic in the school halls; if you are caught you will be punished. To all houses; you may hold Quidditch trails the second weekend of term. I want to welcome our new students and hope that you will fill your heads with the knowledge we teach you this year and to the returning students I hope that your heads are empty so we may fill them again. Now the hour is late; with your long journey I am sure you must be tired; so off you go so you will be well rested for classes in the morning."
Harry told Mark to follow the fifth year prefects up to the common room. He turned to the others giving them a small smile. He informed them he had to go talk to Dumbledore and Remus. They all wanted to go with him but he told them they couldn't and he would explain when he came up to the common room. With reluctance they let him go and headed to Gryffindor common room.
Sorry for the cliffhanger; it is the first and I hope the last. This chapter was just getting way to long. I hope you all enjoyed chapter 26 and 27 will be out in soon. Please be kind and review.