The next day, Harry, Ron and Ginny spent gathering up their things and packing them for Hogwarts. Madeye, Tonks, and Lupin would be escorting them to the train station as well as taking the train to Hogwarts with them. Madeye was adamant about keeping on schedule and insisted that they pack early.
Harry was feeling much better today. He had slept away any after effects of the vision and recovered all his strength. And he was dating Ginny Weasley! As he was packing, he had noticed his parents pensive out of the corner of his rucksack. He pulled it out and on the side of it was written. "True knowledge lies within, when you discover what you are without". Harry pulled out his wand and tapped it on the side and said "Maters". In and instant, Harry was pulled into the pensive. When he stopped, he was standing at Platform 9 ¾'s with his aunt Petunia, his grandparents and his mother. This must have been her first year. She looked so small, so innocent. She was beaming up at her parents who looked as if they could burst from happiness. Aunt Petunia stood there sullen and unhappy. It was at this moment that Harry could appreciate how his mother being a witch could affect his Aunt so much. His mother got all the attention while Aunt Petunia stood all forgotten in the background. The whole scene played over in his head as he thought about how she treated him and Dudley. Dudley could do no wrong and Harry couldn't do anything right. It was quite a change in perspectives. He could see where all of Aunt Petunia's rage came from and could now somewhat understand it although he still couldn't accept the fact that she took all her resentment out on him.
The next thing Harry knew he was in line at Hogwarts waiting for his mother to be sorted. She looked nervous, as her name had been called to up to the front. The hat had barely touched her head when it shouted Gryffindor! She looked as relieved as Harry had been when he was sorted. She went and sat down at the Gryffindor's table by a dark haired boy who Harry recognized as Sirius Black. He congratulated her and they both turned towards the front again when Harry heard the name Remus Lupin. A younger, healthier but scared Remus walked up to the front. His house was Gryffindor. James Potter as well was a Gryffindor. Harry's father was a good-looking boy, already with muscles beginning to fill out his robes. He strutted a bit up and back down the aisle not unlike Draco Malfoy when he was sorted. James had the air of a privileged child. He looked at his mother who was rolling her eyes and commenting on how silly he looked. They were just starting the feast when he heard someone calling him.
"Harry… Harry… Are you in there?
The next thing he knew, he was standing in front of a trio of rather perturbed Weasleys: Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Ron.
"Harry dear," said Mrs. Weasley somewhat relieved. "If you are going to use the pensive, you should let someone know. We've searched the house high and low for you for the past half hour. You had us worried."
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley, I kind of forgot myself. I'll do that in the future."
"It's lunchtime. Let's go and eat." Ron followed his mum out of the room. Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him off to the side.
"So Mr. Potter! Where are you taking me for our first date?"
"I hadn't really had a chance to think about it much, but how about down by the lake at Hogwarts with a picnic?
"Well, for someone who hadn't really thought about it, you came up with a great idea." She smiled at him. "And for that, you get this." She kissed him quickly and then hurried them off to lunch.
The rest of the day was spent packing and cleaning. Dobby, who had spent the shopping day at home, had cleaned and tidied a large portion of the house that hadn't been done the summer before. He had managed to place silencing charms on all of Sirius's mother's portraits in the house. He was also the only one brave enough to clean out Kreacher's stash of items that he hoarded and protected from being thrown out. Kreacher had died from glee at having caused Sirius's death but he was given no such "honour" as to have his head mounted and placed on the wall beside the other house elves. Instead, he was buried outside of London in a wooded area with no marker for his grave.
Dobby placed enchantments on some of the rooms to make them appear nicer than they actually looked. Some rooms were so well protected by curses that this was necessary. The house didn't feel as dismal as it once had. It still felt mournful, but not as evil.
The next morning as they left Grimwald Place, Harry was sad. Since this was the last place Sirius lived and it was a sad existence being trapped here in this awful house filled with terrible memories for him. Remus had come by early and asked Harry for a few words alone. They hadn't had much time to spend with each other over the summer as Remus was away on Order business.
"How are you Harry? I'm sorry I wasn't around for you much this summer. How have you been holding up?"
"I've been better," Said Harry. But I'm surviving. It's a good thing Dobby showed up at the Dursleys though. It was hell being there by myself wallowing in my misery. And of course being with the Weasleys made things a lot better as well. What about you Proff… er Remus? How are you? You and Sirius were best friends.
Remus looked at Harry with a sad expression. It's been rough and I admit, I don't know how I've been carrying out my duties for the Order. I am just running on instinct I guess. I suppose I needed someone to talk with but didn't have anyone there at the time."
Harry nodded, knowing how Remus felt.
"You know I'll be there if you want to talk Remus. You can visit me anytime at Hogwarts. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore won't mind."
"Thanks Harry, I'll drop by when I can. But right now, we should get a move on. Madeye will be ranting any moment now about how we are holding up his schedule.
They headed downstairs where everyone was congregated and began their trip to the train station.
The platform was bustling by the time they reached it that morning. It was early as far as Weasley time though. Madeye mad sure of it. They packed all of the student's belongings on the train and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley said their goodbyes. Hermione, who arrived at the same time, said goodbye to her parents as well. There were four extra people going on the train though as extra security. Madeye, Remus, Tonks and Kingsley Shaklebolt. They were added at the request of Dumbledore. Harry, Ron and Hermione parted ways with Ginny. As they went up to the Prefect cabin, Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and said, "I'll meet up with you later Gin." She smiled back. "That's ok Harry, I'll be sitting with Neville and Luna and Possibly Tonks. See ya!"
Madeye followed them up to the cabin and the other 3 guards stationed themselves throughout the train. Harry noticed a sullen Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle in one of the cabins. When Malfoy noticed Harry, he stood up and pulled the blinds on the window looking in. Harry looked at Ron who noticed that as well and just shrugged.
They entered the prefect cabin and Madeye went and sat with a couple of 3rd years that looked petrified of him.
"So what was this vision about Harry? Ron owled me about it but he was kind of freaked out and I don't think I got the whole story."
Harry sighed. He knew Hermione would pester him until he did. That was just the way she was. So he told her the entire story of his vision.
"So, Voldemort is angry and frustrated?" Hermione pondered. "And it's affecting you more than ever? You really have to start those Occlumency lessons again… and soon. So, I hear you and Ginny are an item!" She grinned.
This shocked Harry and he didn't know what to say.
"How did you find out? Did Ron owl you that too?"
"Honest mate, I never said a word!" Ron said.
"No, Ron didn't tell me, I guessed. After all, it doesn't take a genius to figure out all the clues. All the morning visits to the pond, the looks you gave her. But the tell tale sign was when Fred and George went to get you for dinner the night before I left. Ginny went running through the house to the bathroom and you came back looking rather sheepish. I just put two and two together. And you did just confirm my suspicions."
"Really Hermione, you should write that book on relationships. Your powers of deduction are incredible." Ron said.
Hermione blushed. She thrived on her skills and being acknowledged by it made her proud. The rest laughed at her and it was at this moment when a port key carrying Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall in to the train landed on the floor. Harry and Ron leapt up and helped them to their feet.
"Ah yes, the wonders of the port key and moving vehicles. You can never be sure if you are going to land on your feet." Dumbledore said. "All right Minerva?
"Yes, thank you Albus." She said as she smoothed her robes.
"Professor, why didn't you send a letter like always instead of arriving this way?" Hermione asked.
"Good question Hermione, but I think we'll wait for all the prefects to arrive before I explain. Ron, could you go and round up the others?"
Within a few moments, the front car was full of prefects including Ernie McMillan and Hannah Abbot from Hufflepuff, Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin, Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw and Ron and Hermione and Harry from Gryffindor.
"Now that I have you all here, I just wanted to let you know straight away that we are expecting trouble enroute today. We are not sure when exactly, but we thought you ought to know and be prepared for the worst. You've noticed that we are still missing a Head girl. I believe Hermione would be the best choice to fill that position."
Hermione sat in shock with her mouth open.
"This leaves a prefect spot open in Gryffindor which will be filled by Ginny Weasley. I am also appointing a third prefect from each house. They will be: Neville Longbottom (Draco and Pansy sniggered until Professor McGonagall shot them a cold look), Luna Lovegood, Millicent Bulstrode and Justin Finch Fletchley. Now if we could bring these new prefects here before we continue…? And please don't say a word to them yet.
Harry stood up. "I'll fetch Ginny Luna and Neville Professor. They are in the same car."
"I'll get Millicent and Justin Professor. I know which car they are in." Said Pansy.
"Very good! Thank you Harry and Pansy. Just say that they are wanted in the front car."
A few minutes later, a bewildered group walked in. They were amazed to see Professor's Dumbledore and McGonagall standing up front.
"Um, what is going on Professor Dumbledore?" Ginny asked.
"Ah, straight to the point Miss Weasley." He smiled. "If you would all find a seat, I'll explain all. I've appointed Miss Granger Head Girl and you Miss Weasley will fill her position as prefect for Gryffindor. I'm also appointing a 3rd prefect from each house to aid in additional duties and that's where the other 4 of you come in. The five stare at him as if had gone completely around the bend.
"I am expecting trouble this year beginning with this train ride to Hogwarts. You no doubt have noticed the 4 adults aboard already. Two of them are Aurors, One is a retired Auror, and the other is a former Teacher. They are Miss Tonks, Mr. Shaklebolt, Mr. Moody and Mr. Lupin. Most of you are members of the D.A. club. Mr. Malfoy, Miss Parkinson and Miss Bulstrode: I will expect you to join this club and encourage fellow Slytherin's to join as well." A sick look past Draco's face but Dumbledore pressed on.
"I have full Ministry cooperation with these changes and have been promised whatever help I need to ensure the safety of students and staff at Hogwarts. You are the finest from your houses and I have chosen you for your leadership skills, knowledge and bravery. We will be facing dark times and I am hoping to overcome it by encouraging the four houses to work together and become friends or at the very least, allies. You have sworn allegiances to your houses and this will be a great test to that pledge. We will be holding weekly meetings to discuss security, safety and well being of the school. These meetings will take place every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. I wish for you to report anything no matter how small or trivial that it seems at the time to your head of houses or the head boy or girl. The head boy and girl will have the authority of a teacher in all matters. You have all proven your trustworthiness to me. I know you can prove it to your fellow classmates as well. Voldemort has already reared his ugly head. Be Vigilant, be cautious, and bring unity to this school. Thank you! You are dismissed. Miss Granger, Mr. Potter a word if you please."
The other students filed out of the car back to their own. Harry and Hermione stayed behind.
"As head boy and girl, you will have access to the entire school except teachers offices and personal rooms." He tapped them on their heads with his wand and said 'obfirmo'. You will help the teachers with patrols in the evenings and enlist any prefect you fell necessary. You will also have alarm bells and locator gadgets to help us spot the trouble quickly. Those Weasley twin's inventions are getting more useful by the day." He smiled. "Off you go now. Oopps almost forgot our keys to your rooms." He handed them their keys and sent them on their way.
There was so much to talk about now. They passed Draco's car and he stepped out to ask Harry for a word alone. Hermione looked reproachful and was about to protest when Harry said. "It's alright Hermione, I'll catch up in a minute."
Draco motioned for Harry to come into his compartment and at the same time, ordered Crabbe and Goyle out of it and shut the door on them.
"Potter, I'm not sure I can do this right. We've been sworn enemies from the start. I've made some hard choices lately and one of them is whether or not to forgive you for getting my father sent to Azkaban."
"That was his choice to make on becoming a death eater…" Harry started to say.
"Let me finish Potter. As I said, that was only one of the choices I had to make. Another was to decide whether to become a death eater like him or take a different direction in life. I have chosen the later of the two. I no longer wish to devote my life serving Voldemort or listening to my father's disparaging remarks about what a pathetic son I am. I don't expect us to be friends Potter, but you know longer have to consider me your enemy."
Harry was dumbstruck.
"I don't know what to say Draco. I'm not sure if I believe you or not…"
"Yes, I didn't expect you to believe me but did you hear Dumbledore's speech? 'You have all proven your trustworthiness to me.' You can ask him back at the school about it. I 'm sure he'll tell you why he said that. You'll find you that I am not the same person I was last year."
"Well Draco, thank you for telling me this and for trying to end the feud between us. I look forward to dueling you and beating you in the D.A. club." He said with his eyes twinkling.
"You wish Potter, you wish." Retorted Draco as Harry opened the door to leave.
"Just to let you know Potter, I have to keep up appearances with Crabbe and Goyle. Their dad's know my dad." He said apologetically.
"No problem Draco, oh and Draco… It's Harry." He turned and left.
What an incredibly strange day Harry was having. He looked adown at his watch and realized it was almost lunch. He would have to hurry if he was going to catch the food trolley back in his compartment. As luck would have it, he arrived back at the same time as the trolley and the witch pushing it. He bought out the rest of it for himself and his friends to celebrate their appointments.
"Congratulations everyone!" Harry said as he made his way into the car. He dropped his stash of goodies onto a seat and started shaking Neville's and Luna's hand and hugged Hermione and then Ginny, who he also pecked on the cheek. She blushed prettily.
"Ok then, let's chow down." Harry passed around lunch and cans of pumpkin juice. For the next hour, they discussed Dumbledore's speech and all the warnings he spoke of.
"Well, I think we should go and patrol the train. It's been a while." Said Hermione
"Ron, why don't you and I go together? Neville, you and Luna can pair up. And Ginny, you can go with Harry. I'll catch up with the other prefects and get them moving as well.
"Jeese… Hermione, you've got this whole Head Girl thing down pat don't you?" Said Harry as the rest of them laughed.
They filed out of the car and Harry and Ginny were the last ones in there. Harry gave Ginny another hug and said, "That's really great that you are a prefect Gin. Congratulations!" He bent and kissed her softly, sweetly on the lips. She murmured "Thanks" and snuggled into his embrace.
They stood there for a few minutes before he heard a voice saying "Umm sorry to break something up but Hermione was wondering where you too got too." Said Neville sheepishly.
Harry blushed and Ginny giggled as they let go of each other.
"On our way Neville," Said Harry.
The prefects patrolled the train in shifts for the remainder of the day with the help of the Aurors. Aside from a few minor food fights and pranks, nothing out of the ordinary happened. The six spent the last hour in their car discussing the New Year and getting their school robes on. Before they new it, they had rolled into the train station at Hogwarts and disembarked.
A familiar voice rang out.
"First years, First years to me now, move along!