Chapter 3:

The Ride Aboard Hogwarts Express

By Rain Darkwood

Disclaimer: I do not own any properties of Harry Potter, they belong to J.K. Rowling. I've only invented a few characters for this story.

Note

This is a fairly short chapter, mainly for the purpose of clarifying Hogwarts' current role in the war. Sorry it's so short, I just get a feeling when it's right to end a chapter and that's when I end it.

Once aboard the Hogwarts Express, Zero found it surprisingly quiet. He looked up and down the narrow aisles, and turned to Lupin, who had climbed in behind him, followed by the crowd of Order members. "Why is it so quiet?"

Remus sighed, but smiled as though trying to make the best of a bad situation. "Nearly every Slytherin student has not come to school this year," he said, shrugging. "And a good many students from other houses whose parents hadn't the intelligence to take our offer. You see, Hogwarts has become a sort of refugee camp. Many families are residing there along with their children, taking advantage of our offer of protection, and it's all we can do. We offer the most protection out of anywhere, with the help of the ministry. It is also the current headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. All classes will be taken indoors this year, but other than the transformation of some old classrooms into homes for our guests, things will run quite as smoothly. Students are still going to be staying in their dormitories, and the like. But things will be a little cramped, I'm sure, in the residential section." They were walking down the hallway now, and were nearly at the end of the train. "Some families have chosen to stay on their own, though, figuring that they have a better chance of making it through these trying times by staying away from the fighting and not taking sides. Subscriptions to the Daily Prophet are at an all-time low, I hear," he added, as they reached the very last compartment. "They don't want to hear the news. They want to pretend nothing is happening. They lack the courage to help in the fight."

Zero looked into the compartment, which was completely empty. "I would think having families tot ake on would pack this train much more than usual, not keep it desolate," He said, gesturing toward the compartment and looking around again.

"Well, this is actually the first time the Hogwarts express has taken on several trips. This is the third and last trip for the Express this year, and fortunately the only time it has been attacked. As for the Death Eaters that were stunned and impaired back there, the ministry will be by soon for clean up. I believe Tonks has already notified them."

"Tonks?"

"Nymphadora prefers to be referred to by her surname only. I am the only person who can get away with calling her by her first name." He smiled weakly.

"I see. Are you two...?"

"She's my fiancee, yes." Lupin looked away, as though embarassed, or desiring to change the subject. Zero took the hint.

"So I suppose I'll be taking on somewhat smaller classes this year than is typical?"

"Well, physically the classes will be smaller in proportion, but I would not go so far as to say things will be easier for you." He placed his own briefcase on the floor and massaged his wrist tenderly. "Because there are substantially frightened families living there now, you'll probably find yourself in the position of advisor to many of them. Given that you'll be instructing our students in Defense Against the Dark Arts, you will probably find yourself dealing with as many troubled adults as budding witches and wizards."

Zero ambled into the compartment and took a seat. "Well, Remus, it's always a pleasure to risk my life for somebody else."

Remus gave his faint smile again, and just stared back at Zero for a moment. "I know how you feel about all this. Especially now. I know who Torch O'Malley is, and I know you are in this 'till the end now." And with that, Remus Lupin turned and walked away down the corridor, his briefcase swinging at his side.

Zero leaned back and put his arms behind his head, trying to make himself comfortable. Torch O'Malley, he thought. I owe you one. A teenager of perhaps only 15 peered into his compartment at that moment.

"Are you a new teacher?"

"Yes."

The boy looked back inquisitively for just a moment more. Then he was gone, off to tell the rest of the journeying students just how ODD their new professor looked. Zero slammed the compartment door shut and conjured a big black padlock to keep it shut. He reached into his briefcase and removed only two items: A CD player and a joint. "I need to quit, but I'll be damned if I dont enjoy myself while I'm risking my neck." He puffed long and deep, blowing columns of smoke out of the trains window, as the CD player played a song by The Specials.

"This is the dawning, of a neeeeew era"

Zero exhaled another deep lungful of smoke. "Ain't that the truth."

End of Chapter 3

For clarification to my readers, an author's note:

Forgive me if you hate Zero already, he's supposed to be a bit ungraceful and slovenly. He's not exactly an angel, or a hero either. He's supposed to be quite disgusting and lazy, and yet his skills are undeniable. In my opinion, he grows on you. The rating of Teen for this story is because of his casual marijuana use (which believe me, is a defining part of his character, along with drinking, which will stay with him throughout the story.) Don't hate the guy, he's a hero, sort of. More like an anti-hero. But he's got a lot of courage... perhaps more clumsiness than courage though, eh? Give the guy a chance.