Chapter 7 Hogwarts, fourth year

Eric was doing some last minute packing into his trunk. He would leave to catch the train in a few hours to begin his fourth year. Eric really did enjoy his time at Hogwarts. He was Chaser on the Gryffindor team. His friend Michael had been made a Beater. His other friend Olivia too had a roll on the team. She was an assistant coach.

Olivia did not play any position. During the practice sessions she would watch with her Windowlin Binoculars her father had bought her, and say what members were doing wrong and what was being done right to their team captain.

Carr, the Gryffindor Captain listened to everything that Olivia told him, after she proved herself with the Windowlin Binoculars during their second year. Carr would be going through his last year this term. If the team won the cup this year it would be a record for him. Has his Uncle Harry had said, Carr would make Oliver Wood proud.

Eric was not going to let Carr down. Olivia would help him on that matter.

"Eric we have to leave now." His mother yelled from the kitchen.

"Alright." Eric said hauling his trunk down the stairs.

Waiting downstairs already were the twins. They would be starting their second year. That was Eric's second obligation. Taking care of his sisters.

They got into the mini that their Dad had purchased for the sake of taking the kids to school. It was just big enough to fit all of them. At Kings Crossing Station they loaded all of the trunks onto a cart and headed in.

Eric carried Frodo's cage on top. For some reason he did not like trains. He would be to Hogwarts by the time that he got there. He was the most well trained owl in the school as far as he was concerned.

The twins, keeping the equality between them, each had a tabby cat. The cats were tucked asleep in their shared wicker box. The cats were together just as much at the twins were.

They made their way to Platform 10 and headed on through to 9 3/4. The platform was crowded to say the least.

Eric bumped into many of the classmates.

Next to the train they found Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny.

Both were saying good-bye to Christine Lily. It would be her first year.

Ginny was hugging her not letting go. Harry was hugging both of them.

"Have a nice time. You are going to make so many friends." Ginny said wiping some tears away.

"I'll miss you." Harry said.

"Will you let me know if I have a new brother or sister?" Christine Lily said. "I want to be at home when it happens."

"I'm afraid that you will be in school." Ginny said. "But I will send Hedwig with a picture alright honey?"

Christine Lily shook her head.

Ginny hugged her again. "Be safe."

"I'll keep an eye on her don't worry." Eric said to Ginny.

"Thank-you." Ginny said.

"She'll have the twins there." Hermione said. "They will keep each other out of trouble."

The parents started to load the kids on to the train. They made sure they had some money and a last minute check to see that had all of their school things.

On the train Eric looked around for Michael and Shawn. He would probably sit with them instead of the twins and Christine Lily. They would be in their own little world.

Looking down the aisle he saw a familiar face, Olivia. Eric immediately headed up to her. "Hi,"

He could not finish. He stared at her dumbstruck, unable to say anything.

She grew a couple of inches over the summer. She had cut her hair in a newer style that framed her face. And she was wearing a simple tank top and with shorts.

You are staring at Olivia, remember the one who said that you had a habit of steering left on the broomstick when approached from behind. This is your friend. But when did she get hot? Eric said to himself.

"Hi," Olivia said causally.

"Anything exciting happen?" Eric asked trying to keep things casual.

"Just a Holiday to Italy and France. That's where I got my hair cut."

"I like it." Eric said.

Eric, this is Olivia.

He then felt a pat on his back. "Are you going to stand around all day or are you two going to find a car." Shawn said.

"Right." Eric said. He stepped into the car that was lucking enough to be empty.

"Does Olivia look different to you?" Eric asked.

"You mean the fact that she is completely hot now? No." Shawn said. "Taking her out for a cup of tea at Hogsmeade?"

"I didn't mean it like that." Eric lied.

"Of Course you didn't. Where are your sisters at?"

"Showing Christine Lily the train, probably." Eric said taking a seat.

The Whistle blew right then and the train started.

Eric waved good bye to his parents and his Aunt and Uncle.

Hermione, Harry, Ron and Ginny stood on the platform watching the train leave.

"Both of the houses are going to be so quiet." Ginny said. "At least this little one isn't old enough to start any trouble yet." She said patting her stomach.

"They'll be back for Christmas." Harry said.

Two owls came swooping down right then. One gave a letter to Harry the other to Hermione.

Both the letters had the Ministry of Magic Crest on them. Harry and Hermione looked at each other before opening them. Harry unrolled his

Auror and All Law Enforcement Ministry Officials Alert

Escape from Azakaban around 4:00 am

Prisoner 6432

All Emergency Plans in action.

"Who is Prisoner 6432?" Ginny asked.

No one answered. Hermione only stared at the train leaving, as if to draw it back.

"What's going on, Harry?" Ron asked.

Harry seemed to snap out of it.

"They'll be safe at Hogwarts, all of them." Harry said to Hermione.

"Hogwarts is safe." Hermione said back.

"Who is Prisoner 6432?" Ginny asked again.

"Malfoy." Harry answered. "Ron, go home and lock up the house. I'll be in the office. I need you two to take care of Ginny. I'll send you messages through Hedwig."

Ron nodded in agreement. Harry apparated to the Ministry.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went back home.

Immediately Ron went to work on the house. A tick mouse wouldn't enter without him knowing about it.

Ginny had taken Hermione into the parlor and started some tea.

"They won't be able to touch him." Ginny said placing down the service tray.

"I know." Hermione said taking the cup. "I just can't help but think that he's in danger. Malfoy will probably come after us."

"Harry and the other Aurors will find him." Ginny said. "He's not that powerful."

"I know." Hermione answered. "I was just thinking of our third year."

"Eric's not going to do anything like that." Ginny said. "We all sat down and told him everything that happened. He knows how to behave."

"Your right." Hermione said drinking her tea.