Chapter 2 – Another Order

Harry raced along the train station in London, with 5 minutes until the Hogwarts Express left. He didn't see anybody he recognized, but he found no harm in that. It actually made him feel a lot better, knowing that nobody would bring up the subject of Dumbledore. Plus, he didn't want to have to deal with anybody that he really didn't want to see (cough-Malfoy-cough)

Without any hesitation, Harry ran full force though the barrier of Platform 9 ¾. He didn't worry about any muggles seeing him, because just as he got through the barrier, the platform closed. It was 30 seconds to 11. Harry sprinted to the train, leaving his trunk at the back end with all of the others.

As he climbed on the train, he heard a very unfriendly voice in the first compartment.

"...of course, father would be very pleased with me if I were allowed to talk to him. But, my master's orders are not to be repeated, especially in Azkaban." Harry pressed his ear to the door, hoping to hear what Malfoy would say next. "As a matter of fact, I was given a brand new job to do, from him. And it's a good thing that old crackpot is out of the way now. It'll make things run much more smoothly." Harry felt his hands curve into a fist. He knew that Malfoy was talking about Dumbledore, and he had to put a stop to it.

"Talking about another one of your stupid stories are you now, Malfoy?" Harry asked, ready for the explosion. "Now you're into the one about Dumbledore?"

"Yes, Potter. One of my more intelligent ideas as a name for him. Don't you think?" Malfoy smirked, happy by the angry look on Harry's face.

"You got that from the Daily Prophet, it's a copy, and everybody knows the Prophet's a crummy newspaper." Harry said smugly, sure that he had Malfoy.

The door to the compartment suddenly opened, revealing two older wizards, and an older witch. The witch and one of the wizards Harry recognized as Professor McGonnagall, and Professor Slughorn. The last Harry didn't know, but was sure that it was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"Potter, I need you to come with me. You have not registered, and we must get that cleaned up." stated McGonnagall, motioning for Harry to join her. "Professors Slughorn, and Caverns will be seated with you three," she indicated to Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. "As head-mistress, I would like to keep an eye on you Mr. Malfoy."

As Harry and Professor McGonnagall walked out of Malfoy's compartment, she whispered something into his ear.

"I don't trust that boy, Potter, and I don't know what league he is in. It would be best if you tried to stay as far as possible from him. By means of scheduling, I must have you in at least one of his classes. It just so happens that it will be Transfiguration, that way I can keep watch on the two of you." McGonnagall stated, a small smile forming on her face. "Don't you worry, Potter, I will not let anything happen."

Even though Harry knew that McGonnagall meant well, he asn't sure if her procautions would be worthwhile. He tried to block everything out of his mind, but he wasn't sure if Transfiguration was the best subject for the two of them. All he could think about then was the thought of being a mouse...