A/N: hey, I'm so sorry it has been so long since I updated! School has been murder. Well, a few people I need to give shout-outs to:
Tekyah Ariel: a) Ron and Hermione had been going out for a while, plus, since when is there a rule against snogging, and in my sequel to this one, you will see a new side of Hermione.
b) as will be seen in chapter 8 you will see that people know Sirius was found innocent because Pettigrew, the stupid dolt he is accidentally showed himself, and he was punished by Voldemort.
c) of course he went to the Leaky Cauldron, he has not grown up in the Wizarding World, where else would he know to go....THE DURSLEY'S!!!
d) it actually took place over a span of about 4 hours.
My Lil' Angel: thank you, you are too kind, when ya gonna give me the next chapter, eh?
Leepa: I actually do have good grammar, she only changed one thing, my notebook is messy, my grammar is not.
One more thing, the characters will seem OOC in this chapter, after this, my story will be better!
Chapter 2 Welcome Back
After about two more hours, after the coming of the trolley, of course, where they loaded up on sweets, the train finally came to a stop at Hogsmeade Station. They all got into the Thestral lead carriages.
"I can see them too, Harry" Nikki commented nonchalantly."Really? Who did you see die?"
"My parents. Those people at the station, they were my foster parents. I am a half-blood, my mum was muggle and my dad was a wizard. My adopted parents are both magical, so I knew what I was in for as long as I can remember."
"Do you know who killed them?" Harry asked her, hoping he wasn't getting too personal.
"Bellatrix Lestrange. Thankfully now she's in Azkaban." At this, Harry's face fell. Nikki noticed. "Harry, what's wrong?" She inquired.
"Hate to be the one to tell you, but she got out." Harry told her, remorse evident in his voice.
"SHIT! She is going to come after me, I know it. She's trying to finish off my family, she is the one who put Zachary in St. Mungo's!" she shouted. Then broke down into sobs. Harry wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. She leaned over and put her head on his chest as he wrapped his other arm around her waist and let her just cry on him until the carriages came to a stop.
When they got out, Harry removed his arms form around Nikki, yet walked with her into the Great Hall. Of course Ron and Hermione sat with each other, but so did Nikki and Harry. Harry really seemed to be falling for her, hard.
Dumbledore rose as the frightened first years approached. It seemed to Harry that each year the first years got smaller and more terrified. As soon as the Sorting was done, Dumbledore rose again to announce the normal rules along with a special one.
"Let us now welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Nymphadora Tonks." There was a steady stream of clapping as she stood up, glowering at Dumbledore for calling her Nymphadora, but she accepted it anyway. Then Dumbledore rose his hand and instantly silenced the students. "Now, Tuck in."
The feast was exceptionally amazing. The plates were filled with delicious treats. They stuffed themselves until there was no more. At the end of the feast, Dumbledore rose and spoke to them again.
"Attention! Attention! Now that your stomachs are full, I would like to inform you that the sixth year's O.W.L. results are in their rooms, we apologize for the delay. You will be able to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow and purchase your books. I know how eager you must be after two months of waiting so I shall make one more announcement. Due to the rising threat of Voldemort," as Dumbledore said this, a ripple of shudders spread throughout the Great Hall, "those in fifth year or above only will be allowed to go to Hogsmeade. Those in third and fourth years will just have to wait. That is all for now. Prefects, lead your houses to the Common Rooms." There was a collective groan and a few angry shouts, but they accepted it for there was nothing they could do; and with that everyone in the Hall stood up.
"Hey, mid-I mean, First years, this way please!" Ron shouted over the noise. He had almost called them midgets again, but a stone cold look from Hermione changed that.
They led the way up to the Common Room and said the password. "Vociferi Leo" as soon as they arrived, Harry and Nikki ran up to their rooms and grabbed their results and book lists. They met back downstairs on the couch by the fire. Harry got O's in DADA, and Care of Magical Creatures. E's in Transfiguration, Charms, and surprisingly enough Potions. He got A's in Herbology, Astronomy, and History of Magic. And he got a P in Divination, obviously.
Nikki got O's in DADA, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions and Muggle Studies. She got E's in History of Magic and Herbology. She got an A in Care of Magical Creatures. Her future career, as was Harry's, was to become an Auror, or at least work at the Ministry.
They stayed up late that night talking about Quidditch, O.W.L.'s, school and their futures along with various other things until Nikki glanced down at her watch and noticed that it was 2 in the morning.
"Oh! It's late! I'm going to bed, goodnight Harry." She said as she bent down and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Harry felt his cheeks grow warm and replied with a simple "Goodnight" as he too got up and followed Nikki to the staircase before they separated and went to their respective rooms.
I would like to thank Leepa for being my new beta, sorry it took so long to get this out, I have had a lot on my mind these past few months and I am dedicating this chapter to Jack, may he rest in peace, forever are you in my heart.
Review and enjoy!