A/N: All right, a few quick notes... I'm definitely keeping Dumbledore at Hogwarts, I haven't come to grips with that, and I'm keeping my Minister. I really don't wish to change my story, so I suppose this would be now considered, slight AU. Oh well. You'll live, I'm sure.
To Harry's surprise the summer ended rather quickly. Harry still remained Quidditch Captain, Hermione had been chosen Head Girl, but Ron was still only a Prefect, to his disappointment. They had a small celebration for Harry's seventeenth birthday, but Harry didn't complain. It was more than what he could ask for. He had seen quite a few members of the order arrive that day. Dumbledore, Lupin, and Tonks. Mrs. Weasley had fixed them up a reasonable size feast, which had everyone delightfully full that night. Harry and Ron managed to get away with a few Quidditch games which turned out quite eventful. Of course, with Hermione on Ginny's team... Ginny could only do so much.
"All right, Ginny! Go through!" chimed Mrs. Weasley, after giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Good bye!"
"Bye, mum," she smiled, as she ran towards the wall between platform's nine and ten, and disappearing from sight.
It was now Harry's turn to go through the platform, receiving a big hug from Mrs. Weasley, and a quick 'be careful,' Harry then proceeded to run towards the platform. He managed to get his things aboard and scowled slightly remembering Ron and Hermione wouldn't be joining him so quickly.
Harry followed Ginny into her compartment, to find there was barely enough room to see fit. He scowled, but Neville Longbottom made room for Harry to squish himself between the window and Neville. He figured it was better than nothing for now, and when Ron and Hermione tried to join them, he would find another place to sit with them.
"So, Harry, how was your summer?" questioned Seamus Finnigan, giving him a light smile.
Harry shrugged, halfheartedly, "I've had better to be honest, but it was pretty good," he smiled.
"Heard about that Minister?" questioned Dean Thomas. "I haven't heard so much as a peep from my parents. They know stuff, but I couldn't get a hold of the Daily Prophet for my own good. They've released his name, no one's been talking though."
"That is rather strange," said Luna Lovegood. "My father said there might be an interview with him in the Quibbler, but so far, I haven't seen any... He really wants to keep things to himself, doesn't he?"
"I'm not sure if it's an issue of privacy or just leaving the people out of it, anymore," said Ginny, scowling. "I mean, it's one thing to escape the whole publicity, but not let the public know who the Minister is and what's he's up to for this war? It's quite fishy, if you ask me..."
"Maybe Dumbledore'll say something about it," suggested Neville.
"Dumbledore, probably doesn't know who it is, either," snapped Dean.
Harry doubted this. If Dumbledore knew anything, this would be one of them. Harry was quite sure he would inform the students, to make sure they knew what was happening. It was just something that Dumbledore would do. Harry had confidence that if they hadn't known who it was by tonight, then there was something wrong.
"Or the Minister could be worried about You-Know-Who going after him," suggested Luna, in her usual dreamy voice.
"I wouldn't doubt that," shrugged Harry. "Whatever it is, we all have our reasons to keep to ourselves..."
To Harry's thankfulness, Hermione and Ron had shown up. Harry didn't realize he was in here for about twenty minutes, both of their duties should at least call for a break, right about now.
"Ooh, there's really no room in here, is there?" questioned Hermione.
"C'mon, Harry, we'll go find somewhere," said Ron, beckoning Harry to follow them out.
Harry pushed himself from the tight hold and said a quick good-bye to everyone and made his way out of the compartment.
"So, where are we going to sit?"
"I think we should be able to find one, easily, not all of them can be full like that," said Hermione, walking ahead of them. She stopped an a compartment and looked back at Ron and Harry. Harry was growing impatient, as no one made a movement.
Harry stepped forward, firmed his grip on the compartment handle and slid it open. He saw Draco Malfoy dash around and sneer, ready to spit something from his foul mouth, but he looked down at his company and seemed to refrain himself.
Harry narrowed his eyebrows for a moment, not really expecting this response. He looked over at the girl sitting on the right, to his surprise, it wasn't Pansy Parkinson. This girl seemed about Harry's age, somewhat pale features, she had long dark hair that ended a few inches above her waist. The girl's expression was apparent. She was obviously annoyed. She didn't keep her eyes off of Malfoy for one moment. She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head slightly to the left.
"Now, really, Malfoy... All these years and your starting, now? Pathetic. Get out of my sight."
"It's just-- You never --"
"Shove off," she spat.
Malfoy almost trembled, as Harry stared, he noticed Malfoy swallow his fear and nod his head as he quickly pushed by the trio and left the compartment, flustered. The girl rolled her eyes and went back to the book sitting in her lap. Harry was instantly reminded of Hermione. He glanced over at her, to see her observing the girl, as well.
Harry could hear Ron mumble under his breath, but not say anything loud enough for the girl to hear. Harry thought this idea wise. He opened his mouth to say something, but began to fall short. He saw the look in her ruthless hazel eyes as they locked with his green orbs.
"Can I help you with something?" she asked, tilting her head, upward.
"Uhm..." Harry coughed.
"Oh, honestly..." muttered Hermione, folding her arms.
The girl gave a light smile, as she closed her book and continued to stare at Harry. Her look becoming friendly. The tenacity that Malfoy and her had left the compartment, now. Harry felt staying here wouldn't hurt them, really. He was quite confident in staying here, now.
"Hmm, now what do I owe you to be blessed with the Boy Who Lived's presence?" she inquired, slightly raising an eyebrow. "Or should I say 'The Chosen One'?"
Harry smirked, slightly. "Well, can we sit in here? There's no seats left..."
"As if I didn't know," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course,"
"What was that little scene you and ferret boy, just had?" asked Ron, taking a seat.
"Oh, nothing. The boy is a stubborn twat. That's all anyone needs to know," she said, scowling. "Don't you all agree?"
"Ha. I do," smirked Ron.
"I second, that," said Harry.
The girl smiled a little more than earlier, as her eyes set target on Ron. "So, your Weasley, eh? The king?"
Ron scowled and furrowed his brow in her direction, he refused to say anything. The name upset him, but Harry assumed he feared what might happen if he got on her bad side.
"Your not serious, are you?" Hermione sneered.
"Oh, no," she laughed, "I just wanted to see the thrill Draco gets out of it. I don't like it. So, your Ronald Weasley, correct?"
Ron smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that's me."
"Granger... Hermione, that's it," she said, nodding at Hermione. "And of course, your Harry Potter. So there you go."
"I bet you don't know his middle name!" said Ron, leering in a teasing manner.
"James," the girl beamed. She looked over at Harry, and Harry smiled at her.
"Your name, would be?" questioned Hermione.
"Oh! Silly me, didn't even realize that one. Sorry, I'm Victoria Valentine, or Vikki, nice to meet you all," she said, smiling.
"Likewise," said Hermione, nodding.
"So, what you all do for summer holiday?"
"Nothing exciting, I'm afraid," said Harry, shrugging. "I stood with Ron and Hermione over at the Burrow, Ron's house, stuck with little to nothing to do."
"Well, we got to play Quidditch for a while... And chess ... other stuff..." said Ron.
"How interesting," said Vikki, nodding lightly.
"What about you?" asked Hermione.
"Oh, nothing too big. Either with Draco... Somewhere... Or helping out my father with his job."
"Why with Malfoy?" asked Ron.
"Well, you see... I've known him for quite a while. I'm a Pureblood, he is, too. So naturally he doesn't have a problem with socializing with me... But his father, oh, that ill man... I think he was trying to make some arrangement for us to marry when we were older. They don't want Draco to marry a halfblood or less, idiots... His father is in Azkaban, so I doubt the plans will go through... Narcissa was always hesitant, so I don't know... Now, this time is coming, but we've barely talked. I see no point in it... Besides, my parents never told me anything, so that's why I didn't want him here, because he was trying to start up all that nonsense, again," she explained. "I think he just wanted to know if it were true, I don't want to be bothered with it, though."
"That's a very terrifying thought..." said Harry, shaking his head.
"Indeed," agreed Hermione.
"So, where does your father work?" asked Ron.
"Ministry of Magic," she replied.
"Oh?" asked Hermione.
"That's pretty cool," nodded Harry.
"Have you seen the new Minister of Magic?" asked Ron.
"Erm... Yeah," replied Vikki.
"We've heard a few things, read a few articles... We're not too sure about him. You approve of him?" asked Hermione.
"Yes..." said Vikki, blinking. "Why? Have you met him?"
"I've seen him, he's... Interesting," replied Harry.
"Wasn't he a Slytherin while going to school at Hogwarts?" asked Ron.
"Yes..." replied Vikki. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"You know how that lot turns out..." said Ron, in a low tone.
"Well, we must be off, Prefect duties..." said Hermione, standing up. "We never finished our rounds, Ron."
"Oh... Right..." said Ron, getting up.
"See you, guys," said Harry, waving.
"We'll be back in about ten minutes," said Ron, following Hermione.
"Bye," they chorused, as they left the compartment.
Harry looked back over at Vikki, who had leaned back in her compartment seat and closed her eyes. He stared for a moment, not sure what exactly he would say to her. They did after all, just meet. He had to think of something they could talk about.
"So, do you like Quidditch?" he questioned, a little nervously.
Vikki opened her eyes and looked over at Harry. "What a silly question, Mr. Potter. Of course!" she beamed.
Harry smiled. "Well, I figured I would ask, some people don't like it."
"Mostly Muggleborns..." she grumbled.
"What's wrong with Muggleborns?" asked Harry, narrowing his eyebrows.
"I never said there was anything wrong with them. It's just they usually don't take a great interest in Quidditch," she said, gesturing a bit. "Honestly. Half of 'em are excited, the rest are scared stiff."
"Oh, well... I just thought--"
"You thought I was stereotypical type of Pureblood, didn't you?"
"Sort of..."
"Calm down, Harry. I know Hermione's Muggleborn, and that's fine. I have no problem with that," she shrugged. "Really, I don't. I know a lot about Muggle culture," she nodded. "It's not that simple, but not difficult to understand... Course you would know this..."
Harry nodded lightly. "Yeah, but I'm actually starting to forget it all, a little..."
"That's quite funny," said Vikki, smirking. "So, you still captain of the Quidditch team?"
"Oh yeah, I need a new trial for practices... Do you play?"
"Yes, in fact I do... I--"
Ron and Hermione entered the compartment and slumped down, already in their robes.
"What's the matter, with you two?" asked Harry. "Why are you back so soon?"
"Stupid first years are menaces, already!" snarled Ron.
"I think they get worse and worse each year..." said Hermione, sighing.
"But why are you here?" asked Vikki.
"The Professors told us that we aren't needed anymore... They were gonna handle that mess," shrugged Ron.
"Oh, well then..." said Harry.
"I think I'm going to change my robes, now... I'll be back," said Vikki, making her way out of the compartment.
"Hey, Hermione, you think you could step out a moment? I need to change... And talk to Ron."
"Fine," she said, walking out of the compartment.
Ron blinked and looked back at Harry. "What is it?"
"I don't know. D'you like Vikki?"
Ron stared and grinned. "She's all yours, mate."
"No, that's not it..."
"Yeah, it is," snarled Ron. He seemed to be upset that, that wasn't what Harry wanted to discuss.
"No, it's just, she seems like a nice girl. She's in our year though... We never asked her what house she was in..."
"Whoops," said Ron, shrugging. "Ravenclaw, perhaps?"
Harry pulled on his blouse and fastened the buttons and put on his robe. He opened the compartment door to let Hermione back in. Vikki wasn't back yet. He closed the door and sat back down.
"What house is Vikki, in?" asked Harry, looking over at Hermione.
Hermione stared at the floor. "I don't know... Ravenclaw?" she said, blinking.
"That's what I said! See, Harry? I bet that's where she is..." said Ron.
"Well, she'll be back, we'll know by then," figured Hermione.
The compartment door slid open and it was Vikki. The trio beamed up at her. Then they all saw she was in her robes of black and emerald. They all seemed to look over at her left breast to see the Slytherin crest. Vikki made her way back to her spot next to Harry. The compartment was silent.
"You didn't know I was a Slytherin, did you?" she asked, a look that was a mixture of boredom and annoyance.
"No..." they all answered, awkwardly.
"Yeah, didn't think so. For your information, I have met the Minister of Magic," said Vikki, grabbing her book she left next to her.
"Really? What's his name?" questioned Hermione.
"Donovan Valentine," she spat.
"Donovan Valentine... That sounds familiar..." said Ron.
"Hmm... I wonder why," Vikki sneered, standing up from her seat.
"Your father!" said Harry, in almost nonbelief.
"Right, Mr. Potter. Aren't we all smart ones?" said Vikki, as she walked out of the compartment, slamming the door.
"Oh... Whoa..." said Ron. "That was rotten luck..."
"I had no idea she was in Slytherin!" whispered Hermione.
"You don't have to whisper, she's not in here," stated Harry.
"I know, but... Did you think she was?"
"No, although... It should have been rather apparant with the whole marriage arrangment with Malfoy," said Harry, sighing.
"Oh, that's right..." said Ron, shaking his head.
"She seemed like a rather intellegent girl, much too smart for Slytherin house," said Hermione. "I would have guessed maybe Ravenclaw, like I said... not Slytherin!"
"Calm down, Hermione," said Harry, sighing.
"I can't believe we associated with the enemy..." said Ron.
Hermione and Harry glared over at him.
"Is that all you care about, honestly?" questioned Hermione.
"Well... All right, that wasn't right of me to say, I must have offended her greatly, with the remark about Slytherins... Dissing her father in her face... I wouldn't have said that if I knew!"
"That's the point, though, Ron. If you knew, you wouldn't be honest with her," pointed out, Harry.
Hermione nodded, "Makes sense, she's smart."
"At least we know a name... We could try to ask around... If Dumbledore doesn't elaborate on him, tonight... Or, we can find the rest of the Valentine family," said Harry.
Hermione nodded, "That sounds good, Harry."
"I don't believe that a Slytherin taught us a lesson on discrimination..." said Ron.
"Oy," mumbled Harry, looking out of the window.
There was a deep guilt from hurting Vikki's feeling's like that. Well, she didn't seem terribly upset, just offended, mostly. She wasn't anything like previous Slytherin's. If she wasn't like them, then why exactly was she plagued in Slytherin house? Harry hoped he didn't think terribly of the three, he would really like to continue talking to her, find out more about her father. In fact, he wanted to know more about her.