Chapter Fifty-One

AN: I am SO sorry that I took so long. First: moving sucks. So does being sick. Watching family members sick is worse . One right after the other? Couple that with a complete lack of inspiration and the worst case of writer's block I've ever known Suckmania. A huge heartfelt thank you for everyone who stuck with me even through the lack of updates.

You guys are awesome!

As the train drew closer to Hogwarts, the group became excited. They all took turns changing into their school robes and just talked.

I can't wait to see the look on Dumbledore's face when our plans start, Harry signed to Neville with a grin.

Neville grinned, "me neither. This is going to be wicked!"

Harry smiled, "your punch on that idiot was wicked. I think you broke his nose!"

Hermione gasped, "you two know sign language? What did you mean by what you said?"

"I didn't know you understand sign language Hermione," said Harry, I'll tell you later, he signed, not knowing what Gran had told the others' families about Dumbledore.

"My dad's mum was born mostly deaf," she explained.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Harry.

She smiled, "that's OK. How do you know it?"

"One of Uncle Moony's friends had a parent who was deaf. He loves books so when he wanted to learn about sign language, she gave him one about it. My dad and Uncle Padfoot liked it 'cause they could talk about pranks and stuff without anyone knowing." Harry replied. "That sounds fun," said Susan.

"Will you teach us?" asked Hannah.

Harry shrugged, "sure. I can start with a few simple ones."

Between Harry, Neville, and Hermione, they started teaching and by the end of the journey, they were able to have a simple conversation in signs.

….

Sirius sighed, "I miss the pup already,"

Remus put down his tea, "so do I,"

"Do you really think he'll be alright?"

Remus smiled, "yes Padfoot. He has Neville and Hermione. Plus, he's a smart kid. Minerva will look out for him. And he has the mirror. He'll probably call us tonight. He had some good ideas for Dumbledore."

Sirius grinned, "he did have some great ideas,"

Remus only smirked.

….

The kids rushed out of the Express almost before the train stopped. Crowding around the platform with the rest of the students, Harry quickly noticed Ron Weasley in the back, staring at him hatefully. Already the group was buzzing as rumors about just how Ron's nose had been broken. The rumor mill was already churning. Everything from running off a herd of rampaging hippogriffs with nothing but his wand (Ron's story) to screaming so hard at the sight of a tarantula that he passed out from lack of oxygen and faceplanted into the floor. (A pair of twins who claimed to be his brothers.)

Harry and his friends just snickered at the rumors. Harry did give Neville a surreptitious high five when Ron just continued to glare at them hatefully..

"Firs' years!" called a giant of a man swinging a lantern, "firs' years this way!"

Harry and his friends crowded around him with the other first years.

They headed for the boats on the shores of the lake there was a brief incident where Ron tried to get into the boat with them but Harry Hermione Susan and Neville all got into the boat together preventing Ron from joining them.

Hagrid presented the first years to Professor McGonagall who gave them a lecture about your house being your family and led them into the Great Hall.