"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"French"

$Parseltongue$

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Two – Letter and the Hogwarts Express

The days following the world cup returned to normality in an instant, other than the daily prophet, the occasional news announcement on the wireless, or Mrs. Weasleys increased propensity for hovering over everyone. You'd have never guessed it even happened.

Nobody appeared to lack sleep, though dreamless sleep potions exist, using them for more than a few days can become addictive, so Harry doubted Mrs. Weasley would allow it. The chaos of the Weasley household an odd sort of therapy in its own way, the energy prevented any downward turns in mood.

Harry took a moment to relax. They'd just finished the last of their school shopping the day prior, having used the opportunity to purchase some new clothes, a couple of books, as well as the dress robes the school required of him. He'd also taken the opportunity to withdraw some gold for the following year.

Mrs. Weasley was tempted to ask him to hand her his Gringotts key in order to do his shopping for him, thinking it safer. But on the other hand, she realized with the trauma a night like the quidditch world cup could leave behind, perhaps they all needed a day in Diagon Alley, something to reaffirm that everything's alright.

Having just finished his breakfast, and with his packing already completed the night before, Harry was enjoying the rest of his morning with a cup of coffee. Today they'd be returning to Hogwarts, and like every year, the Weasley household was a chaotic maelstrom of people tripping over each other along with endless traffic jams on the single staircase, as everyone tried to get packed in time.

He'd already written Madam Pomfrey to inquire about how one went about becoming a healer. She was overjoyed at his interest, the pair of them having struck an odd sort of friendship during his prolonged stays in the hospital ward. He learnt that he needed NEWTS in charms, transfiguration, defence against the dark arts, potions and arithmancy, she also recommended some books for him to read.

Surprised at the extent of the NEWT requirements, Harry queried this, and the explanation being, charms and transfiguration account for most accidental spell damage, whereas DADA and arithmancy are needed for curse damage and counter curse development, potions needed no explanation as that much was obviously a requirement. Though the need for it worried him, Professor Snape's attitude about him made clear over the years.

Harry knew he'd need to speak with the man and find a way to resolve the grievances or he'd be forced to find alternative instruction for potions. This being something he did not want to have to do, as he would already need to catch up on arithmancy.

Madam Pomfrey's offer though did lift his spirits, she stated that she did not usually take an apprentice until they'd already completed their OWLS, but she would be willing to teach him basic healing, in exchange for some help around the hospital wing. She did make it clear that his propensity for getting himself injured was her motivation for doing this.

"What's got you so deep in thought?"

Hermione's voice sounded out next to him as she sat down, her hair wet clearly just having come from the shower.

He smiled at his friend. "Just thinking about the coming year, what with Madam Pomfrey's offer, and how I'm going to get it through to Snape that he needs to treat me fairly. I don't want to have to find a different solution to potions classes… I mean it should be possible, since the OWLS and NEWTS are externally examined, if my education is up to standard, and the examiner is unbiased, I know I can get the marks needed."

Hermione had butterflies in her stomach listening to him speak about his future, the amount of thought put into it, and the determination he was showing. She couldn't help but feel the conviction was the first true sign of him really coming into his own.

"It's really sweet of her to offer lessons, shows that as much as she tries to get you out of the hospital wing each time, she really does care."

"She does," smiled Harry. "So after Hogwarts, and time spent apprenticing under her, then St. Mungos healer training department, followed by another year or two as an apprentice to a senior healer. I could be qualified."

"You've got your roadmap, I'm glad to hear it Harry, I'm so proud of you, you know that right?" the affection in her eyes testifying to her honesty had him smiling like a fool.

Before he could respond, the sound of ruffling owl feathers accompanied a hoot as an owl swooped in through the open window and landed in front of him. The owl was a looker, dark brown feathers with a beautiful pattern, it carried itself a lot like Hedwig, that owl-ish aristocracy.

Taking the letter from the owl's outstretched leg, Harry turned it over and saw his name written in a beautiful flowery script, and no address listed for him, but there was a return address, Le cottage Delacour, Avignon, France.

"You can get some food and water over there on the windowsill, it's my owls bowl, but she's out right now, so help yourself," said Harry, pointing to the kitchen window.

The owl hooted before flying over to eat and drink.

"Who's it from?" queried Hermione, her curiosity had her leaning over his shoulder.

"Doesn't say, though I could hazard a guess with the return address being in France."

Harry peeled open the envelope. Within, he found a letter and a photo. Putting the letter aside for a second, he focused on the photo. Hermione scooted closer for a better look.

It was a wizarding photograph as expected. Both Harry and Hermione smiled at its contents. An awake and laughing Fleur was sit up on a hospital bed trying to eat what must be what passes for food at St. Mungos. She scrunched her nose after taking a spoonful of a strange orange coloured Jello, her younger sister Gabrielle laughing at her plight.

In the left corner you could see a woman who looked like Fleur's older sister sitting in a chair smiling fondly at the two of them. Even though you couldn't really see her eyes, the photo being too small. You could still see the pure joy and relief etched into her face.

"She is very beautiful," commented Hermione.

"She is," sighed Harry. "I'm just glad to see she's doing alright, I mean, I know the healer said she would be, but it's nice to see, you know."

"I know," Hermione smiled at Harry, "I was worried for her as well."

Putting the picture down, he unfolder the letter, he noticed it smelt nice, almost perfumed.

Dear Harry Potter,

My name is Fleur Delacour, you saved my life the night of the world cup.

I wasn't able to get your name from you, being in the state I was. But luckily my father did recognize you.

I wanted to thank you. You and your friend, the girl with the brown eyes, saved me and even importantly, saved the life of my sister.

She means the absolute world to me, so truly thank you, I do not know what I would do without her.

Please provide me with your friend's details so I may thank her as well, and if possible, allow let her to read this letter.

Know that I would preferred to have done this in person, and later this year, I am sure the chance to do so will come, as I will likely be selected to be amongst my school's nominees for the Triwizard Tournament.

But for now, please accept this letter and my promise that we will meet no matter what, whether I am selected or not. I would have contacted you sooner, but only recently have I been discharged from the hospital.

Now to the second part and reason for this letter.

If interested, I'd love to get to know you and your friend.

I wish I knew her name, referring to her as "your friend" when she too has done so much for me, feels wrong.

Onto the getting to know each other part, how is the English for this, "corny?".

As I said, my name is Fleur Delacour, I have one sister whom you've met, Gabrielle.

You must have noticed, but I am French, and attending Beauxbatons, my family is well off, but we try to keep things homely. We live in a small mountainside cottage, with a little vineyard, we don't sell much, but my mother enjoys making wine.

I'm aiming to become an enchantress, or perhaps, if possible, a wandmaker should the opportunity arise.

My favourite colour is blue, but I'll admit, I find myself thinking of green a lot more these days.

I love anything seafood, and if you had chocolate without sharing.

I'd fight you.

My owl, who delivered this letter, is named Zazu, yes, after the lion king, and yes, I know he is not a hornbill. I have a little sister, she likes Disney, sue me.

I will soon be getting her a kitten as promised, and to honour the young man whose eyes gave me hope in my darkest hour.

I will name the kitten Harry, and you can't stop me.

I've not many people in my life that I care for, and not many who care for me sadly.

But of those I have, they are amongst the best found anywhere.

And someday, I'd love to count the two of you amongst that small group.

Now you know a little something about me,

So, tell me, Harry Potter and currently unnamed second saviour of mine.

Who are you?

Sincerely, Fleur Delacour

P.S. I think my sister has a crush on you.

Harry heard Hermione laughing softly over his shoulder as she read the letter.

"I think we'd like her," chuckled Harry.

"I think so too."

"What does she mean by Triwizard Tournament?" queried Harry.

"Hmm, I have read about it before, it's held between three schools, Hogwarts, Beauxbatons from France, and Durmstrang which is somewhere up north. Basically, the schools all get a champion who competes in three ridiculously dangerous tasks, but it was stopped when the death toll got too high. Wait, you don't think she means it's coming back? And it's going to be at Hogwarts?"

"I think that's exactly what she means Hermione," sighed Harry, "well it's definitely not going to be a quiet year then, must be why they wanted us to get the dress robes too."

"Maybe they've made it safer this time around at least," said Hermione.

"Doubt it, safety and the wizarding world don't like to go hand in hand"

"Hmm, you're probably right," she sighed at what often passes for common sense in the wizarding world.

"We should pen a reply together, I'll send it along with some chocolate frogs, don't know if you get those in France," said Harry, thoughtfully.

"Let me get some ink and parchment."

Grabbing his chocolate frogs from his bag upstairs as well as some extra parchment to wrap it in, Harry made his way back down to the table where Hermione was already sitting with the writing stationary.

"Single letter?" asked Hermione

"I think rather let's keep it separate"

Taking the ink and parchment from her, Harry penned his reply.

Dear Fleur,

Thank you for the letter.

I can't express how happy I am to hear that you're alright.

You were unconscious at the time, but the healer who arrived said you were stable.

Despite his words, with the amount of blood you lost, there was always that voice in the back of my head, thinking the worst could still have happened.

I am truly happy that it's been proven wrong.

The photo really helped it sink in.

I'm not usually this straightforward when it comes to girls, to be honest, I'm pretty crap most of the time.

But I have to say, you look beautiful, and from what I saw in the photo, and the love and worry on your fathers face that night, you have a lovely family.

I'd send a photo along in return for the one you sent, but I don't actually own a camera, and with this household's chaos this morning, I'm a bit reluctant to try and locate one. Though I might send it in a later letter.

My friend, Hermione Granger, previously unnamed second saviour, was with me when your letter arrived and is currently penning her own for you.

Now to respond to the second half of your letter.

I'd love to get to know you, and like you, my circle of loved ones is small, but I'm certainly open to growing it.

In exchange for the titbits about yourself.

Here's some of me.

I don't think I have a favourite colour, but if I had to choose, I'm a Gryffindor, so maybe red, or perhaps blue, it's a calming colour.

At Hogwarts, Gryffindor is the house of the brave, though some would say the knuckleheads who jump in first without a plan. I say you can't plan for everything.

I grew up with my relatives on my mother's side, and return there for some time every year, but Hogwarts is my true home. It's a big, very drafty castle, but it's filled with braziers that are lit on cold days and nights. Our common room has this couch right by the fireplace that I'd count as one of my favourite places out there.

It's got its own charm, like the staircases that try to make you late for class, or an annoying poltergeist that believes pranking to be his life's, or I guess, death's calling.

But it's home, and I love it.

My favourite food is perhaps a nice shepherd's pie, though I am certain on the desert side, nothing beats a treacle tart.

On to the owl, I've never seen the lion king, perhaps we could all see it together in the future.

You also have my full permission to name the kitten Harry.

Oh, and I'm a seeker on my houses quidditch team.

Some would say I have a knack for getting in trouble, and inadvertently giving my head of house even more grey hairs. I claim not guilty, trouble finds me.

I've included a little something for you, I don't know if you've had them before, or if they're even available in France.

If you've not had them, be careful when you open it, they jump, and if you're not fast enough. It'll escape.

I'm going to send this along with my owl Hedwig, she can fly with Zazu. I don't want him to fly carrying a package after what was already a long flight.

So, until the next letter.

Yours truly, Harry Potter

P.S. Don't compliment Hedwig, she's vain enough as is.

Finished with his letter, Harry turned to Hermione, "Ready when you are."

"Just finishing up"

Harry sealed his letter, writing down Fleur's name and the return address, just as Hedwig swooped in through the open window.

"You know, it's very uncanny how she does that Harry," pointed out Hermione, slightly perturbed at the owl's timely arrival.

Hedwig eyed the trespassing owl, eating from HER bowl. "Be nice", chastised Harry.

She turned to look at him, before turning back to eye the interloper warily.

Zazu took her scrutiny in stride, not backing off in the slightest.

"Ok, enough of that, come here Hedwig."

Flapping her wings, his owl landed on the table in front of him. Harry attached the letter to her leg before holding out the parcel for her to grab on to.

"Now I want you to follow Zazu," he pointed towards the interloper owl. "The letter is for Fleur Delacour, I've written her address on the envelope, but Zazu is her bird, so he will know where to find her. If you get tired, let him carry the parcel for a while, alright?" at this Hedwig nipped his finger, how dare her human assume she couldn't handle it. "Ouch," he shook his hand, "don't be stubborn".

Her point made, she grabbed the parcel and waited for Hermione to finish attaching her letter to Zazu.

"Oh, who's this for?" Mrs. Weasleys voice sounded out from behind.

Turning to her, they saw the curiosity in her eyes, "Fleur Delacour," Harry handed her the photo they received. "The girl we saved at the world cup, she sent us a letter, we just finished penning her reply."

"That's lovely dears, they look really happy here," cooed Mrs. Weasley. "I'm glad that young lady and her sister are alright."

"Us too, Mrs. Weasley", smiled Hermione.

Mrs. Weasley handed the photo back to Harry. "Hold on to that, she looks like a wonderful girl."

Harry took the letter back, a small smile on his face.

"Once you're done here, grab your bags, we're about to leave for the station, wouldn't want to be late and miss the train."

"Will do so, Mrs. Weasley," responded Harry.

The Weasley matron walked off to finish collecting the rest of her flock.

"Ok Hedwig, time to go, now rest when you're tired," Harry turned to face Zazu, "you too, no showing off."

Both owls stared at him before hooting once and taking off through the window.

"Let's get going as well" said Harry, watching the owls fly off.

The pair collected their bags before joining the Weasleys to set off, Mrs. Weasley shrunk Hedwig's cage for him, since she wouldn't be back before arriving at Hogwarts.

"Everyone ready? Sure, you have everything packed?" asked Mr. Weasley.

A round of nods and agreements had them on the way to Kings Cross.

"Alright there Ron? Looking a bit exhausted," chuckled Harry, looking at his friend's haggard appearance.

"Shut up Harry, not all of us are packed the night before," fired Ron back good heartedly.

"Come on guys," pushed Hermione from behind them.

"Alright, alright, don't push," Harry moved, dragging his trunk along.

Finally settled in a carriage, Harry took the opportunity to go over some light reading material Madam Pomfrey recommended for him. Ron decided sleep was what he needed following the early wakeup call and the chaos that followed. Hermione smiling at the sight of Harry immediately going for a book, peaking at the title, Diagnostic Charms – The First Step 12th Edition by Elana Rowle, grabbing a book of her own, she tucked in her legs, leaned on his side, and began reading.

Eyeing the book title, the young Potter thought on his time around healers, 'you always see them just look at you, or wave their wand a few times, nod once or twice, and then give you a breakdown, possibly while also having a breakdown at the sheer idiocy you had to have performed to have been injured in the first place'

'Well, let's get started'

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Dear Prospective Healer

Diagnostic charms are an integral part of a healer's kit.

Though note that they are not the first step in healing.

A healer who needs to cast a dozen charms to realise that the patient has lost too much blood, is a fool.

And the patient has better odds crawling out of the hospital bed and finding a new healer.

Your first and greatest tool as a healer, are your senses, followed by your mind.

Only then, do we get to the magic.

So, take this to heart, you must learn the charms, and understand them, but using them effectively takes experience.

Time is not often the ally of a healer, to waste it casting unnecessary charms, could cost you your patient.

In healing to learn from your mistakes is to experience loss, so learn from our mistakes, in doing so, perhaps, you may never have to learn from your own.

Decisiveness, Integrity, Fortitude, Patience, and Commitment.

These are the traits that embody a healer.

See to it that they embody you.

I wish you all the best.

Yours Truly,

Elana Rowle

Head of St. Mungos Counter Curse Development

Pondering over the woman's words, Harry felt emboldened and couldn't help but feel he made the right choice. Turning the page, he delved into the world of healing, completely losing focus of his surroundings. The more he read, the more he seemed to fall in love with the idea of being a healer.

The spell for finding breaks in bones caught his eye.

Description: The following charm allows the healer to feel the bones as if you are sliding your hands along its surface, useful for finding clean cracks or breaks. Though hairline fractures can be found this way too, this is highly dependent on the skill of the healer, and their experience finding said fractures. Knowledge of the skeleton is crucial for effective use of the spell. Useless for finding bone abnormalities that don't manifest on the surface.

Incantation: ossa sentire fricabis

Wand motion: a counterclockwise circle, by a forward thrust. Please see diagram. On completion of forward thrust, drag the wand along the length of the suspected bone injury. Do not move too fast, a gradual pace is needed.

Practicing the wand motions in his mind, Ron's snores, the turn of pages, along with Hermione's breathing were the only sounds in the compartment.

This carried on as is for at least an hour, before they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Being nearest, Hermione answered. Seeing the snacks cart, Harry remembered the morning of the quidditch world cup.

"Anything from the trolley dearies?" smiled the sweet old lady.

The woman's voice resonating with Ron's stomach, waking him in an instant.

Harry put his book aside, looking up at the woman, and smiling mischievously, he pulled out some galleons. "You know what ma'am, we'll take three of everything"

"HARRY!" exclaimed Hermione, "what are we going to do with that much?"

"We'll eat it of course, and by we, I mean all three of us" answered Harry, as if it should be obvious.

"Oh man this takes me back," came Ron's excited voice, practically drooling as the woman started handing over sweets upon sweets.

"You can't have this many sweets, what will it do to your teeth!?"

"Hermione... We can literally vanish teeth, drink a cup full of Skele-Gro, and get them all back good as new, so clearly this is a non-issue"

"Well then, what about diabetes?"

"Really, diabetes, after one day?"

Ron watched them go at it, already making his way through a box of every flavour beans.

"Fine then, stomach-ache?"

"Hmm, fair enough, but there are potions for that, if you get one, we'll just go via the hospital wing when we get to Hogwarts"

Hermione started getting frustrated, unable to find a good reason.

"If we split this, the likelihood of one of us getting a stomach-ache is much lower, than say, Ron and I having to eat far more to make up for your share."

He smirked,"And you have been studying for hours now, so have I, and the brain needs food to function, so by not eating this, you are hampering your own education."

Hermione thought of her life until this point, her parents being dentists, she was raised to avoid sugar where possible, and she's always lived by it. It's why she prefers sugar free gum, and usually avoids the sugary deserts at the feasts. Though if she were honest with herself, she did want to join other kids in gorging herself on sweets and junk food.

She never was good at making friends, always coming on too strong, or too condescending, or trying to make the other kids read or do schoolwork. It never really occurred to her, that they didn't enjoy academics the way she did. A big part of making friends, is finding some common ground, something you both enjoy, unfortunately for her, finding that commonality was difficult. She'd always try for what she enjoyed, which turned out to not be what the other kids enjoyed.

By the time she realized where she went wrong. It was already too late, she'd established her reputation. So, she returned to her safe place, in books. She found acknowledgement through her academics, which only served to ratify her position as the "know-it-all" and as much she tried to mask it. She was alone, and it hurt.

Then came Halloween, her first year at Hogwarts. Crying in a bathroom. She'd hoped Hogwarts would be different, a fresh start, that maybe the reason she couldn't make friends before, wasn't her fault, perhaps she was simply in the wrong place.

It wasn't. Ron's comment after that charms class was the final nail, she'd tried to make friends, and the reaction was the same as always. Nothing was different, at least at home she had her parents, but in a boarding school where they wouldn't even be able to get to her on their own, where she couldn't even call them telephonically, she felt more alone than she's ever felt before.

When she stepped out of that bathroom stall, she'd just decided, she was going to ask Professor Dumbledore to send her home. She loved magic, but the thought of spending seven years away and alone was too much.

That's when the smell hit her, and she saw the troll. She was going to die, on what was already one of the worst days of her short life. It couldn't even be something painless, no she was going to be squashed to death by a ten-foot behemoth carrying a club.

Then comes Harry, though he was never rude to her, or dismissive of her, he also never sought her out, or invited her along. It always felt like he was just being nice, because he was well… nice. Following him was Ron, she could say the reason she was here in this situation in the first place was him, but honestly, he was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Besides, whatever his reasoning, in the end he came to help, and that matters.

Shocked at their sudden appearance, she was slow to react to Harry's call to move. What followed next would stick with her for the rest of her life. They say there's a fine line between bravery and stupidity, the only difference being the outcome. She's learnt that when it comes to Harry, that line is paper thin, but somehow, he manages to come out on the side of bravery.

It was a shell-shocked Hermione that watched Harry clean troll boogers off his wand, as if he wasn't hanging, dodging a trolls club while being hung upside down all of twenty seconds ago.

The next morning, she was shocked when they pulled her in, and the trio was born. Hermione and her two idiots, brave and noble, but idiots. Though, they're her idiots, and she wouldn't trade them for anything. Even Ron, lazy, untidy, talks with his mouth full, when push comes to shove, he'll be there. What more can be said for someone who is terrified of spiders, but walks into an acromantula lair, or into a basilisk's den for his sister. For all his faults, and there are many, when you really need him, he surprises you with how brave he can be.

Hermione wasn't alone anymore, in fact, she found two friends who would go to the ends of the earth for her, sure they had their ups and downs, stupid arguments blown out of proportion. But she knows, if she really needed them, they'd be there. She would trust either of them with her life.

"Hellooo, you in there Hermione?"

She blushed, snapping out of her thoughts.

"Sorry, I spaced out."

"See, this is why you need the sugar," responded Harry in full seriousness, as if he isn't just trying to get her to eat sweets.

Finding the eagerness in his expression cute, she surrendered to his demands. "Fine, but I'm not eating any of the bug looking ones."

Harry laughed at her put out expression, "deal", and handed her a cauldron cake.

Trying and failing not to smile, she accepted it.

Hermione sighed. 'I guess overindulging on rare occasions isn't the worst thing"

"There's still the feast waiting at the castle by the way," said Hermione.

"We'll find space for it, don't worry."

Ron nodded along, happy with his situation.

The trio spent the rest of the trip enjoying each other's company, Hermione having let loose and indulging in what the wizarding world considers candy. Harry couldn't have been happier, he's with his two favourite people, on his way to his favourite place, and with a new goal in life.

"What's got you distracted?" asked Hermione, noticing his silence.

"Nothing," he smiled contentedly

Hermione stared at him for a second, shrugging him once against his side when she realized what he meant.

"Interesting ain't it though, Malfoy hasn't rocked up once this trip, or was I asleep and missed it" observed Ron thoughtfully.

"No, he didn't come, strange, he usually can't resist during the train rides," pondered Hermione aloud.

"I think I know why, but I'm not saying," teased Harry.

"Come on Harry, you can't just leave it like that," Ron complained, annoyed at kept in the dark.

His friends eyed him expectantly, waiting for him to spill the beans. Harry thought back to the encounter at the world cup, and if he was right, and Draco was interested in Ginny, this could mean a step in the right direction for him. Ginny isn't someone who would date a bigot, and if he was to have any hope, he'd have to let go of his prejudice.

Draco could become a better man, and Harry wasn't going to ruin it by setting Ron on a warpath.

"Let's just say I noticed something, and leave it at that alright," stated Harry, his tone clearly emphasizing that he was not going to clarify.

"Fine," snapped Ron testily, knowing he would not get anything out of Harry, at least for now, he resumed his sugary feast.

With Ron distracted again, Hermione met Harry's eyes, understanding the question within them, Harry mouthed, "later".

The matter settled, they switched over to lighter topics.

There enjoyment was interrupted by a bit of commotion outside of their compartment.

Harry stood up, sliding the door open to investigate.

What he came across had him both sickened and furious. A pair of older girls were dragging a third girl out of a nearby compartment by her hair, while a fourth accomplice tossed the girls luggage out after her.

After tossing her out, they jeered at her insultingly, one of them was holding up what appeared to be a magazine. Laughing, while doing so, she tore it before throwing the bits of paper at the downed girl. Harry couldn't make out what they were saying, but the hurt expression on the victim had him storming down the passage with his wand out before he realised what he was doing.

When one of the girls saw him and went for her wand. He had her disarmed before her hand fully left her pocket.

"What the fuck do you three think you're doing?" he snarled, wand at the side, though it wasn't pointed at them, the speed he cast the disarming charm had the remaining two assailants wary of trying for their own wands.

He felt her behind him before he saw her move past him, already at the downed girl's side, Hermione was helping her up and dusting her off. Moving her behind Harry, and now Ron, who stood next to him, wand also drawn.

"What the hell is going on here?"

Harry turned, seeing a pair of prefects, and thankfully, ones he was somewhat familiar with.

"Cedric"

"Penelope"

Harry and Hermione voiced simultaneously, each acknowledging the prefect they were better acquainted with.

"Harry, what's going on?" asked Cedric, motioning towards the drawn wands.

"Heard some commotion, came out of my compartment to find those three tossing," pointing at the girl who was being bullied, Harry only now realized it was the girl from the Weasley's house, who dropped off the tea, "uhm, Luna? here out of her compartment by her hair, before tearing up something and throwing it at her."

Seeing who the victim was, Cedric moved towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You alright there Luna?" he asked caringly, clearly knowing the girl.

"A little dusty, you'd think the express would be cleaner," suddenly her expression fell. "That was my only copy of this month's quibbler, I haven't finished reading it either."

The other prefect, Penelope, Harry remembered her dating Percy, pretty certain she still was. She had her wand out, pointing towards the scraps on the floor, she summoned them and repaired the issue before handing it back to Luna.

"It won't hold permanently, since it was so torn, but it should be long enough for you to read it at least," she smiled tenderly.

Penelope was a Ravenclaw, and recognising Luna from her house, she was partially aware that the girl underwent bullying, but had no idea it reached such extremes. She swore to watch out for the girl at least for this year until she graduated.

"Thank you," responded Luna appreciatively, taking the newly repaired magazine.

In a world of her own, she immediately opened it and began reading.

Harry couldn't help but find this amusing.

'This girl is worse than Hermione'

"You three, come with us," ordered Cedric sternly.

"So that's it? You're just going to believe them?" complained one of the three.

"That's it exactly, I trust Harry, and I trust Luna, she wouldn't go looking for a fight, and she also wouldn't side with whoever was in the wrong, so yeah, I believe them, now hand over the wands, and get moving."

"And I believe Hermione wouldn't be a participant in bullying either," said Penelope, looking at her younger friend.

"Thanks Penny, appreciate it," responded Hermione, happy about the affirmation of her character.

Harry focused on Luna, "why don't you come sit with us for the rest of the ride, just follow Hermione," the aforementioned girl placing a hand on Luna's shoulder, she motioned towards their carriage, "this way".

"Ron and I will get your bags for you, just relax, and please help yourself to whatever snacks you see, we've got plenty."

"I think I'd like that very much, Harry Potter," said the waifish girl, meeting Harry's eyes for the first time.

She followed Hermione off, grabbing her bags. Meanwhile the prefects began escorting the three bullies off to whichever teacher was available on the express.

Harry stopped them for a second, saying his thanks to the two.

"Don't worry about it Harry, see you at you Hogwarts," waving off his thanks, "I should be the one thanking you, Luna is a childhood friend, I'd appreciate if you'd watch out for her, I try, but I can't be everywhere."

"You can count on it Cedric," nodding his agreement.

Cedric smiled at this, both he and Penelope, or Penny as Hermione called her, gave him and Ron a polite parting greeting before walking off with the three.

Harry and Ron made their way back to the carriage, finding Hermione listening to Luna give an explanation on something called a wrackspurt.

Luna clearly enjoying the sweets, having as it seemed gone through at least a few of them.

Hermione's confused expression had both Ron and Harry holding back a laugh. Ron almost voicing out the name "Loony" but having held it back on account of the bullying the girl just went through.

"They can't be real though, I mean there would be some evidence at least, right?" Hermione looked towards Harry, and Ron, hoping for confirmation.

Harry eyeing the two faces, both looking at him expectantly, thought about what little he overhead of the explanation.

"While I can't say yes, I can't say no either, think of it, a few years ago, both you and I had no idea magic even existed. If someone told me back then, that dragons existed, or that unicorns were assholes to guys, I'd have thought them barmy."

Hermione saw where he was going with this.

"I see what you mean Harry," she nodded, somewhat convinced by his reasoning.

"Luna, while I can't stop myself from being sceptical, I will try to keep an open mind."

"Thank you, Hermione," replied the short girl, happy with the outcome.

Harry smiled at this this. "Great, and Hermione, if you're right and something doesn't exist, then that's that, but if it does, you'll be pleasantly surprised."

"You have a point, Harry," she said, thinking back to some of the more ridiculous things she's encountered in the magical word.

"Alright, alright, you three, we're almost at Hogwarts, and we still have a lot of these to get through," came Ron's voice, holding up a box of every flavour beans.

Luna looked excited, Hermione fearful, and Harry thankful at Ron's ability at lightening a mood.

They spent the rest of the trip getting to know the younger girl. They learnt that she's a Ravenclaw, that she used to be best friends with Ginny, that she lives alone with her dad after her mother's passing years ago.

Harry understood why people would consider her "Loony" but couldn't help but find her oddness refreshing.

Hermione on the other hand struggled, every odd statement or explanation Luna offered, wreaking havoc with her logic-based understanding of the world. Though noticing the girl had a clear lack of friends, she was reminded greatly of herself, developing a feeling of kinship with the strange little oddball.

They also noticed, Luna had a massive sweet tooth, this all the more made Harry happy that he had bought the sweets, even if cheering up this girl wasn't his initial intent.

"Luna, if you'd like, you're more than welcome to hang out with us,

"I think we're nearing Hogsmeade, why don't you boys step out while we get changed, then we'll swop."

Stepping off the train onto Hogsmeade Station, will always be amongst one of Harry's favourite moments. Previously it was always more the coming home aspect of it that he loved, now he can't help but see it as the path to his future as well.

Getting settled in the Hogwarts carriage, Harry noticed Luna hadn't gotten in yet, "ride with us up to the castle?"

A small smile accompanied that faraway look in her eyes as she climbed in, and they began moving.

"You know, this is a lot like having friends," her soft voice tugging at the heart strings of the trio. Ron may not have experienced the loneliness that Harry and Hermione had growing up, but that didn't mean he couldn't be empathetic.

Ron spoke up before either Harry and Hermione could respond, "Well, if you'd like, you could always join the three of us, I mean, if you want, wouldn't mind if you wanted to hang around us, I think I speak for all of us," glancing at his two best friends, "we'd like it if you were our friend."

Embarrassed at the look of surprise Harry and Hermione had, "I mean, just if you want," he sputtered.

Luna couldn't believe it, she eyed the three of them one by one, and seeing the agreement with Ron's words, she gave them the biggest smile she's had in years.

"I think I'd like that"

The trio didn't realise it, but they'd just made one of the best and most loyal friends of their lives.

They had to separate once they'd arrived at the great hall. Luna having made her way to the Ravenclaw table. The trio noticed how separated from the rest she was, and all three wished she could have stayed with them.

"That was very sweet of you Ron, asking her to be our friend like that," commented Hermione, as they neared their seats.

"That really was great of you, I'm glad you did that Ron," added Harry.

"It's just, I used to call her Loony you know, and when we were all kids, and she used to play with Ginny, I wasn't great to her, used to tease her and Ginny, kid stuff, but seeing how they treated her on the train. That ain't right, nobody deserves that man, and she's strange sure, but she's still nice and all," he trailed off sitting down.

"I'm proud of you Ron, that was very mature," complimented Hermione, surprised at his explanation.

Ron blushed, before he could respond, their housemates sat down, greeting them as they took their seats or walked past to sit with their friends.

"Great summer guys?" asked Harry seeing the rest of his year taking seats.

Glad to see each other again, they eagerly began recalling their summers to each other. Lavender speaking of the beach fronts she went to with her family, Parvati spoke fondly of her trip to India to visit family.

Dean and Seamus having not gone anywhere special, same as Neville, though Neville did go into detail about the plants he acquired over the break. Some of which sounded more dangerous and bizarre than he expected, but if Neville enjoys it, who is he to judge.

Their short catch-up session was ended by Dumbledore stepping up to speak.

"Welcome, Welcome, I hope you all had an uplifting break. In a minute Professor McGonagall will be bringing in the first years for their sorting. I trust you will all be welcoming towards the new additions to your houses, as I am sure all of you remember how scared you all were when you first arrived in these halls. With that said, Argus?" Dumbledore signalled Mr. Filch to open the doors.

They got to enjoy the sorting hats latest rendition to his song, along with the rest of the ceremony. Once every first year was placed in their respective houses, and everyone was given a minute to welcome them.

Dumbledore took the stand once more, "Now that everyone is seated, I have a few announcements to make before we begin our feast. First of all, I'd like to welcome back Professor Hagrid, who after some difficulties near the end of last year, will once more be teaching Care of Magical Creatures."

Hagrid stood, as they applauded him, sitting again once Dumbledore resumed speaking, several announcements later, the only one really of interest being the placement of a retired veteran auror for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position.

"For the final and biggest announcement, I unfortunately have to inform you, that quidditch will be cancelled for the year-

He was interrupted by the immediate outcries of the student body, booing and demanding he bring quidditch back.

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore yelled, putting a stop to their dissent, his voice overpowering the collective.

"As I said, quidditch will be cancelled for the year, the department of international cooperation, with the minister's consent, has decided to reinstate the Triwizard Tournament!"

Continuing with his announcement through the whispers that now sounded through the great hall.

"The Triwizard Tournament is a competition between three schools, Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons. The purpose behind meant to foster and nurture relations between the schools and their respective nations. The schools will each have a single champion representing them, in three exceedingly dangerous tasks. For those who will be considering entering, note that there will be an age restriction. Only students of age will be allowed to compete."

Another order of "Silence" was necessary to stop the second outcry by the students that night.

"The age restriction was added after careful consideration, the tournament is far more dangerous than of you would expect. It was previously stopped when the death toll became unacceptable."

"Death toll?" came Ron and Neville's simultaneous whisper.

"Yes, death toll, many have died, and in the worst cases, members of the audience were also killed. Do not take this lightly. The prize for winning will be 1000 Galleons, and eternal glory. Now the students along with their headmaster and headmistress respectfully, will be arriving on October 30th, with the selection of the champions taking place a day later on Halloween."

"On a final note, please be warned, the tournament is not for the faint of heart. So, take note, once you are selected, there is no withdrawing, you will be forced to compete. So do not enter if you are unsure of yourself or lack the resolve."

"With the announcements out of the way, I think it's time I stopped holding you back from eating, so to end off on a more cheerful note," Dumbledore clapped his hands, signalling the appearance of the food on the tables, "let the feast, begin."

"Wish you could enter Harry?" queried Ron as he began piling up his plate.

"Not a chance in hell, I've got more than enough on my plate this year, I feel bad for Angelina, but I'm actually relieved quidditch was cancelled. Don't know how I would have squeezed all the training sessions in," explained Harry.

"Remember how stressed I was last year, with taking all the classes, Harry's practically doing the same thing," Hermione said to Ron, putting things into perspective.

"I do not envy you mate, mad is what you are"

"Maybe, but I reckon all healers are, have to get started somewhere, don't I?"

Harry looked up, he noticed Nearly Headless Nick float over having introduced himself to the first years at their table. Ron moved on to a quidditch conversation with Seamus, something about the last season and the Cannons prospects this time around to Seamus's chagrin.

"Good evening, Sir Nicholas," greeted Harry on the ghost's arrival.

"Good evening to you as well Mr. Potter, you know it is really lucky that the headmasters' announcements went on as long as they did. There nearly wasn't a feast."

"Really? What happened?" queried Harry.

"Well Peeves of course, went into a right tiff with the rest of us about being allowed into the feast, now you can imagine what a disaster that would be. When he was denied, he decided to cause chaos in the kitchens, carried on until the Baron put a stop to it," sighed Sir Nicholas exasperatedly, "every year it's a one or other thing with that poltergeist when it comes to feast, the headmaster really should do something about him, and I think after this night, he just might."

Taking a breath after his rant to collect himself

The action rousing an odd thought in Harry's mind.

'Do ghosts need to take breaths, they "breathe", but they can't need air, Sir Nicholas's head isn't even connected to the rest of him, maybe it's a psychological thing. They're so used to the motion, that they just keep doing it after dead. If asked, they could probably hold their breath indefinitely, or at least until they forget'

"The poor house elves were in a right state I tell you, they really worked hard to get the feast done in time, bless them."

"House elves!? Here at Hogwarts?!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Well of course Ms. Granger, who did you think done all the cooking and cleaning, certainly not Filch."

"They get paid right? Vacation? Days off?" demanded Hermione.

"Goodness no, they would hate that, house elves are sentient yes, but they don't want for these things. To a house elf, work is purpose, unlike with us, a house elf works for the sake of work. To them work is the reward, they've been offered remuneration before, many times, and by many witches and wizards. They always refuse, see it as an insult, as if you're undermining their purpose in life."

"But still, this is slave labour…" trailed off Hermione, pushing her food away dejectedly.

"House elves don't think of themselves as our servants, but more along the lines of family members. Ms. Granger would your mother demand payment of you for taking care of your needs?" asked Sir Nicholas.

"No, but…"

Harry chose then to speak up, "Hermione, how about we find one or two of the elves later this week, hear it from them as well? But for now, you need to eat, can't let you go hungry, please? For me?" he asked, pushing her plate back to her.

She looked into his eyes, seeing the plea, and care for her wellbeing, she agreed, for his piece of mind.

"Alright," she said softly, slowly picking up her fork.

Though she would not let the subject drop completely. "But what about their treatment? The self-punishments?"

"Merlin's beard Hermione, only the worst sort of person is cruel to their elf," voiced Neville from beside Ron.

"He is right," said Lavender. "I love our elf Maisy, she was so much more than a servant growing up, she was incredible, the most caring nanny you could ask for."

"I understand guys, but something needs to be done about the ones who abuse their elves, those elves need protection."

"Agreed, if you can think of something, I'm sure everyone here will be behind you," said Neville, to a round of nods from those in earshot.

"Thanks guys, it means a lot, and thank you Sir Nicholas, for taking the time to explain."

"You're most welcome my dear, if there's one thing being a ghost gives you, it's plenty of time"

They finished their meal, Harry of course indulging in the treacle tart. Hermione, deciding to give it the benefit of the doubt, continued eating. Ron having ignored the conversation in its entirety, him and Seamus absorbed in their debate. The rest of the feast was filled with small talk and a resumption of their summer breaks recollection from before.

Later that evening, on their arrival at the Gryffindor common room, Harry decided to call it a night, he had a meeting with both McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey the next day.

Ron had already gone up to the boy's dorm, saying his goodnights.

Harry stood there with Hermione, when he spoke up, "thanks Hermione, for listening to me earlier. He thought about all the times he's gone to bed hungry at the Dursleys.

"Hmm what about, oh you mean about eating, I should be the one thanking you, Harry."

"It's nothing, I just, didn't want you to go hungry is all," he said softly.

Hermione noticed the pained look in his eyes, making the connection, she realized, he was speaking from experience.

She had her arms around him before he knew it, unlike her usual hugs, this one was soft, far gentler.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, basking in her warmth, the negative emotions brought up from his momentary recollection washed away, "uhm Hermione, not that I'm not grateful for the hug, quite the opposite, why though?"

"I just wanted to ok," came her muffled voice from his shoulder.

He squeezed her tighter, loving the way she felt in his arms.

Finally releasing him, she spoke up, "we should head upstairs, you've got a long day ahead tomorrow, Harry."

"You're right, see you down here before breakfast?"

"See you then Harry"

Harry smiled softly at her, "goodnight, Hermione."

"Goodnight, Harry"

Having made his way upstairs, and finally settled in his bed. He couldn't help the excitement he felt for this year, his work with Madam Pomfrey, and his growing feelings for Hermione had him falling asleep in an exceptionally good mood.

END CHAPTER TWO