The last days of summer vacation passed as you would expect. I wrote to Anthony, and Lisa, and went through all of Lockhart's books in great detail. Every time Harry saw me reading one he would look at the cover with distaste, and I would shrug, then turn back to the book and hang onto every word.
The only thing odd about the last couple of weeks was Ginny. Ever since we had gotten back from Diagon Alley, she had been obsessed with her diary she had gotten, always writing in it, and closing it if I got too close. She hardly talked to me, or anyone else, and I would be lying if it didn't hurt just a little...
Why had she totally lost interest in me?
Finally the last night before we went back to Hogwarts arrived, and Mrs. Weasley spared no expense in making the best meal I'd ever had, rounded out with a dessert of treacle pudding. Finally Fred and George set off some Filibuster fireworks in the kitchen. For over half an hour, red and blue stars bounced off the kitchen's walls and ceiling. When they had finished Mrs. Weasley made us all one last cup of hot chocolate, then everyone piled into bed, and tried to get as much sleep for tomorrow as we could.
"Up! Everyone up!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, going up and down the stairs, knocking on everyone's doors. With a groan I got up, I looked over to see Ginny was writing in that diary again, and seemed to have not heard her mother.
"It's time." I said simply, and Ginny jumped, quickly closed the diary, and nodded.
"Breakfast is on the table! Everyone hurry!" Mrs. Weasley yelled, clearly already stressed.
Me and Ginny both got dressed, grabbed a piece of toast, then started to pack. Books, quills, potion ingredients, everything I needed was piled in my trunk. I walked downstairs, and saw Fred and George fighting over who's robes were whose.
"Calm down boys." Mr. Weasley said, then noticed us. "Ah girls, both of you packed?" He asked, and we nodded. "Good, let me take those for you." He said, motioning to our trunks.
He took Ginny's first, and I nearly had a heart attack when he tripped on a chicken, but luckily he stood back up, dusted himself off, and put Ginny's in the trunk of the Ford Anglia that had brought me and Harry here.
He came for mine next, and I handed it to him as I heard Harry and Percy run into each other on the stairs.
"I can take it." I offered, looking at a bump he'd gotten from where he'd fallen earlier, with guilt. He instantly shook his head.
"Nonsense." He said, then turned and started to door, before stopping. "Though, if you could, make sure no stray chicken crosses my path that would be most helpful."
I made sure no stray chicken's crossed Mr. Weasley's path as he walked along. I sighed in relief when he put my trunk in the back of the Ford Anglia, but noticed the back was much larger than it should be, and turned to Mr. Weasley with a raised eyebrow.
"Is this enchanted?" I asked, and he looked around nervously for any sign of Mrs. Weasley.
"Don't say anything to Molly," He begged, and I nodded.
Finally everyone's stuff was packed, and me, Harry, Ron, Fred, George, and Percy all piled into the back, which was also magically expanded so that everyone had plenty of room. Mrs. Weasley opened the front door, and Mrs. Weasley looked back at us.
"Muggles do know more than we give them credit for, don't they?" She said as Ginny got into the front seat, which was also magically enhanced. "I mean, you'd never know it was this roomy from the outside, would you?"
She looked to me, and Harry, as the supposed Muggle experts. Mr. Weasley gave us a glance, and we both smiled.
"I know, they really know what they're doing." I said as Mrs. Weasley sat down, and closed the door.
Mr. Weasley started the car, and began to drive. Me and Harry took one last look at the place we'd called home for the last month, and I wondered if they'd let us come back next summ...
"STOP! George roared, and Mr. Weasley slammed on the brakes. "I forgot the box of fireworks." He said, before he climbed out and, rushed back to the house. Mrs. Weasley grumbled about how he didn't need them anyway, while I was reminded of last nights show. Soon, George came rushing back, placed the box of fireworks in the trunk, then got back in. "My mistake." He said, buckling himself in.
"It's okay." Mr. Weasley replied before turning to everyone else. "Everyone's got everything?" He asked, everyone nodded, and he began driving again...
"HOLD ON!" Fred roared around five minutes later. "I forgot my broomstick." He said, climbing out and rushing back towards the house. Mr. Weasley sighed, while Mrs. Weasley tapped her foot, me and Harry shared a look...
"Sorry." Fred said as he sat back down, Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath, as Mr. Weasley put on the gas, and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as we finally reached the highway...
"MY DIARY!" Ginny shrieked suddenly from the front seat, Mr. Weasley groaned, while Mrs. Weasley turned to her daughter. She was clearly frustrated, but trying to stay patient.
"We can send it to you by mail de..." Mr. Weasley said.
"No mum, I need it tonight, please." The girl begged, and Mrs. Weasley caved under her only daughters begging eyes. Mrs. Weasley sighed, then turned to Mr. Weasley.
"Turn back Arthur." She said, he nodded and turned back. As Ginny ran back inside, the pair turned back to us. "Last chance, anything else forgotten will have to be delivered by mail." Mrs. Weasley said in a warning tone.
Everyone looked at one another, I couldn't think of anything, and none of the boys could either. "Nothing." Percy replied, and Mrs. Weasley nodded.
"Good." She said, as Ginny climbed back into the car, and Mr. Weasley began driving again. No one spoke as Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, despite their best efforts, were clearly stressed, and if I learned anything from Uncle Vernon, it was not to talk in the car when the driver's angry.
We finally made it to the main road, as Mr. Weasley looked at his watch, then turned to Mrs. Weasley.
"Molly, dear —"
"No, Arthur —–"
"No one would see — this little button here is an Invisibility Booster I installed — that'd get us up in the air — then we fly above the clouds. We'd be there in ten minutes and no one would be any the wiser —"
"I said no, Arthur, not in broad daylight —"
The rest of the trip to King's Cross station was quiet and stressed filled. Every few minutes Mr. Weasley would look down at his watch, and it was clear that we were going to be close, finally we pulled into King's Cross, and I saw that it was a quarter till eleven.
"I'll get some trolleys!" Mr. Weasley said, glancing at all of our trunks, then racing across the street. After everyone's cart was secure we raced into King's Cross, and made it to the barrier between platforms nine and ten.
"Percy first," ordered Mrs. Weasley, looking up nervously at the clock that showed five till eleven.
Percy strode forward and vanished. Mrs. Weasley nodded to Mr. Weasley who followed, then turned towards the twins.
"Fred, George, go." She said, George began to walk off, but Fred cut him off.
"Ladies first." He said, winking at me.
"Such a gentlemen, Fred." George told his brother, patting him on shoulder.
"I tr..."
"Very thoughtful Fred." Mrs. Weasley cut him off, then turned to me. "You heard him, Go Sarah." She told me urgently, and I nodded and quickly made my way through the barrier, and onto platform nine and three quarters.
"Alright Sarah?" Mr. Weasley asked, clearly waiting for Mrs. Weasley and Ginny. I nodded.
"Yeah, thanks for everything, you and Mrs. Weasley." I told him, he gave me a warm smile.
"It was nothing, now you best get on board, you've got around three minutes." He said. I nodded and strode towards the train, I started dragging my trunk onto the train...
"Sarah." I jumped and turned, and took a sigh of relief.
"Michael, Terry." I said smiling, the boys smiled back.
"The only." Terry replied.
"You want some help with that?" Michael asked, nodding at my trunk.
"I'm fine, I just need to..." I began, but Michael and Terry looked at each other and picked up either end of my trunk.
"We insist." Terry said. I smiled, shook my head in defeat, and sighed.
"Fine." I conceded, picking up Uric's cage. "I carry him though." I said, and they nodded.
"Of course." Michael said, motioning for me to board, then getting my trunk onto the train.
"How many books you got in here?" Terry asked as we walked down the center aisle of the train.
"A lot." I replied, the two shared a knowing look, while I shrugged. "I said I would take it myself."
"Like I said, we insist." Terry replied, as they opened the door to a compartment. Inside sat Anthony, and Lisa. Anthony had his nose burred in a book, while Lisa was tapping her foot, and turned to the door as soon as we walked in.
"We found her." Michael told the pair, Anthony looked up from his book, while Lisa stood up.
"There you are." Lisa said, worry still etched on her face. "Where in the world have you been? We agreed to meet at half past ten."
"Sorry, I said as Michael and Terry put my trunk away for me." The Weasley's...are slow." I replied, sitting down next to the window, and looking out to see Mr. And Mrs. Weasley giving Ginny one final goodbye.
"Well, try not to cut it so close next time." Lisa said, sitting back down. "Thanks for finding her guys." She said, as Michael gave a dramatic bow, and Terry puffed his chest out proudly.
"No worries." Terry said, while Anthony just rolled his eyes at the pairs gestures.
"You two." He said shaking his head, they gave him cheeky grins then headed for the door, before giving us one last glance.
"Well where off to see Padma, she promised to look over our summer homework, see you three at the feast." And with that Michael and Terry walked out, closed the door, and disappeared into the aisle.
Before any of us could say anything the train whistle sounded, and we started moving. I looked out the window and saw the Weasley's looking longingly at the train, Mrs. Weasley with tears in her eyes. Finally we pulled out of the station, finally we were heading back to Hogwarts.
"So." I began, turning away from the window. "Second year here we come."
"Indeed." Anthony replied, closing his book and placing it next to him. "I have to admit, it will be nice not being the bottom of the pecking order."
"I know, heck we could try out for the house team if we wanted to." Lisa replied, turning to me with a smirk. "You plan to?"
I shook my head. "I don't even have a broom." I replied, waving my hand dismissively. "Besides, I don't want to make a fool of myself."
"What makes you think you'd make a fool of yourself?" Anthony asked, and I shrugged.
"Just the fact that I've never been athletically gifted."
"Hmm...if you're sure, though you may be persuaded." Anthony replied, and I raised an eyebrow.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, and Anthony shrugged.
"Just rumors." Anthony replied, and my confusion only grew.
"Aren't Michael and Terry trying out for the team?" Lisa asked, and Anthony nodded.
"Yeah, why do you think they were acting so...flamboyant, they're convinced they're going to be stars."
"You don't think they'll make it?" I asked, and Anthony shrugged.
"I've heard that the team already has a preferred choise for a new Chaser, and Roger is still playing, so there's only one spot open...and I doubt either would play without the other."
"Who do they want?" Lisa asked, and Anthony shook his head.
"They want to keep it secret, the only reason I know is because I bumped into Cho at a Tornados game..."
"You went to a Quidditch game?" I asked, and Anthony again shrugged.
"More like forced along...anyways I ran into Cho, and we got to talking about the house team, and she let slip...well something I can't say, or she'll know and she promised to jinx my knees backwards if I said anything." He finished, and I let out a chuckle.
"Sound like Cho, such a sweet girl, but she take's Quidditch seriously." I said, and Anthony nodded.
"Yeah, anyways, both of you get your summer homework done?"
"Yeah." Lisa replied, a relieved look on her face. "And I finally convinced my mum to lay off the muggle schoolwork...she only agreed when she saw the amount of homework I already had."
"I'm glad...remember when we met last year, how stressed you were." I said, and Lisa grimaced.
"Don't remind me." She said, looking at the ground bitterly. "I'm just glad my mum's finally seen reason."
"I'm glad too."
We continued to talk as the train moved into the country side, finally I decided to change into my robes, and got up.
"I'm going to get changed." I said, Anthony and Lisa nodded as I made my way into the corridor, found the loo, and got into my school robes. I started back to my compartment...
"You're insane!"
I stopped when I heard the voice of someone yelling, I looked around and saw a compartment with the door halfway open, and voices inside.
"I'm sorry you feel that way." I heard another voice reply. This time in a much softer, almost dreamlike tone.
"We don't want you in here." Another voice said, and I slowly started making my way up to the compartment.
"Again, I apologize you feel that way." The soft voice again replied, and I finally made my way to the compartment and looked inside.
There were a total of five kids, two boys, and four girls. None of them had house colored ties, and the inside of their robes were black, so I knew they all had to be first years. Thee of the girls, and the two boys were all standing around another girl, whom was sitting in the corner by the window, reading a magazine of some kind. The five standing kids all looked annoyed, while the sitting girl looked unfazed at being surrounded by clearly hostile people.
"We told you, to get out!" One of the girls demanded. She had pure black hair done in a ponytail, a mixed complexation, and seemed to hold herself in high regard.
"Yeah, like Sandra said, we don't like lunatics near us." One of the other girls said, she had brown, waste length hair, and looked eager to please Sandra.
"My mum say's the Lovegood's have already been the strange sort, and that crazy magazine confirms it." The other girl, whom had red hair much darker than any of the Weasleys, and pale skin, said and Sandra nodded.
"Right you are, Emily she's clearly insane." Sandra said looking at the sitting girl with disgust, who I guessed must have been Lovegood. "Tyler! David!" She said, turning to the two boys, both of whom looked uncomfortable.
"Yes Sandra?" Tyler replied, he had short, blonde hair. Both his voice, and face, filled with nerves.
"Get Miss Lovegood's thing's out of here." Sandra demanded. The two boys looked at each other nervously, then nodded.
"If you say so." David replied. He had curly, light black hair, and seemed much more sure of himself than Tyler.
"Now you." Sandra said, turning back to Lovegood. "I'm giving you one last chance, either get out, or I'll have David and Tyler throw you out." The girl demanded, and Lovegood finally looked up from her magazine. She saw David and Tyler pick up her trunk, and she frowned.
"You're pretty rude." She said shrugging, standing up, and skipping towards the door without a care in the world. Sandra looked furious.
"You little..." She said, before turning to Tyler and David. "Throw her stuff in the aisle, I'm done with her." The girl sat down and crossed her arms, while the boys picked up Lovegood's trunk, and started for the door.
I had just enough time to get out of way before they saw me, as the door flew open. The pair put Lovegood's trunk down in the middle of the hall, Lovegood followed, as the door shut behind her. She looked down at her trunk, seemingly deep in thought, then shrugged and tried to pick it up. I made my way behind her, and tapped her shoulder, and she turned to me.
"Are you okay?" I asked the girl, finally getting a good look at her. She had straggly dirty blonde hair that reached all the way down to her waist. Her eyebrows were pale, and her eyes pure silver. She wore a necklace made of the corks of butterbeer bottles, and earing made of a reddish fruit I'd never seen before.
She turned to me, a indifferent look on her face.
"I'm fine, more than fine actually, all there head were filled with Wrackspurts. No wonder they were all acting so weird, their brain's must be infected. "The girl replied, and I stared at her...not sure how to respond.
"That's...great." I replied, and the girl nodded.
"Indeed, still it would have been nice if they'd helped me find another compartment, and my trunk is quite heavy." The girl replied, looking down at her trunk, clearly deep in thought.
"Do you want to sit in my compartment?" I asked after a moment of thought. The girl turned to me, raised her eyebrows, and stared at me, before nodding.
"That would be lovely." She replied, and grabbed one end of her trunk.
"You want help with that?" I asked, motioning to it, and she nodded.
"That would be helpful." She replied, as I picked up the other end and we made our way to my compartment, when we got back I opened the door and let the girl in. Lisa and Anthony both looked at her, then to me.
"Some jerks kicked her out of her compartment." I whispered to them, they both looked at the girl in sympathy as she put down her trunk, sat in the far corner by the window, and started reading her magazine.
"Like I was saying." Anthony began after I sat back down, and I realized he must be in the middle of one of his ramblings. "If you take some Spleenwart, and mix it with Iguana's blood, and Dragon Nails, the potion you'd made should be able to..."
Anthony was interrupted by the door opening, and we all turned to see a worried looking Hermione. She looked around our compartment, then turned to me. "Have any of you seen Harry, or Ron?" She asked, and I looked at her confused.
"Not since we were at King's Cross, I assumed they'd be with you." I replied, and Hermione quickly shook her head.
"They never showed up. I've been looking everywhere. There's not a trace of them anywhere." She replied, and I went from confused, to nervous.
"No one's seen them?" Lisa asked, and Hermione once again shook her head.
"No, no one." She replied, and we all looked at each other before standing up.
"I'll help look." Anthony offered.
"Me too." Lisa added, and I nodded.
"Let's hope they haven't done something stupid." I replied, as we all filed out of the room, I turned back to the girl whom still was just reading her magazine. "Can you watch our stuff?" I asked, and she looked up at me and nodded. "Thanks."
Lisa and Anthony both went towards the front of the train, while me and Hermione began heading towards the back, the girl asking me question, after question as we searched.
"When was the last time you saw them?"
"I told you, at Kings Cross, when crossing the barrier." I replied, as we approached another compartment. I opened the door and found Padma looking very annoyed at Michael and Terry, while Mandy and Morag looked on. "Guys." I said, and they all turned to me.
"Sarah." Padma said, the annoyance on her face turning to a smile when she saw me. "How are you? I've heard your summer was awful?"
"It was." I replied, trying to be polite. "Listen, have any of you seen Harry or Ron?" I asked, and they all looked at me confused.
"No." Padma replied, turning to Hermione. "They're not with you?" She asked, and Hermione shook her head.
"I haven't seen either of them." Hermione replied, the fear clear in her voice. "And the last time she saw them was at King's Cross."
"Well they have to be somewhere." Mandy deduced, and I nodded.
"Yeah, were just not sure where." I replied shaking my head. "Sorry to intrude, see you at the feast." I replied, and they nodded.
"I'll see of Parvati or Lavender have seen them." Padma offered, and I smiled.
"Thanks, if you do find them, were towards the front of the train." And with that me and Hermione continued down the aisle.
We continued down the aisle, towards the middle of the train we ran into Fred and George, who were sitting with Lee Jordan, all looked to have just been laughing heavily.
"Ah if it isn't Sarah." Fred said, turning to me with a wide grin.
"What can we do for you?" George added, his face etched with a similar expression.
"Have either of you seen Harry or Ron?" I asked, and they both frowned.
"Not sense the King's Cross." Fred replied.
"What's happened? Did ickle Ronniekins do something stupid?" George asked, amusement in his voice.
"No one's seen either of them, anywhere." I replied, and the amusement dropped from both of their faces.
"No one has seen either of them?" Lee Jordan asked, and both me and Hermione nodded.
"No." Hermione replied, and the three older boys looked at each other worriedly.
"Well, we best start looking." Fred said.
"I'm guessing that's what you're doing." George added, and I nodded.
"Yeah, Lisa and Anthony are looking towards the front of the train, Padma was going to ask Parvati, were heading towards the back." I explained, and the three older boys nodded.
"Well, we'll check the Loo's." Fred said, a slight grin once again forming on his face.
"Yeah, never know who you'll find in them." George added, as the pair stood up. "Watch our stuff." George told Lee, as the pair headed in opposite directions.
We continued heading towards the back of the train. On the second to last compartment we heard a familiar voice, and Hermione frowned.
"Malfoy." She said under her breath, disgust clear in her voice.
"I'll ask him." I offered, and she looked at me like I was crazy.
"Go into a compartment with Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and whoever else in stupid enough to associate with him." She said, and I sighed.
"Hermione, I'm not a Gryffindor, and we both know Draco loves to seek Harry out to mess with him. If anyone has seen Harry, it's him." I replied, and she shook her head, looking conflicted at the thought of me even talking to him.
"If...you're okay with it, I'll continue towards the back of the train." She said, giving me one last nervous look, then walking further towards the back.
I took one last nervous breath, slowly approached Draco's compartment, and opened it. Draco was standing in the middle of the room, clearly in the middle of one of his tirade's, while Crabbe and Goyle sat, mounds of candy wrappers filling the seats, when he heard the door open Draco turned towards it. He looked ready to berate whoever had dared interrupt him, but when he realized it was me, the look of annoyance was replaced with curiously.
"Potter? What are you doing back here?" Here asked, Crabbe and Goyle looking at me threateningly.
"Sorry for interrupting, I was just wondering...if any of you had seen Ron, or Harry?" I asked, and Draco went from confused, to smirking.
"No, not that I haven't tried, was hoping to get weasel bee back for his fathers blatant assault. Alas, he and Potter seem to have given me the slip." He said, and I realized he clearly wanted to confront the both of them.
"Hmm..." I replied, then nodded. "Sorry for bothering you." I replied, and started to turn away.
"Wait...you seriously don't no where they are?" Draco asked, and I frowned.
"No, I haven't seen either of them since King's Cross." I replied, and for a moment I thought I saw...worry? In Draco's eyes, before his usual sneer returned.
"Don't worry, I'm sure your dear brother, and weasel bee will turn up, most likely having done something stupid that'll earn them house points." Draco said the last part bitterly, and I thought back to the end of last, year...
I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling that Harry had already done something stupid. "Well, if you do see him, please tell me?" I asked, and Draco shrugged.
"Sure Potter, you'll be the first to know." He replied, I nodded to him, then shut the door and continued walking down the aisle. I finally found Hermione near the end, and she looked more fearful than ever.
"There you are." She said worriedly as I walked up to her. "I was afraid Malfoy and his goons had done something."
"Well, they didn't. "I replied looking around. "Any sign of him?"
"No, theirs only one last compartment to check." Hermione replied, motioning to the last apartment. I nodded as the two of us approached, opened the door, and looked inside.
Ginny was sitting in the corner writing intently in her diary, while a short boy with mushy brown hair, and a camera.
When she heard the door open Ginny looked up nervously, but when she saw it was me and Hermione she seemed to relax. The boy on the other hand, looked at us and our colored robes in awe, and quickly took a blinding picture.
"Colin." Ginny scolded, but he was to busy rushing up to us, a excited smile on his face.
"You've both been sorted! I'm Colin Creevey." The boy said holding out his hand. "Muggle born, dads a milkman. I've been so excited ever since I got my letter. Professor McGonagall herself came to tell me about Hog..."
"Colin." Ginny snapped, and the boy stopped, finally noticing me and Hermione staring at him with wide eyes. He rubbed the back of his neck, and looked at the ground.
"Sorry, I'm just so excited..." The boy explained, and I patted him on the shoulder.
"We've all been there." I told him, then turned to Ginny. "Have you seen Harry or Ron?" I asked, and she shook her head.
"No, I haven't seen either of them since the barrier." Ginny replied, fidgeting her fingers. "Why?"
"No one kind find either of them." Hermione replied, her voice more nervous than I'd ever heard. "Fred, George, Sarah's friends in Ravenclaw, we've all been searching the train."
Ginny seemed to go from curious, to worried. While Colin looked back in forth between us, and Ginny, and then he seemed to realize...
"Wait...are you talking about Harry Potter?" He asked, and I nodded. "And you're Sarah Potter?" He asked, and again I nodded, and the excitement returned to his face. "I can help look, afterwards do you think you could get me his autograph? Better yet a sighed photo?" He held up his camera. "Ever since I heard about he defeated you-know-who I've dreamed of meeting him, god I hope I'm in Gryffindor..."
"Colin." Ginny snapped, and the boy stopped, and once again the boy realized what he was doing and stopped.
"Sorry...if you want any help." He still offered, and I sighed.
"Not much either of you two can do, we've searched every compartment." I replied the fear building, as I shook my head. "Good look during your sorting." I told the pair, nodded to Hermione, as the two of us turned and started towards the front of the train.
Both me and Hermione were to nervous to talk, and on our way back we looked in every compartment just to double check. Finally we got back to where Fred and George had been sitting, and found Percy, along with Penelope...both seemed awfully close.
"There you two are." Penelope said, looking at us worriedly. "Fred and George told us Harry and Ron are missing?" She asked, and we nodded.
"Did you find them?" Percy asked nervously and we both shook our heads.
"No." Hermione said, sounding defeated, and Percy gave a long sigh.
"Both of you head back to your compartments, I'll have the prefects search the train and it would be best if the aisle was as empty as possible." He explained, we both nodded. "If we don't find him before we reach the school, I'll inform a Professor." He continued, then looked at us in sympathy. "Don't worry, we'll find them, I'm not going to lose our brothers."
We continued to the compartment where we had started. Hermione muttered something about needing to watch her stuff, and headed off looking down at the ground, and I swear I saw tears rolling down her cheeks.
I sighed then headed back to my compartment, neither Lisa or Anthony had returned, leaving me alone with the silver haired girl I'd found earlier. She was still reading her magazine. I sat down across from her, and leaned back, wondering where in the world Harry and Ron could be?
I heard the door of the compartment slide open, and I looked hoping Anthony or Lisa had come back, or maybe Percy had found them, however I instantly frowned as the smirking form of Zacharias Smith stood in the doorway.
"What do you want?" I asked bitterly, and the boy just stood there, continuing to smirk.
"Just wanted to check in on most stuck up person in our year." Smith replied, clearly enjoying the fact I was unhappy. "I was also wondering what in the world you've done to Harry, and Weasley?"
"Done to them?" I groaned, already knowing where this was going.
"I mean...obviously you've done something. Couldn't handle another year being inferior to your brother. As for Weasley, I have no doubt he was a witness, and you couldn't have that. I was just wondering what you did?"
"Why do you have to be like this Smith?" I asked, and he shrugged.
"Someone has to call you out, anyways want did you do? Trip him before he could get on the train? Leave him tied up in a broom closet? Hand him over to Quirrell?"
"Shut up you little..."I began before taking a deep breath. "Why can't you just leave me alone."
"Like I already said, someone has to call you out for being a stuck up g..."
"Excuse me." Smith was cutoff by the dirty blonde girl, he turned to her and frowned.
"Who are you?" He asked frowning, and I rolled my eyes.
"Clearly she's a first year, given the fact that her tie and inside of her robes are still black." I replied, and Smith glared at me.
"I know that." Smith spat back. "I was just wondering who in the world would be desperate to sit with you."
"That's none of your bus..."I began, but was cutoff as the girl spoke.
"I'm Luna Lovegood." The girl replied, looking at Smith with her dreamy eyes, he seemed put off as she stared at him. "And you are?" She asked.
"Zacharias Smith, and if you know what's good for you, you'd..."
"Are you ill?" Luna asked, and Smith went from ranting about me, to confused.
"What? No. Why?" He replied clearly lost, as was I.
"Oh nothing, just the fact that your brain is filled to the brim with Wrackspurts." She replied, and Smith frowned.
"A what?"
"Wrackspurts. Invisible creatures that get in your brain and make it fuzzy. It could explain why you're ranting like a lunatic."
I burst into laughter, as Smith went red with rage, Luna however was looking at him with concern, clearly she thought these...Wrackspurts were real, and that Smith was infected with them.
"Amazing. "I said, beaming at the girl, while Smith glared.
"Theirs no such thing." He spat back, but Luna seemed completely unfazed.
"Or maybe you're suffering from an extreme case of Loser's Lurgy, it makes you preform horribly, maybe that's why you're so angry at her." Luna speculated, and I once again burst into laughter as Smith looked murderous.
"Why you..." He began, but the sound of footsteps from the hall made him pause, glance back and frown. "You better hope you're not in Hufflepuff." He roared at Luna, before giving me one last glare, and quickly turning and running down the corridor.
A few seconds later, Lisa and Anthony walked back in. The look on there faces told me they hadn't found Harry, and the brief moment of joy Luna had just provided faded as worry for my brother and Ron filled my mind.
"Cho and Marietta haven't seen him." Anthony told me, and I nodded. "You find him?"
"Nothing, Percy, Penelope and the other Prefects are looking now. But I don't know where they could be..." I replied, and Lisa sat down next to me, and gave my hand a comforting squeeze.
"I'm sure they'll find them." She said, though I could tell by her tone that she didn't believe it.
"I hope." I replied, and we all sat in silence for a few moments. I thought back, where could they have gone? They were right behind me?
"Who just left?" Anthony asked me, and my worried face turned to annoyance.
"Smith. "I replied, and Lisa rolled her eyes.
"Of course. What did he say this time?" She asked, and I smirked.
"You know, the usual. That, in my jealously, I'd tied up Harry and put him in a broom closet, that Ron was a witness and I had to get rid of him too."
"That git." Anthony said, looking out the window into the corridor. "Still a wonder's he's in Hufflepuff."
"Maybe it's not his fault though." I replied, having to hold back a laugh. Anthony and Lisa looked at each other confused, then turned back to me.
"What are you talking about?" Lisa asked, and I shrugged.
"Luna pointed out that the poor bloat may just have a dreadful case of Loser's Lurgy, or be infected with Wrackspurts." I replied, and Lisa and Anthony still looked confused.
"Who's Luna?" Lisa asked.
"What are you talking about?" Anthony added, and I motioned to across the room. Luna had gone back to reading her magazine, but when she heard her name she looked up.
"Yes?" She asked, and I smiled.
"Where just talking about your wonderful diagnose of Smith." I replied standing up, walking over to the girl. As I did I noticed her magazine was called the Quibbler, and she was holding it upside down.
I couldn't care less though, anyone who made Smith angry was good in my books.
"By the way, I'm Sarah Potter." I said, holding out my hand.
"A pleasure." Luna replied shaking my hand.
"The pleasure is all mine." I replied then motioning to Lisa and Anthony. "These are Lisa Turpin and Anthony Goldstein, where all second year Ravenclaw's." I explained, and the girl smiled.
"Both my mum and dad were Ravenclaw's. I hope I follow in there footsteps." She replied, and I nodded.
"I hope you do too." I replied, Lisa and Anthony both looked at each other before shaking Luna's hand. We sat back down, and I watched the sun start to set. "We should be there soon...hopefully Ron and Harry turn up soon."
We sat in silence for the rest of the ride. The hall started getting crazy, and I noticed prefects walking up and down looking for Harry. I sighed as we pulled into Hogsmeade station, wondering where in the world Harry and Ron were?
"It's time Sarah." Lisa told me as the train came to a complete stop. I nodded and stood up, turning to Luna.
"I hope you make it into Ravenclaw." I said, offering her a smile. "Follow you're fellow first years and you should be fine. Good luck and see you at the feast."
Luna nodded, as we made our way into the hall. We found Hermione, and I offered to have her walk with us, she nodded stiffly and we followed the older years out of the train and onto the platform.
"All firs' years! This way! Follow me!" We heard Hagrid yell, and I saw Luna, Ginny, and Colin all make there way over to him. When he noticed me, Lisa, Anthony, and Hermione he smiled, but also tilted his head.
"Where's Ron an' Harry." He asked, and I shrugged. He looked at me with frown, but couldn't say anything else as the first years gathered around him, and the rest of us were swept away in the tide of older students.
We made our way down the platform, and onto a rough, muddy track. After a moment of walking we approached what looked like hundreds of stagecoaches, all of them moving on there own, no horse in sight. All of us looked at each other, wondering what was pulling them. We all climbed inside one, and shut the door, and it started moving by itself.
The four of us sat silently as we approached the school. We passed through a pair of iron gates, each flanked by tall columns of stone. On top of each were statues of winged boars. After we entered the grounds, the carriage started going faster, and in the distance we saw Hogwarts approach. We made our way up the winding road, until finally pulling up the steps of the castle.
We all got out, and made our way up the marble steps and through the oak doors into the entrance hall, and finally made our way into the splendor of the great hall. It looked just as I remembered it. I saw Professor Dumbledore wearing his familiar purple robes, Professor Flitwick looking at us all merrily, and Professor Lockhart smiling at us, his teeth gleaming.
Hermione and us separated as she made her way to the Gryffindor table. The three of us sat down at our table. Michael, Terry, Padma, Mandy, and Morag soon joined us, all of them looking at me nervously.
"Nothing?" Padma asked, and I shook my head.
"Nothing." I confirmed, looking over to the Gryffindor table. The Weasley's all looked just as worried as I was. Hermione was near tears, and I was in no mood to eat.
The hall slowly filled as more and more students arrived. Cho patted me on the shoulder as she sat down near us, Neville, Seamus, and Dean all were asking Hermione where Harry and Ron were, while Draco was glaring at the empty spot where Harry and Ron should have been. Smith was looking at me accusingly.
The hall finally filled, as Professor McGonagall put the sorting hat down on the stool that we had all used a year ago, she then exited the hall and we all waited for the first years to enter the hall, and for the sorting to begin.
"Where's Professor Snape?" Anthony asked suddenly, and I looked at the head table, and sure enough Professor Snape's seat was empty. We all looked at each other confused.
"He's usually here?" I asked Cho, and she nodded.
"Both my first two years." She replied.
Before anyone of us could theorize where Professor Snape was, Professor McGonagall led the first years into the hall. They all looked so...tiny, and most looked terrified, and I thought longingly of last year, how we had no idea how the sorting worked. They all approached the hat, and everyone waited with baited breath for the hat to start singing...
Greetings new arrivals. I invite you to sit down
Don't be scared, for there is no need to frown
I am here to sort you, find where you belong
Do not worry, for I have never once been wrong
You may think that I am just another hat
But after I'm through, you'll never again think that.
I am the Hogwarts sorting hat, here to do my duty
To sort you into your houses, all with there own beauty
Do not try to hide what your feelings are
And I will place you where you will truly go far
As soon as I am placed on your little head.
The house that I choose will help you get ahead.
Gryffindor is first, the house of the brave
All of these lions posses the ability to save
Even if they sometimes rush head first
They do this because they wish to prevent the worst
Hufflepuff is next, a loyal, modest lot.
There loyalty should never be forgot
Always patient until the very end.
This kind lot are always valued friends.
Ravenclaw is next, the house of books and learning
Wisdom and knowledge always has Ravenclaw's returning
Witty and clever, always seeking to grow
These clever lot are always soaring, and never look below.
The last House is Slytherin, cunning and ambitious
If you cross one of there own they can be quite vicious
Loyal to there own, and built upon traditions
Slytherins will always strive to gain a high position
Now is the time to put me on.
And I shall place you where you belong
For a thousand years I've served this role
Another year begins, lets begin this show.
The entire hall burst into applause, as soon as the clapping stopped Professor McGonagall called the first name.
"Allen, David!" She called, and one of the boys who had kicked Luna out of her compartment strode towards the stool, the hat was placed on his head, and the hall waited with bated breath.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat shouted, and most of our table clapped loudly. I was more reserved, remembering what the boy had done on the train, and only clapped a few times softly.
The boy scrambled over to us, a relieved look on his face, and sat down. Anthony patted him on the shoulder, while I gave him a small smile.
The sorting continued, and the dread I felt over Harry continued to build. In all honesty I didn't pay the closest attention to the sorting, most of the time glancing at the Gryffindor table hoping Harry and Ron had suddenly appeared. The only time I really payed attention was when someone I recognized was sorted, or someone was put into Ravenclaw.
"CREEVY, COLIN!" Professor McGonagall called, and the boy with the camera rushed excitedly to the hat, it only took a couple of seconds for the hat to decide.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted, and Colin enthusiastically sat down, looking around for who I assumed was Harry, when he didn't see him he frowned, before turning back to the sorting.
The longer the sorting continued, the more queasy I felt, Harry and Ron still hadn't show up yet, and we were well past the point that they should have appeared. I once again retraced my steps, and wonder where in the world they could be...
"LOVEGOOD, LUNA!" Professor McGonagall shouted, bringing me out of my worried thoughts. I looked up to see Luna skip up to the hat. There were a few laughs around the hall, but like I thought on the train, I didn't really care. She'd put Smith in his place, and seemed like a nice girl.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat shouted, and this time I clapped much harder than I had for David. The girl merrily skipped over, and I saw Anthony, Lisa, and a couple of others share looks. David looked annoyed, and when she tried to sit down next to him, he whispered how he was "saving" the seat for his friend.
I gave the boy a glare behind his back, and when Luna approached I offered her the seat right next to me, and gave her a warm smile.
"Welcome." I said softly, and she smiled in return, as we both turned back to the ceremony.
The sorting continued on, and I didn't recognize anyone until Professor McGonagall called "PHILLIPS, TYLER!" It was the other boy who had thrown Luna's stuff out, and I saw David looking nervous as his friend approached the hat, and put it on.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat roared after a couple of minutes, and the boy ran over and sat down next to Tyler, the pair both clearly happy. I noticed both of them glare at Luna, but stopped when they saw me looking at them, and turned back towards the sorting.
The sorting continued, and I continued to feel more a more sick. I only started paying attention again when Professor McGonagall called "SHAFIQ, SANDRA." And the girl who had ordered Luna kicked out strode to the stool confidently. I noticed Anthony frown, and Draco's face scrunch from across the room, and I realized that she must be pure blooded...
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat shouted, and the girl smirked, and I noticed Anthony frown deepen.
"You know her?" I asked in a whisper.
"Yeah, we live near one another, and our families historically have been Ravenclaw's." Anthony explained, and I raised an eyebrow.
"But you don't like her?" I asked.
"Lets just say...she thinks highly of herself."
The girl sat down across from Tyler, and David. She looked at them confidently, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed her look at Luna, and I was starting to get the feeling that Luna's year mates weren't going to be my favorite people in the house...
The next person I recognized was "WARD, EMILY." One of the other girls who had kicked Luna out, and of course she was sorted into "RAVENCLAW!" Sandra, Tyler, and David, all looked quite pleased, then someone I was actually excited to see sorted was called.
"WEASLEY, GINERVRA!" Professor McGonagall called, and Ginny nervously approached the stool and sat down. I saw Fred, and George crossing there fingers under the table, and Percy looking at her intently.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted after second, and the Gryffindor's, especially her brothers, went wild with cheers. Ginny quickly took off the hat, and took her seat next to her brothers. She looked around, and must have noticed that Harry and Ron were still missing because she looked at me.
I shrugged, and she looked to her brother worriedly. Fred and George both gave her comforting looks as the final first year to be sorted, "YOUNG, VICTORIA!" stepped forward. She happened to be the last of the people who had bullied Luna, and I had to hold in a groan as the hat shouted "RAVENCLAW!"
Most of the table loudly applauded, while most of her year mates went wild. Luna just looked at the ceiling dreamily, while I clapped for a couple of seconds, but was one of the first to stop. Professor McGonagall took the hat and stool away, and we all turned to Dumbledore as he rose and smiled at all of us.
"Welcome to our new arrivals. And welcome to all those returning for another year at Hogwarts." He began warmly, spreading his arms and looking around the room. "Before we begin our great feast, I would like to say a couple of word. They are as follows: Rest! Pit! Drive! Expect! Thank you!"
Everyone clapped, and I laughed at the confused expressions of most of the first years. They turned to us, awfully confused.
"What was that?" Samantha asked, and I shrugged and shared a look with Terry.
"When you're the most powerful wizard ever, people tend to go along with what you say." I replied, and the girl looked only more confused before turning back to her year mates, with the notable exception of Luna who was placing a large amount of pudding on her plate.
I put a few pieces of chicken on my plate, but couldn't will myself to eat. Harry and Ron were still no where to be seen...and I was worried sick.
"Potter?" I looked over to see Roger Davies, one of our Chaser's on the Quidditch team, looking at me across from Cho. His face looked worried, and I raised an eyebrow "Is it true? Are Harry and Ron Weasley missing?" He asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah." I replied nodding. "Percy Weasley said he would tell the Professor's, I just hope they find them soon." And Roger nodded.
"I hope they find them." He said, and I smiled at him and nodded.
"Thanks." I replied, and turned away from the fourth year, and noticed all the first years were staring at me in awe.
"You're...Sarah Potter?" Samantha asked, and I nodded. After a moment of silence, the first years all held out their hands, and shouted greetings.
"Samantha Shafiq, an honor." She replied, clearly trying to impress me.
"We've heard so much about your brother." Tyler said, looking over at the Gryffindor table. "Gryffindor right?"
"Where is he?" Emily asked, and I held out my hand, until they all stopped.
"That's what were trying to figure out." I replied, trying not to look annoyed. "Listen...I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other, but right now I'm...stressed. Talk to me after we've found Harry. "I explained, and though Sandra looked offended at first she seemed to accept what I said.
"Of course..." She replied then turned to Luna. "Lovegood, give the girl some space, she's already got enough to deal with without your insane ramblings."
"She's fine." I interjected, as Luna took another bite of her pudding. "Besides, we don't treat each other that way." I replied sternly, and the girl seemed taken aback.
"But she's clearly insan..." She tried to reply, and I held out my hand.
"Later." I replied, turning back to my year mates, all of who were looking at me in surprise.
"Wow Sarah, other than Smith I've never heard you so...biting." Lisa said, and I shrugged.
"I'm stressed, and I can't stand bullies." I replied, and I noticed Samantha and her group all looked stunned. "I just Hope Harry or Ron our found soon..."
The next few moments passed as I picked at my food, and looked around the room. Hoping for any sign of Harry or Ron...
"Well at least someone lost has been found." Lisa said suddenly, and I noticed her looking at the bat like figure of Professor Snape. He seemed more cheerful than usual, and strode right up to where Professor McGonagall was sitting, and started talking to her.
Professor McGonagall's joyful smile faded, and became serious as Snape spoke. Then, she stood and started out of the room. Professor Snape then approached Professor Dumbledore, and seemed to talk to him for a similar length of time, the man usual joy filled eyes turned serious as he stood, as he followed Professor Snape from the hall.
"Do you think they found Harry?" Anthony asked, and I shrugged.
"No idea, though the way Snape looks...I wouldn't be surprised if Harry has done something very stupid."
A couple of minutes passed, until at last Professor's Snape, and Dumbledore returned to the hall. Dumbledore looked around and found me, and the other Weasley's and approached us, Snape following, his good mood clearly gone.
He talked to the Weasley's first. Fred and George both smiled, while Percy looked horrified, and Ginny embarrassed. As they started towards me, Snape threw a copy of the Daily Prophet down near the Weasley's as they approached me.
"Ah Miss Potter." Dumbledore said in a comforting tone. "I just wished to inform you that Harry, and Mr. Weasley have been found and accounted for." He explained, and I felt the nausea in my stomach fade.
"Thank goodness." I replied, and Professor Dumbledore smiled while Snape just looked out into the distance, clearly trying not to look at me. "If I may ask...where were they?" I asked, and Dumbledore frowned, while Snape sneered.
"Read for yourself." Snape interjected, placing another copy of the Daily Prophet down in front of me. I noticed my housemates trying to get a look as I started to read.
FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES
I felt myself go pale as Anthony saw the headline, and looked towards Lisa in shock, as I continued to skim through the article.
Two Muggles in London, convinced they saw an old car flying over the Post Office tower… at noon in Norfolk, Mrs. Hetty Bayliss, while hanging out her washing… Mr. Angus Fleet, of Peebles, reported to police… Six or seven Muggles in all.
"Those...idiots." I sighed, handing the paper to Cho. My face was now flushed with embarrassment, and I noticed Snape's happy mood return at my words, while Dumbledore sighed.
"What's done is done, all the muggles have had there memories modified, and your brother is currently being disciplined by Professor McGonagall. The most important thing is that Harry, and Mr. Weasley are safe. Anyways I have start of term notices to announce. Come Severus." Dumbledore began heading towards the front of the room, while Snape gave me one last look.
"I do hope you never follow your brother's foolish example, Miss Potter." Snape said, then turned and swept towards the head table. I looked over at the Weasley's and saw they had shared the article.
"The whole school will know in twenty minutes." I said in horror, as I turned to my food and tried to eat for the first time tonight.
A few minutes later Professor McGonagall returned, a stern look on her face. She sat down next to Dumbledore and the headmaster stood, the warm smile once again on his face.
"Another delicious feast consumed. Before we all turn in for the night, I have a few start-of-term notices." He began, and I noticed all the first years take in every word.
"First off, I would like to welcome Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, who has agreed to fill the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Dumbledore began, and half the hall clapped, while half looked annoyed. I of course clapped, as did Lisa, while Anthony rolled his eyes. Lockhart smiled, stood, and bowed, his wavy hair still perfect as he sat back down. I noticed the rest of the staff all...grimaced, but clearly they were jealous that Lockhart would be everyone favorite. "Good Luck Professor." Dumbledore finished, giving Gilderoy a nod before looking back to us.
"I must again remind returning students, as well as inform our new students, that the Forbidden Forest is off limits." Dumbledore continued, and Lisa smirked.
"Unless you get detention." She whispered in my ear and I smirked.
"So true."
"Mr Filch, as always, wishes for me to remind you that magic is not allowed in the corridors." Dumbledore continued, and I winced remembering the knockback jinx I'd used on Smith.
"Quidditch tryouts are the second week of term. Anyone wishing to tryout should contact Madam Hooch."
I saw Cho and Roger share a look. Clearly they had an idea of who should try out, and I was reminded what Anthony said on the train, and I wondered who they had in mind.
"Now before we turn in, I think a singing of the school song will do well to round off our night." Dumbledore said, standing and pulling out his wand. "Pick a toon and...begin."
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald,
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling,
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.
Like last year we all finished at different times, once again I finished in the middle, and once again Fred and George finished last, this time choosing a opera theme. When everyone finished, we all turned back to Dumbledore, who was wiping a tear from his cheek, and smiling. "Music is truly the most pure form of magic. Now I'm sure all of you are tired, your beds await."
Us second years all stood as Penelope collected the first years. We all started to the common room, and there was only one topic on conversation.
"What do you think they were thinking?" Anthony asked as we climbed the rounded staircase.
"I don't know." I replied. My thoughts were a mix of relief they'd been found, anger at what they'd done, and embarrassment that my own brother could be so stupid. "It's just what they do." I added, and Lisa shook her head.
"Are you going to yell at them?" She asked, and I sighed.
"I think a good, disapproving, glare at breakfast will get my point across." I replied as we approached the eagle knocker.
"What is broken every time it's spoken?" The bronze eagle knocker asked, and after a moment Anthony answered.
"Silence." He replied.
"Well done." The knocker replied, as the three of us filed into the common room.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm exhausted." I said, and Lisa nodded.
"Agreed." She said, then turned to Anthony. "See you in the morning."
Anthony nodded as the two of us made our way to the dorms. When we reached our we both noticed that the sign now read SECOND YEARS, and I couldn't help but be proud. We were no longer the bottom of the food chain.
"Well, good night." I said as I sank into bed, loving the feeling of privacy I finally had with my old bed and the curtains that surrounded it.
And, after a long, stress filled, and tiring day. I faded off into sleep, hoping the rest of second year wouldn't be so hectic.