A round faced boy peered into the glass of another compartment door only to be met with displeased faces and shaking heads. He closed the compartment door defeated.

" At this rate we'll have to sit in the hall or maybe even the back carriage with the luggage" he groaned.

"I don't mind sitting in the hall but if we end up in the back carriage we should wear earplugs" a dreamy voice said.

"Ear plugs?"

"To prevent Wrackspurts from entering. They could be anywhere really but they like to populate in quieter, darker areas" the girl said simply.

The boy could only sigh.

"It's quite strange really - there were a few empty seats in those last compartments but they said they were occupied" a dreamy voice said.

The boy turned glanced at the girl next to him clutching a copy of the Quibbler to her chest. "Luna those were empty seats - it's just that no one wants us to sit with them. We're not cool enough" he said.

"I think you're pretty cool Neville" Luna said thoughtfully.

Neville's face gained a slight red shade and he pulled at the collar of shirt.

"Than- Thanks Luna. You- you- you're". He squeezed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I - I think you're -

"Oh look it's Harry!"

Neville opened his eyes to find Luna was no longer behind him but was peering into the compartment door ahead of them.

His shoulders slumped down a bit "I think you're cool too Luna" he mumbled.

"Did you say something Neville?"

Neville jumped up "Ah-No, no umm, I said thank god we found Harry!" he quickly said and threw open the compartment "Blimey Harry you saved us!"

"Saved us from Wrackspurts" Luna said in a sing song voice.

"oh dear, you wouldn't want that" said an unfamiliar voice.

Neville noticed a girl with short blond wavy hair sitting across an apparently sleeping Harry. She kept her eyes on the open book in her lap and turned to the next page. "Wrackspurts floating through your ears - it's rather uncomfortable" she said.

Luna nodded "They make your brain feel all fuzzy" she said as she waved one of her hands at the air as if shooing away the invisible insects.

"oh-oh - oh sorr- sorry. We're looking for a place to sit but the compartments are full".

The girl looked up from her book and pushed up her bulky black glasses up the ridge of nose. "Have a seat" she said briefly and gestured a hand to the open seats before going back to reading her book.

The boy awkwardly looked at Luna as if questioning whether they should go in.

But when he turned his head to see the growing crowd behind them he gratefully hurried into the compartment followed along by his friend.

Neville claimed the seat next to Harry and Luna sat herself next to the unfamiliar girl.

"You two have quite the following outside" the girl said as she flipped another page.

The pair looked at the compartment door to see hordes of silently staring students - pushing one another to get a better look into their compartment.

"Oh gosh no. They're only staring at us because we're here with Harry".

"But your pictures were also in a very large spread of the Daily Prophet regarding what happened at the Ministry" she said turning a page once again. "I believe it was, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood - if I recall correctly?

"Yes that's us! It's nice having all my best friends together on one page." Luna beamed.

Neville blushed and nodded. He looked a cross between embarrassed and pleased. "And you are...?" he started.

Another page turned " Elise Blanchette - Hogwart's latest addition"


After getting through all their introductions, Luna had on her multicolored Spectrespecs and continued to read her copy of the Quibbler. Every now and then she would read aloud a random line or mention another mystical creature Neville had never heard of. But their new acquaintance would nod and comment back readily as continued to read her own book. While it had taken Neville a couple weeks to adjust, Elise appeared completely unfazed by Luna's quirky thinking and behavior.

How does she even know what a Wrackspurt or Blibbering Humdinger are? Neville wondered.

His eyes then shuffled back and forth from Elise and Harry who was sound asleep.

Or a better question is how did Harry manage to fall asleep in front of a complete stranger?

Right after what happened at the Ministry Harry went through an upheaval of emotions. Sirius's death had taken a toll on all of them but one could only imagine the amount of hurt and pain Harry was going through. After losing his grandfather Harry was quick to anger - he lashed out at everyone and isolated himself. But over time, Harry calmed down and he had returned to his usual self.

To others the change was reassuring - it appeared Harry had come to the conclusion that all he could do was move forward and continue to fight on. While this change in Harry would comfort many others, only Harry's close friends remained concerned.

Whether Harry was alone or with others it looked like he always had something on his mind. But whatever it was Harry kept it to himself and those thoughts ate away at him. His close circle could see the dark circles underneath his eyes and pale complexion, they all knew Harry wasn't sleeping well but when asked about it Harry would brush them off.

So to see this guy, who didn't want to be appear vulnerable, sleeping in front of a stranger on the train of all places surprised Neville.

He knew so far that Elise was a 6th year transfer student and had become with acquainted with Harry briefly before their friend had fallen asleep. Elise hadn't offered a lot of information about herself not that Neville asked many questions - he couldn't bring himself due to nerves.

She was quiet and didn't speak more than necessary to answer a question. Though she was polite, she had this distant and cool air about her.

There was something about Elise he found intimidating. But he couldn't quite put his finger on why...

His thoughts were interrupted by a flash of brown

"Trevor come back here!"

Without thinking he was already underneath the seat struggling to re capture his Toad.

"Trevor's back at it again" Luna laughed. He doesn't like to give up. Neville do you need help?"

"Ah - no I think I got it Luna. Oi- Trevor!"

"I must say his bid for freedom is most admirable" Elise said and simply turned another page of her book - completely ignoring the chaos at her feet.

All the while, there was a growing volume of giggling and whispering outside their compartment.

"Whose going to ask him?"

"You do it!"

"No, you ask him!"

"I'll do it!"

Once again Elise found her compartment door thrown open.

The sudden noise made Neville jump - hitting the back of his head on underneath the seat . Groaning he retreated from his attempts to grab his toad and he found himself looking at a pair of shiny dress shoes. He looked up to see a girl with long curly black hair had pushed her way inside. Her large dark eyes were filled with determination.

"Hi Harry, I'm Romilda, Romilda Vane" she said aloud with confidence. "You should come sit with us." She looked at Luna wearing her Spectrespecs from head to toe before looking down to the floor to give Neville a mocking smile" It'd be a shame if you had to stay here with them". She squinted at Harry, "I can't believe this - is he seriously asleep right now?"

Romilda gave a eye roll "Well I'll save him the trouble of waking up him up then. Now it's time for you three to leave".

"Why, where are we going?" asked Luna.

"I don't care where you go but we'll be taking your spot - that way when Harry wake up he'll be in the presence of more worthy company".

"I can't see why you would be any better company" Elise said in a matter of fact tone. She didn't bother looking up from her book to acknowledge the girl's presence.

Romilda narrowed her eyes at Elise "Excuse me?"

Elise gently closed her book and folded her hands in her lap.

"You've been spouting nothing but insults since you've walked in. Now unless you have anything worth listening to, I'm going to ask you to leave".

Romilda looked absoutely livid. "Listen new girl, I don't know who you think you are but - "

"But who do you think you are?" Elise asked sarcastically. "These are Harry's friends" she said coldly. "You would dare come into this compartment and insult them in front of him" her voice became quiet, dangerously quiet and her face betrayed no hint of what she was truly feeling. She gave a chilling smile "Do you think when hears that he'll still be happy you stopped by?" she said nonchalantly.

Romilda took a step back and seemed at a loss of words. It was apparent that this wasn't the outcome she had expected "Oh. Okay. Well don't think this is the last you've heard from me!" And she fled out the door.

As the door was closing Trevor emerged from underneath the seat and made a pursuit for freedom. Neville lunged forward and managed to grasp his toad in mid air.

Landing on his back he took a large breathe and glanced at Elise who was strumming her fingers on the of her book cover. He couldn't read her face but if anything she looked a little annoyed with her lips in a straight line.

"Don't worry, we're used to it by now" Neville tried to reassure her.

"Everyone is surprised when they see us together. They all expect Harry to have cooler friends." Luna said.

"Did those people fight alongside Harry at the Ministry?" she asked.

Luna and Neville shook their head.

"Did they risk their lives to support their friends?" she asked.

The pair shook their head again.

"Exactly. You two are plenty worthy to be here with Harry". She lifted a finger and pointed at each of them. "Don't ever underestimate your friendship with one another. If I wasn't here, I'm sure Harry would tell you the same. Agreed?"

Luna beamed at her words and Neville just nodded with vigor in agreement.

"Good"

With that, Elise to no surprise at this point resumed her reading.

It was then Neville came to the clear conclusion that the seemingly quiet and disinterested Elise Blanchett was a force to be reckoned with.


Harry's eyes fluttered opened. His head was leaning against the seat behind him with his face turned towards the window.

He yawned and stretched his arms over his head. This was the first successful nap he'd had in weeks. But he wasn't sure how he let his guard down with a complete stranger.

Was she just a dream?

"Good timing on waking up" a voice said head. His eyes landed on the girl with thick black glasses beckoning to the scroll Neville was fumbling with. The feeling of relief that she wasn't a figment of his imagination took him by surprise.

"You and a select few are invited to a special toast for the new school year. Please come down to the first car to celebrate" Neville read out loud. "Harry, you got an invitation too!".

The compartment door jolted open and long red hair caught Harry's gaze. "Hey guys! I heard you got an invite from Slughorn as well…". The glittering brown eyes paused on Elise and flickered between her and Harry.

Harry missed the awkwardness that suddenly filled the compartment. "Ginny, this is Elise. She's a transfer student".

"Hi nice to meet you…". Ginny shuffled her feet in silence. "You know, I'll just meet you guys at Slughorn's party" Ginny said. Then with a quick wave she disappeared as quickly as she arrived.

"Why did she leave? We could have all walked over together" Harry said puzzled.

Elise sighed and shook her head. "Boys are so clueless" she muttered under her breath. "You guys should head over to the party. Wouldn't want to be late and leave a bad impression on the professor who invited you".

Neville and Harry looked apologetic. "It's alright. Elise and I will get through some more reading while you are away" Luna said dreamily.

"It was nice meeting you, I'm sure we'll be running into each other quite a bit" Elise said with a mysterious smile.


The boys were long gone. And across from her Luna now had on her neon-colored glasses and was deep into her copy of the Quibbler, only it was upside down.

Katherine turned the page of her book.

She had never met Slughorn but she had spent significant time learning about each and every one of the faculty members at Hogwarts. It was no surprise he invited Harry. He wanted to expand his collection of students. He picked out nothing but prestige, class, intelligence, connections and money. Nothing but the very best. She would be keeping a close eye on him.

"Luna I'm going to go stretch my legs a little a bit. I'll be back before the train stops".

She walked through the train cars and noticed the many glances in her direction. She peered into the reflection of the window. It didn't come as a surprise that a new face would garner so much attention. She was an older transfer student and the amulet provided her a decent makeover. But she hated the attention. That is the last thing she needed while undercover. Katherine pulled out her fake thick rimmed glasses again and pulled her short hair into a tiny ponytail. Almost instantly she could see the people walking pass her not bothering to give a second glance.

She continued her walk through the train cars. Passing the studious Ravenclaws, the Gryffindor's reenacting the latest Quidditch match, the animated Hufflepuffs asking each other about their summer and she found herself in an oddly quiet car. The looks coming from people this time was not out of the curiosity but from blatant judgement. "Who is that?" , "Which family is she from" "She looks so plain and dated". Quiet whispers surrounding her as she made her way through. She knew she had made it to the Slytherin car. Katherine paid no mind. She came to lay her eyes on the very last train car where Slughorn was holding his party.

Before she could take a step closer, a tall dark skinned boy appeared to leave the party and headed back into the Slytherin compartment. Katherine turned away and pretended to be entranced by the passing view outside as he passed by her and settled into the train booth in the corner.

"Why was that damn blood traitor, muggle loving Bitch invited"

"Sounds like lunch went well Zabini" laughed the bulkier, thick neck companion in the booth. There was another boy next to him with rather small dull eyes and bristly hair. Together they didn't look that bright at all and rather like two stupid bodyguards.

"Shut it Crabbe and Goyle" Zabini snarled at them.

A slender boy with sleek white blond hair and cold grey eyes had his arms crossed across his chest with a smirk on a his face. "Because Zacharias Smith was stupid enough to let her hex him. Otherwise the Weasleys have nothing redeemable to offer".

She rolled her eyes at the conversation and turned to leave. She wanted to hear nothing about bloodline and how that determine ones worthiness.

Katherine felt a bump on the back of her leg. Looking down she couldn't see anything. But she did notice a single sneaker in front of the luggage rack. Her eyes narrowed at the slight movement of the coats. She recognized Harry's shoes instantly and her eyes widened.

Dear god. Harry if you're going to use that invisibility cloak try not to be so obvious.

As she turned her eyes met with cold grey ones. Without having to introduce himself, Katherine knew who Draco Malfoy was. He looked just like his father. Just as cold and calculating. Perhaps just as tired she thought.

They held their gaze for a brief moment before the boy glanced at the luggage rack himself.

Fuck. Does he know?

Not wanting to draw attention to Harry, she made her way back to Luna and hoped he'd be able to escape without notice.


Harry's could his feel his heart pumping so loud as he waited anxiously under the invisibility cloak. He could feel the train slowing down and come to a gentle stop. The excitement and buzzing of students leaving the train quieted down and yet Harry watched curiously that Draco stayed seated. He gulped nervously and tried to slowly move out from the luggage rack.

"Petrificus Totalus"

Harry felt his whole body stiffen before his back hit the ground and the invisibility cloak slid off. His eyes frantically scanned the compartment as that was the only part of him that could move.

"I thought I noticed something", Malfoy said triumphantly. "You shouldn't be listening into other people's conversations Potter" he sneered and promptly smashed Harrys's face with his foot. He couldn't help but smile at the satisfactory sound of Harry's nose crunching. Malfoy smirked "Mess with me again and you'll get what you deserve and more" he said before tossing the invisibility cloak over Harry fallen body.

Harry groaned and wanted nothing more to pinch his nose and stop the blood from pooling to the back of his throat. He was certain Draco was involved with Voldermort. And what he just overheard continued to prove that. Draco had boasted that he might not bother returning to Hogwarts next year, having moved onto to bigger things. The snake continued to talk about how things will be different when Voldermort finally takes over. Ron and Hermoine weren't ready to believe that but he'd make that come around.

Why couldn't anyone else see that Draco was guilty?

He didn't know long he had been laying there but he could tell there was little movement outside. By now the students would have exited the train platform and either boarded carriages or boats to cross the lake over to the castle.

Furrowed eyebrows came into his view and he felt the invisibility cloak pull off him once again. An upset looking Elise shook her head disapprovingly down at Harry's broken glasses, black eye and cut lip.

Harry was shocked to the blonde. "What are you doing here? And how did you know to look under the cloak?!"

"Well the drops of blood on the floor and the groaning pointed me in the right direction. I thought it was weird that Neville and Luna didn't hear back from you so thought I'd check the train one more time.". She looked him up and down again. "Harry you look like shit."

He couldn't help but laugh, it hurt but her matter of fact tone was refreshing.

"One of the trunks caught me off guard and did a number on me while I was trying to fish mine out".

"Uh huh" she said with doubt and gave a quick flick of her wand realigning his nose and allowing him to move again.

"Come on lets get out of here, its going to look real bad if the new kid is late" she said helping Harry up and handing him back his invisibility cloak.

"You're not going to ask me about this? Or what happened to me?" Harry asked as they headed out of the train.

"The cloak look like trouble, you look like you get into a lot of trouble and the last thing I need is trouble…." She trailed off.

"But if you let me use it once, Ill call it even" she winked.