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Chapter 28- Back to School
Making his way into Magical Menagerie, Harry under the disguise of James Harrington, with Alissa concealed wrapped around him, made his way over towards the live rodents.
"There looks to be a lot of fine specimens here girl, you might have some trouble choosing." said Harry quietly.
"I thought you didn't want James to be associated with snakes? Should I stay hidden?" asked Alissa still concealed in Harry's robes.
She has a point Harry thought as he took stock of his surrounding area. There were not many people in the store, and the ones that were seemed to be all towards the back where the Owl section is located. Closing his eyes, Harry concentrated as he lifted his disguise and returned to his normal self. Alissa feeling his change, immediately popped her head out and looked around at the deliciousness that was before her.
"Well go on, I know you want to. Don't worry, everyone knows I'm a Pareseltounge already." smiled Harry as he watched her excitement unfold as she unwrapped herself from him and made a dash for the closest cages.
Harry looked around, over the Aisle's to see if anyone was watching. Alissa slithered down the aisle towards a small cage with four small white mice that made her freeze as she stared at them.
"And we have a winner ladies and gentleman." laughed Harry as he made his way over and levitated the four mice out of their cage and let them loose before Alissa.
They tried to scatter away but Alissa made quick work of them, as she was eating her little snack, Harry sensed someone approaching and before he knew it, a small animal leaped at him knocking him backwards.
Alissa stood at attention, her little snack forgotten, mere seconds away from attacking the animal and saving her Master…..
"No Alissa…don't! He means me no harm." said Harry as he got back to his feet holding a hissing Crookshanks.
"Crookshanks! Where are you going? Get back here this instant!" screamed a bushy haired girl as she turned down the rodent aisle.
:Ohh my…what is … Harry?" said Hermione awkwardly
"Hermione, you really should tell Crookshanks not to surprise people like that, especially not me, very dangerous way of living." Smiled Harry as he set Crookshanks down and he ran to Hermione and jumped into her hands apparently scared of the rather large snake that Hermione just noticed.
"My God Harry…..watch out! A snake….it must be evil!" shouted Hermione a little too aggressively as she pulled out her wand and aimed at Alissa.
"Relax Hermione, she is not evil and will not harm you unless you choose to not lower your wand and do something completely foolish like attacking her….and in that case…good luck, you'll need it." smiled Harry as Hermione looked to the Snake and then back to Harry several times before her logic kicked in and she lowered her wand but stayed cautiously several steps away from the irate Snake.
"A friend of yours Harry?" asked Hermione as she just stared at the large snake that calmed down a little after Harry slithered something to it.
"As a matter of fact, yes….a good friend actually…..you know those are getting harder and harder to find these days." said Harry almost bitterly
"Harry I…I tried to write you but….." stuttered Hermione as Harry cut her off
"But it got sent back to you undelivered….yeah I know." said Harry as Alissa made her way back to him and returned to her normal position wrapped around him.
Hermione finally took notice of Harry for the first time not being distracted by the large snake. He was completely different then how she remembered him…..shockingly so.
"Harry…..you look amazing….I see this summer has been good to you." said Hermione with her mouth slightly agape.
"yeah…well lets just say it's been a busy summer." answered Harry
"Yeah, that much is clear….might I ask why you have that huge snake with you?" asked Hermione still very cautious of it.
"I said you could relax Hermione….This is my new Familiar, her name is Alissa."
"Your new Familiar? Harry do you think that is wise? I mean after all those rumors that you were the Heir of Slytherin, what do you think everyone will say when they see her?" asked Hermione
"I could care less Hermione really. I am over worrying about how people perceive me. At least she doesn't surprise attack someone and knock them down, she 's much more civilized then that. I think maybe you should spend more time bonding with Crookshanks and teach him right from wrong before you start bad mouthing other Familiars. I only care about how my true friends see me, everyone else can kiss my ass as far as I care." said Harry defiantly
"I second that by the way…..if anyone was wondering." slithered Alissa as Harry had a laugh which broke the tension that was building.
"I see….did she just say something about me?" asked Hermione curiously
"Not really….she simply stated that she agreed with what I just said…sort of." Harry said
"I know why you are being mean to me but what about Hedwig? The school rules state you are only allowed to have one Familiar. Are you planning on leaving Hedwig at Privet Drive?" asked Hermione
"No I am not, as for the school rules, I will think of something." answered Harry
"Harry….I know what you must think of me….I've had a talk with Branch Manager Whiplock….I just wanted you to know that I never meant to hurt you. I never divulged anything about you that I knew you wouldn't want discussed." said Hermione
"I wish I could believe that Hermione, really I do. But the fact remains that you betrayed me, you have been spying on me and running around behind my back. I knew you always had a weakness for following rules, but I never thought you would turn spy and run to Dumbledore and whoever else telling them every little thing about me. How long have you had this little side job?" asked Harry
"It's not like that, or at least it didn't start off that way."
"How long Hermione, since third year…..second…..first?" prodded Harry as Hermione looked down at her feet as her tears began to slide down her cheeks.
"First year then…..were we ever really friends? Merlin I feel so stupid, all this time I thought you cared about me…in actuality, I was just a mark to you." said Harry angrily
"That's not true! I have always cared about you Harry!" screamed Hermione as more and more tears poured down her face.
"You know, for someone who cares for me, you have a funny way of showing it. I care about you as well, that's why I noticed you were acting strangely before the will reading. I talked to Whiplock about you possibly being cursed. As it turned out I was right. I didn't know that what I was supposed to do, was spy on you and run back to the nearest teacher I could find and tell them everything I know about you, because that's how you show you care." said Harry as he walked off as Hermione just stood there crying her eyes out.
Harry felt bad about how he handled that situation but he couldn't push aside the anger and hurt that he was feeling towards being betrayed. Since first year, first year. It's funny how a few minutes can flip your whole world around on it's head. He could still hear Hermione sobbing away as he walked over to the counter and paid for Alissa's snack. He was so upset that he forgot about his appearance being Harry Potter and not James Harrington as he left the shop and stormed down Diagon Alley.
A few people noticed him right away as the chatter began to spread through the Alley. "It's him" …"Harry Potter!" …."what is that wrapped around him?" "Is that a snake?" "Is the Prophet telling the truth, has Harry Potter turned evil?" Of course Harry heard none of this as he walked mindlessly down the Alley with no real destination, but Alissa could.
"Harry, I don't think it wise for us to be out here right now in the mood you are in….I think we should head back to your Manor." said Alissa bringing Harry back to reality.
"yeah..as usual you are right." said Harry dejectedly
Turning around to get his bearings as to where he was, Harry realized how vulnerable he was at the moment. How stupid he was for letting his emotions cloud his judgment and putting himself at risk like this. Of course he was way better at dueling then he was at the end of term last year, and he had Alissa, a portkey back to Potter Manor, and at least four hidden Goblin Guards watching him from afar, but why risk it. He was about to call for Dobby when he was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Harry my boy, I have been trying to locate you for some time now. We have many things to discuss." said Dumbledore
Harry cringed at the sound of the Headmasters voice, turning around slowly, Harry spotted The Headmaster, a mere ten feet away from him with Snape a few feet behind him and to his right. Further down the Alley and off to the side, Harry could see Dung with Flitwick and McGonagall.
"I thought I made myself clear the last time we spoke Headmaster, you are not in charge of me anymore, why cant you seem to understand that." snarled Harry
"You don't understand what's happening right now Harry your only just sixteen." replied the Headmaster
"Ohh I know more then you give me credit for old man."
"You spoiled good for nothing brat. Why are we playing games Headmaster, let's incapacitate him and return to headquarters." spat Snape
"Wouldn't you love that Snivelous, to be ordered to draw your wand on me as oppose to doing so sneakily behind my back like you usually do." spat Harry
"You good for nothing meddling twerp" screamed Snape as he pulled his wand.
Harry knew that Albus would never allow Snape to curse him in broad daylight with so many witnesses, so he wasn't afraid one bit, he knew no curse would come, but Alissa did not know that. As she uncoiled from around Harry so fast he never even felt her leave and she raised high in the air before him.
A few screams could be heard at the imposing sight of Alissa standing at attention before Harry. She was a magnificent specimen, the complete opposite from what she looked like when Harry found her weeks ago.
Harry could tell that she was about to unleash a few spells at the Wizards who threatened to harm her Master. This was one aspect of her many traits that Harry wanted to keep a secret for as long as he could.
"No Alissa, Do not attack with magic, I want to keep that between us for now. Don't worry, they wont harm me and I wont be leaving with them either, remember I have my portkey on me at all times." smiled Harry to Alissa
"What is the meaning of this Harry? What are you saying to that creature?" asked Dumbledore as he too pulled out his wand.
"That is none of your business Headmaster, when is it going to sink in to your pathetic old mind that you are not the boss of me. You are nothing but my school Principal, you have no right to make me do anything. I wonder if you stalk all your students and harass them like this, or am I so special I'm the only one?" asked Harry as Alissa backed off and slithered closer to Harry.
"Like I've told you before Harry, I am your Magical Guardian so I do have a say in your well being." said the Headmaster as he slowly inched his way closer to Harry
"And like I told you earlier, I have been emancipated there for I do not have a Magical Guardian or need one for that matter. Besides, you applied for that position illegally anyways, or did you think I was to stupid to know Wizard law. If the minor is older then eleven, his approval signature is required on the magical guardian document. I never signed anything in that regards, oh let me guess, you being the perfect Headmaster are above such petty laws. Hah what a joke!" snarled Harry
"Is that true Headmaster? Did you file for Magical Guardianship without Mister Potter's approval?" asked McGonagall stepping up from the background.
"It is more complicated then that, I…" said Dumbledore before he was cut off.
"His standard reply for when he doesn't want to admit the truth. Lets skip what we all know to be true and lets get to the meat and potatoes of it all, what do you want and why are you here?" asked Harry
"My boy, like I said earlier, we have much to discuss. We need to arrange your escort as well as a few changes that will be happening this school term. These are dangerous times Harry and it is not safe for you to be wandering around by yourself unprotected." said Dumbledore
"Like I said I have been emancipated witch means I can use magic outside of school so I am never unprotected. Besides I have more protection then you are aware of, I am in no danger. For all you think to have known me, do you really think I am that stupid to just wander off by myself."
"yes I do, your arrogance knows no boundaries!" spat Snape so quickly
"You are such a joke, I wonder what you have over the Headmaster that keeps him from firing you, to think that you are shaping and molding the minds of the Wizarding young is down right scary to me. It's no wonder so many kids these days know nothing of the true power of potions because they have you as a pitiful excuse of a teacher pushing them away from it." gloated Harry
"How dare you!" spat Snape as a curse left his wand and flew right for Harry before the Headmaster could stop him, but it didn't matter, Harry was prepared. Easily sidestepping the curse, Harry watched it hit a store front, causing some major damage to the store.
"It appears your aim is just as bad as your teaching techniques. If this is the type of protection you are offering Headmaster, I'm afraid I will have to decline said offer." smiled Harry as the shop owner came running outside to view the damage to his store.
"What is the meaning of this?" screamed the shop owner when he realized it wasn't Death Eaters who ruined his shop, but respectable Hogwarts Teachers.
"A mere misunderstanding good Sir, there is nothing to worry about." stated the Headmaster good naturedly.
"That looks like one expensive misunderstanding to me, I wonder how Professor Snape is going to afford to pay for the damages he inflicted because he can not control his emotions. You saw what he did to that store, what do you think he does to his students when they question his authority? What a role model that man is let me tell you." said Harry as he shook his head in disgust.
"Enough of this Harry, we will discuss this further in private." said the Headmaster stepping in front of a snarling Snape barely able to control himself he was so angry.
"Again I will have to cordially decline said invitation. There is nothing I fear more then what you two will inflict upon me in private, besides like I said before, I can take care of myself. Good day ladies and gentleman." nodded Harry as Alissa slithered back around him and he turned to leave.
"Always willing to do things the hard way Harry, you leave me no choice." stated the Headmaster as he fired several spells at Harry's back.
Harry knew what was coming when he heard the Headmasters words as he side stepped the first few spells and ducked behind some crates of merchandise that were in front of another store. Before Harry could decide what to do next, it was over.
Coming out from his hiding place, Harry smirked at what was before him. Albus and Snape were stunned and bound lying in the middle of the Alley with three huge Goblin Guards standing over them. Behind them were another four Guards with huge spears pointed at McGonagall and Flitwick as Dung lied on the ground in front of them, apparently he feinted from the Fright.
"It is safe my Lord, what is it you want us to do with these violators?" asked Kongack
"Contain them for now, release McGonagall, I would like a few choice words with her before deciding the fates of the rest of them." stated Harry
"As you wish My Lord." stomped the Guard who had McGonagall pinned and stepped aside allowing her to pass him and make her way towards Harry. She had the most puzzled look on her face that Harry had ever seen.
"Harry, how did you…..I mean…when?"
"It's a long story Professor, but I have a few questions for you as well. Do you see what I am up against. The Headmaster will not listen to reason and he has a dangerous obsession with me that I can't seem to break. He has no power over me, legally, but he relentlessly tries to but into my business. I have the right mind to press charges, but you and I both know that he will escape them easily. I had questioned long and hard about returning to Hogwarts, and after today I think it is clear that I should transfer to another school Professor." stated Harry clearly
"Mister Potter, I strongly disagree with transferring to another school but I understand where you are coming from. All of this is new information to me, about you being emancipated. The Headmaster never told me any such thing."
"That is because he is in some crazy denial about the whole thing Professor, I assure you it is all legal. But that is just the beginning of it. Are you aware that he has been paying Ron and Hermione since first year to be my friends and to spy on me?" asked Harry
"My word! He hasn't?" said a visibly shocked McGonagall
"He has, I just recently found out after Sirius' will reading." answered Harry
"Mister Potter, I assure you that I will be having a nice long conversation with the Headmaster tonight and try to get some answers for you, is there a way I can contact you?" asked McGonagall
"There is, just ask for Dobby, he will retrieve any messages you have for me. I hope you can make him see reason Professor, otherwise I'm afraid I will no longer be attending Hogwarts." stated Harry simply.
"I understand Mister Potter, I would say take care of yourself, but it seems like you are already doing so." smiled McGonagall
"I will take care of the mess here, I know Snape wont pay for the damages, and I don't want it coming from the school fund either. Please take your three fallen comrades back to the castle. Also, if you are ever in need of anything Professor, anything at all, just call for Dobby, he will hear you. That goes for you as well Professor Flitwick." smiled Harry
"Thank You Mister Potter." said the two Professors together
"Just Harry is fine, good day to you." answered Harry as he turned towards the blasted store front.
"I don't know what the Headmaster has been talking about, that is the most put together sixteen year old I have ever met." said Flitwick as McGonagall nodded along.
After Harry paid the shop owner, who thanked Harry no less then twenty times, Harry turned around to see that McGonagall was gone with the others. Kongack approached Harry and bowed before him.
"I am sorry my Lord, I know you could have handled the situation yourself, but we were ordered to intervene in case of emergencies. If you would like to punish us we understand." as the remaining Goblins marched over next to Kongack and bowed along side him.
"Don't be ridiculous. I would never punish you for protecting me so bravely and efficiently. Please rise warriors and let us return to the Manor." smiled Harry as the Goblins rose as one with toothy grins. They formed a circle around Harry, all touching him as he activated his portkey, and the small group vanished silently.
The next morning Harry woke extra early and helped Winky and Dobby cook and prepare breakfast. It was his way of sending Jennifer and Krista off in style, they were leaving to return to school today. It wasn't like they weren't going to still see each other, with the trunks, they would still be seeing each other at least weekly.
It just felt so foreign to Harry. In all off his schooling life, he always looked forward to returning to Hogwarts. This new feeling, he couldn't quite explain it. Soon everything was going to change, just when he was beginning to get comfortable with things.
During breakfast the group talked mostly about the events in Diagon Alley and finalized plans and meetings for the next full month. Depending on everyone's schedules, they needed to leave time for adjusting.
Both girls had emergency portkey's that would return them to Potter Manor in case of any problems. Harry assured them that he could arrange for more emergency port keys for any of their closest friends but they would not take them to Potter Manor, for obvious reasons.
Speaking of Potter Manor, The White Armored Goblins that Harry keyed into it's wards were going to remain at the Mansion. Kongack figured that in case of emergency, he could travel to Hogwarts through the Trunks because Harry was going to leave H2 at the Manor.
Fred and George talked about a few new inventions and explained in detail their new EDR's. it was much easier then communicating with the cell phones, although Harry thought it would be wise to keep the phones on us just in case.
Neville shared some amazing research he had been working on for apparently several months. He surprised everyone including Harry when he shared this news. He had been working like a possessed man in H1 in the green houses. It seems he had spent almost as much time in there as Harry did in his Potions Compartment. Based on some of his concoctions, it was not time wasted, He had some bloody brilliant inventions.
Both Jennifer and Krista were well stocked, more then they have ever been in their entire lives. They each had a compartment trunk, that had amazing apartments. They had a plethora of tricks and weapons from the Twins and some herbal concoctions from Neville. They were in direct contact with non other then Harry Potter, the apparent leader of the resistance. I would say things were looking up for the girls.
After several hugs and kisses and farewells, the girls were gone. The Twins returned to their shop and Luna had left to go help her dad with something. Everyone was spending their time before school starts with their family. With Harry not really having one besides Remus, who was busy at the moment. And with Neville's Grand Ma not due back till tomorrow, Harry had an opportunity to be alone with Neville and explain some of his plan with him.
Harry was pretty trusting towards everyone in his inner circle, but when it really came down to it, beside his Familiars and bonded friends, Harry trusted no one more then Neville. It was late night sessions between the two of them in Harry's office in H1, it was the only compartment that required a pass code even if you were allowed access to the Trunk, and currently it was only Neville and Remus that knew the current pass code.
This is where we find Harry and Neville now, talking about Harry's idea for the train station and what he thought would go down.
"So that's the special package you ordered from Horace, I finally get to find out what it is." smiled Neville
"Yes you do, no one knows about this besides us two, and Horace of course." Harry opened the package to reveal a bracelet with at least fifteen compartment Trunks.
"My word Harry, why do you need so many trunks for?" asked Neville
"Actually mate for several reasons. They are only two compartment trunks. One Medium sized room with a floo. And one large empty room to be used for whatever. You see, if we ever need to transport anything or anyone, we will use one of these." smiled Harry
"I see, we wont have to key anyone in to these trunks right?" asked Neville
"Right! Also, we can set a few up with wards and conceal them with the help of the Twins in various locations." hinted Harry
It took a minute but then Neville caught on; "Then we would have a direct, unregistered, floo to where ever we store one!" shouted Neville as Harry nodded that he was right on the nose.
"Exactly, pretty smart huh. What locations do you think we should choose? Asked Harry
"Pretty smart….bloody brilliant Mate! Well lets see, the Ministry for one. Oh and the Leaky, maybe one somewhere stashed around Diagon Alley." stated Neville
"Those are all fine locations, and I agree with all of them. Oh and one in Whiplock's office and maybe Kings Cross." added Harry
"Ohh I like that. And with the trunk shrunken in card form, we could floo to that location and survey the scene without anyone knowing we were even there. Dang Mate, how did you ever think of that?" asked Neville
"Well, I was thinking when I first picked up the Trunks and we started flooing to each others trunks, how cool it would be to have hidden stash trunks hidden around in certain places." said Harry
"only you mate would come to that conclusion, so how do we plant the trunks and when do we do it?" asked Neville
"Once we decide the exact locations, Dobby will deliver them and place strong concealment charms on them so they won't be discovered. He will place them in places that no one would ever expect. Once we decide where, he could deliver them now if we choose." answered Harry
"Okay, so lets get down to business." smiled Neville and he and Harry chose all the locations and had Dobby deliver them. Only Harry and Neville were to know about these, and Remus too but Harry decided he would tell Remus personally later.
Once that was taken care of, the main mission at hand was Kings Cross. Harry couldn't explain how, but he knew that Tom would strike somehow at the Train Station. And with everything Whiplock's spies picked up as well as Remus' that seemed to be the collective census, Tom would strike at Kings Cross.
September first was finally upon them. Breakfast was a subdue affair. Harry, Neville, Luna, Katie, and Dean were all ready for what lies ahead. The Twins, Lee, Ernie, Angelina, and Alicia were all going to be stationed in various spots through out the platform. Harry's best assumption was that Tom was going to attack the actual train, and most likely when it was filled with students. So that's where everyone was going to be stationed. Kongack informed Whiplock and the Goblin Nation was prepared to Portkey many Goblin Warriors upon Kongack's orders.
Harry and Neville would deal with the majority of the front line stuff along with the non-students in Harry's posse. The remaining students, meaning Luna, Katie, and Dean were in charge of getting everyone on the train as fast as they could and seal them in the compartments.
Whiplock was pretty sure that Tom would not show up himself, but that many Death Eaters and the Black Armored Goblins would be more like his strategy. Remus was sure of this as well, he figured that Tom would think a train filled with a bunch of underage wizards was hardly worth his personal attention. How Harry hoped they were right, even though he had been practicing for what seems like forever for that battle, he was still not looking forward to actually dueling in it.
Harry and his posse arrived at Kings Cross almost two hours early. No one was even on the platform yet, which is what they were hoping for. The Twins immediately set off to place storage crystals in various locations. Most were ready to explode upon a code phrase, but some needed to be triggered manually. The Hogwarts Express was not in the station yet, with everyone getting their precise objectives handled, Harry jumped down from the platform and explored a little on the tracks. Once Neville's objective was handled, he spotted Harry and jumped down to have a word.
"What are you looking for Mate?" asked Neville
"Nothing in particular….it's just, usually I don't pay much notice to the actual Train, we just get on and head for the final compartment. It never occurred to me until now why the last compartments are always darker, because the back of the train is still inside this tunnel." said Harry as he looked around the tunnel's roof.
"Where does this tunnel go do you think?" asked Neville as he was staring down the blackness of the tunnel itself.
"I don't know Mate."
"Harry, were all done up there." said Fred as he and his brother hopped down from the platform to join Neville and Harry.
"What are you two looking at?" asked George
"Nothing really, I just never realized how long and dark this tunnel is." answered Harry
"He's got that look brother like he's on to something." said Fred
"yeah, we've seen that look before." replied George
"What are you thinking Mate?" asked Neville
"I think…..somehow….Tom's gang will attack from the tunnel." stated Harry simply.
"Really Mate…what do you want to do?" asked the Twins together.
"How much of the train actually lies in this tunnel during boarding?" asked Harry
"I'm not sure Mate, I would say at least five or six carts maybe." answered Neville as the Twins shrugged.
"Okay, so where do you figure would be the last of the train…like here maybe?" asked Harry again as he walked to where he estimated the train ending.
"Your guess is as good as any Mate." replied George
"Okay, lets start about twenty feet from here, and place are most dangerous storage crystals throughout the tunnel going deeper and deeper into the tunnel itself." stated Harry as the Twins and Neville began placing storage crystals in various locations and concealing them.
"Harry Mate, this is Dean, we might have a little problem here. There is a small group of Auror's making their way towards the platform. They wont take kindly to us fiddling down in the tunnel."
"Ohh Bugger, well we knew we would have company eventually. Katie and Alicia move to distraction technique number one. Fred and George make your way back to the platform, me and Neville will finish down here and have Dobby return us to the platform unnoticed." commanded Harry.
"I..I Captain!" said Alicia and Katie as the Twins left the tunnel.
When the Twins made it back to the platform, they made their way quickly towards where Dean was with Katie and Alicia. They had the distraction routine already playing when the Twins made it there and entered the play flawlessly.
"Now smile big girls, you will remember this day for the rest of your lives." said a beaming Fred as Dean was holding a camera and Katie was making different poses with Alicia smiling along.
"What are you lot doing here this early. The train isn't to arrive for another two hours or so.?" asked one of the Auror's finally making it to the small group of students.
"Is it against the law to arrive on the platform early? I didn't think it was. This is an exciting day for my girl here." said George
"Yeah, it's not everyday you start your final term of school. The sky's the limit after this year." smiled Fred
Katie was blushing and giggling perfectly like a love sick teen. Dean was wildly taking photo's with a rather large wizarding camera. Large white puffs of smoke would burst out randomly as the rest of the girls were getting into the action.
"Well it isn't against the law, but it is highly irregular. I suppose as long as you lot stay out of trouble, I don't see any harm in it." smiled another Auror stepping in front of the first Auror.
"Thank You Sir's!" shouted out Katie as the group moved around and continued taking pictures.
"All right, get into position and I want back up at the ready on both sides of the platform the closer it gets to departure time." shouted the Lead Auror as the others raced off in different directions.
"Harry Mate, Distraction technique number one went perfectly without a hitch. Are you and Neville almost done down there? There are a few Auror's heading your way." informed Dean
"Thanks Guys, well done. We're all done for now, head to your positions and be ready for anything. You wont see me and Neville until twenty minutes till departure." said Harry over the EDR.
"Over and Out." replied Fred
Harry and Neville had Dobby pop them into the platform Trunk to wait. As time ticked by, from where Dobby stashed the trunk, they could see the platform entrance as well as the tunnel entrance. Neville took a seat at the monitors and cranked the volume all the way up. They could hear passerby conversations as more and more students made their way onto the platform.
"Be ready everyone, we are getting closer and closer." said Neville
"Lord Potter, come in, this is Kongack."
"I hear you Kongack, is your team in position?" answered Harry
"We are my Lord. It is safe for you to enter the platform." replied Kongack
"All right, it's showtime everyone." said Harry as Dobby popped him and Neville silently off towards the back on the muggle side of the platform.
Stepping onto the platform with Neville by his side. Harry made his way quickly through the crowds of family members wishing their children a safe year. Neville mentioned how nice it was not to have to worry about dragging your trunk through everyone when it was nicely shrunken and on your wrist. Everyone chimed in with a "Here, Here!" and a "Thanks Harry!" soon after which made Harry smile.
"There are way to many kids still lingering around on the platform. They will be better protected on the train, it has it's own defenses that should be triggered upon attack." said Harry
"That's good Mate, but once those protections get triggered, anyone not on the train, will be locked out." answered Dean
"Exactly. Dean and Katie start ushering students onto the train. Use the guise of Prefects told you to get everyone on early and that parents should return home." said Harry
"Right, Harry we spotted our Dad and he is going to have the Auror's doing the same thing." answered Fred.
"Great….the time is quickly approaching, everybody be ready and all students get on the train." commanded Harry
Looking down at his watch, "if they are going to attack, it should happen any minute. Maybe we'll get lucky and Tom wont attack the Hogwarts Express." said a hopeful Harry to Neville.
"Wouldn't that be nice…..Hey Mate, is it just me or is there a serious lack of green robes around here?" pondered Neville as he watched the students piling on the train.
Harry immediately scanned the crowd or remaining students. Neville was right. "Dean, Katie….how many Slytherin's can you spot on the train?" asked Harry
"I'm stationed near the front Harry, and I can only see a few young ones, probably first or second years." stated Katie
"Dean Here, I'm near the middle of the train and I saw Blaise with Tracy head into a compartment with some Ravenclaw girls, but those are the only Slytherin's I spotted now that you mention it."
"They were tipped off. Full alert everyone, no Slytherin's practically assures an attack." shouted Harry as He followed the last of the students boarding the train. He looked back to see Auror's ushering parents back out through the invisible barrier to the other side of the platform.
"well, we are all on earlier then I thought. That's good at least. Luna, do you have the last compartment sealed and ready for us?" asked Harry
"I do Harry. It wasn't easy. Ron and Hermione tried repeatedly to join me but when I made no attempt to let them in, they gave up." answered Luna
"excellent, be ready cuzz me and Neville are on our way." said Harry
Moving quickly through the train, Harry could see students attempting to open their compartment doors with no luck. He spotted Ron and Hermione sitting with Ginny and a few other fifth year girls, neither of them attempted to wave or anything. Moving past finally nearing the end, Luna opened the door and Harry and Neville entered as Luna closed the door behind them.
"Everyone's in position." said Luna as Dobby silently appeared with Kongack and two other large white armored Goblins.
"You said you were certain of an attack happening?" asked Kongack
"Yes, they will be attacking. All of the children of known Death Eaters are mysteriously absent from the train, they were tipped off about the attack." answered Harry
"Stupid Slytherin's…..to dumb to realize what a glaring obvious statement it makes to have eighty percent of your houses' population miss the Express." stated Neville
Harry was busy casting a spell on the back of the compartment wall. After almost a minute of complicated wand waving, a sudden bright light lit up the wall, and then slowly the wall grew invisible and everyone in the compartment could see outside towards the tunnel as if Harry opened a window.
"Beautiful Mate!" smiled Neville
"I have two teams out there, one on the right and one on the left." stated Kongack
"Dean, when Luna gives the signal, get into the engine compartment and get the conductor to get this train out of here as fast as he can. He might fight you on it because the train never leaves not even a second early. I'm sure that's what Tom is counting on. But you are going to make history, right Mate?" asked Harry
"Right O Harry, even if I have to hex the conductors butt off, the train will leave early." said a way to eager Dean as Harry could hear the others chuckling.
Kongack held his hand over one of his ears and then he looked towards Harry and Nodded. " They are approaching on brooms."
"There here, coming in on brooms from the other end of the tunnel." declared Harry
"Brooms? That's bloody perfect right Mate?" asked Fred
"They are so arrogant that they didn't think anyone would guess they would strike from the tunnel." continued George
There were many Auror's gathered around towards the barrier to the platform. As the Twins were running towards the rear of the train with the others, Fred shouted out towards the Auror's.
"Death Eaters are attacking the train from the rear in the tunnel!"
Fred heard one of the Auror's command another to get the train moving while contacting backup forces.
"Katie, leave your position and help Luna back here with the storage crystals. Neville wait for my signal, then set them off from the farthest out first." stated Harry
"Are you headed for the roof now?" asked Neville
"yeah, good luck everyone!" said Harry calmly as he grabbed Dobby's hand and vanished just as Katie was banging on their compartment door.
Landing on the roof of the train near the end of it, Dobby cast something to make Harry's feet stick to the train like a huge magnet. Harry reached in his pocket and put on one of the Twins glasses then swiped to initiate heat signature function. Looking out into the darkness of the tunnel, sure enough Harry could see several orange blobs moving fast.
"We count no less then fifty Death Eaters, No Goblins that we can see, but they have several Dementors aiding them." said one of Kongack's guards.
"Harry shoot your patronus now, that will keep the Dementor's from leaving the tunnel." shouted Katie in his ear.
"I can't ….that will give away my position to early. Don't worry though, I will before we exit the tunnel." stated Harry
"On your command Lord Potter…." said Kongack
Harry waited until they made past the first of Kongack's concealed team and towards the hidden storage crystals before shouting. "Now! Attack!
Several things happened all at once. Kongack's team began blasting Death Eaters off their brooms with the aide of the Twins awesome glasses. Luna and Katie set off the first of the storage crystals on the unsuspecting Death Eaters. Harry and Dobby had sent several curses off from their position on the roof of the train. The tunnel lit up in a brilliant show of colors as the Death Eaters zig zagged and scattered out of control in total surprise. Some even crashed into each other in panic as they flew off their brooms and tumbled painfully towards the rocky bottom.
Kongack's team was repeatedly blasting away as Dean finally got the conductor to start moving the train out of the station. The Dementor's were unaffected by the spells that were flashing around all of them, flying faster and faster towards the train as it slowly started picking up speed.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to calm himself while remembering that feeling he had third year when he chased away over a hundred Dementor's. Opening his eyes, Harry screamed; "EXPECTO PATRONUM!"
A Brilliant White light leaped from Harry's wand as it expanded through the tunnel. Kongack's team were accidentally blinded by the light still wearing the glasses, but the effect was victorious, all the Dementor's turned around and flew just as fast away from the train as they were towards the train.
Harry heard some of the Death Eaters scream "Someone's on the roof of the train. Regroup, regroup!"
As the Train pulled out of the station and out into the open air. Harry spotted his comrades and the Auror's reigning down spells on the Death Eaters. Some Auror's had their mouths agape at witnessing Harry Potter blasting away from the roof of the train as it sped off.
"Now Girls!" shouted Harry
Luna and Katie set off the remaining storage crystals as Kongack signaled the retreat of his Goblin teams. Harry waited to see if any of the Death Eaters made it out of the tunnel as explosions erupted from almost everywhere. But he saw no one as the tunnel collapsed in a sparkle of dust and rock.
"All clear Mate. I think you should return now." said Neville
"On my way." answered Harry as he looked down to Dobby with a smile, suddenly Harry and Dobby were once again, inside the last compartment. Dean had made his way there apparently and everyone was still watching the damage through the see through wall of the compartment.
"We did it!" shouted dean as everyone cheered
"I don't know…that seemed…." said Harry as Kongack continued his thought
"Way too easy."
"Stay on alert everyone. We did awesome, but something tells me this isn't over yet." said Harry cautiously
"Harry Mate….come in….this is Fred…..your plan worked perfectly Mate….only problem is there are more Death Eaters and a gang of Black Goblin Guards rapidly approaching from the front of the train….Brace for impact!"