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Chapter 29- No Ordinary Train
Fred's words seemed to come at him in slow motion, "Brace for impact!" Mere seconds later, the train violently rattled as sounds of explosions could be heard from ahead on the train. The lights inside the compartment went out, then flickered before turning on again.
Harry wasted no time as he slammed the compartment door open and made his way down through the train heading for the front. Everyone in the compartment went right after him starting with Kongack then Neville.
"What's happening Fred?"
"The Death Eaters are blasting away at the engine car but it seems the trains defenses are preventing most of the damage. The Goblins were attempting some type of battering ram but were surprised by Whiplock's Guards that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. People are scattering all over the platform, some people took hits and went down, I'll give you an update as soon as I know more. But it looks like Kings Cross is clear, the rest followed you out of the Station. Good thing the train left early, it looks like they were not prepared for fighting a moving train. We lost visual after that , the train is moving to fast." answered Fred
As Harry was getting this information from Fred, Kongack was getting his own information. As the group ran past compartment after compartment, they could see the bewilderment and fear on the students faces. Finally making it to the engine car, Harry was the first to enter. What he saw was blast after blast exploding in front of the train as the Conductor was pushing random buttons and pulling levers while he cursed like a sailor.
"Oh Bullocks!" shouted Katie as she made her way into the Engine Car. Her words startled the Conductor.
"What are you doing in here? How did you get out of your compartment, those doors are supposed to be unbreakable?" shouted the Conductor as he scrambled around the control panel of the train.
"How can we help?" asked Neville as Harry was looking out and assessing the situation.
"You cant help, just stay out of the way."
"I have to get out there. Dobby take me to the roof again." commanded Harry as he pulled out his invisibility cloak.
"You silly kids, you can't go out there, even if you wanted to which is just crazy, the trains defenses have been triggered." laughed the Conductor as a bright colored explosion erupted shaking the train violently.
"My team are battling our evil brethren effectively, but are having some trouble with the Death Eaters in the air. It appears that some Aurors have shown up but they are badly out matched." reported Kongack.
"I have to get out there and help eliminate the danger from the sky." declared Harry desperately.
Suddenly they lost all visual as another explosion blasted the front of the train so hard, Harry was sure the train was going to slip from the tracks. Luna lost her footing and fell towards the floor before Neville gracefully caught her before she hit the ground. Everyone else scrambled to keep from falling.
"Merlin's Beard! The Trains defenses just jumped three levels. I have never seen that before in all my life." stated the Conductor
Large metal screens rolled down from the top and covered all the windows blanketing the entire train in blackness. An eerie silence followed unexpectedly. Suddenly a dim red light lit up from the ceiling relieving the train from it's blackness.
"The train has gone into emergency shutdown mode meaning only one of two things." said the Conductor as everyone was grabbing a hold of something to stay afoot.
"that doesn't sound good." said Dean
"It isn't. either the train will not handle another direct hit or…." answered the Conductor
"Or…..Or what?" asked Harry
"Or the train has slipped off of the track."
"Slipped off the track?…I think we would have known if the train had slipped off the tracks Mate." laughed Dean
"He has a point, I mean that would be like total devastation right?" asked Harry
"In any normal train, yes…..but as you know, this is no ordinary train. The Hogwarts founders built this train themselves. They built and engineered very complex safety measures on this train to protect the children." declared the Conductor
"Safety measures that could help the train if it ever slipped from the tracks?" asked Neville
"Something like that….as matter of fact, I have never seen what the train can do after stage three of it's defenses. It's not like there's a book of directions or something."
"An Owners Manual." stated Harry simply
"An owners what?" said the Conductor perplexed
"Never Mind." answered Harry
"What stage of the trains defenses are we in now?" asked Neville
"Six." said the defeated Conductor before adding; "what ever happens from here on out is out of my hands."
"well whatever is happening, our ride seems to have smoothen out." declared Katie
"My team are following from a safe distance, and what the Conductor is saying is true. The train is apparently flying, mere inches away from the train, but we are airborne." said Kongack
"Well that would explain the smooth ride." said Luna dreamily
"The Death Eaters have retreated from the attack, it seems that after the last stage of the trains defenses initiated, everything they shot at the train, was sent back three fold." said Kongack as he was being informed by his team.
"Then apparently the damage has been done. Lets head back to our compartment to further discuss it." said Harry as he made for the door to leave the Engine Car. Before he reached it, he paused and looked back at the Conductor.
"By the way, Thank you for your fine operating skills. What's your name?" smiled Harry
"You got to be the first student in the last twenty years to ask me that. The name's Sylvester…Sylvester Higgins." smiled the old Conductor
Harry smiled as he nodded to the man, opened the door and left the engine car.
"Thanks Mate" said Neville as he left after Harry
"Great driving chap." smiled Katie
"Thank you." said Luna simply
Kongack simply pounded on his chest and gave a slight head nod before he left.
"Well at least this year was a little exciting compared to every other year huh?" laughed Dean
"You can say that again." smiled Sylvester
Making their way back towards the rear of the train, every student in the compartments were cramming themselves together to look out the window of their compartment doors. With the metal blinders blocking the windows, they had no idea what was going on. Harry had to admit, it felt weird riding the train without the humming and swaying of the train riding tracks. The flying train's smooth glide almost felt like the train wasn't even moving.
Making their way into the last compartment, the five students plopped themselves down on the benches as Dobby and Kongack were having a few words.
"It appears as the Conductor is right, Dobby or myself can not apparate off this train while it's defenses are still activated. I am needed with my people, now that I know you will be safe." declared Kongack
"What about using the Trunks Mate?" asked Neville
Harry looked to Dobby who shrugged that he didn't know.
"Well, I guess now is as good as any time to test the true power of Horace's Trunks." stated Harry as he pulled H1 out from his wrist and enlarged the trunk.
"We will be in contact soon, be careful upon your arrival. They might have a team waiting at the Hogsmeade Station." said Kongack as he saluted Harry and the others before he and his two comrades disappeared down into the trunk with Harry following behind them.
"I have a trunk hidden near the barrier at Kings Cross, that would probably be the closest destination to your team." said Harry as he handed a small note to Kongack with the password on it to take them to their destination.
"Thank You Lord Potter, I will send a status report to Dobby once I have analyzed the situation." nodded Kongack as he handed the note to his comrade and entered the floo and disappeared. Harry smiled for the trunks worked like Horace said they would, through any protections. The other two Goblins quickly followed Kongack and Harry returned to the trains compartment.
"They are on their way, the trunks worked beautifully!" beamed Harry
"Excellent!" chorused everybody throughout the compartment.
"Now what Mate?" asked Neville
"Dobby, you should head back to Potter Manor through the trunk as well. Kongack will send for you with a status report. Once you have it, return to H1 and deliver it to me. I will leave the trunk open until we arrive in Hogsmeade." commanded Harry as Dobby nodded that he understood and disappeared into the trunk.
"I guess we just wait for Dobby to return huh?" asked Dean as Harry nodded.
"You wanna play exploding snap?" asked Neville with a smile. Everyone else sort of froze at hearing that, and then laughter ensued.
"Great tension breaker Mate." smiled Dean as everyone relaxed until Dobby's return.
After about two hours on the train, the red glow was replaced by regular light, then the metal screens lifted, revealing the outside to everyone. A voice could be heard throughout the train informing the students that the locks on the doors have been lifted and to remain calm. Also all prefects, including Head Boy and Head Girl are to report to the head car.
"Isn't that the voice of Professor McGonagall?" asked Katie
"Yeah, I think so." answered Dean
"Do you think she is on the train?" asked Luna
"One way to find out." smiled Harry as he rose from his seat and made for the compartment door.
"I'll go with you Mate, I think it would be best if the rest of you guys stay here and wait for Dobby's return." said Neville
"That's fine with us." said Dean who was lying down across one of the benches.
Harry and Neville made their way down the train and towards the Head car. Some students were opening their doors and looking out. Some students were walking out and visiting with their friends in other compartments. Harry spotted Ginny waving at him but he just walked on.
Making it to the head car, Harry and Neville walked in and sure enough, Professor McGonagall was indeed on the train and was talking to the Head Boy. Ron and Hermione were in there as well and spotted Harry and Neville. Hermione waved at Harry who nodded but Ron made a bee line towards Harry.
Harry turned around so Ron couldn't see him talking and whispered to Neville.
"I really don't want to deal with Ron right now."
"Okay Mate, I will run interference, make your way to McGonagall and find out what's up." said Neville
"Thanks Mate." smiled Harry as he moved towards the Professor. Ron was heading after Harry when Neville stepped in his path, blocking him.
"Hey Ron, how's your summer been." smiled Neville
"ummm well you know, If you'll excuse me I need to have a word with Harry." answered Ron as he was trying to see over Neville to where Harry was heading.
"Ohh yeah, well about that Mate, he is kind of busy right now. I think it would be best if you talk to him later tonight in our common room." said Neville
Ron frowned as he looked at Neville perplexed. Then he went back to trying to spot Harry but he had lost where he went.
"What could Harry be busy with, in fact why are the two of you in here? This room is for Prefects and Head boy and girl only. How did you two even get in?" asked Ron some what irritated about missing his chance with Harry.
"Well Ron, that's a long story. As for how Harry and I got in here, lets just say we have an in with the Conductor." smiled Neville
"The Conductor? This train runs on magic, there is no Conductor." answered Ron
"Ohh I assure you, there is. Anyways….nice talkin to you Ron, see ya at the feast." waved Neville as he walked away leaving a perplexed Ron standing there.
McGonagall spotted Harry making his way towards her as she finished updating the Head Boy.
"Mister Potter, if you wouldn't mind having a word with me in private."
"Sure Professor." answered Harry as he followed McGonagall out of the compartment and into a side compartment that Harry had never noticed before.
"Wow, nice Compartment, I have never seen this room before." said Harry as he looked around in awe.
"Well that's because this is for Professors only, this is how I made it onto the train while it was moving. There is a direct link to a secret room at Hogwarts, in case you were wondering." smiled McGonagall
"That explains it. So what's up Professor, how many casualties did we lose." said Harry as he braced himself for the worst.
"Well not that many actually, we had several injured but only a few who were killed. My main reason for this visit is to talk to you regarding your involvement with the Goblin Nation Harry." asked McGonagall
"Why is my involvement with them any concern of yours Professor?" asked Harry
"Well Harry, they are quite aggressive and can be dangerous if not handled properly. They refuse to talk with any of us and are extremely stubborn." answered the Professor in a huff.
"Well Professor, I see how that can be aggravating but as you well know I do not have this problem. As a matter of fact just the opposite really. The Goblin Nation have been treated poorly and unjust by Humans for so long, I wouldn't blame them if they just wrote us off entirely or started another Goblin rebellion." stated Harry simply which caused McGonagall to exasperate in clear shock.
"Mister Potter, Goblin Rebellions is nothing to joke about. You have no idea the pain and loss that came from those wars. Your mere devotion towards the Goblins is what has me the most concerned." answered McGonagall
"I'm sorry for that Professor, but you have no need to be concerned about me. As I know you discovered, my emancipation is legal so I am the only one who needs to be concerned about Harry Potter. As for my alliance with the Goblin Nation, I assure you it is not what you think it is, but I don't need to explain my self to you in that regards." said Harry defiantly
"Well you might need to explain yourself to the Wizards council Mister Potter because the higher powers did not grant permission to allow Goblins to blast away at Human Wizards." replied McGonagall sternly.
"That's ridiculous! Evil is evil and Death Eaters shouldn't even be classified as Human Wizards to begin with." spat Harry
"Be that as it may Mister Potter, I agree with you in one aspect. True Death Eaters shouldn't be classified as Human Wizards but not everyone in a dark cloak and Death Eater mask is a true Death Eater." stated McGonagall simply
Harry had lost his train of thought after hearing those words. A true Death Eater….true… suddenly the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He lost all color in his face as it went completely white. McGonagall knew that her point had gotten across.
"Yes Mister Potter, some of those Death Eaters in the tunnel attack were not true Death Eaters, they were normal people, some Muggles and some wizards that were cursed into doing You-Know-Who's bidding. Sometimes killing is not always the best solution." said McGonagall sadly.
Harry didn't know what to think as he stood there while the tears slowly fell down his face. He stared down at his feet as his anger began to rise within him making his tears stop from falling.
"No one blames you Harry but they do blame the Goblins. They will not listen to reason and I am afraid that either side will do something foolish that can not be reversed."
How could he have been so stupid. Of course Riddle would do something like this, he knew that I would expect an attack and be ready for something. Just when I thought I was two steps ahead of him but in actuality I am several steps behind. Nothing McGonagall could have said could have flipped Harry's world more then that.
"I implore you Mister Potter to please speak to the Goblin Council and try to talk some sense into them before it is to late. If they will listen at all, they might listen to you. For the good of both races, Goblin and Human." said Professor McGonagall as she opened the compartment door and signaled for Harry to leave the room.
Harry said nothing in return and just walked out of the room and back down towards the last compartment. He was feeling so many conflicting emotions he thought he might burst. Anger and guilt, sadness and remorse, pain and anger, stupidity and anger. Mostly just anger, he would have to be smarter, he would reanalyze everything and not rush into anything.
Luna looked up immediately when Harry entered their compartment. She could tell right away that something was terribly wrong. Before Harry could make his way to the bench, Luna stood up and ran towards Harry hugging him something fierce. Everyone else stood up awkwardly, still slightly confused until Harry appeared to be slightly crying and that alarmed everyone.
Neville walked in to the compartment and froze at the sight before him. Neville was not jealous, no. Much like Luna, he knew something was really wrong, judging by Harry's demeanor. Walking up behind him, Neville put his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"What Happened Mate?" asked a concerned Neville as Harry released his grip on Luna, and turned around while wiping his face.
"The worst thing possible. Has Dobby returned yet?" asked Harry looking around
"Yeah he did actually, he left this message for you and said that you could put away your Trunk for the restriction on his apparating have disappeared." answered Dean
"Okay, thanks Dean." said Harry as he grabbed the message from Dean and made towards his trunk. "I think it's best to discuss this in here, Neville can you seal the door?" asked Harry as Neville nodded and turned around and cast something at the door as everyone else followed Harry into his trunk with Neville coming in last.
Harry called out for Dobby who returned quickly. Harry asked him if he could gather the Twins and Kongack for an important debriefing. Dobby popped away only to return with the Twins seconds later who looked just as downcast as Harry felt. Dobby popped away again, this time bringing back Remus who looked exhausted. Finally Kongack appeared in the floo and Harry began.
Harry retold what McGonagall told him, the mood of the group entirely changed, dramatically so. Everyone felt just as guilty as Harry, especially the Twins who cast most of the spells inside the storage crystals.
"Really though Mate, we all feel really bad about what happened to those people but were not to blame for their demise." stated Dean
"He's right you know. Voldemort is to blame, not us. He could have just as easily killed them instead of cursing them, and who knows, once they completed their task, who's to say they would have been freed?" said Luna dreamily.
"She does have a point there, we might have just done some of those people a favor, besides.." said Fred as George continued
"McGonagall said they weren't all innocents, True Death Eaters were there as well."
"I know guys but the fact of the matter is they could have been saved. Their curses could have been lifted if we had captured them instead of destroying them, and for that, I am to blame. Riddle knows that Dumbledore and the Ministry would only disarm and capture. After his Death Eaters were destroyed at Gringotts, he knew whoever was to blame showed no mercy. This was his way of sending a message to those who oppose him. We must always be on our toes and do our best to fight with as much caution as we can without risking our lives." commanded Harry
"Yeah okay, but if we were to, lets say capture them. How do we determine if they are True Death Eaters or not? I mean wasn't that how so many of his old crew escaped persecution, by pretending to be spelled." asked Neville
"Yes, that was years ago, things have changed. There are ways, spells, potions, even entering ones mind scape. But to make one hundred percent sure, we will need time with them. We won't be able to determine that in the heat of the moment." stated Remus
"Okay then if we need time then we need to make it." said Harry
"Okay, how do we make time?" asked Katie
"We need to store them away from the battle where we can asses their identities after the fighting is done." said Luna like it was obvious
"Yeah….we need our own Azkaban." said Dean
"Exactly! Someplace well secluded and fortified." said Neville
"But more importantly, we need a quick way to send them to this fortified prison of ours." declared Harry
"Let us take care of that one Mate." said Fred
"Yeah, you just have to take care of building a secluded secret fortified prison." smirked George
"Okay, so at least that's something, a start really. Kongack, I think it's time to hear what Whiplock thinks of all this." said Harry
"Well Lord Potter…" said Kongack before he was cut off
"Kongack, I think we are beyond the Lord stuff by now. Nobody that fights along side of me is to call me Lord anymore." said Harry
"Yes, okay Harry. Your Professor is correct, the Goblin Nation has taken much of the blame for today's incident. Whiplock is not upset by any of this but he has taken much grief from the Goblin council because of this. We only fear the backlash the Goblins will face when the story is in the papers."
"That is completely uncalled for. Please pass along my apologies to Whiplock for any grief I have caused him. It might be best if I make a statement relieving the blame from the Goblin Nation." stated Harry
"Although that would calm down the Goblin prejudice, I don't think it would be wise to have everyone knowing of your alliance with the Goblins at this juncture." answered Remus
"I don't think you have to do that though." said Neville
"What do you mean by that." asked Remus
"Well…I mean, everyone knows now that what Harry has been saying over the last two years has been nothing but the truth. Even after ridicule and slander, he never wavered. If Harry Potter were to say that what happened was a great tragedy but the Goblin Nation is not to blame for it, that Voldemort is to blame. That Harry Potter respects those who stand against the Evil that flows from Voldemort, if only more Wizards were as brave as those Goblins that fought at Kings Cross. I think if Harry were to make a statement something like that, enough people would change their opinions about the Goblin Nation." said Neville
"I love it!" said Katie and Luna
"Bloody brilliant Mate!" chorused the Twins while Remus just laughed
"You have some pretty smart comrades here Cub, Neville is absolutely right. If enough people agree with Harry, the Ministry wont have a leg to stand on if they were to proceed with blaming the Goblins." smiled Remus
"I will make a statement then, I'll do whatever I can to eliminate the Goblin Nation from more persecution then they deserve." said Harry
Kongack just beamed at the group of Wizards and Witches before him. The power and intelligence in this small group is extraordinary, but Kongack knew why that was so. It all centered around the love this group has for one Harry Potter. A boy who was thrown head first into a blood thirsty war and has taken on the burden of being the sole symbol of hope and purity without blinking an eye.
"I will inform Whiplock to what you have decided. I would also like to make this group aware that I have the utmost respect for all of you. And if any of you are in any need of Goblin Aide, you can count on Kongack." declared the Goblin Guard.
Everyone stood up and thanked Kongack for his kind words as he left through the floo. Fred and George promised Harry that they would make transporting the prisoners their main priority as they left through the floo as well. The remaining students left Harry's trunk and returned to the last compartment leaving Harry alone with Remus.
"You've had a busy last few days huh Kiddo?" smiled Remus
"You can say that again."
"You've had a busy last few days huh Kiddo?" laughed Remus reminding Harry of the late Sirius Black
"All seriousness Harry, I don't want you beating yourself up over this. As bad as it may sound, if a masked Death Eater pulls his wand and aims it at you, I don't want you hesitating, that's what Riddle wants you to do. I don't want you doubting yourself and I have no problem with you roasting the S.O.B. Whether it is a true Death Eater or not, do you understand?" asked Remus
"I do Mooney and I know your right. When push comes to shove, I know what I have to do. But in certain situations, I can lean towards the side of caution. How has everything gone with the new recruits?" asked Harry
"Lionel has been busy training up the last group of volunteers. He says its despicable that so many have fallen so completely out of shape. He works them just as hard as you do your friends. His brothers have many contacts in Scotland that we are going to try and recruit. I will be staying in Scotland for the next couple of months so I will be close if you need anything. Just pop into my Trunk and give a holler okay." said Remus
"Okay, thanks Remus. I knew that trunk would come in handy for you." smiled Harry
"Oh and has it. It's bloody perfect, especially during changes."
"All right, I know you are procrastinating about giving me some news, so just come out with it before you run off." teased Harry
"I forget how well you know me sometimes." said Remus nervously
"Let me guess, Dumbledore right?"
"Yes. He's been asking a lot of questions about you, like where you are staying, what you are learning. Exactly what is in your ancestry vaults and so forth. He is going to try and guilt you about today's events so be ready for that. Don't let him goat you into reacting, nothing can infuriate either him or Snape more then being extremely mature about something that drives you crazy. They know that it drives you crazy and are just waiting for you to make a mistake. The Headmaster is counting on you acting your age so he can reverse your emancipation. I don't know what he has to gain by doing that but it seems to be his focus right now." said Remus reluctantly.
"I figured as much and I will try my best not to react but I make no promises. That old coot just gets me so mad sometimes, I cant see straight." replied Harry
"Ohh that reminds me, I have a little going back to school present for you. I cant take all the credit though, actually it was mostly Priscilla's idea." smiled Remus as he pulled out a small ring box and handed it over to Harry.
"Priscilla? From St. Mungos?" asked Harry perplexed as he turned over the small ring box in his hands.
"Yeah, I think its her way of reminding you that she could use your help with some of her long care patients, she said you would know what she was talking about. Nevertheless, I think you will get a real kick out of her little present." beamed Remus
Harry opened up the box and was a little perplexed at what he was looking at.
"They're special Wizards Contacts Harry, custom made just for you." explained Remus
"You mean…"
"Yup….no more glasses kiddo." laughed Remus at the joy that lit up Harry's face.
"You can put them in now if you like, but I suggest reading the entire user instructions she added in the box as soon as you can, they are no regular wizard contacts."
Harry took a minute and removed his glasses and then put in his new contacts. The effect was instantaneous and he couldn't believe how amazing these contacts were.
"Merlin's Beard! This is going to take some time to get used too." smiled Harry as he was spinning his head around looking at everything like he was a blind man who just got granted sight.
"I will pass along your joy and appreciation to Priscilla for you. Why don't you take some time in here before going up to get used to those. One things for sure, I think the girls of Hogwarts are going to love those even more then you." laughed Remus as he made to leave.
"Hey wait, what is that supposed to mean? And what's going on between you and this Priscilla?" asked Harry
"You'll see what I mean at the feast I am sure, and as for Priscilla, that's for me to know and for you to find out." teased Remus as he stuck out his tongue in true Sirius fashion before disappearing through the floo.
"Mooney, Mooney, Mooney. You sly old dog you. These contacts are truly amazing, it reminds me just how blind I was." said Harry to himself as he changed compartments and made his way to the Dueling Room to field test his new vision. The last thing Harry thought before entering the Dueling Compartment was;
"I still don't get how my improved vision is going to make the Hogwarts girls happier then me? That crazy Remus." smiled Harry as he shook off that thought and got down to work.