Disclaimer: Same as last chapter.
Chapter 2: Hogwarts Express4 Privet Drive 3:00 August 6,1996
Harry Potter took his last glance of the people whom called themselves his family. Since his birthday, his hair had grown longer much to the annoyance of his Aunt Petunia. He grew almost as tall as Ron as well and had a fit build. Of course he assumed it was because of the work he has been doing and not by the newly acquired magic he had yet to discover. If anyone who new his dad when he was a teenager saw him, they would say he definitely looked so much more like him with the exception of his green eyes that seemed more intense that reminded everyone of his mother. And he is no longer the 'midget' that he used to be.
Taking no chances, Ron's dad borrowed a ministry car to provide transportation. The reason was becoming clear to Harry when he saw that Uncle Vernon had not yet forgotten the tongue incident last year. Climbing onto the passenger seat, Harry breathed a deep sigh of relief at the thought of not seeing the Dursleys again until next summer.
"So, how are you doing Harry?" Mr. Weasley inquired.
"Never better sir" he replied. "I'm glad to be staying with you this summer."
"That's no problem Harry, just feel free to be at home."
"Everyone has been anxious to see you again." He told Harry before making a left turn.
"Can't wait to get there too Mr. Weasley. I've missed all of you guys just as much"
Mr. Weasley maneuvered the car for a while. Getting ahead of traffic and a few places ordinary cars won't be able to get through and before he knew it He was there a the Burrow. Ron came running towards him as well as the twins as he unloaded his trunk, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley following closely behind.
"oopff" Ron collided with, whilst giving him a big hug. Needless to say, Ron had been working out during the past days as seen by his summer tan and lean muscular figure, matching the same build as Harry.
"Sorry about that. Just a bit exited" He apologized.
"That's alright. I miss you too."
"Harry, great to see you old chap..." as George clapped his back.
"... Welcome back to our humble home" Continued Fred.
"We have been busy this summer ..."
"... For everyone's well being"
"We have decided to ..."
"Harry, Good to see you again dear" before George could finish Mrs. Weasley came up to Harry and gave him a motherly hug.
"Looks like we'll give you the good news later Harry" Fred said his face none to innocent. "We don't want others to know or let anything slip" At this the twins ran back to the Burrow.
"I don't know what got into those two, mate, but whatever it is it better be good" Ron Informed Harry.
"Oh hi Gin. How are you?" Harry saw Ginny just behind Mrs. Weasley.
"Summer's been fine Harry. Good to see again." Harry made a mental sigh, thankful that Ginny got over her crush on him.
"Hey, where's Percy? I don't see him anywhere." Harry had expected to see the young man upon his arrival.
''Oh, well I think it best to send him for a little trip just like Bill and Charlie before him. Nothing that big really. Well we best come along dears, into the house. Dinner's just about ready to be served." Mrs. Weasley was already herding them to the house and before everyone new it they filled to the brim and ready to turn in for the night.
In Ron's room where both of them are staying, the two boys tucked themselves in bed. After a while Fred and George sneaked into the room to tell Harry what they have been meaning to tell him since he arrived. They included telling the news to Ron as well. Both boys were grinning at the brilliant idea the twins came up with.
"That is brilliant guys"
"Of course brother dearest, we expect no less from ourselves" Fred did an elaborate bow and allowed George his turn to speak.
"We are not only helping cheer up the place but our well being also"
"What with all that came up, we'll be needing all the cheer we can get"
The boys continued talking for a while about things such as Quidditch, things to do and the tricks that was played before sleep started to take over them. Soon the twins retired to their room and the remaining boys were sent to slumber land the moment their head touched the pillows they're sleeping on. One last thought came to Harry's mind before sleeping ' things will hopefully look better this summer as it's looking too good to be true now' and finally let his mind rest.
Diamones Palace 8:30 Aug 7,1996
The four Dukes of the whole world of mystics and their King are holding a meeting about the vision one of their best channelers had made. The same vision that told of the peril of the wizarding world and the news of the throne's heir awakening that was made just a week ago by the Duke's daughter. They rejoiced at the prospect that their long lost heir and future king will be joining them soon and made quick decisions about helping the wizarding world.
A meeting was taking place in the grand council hall of the castle, its size and beauty, rivaling others. The King regent was sitting at the head of the table, the family coat of arms behind him. The platinum and gold phoenix with diamond eyes embedded on a silver shield with gold trimmings glistening at the fire light the fireplace was providing. The four men sat on either side of his highness, their own coat of arms behind them.
"Your Majesty, we are delighted to hear about your grandchild's powers already manifesting at his age, but how do we break the news to him?" The Duke of Grailas asked, short and to the point.
"I have to agree with Diamon there. Surly the child might be discomforted at our sudden revelation. Even Dumbledore, the good man that he is, might not even know that your son have ever been to his school." Stated a man with garnet colored hair, his amber eyes hinting concern and curiosity.
"Of that matter, Thomas and I already thought of it. No need to worry Theodore" The King replied. Even after his ruling his son's kingdom for a while because of his untimely death and waiting for the heir to awaken, King James looked to be at prime of his life, save for the few wrinkles on his regent face betraying his real age.
"If you say so your majesty." Theodore Pallamer, Duke of Pentagulo nodded at the king.
"Care to tell us this plan of yours Thomas?" Another man with reddish brown hair asked the remaining figure who yet has to say a word.
"Gladly Ensign, mighty Duke of Saffier" The man who looked like his father with his white gold hair, only younger replied with a slight amusement in his voice accompanying the mocking tone, never missing a chance to annoy his best friend.
"Go on, Oh beloved and well respected Duke of Knavier" the others only snickered at his comeback, knowing it would irritate the young man just as much.
"Since you asked so graciously my good man I will not hesitate to tell." He said, and then continued in a more authorative kind of voice which signaled to the others that he is talking business.
"We will be talking to Albus first about the prince being there, although we are not yet sure who he went as. When we find him, we familiarize ourselves to him as friends first then family once father can talk to Dumbledore about James. Of course, it would be best if we can tell him right away, but until then, we are to keep this private and within family members only because of purposes you know very well. He will know more about us when the time is right."
"That will prove quite hard as you don't know how James' other form had looked like when his powers manifested at the same time he transferred himself to Hogwarts with instructions not to be contacted. You don't even know what name he took up. Surly he would have also tried to cover up his child's inherited features replacing them with his present looks also to keep his family safe and suspicion free." Blue eyes mixed with concern as the duke of Pentagulo informed his friend.
"We know, and harder still because the 'other forms' our race acquires when we first get our mystic powers show are never alike, One reason why we never manage to find him even after Hogwarts. He did manage to send us updates though, telling of his wedding and first born." The man took a deep breath and continued his explanation. "We found out he died thanks to mother's talents as a channeler but we still never found out how. If only he had asked us for help. At least he managed to have a watcher stone for his son made and sent to the palace."
"Don't worry, sooner or later his powers will show and his trail will be left uncover. Hopefully we can locate him before that happens. I don't know what will happen if they find out the next king of Diamones is at Hogwarts. And while the Taorent's school delegates are there for the visiting program, we can also learn his reasons why he did not come to us the moment war had begun." The Duke of Grailas assured his friend.
"Excellent idea Diamon. Father?" The young man inquired.
"Yes I suggest you give that work to Nicholas. He is masquerading as one of the teachers after all." His father answered.
"Now, this part of the meeting is over. The next is the Dementors." The king saw their faces fell clearly not intent on discussing the subject but obliged to as much as himself. "A week ago they left their post in Azkaban leaving numerous criminals ready to join Voldemort as soon as they can escape. To be short on this topic, I have contacts in the English ministry telling me their minister is still disbelieving on the topic of Voldemort. You are to ward you divisions with extra protections and I am having Hogwarts extra protected. These matters lead us to young Harry Potter, One of the primary reasons that Hogwarts' protection is increased. Although I haven't met the boy myself, I heard from Albus of his nature and decided it is to be kept secret that we are also involved in his protection." He looked around before continuing, "Are we all clear on this?" The four Dukes nodded their heads in assurance. "Good. Thomas, you may now tell them about the school exchange program."
After the briefing of the exchange programs, the men went back to their homes to rest after the long meeting while Thomas stayed behind in the palace finishing some documents that were sent to him from a source in the wizarding world before turning in for the night apparating to his home getting his sleep. Resting himself for another busy day tomorrow what with all the disturbances going on in the wizarding world as well as the possibility of their world to be included in the warfare.
Hogwarts' Express, 12:30 Sept. 1st
"That was a nice a lunch" said a full to bursting Ron. They were in one of the compartments especially reserved for the prefects.
"I couldn't agree with you more my good friend" added a just as full Harry.
"Don't you think so Hermione?"
"Does it really matter?" She said while taking in the discarded wrappers and packaging around their compartment. As of this moment, the three friends are journeying towards Hogwarts for their fifth year of learning. Ron and Harry, after a satisfying lunch on the train, went to talk about their favorite topic- Quidditch. While their other friend and more times than not tutor, immersed herself in reading the new books assigned to them this year intent on getting a head start.
Some time after their lunch, the compartment door opened to reveal none other than Malfoy and his two thugs. The space surrounding the room was charged with suppressed animosity.
"Well, well, well, how good to see you again Potter, still with the mudblood and the weasel I see. Did you have a nice summer? Who knows what could happen with the Dark Lord up and about." Harry tightened his grip on the arm rest of his chair. It was all he could do to prevent himself from hurting the arrogant prick.
"I think it's smart for you leave now if want a rerun of what happened last time you came by our compartment. Perhaps you liked the treatment." Ron was doing his best to stay put on his seat. It wasn't very easy to restrain yourself if your enemy decides to drop an insult or two making a perfect punching target, especially if said enemy target was right In front of you.
Malfoy was an arrogant prick but he's not stupid. While Crabbe and Goyle would have pulverized the trio he didn't want to get into trouble too soon. His father's less than comforting remarks when he got off the last train ride was too much of a reminder of how much his father dislikes Draco to be upped by Potter and his friends. Personally, he couldn't care less what the Gryffindor's were up to, but for the sake of the reputation his father set before him, plus years of animosity behind them, Draco did what was only routine for him. Deciding for the best and opting to have his face in a desirable condition, he leaves their presence signaling his bookends to follow.
As soon as they left, the atmosphere returned to normal. The remainder of the trip was spent with friends coming over and chatting with them about various topics from school to sports. Before anyone knew it, Hogwarts could be seen on the horizon.