Chapter 4

Old Friends, Missing Faces

The remainder of the summer holidays certainly passed with considerably less tension which was a good thing but there was also a hole that no one had noticed until there had been more than one child running through the Manor. Neville still visited often, letters arrived from Hayden, Cedric and Hermione but it still wasn't the same. With Sirius working extremely long hours, Remus and Orion were normally left to their own devices to fill the long days.

In one of Hayden's letters, Orion had learned that Mr. and Mrs. Potter had relaxed slightly, allowing Hayden and Rose to spend a few days at The Burrow, the home of the Weasley family. He would be traveling with them to Platform nine and three quarters on September first and had mentioned that he missed their dueling lessons. Apparently, Ron wasn't interested in practicing spells.

When the morning of September first arrived, Orion found himself running around Black Manor, searching for anything he may have misplaced. Sirius had grudgingly left for work only an hour ago after he had sat down with Orion and stated bluntly that he didn't want a repeat of last year. To prevent being kept in the dark, Sirius had given Orion a small, square mirror that had been charmed to allow the user to communicate with whoever had the other. All Orion had to do was look into the mirror and say his father's or Remus' name for whoever had the mirror to know he needed them.

Orion had just managed to find his final book when Remus' voice echoed through the Manor. "ORION BLACK! YOUR TIME IS UP! CEDRIC AND NEVILLE ARE HERE SO PACK UP! WHATEVER YOU FORGET, WE CAN SEND YOU!"

Tossing the book in his trunk, Orion quickly locked it, magically shrunk it, pocketed it, grabbed Hedwig's empty cage, and rushed out of his room. He could hear laughter as he hurried down the stairs and skidded into the living room where he saw Remus, Mr. Longbottom, Neville and Cedric standing by the fireplace with Hedwig perched on the mantle. From the way Mr. Longbottom was leaning on his cane, Orion knew that today was one of Mr. Longbottom's 'hard days' which explained why Remus wanted to leave nearly two hours before the train was due to depart.

It had taken more time than Orion would have liked to coax Hedwig into her cage and when she had entered, Orion had caught a look that clearly told him he would certainly pay for it later. Hedwig had certainly been spoiled over summer holidays. She had been allowed to go wherever she wanted whenever she wanted, vanishing for days at a time to hunt in the middle of London. Remarkably, she had always shown up when Orion had needed her to deliver a letter and had returned a little disgruntled after visiting Hayden but Orion had assumed it had been something with the wards around the house that Hedwig had to pass through until he had heard about Dobby.

He could only imagine the fight Hedwig had put up trying to protect the letter she had been carrying.

The walk to King's Cross Station had been slow but it was a pleasant early fall day so no one really minded. Remus was in the final stages of recovering from another full moon so he enjoyed the slow pace almost as much as Mr. Longbottom. Neville and Cedric were locked in an intense conversation about basic dueling spells, especially the spells Neville had learned from Sirius.

"I can't believe Sirius actually taught you dueling," Cedric said in awe. "Why didn't you call me?"

"Because you were already in France at the time," Orion pointed out. "I doubt your parents would have let you come back to practice a few spells."

Cedric shook his head stubbornly. "I would have found a way. You can never have too much practice on the fundamentals. Dad knows that. How did the-boy-who-lived do?"

Orion and Neville shared a worried look. They knew that Cedric wasn't fond of Ron after last year but Hayden had never been mentioned. "He did fine," Orion said carefully. "What's your problem with Hayden?"

Cedric let out a sigh. "It's not really a problem I guess," he said in a resigned voice. "I just don't like how much he's taken from you, Ori, just because he's a celebrity." At Orion's confused look, Cedric continued. "He took your position on the Quidditch team—"

"—that wasn't his fault," Orion interjected. "Professor McGonagall gave him the position—"

"—because no one would protest to it," Cedric said firmly. "Are you going to challenge Potter to it this year now that you're eligible?"

Orion fell silent. He knew that Cedric wouldn't be the only one bringing up the topic. The entire Gryffindor Quidditch Team was aware of Orion's flying abilities. Of course his time in the air had been cut back drastically ever since he entered Hogwarts but he had managed to find opportunities over the summer to pull a few maneuvers that nearly gave his father a heart attack. "If tryouts are held, I'll think about it," Orion said at last. "It would be different if Hayden was a horrible Seeker. He's caught the Snitch every time."

Cedric shook his head stubbornly. "I just don't think it's fair that you get pushed aside for everything because you share a room with a celebrity. It's just not right."

Orion didn't know whether to appreciate Cedric's protectiveness or feel offended by it on Hayden's behalf. It wasn't really that bad. At first glance, it was easy to assume that Hayden was given everything because of his celebrity status but that was actually rather far from the truth. During the few days Hayden had spent at Black Manor, Orion had quickly learned that Hayden was probably one of the most insecure twelve-year-olds that he had ever met.

King's Cross Station was certainly crowded, making everyone glad that their trunks had been shrunk and pocketed. They did receive quite a few looks from Muggles because of Hedwig but that was to be expected. It wasn't common practice among Muggles to even consider an owl as a pet much less walk around with one in a cage without it squawking in protest.

It was nearly a quarter past ten when they reached the solid barrier dividing platforms nine and ten. Cedric didn't hesitate walking forward and vanishing followed by Mr. Longbottom and Neville with Remus and Orion pulling up the rear. Stepping onto Platform nine and three quarters, Orion could only smile at the sight of the scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over the platform. Cedric bid a cheerful goodbye to Remus and Mr. Longbottom before hurrying onto the train, vanishing to the sea of witches and wizards seeing their own children onto the train.

Mr. Longbottom cleared his throat as he rested a hand on Neville's shoulder. "Now, I want you to remember to write your mother, Neville," he said seriously. "You know how she gets. Also, please stay out of trouble this year."

And you," Remus added to Orion. "I know your father most likely mentioned his legacy this morning."

Orion grinned. He had known this was coming. This would be one of those topics that Sirius and Remus always disagreed on. Sirius wanted Orion to pull pranks while Remus was determined to do everything in his power to make Orion the Prefect that he should have been. Personally, Orion sided with Remus. Becoming a Prefect would certainly help if he wanted to become an Auror like his father.

Remus returned the smile. "Right. I guess I should have known better than to even consider that you would take your father seriously. In that case, try to have some fun and try to avoid Death Eaters this year, all right?"

Orion couldn't help rolling his eyes. "I already promised Dad that I would stay out of that kind of trouble, Moony," he said frankly. "Besides, I'm not a fan of nearly dying. Experienced it once and not to eager to try it again."

Remus let out a chuckle as he pulled Orion into an embrace. "That's a relief to hear," he said sincerely. "You take care of yourself and keep a lookout for anything suspicious, especially around Hayden. Whatever threat that house elf tried to warn him about…well…just be careful. I don't think your father could handle it if you were hurt again trying to protect Hayden."

Orion nodded as he wrapped his arms around Remus while taking extra care to avoid the joints and muscles that were still a little sensitive. He knew that the warning had been said for Remus' benefit just as much as Sirius'. Even though both men were as different as night and day sometimes, there were quite a few topics that they actually agreed on. Keeping Orion safe was certainly one of those topics.

After a few more assurances that they would do everything in their power to stay out of trouble, Orion and Neville bade goodbye and hurried onto the train to find an empty compartment which had actually been completely unnecessary. With a half hour still to wait before the eleven o'clock departure, there were still plenty of compartments available. They found a compartment in the middle of the train near Cedric's and immediately jumped into a game of Exploding Snap which was (in Neville's opinion) the only way to safely waste time.

They were halfway through their second game when Hermione found them, her bushy brown hair making her look slightly frazzled. There had been a moment of silence as grins spread across their faces before Hermione started talking…very, very fast about absolutely everything that had happened over the summer holidays. Orion and Neville had to put their game on hold just to catch a word here and there to figure out what in Merlin's name she was talking about.

Apparently, Hermione was comparing living as a Muggle after spending nearly ten months as a witch. Orion and Neville had to take her views on faith since neither of them knew what it was like to live as a Muggle. Orion knew the basics. He knew that Muggles relied on electricity to make many of their every day gadgets work and also knew how to pass off as one since he did live in the middle of London. Remus had instilled as much as he could on Orion but there was still plenty left to the unknown.

Hermione's lecture was called to an abrupt halt by a commotion on the platform. Orion and Neville quickly jumped to their feet and hurried out of their compartment to look out and see a group of red haired individuals huddled near the barrier. There was a loud whistle, signaling the final boarding call. Orion saw a plump woman turn and push three red haired boys and one red haired girl towards the train as guards began walking along the train, slamming all the doors shut. It only took a moment for Orion to recognize the identical faces of Fred and George Weasley among the redheads causing a sea of dread to settle in the pit of his stomach. If that was the Weasley family then where was the tall, gangle form of Ron? Where was shorter, messy black haired form of Hayden?

"Orion," Neville said cautiously. "Didn't you say that Hayden would be coming with the Weasleys?"

Hermione moved from side to side, trying to get a better look. "What's going on with the barrier?" she asked. "It looks like it's blocked."

She was right. As the train began to move, it became clear that those who were trying to leave through the barrier were having difficulty. In front of the mass of people was a tall, balding man with hair as red as his wife's with his wand in the air, waving it at the barrier. A vivid picture suddenly entered his mind. He could see the barrier between platforms nine and ten. He could see a hand resting against it, proving that the wall was indeed solid.

Shaking his head clear, Orion took off towards the back of the train where the Weasley siblings who had made it through the barrier had boarded. It was difficult to miss the overabundance of striking red hair or the worried faces on Percy, Fred, George and the little girl who could only be Ginny.

"Where's Ron and Hayden?" Orion demanded.

Fred and George shared a look. "They didn't make it through," said Fred. "We don't know what happened—"

"—Mum wouldn't tell us," added George. "The barrier has never acted like that before."

That was all Orion needed to turn and hurry back to his compartment with Neville and Hermione jumping out of the way as soon as they saw him coming. Reaching in his pocket, Orion pulled out his trunk, quickly enlarged it and pulled out some parchment, ink, quill, and the small square mirror Sirius had given him. He had never expected that he would need it so soon but it seemed that expecting the unexpected was necessary with Hayden Potter as your friend.

"Ori, what's going on?" Neville asked nervously. "What are you doing?"

Orion shot Neville an impatient look before holding the mirror to eye level. "Sirius Black," he said clearly and waited as his reflection misted over for a moment before clearing to reveal his father's concerned face.

"Ori, what's wrong?" Sirius demanded frantically. "Has something happened?"

Orion let a relieved breath. "Dad, there's a problem at Platform nine and three quarters," he said as calmly as he could manage. "I don't know how it happened but the barrier sealed up before eleven o'clock. Hayden and Ron are stuck on the other side. I don't think it was a coincidence."

Sirius frowned. "You think it's that house elf again," he said thoughtfully then nodded. "All right, I'll check it out. If I find them I'll get them to Hogwarts myself. If I don't, I'll arrange a search for them." At Orion's worried face, Sirius smiled proudly. "You did the right thing, son. Try not to worry about it, all right?"

Orion nodded although he had a feeling that he would most likely be worrying for the entire ride to the Hogsmeade Station. "Thanks, Dad," he said sincerely and watched as Sirius' image vanished into mist before his reflection reappeared. Setting the mirror aside, Orion grabbed the quill, dipped it into the ink and started writing on the parchment.

Grandad

Hayden and Ron missed the train because something happened to the barrier. Dad's looking for them but I thought you should know in case they show up. I think it may have something to do with the trouble Hayden had earlier this summer. If you don't know what I'm talking about, ask Hayden when you see him.

Ori

Turning towards Hedwig's cage, Orion was surprised to see Hedwig perched on the top of the cage with her leg out, waiting for him to attach the letter while Neville slowly stroked her bright white feathers. His hands felt extremely shaky as he rolled up the parchment and tied it to Hedwig's leg but he managed the task nonetheless.

Offering his arm, Orion waited only a fraction of a second before Hedwig jumped on and looked into his emerald orbs. "Now Hedwig, this is very important," he said seriously as he walked over to the window. "Please take this to Professor Dumbledore as fast as you can. If you can't find him then go to Professor McGonagall. Once you're done, you can join the other owls in the Owlery until tomorrow morning. I'll make sure to safe a few strips of bacon for you, all right?"

Hedwig nipped Orion's ear affectionately as Orion slid the window open. A burst of wind entered the compartment as Hedwig jumped out the window and took flight, quickly vanishing from sight. Closing the window, Orion rested his forehead against the cool glass as he tried to push all of the madness out of his mind. It was insane! The school year hadn't even started yet and already there was trouble. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long ten months.

It was Hermione's voice that abruptly snapped Orion out of his thoughts. "Will someone tell me what in the world is going on here?" she asked irritably.

It had taken some time to explain everything to Hermione especially since she had never heard of a house elf. She had been more outraged to hear of the presence of slavery in the wizarding world than the possible danger Hayden could be in. Orion and Neville thought Hermione's priorities were slightly skewed but they really didn't want to get into a fight over traditions that had been present for hundreds of years. It was getting better. There were families like the Blacks and Longbottoms who treated their house elves as well as the elves would allow. The biggest problem was that change took time. It would probably be decades at the very least until house elves would accept anything more without thinking that they were doing something wrong.

The train ride seemed to take so much longer than last year. No matter what Orion tried, his thoughts always seemed to shift back to Hayden and Ron. Exploding Snap didn't work, reading didn't work, visiting with classmates didn't work, and Hermione's stubborn protests seemed to be extremely irritating as the day wore on. Therefore, it really wasn't surprising that it finally became too much.

"Hermione!" Orion yelled in outrage. "The wizarding world isn't perfect just like the Muggle world isn't perfect! You've only been a part of this world for a year so I highly doubt you actually know what it's been like trying to repair the destruction that Voldemort and his followers caused!"

At Hermione's distraught gaze, Orion bit his tongue, enfolded his arms across his chest and glared out the window. For Orion, criticizing the wizarding world was like criticizing all of the hard work his father had done over the years. Yes, the wizarding world was far from perfect. He saw the imperfections every day because of his Uncle Remus. After all, who wanted to take a risk in hiring something as dark and dangerous as a werewolf?

"You should really meet a house elf before you criticize, Hermione," Neville added softly. "I know it sounds cruel but they really like to work for people when they're treated well. They don't want to change so it will be a while before the change can happen. You can't force change on anyone and expect them to like it."

Hermione stared at Neville thoughtfully before nodding. Once again Neville had managed to make the largest impact with the least amount of effort. Orion knew that it was wrong to take his worry and frustration out on Hermione. She had always had an overabundance of views of how things should be but the problem was that reality rarely measured up to her expectations.

As darkness began to fall, Orion, Neville and Hermione took that as the sign to put on their robes. Mountains and forests streamed past even though it did seem like the train was slowing down already. When the voice announcing that they were only five minutes away echoed throughout the train, Orion let out a brief sigh as his gaze shifted to Hermione. She looked extremely uncomfortable as she tried to look everywhere except for where Orion was. Orion had never felt like a bigger prat in his entire life.

"Hermione," Orion said softly, earning a nervous glance from Hermione. "Look, I'm sorry. It's just that you didn't see what Hayden and Rose went through when that house elf appeared in Hayden's bedroom. You didn't see what my dad went through just to keep him safe. The Head of the Auror Office himself ordered Hayden to be removed from his own home. That doesn't happen unless the danger is real."

Hermione smiled sympathetically. "I know you're worried, Ori, but overreacting doesn't help anyone," she said reasonably. "Besides, you told your dad and we know he would do anything for you. He took on You-Know-Who a few months ago so I think finding Hayden and Ron won't be a problem."

"Hermione has a point," Neville added as he stepped out of the compartment and into crowd thronging the corridor. "Your dad isn't like most Dads. I don't know many who would believe an eleven-year-old telling them that You-Know-Who is at Hogwarts without any proof."

Orion rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he followed Neville. "I guess I never gave it much thought," he said honestly as Hermione stepped out of the compartment. "It's always been that way between us. When I was younger Remus told me the story of the boy who called wolf and I sort of took it too seriously. I stopped calling out for Dad when I had nightmares because I believed that he would eventually stop coming. Dad sat me down and told me that he would always come when I needed him as long as I was honest with him, no matter what."

The train finally came to a stop and the pushing immediately began. Orion, Neville and Hermione managed to stay together and follow Cedric along the platform and out onto a rough mud track, where a long line of stagecoaches that appeared to be pulled by invisible horses awaited them. However, Orion had a strong feeling he was wrong by the frightened gasp that came from Neville. The pushing continued, forcing them to climb into one of the first available coaches only to be joined by Fred and George Weasley.

As the coach set off all by itself, bumping and swaying slightly as they moved, Orion noticed the stench of mold and straw which wasn't surprising considering how old the carriages had to be. In fact, they were in rather good condition all things considered.

As the carriage slowly passed a pair of magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boars, Fred broke the silence. "So, did you contact someone, Orion?" he asked with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Orion nodded. "I contacted my dad and sent Hedwig with a letter to Professor Dumbledore. If Dad missed them then Professor Dumbledore's expecting them."

Fred and George looked relieved. "Thanks Ori," said George as the carriage picked up speed on the long, sloping drive up to the castle. "We really appreciate it—"

"—Percy wouldn't let us borrow his owl—"

"—stupid prat. Cared more about getting to the Prefect meeting than his own brother."

"I doubt that's true," Hermione countered instantly . "Maybe he was just trying to be strong so you two wouldn't worry."

Fred and George shared a look. "Nah," said Fred. "He wouldn't care about us but Ginny—she's our sister starting Hogwarts this year—he would have done it for her. He's always tried to look out for her—"

"—must think she isn't a lost cause like us," added George.

At last, the carriage swayed to a halt allowing them to get out of the carriage one by one. Orion, Neville and Hermione wasted no time hurrying up the steps, through the giant oak front doors and into the cavernous Entrance Hall lit with flaming torches that contained the magnificent marble staircase that led to the upper floors. The door into the Great Hall stood open at the right, almost beckoning students to enter.

Stepping into the Great Hall, Orion's eyes immediately shifted to the enchanted ceiling that displayed the starlit night outside. Thousands of lit candles hovered in midair over four long tables that were only starting to fill with students. To Orion's disappointment, he noticed that Hayden and Ron were nowhere to be seen.

"Where do you think they are?" Neville asked quietly.

Neither Orion nor Hermione had an answer for him. Where could they be? Surely they had been found by now, right? Perhaps they were simply being detained for questioning. That was plausible when the events from earlier in the summer were taken into consideration. A possible second attempt on the-boy-who-lived would send the Ministry into panic…that is if it was a second attempt. Orion didn't believe in coincidence but he knew better than to make assumptions. When assumptions were made, mistakes normally followed.

As they moved to the Gryffindor table and sat down, Orion glanced at the Head Table and immediately met the gaze of the silver bearded and half-moon spectacled Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, who gave Orion the briefest of nods. It wasn't much but it was enough for Orion to know that the situation was being taken care of. However, that didn't ease the countless questions that were bouncing around in Orion's head. Unfortunately, Professor Dumbledore wasn't like Sirius. Dumbledore didn't believe in being bluntly honest until it was absolutely necessary.

To make Orion feel worse, Gilderoy Lockhart, dressed in robes of aquamarine, was seated several seats away from Professor Dumbledore. It made Orion feel sick to watch as Lockhart smiled widely to show off his pearly white teeth and wave at those students who were obviously staring at him. Sirius had told him long ago that those who gloat about their accomplishments most likely didn't do them for the right reasons. Orion could only think that Gilderoy Lockhart was walking proof of that statement. He wasn't at Hogwarts to help anyone but himself.

All chatter ceased as Professor McGonagall could be seen leading a long line of scared-looking first years towards the Head Table. Ginny was easy to pick out with her vivid Weasley hair. Orion couldn't help smiling as Fred and George attempted to get their sister's attention in a rather loud manner and succeeded in making her flush scarlet. He had to admit, despite how extreme the twins were from time to time, they were good older brothers when it mattered the most.

As Professor McGonagall placed a three-legged stool on the ground before the first years and, on top of it, an extremely old, dirty patched wizard's hat, Orion suddenly got the feeling that he was being watched. As discretely as possible, Orion glanced over his right shoulder and then his left. Everyone's attention was on Professor McGonagall but the sensation remained. His gaze finally shifted towards the door where, to his amazement, he saw Hayden and Ron.

They had made it and they appeared to be fine.

It didn't take long for hazel to meet emerald green. Hayden's nervous stance shifted to relief as he waved but the relief was short lived. At first, it seemed that the shadows behind Hayden and Ron were merely shifting until a tall figure stepped into the light and rested his hands on Hayden and Ron's shoulders. Both boys jumped and quickly turned to meet the stern gaze of Sirius Black. Before Hayden and Ron could say anything, Sirius ushered them out of sight but not before glancing into the Great Hall and nodding at Orion.

Applause broke out around him, pulling Orion's attention back towards the Head Table. A small blond boy had just been sorted into Gryffindor. Orion took the opportunity to nudge Neville and passed on what he saw. Neville then passed the information onto Hermione who took the opportunity to look around for any sight of them. Unfortunately, neither Hayden nor Ron came back.

Ginny being sorted into Gryffindor was the only memorable moment other than Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall leaving after the feast started. Whispers had immediately broken out but no one dared to ask any of the remaining staff members present. After all, it wasn't like Professor Snape would willingly tell them anything other than what a bunch of dunderheads they all were.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall returned to the feast half an hour later, giving them plenty of time to eat their meal before Dumbledore rose to his feet for the beginning of the term notices. When he introduced Lockhart as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Orion couldn't help noticing that the girls seemed to be clapping significantly harder than the boys. Lockhart, of course, cheerfully waves to every table before taking extra care to sit back down without damaging his robes or his hair.

After the reminders to stay out of the Forbidden Forest, that magic was forbidden in the corridors and Quidditch tryouts would be held within the next few weeks for the teams looking for players, everyone was sent off to their houses for the night. Hermione hurried ahead to get the password from Percy Weasley which happened to be 'wattlebird'. As they slowly made their way towards the Gryffindor Tower, whispers and comments were heard pertaining to a flying car, two second year students and the Whomping Willow tree that was known for striking back at anything that got too close.

Orion, Neville and Hermione shared a concerned glance. Flying a muggle transportation vehicle to Hogwarts seemed too impossible and yet rather mild to the other stories they heard as they got closer to the Gryffindor Tower. Before long, everyone came to the conclusion that Hayden and Ron were somehow involved and that they had been expelled. Orion knew that was ridiculous. Professor Dumbledore would never expel Hayden Potter.

They reached the passage where the secret entrance to Gryffindor Tower was hidden entrance to the Gryffindor tower was hidden behind an oil painting of a very fat woman in a pink silk dress when a loud voice called out, "Orion! Neville! Hermione!"

Orion spun around on the spot to see Hayden and Ron hurrying towards them looking tired but relived.

"There you are!" Hermione began immediately. "Where have you been? The most ridiculous rumors are going around. Someone said you'd been expelled for crashing a flying car!"

Hayden and Ron flinched slightly as they came to a halt. "We haven't been expelled," Hayden assured her. "We have detention and we were lectured by Sirius, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall already and Sirius said he would have to tell my parents. Mum'll be furious."

"Your Mum will be furious?" Ron asked incredulously. "I wouldn't be surprised if my mum sends me a Howler. That car belonged to my dad. He works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."

"Wait a minute," Neville said in confusion. "Your dad works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office but he owns a flying car?"

Ron shrugged. "Dad's odd that way," he answered. "He loves Muggles. He thinks they're fascinating."

Orion enfolded his hands across his chest as he stared at Hayden and Ron. It had really been a foolish thing for them to do but he knew they had probably received enough of a scolding already. "Are you two all right?" he asked evenly.

Hayden and Ron nodded.

"Then I suppose we should be grateful," Orion said, ignoring Hermione's protest. "It could have been worse, a lot worse. I don't think either of you realize just how dangerous the Whomping Willow is. My dad and uncle have told me stories about that thing. It's not a tree you want to mess with."

Hayden and Ron nodded in agreement. Hermione still looked like she wanted to lecture but followed Orion's lead into the Gryffindor Tower. The moment Hayden and Ron stepped into the Common Room, applause broke out around them. Orion took that opportunity to retreat to his dormitory with Neville which now had a sign on it saying SECOND YEARS.

As they entered the familiar, circular room, with its six four-posters hung with red velvet and its high, narrow windows, Orion could hear the Weasley twins loudly congratulating Hayden and Ron. Deep down, Orion knew that it was wrong for everyone to congratulate Hayden and Ron for the worry that they caused but, once again, it was probably something Hayden and Ron needed.

"What a day," Neville said tiredly as he moved towards his trunk that had been placed at the end of his bed.

Orion had to agree.