Chapter 18 – Back to the Hallowed Halls

The atmosphere on Platform Nine and Three Quarters was sombre and nervous. In fact, if a muggle happened to chance upon the platform somehow, they would think a funeral was about to take place. Harry was reflecting that some blowing tumbleweed would have completed the scene perfectly.

Barely a smile had been raised from anyone since the news of Percy's death. A definite effort had been made on Ginny's birthday to brighten the mood a little, but she was having none of it, and insisted upon locking herself away from Harry, from her family, from the world. Hermione was once again back in the bedroom on the lower floor as a gesture to Ginny in her need for solitude. Fred and George, whom Harry had always known to be jokers and mischief-makers even in the worst of times, were now as silent and sorrowful as anyone else in the house.

There was now tighter security than ever placed on the Hogwarts Express. Lupin, Tonks, Bill Weasley, and half a dozen Aurors from the Ministry had all been stationed along the platform, having swept the train for any signs of danger. Molly Weasley was keeping a close eye on the group that stood with her. The death of one of her sons had shaken the foundations of her being, not simply because he was family, but also because she had always been so protective of her children and felt that she had now failed them.

Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry stood shivering with their trunks by their sides, waiting for the all-clear to board the train. Harry had his arms around Ginny, but still didn't feel close to her. She was still just as distant from him as she had been from any of the others, which had become very upsetting. He could understand her grieving for Percy, but he couldn't help thinking that something else wasn't right. She had denied this whenever he asked her, which made things even more difficult, because he wouldn't be so insensitive as to pester her about it at a time like this. Hermione was distracted by the erratic behaviour of Crookshanks, who was now hiding behind her trunk and snarling.

The number of students on the platform was, as expected, radically decreased from last year, though there were still a surprising number of new first years there. As Ron pointed this out to be a positive sign of defiance, the mood seemed to lift slightly, even though faces did not. As a signal was given for students to board, Mrs Weasley turned to the four of them. Her voice was low and melancholy, yet brave with a strength that they had all recognised in her.

"Listen very carefully, you lot," she said, pointing a finger from one to another, "You are not to leave the castle without an escort. Stick together whenever possible, and follow any command given to you by a teacher. As well as the Hogwarts staff, there will be Aurors and members of The Order on duty at all times, and from the moment you leave your dormitories in the morning to the moment you return to them in the evening, you must never leave the sight of at least one of them. Now, if I find out that any of these rules have been bent in any way, I'll be there in the blink of an eye to baby-sit you myself! Am I understood?"

All four of them nodded whole-heartedly, heads bowed in shame as if they had already disobeyed her. This time, there would be no witty retorts or sceptical remarks that she was being over-cautious. It was advice that they were very willing to take. Before they had a chance to pick up their trunks, Mrs Weasley lunged forward and grasped them all into a tight hug.

"Oh my dears!" she wailed with a tear in her eye, "Come back safely, all of you!"

They were then approached by Bill, who was also finding it hard to smile.

"Alright kiddies, time to get on," he said, "And I'll be keeping a close eye on the lot of you."

"Where's Fleur?" asked Hermione.

"She's staying back in France with her parents for a while. We'll hopefully be looking for our own place soon. I think we'll be going to Cannes for a few days in a month or so, just as a kind of belated honeymoon. She's been very understanding about…well, you know."

They clambered on board, hauling their belongings on after them. After passing two compartments of very nervous first years, they happened upon Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Over the past couple of years, Harry had gradually thought of it as less unusual to see the pair together. Neville greeted the group excitedly.

"Oh, thank goodness you've all come back!" he beamed, hastily adding, "Of course, I knew you would be, but it's just nice to see more friendly faces. What did your parents think about it?"

This could only be directed at Ginny and Ron, as Hermione's parents knew very little of the goings-on at Hogwarts.

"They knew from the start that we'd be coming back," replied Ron, "In fact, they'd probably see it as an insult to Dumbledore if we didn't."

"I know what you mean," he nodded, "My Grandmother said that I'd finally proved I could look after myself. She also said she'd be damned if she was going to keep me locked indoors the rest of my life, so here I am."

Hermione heaved her trunk on to the luggage rack, leaving Ron feeling a little ashamed that he hadn't already offered to do it for her, and sat next to Luna who was idly flicking through a recent copy of The Quibbler, the newspaper run by her father that had enjoyed a large boost in circulation after printing an exclusive interview with Harry on Voldemort's return. Before Ginny could sit down, Harry gave her a nudge.

"Could I have a word with you in private?" he whispered.

She hesitated and looked over the faces of Ron, Hermione, Luna and Neville, as if looking for guidance. She then turned back to him.

"Erm…alright,"

Harry placed their trunks on the rack and led the way along the corridor in search of an empty compartment. They passed Crabb and Goyle on their way, both of whom were staring out of the window, once again looking somewhat lost without the leadership of Draco Malfoy. It was only when Harry remembered that their families were still avid supporters of Voldemort that his sympathy for them stopped short. Dodging quickly and quietly past Professor Slughorn, the potions master who seemed intent on claiming a strong acquaintance with the great Harry Potter at every possible opportunity, they ducked into the next available compartment and sat down. Harry was determined to gain a better understanding of Ginny's behaviour, and this seemed like an ideal moment to do so. Tact and delicacy were required, but the fact that she now seemed hesitant to be alone with him only served to confuse him further.

"Ginny, I know that the past month must have been horrible for you," he said gently, thinking that this had to be the best way to begin, "and I know that you must still be very upset about everything."

She was even finding it difficult to look at him now. This wasn't going well at all, he thought.

"You've needed to be alone, and I can understand that. It's just that…even for a little while before the wedding, it felt like you…didn't really want to be close to me."

At this her eyes finally met his, and stayed there as he continued.

"I just wanted to know if it was something I've done or something I said...apart from…you know."

Something about her expression told Harry that she was feeling conflicted. He had usually been very bad at knowing what girls were thinking, even Hermione, but Ginny was different. He could feel her wanting to confide in him, but maybe she was just having trouble saying what she had to say.

"Harry, I…it's not you," she breathed sadly, "I've never stopped feeling the way I feel for you…I've never stopped thinking about you, but – "

As she broke off, Harry was suddenly alarmed that she was about to say something that would leave him heartbroken. He braced himself and waited for her to continue.

"There's just…there's…something inside; something telling me to…stay away. Not just from you, from everyone. I'm scared, Harry, because I don't WANT to be away from you. I sometimes feels like something really bad is happening to me, and I don't want it to happen to you too. I can't let anything happen to you, Harry."

Harry let out a quiet sigh of relief, but this information was not to be taken lightly. He had come to learn that Ginny was quite a complex individual, and if something was worrying her, then it would worry him too.

"Ginny, just think of all the things we'll have to face together," he said, putting an arm around her, "None of it is something we'd want to face if we had the choice. Whatever this feeling is, I'll be here to help you through it."

She stared longingly at him, wishing it were as simple as he made out, and yawned heavily. Harry smiled sympathetically and thought to himself how wonderful it would be if they could both recover from having their lives turned upside down.

"Sleep much last night?" he offered.

"Hardly a wink" she replied.

So saying, she curled up on the seat, rested her head in Harry's lap and closed her eyes. At that moment, Tonks popped her head round the door.

"Everything alright?" she asked, trying to sound as bright and cheerful as she could.

"I thought that was for you lot to say," said Harry, a little confused, "Expecting any trouble?"

"It's our job," she winked, instantly tinting her hair bright green as she did so, "Oh, and Harry, I'm really sorry I haven't been there to help out recently; The Order needed all hands on deck, and it really hasn't been easy."

Harry knew not to expect her to elaborate on this. Given the gravity of his situation, he couldn't help feeling patronised when any of them referred to their activities as 'Order business' or 'urgent matters', as if his age forbade him the right to further explanation. Oh well, he thought, maybe they'd be held responsible if his ignorance led him to an early grave. Before he could give this any more thought, Professor Slughorn appeared beside Tonks. The sound of his voice prompted a groan from Harry, and a determination from Ginny to complete the task of falling asleep.

"Merlin's beard!" he cried ecstatically, "I did hear a whispering around the train that you were somewhere to be found! You know, I was beginning to have doubts about whether you'd be coming back, circumstances, err…being what they are and all. Silly of me, I know. First moment I laid eyes on you, I could see that fearless quality. Instinct's never failed me yet. Well, hardly ever."

He dismissed these last words with a growling cough and took the seat opposite before Harry could utter so much as a syllable of protest. Tonks had conveniently disappeared.

"So, the young Weasley tired out already, is she?" he remarked, indicating the sleeping Ginny.

"Err, yes," said Harry hastily, "So, Professor, how was your summer?"

"Bloody horrible," he shuddered, "Why, you remember yourself what I was reduced to last year, and the days are darkening in more ways than one. Word to the wise, my lad, dark wizards have precious little consideration for the holiday arrangements of others, and woe betide if I catch one of the little toe rags apparating into my living room!"

Harry was beginning to panic at the prospect of being questioned about HIS summer. Thankfully, there came a welcome knock from Hermione who, Harry presumed, had been loitering in the corridor.

"Professor, could you possibly help me out with one of the chapters in N.E.W.T level Potions reading? Thought I'd be able to digest it all by now."

Harry smiled to himself. Anyone who really knew Hermione would know that by the time a new school year started, she would have all such reading material committed to memory. Professor Slughorn, however, remained blissfully unaware.

"Certainly, certainly," he replied, "err, Miss Grainger, isn't it? Yes, only too happy to help."

He turned apologetically to Harry.

"Well, we shall have to continue this later. Duty calls!"

As Slughorn left the compartment, Harry was on the point of whispering to Ginny that the coast was clear, when he realised that she was genuinely asleep. Just looking at her resting so peacefully created a pleasant warmth in the pit of his stomach, where the creature inside him was swimming happily in a dream-like state.

He stared out of the window, savouring the picturesque scenery. This was something he had not done properly since his first year at Hogwarts. When they had left The Burrow that morning, there had been not a single cloud in the sky, but as he now surveyed the open countryside, his view was beginning to darken under a blanket of grey. Before long, the window of the train was spattered with rain, and the distant rumble of a thunderstorm sounded overhead. The rain started to thicken into a steady downpour, and gloom descended across the landscape. A sheet of lightening flashed across the clouds, and with a sudden violent burst of thunder, Ginny awoke.

She began to shake, and fell off the seat where she had been curled up. Harry wasted no time in helping her to her feet.

"Ginny, are you alright? What's wrong?"

She staggered this way and that, with Harry attempting to steady her. Turning sharply away from him, she wretched and vomited against the window. As she spat out the aftertaste, she raised her head and spoke in a low, venomous tone that Harry had never yet heard.

"Where is he?" she demanded, "Tell me!"

Harry was a little too shocked to think clearly about what she was asking him. Before he could think of an answer, she fell back against the opposite seat with a frenzied look of terror. He approached her slowly and cautiously, not wishing to alarm her further, but stopped dead in his tracks as she drew her wand.

"Ginny? It's me, don't be frightened," he said, "Just tell me what's – "

"Soporum!" she hissed.

Harry suddenly felt weak and dropped to his knees. He looked up at her, completely at a loss.

"Ginny, what are you…?"

Before he could finish, he dropped to the floor and lost consciousness.

The next thing he felt was someone shaking him by the arm. He slowly opened his eyes and found himself surrounded by Lupin, Hermione, Ron, and Bill. They were all grinning at him.

"Personally, I've never thought the floor of the train would be that comfortable to sleep on," Lupin remarked, "but I suppose everyone has their own opinion."

Harry shook himself and gazed at all of them, trying to make sense of what happened.

"G..Ginny…what happened to her?"

"She came to see us a few minutes ago, saying she didn't feel very well," said Ron, "She's just having a sit-down in there with Luna and Neville. What happened to you?"

He paused to think about what had happened to him. Resolving to get the truth out of Ginny himself, he decided to leave matters as vague as they were.

"I…I don't know," he replied, which, while omitting certain details, was still true, "I just sort of…fell asleep."

Lupin eyed him suspiciously.

"We had a report of a disturbance in the corridor," he said, "Some of the younger students said they'd heard a loud scrabbling noise, and seen something flash past the doors."

"We were just coming up here to investigate, and we found you lying here on the floor," added Bill, "Thought you'd been attacked for a moment, but your breathing was fine, and you were even drooling. You must've been exhausted to be able to sleep down there."

Harry steadied himself against the opposite seat and noticed that the sleeve of his jacket was a little tattered, even ripped at, with cat hairs on it.

"What the…?" he began.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Harry," said Hermione, "I found Crookshanks in here, up on the luggage rack. He was dashing around all over the place, frightened out of his wits. He hasn't been himself for a while now, so I think I might have him looked at when we get to school."

"I'LL say!" put in Ron, "Did you see how fast he scampered off howling when Ginny walked in? I always said he was a nutcase, but this is ridiculous!"

Ron earned himself a casual glare from Hermione, and they both helped Harry to his feet.

"Maybe it was Crookshanks that was making the racket in the corridor?" Harry suggested.

"Nah, mate," said Ron, "He was with when it happened."

Harry looked outside the window, where nightfall was fast approaching. This didn't make sense. He knew it hadn't been the brightest of days anyway, but surely he hadn't slept THAT long?

"I think you'd all be best off getting changed into your school robes," said Lupin as he turned to go, "I'll just go and find Nymphadora and check the rest of the train."

Bill took them back to join the other three. As Harry entered, Ginny wasn't daring to look at him. She had retrieved her trunk from the rack and was slowly pulling her robes on over her t-shirt, while Harry shook his head in confusion and reached for his own trunk.

They sat in silence, peering out of the window for the sight of Hogsmead station. As the train eventually came to a halt, Harry could see all the Ministry Aurors hurrying on to the platform and spreading out to check the surrounding area. After about ten minutes, Bill came in and beckoned to them.

"Okay, we're letting students off one group at a time," he said, "Now, I know it might sound like we're being over-cautious, but can you all please stick together?"

They nodded and rose to their feet.

As Harry felt the wind against his face upon stepping off the train, he was relieved to see Hagrid awaiting their arrival. Hagrid's face was not so bright and cheerful as it usually was when he came to greet the new students. It was more wary and anxious this time, but he was still pleased to see Harry and his friends.

"Harry!" he exclaimed, striding over and clapping a massive hand on Harry's back, something that still managed to knock the wind out of him, "I knew you wouldn't let us all down! Now I want you to come over and visit sometime in yer first week, cause we got important things to talk about."

Hermione and Ron both gave him an enthusiastic greeting, and he led the six of them over to the first Thestral drawn carriage. Thestrals were most intriguing, horse-like creatures that were unique in the sense that they were only visible to those who had witnessed death in their lives.

"Now I gotta go and meet all the young 'uns," said Hagrid gruffly, "You take care of yerselves, all of yeh. Welcome back to Hogwarts."