Chapter Eight:

To the Future

Fred and George were sitting at the table in their office, draining cups of lukewarm tea, and crumpling parchment after parchment, and gaining large stress-induced headaches for their troubles.

It was late, on the night before their two younger siblings were off to another year at Hogwarts, and there they were, sitting with negative figures and an empty bank account trying to make ends meet.

Just as they were about to throw in the lot for the night, and head back to Grimmauld Place for an early rise, a tap came from the small window that overlooked the empty street of Diagon Alley.

Immediately, the two were alert. They looked up to spot a tawny owl tapping the window with its beak. George let it in quickly; shutting the window only after it had departed, having left its parcel on the table atop their wrecked business.

'It's from Gringotts,' Fred announced, after seeing the wax seal.

Worried as to its contents, he opened it with a frown.

Dear Misters Fred and George Weasley,

May we be the first to announce and congratulate you on the deposit added to your business vault, # 1237, on August 29th, 1996. The entirety of this installment has come in at a full 3500 Galleons, which places your vaults current total at 3552 Galleons, 10 Sickles, and 23 Knuts. "A fan" who wishes to remain anonymous placed this donation; his only forthcoming message was "to keep the laughter coming." Once again, congratulations on this accumulation please make an appointment with your accounting Gringotts employee to discuss security, interest, etc. at your convenience. We thank you for entrusting us with all your financial needs, and look forward to further business with you,

Sincerely,

Obsido Tojann,

Head of Gringotts Company Deposits

After having read this to himself, he looked over to his twin with surprise written clearly across his face.

'What? What is it? Is it something bad? Oh, they're not taking the store, are they? Fred, what about the pranks? Well, we're just going to have to work harder, I mean we can just, I dunno, stop buying food and sell some of our gear, I mean we really don't need it, do we? We can't give up yet, Fred! FRED!' George ranted on, aware that he was in full fledge panic, and aware that his twin had barely heard a word he was saying.

'Huh? What were you saying?' Fred asked. He was still so shocked at what he had read that he had not fully heard what his brother was on about.

'What the hell do they want, is what I'm saying,' George said frustrated at the supreme density of his twins head at the current moment.

'3500 Galleons,' Fred muttered, feeling slightly faint as he repeated the sum.

'What did you say?' George asked, unable to hear Fred's mumblings.

'3500 Galleons, somebody, gave us 3500 galleons,' Fred said louder, but still in a realm of shock.

"WHAT!' George practically screamed, grabbing the letter from his brother. Now, he too entered that same realm of shock, who in their right mind- considering they were in their right mind- would give them 3500 Galleons!

This seemed to be the same question on Fred's mind too. But of course they could only think of one git thick enough to give away a thousand or more gold Galleons, this wizard would also be the only git thick enough to not only do so once, but twice.

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September 1st

Harry and the rest of the household were woken at eight that morning, to ensure that they would be up and ready for the Hogwarts Express, that was due to leave at eleven that morning.

Currently, the students- Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny- were all sitting around the breakfast table enjoying one last breakfast cooked by the Mrs. Weasley, they would have to savour the taste until Christmas, when they could eat it again.

Ron sat stuffing his face as usual, while Hermione and Ginny were giggling wildly about stuff that Harry was sure he did not want to hear.

McGonagall had left the night before, to go back to the school and ready things for the students. Finn had gone along to help her, and explore the castle; he had not been there in so long. He had said his goodbyes to Harry the night before, saying he would see him at Christmas and maybe even a Hogsmeade weekend or two, if Harry could spare some time away from the ladies- or at least that's how Finn had put it.

Fred and George sat across from Harry and kept glancing at him strangely. Harry knew that they'd have to be really dense not to recognize him as "the fan" that sent them the money, by now, but he wasn't going to bring it up before they did, so for now he let them send their suspicious glances.

Remus, and Tonks were nowhere in sight, he had asked Mrs. Weasley who had said that they were out making sure the perimeter was safe for the taxi cabs that would be taking them to King's Cross station. However, Harry had a distinct impression that she wasn't telling him everything. But that was Remus and Tonks' business. Remus may be his godfather now, but that didn't mean he had to tell Harry everything that went on in his life, and nor did Harry.

'All finished Harry?' Fred asked sweetly, too sweetly for the schemer that he was.

Before he could answer, George butted in, 'good, then you won't mind if we have a chat with you upstairs for a minute.'

Harry was about to protest and tell them that he hadn't finished his sausages yet, but decided it was better to just follow them, then to cause a scene in front of Mrs. Weasley- who he knew would not approve of his donation to the twins' shop.

So instead, he nodded his head, and followed the twins out of the room. Ron shot him a curious glance, but Harry pretended he had no clue what was happening and just shrugged his shoulders. He knew that Ron would only flip his lid if he learnt what Harry had done.

Once they were up the stairs the twins turned around to face Harry, they kept their faces stern and serious to the point where Harry actually believed that they were actually angry with him. That was before they both broke into grins, and proceeded to hit him over the back of the head, in an act of affection or maybe an act of thanks.

'So you're "a fan" now, are you, Harry?' George asked, still grinning.

'Ah, so you figured it out after all?' Harry replied, smiling as well.

'Yer, well it doesn't take a genius,' Fred stated.

'Nope, just two look-alike idiots, right?' Harry joked.

'Exactly!' the two said together, they all chuckled.

'But, seriously mate. You didn't have to do that'

'I know I didn't, but I did.

'You two have the market research, product development, and the people skills, but you lack the financial necessities to develop further, expand, and advertise your brilliant pranks.

'And I have that money, and it's just sitting there going to waste. Besides, I didn't do it just for you. The days are getting darker. And as you guys said back in your shop, everyone will need something to laugh about soon enough,' Harry said, his voice taking on a desperate edge, he was nearly pleading with them to accept the money.

'We get ya mate, but we're gonna pay you back. When we're you know, back in the money and everything.'

'If that's what you want, but you don't have to. It isn't a loan; it's a gift, of sorts.'

'Well if that's your idea of a surprise gift, Harry. Then I can't wait till my birthday!' Fred said, grinning again.

Harry laughed, 'so it's settled then? You'll keep the money?'

'Of course we will! Thanks mate.'

'Anytime, oh and uh, do me a favour and don't mention this to anyone, especially Ron, I don't think he'd understand,' Harry said.

Fred and George nodded their heads; they understood that their little brother- as well as the rest of their family- was stubborn mules when it came to charity of any kind, they were proud in what they had. Which Fred and George understood as well, but they also knew that Harry wasn't giving them charity money, he wasn't doing this for the Weasley family's future, but rather for the wizarding world at large, to give back a little happiness.

'Right then, well I have to go get ready, but I suggest that when you find the time, you go talk with Remus. He's got a lot of ideas that I think you guys could benefit from, after all he was a marauder,' Harry said, before he left the twins to go get his trunk.

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They were out the house early enough and they were to have plenty of time before the Hogwarts Express was to leave the station. They had taken three muggle cabs from various locations surrounding the neighborhood of Grimmauld Place, as they needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

With the morning traffic in London, it took them nearly a half an hour to get to the station, instead of the usual 15 minute journey, nevertheless they still had a good half hour before the train was due to leave.

After going through the stonewall between platforms nine and ten, they proceeded to say goodbye to their summer companions.

Mrs. Weasley was dabbing at her eyes, in a way mothers do when they watch their children leave for an extended amount of time.

'Oh goodbye dears, do be safe, and I better not hear of any trouble from you Ronald,' she berated.

'Me!' Ron exclaimed.

'Don't give me that face, you all get into such schemes at that school it's a wonder they haven't sent you all packing!' She continued.

'But, it's not like we want to go chasing after mad men and beasts-'

'Ron, it'd be better if you just kept quiet. She's right, you know, it is a wonder that we haven't been expelled,' Hermione advised, trying to keep her new boyfriend from being rapped round the ears by his overly loving mother.

Harry stood back, silently laughing to himself at how quickly Hermione had gotten Ron to yield, Ron must really like her, he thought.

Harry realized they only had a few more minutes before the train was to depart so he hurriedly said his goodbyes to the Weasley's, Tonks, and Remus- whom had told him that he may see him around the school every now and then on odd jobs for Dumbledore.

Soon enough the whistle blew and the four students climbed aboard the train dragging their trunks behind them.

'Guess we should find a compartment then,' Ron said.

'Oh Ron, do not tell me you have forgotten about the prefects meeting!'

'What! Of course not, I knew about it, I just thought it would be more enjoyable if we skipped it and hung out with these two gits instead!' Ron defended himself.

'Nice try, but think again. Now come on we're going to be late!' Hermione said, taking Ron the sleeve and nearly dragging him down the hall.

Ron looked at Harry and Ginny pitifully, begging for help.

'Hey don't look at us, we're just two gits remember!' Harry grinned, while waving obnoxiously at Ron's retreating figure.

'Well, where to now?' Harry asked Ginny.

'Well, Dean's saving me a seat in his car, but I'm sure there's room for you as well,' Ginny declared.

'Are you sure?' Harry asked, not quite sure, whether he wanted to sit in a car with Ginny and Dean openly being boyfriend and girlfriend right in front of him, but then again why should he care? It was not as if Ginny and he were involved in anyway other way then friendship. What was the problem with Ginny having a boyfriend, and being happy? Too much.

'Of course I'm sure, come on.' Ginny said smiling and leading the way down the train.

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Harry was glad when Ron and Hermione turned up, the sight of Ginny and Dean casually talking about their summers and flirting with one another was nearly unbearable. And with only Seamus-whom had fallen asleep nearly fifteen minutes before- to talk with it was hard not to notice the couples affection for each other.

Harry had hoped Ron's presence might install some sort of awkwardness between Ginny and Dean, but unfortunately, Ginny didn't care one iota about what her overprotective older brother thought of her relationships, and they continued as if the trio wasn't even present.

Ron and Harry started up a game of wizard's chess though both of them were far to distracted by Ginny's giggles to pay much attention to the barbaric game. Hermione was engrossed in one of her sixth year texts that she had already read twice, and was now just reviewing, out of lack of anything better to do.

Eventually bored from the game they set it aside. Ron began a conversation with Seamus- who had recently woken up. Harry had quickly stopped following the conversation, which was debating which Cannons beater was more efficient at targeting players on the pitch.

Instead, Harry set his head against the window, and stared out at the blurs of trees and farms that littered the grasslands surrounding them. He tries to focus on the rhythmic grunt of the trains wheels and soon it was all he could hear, until a new sound entered his audible range.

A screeching blare seemed to be whistling directly in his eardrum, causing him to clap his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out the ringing.

'Harry? Are you alright?'

Slowly, Harry removed his hands, and looked around. The whole car was staring at him as if were going insane, trying to block out the multiple voices of his mind.

'Did you hear that?' Harry asked.

The noise was gone now, but it left Harry curious. It had been such a powerful deafening hum, yet there was no evidence that anything out of ordinary had occurred.

'Hear what Harry?' Ginny asked, slightly concerned, the last time Harry had been hearing things others couldn't was in her first year when Riddle had possessed her.

Harry swallowed, noting immediately that no one else had heard a thing, 'nothing, never mind, I must just be tired or something, maybe I'll take a nap.' He mumbled, before turning over and staring out the window, missing the looks his friends exchanged.

When Harry awoke an hour or so later, he not only discovered that they were nearly there but also that the ringing was back, and was now succeeding in giving him a killer headache of which was nearly impossible to ignore. Biting his lip, he suppressed a groan and placed his ear against the window hoping that it might help in some way.

Hermione and Ron glanced at each other as they watched Harry curl up against the window. Something odd was going on with him, not that there wasn't always something odd going on with their mysterious friend, but something was going on that caused them to worry slightly. It wasn't the first time Harry was hearing things that only he could hear, nor was it the first time that he was keeping something from them. They both had a feeling that they were going to have to keep a close eye on their friend this year. This year was going to be more difficult and challenging for all of them, yet they had a distinct impression that it would be even more so for Harry.

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A near forty-five minutes later, the Hogwarts express pulled into Hogsmeade Station.

Finally! Thought Harry. The ringing had ceased to stop, in fact the closer they seemed to come to the castle the more pronounced and deafening the sound got. He barely recognized that the train had come to a halt, and if it weren't for the vast hand gestures of Ron, he would not have even know that it was time to get off the train.

They approached the carriages quickly, for two reasons. The First being to get a carriage to themselves, the second, to avoid the Slytherins, whom up until now had not bothered them, all train ride. Apparently, it was not to remain so, for as they approached an empty cart, a mob of Slytherins clad in their robes, and other House garments intercepted their path.

The Gryffindors rolled their eyes; it was pathetic. These… snakes, had nothing better to do then bother those whom they didn't like, just to reverberate how much they dislike them and all that they stood for, it was pointless and getting rather old.

'Still alive scarhead,' Malfoy uttered, a phrase none to unfamiliar.

'Still a daddy's boy, ferret,' Harry responded unfazed.

Malfoy blushed lightly, but did not back down, 'well at least I have one.'

That was below the belt.

Harry was already in a bad mood, thanks to his headache but that nearly pushed him over the edge, as he lunged for Malfoy another voice entered the scene. It was one he had heard before, but was surprised to hear now.

'Let them be Malfoy.'

'No one asked you Blaise,' Malfoy replied, now glaring at the boy in front of him.

'Nor did they ask you, now let them be,' Blaise replied coldly.

Harry and the other Gryffindors were confused, not but a year ago, it was well known that Blaise and Malfoy were good chums, what happened? Why the sudden rift? Was it possible that wizards could be a Slytherins and not be evil? Or was Blaise a precedent?

Returning to the scene before them, they watched as Blaise stared down the group of malicious Slytherins- students of his own house! Whatever trick Blaise possessed it worked, the mob left with nothing but a departing sneer in their general direction.

Blaise stuck around just a moment longer, he looked directly at Harry, nodded his head and walked quickly off in the direction of the carriages.

'Did he- I mean, did he just-'

'Yes, Ron, he did' Hermione answered, for once just as bemused as the rest of them.

Harry continued to stare after the departing image of Blaise Zabini, 6th year Slytherin, Slytherin! That was until the buzzing in his head became once again noticeably insufferable and he headed off for one of the last few carriages, pulling along the rest of the group. One thing he was sure of, this year was sure to be like no other.

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Things were certainly different around Hogwarts this year, this became quite noticeable as Harry, and the group came through the entrance hall, and moved toward the great hall, where a grand feast was awaiting them.

The atmosphere of the castle seemed more distant to Harry than ever before, what had once been his refuge was now something as abnormal as muggles were to wizards and vise-versa. He had no known reason for thinking this, but perhaps the continuous obnoxious ringing that was nearly blowing out his eardrums negatively influenced the comforting prospect the castle usually brought. He had to fight the urge to cup his hands over his ears, in a pitiful attempt to block the noise out. He couldn't figure out what was the problem, and why he was the only one that seemed affected by it.

However, that was always the case wasn't it? Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived, the only one to survive the killing curse, one of few to faint at the mere presence of dementors, and one of few to defy Lord Voldemort and live to do so again.

While the atmosphere, itself, was different, that was not the only thing that affected the greetings at Hogwarts. As Harry looked up to the staff table from his seat at the Gryffindor table, he focused on the other source of the problem. Dumbledore.

The old professor was sitting tall in his chair at the center of the long row of seats, set behind the equally long table. He appeared to have not seen Harry, whether by choice or by innocent unawareness.

Dumbledore still had yet to contact him. He had seen him once or twice around Grimmauld Place after their fight, but neither one had acknowledged the other. However, Harry did not care, he wasn't about to back down. He knew he was right, this time.

The group waited patiently for the rest of the students to file in and take a seat. Eventually, everyone was seated and the first years trailed in nervously behind Professor McGonagall- who was carrying a stool with a shabby hat on top of it.

Harry could hear her talking to the first years at the front of the hall, he remembered the speech from his first year when he had placed the hat on his head and had argued with the sorting hat to place him in Gryffindor. After her small speech finished, the old hat had began its song:

Alas, another years arrives

New faces, old foe's

And I remain to sort you into the houses

where you'll strive

The question that rests within all your minds

Is where do you belong?

However, do not worry of that

As I shall decide when I've finished with my song

Will you be of Gryffindor?

Among the ruby's and the lion heart's

Or will Ravenclaw suit your wit and smarts.

But maybe you're Slytherin material

With your slyness and your tricks

Though, Hufflepuff may also suit

Your patience and aptitude with conflicts

Though no matter, where you're placed

It won't matter, for you all shall face

The coming darkness-

Suddenly the sorting hats song was muted to Harry's ears. He could see the brim of the hat, speaking but no words made it to Harry. He looked around, everyone else was still listening to the song there faces looking more grim by the second. When suddenly Harry heard a voice inside his mind, it was the sorting hat- it was speaking to him.

'Mr. Potter, we speak again. Please do not talk just yet.

It is most important that I communicate with you tonight.

Watch yourself, Mr. Potter.

He is back now,

And we both know you have a job to do.

Your power is growing, it has already begun…

You must trust your elders to help you to succeed

However, for now, I shall have to do…

You will find support within these walls Mr. Potter

But tread carefully…

Not all among these halls is a friend

Sacrifice, Betrayal and Unity be key

Make haste

Do not linger…

Fight with a will and vigour

Kill or be killed

Either way you're the trigger…

Good day Mr. Potter, until we speak again…'

What the hell was that? Harry thought to himself. Why did that bloody hat always have to speak in riddles? And how the hell did it know about the prophecy, for it was obvious that he had somehow been clued into the fact that Harry was going to have to kill Voldemort, or die trying. It was through thinking these thoughts that Harry realized that somehow the ringing that had been pressing on his head since the train ride had ceased, and he was able to think clearly again. Had the sorting hat done that? And what was that noise anyways? All these new questions were succeeding in giving him a brand new headache, and by the time Hermione had smacked his shoulder, to bring him back to the front of the room, Dumbledore was calling for the attention of the student body. He had missed the entire sorting!

'Welcome to another year at Hogwarts, now before I come to you all with announcement for the year ahead of us, I am sure you all wish to dig in!' and with that and a smile, the feast appeared on top of the golden plates.

Harry wanted to kick that smile right off Dumbledore's face. How he could just ignore everything that had happened and appear happy before him, it was such a mockery! However, Harry refrained from punching his headmaster and instead turned to the piles of roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings that rested on the table before him.

The meal was as satisfying as always, and the company was pleasurable. Harry hadn't talked much on the train, as he was too preoccupied with his own thoughts and keeping his brain from exploding from the noise. But now he talked with his friends whom he hadn't seen since the end of last school year, when he had been in no mood to speak with anyone really.

He learnt that Seamus had spent the summer working for his dad, a muggle, at his law firm. He had learnt many tricks of the trade, and joked that if Harry ever needed legal help-again- he'd help him out, for a small fee of course! The table had laughed at that! It was well known that Harry and his friends had never held much respect for the laws of the wizarding community.

They had all swapped stories of their summers and odd jobs they had picked up, even Harry told them that he had met a man in the street who had let him work around his house for a small fee- though he refrained from remarking on the fact that the man happened to be McGonagall's brother for he was sure he'd get his arse kicked if he did.

Soon they were all stuffed full, and Ron looked slightly green in the face- either from an over consumption of food or from being forced to listen to the fine points of Parvati's summer flings. He was sure it was due to the second one- seeing, as Ron could never eat too much food!

After having let their stomachs settle for a little, Dumbledore had stood up once more. Ready to give his promised start of term speech. He tapped his glass, and called for the attention of the room.

'Now that we have feasted, I have some start of term notices for you all. First off, first years- and the rest of you- please note that the forbidden forest is strictly off limits. I would advise that unless you wish to end up as our dear prior Professor Umbridge did, to stay out of its foliage,' the headmaster begun.

There was some confusion as to this second remark, as not every student knew of what had occurred with the witch, but Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Harry shared a look, though Harry's was somewhat forced. He did not like to remember that night.

' Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to once again remind you that the list of prohibited items is printed on his office door and will be strictly enforced this year. Last year, I believe you all had mistakenly forgotten this, but please take care in noticing that it now includes the use of portable swamps and other devices of the likes'

There were chuckles at this. None had forgotten the previous year, or the pranks that the Weasley twins had entertained them all with.

'It also brings me great pleasure to announce to you all that Professor Snape has stepped down as Potions master in order to- ' He was cut off by the loud cheers and applause, no one seemed to have noticed that the greasy-haired, hooked nose professor was in their company and scowling madly at them all.

'In order to take up the position of Defense against the Dark Arts Professor, Congratulations Professor.' Dumbledore finished, this statement was met with silence and a few groans from a few particularly outgoing students, namely Ron, Harry and Seamus.

'in his stead, I welcome to the staff, Professor Sebastian McCoy, who has agreed to take up the position as potions master- I'm sure you will all do well to welcome him.' With that said, applause commenced though it lacked in enthusiasm only because many were still reeling over the disappointment of still having Snape as one of the professors.

Harry didn't recognize the man that was currently being applauded. The appearance of him seemed friendly, but Harry had learnt not to judge by appearances long ago.

'And now, the hour calls for some more serious discussion. As you are all very well aware, the wizarding world is on the very brink of a war.'

This statement was met with even further silence, nobody liked discussing these things. It was so controversial, in fact among those in the room at that moment there were probably death eaters, deniers, activists, and fighters. It just wasn't something regularly discussed, it hadn't sunk in to them all that by the end of this war, the world could be very different for them. It hadn't sunk in that by the end of this war they might only be remembered by those who are left. That they could die, or lose someone they love, or betray their own, and condemn themselves to worse off fates. Nobody wanted to know what tomorrow would bring them.

'It is our duty to keep you all as safe as possible while attending Hogwarts. However, I cannot caution you enough, to look out for yourselves. The administration and school board has been discussing in great depth about further safety measures for the school, but in the meantime, I strongly urge you all to be on your guard. Do not venture out of the protection Hogwarts offers you, this war is starting whether you deny it or not, and it is your objective to survive it intact.'

Though Harry was incredibly peeved with Dumbledore at the moment, he had to agree with his speech, though by the looks of the students around him- in particular the first and second years- it appeared to him that Dumbledore might have come on too strong. They are only children for pity sake! He thought. But then Harry was a child too wasn't he? No. no he was not and had not been for some time. He understood this war; he needed to understand this war, because he needed to end it. His determination to do so broadened as he looked at the scared faces around him, even some of the professors seemed terrified.

Dumbledore had dismissed them after his warning, and the student body left the hall in a hurry- possibly hoping that by doing so they could leave the war behind. But it would follow them…

Harry walked towards the entrance hall, but glanced back to see Dumbledore staring directly at him. No apology was in his blue eyes, nor any guilt at what he had done, only the look of a stubborn man who aimed to win this war no matter the costs.

What was wrong with the man! It was as if war had driven him to insanity! It was worse than it had been a few weeks ago. And Harry now looked into the blue eyes of another man…but he was not a man anymore he was more of a warrior, and that scared Harry.

He ran through the crowd of students, leaving his friends behind to call after him. He raced up the entrance hall steps and through the halls, taking every possible short cut he could until he reached the room of requirement.

He paced in front of the invisible door, thinking of an empty room in which to think. Once the door appeared, he wrenched it open and threw himself inside. Panting from running all the way here, he slid down against the door and put his head between his knees. Why Me? He thought.

Was it too much to ask to be able to rest for a minute, the war had barely even started and yet he already felt as if he had fought in one. Being sixteen wasn't supposed to be this tough, was it? To have the weight of the world and everyone in it atop your shoulders, it was a heavy load, one he was not so sure he could manage.

A.N. and I think I'll end this installment there. sorry for the long wait, and I'm sorry that this chapter wasn't very interesting it wasn't one of my favourites and you might be able to tell from grammar errors and the end that it was a bit rushed, sorry but I felt I better get it out sooner or later and I just couldn't find a way to set it all up well. so that's my attempt if your confused anything or want to leave a comment on something- anything at all. Please feel free.

Cheers, petroleumjellydotone.