Harry Potter and the Power of Time

by RossWrock

Now AU, 6th Year, following OoTP. Tired of the way Dumbledore and the Order treat him, and ready to face his destiny, Harry dedicates long hours to muggle and magical training to take the fight to Voldemort for a change. Slight HPGW, not shippy though.

12. Throw Draco from the Train

Harry Potter and the Power of Time

Chapter 12 – Throw Draco from the Train

The morning of September first was always a busy one for the Weasleys', and this year was no exception. Even with only two children going to school this year, things had still gone berserk in their own unique way.

Ron had overslept because he'd been up late the night before, eagerly awaiting getting back to school. The past few weeks hadn't been great for him; ever since his parents found out about him being demoted as a prefect. That shock had come as much of a surprise to him as it had his parents, and Ron still wanted to know why he was kicked out. Sure he had only gotten five OWL's, but that had been better than both the twins, and only three shy of Charlie. It's because of the shock he felt that he didn't tell his parents right away. Sure he was embarrassed; but he couldn't explain why it had happened. Too bad the reason didn't matter much to his mother.

She had been outraged when she found out from McGonagall, and had given it to Ron with both barrels right after the afternoon Order meeting. He'd been reamed out before, both in person and by use of Howlers, but nothing had been as bad as that night. The whole house had heard his mother's yelling, including some of the Order members who had stayed behind afterwards. Ron at least thanked Merlin that Snape wasn't around, as he didn't think he could handle his most hated professor gloating at him. Stupid git!

Besides not being allowed dinner that night, Ron's summer only took a turn for the worse. Everyday for the following three weeks he was forced to clear out doxies and other pesky critters from some of the lesser used rooms. In that time, he'd come across countless doxies, two boggarts, a few stray pixies, and one creature which he couldn't even identify. That one had left a nasty bite mark on his hand before escaping through an open window.

He'd also been forced to do homework in each of the six subjects he had gotten OWL's in, even though homework wasn't assigned by the teachers. Because it wasn't known to students which classes they would receive passing marks in, the summer after fifth year was the only one homework free for all students. Except for Ron that is. His mother had given him her own assignments, and was humiliated when she asked Ginny to look it over for her when he finished. Having his papers graded by his baby sister was a new low, even for Ron. Ginny didn't mind though, as grading his papers gave her a leg up on her own studies.

Thankfully it was now over though, and Ron ran downstairs after waking up forty minutes late. Mercifully breakfast was still laid out, and Ron had taken the unusual action of packing his trunk the night before. Once he finished clearing his plates, he and Ginny joined their mother and father in the front hall of Grimmauld Place, and set out on foot for King's Cross Station. He couldn't wait to see Harry.

Ginny likewise couldn't wait to board the Hogwart's Express, but for different reasons. She was excited because for the first time, she'd had a wonderful summer, even if it had been filled with a little unwanted worry.

Her summer studies couldn't have gone better, and the extra help she gave Ron had prepared her well beyond fifth year class levels. Ginny had also kept a regular correspondence with some friends this summer, mostly with Luna Lovegood and Dean Thomas. Luna because she was the same age, and both were outsiders in their own dorms. Luna was outcast because she was "Loony," and Ginny because of her first year. She didn't really blame her dorm mates, but ever since the whole Tom Riddle diary thing, they had kept their distance. They were friendly towards her and everything, but the close friendship the others had forged that first year had passed by, and she had never been able to make up for it. Ginny guessed that's why she spent most of her time either with Ron and his friends, or with students in other houses and years.

Dean Thomas on the other hand was a different story. The two had talked a few times in the first four years she had attended Hogwarts, but last year being in the D.A., the two had become closer. Not in a romantic way though; just as good friends. She had only told Ron the year before that they had been going out to make him upset, and boy had it worked! The whole summer Ginny counted the number of times her brother muttered something about beating Dean up, and she thought it hilarious. Dean didn't think the same when reading her letters, but promised to go along with the farce. He promised that as long as Ron didn't pummel him at first sight, he'd keep up the pretence of being Ginny's boyfriend.

Once Ron had shown himself and ate a quick breakfast (not that Ron ever took his time), Ginny gathered her things by the front door and prepared to leave. Only her parents decided to escort her and Ron this year to the train station, as her older brothers were all at work; even Fred and George. Surprising their mother the most, since they prematurely left school the year before the two had been dedicated to mass production and distribution of their Wheezes. The store they briefly rented in Diagon Alley had seemed a success, and the twins had even bought some hideous new clothes to show their good fortune. When it closed down they said it was due to an underestimation of running a new business, but the two had hopes to soon reopen the store, perhaps as early as next summer. For now they worked out of the Burrow, selling their wares by owl catalogue.

The walk to the station went quicker than last year, as they didn't have to worry about extra protection and security. Not having countless Order members watch your every move was one of the few good things about not having Harry around this summer.

'Boy,' thought Ginny, 'he's really going to get it from Mum!' As Ginny and her family entered the busy train terminal and headed for the blank wall between platforms nine and ten, Ginny reminisced about her mother's antics over the past few weeks. Ever since discovering the money and note from Harry in their family vault, her mother had been on a whirlwind of emotions. It wasn't uncommon for her to cry for hours on end, and then moments later be in a great mood and cook up a meal fit enough to outdo the Hogwart's house-elves. Ginny was happy for her parents, even if they did feel uncomfortable about taking the money. Ginny didn't know how much it had been, but she had seen the piles. It was certainly more than she'd ever seen before. And aside from a few new clothes for the whole family, and new textbooks and school supplies as well, Ginny figured the money to mostly still be there. She had no doubt that after a bone-crushing hug, her mum would try to give it all back to Harry the moment she saw him. She knew it wouldn't happen though. She had read Harry's letter.

She had actually sneaked it out of her mother's grasp on the cart ride back to Gringott's lobby, and read it quickly before they arrived. It had floored her! Sure, Ginny knew Harry to be a great guy and one of the most decent fellows she knew, but she never imagined he possessed the thought and conviction he poured into that letter. He must have wanted to do this for some time. It was a good thing only she and the twins had gone with their mother that day. Ron was grounded because of the whole prefect thing, and he still hadn't been told about the money. Her parents made her and the twins promise not to tell anyone until they decided what to do with it. Ron did raise a few questions about why they were buying brand new clothes and school books, but didn't press the matter because of his strained relationship with his family. Ron was in enough trouble as it was.

Once across the magical barrier, a bushy-haired blur crashed into her giving a great hug. Hermione!

"Oh Ginny, it's wonderful to see you. How was your summer?"

Ginny laughed as she pried Hermione's arms away. "Great Hermione. I got a lot of work done, and I'm really looking forward to this year. How about you? How was the trip?"

"It was fantastic! Mum and Dad took me to see all the muggle sights, and we even went to a few wizarding places as well. I found the greatest little bookstore in Amsterdam, which specializes in rare first edition texts, and I stayed until closing that day. And guess what? I got thirteen OWL's! The one in Transfiguration was a perfect score! I can't wait to find out how everyone else did."

Ginny was pleased for her friend; she just hoped Ron wouldn't be too upset at hearing Hermione's high marks. He still hadn't come over to say hi, and was nervously shuffling his feet by the baggage cart a few feet away.

Hermione hadn't noticed him there yet, and looked around behind Ginny.

"Speaking of everyone else, where are Harry and Ron?

Answering for himself, Ron came over from where he had been pseudo-hiding and greeted her uneasily.

"Hey Hermione. How's it going?" Ron didn't know whether to hug Hermione or not, and she looked like she suffered from the same indecision, so the two settled on an awkward handshake after a long moment.

"Great Ron. I was just telling Ginny how much fun I had during break. But I'm glad to be back; I missed everybody so. Where's Harry? Doesn't he normally come to the station with you?"

Ron nodded in affirmation. Harry did normally travel with the Weasleys, but hadn't this year. "Harry hasn't shown up yet. I haven't talked to him in a while, and he never came to stay at headquarters like he was supposed to. From what mum and Remus say he hasn't even been staying with the Dursleys this summer. I don't know where he is, or how he's getting to school this year."

Upon hearing the answer to her question, Hermione's eyes went wide with worry, and she nervously began questioning Ron about what he knew. She thought for sure that Harry was in trouble, and started to blame herself for going off on a trip to have fun while one of her friends was left behind in mortal coil.

Luckily Ron was able to interrupt Hermione before she got a full load of steam going. "Relax Hermione; Harry's fine. Mum won't say much, and I can tell she's been worried, but Remus has been in touch with him and has even visited a few times. I haven't heard back from him since his birthday, but my guess is that Dumbledore moved Harry someplace safe, and didn't tell too many people about it. Probably a security thing, ya know? I can't wait for Harry to tell us all about it!"

Ron explanation calmed Hermione, and the two began to look around together for the third part of their trio. Ginny felt she needed to leave the two alone, and politely made her exit.

"I'll leave to two to catch up with Harry then," she said. "I'll go and get a compartment on the train before the prefect meeting starts. Otherwise we might end up sitting with a bunch of Slytherins."

"Oh Ginny," Hermione congratulated her, "you made prefect! Well done. Now all three of us can go to meetings and patrol together. It's a shame Harry will be left alone during all that time, but oh well. Maybe he'll take the extra time out to study for his classes. He did write that he was going to take school more seriously this year. I do hope so."

The whole time Hermione was speaking about prefect meetings, Ron had been squirming. It was obvious he was nervous about telling Hermione he wasn't a prefect any longer. So to help out her big brother, Ginny decided to lend a helping hand.

"Don't worry Hermione," Ginny said as she turned to the train and climbed the few steps. "I'm sure Harry won't be bored. Ron's no longer prefect, so I'm sure the two will find plenty to occupy themselves with. Bye!"

The last thing Ginny heard clearly before she closed the train doors behind her was a very angry Hermione with Ron failing to stand up for himself. She laughed.

The train was crowded as always, and most of the compartments were already filled to capacity. There was only ten minutes left before the train would depart, and Ginny was convinced she would have to intrude on a compartment already occupied. She passed a few with people she recognized in it, but none with enough room for herself, plus her three other friends. The best possibility she found was Lavender, Pavarti, and Padma in a compartment with Seamus and Dean, but it was already very crowded. Even while Hermione and she attended the initial prefect meeting, there wouldn't be enough room for everyone.

Fortunately, just like last year, the eccentricities of Luna Lovegood kept many of her fellow students away, and that one compartment was fairly empty. As she entered, she also noticed a more confidant looking Neville Longbottom, and another boy she didn't at first recognize. After greeting two of the three in the compartment, Ginny turned to introduce herself to the third, but found she didn't need to.

"What," the third person said as he lifted his head from the Quibbler he must have borrowed from Luna, "no hello for me?" Ginny was blown away as she came to recognize the lopsided smile and bright green eyes. It was Harry!

"Harry! Wow, you look different." It was the truth too. Besides not having glasses anymore, and being a few inches taller than the year before, Harry had filled out a little as well. He wasn't overly bulky, and most wouldn't have even noticed, but Ginny had long ago made a habit of studying the Boy-Who-Lived. The half year of exercise had put almost twenty pounds of muscle on Harry, but only he knew that. He hoped everyone else would just assume that he finally had a growth spurt. His hair was longer also, falling around his face in wavy locks. The additional weight of the hair made it not stand on end in the back anymore, but it was still as messy as ever.

Harry smiled as he stood to give Ginny a hug. A few years ago neither of them would have been able to do so. But since the Department of Mysteries trip, both teenagers had been more comfortable around each other. Ginny realized her long time crush was just that; a crush on a very famous wizarding name. And Harry felt more comfortable without Ginny turning red and running from the room every time he showed his face. Humility had never been one of Harry's strong suites.

"Hey Ginny, ready for a new year? I for one hope it's better than last. Then again, that's kind of a given, isn't it?" Harry's smile turned a bit sad just for a second, and then he caught himself. "Where are Ron and Hermione? I thought for sure both of them would have accosted me the second they set foot on the train."

Ginny gave a quick grin. "They still might. Nobody knew how you were getting to the station, so I think they're both still on the platform looking for you. Mum and Dad are out there too. I think you might have to deal with Mum first before you even get a chance to speak to Ron or Hermione. Thanks by the way; it's a real nice thing you did."

Harry was surprised at Ginny's statement. "You know?" Ginny nodded, and Harry gulped. "I hope Ron took it OK? Please tell me he did?"

By now Luna and Neville were engaged in a private discussion in the two farthest seats by the window, and Ginny sat down by the door to explain to Harry. "Ron doesn't know about the money yet. Just me, Fred, and George know, and that's only because we saw it. Mum and Dad want to keep it a secret until they decide what to do. I'm not sure they'll keep it. In fact, I suggest you go out and talk to them right now. The train will leave soon, and there's not much time left."

Harry took a quick peak out the window and did spot the Weasleys and Hermione. The four of them all stood together, and made for an intimidating sight.

"Ahh, I think I'll stay on the train actually. Ron and Hermione will have to get on sooner or later, and I'll write your parents once we get to Hogwarts. I don't want to see them on the off chance they can convince me to take back the money. I'm sure a few motherly hugs and the guilt trip they'd give me would do it, and I really do want them to keep it all. I hope I don't get a Howler from your mum about not seeing her. Besides, the prefect meeting starts soon, and I have to find the right compartment. I missed the meeting last year, remember? How about you; make prefect?"

Ginny didn't agree with Harry avoiding her parents, but lost the thought as she heard Harry say he was prefect. Ron was not going to like this.

The two traded some more small talk, with Ginny explaining why Ron was no longer prefect. Harry felt bad for his friend, but there was nothing to do about it now. During the course of the summer Harry had come to believe that Ron had given up the position freely. After all, he never really did like the added responsibility. If he had known Ron was forced from the position, he never would have accepted it. Trust Dumbledore to not tell Harry the full truth. 'Does he even realize how much he's jeopardizing my friendship?' Harry thought.

Halfway through the small talk, Harry remembered to thank Ginny for the great birthday present, and Neville as well. The subscription to the Daily Prophet had actually worked out fine. Not wanting to reveal "Hedwig the Phoenix" to the wizarding population, Dobby agreed to pop over to the newspaper office every morning to retrieve the paper. Hedwig at first was upset about him intruding in her lifelong business, but warmed up to the idea after a few days of severe spoiling. Dobby and Winky cooked special treats for the upset bird, and she soon forgave them. And Hedwig now had a passion for apricot rolls. Nothing of interest had happened in the wizarding world pertaining to Death Eater attacks or Voldemort sightings, but Harry thought it nice to be able to keep up with the normal news.

Soon the ten minutes dwindled down, and the steam engine's loud whistle gave a final warning. Ron and Hermione had waited till the last possible moment on the platform, and still hadn't found Harry. They were worried of course, but took comfort in the fact that at least Harry had missed the train before. They thought that perhaps Dumbledore had arranged alternate transportation. With a last look around, they boarded the train and set off to find Ginny.

"Relax Hermione, I'm sure Harry's fine. Maybe he took a portkey to school. Or maybe he's been at Hogwarts all summer long. Yeah, I bet that's it."

Hermione wasn't as easily convinced, but realized there was nothing she could do about it then. During the prefect meeting she planned to let the Head Girl and Boy know about Harry's absence, and hoped they had a way to contact some of Hogwart's staff. Her worries were put to rest though as she opened the compartment door that Ginny's had waved from. There were already three people in it, and she knew them all.

"Harry! What are you doing here? Why didn't you come out to get us? I've been worried sick." Hermione threw her arms around Harry even before he got a chance to stand up.

Ron was just as relieved to see Harry safe, but had to keep up his manly facade. There would be no hugs or tears coming from him.

"Harry, good to see you mate!" Ron slapped Harry on the back as he dragged in his and Hermione's trunks. They had been sitting in the hallway since the two had arrived at the platform. Ginny had taken Pig's cage earlier to relieve some of the burden. "Cor Harry, you look different. What've you been eating?"

Harry laughed at Ron's proclamation, and Hermione broke her death lock to take a closer look at him.

"You have changed. Where are your glasses? And you need a haircut; you're hair's a mess. I could get Pavarti or Lavender to give you a trim before the feast if you like."

Harry's eyes went wide at the threat. Weeks ago he had decided to grow his hair out instead of shaving it all off, and he'd worked hard in keeping the length. For some reason his hair grew a lot slower than he knew it should, but Harry guessed that was because it had trained itself to stay the same length for so long. After about the first two months of trying, he finally noticed some difference. Currently, his hair was in a state of limbo. Harry still couldn't pull his hair back into a ponytail, but it was long enough to get in his face. During the summer he'd taken to wearing a bandana to hold back his hair, and Harry hoped that Hogwarts would allow him to continue. At least for Quidditch, so he could see properly.

"Not on your life Hermione," he answered. "Those two would end up braiding my hair, or putting in bows. I think I'll keep my hair just as it is, thank you. And I got contacts, so I don't wear glasses anymore. What do you think?" Harry for the moment left out the part about them being magical lenses.

The train started its long trip north as the six friends settled in for the journey. Neville and Luna joined in the conversation now that the compartment was full, and they traded quick summaries or their summers. Luna had vacationed in Scandinavia with her father looking for a supposedly extinct species of Glumbumbles, and Neville had made the usual trips to St. Mungo's to visit his parents. He did have a choice few words about his new wand though. Harry just grinned.

Rona and Ginny both admitted to practicing Quidditch the first half of summer, than mainly concentrating on homework the second half. Neville and Luna didn't know about Grimmauld Place so they couldn't be specific, but Harry got the idea that they had been cooped up for the most part. He did wonder what Ron having homework was all about, but wisely said nothing.

Hermione gave a brief rundown of her trip, naming all the countries and museums she had visited. She admitted to going to Bulgaria for three days, but said nothing about visiting Victor Krum. Ron's face turned red at that. Even though it was obvious he wanted to ask questions, he kept his mouth shut. When the five turned to Harry to hear what he had been up to, he just gave a very vague answer.

"Oh, I didn't go anywhere much; just stayed at home and studied." Harry smiled as his three closer friends all started to speak at once, yelling and screaming at each other and themselves. It was Ron who finally quieted the others so he could be heard. Plus, he was the loudest.

"What's the story Harry? No one's seen or heard from you for a month except Remus, and there have been odd Order meetings the whole summer. Fred and George weren't allowed to join, so we don't even know what's going on. Fess up; what gives?"

"OK, OK, I'll tell you," Harry gave in with a last chuckle. "But you all have to promise to not tell anyone else. No one except Remus knows what I've been up to this summer, and I want to keep it that way."

Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville quickly agreed to keep quiet, and Luna did too once she snapped out of the trance-like state she had been in while reading the Quibbler upside down. Harry trusted them all, and had no reason to hide most of what he had been up to for the summer. Most of it. Some things, like the Dementor attack, he planned to keep to himself. At least for now; until he understood exactly what had happened. Harry didn't think he could handle Hermione's endless questions about an attack at her house, a golden patronus, and released wizard spirits. He took a deep breath and relaxed in his seat, about to begin his long story, when Ginny interrupted him.

"Harry, maybe this should wait until after the prefect meeting. It starts soon, and by the looks of things this story is going to take some time to explain."

She was right of course, and Harry agreed leaving the others looking a little discouraged at having to wait to hear the tale. Everyone except Ron that is. While the others stood up ready to leave for the meeting, he took a sandwich out of his robe pocket and bit into it eagerly.

"Well I'm sure Harry will tell me and Neville plenty while you lot are off at your meeting. Right Harry? You'll just have to tell them again when they get back."

Harry caught a concerned look on Ginny's face; a look which he though might be on his own as well. This wasn't going to be easy.

"Actually Ron," he said, "I have to go to the meeting too. I'm prefect this year in your place. Dumbledore told me earlier this summer." Ron didn't say anything, but sunk down in his seat and took another bite in his sandwich.

"Oh Harry, that's terrific!" Hermione for one thought the news good. "It's a lot of responsibility though. This means you can't go getting into trouble like you usually do. I hope you're up to it."

Harry didn't hear a word Hermione said; he was still looking at Ron. "Ron, are you OK with this? I didn't know that you got dismissed as perfect; Dumbledore didn't tell me. In fact, I didn't find out until today. I thought you gave up the spot because you didn't want it anymore. Ron?"

Ron only took another bite into his sandwich, and chewed it slowly. Harry didn't know if he was angry or just plain hungry, when Luna stepped in. Thank Merlin for Ravenclaw logic.

"Of course Ronald's OK with you being prefect, Harry. After all, weren't you OK with him being one last year? The situation has simply reversed itself. If the two of you are friends, which you are, than this can't possibly be a problem. Isn't that correct Ronald?"

It took a second, but Ron slowly lifted his head to Harry and gave a weak smile. "Yeah, sure," he said. "Congrats mate. I reckon' you should've got it last year anyways."'

Harry didn't know what to say, so he just nodded and was first to step out of the compartment. Hermione, Ginny, and Luna followed after him, and the four made their way slowly to the front of the train.

Harry turned back to Luna after they were far enough away to not be heard. "Thanks Luna, I think what you said helped. I expected him to get all huffy and jealous."

"Don't fret Harry," she replied, "he just needs time to acclimate the knowledge. That's the type of person Ronald is."

A little while later the four reached the prefect compartment, and entered. It was much larger and more extravagant than any of the other compartments, and about half the school's prefects were already there. The Head Boy and Girl, two students Harry didn't know well from Slytherin and Hufflepuff respectively, had already taken a position at the podium.

"Potter!" The Head Boy yelled. Harry recalled his name was David Hoffstrum, but not much else. Coming from Slytherin, that was a good thing. If the boy had been friends with Malfoy or any other of the troublemakers in the house, Harry would have remembered. "I've been instructed to tell you to send an owl to Professor McGonagall once the meeting's over with. She wanted to know if you showed up or not. Understand?"

"Yes." Harry wasn't surprised. She and Dumbledore must have been worried that he wouldn't make the train. Harry had assured them that he would, but he couldn't blame them for thinking otherwise. At least they hadn't sent someone to intercept him at the train station.

"Harry," Ginny asked from besides him, "what was that about?"

The three Gryffindors and single Ravenclaw took a seat next to each other on the window side of the compartment; waiting for the other prefects to appear. "Don't worry about it," he replied, "but remind me to borrow Pig once we get back."

Hermione put in her two cents just then. "Where's Hedwig? I don't remember seeing her cage in the compartment. For that matter, I don't recall seeing your trunk either."

"Don't worry about it. I'll explain everything later. It all has to do with my summer. Anyways, the meeting's about to start."

And it was, because the last prefects just entered the room and sat in the last two remaining seats. Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson.

"Hermione!" Harry whispered loudly in her ears as the Head Boy and Girl called the meeting to order. "How can those two still be prefects after joining the Inquisitional Squad? What they did was so much worse then what Ron did!"

"Shushhh! I guess it's because even though their actions were despicable, they were taking direction from the school Headmaster at the time. Now quite! The meeting's begun."

The meeting was very boring in Harry's opinion. They quickly introduced the new prefects (including himself which earned a snicker from Malfoy) and went over the few changes to the prefect rulebook from the previous year. Harry had been sent a new rulebook with his school letter which he actually studied, so his version was up to date unlike Hermione's and the others.

The only other official business was setting up patrol schedules. Last year, with the rise of Voldemort, Dumbledore had set up nightly patrol routes for the prefects to follow. They had been stopped after he had been dismissed from school, but apparently they were now back in effect. All prefects were required to patrol twice a week between either the hours of 10:00 pm-12:00 am, or 12:00 am-2:00 am. After that, the teachers and ghosts would patrol the corridors.

As a group, the prefects decided to keep the same schedule from the year before, rather than waste time setting up a new one. All the new prefects would just take the place of the graduated ones. In Harry's case, he had to take Ron's old schedule. He had been paired up with Alicia on Tuesday nights from 12:00-2:00, and with a Hufflepuff girl Sunday nights from 10:00-12:00. At Harry's questioning look, Hermione gave him the answers he wanted to know.

"All pairings have to be boy/girl, for safety's sake. I think it's a load of rubbish, but Dumbledore and McGonagall are a bit old fashioned. Chivalry and all that. If we find anything, the guy's supposed to stay with the problem, while the girl goes for help. Fat chance of that happening with Ginny, though! Ron wanted to pair up with me and her this year, but only so he could slack off during his watch. I refused, because I'm perfectly happy with my old partners. The few weeks of patrols we did have, Ron complained the whole time. If they had gone on for much longer, I think I would have even tried to get rid of him. Ask for a transfer or something."

'Makes sense,' thought Harry. That sounded just like Ron. He didn't know too many students in other houses, and would want to stick with people he knew. Privately, Harry was pleased at the arrangement. Ginny, who had to take Alicia's old schedule, would be fun to have around, and the fifth year Hufflepuff girl seemed nice enough. She and Harry agreed to meet in the library a day before their first patrol to get to know each other better. Harry was also glad he wasn't paired with Hermione. While she was one of his best friends; when it came to upholding the school rules she could be a little overenthusiastic. Harry planned to do a good job and all, but didn't see himself becoming fanatical like some others he knew. One of her partners, Terry Boot from Ravenclaw, was just like Hermione when it came to upstanding the school rules. Those two were perfectly suited to be perfect partners.

"One more thing before we adjourn," the Head Girl announced. "Since today's a Friday, and we've got two whole days before classes begin this year, I thought it'd be a good idea to have tours for the new first year students. We could do those tomorrow, and let them explore a little on their own Sunday. I've already organized a tour schedule by house; I just need volunteers. Anyone willing to give up a few hours tomorrow morning please stay behind. Thank you."

Most everyone ran out of the compartment before they could be unwillingly volunteered, but Harry wasn't as lucky. He was sitting next to the window, and Hermione was blocking his way to the exit.

"Oh Harry, let's volunteer! It will be so much fun. Think of all the things we can teach the first years before they've even had their first class. Just imagine if we had been given the opportunity. We could have avoided so much trouble those first few weeks. Remember how you and Ron were late the first time to class, and Professor McGonagall let the two of you...."

"Hermione," Harry interrupted her, "calm down! I think it's a great idea; I just wasn't prepared to give up my first day back to school. I've got a lot to do and all, and I still need to talk to some of the teachers."

"Oh please Harry. It will only take a few hours in the morning. You can have the rest of the day to yourself. It's more than we usually get the start of term."

It didn't seem like Hermione would give up, so Harry eventually gave in. He did make Hermione promise that they wouldn't spend more than a half hour in the library though, so at least he won a smaller battle. Also staying behind was Luna, Colin Creevy, Ernie McMillan, Terry Boot, Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, and another Hufflepuff Harry didn't know.

"Thanks for volunteering everyone," the Head Girl, Violet something, smiled to everyone. "However, I only need eight volunteers, and we have nine. Two prefects for each house should be enough, so if someone wants to get out, now's the time."

The nine all looked around at each other, and at first it looked like no one would back out. Harry wished he could, but knew Hermione would be disappointed. It's not that he didn't want to give the tour, it's just that he had other things he could do with his time. Finally, Hannah Abbot came forward. She admitted to needing the extra time for revisions, and politely stepped out. That left eight, the magic number.

"Very good then," Violet continued. "I was hoping for some Slytherins to stay behind, but I'm not really surprised. So we don't have an even number of volunteers from each house. Anyone have any preferences on which house they want to show around?"

Luna and Terry immediately voiced their preference to show Ravenclaw around. Apparently there were some private libraries attached to their common room that they wanted to show the firsties. So Violet agreed and let them leave. That left the other six, and none of them spoke up about favoring their own house; although it was apparent that nobody wanted to show the new Slytherins around. That's why it surprised everyone when Harry spoke up next.

"Hermione, do you mind if we show around the Slytherins?"

She showed definite shock on her face, but shook her head and said she didn't mind. Everyone else was grateful that they didn't have to guide the Slytherins, so they didn't say a word. In the end it was agreed. Harry and Hermione would guide the Slytherins, Ernie and Susan would be in charge of the Hufflepuffs, and Colin and the other Hufflepuff (some seventh year named Patricia) had the Gryffindors. The tours would begin immediately after breakfast the following day, so they were instructed to stay behind in the Great Hall following breakfast.

On the way back to their own compartment Hermione got around to cornering Harry about his decision.

"Harry," she asked, "why would you of all people volunteer to take the Slytherins? I thought for sure that's the last thing you'd want to do."

Harry paused in the corridor and faced Hermione. "It makes sense if you think about it. So far, none of them have done anything to me. Heck, they're not even sorted yet. I figure if they can meet me before Malfoy and the others start telling their lies, some of them might not be so bad. I also need to start recruiting for the D.A., and figure it's as good of a place as any to begin. I've got to have some Slytherins after all, don't I?"

Hermione thought it very wise to give the new Slytherin students a chance, but was confused about the whole D.A. thing. "Harry, what do you mean recruit for the D.A.? We've got members already. That is, if we're allowed to continue."

"Oh, we are, don't worry. Dumbledore wrote me to say that he wanted me to keep up with the lessons. You'll find out all about it tonight, I'm sure. Let's get back." Harry resumed his walk, and quickly was back inside the filled compartment. An hour had passed already, which left about five before they reached Hogwarts. Harry hoped it was enough time to tell his tale. It all depended on how many questions he was asked. But before he could begin, there was something else he needed to do first.

"Harry, remember to use Pig to write to Professor McGonagall," Ginny reminded him.

"Thanks Ginny." Harry asked Hermione to borrow a piece of parchment and a quill, and wrote the short note while the others peppered him with questions.

"Harry, where's Hedwig?"

"Harry, why don't you use your own parchment? Where's your trunk in fact?"

"What's McGonagall on about Harry? Why do you have to write her?"

Harry laughed out loud at the barrage of questions. This only angered his friends, because they weren't being told. Only once he had tied the note to one of Pig's small legs, and thrown him out the window, did Harry relax back into his seat and begin to answer their questions.

"So you all want to hear where Hedwig is, huh?" Harry asked his friends.

"YES!" They all yelled back, except for Luna. She was immersed in studying the light rays cast on the wall through the train window. Harry knew that she was listening though.

"OK, OK, I'll tell you. But remember, no one else outside this compartment is to know. Well, remember at the start of summer how I escaped to Diagon Alley for a day? I told you all Hedwig got hurt, and I needed to get her fixed up."

The Weasley's and Hermione nodded, and Neville and Luna were quickly brought up to speed.

"Well, that was all a lie really. I'd been planning on visiting Diagon Alley since the Leaving Feast, and that's just the excuse I used to explain my absence. I said I bought all my textbooks a year early, but that's only the beginning. I bought a lot more as well."

He didn't go into specifics about every purchase he made, but Harry told them about most of the shops he visited. Hermione was impressed by the amount and variety of books he had purchased, and Harry promised to show them to her later. The girls took great interest in Harry's new robes, watch, and ring, while Ron and Neville wanted to hear more about Burke's private collection under his shop.

His pensieve also attracted some interest, but only because it was a rare wizarding object. Harry didn't mention that it contained the memories of a dead Death Eater. Ginny was the one who actually pleaded the most to see it, but Harry said no. All the objects were currently in his trunk, which he lied about being in a baggage compartment. Some of his secrets he didn't want to give away. Harry admitted to buying a new magical trunk like the one Moody had, but said nothing about it being so luxurious; or being commissioned by his late grandfather.

Likewise, Harry didn't tell his friends about his new wand, his new broom, or his magical tattoos. His complete summer activities would be a lot to take in at one time, and Harry didn't want to tell them too much at once. Besides, Ron would get even more jealous at seeing the new broomstick, especially tailored for his position.

Hermione was also a cause for concern. She above all else would be most likely to turn Harry in, or at least tell McGonagall or Dumbledore about him, if she knew the specifics of Harry's training regimen. She had already spent a good amount of time scolding Harry for going into Knockturn Alley and buying illegal texts. So he told them nothing about finding and using a time tuner, or about the illegal magic he had learned. Harry told them all he found a way to practice magic without the Ministry noticing, but none of them knew the extent he had abused the privilege. They assumed Harry had simply practiced some of the charms and spells in the sixth year textbooks, and he let them believe just that.

The one thing the others had trouble believing was that Hedwig was now a phoenix, and wasn't present because she had just suffered through a burning day. In truth, Harry couldn't blame them. It did sound a bit far fetched. He didn't let on about the attempting mugging and how close he had come to being hurt, but just explained that Hedwig had burst into flames one night and emerged a white phoenix.

Harry considered not telling them about Hedwig at all, but knew that was one secret which couldn't be kept. Eventually Hedwig would show herself, and probably to more than just his closest friends. Besides, Harry thought he could really use Hermione's help in discovering the truth about how Hedwig had come to be. What information about phoenixes he had read talked about their powers and life cycles, but nothing had come even close to describing the rebirth he had witnessed. Hermione, and surprisingly Luna too, agreed to look into the subject once Hogwart's library was made available. Even with their skepticism, the idea that a phoenix could be created from another animal like an owl was fascinating, and appealed to the intellectual challenge in both girls.

The whole tale lasted about three hours, through which Harry answered and evaded many questions. Even Neville got into it a little, and asked a few smart inquiries which Harry answered with some barely convincing lies. He was pleased to see the once timid and shy boy become more comfortable with being assertive.

The one question he couldn't avoid, but yet he had to answer, was the one Ron got around to asking after the snack cart witch had stopped to deliver her tantalizing sweets. With a mouth full of chocolate frogs, Ron voiced the dreaded question.

"So where have you been? Mum wouldn't tell us at headquarters, and the other Order members seemed to not know. I reckon' it must've been a big secret if only Dumbledore and Remus knew where you were living this whole time."

"Actually," Harry answered nervously, "only Remus knew. And only for the past three weeks. I made him promise too not to tell anyone what I've been up to."

"You mean Dumbledore doesn't know where you've been living this past summer?" This came from Ginny. "But Harry, how did you get wherever you went without him? He must have been around to set up the security spells."

"There were no security spells; at least not from Dumbledore. I've been living in muggle London ever since my birthday. I found the place myself, and moved in without alerting the Order. Dobby and Winky have been living with me there, and helped in decorating the place and doing the chores. I sent them a letter with Hedwig and hired them right out from under Dumbledore's nose. He thinks they left to go work for a family of witches. That's what that letter I sent with Pig is all about. He wants to know if I showed up on the train at all. He didn't take me sneaking off on him too well, and has tried to force me back more than once this summer. I only told Remus where I was because I had a dream about Voldemort. Something important happened, and I needed to tell somebody. I figured he could be trusted; even if it meant not answering Dumbledore's questions."

"Harry!" Hermione and Ginny, and even surprisingly Ron admonished their friend. Hermione was the one most upset though, and she continued. "That was a really stupid thing to do. You could have been found out and hurt. Why didn't you just move into headquarters with Ron and Ginny? That way you could have been safe, and wouldn't have had to put up with the Dursleys."

Harry got a little angry at that. Didn't they understand? He didn't want to be at headquarters! The place reminded him too much of Sirius. And if that wasn't enough, he would have constantly been subjected to seeing Kreacher, Snape, that vile portrait of Mrs. Black, and a few others he didn't want to have any contact with. And there was no way he would have been allowed to practice magic and train the way he wanted to under Dumbledore's watch. Uh uh, not going to happen.

"Why would I want to go back to that hellhole? To spend the whole summer spraying doxycide and avoiding a whole mess of people I don't want to see? Thank you, but no thanks." At the hurt look on Hermione's face, Harry calmed down some. The others too looked shocked. Harry had to remember that they didn't know about how Dumbledore had treated him like a kid, and had been lying to him for too many years. He tried to explain.

"Look, I'm sorry. It's just that a lot of things have happened to me in the past year; some of which none of you know about. Sure; bad things always happen to me, but this time it's different. I'm tired of being told what to do, and not having a say in my own life. Most of this business with Voldemort directly relates to me, after all. Shouldn't I have a say in it? But no, 'I'm too young. I'm just a kid, and can't even be trusted to stay out of trouble.' Professor Dumbledore and the others all treat me like that, and I've had enough. If I had just been told the truth last year, a lot of things would have turned out differently. Sirius might still be alive. So I ran off this summer, so I could live my own life. And you know what? I've had the best summer ever, and against all odds, I'm still alive. Even without Dumbledore's protection. Do you know that he actually sent Snape, Tonks, and Moody under invisibility cloaks to try and kidnap me, and drag me back to headquarters? They didn't even try to discuss the matter, they just made the decision that I wasn't able to look after myself, and went to capture me."

"What happened?" Sometime during his diatribe, Luna had focused her full attention on the group's discussion.

"One of the things I learned this summer was how to see through invisibility cloaks. I saw them coming a mile away, and escaped before they knew what was happening." The mood was still very tense, so Harry figured he'd lighten it up a bit.

"I even said 'So long, sucker!' to Snape."

"What!?!" Harry's remark definitely broke the somber atmosphere. Ginny and Ron were rolling on the ground with laughter, while Hermione tried to scold Harry about treating a professor with such disrespect. The attempt only lasted a few seconds however, before she gave in to her own giggles and joined in with the others. Even Luna's face showed a genuine smile, which was rare for the ditzy Ravenclaw.

"Bloody brilliant Harry! I wish I was there to see it!" Ron had managed to pick himself up off the floor. "Fred and George would be so proud! Any chance of a repeat performance at the Welcoming Feast?"

'Not likely,' Harry thought, but laughed with the others. They asked a few more questions about the place Harry had moved in to, and he told them a little about the design. He mentioned having a large master suite, an exercise room, library, and guestrooms, but purposely didn't convey how impressive the home really was. They all thought it was a typical muggle apartment, so he didn't bother to mention the floo access or Fidelius Charm. And since they all knew that Harry had plenty of money to pay rent, no one questioned how Harry could afford the place.

The talk was kept lighthearted and jovial the next twenty minutes, until the compartment door opened. The group turned to see who it was, and Harry cursed under his breath. "Damn, every year!"

Standing just inside the door frame, flanked by his two hulking stooges, was none other than Draco Malfoy. The door had only opened a moment ago, and Harry didn't know how they had already moved inside the compartment, but it was obvious Malfoy had overheard the group of friends laughing.

"What's so funny Potter? Taking a look at Weasley's new dress robes? They can't possibly be as awful as last year, can they?"

It was two years ago that Ron had had the ugly maroon dress robes trimmed with lace, but Harry didn't feel the need to correct Malfoy. If that was the best insult Draco could come up with; one which was wrong and inaccurate; than Harry privately thought the insult was on him. Ginny must have thought so too, because she snickered at Malfoy's comment.

"What do you want Malfoy? You're not wanted here, so you might as well go away. I'd hate to see you get cursed again like you did last year. Actually, that's wrong; I'd love to see it! But it's getting at bit hard to breath in here with the stink you just let in, so I'd appreciate it if you left." Ron and Neville had slowly stepped in front of the girls, and both were fingering their robe pockets. Harry wasn't sure, but he thought that Ginny might have even already drawn hers. He didn't want anyone getting cursed the first day of school, so he hoped Ron and the others managed to hold their tempers. It wouldn't do well to get on Snape's bad side so early in the year. If anything happened to his golden boy, he was sure to hear.

Draco sneered at the insult. "I'd be careful if I were you Potter. You and the others got lucky last time. It seems you get lucky a lot. But that luck will run out eventually. And when it does, I hope I'm there with my father to see it happen."

As soon as the veiled threat left Draco's mouth, Ron stepped forward and got held back by Harry and Hermione. His face was as bright as his hair. "I wouldn't brag about that if I were you Malfoy! We'd love to see you in rotting prison with your criminal father."

Crabbe and Goyle laughed in their own Neanderthal way. Draco joined in too, with a cold laugh of his own.

"Haven't you heard Weasley? My father's been cleared of all charges, and got released from Ministry custody weeks ago. I think he's even going to get a settlement for wrongful imprisonment. Besides, I wasn't talking to you. You and the Mudblood should learn your place, and stay out of other's business."

Ron lunged forward for Draco as soon as the dreaded "M" word escaped his lips, but was held back by Hermione and Neville. It wasn't unusual for Ron to be provoked into action by the sneaky Slytherin, so the others had been prepared to stop him. None of them had been prepared for what Harry did though.

Before anyone even noticed, Harry stepped forward and punched Crabbe in the stomach. The huge boy bent forward with a grunt, and got a knee under his chin for his troubles. The uppercut pushed him out of the compartment, where he slumped to the floor.

Even as Crabbe continued to fall backwards, Harry pivoted on his right foot and sent a rough kick into Goyle. He was aiming for the boy's chest, but caught him a little lower than he planned. Even though the kick wasn't at all pretty, and was misaimed as well, it was still powerful enough to push the second minion out the compartment door. The whole room full of people had seen this second attack, and could only watch in amazement. Harry had never been as easy to anger in the past. Even Draco was stunned into silence. His condition was further improved upon when Harry reached out and grabbed Draco's throat with his right hand, and backed him up with his full weight. Harry had him pinned against the wall; Draco's throat in one hand and his wand hand in the other. Draco wasn't going anywhere.

"Not so tough now, are you Malfoy? Without your two idiot friends, you're just as helpless as a first year! You've called Hermione that one too many times, and I swear it had better be your last!"

"Harry, let him go!" Hermione had pushed her way through Ron and Neville, and went to end the fight. Even though she always took the brunt of Malfoy's name calling, it was always her that wanted to put a stop to any fighting that happened because of it.

Harry didn't care though. He had enough to worry about without some schoolyard bully constantly getting in his way. "Sorry Hermione, not yet. Not until he apologizes and promises to leave you alone."

"I don't care what he says Harry! He's just a stupid boy with stupid ideals. But if you don't let him go, you're going to get into trouble. He's a prefect and will no doubt report you for all this. If you hurt him further, you'll get loads of detentions!"

Malfoy had given up struggling in Harry's grasp. The two were about the same height now with Harry's recent "growth spurt," but he was no where near as strong as Harry was. Pureblood wizards shunned physical conditioning, which Harry had plenty of. He did however resume his evil grin, even through the pained look on his face of having a hand wrapped around his neck. If he hadn't thought of reporting Harry by now, Hermione had just solved that problem. It didn't matter though.

"Actually Hermione," Harry explained, "I'm not breaking any school rules right now. Technically, we haven't yet arrived at Hogwarts, so I can do whatever I bloody well please as long as I don't use magic. According to chapter thirteen of the prefect's rulebook, I think paragraph eight or nine, only magical misconduct is subjective to school discipline while aboard the Hogwart's Express. I haven't even touched my wand, so I haven't done anything wrong. So let Draco complain to anyone he wants. All that can happen is that the entire school learns how he and his two lackeys got beat up by little ol' me."

The grin on Draco's face disappeared, and for good reason. Harry was sure that the others didn't know if the rule was correct or not, but he did. Everything he said was the truth. Although it was most definitely a loophole that would probably be soon corrected, Harry had no problem taking advantage of the situation. Hermione didn't know what to say, so said nothing. Ron had no problems breaking the silence though.

"Draco? Harry, since when do you call Malfoy Draco?"

Harry thought it a good question. He hadn't noticed until now, but more and more during the summer he had been using Draco's first name in his thoughts. He wondered why.

"I don't know," he answered. "I guess it's because I have so many other problems to worry about; he doesn't seem like such a threat anymore. He's just a pain in the ass. A little spoiled boy! Why should I call him by a man's name when I have other men to worry about? Voldemort's out planning my death, and the best he can do is thinking up new dirty tricks to use during our Quidditch game."

Even in Harry's death grip, Draco flinched at the mention of Voldemort's name. Ron and the others had heard it enough from Harry to not bat an eye. They might not be comfortable saying it themselves, but hearing the forbidden word had become second nature months ago.

"See," Harry noted, "he can't even hear Voldemort's name without cringing. And this is what I've been worried about for the past five years? Without his goons and his father's money, there's nothing here to be threatened by. So it ends now. Draco, leave me and my friends alone. I don't ever want to hear you call them names again. If you do, there are worse things I can do to you than humiliate you like this. Got it?"

Draco had no choice but nod his head. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was more bark than bite. And with his neck in a vice made of Potter's hand, he just wanted to be freed.

Harry pushed Malfoy back into the corridor, where both Crabbe and Goyle were back on their feet, with lost looks on their faces. They had seen the whole incident from the corridor floor, but without Draco's instruction, didn't know what to do.

Malfoy crashed into his two thugs, and his hands immediately went up to rub his neck. Harry stepped forward to show that he still had no fear for the three of them, and went to close the compartment door. But then he remembered what had caused all this in the first place. Hermione.

"Draco, aren't you forgetting something?" Malfoy didn't look amused, but also didn't know what Harry was talking about. Harry nodded his head towards Hermione to remind him.

It took a moment, but Malfoy did mutter out a "Sorry, Granger" loud enough to be heard. Harry congratulated him.

"That wasn't so hard now, was it? And all you have to do now is leave us alone. You don't have to like me Malfoy. In fact, feel free to hate me. I know I hate you. But you stay away, and so will I. See you on the pitch."

Harry didn't even wait for a reply as he closed the compartment door. Over the years he had learned a thing or two about pushing Draco's buttons. Malfoy wasn't the only one who could be insulting. Harry knew that the premature dismissal of Malfoy would be a far greater offense than almost anything else he could think of. And he was right. Just after he closed the door completely, he heard a barely audible voice. It was Draco.

"This isn't over Potter. Not by a long shot."

Turning back around to face his friends, Harry was greeted with a row of open mouths. They had seen a lot just happen, and were amazed at the changes in Harry. It wasn't that he had had the opinions and thoughts that he just expressed to Malfoy. All his close friends knew that he had those feelings. But the fact that he voiced them out loud, and stood up to Malfoy with such force, was a huge shock. Harry had never been so confrontational before. Not to mention, the extreme ass kicking he had just handed out.

"Oh," Harry said uncomfortably with a lopsided grin, "did I forget to mention that I learned how to fight this summer as well?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The rest of the train ride passed quickly enough, with the six friends playing exploding snap and wizard chess. After the extreme beating he suffered at the hands of Ron during both games, Harry mentioned to Hermione how looking forward he was to trying out his new chess set. Ron didn't know what they were talking about, but assured them both that he was unbeatable at chess. Harry and Hermione shared a conspiratory look and laughed.

Finally, an hour after the sun completely set, the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, and came to a stop. Once getting off the train, Harry and the others were greeted with a booming voice they had sorely missed the year before.

"First years, Follow me! First years, this way!"

"Hagrid!" Harry thought he was a little too old to run up to his first friend and great him like he usually did, but managed an enthusiastic wave other the heads of the many students. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione joined him in greeting the half-giant, and gave waves of their own.

"Alright there, Harry?" Hagrid's welcomes never varied much, but that's what Harry liked best about returning to Hogwarts; a welcoming sense of familiarity. The two caught up quickly, and Harry and his friends made plans to visit Hagrid for tea the Saturday after the first week of classes.

They all couldn't fit into a single carriage, but that was alright. Ginny dragged Luna off to one with her "boyfriend" Dean Thomas. She said she wanted to catch up. Ron wasn't happy about that at all, and actually started walking towards their carriage to join them, before he ran headlong into a massive dark creature. In the poor night light he hadn't seen them yet, but Ron soon recognized the massive form of what could only be a thestral attached to the reins of a carriage.

"Oh my! They're magnificent!" Hermione had a look of rapture on her face. "You always described how they looked Harry, but I never imagined they were so regal looking. I can see why people might get scared by them; they do appear to be a bit dark. But they're much more majestic than evil."

"You can see them then?" Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer to his question.

"Of course I can see them! I don't know how I never could before!"

Harry turned to his other friend. "How about you Ron?"

Ron nodded as well. He could see them too. A look across the open ground showed that Ginny could see them as well. Both she and Luna were petting the two thestrals attached to their carriage.

"Something wrong Harry? You sound like something's the matter." Hermione turned her attention away from the thestrals to study Harry more closely. He had a pensive look on his face.

"Nothing wrong really," Harry began. "It's just that I didn't want you to be able to see the thestrals is all."

At Hermione's questioning look, he continued. "If you can see the thestrals, that means that Sirius really died. I mean, I know he did and all, but. You know. I think I didn't want to really believe it. Nobody really knows how that veil works anyways, right? I was hoping that you wouldn't be able to see the thestrals. If that were true, then you couldn't possibly have seen someone die, and that would mean that Sirius might still have a chance. To come back from wherever he was sent. But now I know. He's really gone for good."

Harry silently watched his friends pet the dark horses while the other students disembarked off the train, when he was struck with a question.

"Hermione? How is it even possible for you to see them? You and Ron weren't in the veil room when Sirius went through. Neither was Ginny for that matter."

Hermione and Ron looked at each other nervously, and their looks almost turned to guilt. It was Ron who finally gathered enough of his Gryffindor courage to answer his friend.

"Remus showed us what happened, the three of us, later that night while we were in the hospital wing. Since we didn't know what happened, we wanted to hear about it, and Remus was the only one who would talk. He was pretty out of it actually. I don't think he even knew what he was saying. When he told us the prophecy was destroyed without ever being heard, Hermione had the idea that Remus's subconscious might have seen it happen. So he...."

"So he used a pensieve to show you what happened in the veil room," Harry finished for him. It was the only logical explanation. And Remus would have been devastated enough by Sirius's recent death to not put up an argument.

"Yeah," Hermione admitted," he did. He snuck in at night with Dumbledore's pensieve and let us see. We were only supposed to stay long enough to try and hear the prophecy, but once all the fighting started, we just couldn't leave. We saw it all; up until the end. Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry."

She had said it all before of course, but Hermione's most recent apology struck a chord in Harry's heart. He fought back tears to ask one final question. "So, did you hear the prophecy?"

Ron shook his head. "No. Remus never noticed it being destroyed, and he was the closet to it at the time, except for you and Neville. We saw a shadow come out from the ball, but there was nothing to hear. He must have not been paying enough attention."

Harry thought it was probably for the best, as he didn't yet feel like sharing that particular burden. He didn't say anything else, and climbed into the carriage before the others could comfort him. They didn't know how to, so it was for the best. Ron, Hermione, and Neville joined him after a few moments, and the trip to Hogwart's castle was made in silence.

Once past the large front doors, Harry's mood improved, and he actually raced Ron to the long Gryffindor table to get the best seat possible. He hadn't gotten a chance to eat as much as the others during the long train ride to school, and Harry was awfully hungry. The others had asked too many questions that required his mouth to be empty, so Harry had only managed a few Bertie Bott Beans.

Soon the Great Hall was full, and the new students were shown into the large room by Professor McGonagall in her traditional green robes. On her way down the middle aisle, past the four long house tables, she gave Harry a serious look. He didn't mind. Most of the professors at the head table had been staring at him since he had entered, except for Remus. While not technically a professor, he had resumed his old position at the staff table.

"Look, Remus is back! Do you think he's the defense professor again?" Hermione was excited at the prospect of having a qualified teacher again. Remus Lupin had been the best DADA professor in years. Everyone said so, even most of the Slytherins.

Harry hated to let her down. "No, he's an advisor for the newly reformed D.A. this year. He can't take on the full responsibilities of a professor with his condition, but Dumbledore thought it would be a good idea to have him around the castle. I'm sure he'll help us if we need any though. He loves to teach."

"Who's the new professor then?" Ron asked his friends. There weren't any other new faces at the faculty table. After a short moment, his face turned white. "You don't think Snape finally got it, do you? Not being able to take Potions was the one good thing about me doing so poorly on my OWL's. I don't think I could handle him in DADA."

"Shushhh! We'll just have to find out like everybody else, won't we." Ginny was sitting across from the other three with Dean on her side, and quieted down her brother. "The sorting's about to begin."

Indeed it was, and Harry notice that someone had already dragged out the ragged Sorting Hat on its three legged stool. Harry settled in his seat as the room quieted, to listen to this year's song.

One thousand years ago or so,

When I was newly made.

My purpose was to sort the kids;

To show them on their way.

-

"You'll place the students in our houses,"

Is what the founders said.

"To ensure that they find their place

When we are gone and dead."

-

Clever Rowena, as fair as she was,

Prized great intellect and smarts.

So those who seek to learn the truth

Will find Ravenclaw close to your hearts.

-

Godric was proud, if a bit too rash,

Who showed great bravery and strength.

Those who believe in justice and good

Will measure Gryffindor robes for length.

-

Helga was a woman who knew that she'd

Never favor one student over another.

So those who show loyalty to a fault

Will find Hufflepuff like their own mother.

-

Salazar was the final of the four;

Immense ambition his greatest gift.

Those willing to do almost anything for advancement,

The Slytherin banner is one that you'll lift.

-

For many years I've said the same,

Just mixed and mingled my song.

But last year when I made a change,

I was ignored; hoped that I'd be wrong.

-

Great danger sweeps this land of ours.

The menace matters not which house you belong.

So I plead to you this one final time,

Join together, and hear next year's proper song.

-

But if you don't, which I fear the most;

And all four houses don't embrace.

I'll change my ways of sorting your young,

And find a new way to make my case.

Whispers and murmurs rang out in the crowd at the sorting hat's last verse. The song had been different than usual the previous year, but nothing like what was just said. Never before had the hat shown such fret for the wizarding world, and more than just the students became worried. Stone face McGonagall herself looked to the headmaster for support, but he simply nodded and made a gesture for the sorting to continue. After quieting the students down, she did. Harry privately wondered what the Sorting Hat had planned, and if he would get the chance to see it. He hoped not.

The sorting of students didn't take long, and no one stood out in Harry's mind. He did recognize a few surnames as those of his classmates, but that was all. He also paid special attention to the Slytherin students he'd see tomorrow morning, and pointed them out to Hermione. None seemed utterly unredeemable, so Harry took some small comfort in that.

When the new students were seated, and welcomed by their houses, Dumbledore rose to give his annual announcements.

"We all have much things to discuss this new start of term, but I have found in the past that ears open wider when stomachs are full. So without further adieu, Fidget Fudget Fedget. Tuck in!"

As strange as he ever was, Dumbledore still got a round of applause as golden dishes filled with all sorts of goodies appeared on the four long tables, and were instantly attacked by the ravenous students. Harry surprised even himself by devouring three full plates of food. The roast chicken and broiled bangers left his mouth mighty thirsty, but Harry suffered through the lack of drink. He remembered Burke's warning about the drinks of the Welcoming Feast being spiked with a potion, and didn't want to chance being retagged by Dumbledore. But he didn't want to give away the fact that he knew about the potion either, so he made grand gestures of having a variety of drinks. Every beverage on the table, including pumpkin juice, water, tea, and something he didn't recognize, had a turn in Harry's goblet. He lifted it to his lips like he always did, but never parted them to allow the liquids to enter. Instead, he secretly used his wand from under the table to vanquish the liquids from his glass. He'd had plenty of practice with the spell by vanquishing Wormtail's waste bucket, so it wasn't that difficult to fool everyone. Harry noticed with satisfaction that Dumbledore paid particular interest in Harry until he had a long "swallow" from his goblet. Once that was over with, the older wizard went back to his own meal.

After an even more decadent dessert spread, the tables were finally cleared and the students' stomachs were full. Dumbledore stood again to continue his opening speech.

"It pleases me to see all your familiar faces again, after my short sabbatical last year. I understand many rules have been changed in my absence, but please note that all "Educational Decrees" have since been revoked, and that the Inquisition Squad had been dismantled. While these actions I felt were not in the best interest of the school, in these troubled times, I do however feel additional security precautions must be made. So please note that the prefect patrolling schedule has been reinstated, and random auror guard posts have been placed on the outskirts of the school grounds.

"These measures have been taken in light of the state of affair we find ourselves in. As I am sure you are all aware from your parents; as I've been saying for over a year now; the Ministry had finally admitted that the dark lord Voldemort has indeed returned." Most of the students cringed at the name; not only the first years either. Dumbledore continued.

"As we've been warned in the past, and again just a moment ago by our own Sorting Hat, now is the time that we must come together as a society to ensure that his rein of terror isn't reestablished. In the past I have lectured on making the hard decision between choosing what is right, compared to what is easy. Now is the time to make those decisions for yourselves; waiting is no longer an option. Some of our very own have already suffered," Dumbledore paused to look at the mournful Hufflepuff table, "and I fear that unless we stand together to face our enemies, more will follow."

Harry reflected on the somber tone Dumbledore had used when speaking to the students. There was no doubt that none of them would get a good night sleep without reflecting on what he had said. 'But perhaps that's for the best,' Harry thought. 'It even only a few of the students change their minds about their stance in the upcoming war, while only sacrificing a few sleepless nights, then it is worth it, isn't it?' Harry didn't know, and turned his attention back to Dumbledore.

"Now on to more pleasant matters and the usual start-of-term notices. With the unfortunate departure of High Inquisitor Umbridge, a faculty position has opened up for a new professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Someone new for a change." The older students who got the joke laughed at Dumbledore's obvious attempt at humor.

"I thought long and hard about who to appoint to the esteemed position, and after careful consideration, I am pleased to welcome back to our staff Professor Ruthesis Rofordit. Unfortunately she is unable to join us in time tonight, but rest assured that she will be present for classes beginning Monday morning."

Harry leaned over to Hermione. "Any idea who that is?"

She shook her head. "I think I've heard the name before, but I'm not sure. Maybe she's an author of some advanced books." Harry didn't recognize the name from his collection, so he didn't think so.

"I know it too," Ron added. "It's on the tip of my tongue, but I can't remember where from."

The rest of their conversation would have to wait, as Dumbledore continued with his speech.

"Professor Firenze will take on multiple responsibilities this year, as I'm pleased to announce that Professor Trelawney will be returning to our staff as well. Firenze will teach the stargazing portions of Divination, will teach the first through third year Astronomy classes, and will be assisting Hagrid as groundskeeper when needed. Please show Professor Firenze the respect he deserves when you see him, no matter in which capacity.

"I'm sure the older students remember Professor Lupin, who will also be joining us again in an advisory role to the defense club started last year by a number of students. Harry Potter, who was voted the club president, will be in charge of organizing meeting times and admitting new members. Is there anything you have to add Mr. Potter?"

Harry wasn't expecting to be called upon during the Welcoming Feast, so hadn't been prepared to say much. He felt that he had to say something though, and stood to address his classmates. The two faces that stuck out the most were Draco Malfoy's sneer and Cho Chang's smile.

"Um, I really don't have much to say right now. I wasn't expecting to start so soon. But this year the D.A. will continue in two groups. Last year's members will be in the advanced group, and any new members admitted will be in the novice one. Depending on skill and level of development, I might send old members to join the novice group, or promote new members into the advanced one. I'll post flyers this week about meeting times for anyone who's interested. That's about it, I guess."

It was obvious to Harry that his continuation as head of the D.A. came as a shock to most of the staff. Most had probably assumed that Lupin was the DADA professor again. McGonagall knew of course from his letter, but Snape showed nothing but utter loathing on his face at mention of the news. So far he had mostly avoided meeting Harry's eyes, but in just those few seconds after Dumbledore's announcement, he more than made up for ignoring Harry the whole time during supper.

"Very good Harry," Dumbledore smiled at Harry as he sat back down. "Please note that other school rules remain unchanged. First year students please remember that the Forbidden Forrest is strictly that; off limits. And I believe the school caretaker Mr. Filch has increased the list of prohibited items to include a selection of newly invented fireworks that caused some problems last year. He would also like me to remind you that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes. The full list of prohibited items can be seen at any time in the caretaker's office.

"Quidditch tryouts shall commence in three weeks, and I hope that all houses do their best this year to fill in the voids left by graduated students. This year marks the most student athletes, numbering twelve, leaving at once in over one hundred and fifty years. I expect all students out on the pitch to support their houses during tryouts."

Harry wasn't aware that so many other players had graduated from the other houses, and turned to Ron to discuss it with him. And they kept on discussing it right through the school song. Because everybody sang it in a different tune, Ron and Harry didn't even have to whisper, Ron just sang his comments to an old military march, and Harry used a muggle nursery rhyme he'd learned while in primary school.

They were both glad that they weren't the only ones left in a bad situation, having many players leaving the same year. With Fred and George gone, and all three chasers as well, the Gryffindor team had at least five positions to fill. True the team had found two temporary beaters, and Ginny had filled in nicely as seeker and would make a hell of a chaser, but the formal tryout process would be tough.

Lost in his discussion, Harry missed the end of Dumbledore's speech, and must have missed him leaving the room as well; he was nowhere to be seen. Hermione and Ginny were busy ushering the new Gryffindors out of the Great Hall, so Harry didn't feel bad that he had forgotten about his prefect duties. He'd have plenty time tomorrow while guiding the new Slytherins to remember.

He and Ron followed behind the group of firsties, making their way to the Grand Staircase, when Harry was held behind by a strong hand on his shoulder. He figured it was one of his dorm mates with a joke for him, but was sorely mistaken.

"Mr. Potter," his Head of House, Professor McGonagall said, "please follow me. Professor Dumbledore would like a word in his office before you retire for the evening."

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AUTHOR NOTES:

Sorry I left the chapter there; I didn't mean to give you such a big cliffhanger. But it was the logical place to break, and the chapter is long enough already. 20 pages is my max! I hope everyone was satisfied with the reactions Harry got from his friends. I tried my best. In truth I could have gone on forever as I tend to do, but kept it as short as possible. So now we know that Harry told everyone the truth about running off to practice magic, but has kept most about what he's accomplished a secret still. You'll have to keep reading to find out how much he eventually gives away, and to whom. And I hope everyone liked my Draco-bashing scene. I didn't want to use any magic because some are saying that Harry's already becoming too powerful, so I though I'd show off some of the physical stuff he learned. Remember, he's been wrestling and sparing with his two others selves a part of every day, for over 6 months. That's a hell of a training regimen, and I think it justifies getting in a few lucky punches. Besides, Draco needs a good ass-kicking. Actually, he needs a few. The sorting song I wrote at one go in about 15 minutes, and I'm fairly pleased with how easily it came out. At first I was going to not write one, but knew that no HP fic would be complete without one. However, I admit to being no poet. So if anyone out there can do a better job, in either editing what I have or rewriting a whole new song that conveys the same idea, please send them my way. If I find one I like, I'll post it and give many kudos to the author. That's it for now. Next chapter, Harry vs. Dumbledore in a steel cage match! Just kidding, but they will have words, plus the first week of classes. Later. Oh, and anyone who wrote telling me what year Katie Bell was in school, please read my note to Josh Potter below. I will explain there.

Nphipps – I guess Harry could have stashed Hedwig in the trunk, but that doesn't seem nice. I have no idea how the physics of the trunk's inner space works while it's shrunken, and I have no intention of finding out. I confused my readers too much already with the time traveling stuff. If you want to speculate though, feel free. Thanks for reading.

HermioneGreen – I haven't heard from you since I gave permission for you to post your version of Harry's Hideaway of your website. I still think you should. I'm also interested in seeing if you'll take the challenge of trying to improve my sorting song. I think of all my reviewers, you're the one who might. Let me know.

Josh Potter – I know that it's theoretically possible for both Harry and Ginny to be very involved, and lose their virginity among worse things. But I think they're both too innocent for any of that, regardless of the lives they've led. And I doubt very much that JKR will have the two whoring around either. So I'm going to keep their relationship lighthearted, in what I think is in her style. As for Katie Bell, I've been getting dozens of conflicting stories about whether she's in 6th or 7th year in HP Book 5. People have sited page numbers and really gone all out, and I still haven't come to a decisive conclusion. So I've decided to have her graduated in my fic, as that's what I had originally planned on.

TuxedoMac – Got Grease songs in your head, do you? Well, I can solve that problem. Hey Macarena! There, problem solved. You can thank me later.

Kate – Glad to hear you like my stuff. Your preferences are mine as well, that's how I came up with my story. I just included everything I liked that I've read before, and left out all the things I didn't. Thanks for the review.

Snuggle the Muggle – Thanks for your review, it really means a lot. I've said it before, but complements coming from authors you respect means a lot more than just some other random person. I happen to love your 2 main stories, so I really value your positive review. Here's hoping we both keep up the good work!

Earl – Harry has mastered Occulemcy, but yes, he does still suffer from visions. The point wasn't ever to block off Harry's visions. After all, they're a huge advantage he and Dumbledore have over Voldy. The point of the Occulmency training was to keep Harry from being unknowingly influenced. At least, that's the point in my story. That way, if Voldy sends him more false visions, this time Harry will know that they're not real. He may even be able to show Voldemort false memories when he's attacked in his dreams, depending on how I advance his study of Occulmency/Legilimency. I haven't decided yet the extent of the two skills. Thanks for the sharp attention to detail though. Keep me in line.

Jac – Thanks for the great review. I like the ideas I've come up with too. And I've got plenty more on the way. The HP Lexicon I keep talking about can be found by clicking on the link at . You have to look around for it a little, but it's there. It's a complete list of HP facts, including a complete list of characters, list of spells, maps to wizarding locations, a beastiary, etc. I've found it invaluable while writing my story, as I don't have to flip through my 5 huge volumes to find the littlest facts.

Frog1 – I don't think I'm going to spend as much time on the phoenixes' interaction as you would like, but there will be some. Just to let you know, I don't hold Fawkes accountable for his master's actions. And I don't think Hedwig will either. Actually, your scenario could be a cute little ficlet on its own. If you write any stories yourself, feel free to use my interpretation of Hedwig in your own story. Expect for Hedwig to make her first appearance 2 chapters from now.

Narishma – Damn it, I knew that someone would catch that mistake. Yes, I have Harry taking jewels from his family vault, even though I established in Ch. 4 that he couldn't. It was a mistake on my part, one that I didn't catch until I posted the chapter. I haven't decided yet to correct it in Ch. 4 or 11, but I will eventually. Good eye for detail though. And thanks for the great review, I'm glad you managed more than to just say "Good Job."

Matthew Conolly – No, Dumble wasn't trying to lace Lupin's tea with a truth serum (Although I wouldn't put it past him). As for your predictions, some are way off, and others are spot on. I won't say which though, because I don't want to ruin the story. None of them happen soon, so I don't want to let on. But when I do, I'll go back and mention you.

Drajjen – I appreciate your review, even though you seem deathly opposed to Harry/Ginny. I can only promise that the relationship will evolve very slowly, and that I hope you stick around to read it. As for you interpretation of fanfic, I disagree, but that's OK. I think that if authors write totally against a character's already established personality, then they might as well be writing a brand new story. Why use established character names at all? Come on! A story about Harry becoming a dark lord, raping Hermione and Ginny, killing Dumbledore and his teachers, befriending Draco and Voldemort, and falling in love with Snape doesn't have even a remote possibility of happening. So I say, that's not proper fanfiction. But you can make Harry a little dark, or introduce a little slash, just as long as it's subtle and works within the character. For instance, in BarbLP's stories "Triangle Prophecy" and "Lost Generation" she makes the character Remus Lupin gay. Although I hate slash stories, and I tend not to read them, I find that in her case she did it with a lot of respect and class. She justified her beliefs, and made me honestly believe that it's a possibility in true HP cannon. That's great fanfiction. Thanks for the great review though, even if we don't share the same opinions.

I don't respond to everyone's reviews personally, just those that have comments or questions. Especially now that I'm receiving almost 100 reviews per chapter, I just can't fit them all in. So if you've written to say you liked my story and are waiting for more, than thank you.

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Updated 8/8/04

I know originally my grammar and spelling could have been better, so I've gone through (I had to for the Schnoogle version anyway) and corrected al that I could find. This is the final version, folks! If you would like to reread the entire fic, there's also other stuff I changed to, besides the spelling. Nothing that will confuse a reader if they don't, but just enough to clean up some edges, and fix some mistakes in the mythology I made. Later all!

Ross