Harry Potter: Otherworld
More Questions than Answers
***No own no sue. ***
*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135
I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.
***HP:O ***
It had only taken moments after their assailants retreat for Remi Lupin to kick open a door, frantically looking around until she spotted them. Harry could already see the blood on her clothes, the scratches and injuries on her face and arms, the ragged appearance, and was preparing to offer some sort of assistance, whether to contact mediwitches or figure out a way to get them back to Hogwarts, when the Lycan rushed up to the two, grabbed both of their arms and promptly Apparated to just outside the wards.
By the time the trio was nearing the hospital ward, both to inspect the students despite their insistences, as well as receive treatment for the injured woman, the staff was on high alert and on their way towards Hogsmeade. When the other adults found them, the rescue operation lightened significantly, several professors along with Dumbledore still proceeding to see if aid needed to be given but Riddle opted to stay at the castle.
The Slytherin Head of House sent out the rushed status update to the two families only after Pomfrey cleared both students medically.
***HP:O ***
"What the Hell were you thinking?"
Delphini winced at her mother's tone. Although she had never been one for violent punishments there would still be some form of discipline, of that she was certain.
"Not only did you waste your time with a worthless contest but then you chose to place yourself in danger all for some useless boy!"
The younger swallowed, mouth already dry. Rarely had her mother ever shouted, but she was remarkably close at that moment. "I can explain…"
"And" Bellatrix continued, either not hearing her daughter or just ignoring her, "you decided to put yourself in harm's way for a ridiculous proposal by the Minister. When this plan failed miserably you decided not to activate your emergency Portkey and what… stay behind and act like a heroic Gryffindor? All for a stupid wizard!?"
It had been one of the things plaguing her thoughts ever since their return to Hogwarts, why had she not departed when able? So many reasons conjured, so many dismissed. Finally, she had fabricated enough of one to appease anyone who would ask. "Not for him mother, for our name."
Finally, her words reached the older woman, who paused before gesturing to continue.
"I will admit the tournament wasn't exactly a worthwhile use of my energy, but it did attract a larger number of students than normal and gave me an insight into various duelist skills when something other than pride was on the line. I went along with the Minister's suggestion to gain favor, and more importantly recognition, from current events."
"And the boy?"
"Whether I agree or not he is famous. It would further bolster my own name by having him attend with me on such a social event."
Bellatrix crossed her arms, clearly unhappy at the reasons but finding no fault thus far. "And why did you not escape when you were able? His life is not equal to yours, regardless of how others think of him."
"If I had left it would have done me no good. Taking a younger boy on an outing only to abandon him at the first signs of danger? I might as well have killed any political future I might possess with my bare hands. If I were injured though it would have been marks of pride. Scars showing how I had protected a weaker student at the cost of my own health, marks of combat and experience, and even a medal from the Ministry itself."
Older eyes narrowed in examination, as if to find such a wound, despite one not existing. "And yet none of these things have come true, have they? Accounts are messy at best, and no one can confirm anything, which means this entire situation is at a net loss in terms of time and relevance."
"Not a loss mother. The Minister, at the very least, will now be indebted to us for her abysmal planning and without any further information, aside from the attacking taking place, the rumors have already begun to spread about how we triumphantly fought back a pack of Lycans without aid."
It was a stretch, but the effect seemed to work, and her mother nodded slowly. "Continue fanning these rumors and I will see what all we can gain from the government." Delphini nodded and turned to leave, knowing a dismissal when she heard one, only to halt as the woman spoke once more. "And Delphini, if you ever do something like this again you will regret your choices for many years. I promise you that."
***HP:O ***
"Explain."
Harry gave an obvious sigh, not that he was expecting much of a different greeting, but it was becoming tiring every time he had to go through the 'I'm not going to sit around and let people die' talk. "We were in the restaurant, something happened outside and drew away the Aurors, we were attacked, Remi fought to buy us time to escape…"
"And you decided to stay!?"
The boy crossed his arms and remained silent, staring back at his parents until they caught the meaning of 'I will not go further if you don't stop interrupting'. Seeing as they finally understood he went on, "No, Delphini and I tried the Floo in the back, but it wouldn't work. I asked if she had a Portkey and she didn't, we didn't have any other options. So, I barricaded the door back into the restaurant and figured we might be able to hold on until more Aurors arrived, but they managed to get in. We fought back and eventually I blew a hole in the wall so we wouldn't be trapped. Eventually they ran away. Neither of us were hurt although Remi was. I haven't heard anything about Tonks and the other Aurors, are they okay?"
Lily dragged a hand down her face, body almost shaking from the stress while her husband nodded, "They are just fine. From what she let slip they believe it was a distraction."
"Makes sense, probably thought it would be a quick attack and escape before help arrived. They knew we were going to be there though, otherwise the Floo would have worked."
His mother pinned him into the seat with a stare, "Would you have taken it and escaped?"
He bit his lip and looked away."
"Harry…"
"I would have ensured Delphini had gotten out and summoned help, but I wouldn't have left Remi to fend for herself if that's what you're asking."
The woman looked ready to argue when her husband beat her to it. "Harry, you can't… everything can't be your fight." There was exhaustion in his voice mixed with hurt and concern, enough that it silenced any rebuttals and brought tears to the border of the teen's eyes.
"You won't survive it Harry…" his mom whispered, "we won't survive it, the girls won't, you friends won't. We don't know how else to tell you this, how to reach you."
Now there's distress leaking through, pouring through, a dam breached, and he can see the frantic need in both of their eyes. They want to protect him, need to protect him. It is the same need James and Lily undoubtedly had when they stood between a Dark Lord and his crib.
Now his vision is blurry with tears from some unknown stress, and he removed his glasses just to wipe them away. "I'm sorry…" he whispers, his own voice heavy with emotion, "I just… I watched someone die. They died because of me, and I can't go through that again. I can't have more blood on my hands when I could have done something to save them."
The worry and pain are even more evident on their faces and a bite of shame creeps through him. He shouldn't be bothering them with this, shouldn't add more fuel to the fire of worries.
"Just…" James Potter trails off before falling silent, frustration clear at being unable to think of the correct words or even what he wants to say in that moment. Instead, he swears softly and angrily messes his hair before refocusing. "Shit, I don't know. I don't want to say, 'be careful' as if this is okay, but I know saying 'stop putting your life at risk' isn't working."
Lily spoke next, "It feels like something we should be able to compromise on, but it isn't. What if one of your sisters was doing this Harry? Wouldn't you tell them to stop? Wouldn't you be horrified?"
He nodded instinctively, "Of course I would, one hundred percent, and I would do everything I could to keep them safe and protect them but… I'd like to think I would understand deep down why they would need to do this."
Nothing is stopping the tears of his parents, or his own for that matter, and they flow freely, "I can't… we can't bury you, Harry. Please don't put us through that."
The boy shook his head, "I don't want to, please believe me that I don't but if I hadn't been there, if it had just been Delphini and another boy… they have parents too, families that love them. You can't ask me to let other children die just to save myself, just like someone else couldn't ask you to do the same."
Neither adult could respond and instead stood to sit on either side and pull him into a hug.
***HP:O ***
Riddle's hands were trembling, voice rough and full of barely contained anger as she stalked towards the wounded witch. "What part of 'keep Harry safe' didn't you understand?"
"Grace…" Dumbledore spoke from nearby, her own tone containing enough of a warning that everyone in the room heard it.
"No, she had one bloody job Augustina, to make sure those two children who went on the Minister's utterly ludicrous outing were escorted and returned to Hogwarts safe and sound."
There was an argument to be had, that both were unharmed, however Lupin merely averted her gaze while heavily bandaged and wrapped. Deep down she knew it wasn't necessarily her fault but placed the blame upon herself anyway.
The Headmistress, on the other hand, was under no such delusions, "If I recall correctly neither Harry nor Delphini were harmed, likely in part due to Remi's selfless actions." Riddle rounded upon her, eyes blazing and mouth already preparing for a rebuttal. Dumbledore was in no such mood though, "And unless you can think of a way in which the situation should have clearly been handled differently, then we should be commending her actions not berating them."
It was clear Grace wanted to continue arguing, wanted to let out her frustrations and anger on the most convenient target, but a hard glare silenced anything further and she stormed out of the room moments later.
***HP:O ***
"How are you feeling?"
Remi looked up in surprise at the boy standing at the door to her room, glancing about for a moment before focusing in on her. This wasn't something she encountered, something she ever expected. Most witches and wizards gave her wide berth and would never choose to be alone with her, especially one as young as Harry.
He was different though, special, and memories of what happened, what had almost happened weighed heavily on her.
"I'm doing better. I should be recovered by the end of the week at latest."
Harry nodded, concern and hesitation clear on his face, not that she blamed him. He clearly wanted to be kind but didn't want to…
"Can I come in?"
For a moment her brain completely shut down because even after spending time with her, eating meals with her, talking about her day and her life there was always a part of her that was waiting for the limit to this, a point where he would stop and say, 'that's too far'.
Being alone in her room with her was what she figured it would be. She was wrong.
"Uh uhm, sure if you want."
He grinned before stepping in like it was no big deal before moving a chair closer to where she was resting on the bed and taking a seat. "I'm glad you weren't hurt… too badly that is. I shouldn't have left you at the restaurant, I should have…"
"No Harry," she interrupted, a fierceness in her voice easily silencing his arguments, "I was there to protect you… both of you. Your job was to get to safety, I should have had more backup plans, should have known it could be an ambush."
The boy shook his head with a snort, "None of us could have known, even if we all should have. You did all you could and more."
"You still could have been hurt."
"But we weren't. Instead, you were."
"It's my job to get hurt instead."
"No, it…"
But she growled in response, "Yes Harry, it is! I would accept such pain every day for the rest of my life just to keep you safe. You're important, you are going to do great things, wonderful things, and I'm just…"
"A living, breathing, person. You are a good person Remi. Even with the curse, even with so many people treating you differently you are still trying your best, still doing everything you can to help others You deserve happiness too."
***HP:O ***
Hogsmeade Besieged!
With confidence returning and prayers for the nightmares to be over seemingly answered two children went on out for a romantic dinner in the town. They talked, laughed, ate, and even held hands with not a care in the world and under the watchful supervision of the Aurors.
Until it all fell apart.
It was at one of their final destinations, The Roasted Dragon, where the pair were attacked by a pack of Lycans, much as they had been mere months prior on the Hogwarts Express.
This time, however, there was no backup. No last-minute rescue by the staff at Hogwarts, no triumphant counterattack until long after the danger had seemingly been abated.
Why did the hoard of monsters depart? Had they accomplished their fiendish task? Have one, or both, of these two innocent children been infected with their vile disease?
Fear not readers, for I alone have the inside scoop.
Both students are unharmed and without injury, and while their outing was interrupted, I have several sources that hint at a future relationship between these two.
The Black family is not known for marrying, but perhaps a contract is in the future which may finally change these traditions. Without a formal interview we may not know, at least until I get to the bottom of the brewing romance.
Now the question remains, what is the Ministry doing about this recent catastrophe? Thus far the officer of Corenlia Fudge has remained silent, and we are without an official statement from either her, Harry Potter, or Delphini Black.
-Rita Skeeter
Only a few hours after the Prophet had made its rounds an owl flew in to drop off an envelope onto his lap. In it was a letter from his parents, one explicitly telling him not to make any comments to the press or Aurors if they approached him, especially not without Riddle, Dumbledore, or one of them present.
Not that Harry had any desire to make any public statements anyway, he had dealt with such press before, and he could do it again. Despite his best attempts, however, Harry found he couldn't ignore the stares seemingly from every student he walked past, the whispers as he walked by. It wasn't as bad as his fourth year, and he was thankful for such small mercies, but the creeping sensations of being watched never seemed to fade. Even more frustrating was his lack of success in finding the insect.
He didn't notice stray bugs flying around or students suspiciously talking to themselves when he was nearby. No one seemed to pay him any more attention than usual.
Still, she had to be there somewhere, and the sooner he could locate, and squash her, the better.
***HP:O ***
"Harry, could we talk, please?" He stared, because throughout the few years he had known her Marie Rosier, basically his cousin, had never seemed so upset or desperate. Barely managing a nod, he followed her as she practically pulled him into a nearby alcove, one away from others. "I'm, so sorry."
Again, he blinked in confusion, "For what?"
"This entire year! It's all my fault, I shouldn't have come to Hogwarts, I should have just stayed home and…"
She was talking nonsense, and he shook his head before taking the risk and grabbing her shoulders. "Marie, calm down. What are you talking about?"
"It's me Harry, the Lycans are after me!"
That made even less sense in his mind. What had she done, kicked mud in their faces before running away and taunting them? "Why do you think that?"
She began to pace, and he could only watch in shock as she seemed to unravel, the frosty demeanor he always associated with her unravelling into something so much more human, so much more her age. It was then he truly saw through the illusion. Her robes weren't pressed and meticulous, her eyes were red, hair messy.
She was tearing herself apart for some reason.
"My parents, my mother really, she is involved in a corruption case. She's been leading the investigation into someone. I know she received threats, we all did, and they were talking about keeping me home at least for the first half of the year but I didn't want to miss classes and…"
She turned towards him, her movements halted, and he could see tears in her eyes. "It's all my fault, my fault you were hurt, my fault you keep getting attacked!"
"Marie," he interrupted softly, "none of this is your fault and we don't even know if they are targeting you. It was the Hogwarts Express that was attacked, not you. It was the two students who were stupid enough to leave Hogwarts who chose to make themselves vulnerable. It was the Minister for forcing this stunt, not you. No one blames you for what's happened, and I certainly don't for the choices I've made, okay?"
She didn't seem convinced, but nodded anyway and, shockingly, accepted a hug offered by her cousin.
***HP:O ***
"Tea?"
The woman who had sat down moments prior let out a huff, "I would prefer something stronger."
Dumbledore merely smiled before pouring a cup of the steaming liquid for her guest before giving herself one as well and taking a seat. "So, how are things beyond Hogwarts?"
Amelia raised an eyebrow, "You haven't heard?"
"Nothing beyond what is in the papers," Dumbledore answered easily, "and even before this year I made a conscious effort to put little faith in such things. I am more interested in the actual response from the Ministry."
Bones sighed before stirring her tea and gathering her thoughts. "It is a mess, just like we knew it would be. This wasn't something anyone could hide or cover up, not at Hogsmeade, not with so many witnesses to the events. Add in the publicity created by the Minister and well, it is another fire we need to try and contain." The head of the DMLE removed her glasses to rub wearily at her face, "Lycans attacked Hogsmeade, seemed to be targeting the location where the Minister's 'ambassadors', mere children, were having dinner. No Aurors in sight, multiple injuries, possibly serious ones to the students. Considering we haven't had a statement yet." Here she looked up to look the Headmistress with a glare, which failed to even phase the older witch. "The press is beginning to assume the worst."
"If you have a problem with how the status updates of the two children are being handled, I suggest you take it up with their parents."
The two continued the impromptu staring contest for another few moments before Amelia broke it with a snort, "I assume Fudge has been making demands of them?"
"She has brought it up a few times, indirectly mind you, and as I have told her, Hogwarts does not publicly release information pertaining to students without direct parental or guardian permission."
There was an edge in the other woman's eyes, "Which does raise the concern of how this information is being leaked, especially with Hogwarts as locked down as it currently is."
"A student perhaps," Dumbledore mused, "Although if it is the same person who has been letting the information out as the previous articles it has me wondering how they were able to access medical information. Pomfrey is very diligent when it comes to privacy."
Amelia took a sip of her drink before setting the steaming cup back down, "A professor perhaps?"
"Possible, but unlikely. After the previous two years all, new members are rather closely watched for any signs of issues or suspicious behavior. As for the rest, I would not allow them such access without trusting them and their judgement, especially when it comes to Harry."
Bones hummed softly, "Quite protective of him hm?"
Again, eyes narrowed to study her, "I am protective of all my students."
"I have no doubt, but especially so of him hm? Using his first name, all your subtle attempts to prevent him from leaving the castle."
Dumbledore's response was flat and emotionless, "He has been through enough over these past few years, I didn't see any reason to continue the trend."
"And your shielding of him from any interview, whether from Aurors or the press?"
Eyes narrowed and for a split-second Amelia Bones felt an icy sensation creep down her spine. "Conversations tend to be taken out of context, especially when it comes to young people even more so when they are males. If I am a bit more protective towards those who need the protection, then so be it. I do, however, find it a bit concerning that you are also pushing for this without parental approval."
The Head of the DMLE quickly raised her hands in a disarming gesture, "I simply want to ensure everyone's safety, that's all. If I found out my officers were taking things out of context in such a way, they would be on desk duty for the remainder of their short careers."
Her words abated any residual anger, and the younger of the two found she could breathe easily once more. "Regardless of your intentions you will receive permission from his parents before speaking to him or any other student. I will not have Hogwarts turned into an interrogation hall, not again."
The meaning was clear, and Bones had the decency to flush with slight embarrassment at how the previous year was handled before nodding and taking another sip of her drink.
***HP:O ***
"Such a productive year this has been thus far."
Riddle growled in warning, something which might have been heeded by someone else but not Snape. Serena knew exactly what buttons to push to get a reaction, exactly what words to use to rile up her opponent.
She was a Slytherin, after all.
"Perhaps you could set him up on a date with a Dementor next, teach him a few rituals that have a simple cost such as a limb or internal organ."
"I never told him to put his life on the line."
But Snape merely scoffed in rebuttal, "You gave him all the tools, pushed him into developing dueling skills, focused on those traits and instincts. What did you think was going to happen?"
Riddle stalked forward, but her movements didn't earn so much as a sweat from her 'prey'. "And you? Should we just ignore all the damage you did last year? Ignore the danger your actions put him in? Ignore how you failed to keep a twelve-year-old boy from sneaking around after dark? You are just as dangerous as I for his future, you just don't want to admit it."
"He would have been safe with me!" Snape suddenly shouted, earning a pause from the older witch. "Learning potions and brewing, safe from foolish behavior and life-threatening dangers! But no, you just had to push, didn't you? You saw the son of Lily and James Potter and saw an opportunity to throw it in my face that you were mentoring him, that they trusted you with their son's life. Well, where has it gotten us, Riddle? Multiple near-death situations, injured time and time again, and now at the center of yet another political fiasco. Even if he emerges from this unscathed the press will find out eventually and push him into fame that he doesn't want."
Grace stared for another half second before snorting with laughter, "Oh please, Harry wouldn't have made it two hours with your mentorship, and you know it. He simply does not have the mind or the patience for brewing complex potions. His parents chose me not by my insistence, but because of his own natural talents. Even if you had taught him, he would still be throwing himself into harm's way to protect others, it is simply who he is. If you want to act so concerned, then how about teaching him something useful rather than the correct number of times to stir a cauldron."
***HP:O ***
Dearest Harry,
She frowned, quill pausing above the words. Was it too familiar, too intimate? It had only been one date after all, and even then, it was under the guise of a bet. Yes, it was too much. She didn't want to freak him out by coming on too strong, something that felt more like what Bliss would do. Just Harry then, after making the correction she continued writing.
I cannot stop thinking about our night together.
Nope, bad wording, she quickly erased the words before shaking her head. Lighter, she needed a lighter introduction not something an obsessed stalker would send to someone.
I hope you had as good of a time as I did on our outing. Although it was short it remains one of my more pleasant memories thus far in the year.
Yes, that was good, a little playful but still bordering complimentary.
As memory serves, you often attend a holiday gathering under escort. Perhaps we could meet and continue our conversations there?
Good so far, nothing concrete, leave him a way out if uncomfortable.
Would you agree to further writing beforehand? I often find myself with unused time during the break and I would enjoy a letter or two between us.
Too much? Damnit, she didn't know how to do this sort of thing! What did boys like when it came to receiving messages?
Poetry was often talked about, but she hadn't heard of anyone writing such things in decades.
This wasn't her parents' generation, after all.
Cleopatra was deep enough in thought that she didn't even notice the presence behind her until it was too late.
"You're writing to Harry."
Practically falling from her chair, the younger Malfoy quickly staggered to her feet at the cold, almost emotionless tone which startled her.
Reorienting herself, she almost wished she hadn't, it was her older sister, with a deadly serious expression on her face.
"I-I uhm…"
"It wasn't a question."
Cleo winced, backing up even as her sibling stalked forward. "I… yes I just… wanted to thank him, for the date." She tried to bite back the words but wasn't fast enough, anxiety getting the better of her and loosening her lips.
It was undoubtedly the wrong thing to say.
"Yes, quite a lovely evening the two of you had hm? A romantic dinner, a nighttime stroll…"
The younger witch's eyes widened, "You followed us?"
Eyes narrowed and if it were possible, the gaze would have impaled her where she stood. "Do you truly believe I wouldn't ensure his virtue was safe from a teenager who cannot keep her legs together?"
Cleopatra's jaw dropped at the Muggle-like terms being used by her noble sister and the meaning of them. "I-I would never!"
"Yes," she corrected easily, "you would. I could see it in your eyes, in your body language, in the way you drifted closer to him, in your gaze that could not stay in the appropriate place and off my betrothed."
She wasn't quite sure what to say. If she hadn't been caught writing him a letter there might have been some deniability but now…
Now there was none.
"I would never jeopardize…"
The laugh in response chilled her to the bone, "You act as though it is in your power to do so, as if your pitiful attempts at flirtation are worth his time."
It was a slap in the face, and it took quite a bit of willpower, and remembering the situation, to keep her silence.
She's been backed into a corner, literally and figuratively.
"Consider your actions carefully sister. Remember that we are related to the Black family as well, and blood only runs so deep." With that Pandora turns to leave, pausing only for a moment to glance down at the letter before letting out a slight laugh of mockery.
Cleopatra watches her go, still trembling and contemplating her choices.
***HP:O ***
"Harry, stay behind after class."
It was weird. Even after two and a half years of not being the only Potter at school, of realizing that Snape couldn't just use his last name as the previous one had for all interactions, it was still completely bizarre to have her using his first name while addressing him.
Had he messed up during class? No, he couldn't recall anything going wrong,
Still, as the other students departed, he remained in his seat, even so far as giving his sisters a smile and nod when they lingered at the door before departing as well. It was shut behind them, leaving the two alone.
"There were no bodies."
He blinked in confusion, trying to figure out what she was talking about, "Excuse me?"
The uncaring expression melted away into something fiercer, "Bodies of the Lycans. They didn't find any."
"Because there weren't any…" he answered slowly, unsure if the woman was having some sort of mental breakdown or was utterly confused for some reason.
Instead, she almost growled, "Why not."
"I don't understand…"
"Why didn't you use lethal force!?"
In that moment he understood, and his own expression shifted into something cold and Slytherin-like. "Because I don't like killing, especially people. Uncaring, unfeeling monsters like the Basilisk are one thing but these are people."
"No," Snape instantly corrected, "They are monstrous beasts who want to rip you limb from limb. They do not deserve your sympathy or your compassion and allowing yourself to hold back will only make things worse."
Harry crossed his arms in defiance, "Really? Because I had to hold back way more this last time than on the Express and if memory serves, I am much better off now than I was at the start of school. Seems like I'm doing just fine without leaving scorched bodies everywhere and traumatizing any children."
"It is naïve ignorance to think you will never need to take a life in self-defense, especially acting the way you do."
Lips twitched and the boy forced himself not to respond too harshly. Deep down he knew she was only concerned after all. "No one should kill without exhausting every other option."
"And when your enemies realize this? When they take advantage of your kindness?"
"I'm not saying I wouldn't go that far. I'm saying I won't turn into a bloodthirsty monster who blows any threat away into bloody chunks."
Snape's expression finally broke into a patented sneer, "If you had fought back correctly on the train there is a good chance they would not have attempted another attack. For all we know they could be planning a third strike as we speak."
It was frustrating, because he knew she had a point, knew that he was taking a risk by not finishing any of them off, but also knew that if he started to kill it would change him forever.
He couldn't bear it if his friends and family started looking at him like he was a killer.
"Then teach me something I can use. Something I can protect myself and others with but isn't going to turn me into a murderer!"
Serena stared back in surprise for a moment, before slowly nodding her head, "Elemental magic is useful, but there are just as many other spells that can be used for protection as well. I'm sure you know of a good deal, but I have created a few myself in my spare time. One of these is Sectumsempra."
***HP:O ***
The atmosphere was tense as the students began to board the Hogwarts Express, this time with the platform under heavy Auror guard and several of the professors present as well. The wards had been improved upon and many of the students had simply been taken home through direct Floo rather than using the train.
More than once, Harry caught sight of a panicking student, clearly caught between wanting to go home to visit family and avoiding a trip which would bring back horrible memories. He certainly didn't blame any who couldn't do it, with his parents offering to take all three of their children back directly but the boy-who-lived opting to use the train instead. It wasn't as if he were expecting an attack, far from it, but just being present on the train would calm some of the other children.
Even with the extra adult presence, and the guarantees that there would be officers on the train as well, the air was tense with concern.
Most loaded on with soft mutters, eyeing each other warily and more than a few paused at the entrance before finding their courage and stepping on.
The passageways on the Express itself were nearly empty, most quickly rushing to their carriages before locking themselves inside.
Harry himself was mostly unconcerned, picking an empty one with his siblings, Hermione, Luna, and Ginny as last time. Even with them though he could notice the difference.
His sisters sat just a bit closer, both to each other and him. The younger redhead would occasionally eye both the door and window wearily, Hermione looked as if she was barely able to concentrate on her book, and even Luna seemed to have lost her normal excitement.
The trip passed in silence and Harry had never been so happy when they reached their destination.
***HP:O ***
Previous Name**************New Name
Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle
Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore
Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy
-*************************Harriet Potter
-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter
-*************************Pandora Malfoy
Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini
Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott
Severus Snape**************Serena Snape
-*************************Marie Rosier
Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley
Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley
Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley
Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley
George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley
Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin
-************************Sylvie Rosier
Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart
Oliver Wood ***************Olivia Wood
Cornelius Fudge ************Cornelia Fudge