Chapter Seven: First for the Last

Harry awoke as he always did around sun up. It was approaching the end of the summer, only two days before he would find himself back at Hogwarts. Professor Castor arrived home late the other night with all of Harry's textbooks for the upcoming year. Harry was a little upset he wouldn't have a chance to go to Diagon Alley and visit Fred and George's shop, but he figured it was a security measure. That and he didn't expect Professor Castor to be the type to enjoy himself at a joke shop.

After his birthday he had begun to write letters, mostly to Ron, but a few to Ginny as well. Hedwig had still not come back from Hermione's and he started to get a little nervous about it. He started to use Castor's owl, an enormous solid black bird with orange eyes he called Grant.

Harry bounded downstairs two at a time and halted at the landing. Castor was standing by the doorway, dressed in muggle jeans, a black button down shirt and a dark trench coat. He was holding his wand tightly.

'Back upstairs, Potter,' he said. 'Dress up, you got two minutes.'

Harry wanted to ask why but instead merely nodded and went back to his bedroom. He threw on a thick sweater, a pair of jeans and a cloak and headed back to the front door.

Castor was standing in the same place, as though he hadn't moved in inch.

'Ready?'

'Yes, professor.'

Castor opened the front door to the cold grey morning that Harry had grown to enjoy immensely.

They walked a good quarter mile in silence, but Harry gave his teacher a quizzical look every now and then. Abruptly, Castor stopped and held out his arm. Understanding, Harry stepped forward and grasped Castor's arm tightly.

'Wand at the ready, Potter,' he said sternly.

Harry pulled out his wand in his other hand, and closed his eyes.

CRACK!

Harry found himself in a meadow along the edge of a forest swinging around and disappearing around the rolling hillsides. Harry couldn't see any sign of anything remotely interesting, but Castor thought so as he walked swiftly down the meadow, Harry quickly at his heels.

'Where are we going, Professor?' Harry asked.

Castor spun around so quick it nearly knocked Harry over, his wand still in his hand.

'QUIET!' Castor hissed.

Harry didn't say another word as he and Castor walked along the meadow until finally reaching an old dirt path. Castor stopped and checked his watch. He then looked up towards the sunrise, and turned to his right, facing south.

'This way,' he whispered and started walking briskly. Harry stood still for a minute.

This is insane.

Shaking his head a bit, Harry jogged up to Castor and started walking along his side.

They walked for what seemed like hours. The sun was now out, but as the hours crept by, dark clouds rolled in and it began to rain softly. Harry checked his watch, it was nearly eleven. Judging by the time they had left the house, he had been walking for nearly three hours and yet Castor had not said a word.

It was getting on noon when Harry was losing his patience. He was tired of this. He opened his mouth to speak when Castor stopped abruptly and pressed his hand against Harry's chest, stopping him.

Harry looked up at Castor whose jaw was set and eyes were narrowed. It was raining harder now as they stood silently on top of a hill. Harry had had enough.

'Professor, what the hell,' he said irritatedly.

'Look down,' Castor said in a hollow voice.

Harry turned his head and peered down.

The little dirt path ran down the hill where about eight or nine house stood. Looking through the rain Harry noticed that the houses were mostly destroyed, some even leveled flat. Weeds and evergreen had run wild encasing the old brick walls that had been charred black from where a fire once burned.

Castor walked down the path towards the wrecked buildings, Harry followed close behind him.

Upon reaching the center of the village, Castor kicked upright a small burnt stool and sat down. He took out a cigarette, which, by now, Harry had gotten used to and simply looked around.

Harry spun where he stood, taking in each house that crossed his eyes. Many of them had been burned and their windows shattered.

It looked as though no one had lived here in years.

'What happened here?' Harry asked, his voice sounding strange to him.

Castor took a minute, idly spinning his cigarette between his fingers.

'Voldemort,' he said simply.

Harry stopped looked over the devastated buildings and turned to look at Castor.

'Voldemort?'

'Yea,' Castor said.

Harry stared at him for a minute then looked around once more. Castor stood up and started to pace, his eyes towards the ground.

'Bout sixteen years ago the Dark Lord was informed that a child who had the power to destroy him was discovered.'

Harry's jaw dropped. Castor kept pacing, eyeing the houses with a morbid look, his hands behind his back.

'He came here on Halloween night, set fires to most of the houses, killed everybody.'

Harry still stared at Castor who had stopped walking. He bent down and picked up a small piece of wood with crusted rope hanging from one side. He dusted it off with the back on his sleeve and flung it to Harry, where it landed with a thud at his feet. Harry didn't want to look down to read what he knew was on the signpost. He knew where he was, he had dreamed of this place all his life. He took a deep breath and looked down at the sign. In faded black letters on a half burned piece of plywood were the words,

GODRIC'S HOLLOW.

Harry felt tears welding up in his eyes. He looked up at Castor who was still standing in the same place.

'Where's mine?' Harry asked, his voice cracking a bit.

Castor walked forward and pulled out his wand.

Orchideous!

Instantly, about a dozen or so black roses shot out from his wand. Castor scooped them up and handed them to Harry.

'Your house,' he said in a gaunt voice, 'was completely destroyed.'

Harry looked at Castor then down to the ground. He should've known that.

'However,' Castor said pointing down a row of what were the remains of a couple of houses. 'Head down that lane, look towards your right.'

Harry nodded at Castor who walked back to the stool and sat down. Harry took a deep breath and started to walk down the lane.

It didn't take long until he passed the last foundation and veered right. It was raining hard as his eyes took in a sight that made his blood turn to ice.

A simple wooden fence lined the boundaries of a graveyard. It was small, only about the size of a classroom. Harry gulped as he took a step forward passing a few headstones. He looked around, searching, until finally his eyes came into view of a large tombstone at the very edge of the cemetery. He walked forward, not looking up, his feet moving on their own accord. He stopped just a few feet before it, and, his body shaking uncontrollably raised his head.

The tombstone was made of plain stone. Carved at the top was the name POTTER. Harry's eyes ran down the slab to where a faded encryption was chiseled in.

James and Lily Potter.

Husband and Wife

Loving Parents To Their Only Son.

Murdered, October 31, 1983.

Harry's knees gave way as he read the epitaph and slumped down in front of the tombstone. Never in his life had he felt so filled with grief and sadness. He placed his hand on the stone and began to cry. He stayed that way for what seemed like eternity.

He couldn't help but weep with all the grief he possessed. He didn't remember anything about his parents, only flashes of them being killed, and a putrid green color of the Killing Curse. He didn't say anything, his mind a total blank as he sat in the cold dead grass as the rain continued to fall harder and harder. He placed the flowers at the foot of the tombstone and stood up. He took one more long look at the grave then turned around and walked back out of the cemetery, tears silently falling down his face.

He returned to the center of the village to find Castor still sitting, smoking yet another cigarette. Harry didn't know what to say or how to act. He vaguely registered in his mind that Castor knew where Harry's parents were buried, and that he knew how to get to Godric's Hollow. He had been here before, that was for certain.

Castor looked up to view Harry, eyeing him professionally but lacking emotion.

'Ready?' Castor asked plainly, standing up.

Harry didn't answer. He looked down at his shoes. Although the rain continued to pour he looked up, and with haunting eyes glared at his teacher.

'I have to kill him don't I?'

Castor didn't answer.

Over the past months Harry had gained a fascination to the young man but he never really spoke to him so sternly. He was his teacher, and Harry accepted quickly that he was here not to be his friend, but his teacher. He was hired, paid and basically ordered to teach Harry deadly curses, master Occlumency and block out emotion. Castor tossed his cigarette and turned his head to look at Harry.

'I suppose,' he said putting his hands in his pockets, 'it's past the time where I need to chew the leather.'

Harry stood there, waiting for him to continue.

'You know that I don't believe in the prophecy,' he said walking forward, looking at Harry dead in the eye. 'But he does.'

He took a step closer.

'He's going to hunt you down.'

Another step.

'He's going to kill your friends and all those you care about.'

Another.

'He's going to burn Hogwart's to ashes.'

Another.

'And he's going to put you in so much pain, your going to beg him to kill you.'

Another.

'And when all is said and done, he's going to wipe out whatever's left.'

Castor stopped a foot away from Harry, who stood motionless, unable to look him in the eye.

Harry began to shake uncontrollably. The full realization of what he had to do hit him like a bucket of cold water. He was going to become a murderer. He was going to kill Lord Voldemort in order to save the world.

'I can't do this,' he said as his knees gave way and slumped down on the frozen mud.

He expected Castor to grab him by the collar and hoist him back up, yell right in his face, but he didn't. Instead, he kneeled down to be eye level with Harry.

'No, you can't,' Castor said. 'Not yet anyways, and definitely not alone. You'll need your friends to be with you when the final battle hits.'

Harry couldn't say anything. He just sat there, mortified.

'Do you remember,' Castor asked standing back up. 'What Dumbledore told you? What was your most powerful weapon against the Dark Lord? That you would possess a power that he wouldn't understand?'

Harry hesitated but raised his eyes, looking straight into the icy stare of his teacher.

'Love,' he croaked.

Castor nodded. He gently grasped Harry by both arms and helped him to his feet. He looked at Harry for a long moment in a way he had never done before.

'I am here to help you Potter,' he said in a solemn voice. 'We will find the remaining Horcruxes, we will hunt down those who oppress the purity and love in our world.'

His grip on Harry's shoulder became tighter.

'The Dark Lord won't have trouble trying to find us, because we're going to go and find him.'

Harry looked at Castor, his mouth open slightly. Castor's voice had raised and became passionate, just as Dumbledore's had the night he exclaimed the importance of discovering the weakness of Lord Voldemort in his office.

Harry couldn't say anything, instead, he merely nodded, a little by little, trying to accept his fate.

Castor grasped his shoulder tightly than offered his arm. Harry took it.

'But that is a ways away,' Castor said taking one more look around the devastation in front of him. 'For now, simply look forward to going back to school, and the bliss of knowing so many people can't wait to see you again.'

Harry took one more glimpse at the remains of Godric's Hollow, and with a loud CRACK, he and Castor were gone, leaving the pounding rain and what was left of the life Harry would never have in their wake.

'Move it Potter!' roared Professor Castor from downstairs. 'Jesus Christ, you can wake up every day at dawn but you can't be on time at ten in the morning!'

Harry rushed to throw everything he owned, (not to mention a few new cloths from Castor's wardrobe) into his trunk. Harry was exceptionally pleased when Hedwig had arrived late last night. Harry took off the letter before Hedwig had even landed, which got her to hoot at him indignantly, and read a simple line.

We'll talk about it on the train.

Harry felt a little deflated that Hermione had not only kept Hedwig for nearly a month, but that the reason he sent his snowy owl was for answers, answers he still hadn't received.

Harry levitated his trunk and took Hedwig along with her cage downstairs. Castor was dressed in ragged jeans and a faded undershirt, looking anxious.

'Finally,' he muttered opening the door.

Harry bustled past him.

'I don't see why I have to be ready at quarter to ten Professor,' he said heaving his trunk to lie on its side. 'Can't I just Apparate to platform nine and three quarters?'

'No, you moron,' Castor said locking the front door and walking straight towards his car. 'There are wards on the platform, the only way to go in is walking through the barrier, now, kick it in the ass.'

Castor snapped his fingers angrily and the boot of his car jerked open. Harry levitated his trunk inside. Castor opened Hedwig's cage, and the white owl hopped outside.

'Professor, what are you doing?' Harry asked incredulously.

'I don't allow animals in my car,' he said plainly.

Harry looked at his bird than back at Castor.

'Well, what's she going to do?'

But Castor wasn't listening. He knelt down in front of the bird.

'Go to Hogwarts Hedwig.'

Apparently, the snowy owl complied with what Castor had said. She extended her wings and rose into the air. Harry wanted to watch her go but Castor was already swearing angrily while getting into the driver's seat. Harry, reluctantly, got in.

He was curious on how the car actually worked. He had only heard of one flying car which was Mr. Weasley's. That car, however, was now driving through the Forbidden Forest.

Castor maneuvered himself comfortably in his seat, and started the engine. He kicked the gear into first and headed down the driveway, picking up speed. Harry felt a little apprehensive about Castor driving a car at forty miles per hour down a driveway with no road in front of them, to say the least, but, at the last second, before plowing through a dozen sand boulders, Castor punched the car into seventh gear and Harry felt the wonderful sensation of shooting straight up into the sky.

Castor kicked on the radio, lit a cigarette, and took a swig of his pewter flask. Harry opened the window and looked back, taking his last glance at Inis Clove, and the physical training he went through. After three months of training, mastering Occlumency, learning new hexes and becoming in Castor's words, 'a lethal weapon,' he was finally going back. He was going back to school.

'All aboard!' the conductor roared.

Harry had barely gone through the platform when he heard the conductor give the last call. Castor had dropped him off at King's Cross, then drove off.

'I'll see you at the feast,' he said plainly.

Harry didn't ask Castor if he was going to Hogwarts in his car, but he figured he was. Harry had seen him polishing that car nearly every week while he stayed at his house over the summer. He had the impression that his car was his most priceless procession, and it didn't surprise him. It was a nice car after all.

'Harry!'

He turned around to spot Hermione racing towards him. She was already in her school robes, smiling broadly.

'Hey,' he said as she wrapped her arms around him, giving him an exuberant hug.

'How are you?' she asked stepping back and flattening her hair, which was pretty much useless.

'Good,' Harry said. He wanted to ask about why she hadn't sent him back a letter, but he figured a crowded place full of bustling students and parents saying good-bye was hardly the place.

But then he looked at her a little more closely and noticed something on her robes. It was a gold pin, with the Hogwarts crest on it. Underneath it were the words, HEAD GIRL.

'Oh my God, Hermione!' Harry said jubilantly, pointing at the Head Girl badge pinned to her robes. 'Congratulations!'

'Thanks,' she said, smiling sheepishly. 'I got my letter in late June, because McGonagall wants me to fill out the schedules for new prefects, rounds, quarters, not to mention all the advanced security that's going to be on the school.'

'Advanced security?' Harry asked.

'Oh come on, Harry,' Hermione said. 'After what happened last year McGonagall has gone to huge lengths to ensure the parents and the Ministry that the school will be safe for the students. She didn't give me much detail, but she did say something rather strange.'

'And that was?' Harry asked.

'Well,' Hermione said looking around making sure no one was listening. 'She said expect to see more Weasley's around the castle this year.'

'She wrote that?' Harry asked not understanding.

'Yea,' Hermione said. 'Maybe Bill will be a teacher or something. I haven't had much time to think about it. I've been really busy with my Head Girl duties.'

She stood straighter, and Harry tried not to laugh at her trying to act all supreme and pompous.

'By the way,' Harry said leaning closer and lowering his voice. 'Why didn't you write me back? Did you find anything on Elizabeth Ann Albin?'

Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but closed it. She looked rather paranoid, Harry thought. She gave him a quick hug and whispered in his ear.

'I have the prefects meeting, but afterwards I'll find you and tell you what I found out.'

Before Harry could comply she dashed off, disappearing into the front of the train.

'Where the hell is Ron?' he muttered to himself.

'He's already in the prefect's compartment,' said a voice behind him.

Harry turned around. It was Ginny. She too, was already in her robes, but Harry noticed, or actually gawked at the fact that they didn't cover up her creamy smooth legs or the luscious curves of her chest.

'My face is up here, Potter,' she said archly putting her hands on her hip but nonetheless smiling.

Harry's face went red.

'Sorry,' he mumbled.

'It's okay,' Ginny said looking him up and down with a smug smirk. 'You look good too. Nice boots.'

Harry had on the dragon hide boots that he had gotten for his birthday.

'Thanks.'

'No, really, Harry,' she said taking a step closer. 'You look a lot more, muscular, I guess.'

She placed her hand on Harry's arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. Harry felt electricity shooting up his arm at her touch, and closed his eyes for a minute.

'Thanks,' he said in a weak voice. 'Uh, why is Ron already in the prefect's compartment.'

'Oh,' she said waving her hand. 'He's really anxious about finding out who the Head Boy is.'

'I wonder why?' Harry said rolling his eyes.

He and Ginny exchanged knowing looks but a shook their heads and boarded the train.

'Fancy finding a compartment?' Harry asked.

Ginny looked up at him and nodded, smiling a little.

They found a compartment at the very back of the train and stepped into it, sliding the door behind them.

Harry stowed his trunk underneath the seats and sat down opposite of Ginny who looked extremely nervous, for reasons, Harry didn't know.

The train began to move as they sat in silence.

'So,' Harry said trying desperately to liven the mood. 'How did your O.W.L.S. go?

Ginny snapped out of whatever trance she was in and smiled.

'I did alright,' she said. 'I got eight.'

'Wow,' Harry said impressed, he figured Ginny not to be the one to take her studies seriously. 'That's great.'

'Thanks.'

And then there was silence again. Nearly half an hour passed and there was no sign from anyone else. Neville and Luna were probably sharing a compartment together and Hermione had probably written a novel on the new rules and regulations for the upcoming school year. Harry grimaced and felt pity for the prefects, Ron especially, who had to endure Hermione's speech. Of course, he loved Hermione, but he felt she took her studies a little too seriously. The trolley ran by and neither Harry nor Ginny gave it a second glance. Harry didn't understand why Ginny wasn't saying anything, acting all nervous for no reason, but, it was bothering the hell out of him. Before he was about to ask her why, she took the words right out of his mouth.

'Do you remember Bill's wedding?' she asked, going a little red in the face.

'Parts of it,' Harry answered truthfully. 'I was a little drunk.'

'Yea,' Ginny said looking everywhere but at him. 'It's just I was wondering why you did something that night, but it's probably because you were drunk.'

'Oh, God, what did I do?' Harry said. He knew full well already that he had thrown up all over Charlie and had to be dragged to Ron's room, but he didn't know anything that would make Ginny act this way.

'You, eh,' she said going redder. 'You kind of kissed me.'

'On the dance floor,' Harry said, remembering that at least.

'Yea,' Ginny said. 'But you kissed me again.'

Harry noticed this wasn't easier for her to say and he too, was getting embarrassed. He didn't remember kissing her except after he had danced with Fleur.

'Uh, when?' he asked nervously.

'Right before you passed out,' she said, and to his relief, she let out a giggle.

'Oh,' Harry said, his neck getting hot. 'Sorry.'

'Don't apologize,' she said now looking at him.

Harry looked at her with his mouth hanging open. She licked her lips and Harry got the sudden urge to kiss her.

'Harry,' she said.

'Yea.'

She looked at him then pulled her hair out of her face. She looked down at the floor and started to fidget with her hands.

'I'm, I'm glad you decided to come back this year.'

She was still looking at the floor. Harry, feeling bold and probably stupid leaned forward across from where he was sitting. He placed his hand underneath her chin and raised her head. She looked away for a second then gazed back at him.

Harry felt his breath catch in his throat. Her chocolate brown eyes were glistening and her skin felt like pure silk on his hand.

'I'm glad I came back too,' he whispered.

She smiled a little, leaning in closer.

'Yea?'

Harry took his other hand and placed it on her bare knee, her skirt hitched up just a little.

'Yea.'

He could feel her hot breath on his face, she closed her eyes and leaned in closer. Harry was no more than an inch away from her when the door slid open.

'OH!' came a startled female voice from the door.

Harry and Ginny both jerked away, both looking very embarrassed.

'Sorry,' Hermione mumbled, going a little pink herself. Ron was behind her, but apparently he didn't notice what had nearly occurred in the compartment. He was looking down at his shoes, muttering to himself.

'Hey, Hermione!' Ginny said in a rather shrilly voice.

Hermione smiled gratefully and took a seat next to her. Ron trumped in and shut the door viciously. He grumbled to himself as he sat down next to Harry, his ears a deep shade of crimson.

'What's with him?' Harry asked jerking his thumb at Ron, who was still in his own world.

'Ernie Macmillan.'

'Ernie Macmillan?' Harry asked, totally confused.

'Stupid pretty boy,' Ron said angrily. 'Can't believe he's Head Boy!'

Harry and Ginny exchanged knowing looks but didn't say anything.

'Well, he is the smartest in our year, Ron.'

Ron didn't say anything. Instead, he folded his arms over his chest and remained silent.

Leaving Ron to mutter a few cruel things about the Hufflepuff, Harry, Ginny and Hermione all got into a riveting discussion on the rest of their summer. Harry told them that he had went to Godric's Hollow. At this, Ron snapped out of it and listened intently. Harry didn't go into great detail, the thought of what he had seen there would have brought tears to his eyes. He told them that he had visited his parent's grave, and also lied, claiming that it was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.

'Does anyone still live there, Harry?' Hermione asked.

'No,' Harry said in a mock casual voice. 'It's abandoned.'

It was getting darker outside as the train continued onward. Surprisingly enough, they were only interrupted once, a small curly haired boy Harry didn't know brought him a letter. Harry took one look at the envelope and chucked it out the window.

'I don't favor being in the Slug Club this year,' he muttered while Ron, Hermione and Ginny all hid their grins.

'Hermione,' Harry said remembering something. 'That last letter you sent me. Didn't you say you were going to tell me something on the train?'

Hermione gave a little squeak and pointed her wand on the door doing a silencing charm.

'Harry,' she said leaning closer. 'You're not going to believe this.'

'Not going to believe what?' Ron asked, looking bewildered.

Hermione and Harry filled Ron and Ginny on what Harry had seen in Castor's bedroom, the picture of Elizabeth Ann Albin.

'You actually went inside his bedroom?' Ron said looking at Harry as though he had gone mad. 'You're nuts, mate. I know we do our fair share of breaking rules, but there's a line you shouldn't cross.'

'Between the three of you,' Ginny said suppressing a smile. 'I'd say that line has gotten a little faded.'

Hermione giggled, but cleared her throat.

'I did a little researching and I found out as much as I could.'

'Spill it already,' Harry said getting anxious.

Hermione cleared her throat once more, and sat straighter in her seat. Harry noticed she always did this when she was about to recite some fact she had obviously memorized.

'Elizabeth Albin was born in England. She attended Hogwarts.'

'She did?' Harry said, finding this information rather out of place.

'Yes,' Hermione said, leaning in closer. 'And Harry, I checked the records of the graduating classes from Hogwarts, but she wasn't on it.'

'So, she didn't graduate,' Ron said. 'Big deal.'

'The point is,' she went on, glaring at Ron. 'Is that she left before her seventh year.'

'That's what you couldn't tell me in the letter?' Harry asked, not understanding this at all.

'Harry,' Hermioine whispered, 'she went to school with your dad.'

The silence in the room was so eerie Harry could swear he heard Hermione's heart beat.

'She did?' Harry asked perplexed. 'She went to school with my dad, and with,'

'Lupin and Sirius,' she exclaimed, her voice getting higher. 'And your mother.'

'And Snape,' Ron muttered darkly.

'She was a year above them,' Hermione explained. 'But two weeks before her final year, she dropped out, it didn't say why.'

Harry gawked at Hermione. Why would a picture of a witch who attended Hogwarts be hidden on Professor Castor's bedroom desk? It didn't make any sense.

'Whoa,' Harry said.

'That's not all, Harry,' Hermione said, her face getting paler. She looked towards the compartment door, making sure they weren't being overheard.

'She's dead.'

'What?' Harry and Ron said at once.

'She was found dead in her living room. She didn't have a scratch on her.'

'The Killing Curse,' Ginny said in hollow voice.

'Probably,' Hermione said but she was still looking at Harry. 'But this is what I couldn't tell you in the letter. I figured if Hedwig got intercepted it might lead to trouble.'

She took a deep calming breath, all eyes fixed on her. Harry held his breath.

'Her body was discovered the morning after your parents were killed.'

'What?' they all said together.

Harry thought about it for a second.

'So, you're saying is that this Elizabeth Albin went to school with my parents, left at the end of her sixth year, and was found dead the morning I was found on the Dursley's front porch.'

'Which means she was probably murdered the same night, that you're,'

She broke off, and looked at the ground, her face bright red.

'The same night my parents were killed,' Harry finished looking straight at her.

Harry noticed that everyone in the compartment looked very nervous about what Hermione had nearly said. Hermione herself was still looking down at the floor.

Harry took a sigh and placed a hand on her shoulder.

'It's okay,' he said in a soothing voice.

'Do you think there's a connection?' Ron asked, his voice cracking a bit from the tension in the room.

'I don't know,' Harry said standing up and beginning to pace. 'What I don't understand is why would a picture of Elizabeth Albin be in Professor Castor's bedroom? It just, it just doesn't add up.'

Before anyone could respond the train made a lurch, and Harry was thrown off his feet, landing hard in his seat. Hermione, who had been sitting at the edge of her seat gave a shriek as she lost her balanced and practically fell right into Ron's lap, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

'Finally!' Ginny said.

Harry shook his head and looked up.

Hermione was still on Ron's lap, her face very pale, her arms wrapped around Ron's neck, probably on instinct. Ron had his arms wrapped clumsily around her waist and his face looked like a giant tomato. They both looked nervously at one another, their faces only an inch apart.

'Um,' Ron said stupidly. Harry saw Ginny roll her eyes.

Snapping to realization, Hermione jumped off Ron and flattened her robes.

'Well,' she said, her voice just shaking a bit. 'We're here.'

Without another word, she slid open the compartment door and dashed down the hallway. Ron stared after her and then looked back up at Harry and Ginny, his eyes wide in fear, as though he was a deer caught in the headlights.

Harry tried not to laugh, but was smiling nonetheless. Ron muttered something about trying to get a good carriage and walked out of the compartment himself. Harry and Ginny watched him walk down the hallway, his stride not as sure as it usually was. Ginny placed her hand on Harry's shoulder and leaned her head next to his ear, once again making Harry's breath catch in his throat.

'Do you get the feeling it's going to be an interesting year?'

Harry turned his head to see Ginny smiling knowingly up at him, her hand still on his shoulder.

'You uh,' Harry stammered. 'You took the words right out of my mouth.'

She giggled, patted him good-naturedly, and walked down the hallway.

'I'll see you at the feast,' she called over her shoulder.

Harry stared dumbly at her, watching her hips sway side to side, until picking up one end of his trunk and taking a calming breath.

'Yea,' he said to no one in particular. 'See you at the feast.'

'Advanced Security?' Harry said incredulously to Hermione once they were seated at the Gryffindor table.

'There does seem to be a little more,' Hermione said trying to act casual.

'I've never seen so many bloody Aurors and Trolls in my life!' Ron said sitting down heavily.

After giving a cheery wave to Hagrid on the platform, Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Ron all grabbed the first available carriage and headed for the castle. It took no more than five minutes, and within that time, Harry's eyes took in nearly thirty Aurors lining the path leading up to the castle. Harry also noticed trolls, fully grown mountain trolls, all carrying very large wooden clubs surrounding the castle walls.

'Well,' Hermione said scooting closer to the table. 'After what happened last year, I guess McGonagall doesn't want to take any chances.'

After everyone had settled, Harry took a glance at the staff table. It felt depressing not to see Dumbledore, with his twinkling blue eyes, and long white beard and hair sitting at the head chair, enveloping the new years in his arms.

Professor McGonagall sat in the chair instead. She looked even thinner than the last Harry had seen her. Elegant robes of dark emerald with silver stars hung looser on her frail but taut shoulders.

'She looks pretty tired,' Ron said eyeing her with vague interest.

Harry saw Professor Slughorn sitting on the left of McGonagall. His beady eyes took sight of Harry and he waved merrily. Although Harry knew it was probably the stupid thing to do, he waved back. To the left of Professor Slughorn was an empty seat.

'Castor isn't here,' he whispered to Ron, who didn't seem to care. His stomach was doing the thinking at this moment.

'Alright, alright,' said Ron, staring at his empty plate with stubborn anticipation. 'Call out the names, sing the song, and lets get some food on the table.'

Hermione looked at him rather adoringly.

The front doors burst open and a handful of frightened first year students followed Hagrid to the front of the Great Hall, Professor Sprout, in her light brown leather robes, and heart-shaped face awaiting them.

'Firs' years, Professor,' said Hagrid gruffly.

'Thank you, Professor,' she replied, and Hagrid made his way to his seat.

Harry didn't pay much attention to the sorting or the song that the Hat sung. After marveling at the first years, and how he couldn't remember being that small, his eyes were drawn to the empty seat next to Slughorn.

Although the sorting was drawing to an end with the last name, (Williams, Ashley) Professor Castor still had not appeared. At one, Professor McGonagall stood up and the Hall became silent.

'Welcome to another year at Hogwarts,' she said in commanding voice. 'To our first years, welcome, and please note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds to all students. Also, I would like to remind you that our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has added a few more illegal products that can be seen in his office.'

Her eyes darted to the Gryffindor table.

'Before we get onto the feast,' she said as Ron's stomach grumbled loudly. 'I would like to inform you that there has been additional security added to the school, in light of the events of last year.'

At this she paused, and Harry noticed Professor McGonagall's voice had thinned as she spoke.

'As your new Headmistress,' she said regaining herself. 'I implore to each and everyone of you the importance and vitality of unity among houses, especially during these difficult times. I know that I cannot replace a Headmaster like Albus Dumbledore, but I will try my best, and would greatly appreciate your responsibility and resources as students of this school.'

There was a brief pause. It was the first time that Professor McGonagall had spoken so plainly, and her words filled the Great Hall with wonder. Almost simultaneously, the room exploded in applause. McGonagall smiled weakly and raised her hands for silence once more.

'There is one more final matter I would like to address.'

BANG!

Almost on cue, the large oak doors to the Great Hall flung open so harshly they were nearly blown off their hinges. A tall, lean figure stood in the middle, wearing a large traveling cloak, his face hidden underneath the hood.

The figure pulled off the hood and started to walk forward, with each step he took there was a faint click upon the stone floor. Harry's head shot around to watch Professor Demetrius Castor, in robes of rich burgundy with black trim walk briskly between the tables towards the staff table.

Upon reaching it, Professor McGonagall raised her hand for Castor to shake. They spoke in hushed whispers and McGonagall addressed him to take his seat. Castor bowed curtly and sat down next to Professor Slughorn, who, to Harry's delight, looked rather nervous sitting next to Castor.

'Who is that?' Lavender Brown said to Pavarti Patil. The girls were both giggling looking at Castor with great interest.

Harry noticed that they weren't the only ones. In fact, looking around the room Harry noticed many of the girls in the Great Hall stare at Professor Castor, and he knew why. Most of the teachers at Hogwarts were in their late forties and up. Professor Castor, only being twenty-two looked rather out of place taking a sip of wine and beginning to pile with plate with mash potatoes and steak.

'I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher,' Professor McGonagall said stiffly. 'Professor Castor.'

There was a much more of an exuberant applause then usual. Some girls in the back had stood up in their seats to take a better look at him. He raised his head slightly and gave a half-hearted wave of his hand.

'He's dreamy looking,' Harry overheard Susan Bones sigh to Hannah Abbott.

Harry rolled his eyes.

Oh for God sake.

After the desserts had vanished Professor McGonagall stood up and the Hall went silent once more.

'Classes will begin tomorrow morning,' she said briskly. 'So goodnight to all of you. Sleep well.'

There was a bustling of activity as everyone made their way to the dormitories. Hermione announced that the Head Girl and Boy had their own rooms and gave a quick hug to Ron and Harry, and dashed down the first floor corridor.

'First years, this way,' Ron yelled, making a few of them jump. They walked behind him, as Harry lumbered behind. He was tired. It had been a long day, but although he was thrilled to be back at Hogwarts, and that Professor Castor was going to be without a doubt the best Defense teacher he'd seen, his thoughts lingered to Ginny.

You almost kissed her on the train.

She wanted me to!

Hello Potter, you called it off last year, remember?

But I'm back at Hogwarts, we can date.

What's Ron going to say?

'Shit,' Harry muttered to himself walking into the seventh year boy's dorm. Harry noticed that it was much larger than all the other dorms he had been in.

Seamus and Dean and Neville were already getting ready for bed and merely said goodnight to Harry before pulling their curtains.

Ron walked in a few minutes later, looking exhausted and a little put out.

'What's up?' Harry asked.

'Do you think Ernie fancies Hermione?' Ron asked abruptly, catching Harry completely off guard.

'What?'

Where did that come from?

'Do you think Ernie likes Hermione?' Ron said impatiently, his voice rising.

'What brought this on?' Harry asked perplexed.

'He was practically ogling her at dinner,' Ron said angrily and he started to pace again.

'What's your beef with Ernie,' Harry asked although the knew the answer. 'He's a nice bloke.'

Ron stopped and stared at Harry, his mouth hanging open, his eyes flaring a bit.

'Well,' Ron said, Harry noticing he has trying to come up with a legitimate excuse on why Ernie liking Hermione was irritating. 'He's alright I guess.'

Harry let out a sigh and flopped down on his bed, chucking his glasses on his bedside table.

'For Merlin's sake, Ron,' he said rubbing his eyes tiredly. 'If you like her, just ask her out.'

'What!'

Ron stared at Harry as though he had lost his mind.

'Me, ask Hermione out?' he said, his voice cracking tremendously. 'That's, that's just, that's,…. Well, we're just friends, aren't we.'

'The very best,' Harry said kicking off his shoes. He was too tired to really have this conversation. 'Go to sleep, Ron.'

'Yea,' Ron said trying to regain his composure. 'Yea, I think I will.'

He turned off all the lights and dropped like a ton of bricks onto his bed.

'You notice how all the girls were checking out Castor?' Ron said in the dark, Harry knowing he had a sly grin of his face.

'Yea,' Harry said grinning himself. 'Well, he is only twenty-two, and he is pretty good looking.'

'You think so?' Ron said jokingly.

'Shut up, prat.'

'Sorry, mate,' Ron said chuckling. 'Couldn't resist.'

They lay in silence, listening to the wind blow past their open windows.

Harry closed his eyes and lay on his back, his mind filled with images of Ginny, Castor and what would happen within the next several months.

'I'll tell you something mate,' Ron said yawning. 'It's going to be a very interesting year.'

A/N: Done. It was pretty vague I know but I had a lot to cover and I wanted to get it all in one chapter. A little hints to some romance going on, hope that helped the read.