Disclaimer: The World of Harry Potter and it's characters are property of J.K. Rowling.
Summary: A chapter featuring a training sessions for the teens and Harry hears about not one but two prophecies concerning Voldemort's downfall.
Rated: M due to potential graphic depictions in later chapters
- The New Term -
Remus Lupin looked upon the destruction left behind by another Death Eater raid. Despite their efforts, they don't seem to make any kind of difference at all in the war. He remembered the initial war with Voldemort. While some things are similar it definitely seems as if their efforts are turning out to be futile.
"This is horrible Remus." Tonks said as the pink haired witch walked up behind him. "Not a single life was spared."
"Aye," Moody commented from the side, "There is nothing for us here. I shall report to the Headmaster." He said before apparating away.
"Remus?" Tonks asked softly as she laid a hand on his shoulder. She felt his body stiffen to her touch.
"I can smell him… Greyback." Remus replied as he scanned the area. The thoughts of when he got infected by him while he was young reverberated on his mind. It was in the young age of five as he slept soundly in his bedroom when the werewolf Fenrir Greyback intruded upon his family home and bit him. His father came and drove him away with powerful hexes and curses but the damage was done.
Ever since becoming an adult and joining Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix he had tried to locate the werewolf and end him. He had been elusive during the time Voldemort has been away. Now that he is back it was only a matter of time when Greyback made his presence known.
"Is he -" Tonks said as she had her wand drawn and began looking around.
"No he has been gone for a while." Remus said as Tonks sighed in relief as she pocketed her wand. "We have to send word to your cousin." He continued grabbing her attention.
"Sirius?"
"Yeah, he may not be in the Order but he is fighting the same fight we are. I'm sure that it is him and that group of his that is out there fighting with their hoods up." Remus said as he began to walk away from the ghost town.
"You think that it's him?" Tonks asked, "I guess it makes a lot of sense but why not join him?"
"I guess he would prefer if I stick around Dumbledore." Remus said as they stop to a halt nearby the town's entrance. "I know you have Auror duties still and are needed back in London."
Tonks hair changed from purple to pink then back to purple as Remus looked on curiously as she stood beside him.
"You aren't going to rid of me that easily mister. Besides, he is family and possibly the only one I could tolerate." Tonks said. "Now since I have no clue where the bloody merlin my cousin is staying at the moment I guess we should side-along." Wrapping her arm around Remus causing him to stiffen and feel uncomfortable.
He gave a silly smile at her before he turned and apparated.
- The New Term -
They both landed on their feet as Tonks quickly began looking around to take in her surroundings. Remus looked at her with an amused look as she had her wand out in the ready.
"I know you were trained by Moody but do you have to be as paranoid?" Remus asked with a smile on his face.
Realizing how a tad silly it was she huffed before she pocketed her wand. As she saw the road sign that she realized where she was at and where Sirius has decided to move.
"You have got to be kidding me. Sirius moved here of all places? Why didn't you tell me?" Tonks said as she looked up at the tall building in front of them.
For there stood 12 Grimmauld Place better known as the Black Ancestral Home. It has been here for many centuries just like the neighboring homes surrounding it. Being deemed unplottable the muggles have come to accept that the ones who first numbered the buildings simply forgot to put a number 12.
"Just knew about this fairly recently." Remus said as they began to walk towards the house. "Never got to revealing this place to you cause well, we happened to have been surrounded by members of the Order. Sirius was pretty adamant about not mentioning this to anyone."
"So why tell me?" Tonks asked suggestively as they crossed the road to the other side.
"Well, as you said earlier there was no way I would rid of you that easily. I may not have a girlfriend but I know not to make a witch angry." Remus said as Tonks smiled.
"Glad you don't need more incentive than having an angry witch to deal with." Tonks replied as they reached the front door. "So do we just knock or –"
She was cut off as the door swung open to reveal Sirius Black smiling at the two.
"So when's the date?" Sirius asked with a serious face.
Remus began to speak incoherently sputtering a response while Tonks looked away trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. Sirius looked on with a bit of pride on his face as Remus realized that his good friend was just trying to get a rise out of them as he now had a stern look on his face that caused Sirius to laugh.
"Give me a break will you? I am cooped up all here by my lonesome self with no one to truly keep me company." Sirius said as he welcomed the both of them inside the house.
While they walked through the hallway, they noticed the gloomy atmosphere the house gave. As well as most of the furniture was covered in sheets.
"Great-Aunt Walburga sure made this place look welcoming." Tonks commented as they continued further down the hallway. "Surprised the house accepted you Sirius, didn't she disown you?"
"Yep but there is no denying that I am since birth a Black and that is what appears to be all that matters." Sirius said causing Tonks to stop.
"Wait if that is the case you need to leave immediately!" She nearly shouted at him as they reached the door that led to the kitchens.
"Lower down will you. First, trust me when I say to use your indoor voice. Second, I know that means Bellatrix and she could possibly come calling. But, I have it in sound mind that her and that crazy band of Death Eaters of hers are either in Malfoy's manor or Voldemort's house." Sirius said. "This being near the middle of a borough in London, despite their successful raids as of late. I doubt they want to make things easy for the Ministry. If I were still a fugitive then maybe that would have made sense. But alas I am not."
"I guess when you put it that way… you do have safety precautions though." Tonks said with a worried look.
"Yup aside from good old dad's protection I added my own as well as some from the Ministry themselves." Sirius said with a smile as he sat on the long table.
"You got the Ministry to help out?" Remus asked.
"Only those I trust." Sirius said as an old angry looking house elf came out with a tray of drinks. "Ah Kreacher, thank you for the drinks."
The elf called Kreacher simply scowled as Remus took one and grabs the other to hand over to Tonks as she smiled at him.
"So what brings the two of you – wait are you asking me the Lord Black if you can have my dear nieces hand?" Sirius said with a hint of sarcasm causing Remus to sputter out his drink while Tonks began to blush while her hair changed colors. "While I appreciate the gesture old friend. Since her father is still alive you shall need to ask his permission."
"Cut the crap Sirius." Tonks said as she patted Remus as he continued to choke on his drink "We are here to discuss he-who-must-not-be-named and his merry band of Death Eaters."
"Dumbledore –"
"Has no idea that we are here talking to you now." Remus said after composing himself and taking a sigh of relief. "He thinks whoever is leading the third group against the Death Eaters are some sort of black ops group under the International Confederate of Wizards. Despite retaining his position in their ranks he seems paranoid they are keeping things away from him. But, Tonks and I know that it is you who is leading the group."
Sirius looked at the two carefully.
"We aren't asking to join because we figured a while back if we could you would have invited us by now. You need eyes and ears in the Order who you trust so I don't mind being it." Remus said as Tonks looked on. "Don't take us for a fool Sirius."
"It's no use arguing. I could say that I am in this third group but that's all I could state." Sirius said with a smirk while Remus looked on.
"Is –"
Sirius simply nodded his head as Tonks looked on wondering what Remus was asking about.
"You know, if something were to happen you'll have an angry witch on the other side to deal with." Remus said with a smile as Tonks had a confused look on her face.
"I'm sure but I have feeling all will be well." Sirius said, as Tonks seemed ready to explode at being left out. "Everything okay there, Nym?"
"Don't you dare call me that!" She said angrily "And what in Merlins name are the two of you talking about?"
"Harry"
As realization dawned on her, she looked over at Remus. "You've known? All this time you've known about that boys well being and you didn't bother to tell me?" The questioning surprised him that he began to feel uncomfortable where he sat. Glancing over at Sirius desperation spread over his face.
"Go easy on him Tonks, I told him not to discuss about Harry with anyone. While I would have been okay if he had told you, I appreciate that he did not." Sirius said hoping that would placate her.
"Where is he?" She asked with a worrisome expression.
"Somewhere Dumbledore or even Mad-Eye will be unable to find him." Sirius replied hoping that would be enough of the questions regarding Harry. He still doesn't know how to feel about him having yet to make any sort of sign that states when he is returning or better yet how he is.
"Dumbledore will try something when the school term starts in two weeks. He seemed more calculating in his thoughts in the past meetings." Remus said as Tonks began to calm from her outburst.
"I wouldn't put it past the old man. So is that all you came to discuss to me about?" Sirius asked.
"Greyback is back and has joined his ranks." Remus said.
"Well, that sure escalated the madness quick. What has Dumbledore said about this?"
"He hasn't or at least hasn't gotten wind of this information yet. We came here directly." Tonks responded as Remus shook his head. "Actually going to go to the Ministry soon to let Madam Bones' in on the news."
"Sure she'll appreciate it." Sirius said with a smirk.
"Be careful Sirius, I actually need to get going." Remus said as he looked at his watch before using the floo. Sirius then recognized Tonks looked at him a bit reserved.
"What is it Tonks? Anything you couldn't share in front of Remus?" Sirius asked as Tonks pulled out an envelope.
"Actually this is something in a totally different matter. It's family business." Tonks said as she offered the envelope as Sirius took it.
"Your mother in trouble?" Sirius asked absentmindedly as he took a letter opener on his hand and opened it.
"Actually its…" Tonks stopped as she noticed the expression change on Sirius. She wasn't sure what he was feeling. She herself wasn't sure what her mother was going through when she gave her this task to carry.
"I don't know what to say." Sirius finally responded after he finished reading the letter. "I'll need some time to figure this out. If you can get in contact, let it be known I shall have an answer by Halloween."
"I shall relay the message." Tonks said as she used the floo network to the Ministry.
- The New Term -
The new school term was about to begin and in the first time as anyone could possibly remember. The traffic in the once so busy and populated Diagon Alley has changed drastically. It seemed mother nature agreed as the overcast sky casted a dark shadow.
Susan walked alongside Daphne and her godmother as they took in the sight. They looked around wondering if they would notice anyone on the streets or the shops. Susan got word from Hannah that she ordered all her books given how her parents were really nervous that they have yet to allow her out of the house. She wondered if most families ended up going that route. In the end she would not blame them for doing so.
"Hey Susan, we going to head up to Gringotts first if that is alright. I need to make a withdrawal since -."
"It's okay, I'm sure that gift you got Harry must have cost you more than a pretty galleon." Susan said with a smirk causing Daphne to try to hide her embarrassment. "Besides, I need to make a small withdrawal as well."
As the three walked into Gringotts they noticed a heavy guard of Goblins and a huge line of individuals.
"Wow, I don't think I have ever seen the bank like this." Susan said as they got into the single file line.
"It's twenty years all over again." Daphne's godmother quipped as the two girls looked on as the line moved on a snail pace. "Unless you are some valuable client or are held in high regard by the director we can expect to be on this line for quite some time ladies."
"Can't we -." Daphne softly spoke as she glanced at Susan who looked back at her.
"I don't think Ministry officials fall in the category under valuable client. If Malfoy couldn't with all the galleons lining up his pockets I don't think -." Susan was cut off by the appearance of a goblin who walked down the line and up to them.
"Name, please miss -." The goblin said as he drawled the last part.
"Susan. Susan Bones." Susan replied quickly noticing those around her were looking over at her and the goblin. There clearly were a good forty people ahead of them.
"Pardon my sudden appearance ma'am. But you are not needn't to be in the line. If you can, please follow me I can assist you with your visit today." The goblin responded waiting for Susan to respond.
"Only if my friend can come along as well." Susan said causing the goblin to look over at her. "If that is not satisfactory I am perfectly fine to go through this line."
"Give me one moment." The Goblin said.
The goblin seemed to think things over before looking over to his side. Seeing as the line was fairly long Susan couldn't exactly see who it was the goblin was looking over at. She did remember her auntie once telling her the goblins have one of the best eye sights in the world only being bested by elves.
"Your female friend may come, as it turns out this is rather an exception and not the rule Ms. Bones."
"I appreciate the gesture." Susan said as she nodded her head at Daphne to follow her.
"You didn't have to do that." Daphne whispered over Susan's shoulder.
"I know… but while you may have been okay with being by yourself, I shall not endure the potential boredom I would brace as I wait for you." Susan shot back with a smile that Daphne was unable to see as she was behind her.
They received stares as the four walked down along the line. Finally, the goblin brought them in front of one of the goblins who sat behind a dais. He was doing a bit of paperwork seemingly unaware of the presence of the four individuals in front of him. While Susan and Daphne looked at one another unsure of what to do next. The goblin who brought them here made a noise to catch the others attention.
"It's a pleasure to meet you once again Ms. Bones, I'm sorry that I am unaware of who accompanies you this day… How can Gringotts assist you today?" The goblin asked finally as Susan seemed to wonder something.
"My friend, Daphne and I would like to make a withdrawal. However, I would like to ask why is it I am given preferential treatment?" Susan asked as Daphne wondered if it was wise thing to ask at this time.
"I must apologize Ms. Bones." The goblin responded realizing something "I was not aware you are still not privy to certain information regarding your family. As you know it does not matter what ministry position you hold or how much power you have. Getting preferential treatment within these walls require something greater, something that can't be manipulated or bought."
"Will you tell me?"
"I'm sorry miss, I may have already stepped over my bounds by acting preemptively…" the goblin said and upon seeing Susan's face change expression he continued "I would not worry all that much as I am positive you shall know about this sooner rather than later. Now may I call one of our cart transporters to bring you to your vault this day?"
"That would be just fine." Daphne's godmother said as she stepped in the conversation. The goblin smiled at her and snapped his fingers calling forth one of the cart transporters over.
"Thank you." Daphne said as Susan subconsciously did the same as a lot of thoughts began to run through her mind.
After an uneventful ride through the vaults and withdrawing enough to go through a whole year's worth. The three began to make their ways around the different shops restocking up on school supplies as well as their books. Daphne noticed her good friend had been rather silent throughout as they stopped by to eat at the Leaky Cauldron.
"What's the matter Susan?" Daphne asked as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice.
"Growing up I have always studied to make sure I knew about my ancestry. None of them ever mentioned being held in high regard with Gringotts and the goblins." She said before she stopped as she saw Daphne raise her hand.
"Did it ever brought up you~know~what?" Daphne asked referring to the Order of Merlin.
Susan had a thoughtful expression before she slowly nodded her head causing Daphne to smile.
"See, not until last summer you and I didn't even have any clue we have this family history. I'm sure whatever it was the goblin let slip are along those same lines."
"I guess you're right." Susan replied as she began to think over what Daphne said.
"So do you want to head home you two or would you rather stick around this gloomy place a bit longer." Daphne's godmother spoke up as she finished her meal.
"Actually," Susan said looking over at a colorful flyer posted in one of the posts inside. "There is this new establishment I have been anxious to step into."
Daphne seeing the object in Susan's line of sight nodded her head at her godmother who simply smiled back at her as Susan and Daphne continued to finish their meals.
- The New Term -
The girls smiled at the sight. If it weren't for the tenants abandoning their businesses, shops and houses Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes would not have stuck out like a sore thumb in the middle of Diagon Alley. From the outside looking in it seemed like a madhouse as it seemed to be packed by teenagers their age.
It was no secret the Weasley twins were genius in secret. Their concoctions were either a disaster or just plain brilliant. As they opened the door a miniature plane zoomed by making the two girls duck.
Susan looked on awe at the establishment as she noticed a couple of Huffelpuff below her year playing around with a piece of stick.
"Never understood how they got the funds to get this done within mere months." Daphne said as she looked on a big fountain advertising love potions.
"Ah do my eyes deceive me… alas they are still wonderful." George said as he straightened out his jacket that had the logo. "Good day to you Ms. Bones, Ms. Greengrass." Extending his hand and kissing both the back of it as the girls emit a slight blush.
"Hey George, was just doing some school shopping. Ate over at the Leaky when we stumbled upon the poster. Sorry, we couldn't make it to the grand opening."
"No worries, you are here now and as a first time visitor you get to pick one item in this whole establishment free of charge." Fred spoke up startling them as he walked up from behind his brother.
"Don't think I see anything in particular." Daphne said causing the two to stare gobsmacked.
"Anyways, what is with that promotion? Don't mean to pry but do you two actually have the money to keep this place open for business?" Susan asked as Daphne shook her head.
"It's okay we shall be able to answer both of your questions."
"First, the promotions are"
"For certain individuals only"
"Unless you are from the house"
"Of Gryffindor whether it be"
"Past or Present."
"As for the second."
"We have a benefactor"
"Who got us the startup money"
"Due to their desire to keep their"
"Anonymity of their relationship to the shop"
"We can say no more"
Daphne massaged her neck as she was not used to turning her head left and right as the twins spoke finishing each others statements.
"Surely, it is someone we know." Susan stated as she smiled the two thinking she hit the jackpot.
"That would be telling Ms. Bones. I can neither approve or deny these claims sadly." Fred said while Susan gave him a calculated look as if to look for something. Just as she was about to retort she came upon an idea that struck her causing the twins and Daphne to look awkwardly at her.
"Well I'll be," Susan said, putting her hand on her hips and staring up at the two. "It all makes total sense now. I know you can't reveal anything else but it is rather obvious I think." Susan said with a smirk that made Daphne questioned her sanity.
"Think Daphne, what ever did Harry do with his winnings from the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Susan asked her.
"You two took advantage of him?" Daphne asked a bit irate at the two causing eyes from those around them to look over.
"Way to get her riled up Fred." George quipped causing his brother to mock a glare at him.
"Hey, I wasn't the one who stated 'We can say no more'." Fred answered back as Angelina came over and looked over at the two before shaking her head.
"It's obvious they know who it is you two imbeciles." Angelina said as Fred and George sighed in defeat.
"Fine, I guess since it is the two of you he wouldn't mind it so much. During the train ride home that year, Harry changed." Fred began.
"He was a bit more reserved not the usual carefree individual we knew him as."
"We merely thought it had something to do with him going back to his muggle family."
"I'm sure you know?" George asked as he received nods from the two girls.
"Anyways that tournament changed him."
"It didn't help matters that he~who~must~not~be~named came back that same time."
"So he thrust the bag he received from Ludo at us."
"We tried to refuse."
"He wouldn't have none of it of course."
"Threatened to threw it down a drain if we didn't."
"That's so like him." Daphne said interrupting the two. "But, why keep his involvement on this a secret?"
"A few things… first is our mother."
"Next, which I find ridiculous when each time I think about it is so the shop would not be targeted by well you know."
"Harry is daft if that is a valid reason."
"Yeah he is, but I think it is to simply ease his own fears. He actually procured us an extra couple of galleons to expand this building to create a safe room."
"Speaking of my dear brother, would you two lovely witches love to see it?" Fred asked as the two simply nodded their heads. George gestured to follow him as Fred went back to approach the patrons inside the store. Upon reaching a painting featuring a Stag, a Grim and what seems to be a werewolf. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" muttered George as the painting swung open to reveal a door.
"What was that?" Susan asked.
"Three of the four members of the Marauders. Some say they were legendary when it comes to the art of pranking when they were at Hogwarts." George answered over his shoulder as they ventured down a few flight of steps.
"Three of the four?"
"Well, the fourth was not really a true friend. Ended up being a weak minded wizard and a traitor."
"So this place is called…" Daphne began to state but stopped as she saw how big this place was.
It was simply immense on how much space it was down there. It was practically big enough to shelter a few families. Fully furnished and decorated. One thing that caught the eye of the two was an interesting looking suit that was on display under a glass case.
"What's with the display?" Susan asked as Daphne walked around.
"One of the few things Harry requested of us to do with the money. Not sure if you remembered the Yule ball and what Ron wore." George responded causing Susan to look over.
"Yeah, it was truly the most dreadful thing I have ever laid my eyes on. It was hard not to remember it."
"Well, Harry being the good friend that he is wished for us to at least get him some proper new dress robes. We never were able to give it properly but we wanted to honor one of Harry's wishes at least."
"You two haven't heard anything from him have you?" George asked after a brief moment.
Susan nodded her head as she looked over to Daphne who seemed to be looking at a wizarding photo depicting the Alliance.
"It's a bit worrisome having no news but I somehow could feel it in me that he is okay and he will return to us." Susan said as George smiled at her. "Ready to go Daphne?"
"Yeah" She said not taking her eyes off the photo.
"You can take that with you if you wish." George said, "Colin gave us two copies." He took the frame down from the wall and handed it over to Daphne as she cautiously reached out and took it.
"Thank you."
"No problem… and by the way our offer still stands." George said as the girls smiled.
"I'll consider this that one free item then." Daphne said as she gestured to the photo.
- The New Term -
Platform 9 ¾ was crazy as usual as teens said their goodbyes to their family. Seemed as if it was a scene from a war film as parents were noticeably more emotional at letting their children go off to school. Similar to the year prior Aurors had a heavy presence on the platform. It seemed the Ministry sent the majority of the entire force in case a repeat of last year presented itself.
Another distinct change was the presence of Aurors inside the Hogwarts Express itself. Teens noticeably walked around the compartment with a bit of unease amongst their presence. Susan along with Neville and Luna were going through compartments trying to find one for themselves when Luna stopped.
"This is a good one." She said as she opened the door and walked right in.
Neville took a peek inside and noticed Rolf was already there seemingly taking a nap unaware Luna sitting right across from him. While they all started to be civil with one another Daphne and Susan haven't truly warmed up to his presence. It was evident as Susan looked in and saw him that she made a decision right then and there to not step in after Neville.
"Coming?" Neville asked as he settled in sitting beside Luna.
"Actually, I'm going to go find Hannah. I'll see you guys in a bit" Susan said as she turned and began to walk away.
As Neville looked outside he noticed a small commotion happening. Curious he leaned over the window and noticed the commotion was around Draco Malfoy. His mother escorted him along with a female Auror he was sure had seen before. He looked different Neville thought as he no longer sported the aristocratic look.
"What is going on?" Rolf asked as he still had his eyes closed.
"Draco Malfoy just arrived and he seemed to be getting a bit more attention." Neville said. Rolf's eyes snapped open and began to lean over to get a good look at him.
"So… that's him?" Rolf said rhetorically, "Doesn't seem to like the attention." He said in observation as he leaned back.
"Ironic really, prior to this year he craved attention practically begged for it now that I think about it." Neville said.
"Be careful what you wish for."
"Yeah, by the way I'm not sure if it was okay but we decided to join you." Neville said nervously.
"Don't worry I've come to terms of all this already." Rolf said as he gestured, "It's a bit mad but no point in fighting it. By the way you do know you are reading that upside down." Gesturing to Luna as she looked up to meet his eyes.
"Oh I know this is how it has to be read." Luna said before getting back to her reading.
"Things surely are different here." Rolf said as he shook his head as Neville couldn't help but smile knowing Luna is the only one who truly does things in an unorthodox way.
"Excuse me."
The teens looked over the doorway and noticed one of the Aurors patrolling the express.
"Are you two by chance Neville Longbottom and Rolf Scamander?" the Auror asked as they both nodded. Taking out two pieces of envelopes the Auror handed them over "I was told to give these to you two by a professor who is also taking the trip to Hogsmeade station with all of you."
As he made his leave Neville and Rolf opened the letter.
Dear Mr. Longbottom,
You are cordially invited to the last compartment of the Hogwarts Express for a meeting with me, your new Potions Professor in the upcoming term Harace Slughorn. This is an invite only event so I hope you could make it. The door shall be open just as the Express passes the London border.
Sincerely,
Horace Slughorn
"It's an invitation from our new Potions Professor." Neville said as he noticed Rolf still reading his. "What does yours say."
"Same, I was just trying to figure out what agenda this Professor has." Rolf said, "Only ones who knew of my arrival were the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress along with you guys."
"By the way did the hat sort you yet or are you going to -."
"Huffelpuff." Rolf said simply.
"Wow, so at least you would be with Susan. Sucks, it wasn't Ravenclaw… Luna is -."
"It's okay Neville, besides I am not the only one who is by themselves in a house."
"Oh that's right." Neville said.
- The New Term -
"So what does it say?" Hannah asked as she looked over at Susan who had just received a letter from one of the Aurors patrolling the express. "Is it from your Aunt?"
"Hannah didn't you hear a word the Auror said?" Susan asked her as she continued to look over the letter. "It's from the Professor who is riding the express with us."
"Oh, must be something big to get a personal letter. Are you -."
"You'll regret it if you somehow finish that sentence. It is an invitation, something tells me that a number of students also will be getting it."
"You are no fun you know that… so, when do you have to go?"
"In about an hour though the invitation suggested maybe half an hour."
"So, what's up with you?" Hannah asked as she took out a copy of a wizarding magazine.
"What do you mean?" Susan asked as she put away the letter.
"This summer let alone last summer, I barely hear from you. It's as if you are no longer the Susan Bones I grew up with and played with all those years. I was beginning to sense you have a crush on a boy… wait that must be it. Who is the boy, Susan?!" Hannah asked finally causing Susan to roll her eyes at her.
"Merlin Hannah there is no boy. I haven't even considered dating or anything of that sort since fourth year." Susan replied, remembering the talks they had together in which Susan openly stated she had a small crush on Cedric. "I do however want to state how sorry I am. I should have been a much better friend. It's just -."
"Don't worry about it. I know, Harry was actually telling the truth all this time about you~know~who and your Aunt is well the head of the DMLE. I'm just glad you still consider me your friend. I wasn't entirely sure you would have shared a compartment with me."
"Don't be so daft Hannah, of course I consider you my friend. We practically grew up together and are sisters in all but blood. I would never ever think about letting that all go to be some distant memory." Susan said with determination as Hannah smiled before turning a bit serious. "What is it?"
"I was wondering with your aunt being the Head of the DMLE and all, is it true?" Hannah asked.
"What is true? What are you talking about?" Susan asked.
"There were whispers all over the Platform amongst the Aurors that Harry is dead." Hannah said, "I mean could it be? He wasn't spotted in either the Platform or the express."
"The Aurors said that?" Susan asked as Hannah nodded, "I have yet to hear anything from Auntie about it but I highly doubt he is dead. Missing perhaps but definitely not dead."
"It's possible though when you think about it." Hannah said, "Given how the Daily Prophet now hail him as 'The Chosen One' it wouldn't be wise to publicize if Harry was somehow dead."
"Can you please stop saying the word dead." Susan snapped at her friend startling her.
"I'm sorry Susan, I just…" Hannah said as she noticed Susan trying to reign her emotions in.
"Susan, I'm sorry I didn't think you felt anything for Harry. I know you began to be somewhat friendly with him after the whole Alliance thing." Hannah said.
"It's okay Hannah I forgive you." Susan said after she was able to compose herself "You're right last year I did began to befriend Harry. Merlin knows he needs it after he went through and all he has are those in Gryffindor. I simply refuse to believe he is gone… not with that monster out there."
"You believe he is the only one capable of stopping you~know~who? I'm sure the Headmaster -."
"Got hurt last year after that debacle before the end of the term. You remember it was McGonagall who gave the end of term speech not him. If he is somehow weakened, then I can't say I have faith the Headmaster can deal with you~know~who." Susan said.
"Wait… that's it!" Hannah nearly shouted. "He must be training. It has got to be the reason right?!" she said seemingly excited as if she had just been awarded one thousand points for Huffelpuff.
"You do have a point." Susan said, "It seems the most logical sense."
"Ah ha, so now with Hermione Granger gone who is the smartest witch in our generation?!" Hannah said with a laugh.
"First Hermione is still our generation so it would be her at least when it comes to theory and such, however you may have only hit the top ten when it comes to all of Hogwarts." Susan said as she shook her head causing Hannah to stick out her tongue "Real mature Hannah, real mature."
- The New Term -
"Not going to visit our new Potions Professor?" Tracey asked as Daphne looked out the window watching the scenery pass by.
"No" Daphne said, "not interested in meeting him at all. Given the invitation only, I have a feeling he would be as pompous as Lockhart back from second year but possibly a bit tamer in comparison."
"So will there be an Alliance again this year?" Mafalda asked as she enjoyed the group very much the past year.
"Not sure really. I know you are now in your O.W.L.s year but it was simply put together to undermine Umbridge's teachings." Daphne said
"Whatever happened to that bitch?" Tracey asked, "I mean now with the new Ministry regime and all."
"Yeah everything happened so fast during the time she was suppose to receive her trial. As it turned out they had to wait for Dumbledore to recover. Since Harry wasn't available to testify against her. She was given a light sentence of house arrest." Daphne said recalling the trial of Umbridge last month.
"Merlin where is Potter?" Tracey asked, "Did he abandoned us or something?"
"I don't know."
"You don't think -."
"No I don't."
"You seem to have more than an acquaintance with him don't you?" Tracey asked, "I know you Daphne you can't hide stuff from me like you can the others. I was beginning to think a lot about last year and the whole Alliance."
"Trace –." Daphne said with a worried look.
"Don't worry Daphne, it's safe with me." Tracey said reassuring her friend.
"And me." Mafalda said with a smile as Daphne sighed in relief.
"Speaking of boys, did you notice Malfoy as he walked passed our compartment?" Tracey asked.
"Yeah, he seemed different. Wonder if daddy in Azkaban had anything to do with it." Daphne said.
"You think he would try something after all -."
"He'll be insane if he does, it seems he is rather all alone now." Mafalda said as the two others looked at her, "Pansy passed by with the two goons that usually cling to Malfoy's side before the two of you arrived. She was rather cursing his name as she walked by."
"That's all? Pansy cursing his name?" Tracey asked.
"Well, that and she ranted about how Draco will pay for not joining the Death Eaters." She replied as she concentrated to see if she can recall anything else of note. "That's about it."
"That is very interesting…" Daphne said.
Promise this will be the last and final chapter at least with this story that Harry is not involved in. I had some PM's regarding a certain thing I hinted in the beginning of this story and I hope it became a bit more clear for those who was asking about a certain ferret.
If you didn't catch it, yes Rolf is in Huffelpuff. I know some were hoping Ravenclaw or even Slytherin. In fact I initially had him go to Slytherin but took him out for something that I didn't like when making the outline.
The delay of the last chapter was a bit of my fault due to not posting it after submitting it onto doc manager. For that I deeply apologize. While I can't promise the next chapter to be next week it shouldn't be nearly two month like the previous chapter.
Next Up: The Welcoming Feast, and a bit of a timeskip showing what just did the Potter ancestors trained Harry on.