A/N: hello all, so sorry for the long wait but RL got in the way once more...in case anyone was wondering, once more if u look in my profile, i am not abandoning my stories...even if it takes time i will finish what story i'm working on...therefore, i hope u enjoy this chapter as the next should be coming out soon

Chapter Two

Days later Lily was still fuming. She had not been happy with the Aurors targeting children as culprits let alone her daughter. James hadn't liked it either but was more than happy to let his wife take over while he made sure the children were unharmed.

Now a paranoid Lily took her reaction further when James let a slip a secret dealing with Hogwarts the night before the new school year would begin. She screamed and ranted and raved all the while he prayed the silence wards would hold just so their children wouldn't find out. The only comfort he could give her was his promise to watch over both Ember and Harry.

But what they didn't know was that in a hidden corner safe behind the darkness of shadows was an amused Harry. Draco had already told him everything after his last visit to the Malfoy Manor when both he and his father were desperately making sure their ally hadn't been seriously harmed. Lucius was the main one to check as he was more worried about losing what little loyalty he had cultivated into his possible pawn for a better future.

It was one of many reason as to why he warned the Potter boy.

But Harry never told Ember. He knew she would be told later or figured it out on her own. After all she would soon discover why the adults were now lingering to tell their children goodbye at the train station.

"Dad wouldn't even tell me. Although, Charlie did make a comment of seeing us again, despite the fact we know he tries to come home every holiday from Romania."

Ember nodded, "same, Mum's freaking out. Has been since that game but more so when we got ready today to get to the train. I saw them talking, well, Mum ranting but she's good at wards."

"Well, well, look who doesn't know. Father told me the very night he found out. A pity as your fathers works for the same Ministry and never even told you both."

Ron heatedly glared while Hermione huffed, "You can't scare us, Malfoy."

The blonde laughed, smirking as he said, "Oh, don't worry. You'll find out soon enough."

"Get out, Malfoy!"

"Draco?" Harry's soft tone gained everyone's attention, interrupting their heated conversation, "Pansy's looking for you."

Draco kept his smirk despite the knowledge of the possessive Slytherin girl looking for him, "Just greeting your sister and her little pets. After all, you did ask us all to be more polite, did you not?"

Not one of the Gryffindor Trio believed a word he said but Harry gave a soft content smile, "If you're done?"

Ember barely held back her jealous growl at seeing the ultimate Slytherin getting such a soft response from her brother. All she could do was watch the blonde lead her brother from their compartment, a part of her wanting to rip him away while another, although very small, did relish in seeing such a response even if it wasn't too her. "Jerk!" That was a sentiment she couldn't agree more with while Ron continued to grumble angrily.

Hazel eyes glanced back at the doorway, thoughts racing as a dark part whispered, dad and Sirius are right, they are starting to corrupt him.

***Hogwarts***

Dumbledore smiled as he stared out at his students, standing with his drink in hand, calling for attention after the sorting had finished, "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts." He steadily made his way through the usual rules, still smiling as some rule breakers laughed or giggled knowing many would end up breaking some if not most, before reaching the biggest news of the school year that he knew many parents had worried about while their children gossiped about the possibilities, "As some of you see we have new faces among us but we are about to have even more. We, at Hogwarts, have come to a conclusion that we have long since declined along side with the Ministry and Board of Directors. I am proud to announce for the first time in a century, Hogwarts shall be honored with the presence of our sister school, Beaubaxton, and our brother school, Durmstrang, for the honor of hosting the annual Tri-Wizard Tournament!"

Students that had even an inkling of what the Tournament meant erupted into rapturous cheers before breaking off into groups chattering about what they just heard. Dumbledore had to utilize his Deputy's help in re-gaining the students' attention, "Unfortunately, this also means that Quidditch has been officially cancelled for the year." The disappointed groans had him chuckling as he tried for sympathy, "yes, yes, a disappointing thought but as Host we shall use that time to ensure our sister and brother schools enjoy their time among us. Therefore, I am counting on you all to uphold Hogwarts' reputation and tradition of greeting them and aiding them as they shall also continue their education amongst us for the year. Starting tomorrow the schools shall begin their arrival. As well as the arrival of the Ministry Representatives who shall be the ones to bring forth the Goblet of Fire to choose each schools' Champion. But," he laughed as many of the students groaned, "as a precaution this year, only students at sixteen years of age and above shall be allowed to enter the competition. I, with the help of several warders, shall personally ward the room in which the Goblet resides. The age line shall make sure this competition starts off on the right path."

He allowed the students to finally break out in full whispers and conversations, taking his seat to begin the Feast when one last piece of news had finally arrived, banging and limping his way into the Great Hall, "Ah, yes, one last item, I would like you all to welcome this year's newest Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Alastor Moody."

Everyone clapped politely, though many students were edgy at the thought of the ultimate paranoid Auror, even if he was retired, was going to be teaching them. Even the Slytherins seemed to be desponded at the thought of the man being anywhere near them.

"Just great, a paranoid retired Auror who has yet to stop chasing or seeing supposed Death Eaters in innocent people will now being teaching impressionable children. I'm sure my father will have something to say about that!"

While many of his fellow Housemates agreed with him, one seemed unconcerned as usual, "Draco. Leave it be. It'll be just fine." The Syltherins simply nodded, quieting down to enjoy the feast while they could as emerald eyes locked onto the paranoid wizard, watching carefully as the man sipped from a silver flask at his hip and not daring to touch the food. "You may feel safer then you believe as shadows always feel safer of similar nature." He left them confused as his gaze swept the room, landing on his twin, soon, Ember, very soon.

Said sister lightly frowned as if she heard his thoughts. Feeling fear ripple down her spine as she silently pleaded, please. what ever it was, was slowly building to wait for the exact moment to explode, and it terrified her even more.