Chapter 5
Trials, Troubles, & A Train
The Accidental Magical Reversal Squad, several teams of Obliviators, Aurors, and one very confused Headmaster had shown up on Privet Drive minutes after the blood wards fell. The Wizarding World was in chaos, and the question on everybody's mind was, where is Harry Potter? The Daily Prophet wasn't helping matters though. News began to spread that 'Voldemort' was back thanks to the arrest of Peter Pettigrew and several captured Death Eaters. Dementors had attacked Little Whinging and almost sucked the soul out of Harry Potter's muggle cousin and a muggle friend. It had been determined that Harry's muggle Aunt and Uncle had been confunded since summer began, and no one had seen or heard from Harry in weeks. Dumbledore didn't know where he was, his friends didn't know where he was, and all attempts to find 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' had failed. Word began to spread that lots of money had been stolen from his vault at Gringotts, and word had it that the goblins were angry, and no one wanted to mess with an angry goblin.
To further everyone's panic, The Daily Prophet was reporting that Harry Potter was seen with 'Voldemort', because the several captured Death Eaters had been questioned under veritaserum. They claimed that Potter had been spotted with 'The Dark Lord' in Diagon Alley a few weeks ago. The Death Eaters were also claiming that Potter had helped 'The Dark Lord' with something, but they didn't know exactly what it was. Dumbledore began saying that was impossible, and that it was likely that he had been kidnapped by 'Voldemort' and that someone had taken Polyjuice Potion. This opinion was more widely accepted, but the question remained, had Harry Potter been kidnapped?
The answer to that question turned out to be yes, but not in a way that anyone expected. As the trial for Peter Pettigrew got underway it was announced that 14 years ago Harry Potter had been kidnapped by none other than Albus Dumbledore himself. The Potter's will was used as evidence, and stated that Peter Pettigrew was their secret keeper, and Albus Dumbledore knew that because he had been the one to cast the Fidelius Charm. It also stated that Albus Dumbledore had witnessed the signing of the will. The will stated that Harry was to be raised by his Godfather, Sirius Black, and was not to be given to his magic hating muggle Aunt and Uncle. When confronted with this accusation, Dumbledore weaseled his way out of it by saying that it was an unfortunate over site on his part, and giving the times and the circumstances, he tried to do what was best for Harry. It had worked, but his public support had taken a nose dive.
Pettigrew, under the influence of veritaserum, admitted to betraying the Potters, killing the 12 muggles, escaping to the home of the Weasleys, and living with them in his animagus form as a rat named Scabbers. Pettigrew also admitted to the events that surrounded the end of Harry's 3rd year. Sirius Black had escaped Azkaban to come and find him, and to protect Harry from him. The details of the Triwizard Tournament had also come to light, as well as the specifics of 'Voldemort's' return and how they related. Fudge had taken heat for not believing Harry's claim that Sirius was innocent in 3rd year, and he also caught hell from Amelia Bones for using a dementor to suck out the soul of Crouch Jr. at the end of 4th year. Cedric Diggory had been questioned, but said all he remembered was arriving back at the start of the maze after he touched the cup. It was determined that he had been knocked out in the graveyard and his memory modified, so that he could not give details of what happened. Because of the capture and confession of Peter Pettigrew, Sirius was declared a free man. The penalty of being an unregistered animagus had been waived due to spending 12 years in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. Not to mention, never having received a trial to begin with.
Harry decided since the Wizarding World was in a panic to find him, that he would appear publically with Sirius once it was determined that he was free. Because of the claims of having been captured by 'Voldemort' he agreed to be questioned about his summer whereabouts and doings under veritaserum. This was done publicly and in front of the Wizengamot by the Head of the DMLE, Amelia Bones.
Harry calmly sat in front of the assembled witches and wizards of the press, Wizengamot, and since he was Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, a very angry looking Albus Dumbledore. Sirius, Tom, and Tonks were there as well, and were sitting in the visitor's section to watch the questioning. Harry could feel Dumbledore trying to use legilimency, but was successfully blocking all of his attempts. Harry smiled as Madam Bones administered the veritaserum. She waited for a few moments, then began her questioning.
"What is your name?"
"Harry James Potter."
"Have you ever been under the influence of Polyjuice Potion?"
"Yes."
Whispering broke out from the press section, but Madam Bones silenced them.
"Can you give us details?"
"Yes, in my 2nd year of Hogwarts the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. I used Polyjuice Potion to gain entrance into the Slytherin Common room, because I thought Draco Malfoy had opened it. I used Polyjuice Potion to disguise myself as a Slytherin student to gain information."
"Have you ever been in the presence of Lord Voldemort?"
"Yes, when he tried to kill me as a baby, during my first year of Hogwarts, my 2nd year of Hogwarts, and the night of the final task of the Triwizard Tournament during my 4th year of Hogwarts." Harry said pointedly.
"Have you ever been kidnapped by Voldemort?"
"No."
"Have you ever helped Voldemort in any way?"
"Yes."
More murmuring could be heard from the press section, but again Madam Bones silenced them.
"Can you elaborate?"
"On the night of the final task of the Triwizard Tournament, I had unwillingly helped Voldemort regain his corporeal body. Peter Pettigrew forcefully tied me to a gravestone, cut my arm, and used my blood in the ritual."
"Mr. Potter, it has been claimed by several captured Death Eaters that you were seen with The Dark Lord in Diagon Alley several weeks ago. Is this true?"
"No."
"LIES!" Lucius Malfoy stood up and shouted. He was sitting in the visitor's section several rows away from Tom, Sirius, and Tonks.
An audible hum from the press section broke out as they all started whispering to each other.
"Mr. Malfoy, if you cannot be quiet, I will have you escorted from the room." Madam Bones said sternly. "May I remind you, that Mr. Potter is under the influence of veritaserum and cannot lie!"
"How would you know Lucius?" Sirius asked loudly. "Were you the Death Eater who claims to have seen them?"
More murmuring broke out in the room. Tom snorted and turned to stare at Lucius, who paled when he realized who was sitting beside Sirius.
"Mr. Black, you too need to be quiet, or you will also be escorted from the room." Madam Bones said sternly.
Lucius sat down immediately, but that was only because Tom had used wandless magic to make him sit down. Lucius knew where it had come from, and shut his mouth with an audible snap. Madam Bones called for silence again, then continued with her questioning.
"Where have you been all summer?"
"I cannot say. My location is under a Fidelius Charm, and I am not the secret keeper."
"In what way did you leave your muggle relatives house?"
"I apparated."
"Are you aware that this is illegal for an underage wizard?"
"I'm not an underage wizard."
More whispers were heard throughout the room.
"Do you care to explain?"
"Yes, when Professor Dumbledore forced me to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, after my name had been added to the goblet without my knowledge or consent, the contract recognized me as an adult. You had to be seventeen in order to compete. I was only 14 at the time, and because I was forced to compete by the Headmaster, I have realized that I am no longer considered an underage wizard. Being forced to compete in the Tournament negated my underage status."
"I see Mr. Potter, but you still apparated illegally. Didn't you?"
"Yes, because I have never been tested."
"Are you are aware that there is a fine associated with this."
"Yes, and I will admit that I am guilty of apparating illegally, and pay the fine."
"Very well. Now Mr. Potter, you're telling's of the number of times having faced Voldemort, using Polyjuice Potion, and being forced to compete in the Triwizard Tournament have peaked my interest of your years at Hogwarts. Can you give me brief explanation of your 1st year?"
"I defeated Voldemort for the second time. Voldemort had possessed the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Quirinus Quirrell. He tried to kill me, but I killed him. Voldemort was after the Sorcerer's Stone. He was trying to regain his body at the time. I manage to stop him with the help of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"You say you killed this Professor? How?"
"The protection that my mother gave me when she died left a mark in my skin. Professor Dumbledore said that because my mother had sacrificed herself for me, that when I touched Quirrell it killed him. I don't fully understand what happened myself to be honest."
The room exploded into chuckles and laughter, but Madam Bones silenced them.
"And where was Professor Dumbledore during all this?"
"I don't know. When I discovered what was happening, I tried to tell several Professors, but they brushed me aside telling me to stay quiet and that it was none of my business. I knew that Voldemort was trying to get the stone and I was afraid that he would succeed and try to kill me again, so I had to stop him."
"Are you telling me that an eleven year old child did what most grown wizards have not been able to do, and that is stop Lord Voldemort?"
"I guess so." Harry shrugged. "I had some help from Hermione and Ron though, but they had to stay behind and I had to go forward. It was me and a possessed by Voldemort Professor Quirrell. I was alone."
"And you didn't know where Professor Dumbledore was?"
"No. He knew the stone was in the castle though. He knew Voldemort was trying to get it, because he had other teachers trying to protect it. Ron, Hermione, and I had to get past a giant three headed dog, devil's snare, charmed keys, a potion's riddle, a troll, and a giant chess set. I don't understand why Professor Dumbledore went through all that trouble. He could have just locked the stone up in his office, or told Fawkes, his phoenix, to take it somewhere and hide it."
Angry accusations started flying around the room, and all were aimed at the Chief Warlock, but once again Madam Bones called for silence.
"And where was all of this located?"
"The giant three headed dog was behind a simple locked door on the third floor of the castle. Any first year could have used the unlocking charm to open it. That's how Ron, Hermione, and I got through it. The dog was vicious, and could have killed someone, but the other things were hidden under a trap door guarded by the dog."
"I had warned the students not to go into the third floor corridor!" Dumbledore shouted defensively, when more shouting and insults were thrown at him.
"Yeah, because if you tell a child don't go somewhere, that's exactly what they are going to do! They are going to want to know why!" An angry Sirius shouted at him.
"QUIET!" Madam Bones ordered, and the room fell silent at once. "This matter will be investigated further!" She yelled. "Now, Mr. Potter what happened in your 2nd year of Hogwarts?"
"Well the Chamber of Secrets was opened by a possessed Ginny Weasley. She used a diary that belonged to Voldemort, and a piece of Voldemort's soul was inside the diary. Voldemort was once again trying to regain his corporeal body, by using Ginny's life force. It was Voldemort that opened the Chamber 50 years ago, and a girl was killed by the giant basilisk that was hidden inside. Hagrid was blamed, but he didn't do it. He was falsely accused by Voldemort, who was a student at the time, and was expelled."
"Are you saying, that for two years in a row, Lord Voldemort had possessed two different people and was running around Hogwarts?"
"Yes."
More angry shouts directed at the Headmaster erupted, but were once again silenced.
"And what happened next?"
"I had to stop him again." Harry shrugged. "None of the other Professors knew what was going on, but I could hear the basilisk moving through the school's walls due to being a parselmouth, but I didn't know what it meant at the time though. I knew I could talk to snakes, but I didn't know what that meant either. Hermione found out that it was a basilisk, and then I realized what it all meant and put it all together. I knew I had to save Ginny, because she would die otherwise. I first tried to get a Professor to help me, but he was no use. I had to find the chamber, open it, kill the 6o foot basilisk, and destroy the part of Voldemort that was possessing Ginny."
"A 60 foot basilisk? Are you saying you killed a 60 foot basilisk at the age of twelve!?"
"Yes, I stabbed it with the Sword of Gryffindor and killed it."
"And where exactly was Professor Dumbledore during all this?"
"In his office I think."
Nearly everyone in the room jumped to their feet and began screaming at the Headmaster. It was so loud that Madam Bones had to use a voice amplifying charm to restore order.
"Mr. Potter, we already know about the events of your third and fourth year, and I understand you are living under the protection of a Fidelius Charm, and that you are now a legal adult, but can you assure me that you are safe from Lord Voldemort? I know that question is on a lot of people's minds today."
"Yes, I am 100% safe from Voldemort." Harry smiled. "I have decided since now that I am considered a legal adult that I need to take the safety of my life into my own hands, because honestly, I don't feel like I have been safe in the past. I was sent off to live with my physically and emotionally abusive muggle Aunt and Uncle, which I have learned was against my parent's wishes, especially my mother's wishes. I have scars from all the times they beat me because they hate magic, and tried to beat it out of me. I don't want to go back to that. I will still attend Hogwarts this year and every year until I graduate, simply because I know I still need an education. It is my dream to become an Auror someday. I currently live with eight people who are all adults, and they have all helped me get my life together this summer. One is even a werewolf. He has a full supply of Wolfsbane, and curls up on the floor during full moons, and sleeps beside my bed. It's actually funny really and we all pick on him about it. I am happier than I have ever been in my life, and I finally feel safe. There are no traitors among my new family and friends. None of them is going to steal from me, put me in danger, use me, abuse me, or try to kill me. I trust each one of them completely." Harry said pointedly.
Madam Bones smiled at him. "Very well Mr. Potter. Thank you so much for agreeing to this line of questioning under your own free will. You have raised some startling questions, but they will be investigated."
"Thank you Madam Bones for allowing me to finally speak, and tell my side of things."
"You're welcome Mr. Potter. May I have the veritaserum antidote please?" She asked, looking at a courtroom official.
She gave it to him, and Harry stood up and smiled. Sirius, Tom, and Tonks met him on the floor of the courtroom, and they each gave him giant hugs. Albus Dumbledore on the other hand, could barely reach the door. He was trying to escape the accusing looks and questions from some very important people who didn't look to happy with him, but he was failing miserably. Harry, Tom, Sirius, and Tonks grinned at each other. Today's plan had come off beautifully.
It had been a week since Harry gave his statements about his summer whereabouts, and in two days the students of Hogwarts would be heading off to Kings Cross to board the train. Arthur Weasley and his family were sitting down to a wonderful breakfast that, in Arthur's mind, had no doubt been paid for by Harry. Ron was shoveling food in his mouth, Ginny had a grim expression on her face, Molly was nervously trying to cook more breakfast because Ron had eaten all the sausage, Bill was calmly drinking a cup of coffee, and Arthur was reading The Daily Prophet. He had just got done reading Harry's statements out loud to his family.
"I don't understand." Ron said, spraying bits of eggs back onto his plate. "I am his best friend. Why didn't he tell me all this?"
Arthur wanted to hex his youngest son, but managed to refrain from doing it. Ginny however started to cry.
"I just missed seeing him this summer. I was hoping he would come to see me."
"You!?" Ron shouted. "He's my best friend. Why would he come here to see you!?"
"That's what I meant Ron!"
"Quiet!" Arthur yelled. "I wonder what he meant by that last part. About how no one would steal from him, use him, try to kill him, and so on."
"I don't know about the other things, but the stolen part is probably about all the money that was stolen out of Harry's vault at Gringotts." Bill piped up. "Over one million one hundred thousand galleons was stolen. The goblins are pissed. They will be finding out who did it, and I feel sorry for whoever it was too. The goblins, by law, have to prosecute anyone who has stolen over 500,000 worth of treasure. Whoever has stolen that money out of Harry's vault is going to Azkaban." Bill said. "Mum…"
Molly dropped the pan she was holding and it clattered loudly as it hit the floor.
"Y-yes Bill?"
"Is there anymore coffee?" He asked innocently.
"Oh right…yes…here you go." She said, handing him the coffee pot.
Ron who was momentarily caught off guard by the words 'money' 'stolen' and 'Azkaban' looked up from his plate nervously. "Azkaban?"
"Yeah. Harry doesn't have a say so in the matter either. I don't know who it was, but I think the goblins do. They are chomping at the bit to go after the one who stole it all. As I understand it, all the money has been found and returned to Harry. I know a lot of vaults have been raided to recover it. There was also talk that some of it was hidden in the muggle world. I really feel sorry for that guy." Bill laughed.
"How long will someone be in Azkaban for that amount of theft?" Arthur asked.
"Only three months, but they will never be allowed back into the bank once they have been arrested. They will be magically barred for life." Bill said, taking a bite of toast.
"Well I am thankful that all the money was found and returned to Harry. He has been through enough in his life, and to have people stealing his money is just sad. That is like a slap in the face." Arthur said with a sigh.
The kitchen was quiet for a few moments, but Molly broke the silence.
"Arthur, have you seen Fred and George lately, I do wish they would come home. I want to make sure they got all their school supplies."
"They did." Arthur said. "I saw them the other day. It must have slipped my mind. We have been swamped at work lately." He said with a scowl that has hidden by the paper.
"Well thank goodness. Are they alright?"
"Yep."
"Harry looks different in that picture Dad. He looks like he has grown up a bit." Ginny said, eyeing the paper Arthur just laid on the table. The picture was of Harry, Sirius, Tom, and Tonks, and they were laughing and smiling at the camera.
"He does doesn't he? I imagine that is what good food, lack of stress, and plenty of sleep will do to you."
"Lack of stress?" Molly asked. "With You-Know-Who running around out there?"
"Well yeah, you heard what I read. He's 100% safe." Arthur said.
"Until this year when You-Know-Who shows up again." Ron said. "But I'll find out where Harry is staying. He's my best friend. I'll get him to tell me. I wonder if Hermione knows?"
"Hey Ron, who are these people with Harry?" Ginny asked suddenly, pointing to the picture.
Ron looked at it quickly. "The older bloke is Sirius Black. I recognize him from third year. I don't who the girl is, or the funny looking git." He said scowling at the photo. "What's wrong with his eyes?"
Arthur glared at his son, stood up quickly, and said he was going to be late for work he if didn't get moving. Bill said the same thing, and headed out the door after his father. Ginny had quickly grabbed the paper and tore the picture of Harry out of it, then she ran upstairs to her room. She wasn't sure who the girl in the picture with Harry was, but she didn't like the fact that Harry might have a girlfriend. She had to get to the bottom of this.
Albus Dumbledore was having a very bad week. He had been keeping himself out of the public eye, but he couldn't seem to stop the steady stream of owls from the Ministry, The Daily Prophet, and upset parents. The letters from the Ministry and Prophet were pretty standard. The letters from parents though, said that they had half a mind to pull their children out of Hogwarts, but the only reason why they weren't was because Harry Potter was going to be there to keep their kids safe! Everyone wanted to know Dumbledore's side of things, but he wasn't going to give it to them. Dumbledore thought that if he just ignored this round of bad publicity, that it would all blow over soon. Besides, in two days the students would be returning, and life would be getting back to normal.
He just couldn't figure out why Harry would do this him though. Didn't Harry appreciate the fame and attention he got from stopping Voldemort when he was a baby?
Surely he does. Dumbledore thought.
Harry had just messed up Dumbledore's plans for his life, but Albus knew that he would fix the boy and put it all back right. Besides the boy has to kill Voldemort. Albus would make sure of it, and he just knew that Voldemort was out there somewhere right now. The problem is where was he?
Albus had checked everywhere he thought Voldemort might be, and he was nowhere to be found. Not even Severus knew where he was. He had not received a call from 'The Dark Lord' since a week after his return. It seemed like he had just vanished again. Severus had told him about the rumors circling around the Death Eaters about how Potter and been spotted with 'The Dark Lord' in Diagon Alley, but Albus knew that couldn't be true. Besides, the boy had said as much during his questioning by Amelia Bones.
This proved a problem for Albus though, because he had to get Voldemort back under his control, and fast. This was abnormal. Voldemort was supposed to be running around killing people, and not so much of a whisper of anything out of the ordinary had happened.
I mean, the man has no soul. Albus thought, as he popped another lemon drop into his mouth. He should be out there killing muggles and hating muggle borns. It's not natural for him to be so quiet.
Albus pondered this thought, but then something occurred to him that made him scowl. He just remembered that someone had taught Harry occlumency.
I wonder who it was. I know it wasn't Black. The man is an idiot, and he doesn't know how to do it. Lupin perhaps? Harry did mention that he lived with a werewolf. Yes, Lupin was the one who taught him. That's ok though. I'll break into the boys mind. I'll get the truth.
Albus smiled to himself, and popped another lemon drop into his mouth.
Vernon and Petunia Dursley were almost at their wits end. Not only had 'the freaks' shown up a few weeks ago, but their neighbors, who had seen the whole thing, didn't even remember anything happening. That is just not normal!
Everything had been going wrong since then it seemed. The sink kept flooding, as well as the toilets. The grass grew a foot overnight, every night, and everyday Vernon had to cut it. The flower beds seemed to be over flowing with weeds, even though Petunia pulled them all every day. Every time Dudley tried to sit and watch TV it would turn itself off, even though it had been replaced several times, and the couch would shoot out from underneath him. The lights flickered, the furniture moved by itself, the phone would ring, and ring, and ring, and when some answered, no one was on the other line. Doors slammed by themselves, and every time Petunia would cook dessert for Vernon and Dudley it would turn into a pile of broccoli right in front of their eyes.
Vernon was convinced that 'the freaks' had something to do with it, Dudley suggested that maybe house was haunted, and Petunia didn't know what to think.
Death, Lily, and, James just laughed at them.
It was the last night before they headed off to school, and a very excited Neville had come over for dinner with his parents. He informed everyone that Death had told him everything. Even the stuff in his future past life. Neville said he didn't mind that Tom was 'You-Know-Who' because he had already gotten to know him, and if Harry and everyone else trusted him, then Neville had no reason not to.
Harry was very thankful for this, because he had been worried about Neville finding out and what he might do, but Neville had taken it all in good stride. He was even excited to learn that Salazar and Godric would be going to Hogwarts with Tom and Harry. (Though they would be shrunk down to about the size of an 8x10.) Neville had met them a few days after they were hung above the fire place. He had been shocked to learn that Salazar loved plants too and they could talk for hours about the subject it seemed. Neville was excited to learn about the extent of the plans for chaos this year, but hated the fact that Umbridge was going to be coming back. He said he wouldn't let her get the best of him this time though. As for Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Dumbledore, he wanted to curse the lot of them. He just couldn't believe it all, but vowed to help Harry get revenge.
It was 10:00 in the morning, and everyone was getting ready to leave. Tonks, Sirius, Moody, and Remus were all going to apparate with them to Kings Cross, and they wanted to get there early enough so that they could find a compartment, and look for Luna and Neville. Harry had gotten his license the day after he was questioned by Madam Bones, and had also paid the fine of 500 galleons, but he didn't mind that. He admitted to doing wrong and he had no problem paying the fine. Tom, Sirius, Fred, George, Tonks, Remus, and Moody were all standing in the foyer waiting for Harry to finish getting ready. The trunks were already at Kings Cross. Dobby and a few Potter elves had already taken them.
"Are we ready to go yet?" Nagini asked, as she tightened her grip around Tom's torso. She had been wrapped around him all morning for fear he'd accidently leave her behind.
"Yes my dear. We will be going as soon as Harry is ready."
"He needs to hurry up."
Tom laughed, because he was just as excited as Nagini was to get to Hogwarts.
"He does need to hurry. I'm getting impatient." Came Salazar's muffled reply. He was sitting in Tom's pocket for the moment.
"Harry are you ready yet!?" Sirius yelled. "We have a conversation in 'snake' happening down here and it sounds impatient."
"Nagini, eat him for me." Salazar sighed. "It is not called 'snake.'
Tom laughed. "Salazar say's it's not called 'snake'.
"That's what I call it." Sirius grinned.
"I'll get him Salazar." Nagini said, playfully snapping at Sirius.
"I'm here." Harry said breathlessly as he hurried into the foyer.
"Ok then. Let's go. Hang on tight Nagini." Tom said, as they apparated away.
They landed in the apparition zone on the platform, and noticed that they were among the first ones there. They quickly found a compartment, dropped off their trunks, then headed back out to scan the area for Luna and Neville. A few girls that Harry didn't know squealed in fright at Nagini, but Harry and Tom just laughed. They found Lee Jordan, a friend of Fred and George's, and introduced him to Tom. Lee thought that Nagini was the greatest thing ever, and was happy to find out that Tom was more than likely going to be in Gryffindor.
Tom, Harry, Fred, and George had split up to try and find Luna and Neville in the rapidly growing crowd. Tom was at one end of the platform when he heard someone snigger behind him.
"Nice snake you have there, but I don't think you're allowed to have it." The boy said arrogantly.
Tom turned around to see the smug expression on Draco Malfoy's face. Tom didn't even have to ask for his name to know who he was.
"I'm a prefect and I may have to take points from you for having an unauthorized pet. Well unless you are in Slytherin, but I don't recognize you, and I know everyone."
Tom looked around and noticed Lucius had his back turned, and was talking to Crabbe Sr. so he walked right up to both men, without even acknowledging Draco. Draco scowled at Tom, but followed behind him. He didn't like being ignored.
"Lucius!" Tom snapped, and Lucius turned around quickly, and paled at who he saw. "I would highly appreciate it if you would tell your meddling son to stay out of my business. Did I not tell you to warn your children?"
"Yes My Lord." Lucius said, grabbing Draco by the arm, and pulling him roughly to his side. "It won't happen again My Lord."
Narcissa's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Tom and Nagini, but it was Crabbe Sr. who spoke.
"M-My Lord! It's true then. The rumors."
"Of course they are true you idiot." Tom snapped.
"Can I have a snack before we board the train?" Nagini asked.
Tom laughed. "No Nagini, I'm afraid not." But then he turned to the two Death Eaters. "See that your children are warned Lucius. We don't want things to get messy."
"Ah! There you are Voldyshorts." Neville said with a grin, walking up beside Tom, and completely ignoring the shocked faces of the Malfoy's. "Fred said Harry found Luna. Fred found me, and they are all standing around with Sirius and the others. Hey Nagini."
"Hello Neville." She said, slithering off Tom and wrapping herself around Neville's out stretched arm. He didn't even flinch as she wound herself around his torso.
Tom grinned at Neville and Nagini, but turned to the others and scowled. "Remind your children to leave my friends and I alone, or there will be consequences."
"Yes My Lord." Crabbe, Lucius, and Narcissa said together, bowing slightly.
Draco's eyes flicked back and forth with a mixture of surprise, awe, fear, and hatred. There was no way they were going to get away with this.
The Dark Lord must be getting soft, because he's hanging around Potter and Longbottom. I'll make them all pay. He thought, as he watched them walk away.
By the time Tom, Neville, and Nagini had wound themselves through the crowd of people, and back to Harry and the others, it was almost time to leave.
"You guys missed it!" Sirius laughed. "Ron had the nerve to come over here and demand to know where Harry has been all summer, and Tonks turned his hair blue!"
Tom looked over to see a boy with bright baby blue hair glaring at the group, and some bushy haired girl yelling that it wasn't right for people to curse other people, but she stopped and stared as she caught sight of Nagini wrapped around Neville. Nagini hissed menacingly at the girl, and she shrieked and jumped back.
"Oh Nagini," Sirius said, picking up a large bandy-legged ginger cat, who was happily winding his way around Sirius's feet. "This is Crookshanks. Crookshanks meet Nagini."
"Don't you feed my cat to that snake Sirius Black!"
"Relax Hermione, Nagini isn't going to eat him."
Crookshanks stared at the giant reptile for a moment, then sniffed Nagini's head.
"He can communicate." Nagini said.
"Really?" Tom asked.
"He said hello, and understood my gestures. He can't speak, but he knows how to communicate."
"Well that is good to know." Tom replied.
"You're a parselmouth?!" Hermione asked in surprise.
"Yeah." Harry and Tom said together.
"By the way, Tom this is Hermione. The blue haired boy is Ron, and the red haired girl is Ginny."
"I see." Tom said eyeing them, as the twins came up behind them.
"Fred! George!" Molly cried rushing toward them, but they side stepped their mother's out stretched arms, and walked over to their father.
"I think we should get on the train." They said, ignoring their mother, but giving Arthur a hug. "Bye Dad. See you at Christmas!"
"You boys behave." Arthur called after his sons.
"We always do!" They cried.
"Yeah right." Tonks said with a grin. "You lot better get going before you get left behind." She said, as the train blew its whistle. Then she stepped forward to hug Harry and the others.
They all said goodbye to Sirius, Tonks, Remus, and Moody, and left to go find their compartment. Fred levitated Luna's trunk for her, as she said goodbye to her parents, and Tom grabbed Neville's while he said goodbye to his.
They finally got settled into their compartment, but it was a tight squeeze with Harry, Tom, Fred, George, Neville, Luna, Nagini, and all of their stuff, but they managed. Nagini finally slid off Neville and coiled up on the floor next to the door.
"Tom this is Luna." Harry said. "She knows."
"It's nice to meet you Tom." She said dreamily. "Death explained everything to me last night, but I am not concerned. If you meant any harm, I'm sure you would have already done it. Would you like a copy of the Quibbler? My father owns it and has written a detailed article about Nargles."
Tom, who had been told all about Luna's odd behavior, smiled at her. "I would love a copy. Thank you Luna."
She smiled brightly at him, and handed him a copy. Tom told Luna about Potter Manor, so that she would be aware of it, and Luna asked about the D.A., but Harry told her that he wasn't sure about it just yet. He wanted to see how the year played out first.
"Well we can use the Room of Requirement again. I will lock it down better this time and close the loop holes. We can't risk Dumbledore knowing about it this time." Neville said.
"You did a good job during 7th year." Luna said. "I was impressed."
"Thanks Luna!" Neville exclaimed. "I just didn't want the Carrows or Snape to find us." He said with a shiver.
"Huh?" Tom asked.
"It's one of those things you don't want to know about." Harry said.
"You don't know?" Luna asked, tilting her head to one side.
"No. I don't want to know. I know it's mad because it won't happen now, but still…it would almost kill me to know what I put you all through." Tom said quietly.
"I understand." Luna said sympathetically. "I don't think I would want to know either."
Suddenly the door banged open, startling Nagini in the process. She hissed angrily and slithered out of the way. Ron yelped and jumped backwards.
"Why do you have that bloody giant snake for?" He demanded.
"Because I'm allowed to." Tom said coldly.
Ron ignored Tom, and glared at Harry and the twins. "You toss pots made Mum cry!" He yelled. "Did you not see her crying when the train left? You could have at least said goodbye, and one of you better put my hair back right!"
Harry, Neville, Tom, and the twins roared with laughter.
"I'm a prefect now. Don't mess with me!" He continued to shout.
"Oooooh a prefect." Fred said in a mock scary voice.
"As for your hair you little back stabbing thief, why don't you ask little Miss Know-It-All to fix it for you." Harry said coldly.
Ron gaped at him and blinked several times, and Hermione narrowed her eyes. Harry walked out of the compartment and into the corridor.
"Yeah I know all about the money you stole from me, and how you have been spying on me for Dumbledore!" Harry shouted. "Ron, you stole over 1000 galleons from my vault, and you Hermione stole 500 galleons from my vault!"
By this time Harry was attracting a lot of attention to himself. Others were poking their heads out of their compartments, and Draco and company looked like Christmas had come early.
"Dumbledore stole 300,000 galleons from my vault, and your pathetic mother stole 800,000 galleons from my vault! I have the proof from Gringotts in my trunk!You have been paid by Dumbledore to spy on me with money from my vault! Your pathetic mother was paid also paid to spy on me with money from my vault!"
"Don't you call my mother pathetic Potter!" Ron yelled drawing his wand. "I'll make you pay for that!"
Nagini, who had been slowly inching up Harry's legs, slithered up his body so fast that no one saw her move. She lunged at Ron with a threating hiss, and her mouth full of sharp teeth fully visible. Ron screamed, jumped back, and fired a spell at her, but Harry was quick with a non-verbal shield charm, which knocked Ron flat on his butt.
"You're pathetic Weasley and you too Granger." Harry said coldly.
"No, no, no little sis." Fred said, stepping out of the compartment. "What Harry says is true, and we support him 100%. So don't even think about cursing him behind his back."
"You're pathetic mother is going to Azkaban for stealing all that money from me. She even tried to hide it in the muggle world. She will be home by Christmas though, but Bill and your Dad won't be there. I hope your mother rots away to nothing. And as for you two and Dumbledore, I'll deal with you myself. The goblins wanted you, but I talked them out of it because I have plans, so make sure you run along and tell that to dear old Albus when you get to school. It's only fair he has a warning."
Tom stepped out of the compartment and laughed. "Look at them. They are scared."
"Such little wimps, and look the girl is about to cry." Nagini said, turning to look at Ginny.
Harry laughed. "Serves them right."
"Where are those Gryffindor traitors!?" Godric shouted from Harry's pocket. "Let me see them!"
Harry grinned wickedly. "Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, meet Godric Gryffindor. The founder of our very own house, and I don't think he is very happy with you." Harry said, pulling Godric out of his pocket. He enlarged Godric to a bigger size, and propped him up against his legs.
Ron and Hermione gaped at him in shock, as did everyone else.
"Traitors!" Godric shouted. "You are unworthy to be in my house! You are no better than that rat Peter Pettigrew! I have half a mind to throw you both out of my castle!"
"Who's castle!?"
"Our castle! Sorry Salazar."
"Let me out of here!"
Tom grinned and did the same thing with Salazar, so now Harry and Tom were standing in the middle of the corridor, surrounded by people, listening to both Salazar and Godric yell at Ron and Hermione. Fred, George, and Neville roared with laughter, and Luna just continued to serenely watch what was happening.
Godric continued his ranting and waved his sword about, while Salazar glared around at everyone, particularly at the group of Slytherins who had come to watch the proceedings.
"Let me out of this painting!" Godric shouted.
Salazar sighed. "I have told you a thousand times, you cannot get out of the painting."
"Find a way!"
Salazar just shook his head. "There is no way, now be quiet and let me speak. Your head is going to explode." Tom and Harry snorted, but Godric sat down in the chair in his painting with a huff. "I personally will be watching you two, and I will know if something is not right. Mind yourselves you thieves, and tell the unworthy codger that fancies himself a Headmaster that I will be watching him as well. Two of the four founders are returning to Hogwarts, and that bodes ill for all who dares to hurt Hogwarts or any student therein. You have been warned."
"You're evil!" Ron, who doesn't know when to shut up, screamed. "Your bloody chamber almost killed my sister!"
"No, you idiot boy!" Salazar shouted. "Voldemort almost killed your sister. Not my chamber!"
"Your basilisk petrified me!" Hermione yelled.
"If Voldemort hadn't set the basilisk free you wouldn't have been petrified! She was not supposed to be released! That poor muggle born girl wouldn't have died 50 years ago if Voldemort hadn't set her free! Ask yourself this you stupid girl. Dumbledore was at Hogwarts 50 years ago. He uses the paintings as spies, so don't you think he would have known exactly where the chamber entrance was? But you probably already knew that didn't you? Because he told you, so DO NOT get testy with me you little thief!"
"Here, Here!" Godric yelled, waving his sword around his head.
"Tom Riddle did it! He's Voldemort!" Ron shouted. "Everyone knows that!"
"Voldemort and Tom Riddle are two very different people." Salazar said coldly. "Why don't you ask your precious Dumbledore about it? As for you Slytherins, I don't like what Slytherin house has become, so watch yourselves, because I will be watching you." Salazar said glaring at the group of Slytherins. "Tom, please put me back in your pocket. I don't want to see any more of these thieves and traitors."
"The same for me Harry." Godric said gruffly.
"Yes sir." Harry and Tom said together, as they shrank the founders down.
Nagini slid off of Harry and landed with a thud on the floor, and they returned to their compartment. They shut the door behind them, and no one bothered them for the rest of the trip.