Harry Potter & the Curse's Cure Chapter 43: Back To School Again, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: Well, the world didn't end on Friday (seriously, did anyone honestly expected it too?) But more importantly, we all know what holiday is coming up... so here's the next chapter of 'Cure', as an early present. I had hopped to have this done for yesterday, but it wasn't quite there. Still, we're before Christmas...

Sharp-eyed readers may note I paraphrase some of HBP for the 'lunch' with Slughorn. No copy-right infringement is intended here, and things don't go the same way towards the end at all...

A/N2: *sigh* Shows I rushed to get this chapter out in time for all of you. And that I'm reliant on Word's Spell checker... Put 'Trunk' in where it should have been all along... plus one or two other corrections...

Curse's Cure 43 - Back To School Again

The dawn of September the first was crisp and clear. Once they had awoken and dressed themselves, the family gathered for a last breakfast together. It had become almost a tradition that the whole extended family – the Potters, Greengrasses, Bones, Grangers, Blacks and Tonks, along with Remus – would sit and eat breakfast together each day. It had started with their morning planning sessions, which had grown to include breakfast, as Daniel was adamant on maintaining the kids training. He'd given them one last early morning run before they ate, but had gone easy on them; today was going to be a long, if only somewhat busy, day.

Returning upstairs afterwards, Harry mused to himself as he packed the last few items away, making sure to leave his best uniform and robes till last. This was the first time that he would be going back to Hogwarts without feeling it as a release. He'd said Hogwarts was his home after his first year. Now... that was no longer the case. Here, Potter Manor, was his home now. And already he was reluctant to leave.

Shaking his head firmly, Harry closed the trunk lid. It was foolish to think that he could hide out the war here, no matter how tempting or desirable it was. In a sense he'd felt almost isolated, safe from Voldemort, enshrined here. But the attacks on his friends had made a mockery of that illusion. Voldemort would never stop hunting him. It was only a matter of time before he discovered where the Manor was. Then he would fling his full fury on Harry's home... and Harry had no wish to see the grounds become a battleground. No, better to return to school as expected.

Besides, there was another factor that weighed heavily on his return to Hogwarts. While Harry was still wary of Public Opinion, given his past relationship with that entity, he had been made aware of the possible repercussions of his actions. As much as he disliked the titles placed on him, they existed, and thus his actions affected people's thoughts. If the Boy-Who-Lived – or as the Prophet had started calling him The-Chosen-One – did not return to Hogwarts in the fall then the wizarding public would start to question, worry and panic. Other parents would pull their own children from the school, and others would follow, starting a domino effect that would cripple Magical Britain for years, if not decades. Worse, the children would be much more vulnerable to the Death Eaters predations. In this case, it really was 'for the Greater Good' that Harry return to Hogwarts.

To be honest with himself Harry wasn't entirely opposed to returning. While it would put him far too close for comfort with certain individuals – Draco, Snape and Dumbledore came to mind right away – and would severely cut into the time he could spend with his loves, he was keenly aware of his need to improve his education. While they had been getting some tuition from McGonagall over the summer, and his mum, Remus, Andromeda and even Narcissa had chipped in, they really needed qualified professors to advance their understanding of subjects. By necessity, all their summer tuition had been practical; they had had very little theory to go with it... a fact that he could tell was starting to irritate Hermione a little.

He also had an extra spur to improve his performance. While she had never aired it, Lily did seem... disappointed, at his barely average marks in most subjects, though she was proud of his Defence marks. Harry sighed as he walked down the stairs to the 'Family' floor, levitating his trunk ahead of him as he did. He'd taken 'the easy route' at Ron's urgings... and now that he thought about it, the Dursley's conditioning might also have had an effect. He hadn't tried to challenge himself, intent only on disappearing into the crowd. Which for him was impossible.

Well, this year things would change. He'd done well enough to continue most subjects, at least those he wanted to continue. He knew that if he had to spend another class with Snape, things were liable to get nasty very quickly indeed.

Stepping down into the family living room, he paused to look around, memories of the last month cascading through his mind. It hadn't all been training and lessons. There had been lots of laughter and joy here. The disparate group had bonded together, each viewpoint of the world accepted and incorporated. Although there had been no ceremonies, Harry already felt that they were a family in every regard. Neville was truly a brother to him now, and a far better friend than Ronald ever was.

He also had fresh hope for the future. Hermione had brought out the third Star Wars movie the other night, and while he knew intellectually that it was only a movie, a story, it gave Harry the sense that yes, evil could be defeated.

Guiding his trunk to rest beside the sofa, Harry looked around once more before descending the second set of stairs down to the lower family floor. This floor was one of the few areas of the manor were space expansion charms had been used heavily. Normally, each of the twelve rooms on this floor would be about the size of a large cupboard or walk-in wardrobe. But with magic, each was only a little smaller than the secondary rooms on the fourth floor, even though the total floor area was more than twice that the floor would be.

Turning away from the other rooms, Harry stepped along a short corridor to an outside door. In some respects, Potter Manor was just like any other magical structure. The grounds included a small owlery, which was in the summit of a tower that sat astride the low rock barrier between the southern lawns and the lake. A set of steps cut into the rock led up from the outside path that circled the family wing, but also a raised walkway projected from the lower family floor, direct to the door of the tower. The heat of the sun was partially blocked by Clematis that had grown over a wooden pergola that had been added to the stone walkway.

Inside the tower, stairs rose up, hugging the outside wall of the tower. Narrow windows allowed glimpses of the landscape. Stepping onto the top floor, Harry took a moment to look around. The Owlery composed the entire peak of the tower. The windows were large enough even for the largest of owls to enter or leave with room to spare. Unlike Hogwarts, were the perches were in rings around the outside of the space, here the perches forced a dome shape over the centre of the floor. Beneath them was a hole that led down to unknown depths, a shaft that filled the central portion of the tower. From up here, Harry could see for miles, looking out in all directions, as he was above the roof of the Manor itself, and on the same level as the Greengrasses uppermost floor. Only the ruined tower that sat on the point across the lake was able to reach higher.

Turning his attention inward, Harry smiled as his eyes located his owl right away. There was only a small family of Barn Owls living here when they had arrived, so Hegwig almost had the Owlery to herself. And as benefiting the personal owl of the Lord Potter, she had claimed the most prestigious perch for herself; the very top one, right in the middle and higher that the rest.

"Hey girl." He called softly, prompting two golden eyes to snap to him. Almost instantly Hegwig launched herself from her perch before spiralling down. Harry raised his arm, and Hegwig swooped in to land gracefully and gently on it. She crooned as he stroked her chest feathers.

"Sorry I've been ignoring you this summer..." He felt bad that he'd neglected his owl, normally his only companion during the summer. He was stopped from going on by a look from the snowy owl… one that he knew was her way of saying 'don't worry about it.'

"Ready to return to Hogwarts?" he asked instead cheerfully. Hegwig looked at him for a moment before her gaze moved to his right. She barked once before turning her head away.

Looking right, Harry frowned for a moment, as there was only the trapdoor that led down, her cage, plus a couple of small boxes over there. Then he realised; the cage. He knew she had a... passionate dislike for the cage. Hegwig tolerated being cooped up in it at the Dursley's, but the rest of the time she much preferred to be free of its confines.

Looking between the two, Harry thought for a moment. The cage was an awkward thing to store, and he only really used it at the Dursley's and for the trip to and from Hogwarts... something which she could do herself. Concern for her safety tried to rise up, but Harry trusted his smart owl to be able to keep herself safe.

"Say Hegwig, why don't you meet us there?" Amber eyes snapped round to him, almost perfectly round. "Take your time, enjoy the flight... and we leave the cage here."

Judging by the way Hegwig warbled before jumping to his shoulder to nibble on his ear, Hegwig liked that idea. Stroking her back softly, Harry walked to one of the large windows. "Now be careful, all right?" He told her as the owl hopped down onto the ledge.

Hegwig looked back at him with narrowed eyes, barked once as if to say 'I know!' before she took flight. Harry stood watching her elegant form disappear into the clear blue sky before heading back down.

His mum was waiting for him on the walkway. "You sent Hedwig on ahead?" She asked softly, a small smile gracing her lips.

Harry nodded. "Much better for her than cooped up in that cage. And one less thing for us to worry about."

"True." Lily nodded before looping an arm around his shoulders. "Come on. The others are almost ready."

It was ten past ten before they parked up outside Kings Cross. Even on a Sunday, London's streets were still thick with traffic. Working together the eight trunks lashed down onto the roof rack were quickly brought down and loaded between four trolleys. While Fleur was going as a student, she would be travelling with the teens. Tonks would also be on the train, but as a roaming Auror presence. Remus and Lily would apparate up to the castle on their own, and meet the children at Hogsmeade station and the Great Hall, respectively. No one really expected an incident on the train, but caution had been ingrained into them all by Captain Granger.

Out of respect for the non-magicals in their group, the goodbyes were mostly done on the muggle side of the barrier. Eleanor Greengrass clung to both her daughters, tears welling from all three of them. Ever since the attack on their old home the remaining Greengrasses had rarely been far away from each other, haunted by the memory of their parting from Erickson Greengrass.

Likewise, Emma and Nathan held Hermione close between them. Neither of them had truly been prepared for the long months of separation from their only child the first time they sent her through the barrier. Even now, it still hurt. But at least they knew, this time, she had a guardian angel watching over her who would do anything to keep her safe.

That person was being held in a loose hug by his mother. After a few moments Lily released him and stepped back enough to look in his eyes. "Remember don't go looking for trouble..."

Harry grinned. "I never do mum. Trouble finds me all by itself!"

Lily smiled at the long-running joke. "Regardless, I don't want to hear of you running off to confront Malfoy. His time will come."

Harry nodded slowly. "Okay mum. But if he starts something, or tries anything, I will finish it."

"I don't expect anything else." Turning to one side, she crouched a little to be on the same level as the waif-like blond who stood quietly to one side. "Harry and the others will be you the whole trip, and I'll be waiting in the Great Hall for you. Okay Luna?"

Luna nodded nervously. From the large wicker cat carrier she held to her chest came a crooning sound, which appeared to sooth her. Given what he was, Gobbler had to travel in an enclosed basket. They had talked about having Lily take the little dragon to Hogwarts instead, but it had become clear that while she was better, Luna needed the presence of the little dragon to calm her. In the end, the family had purchased the largest basket they could find that Luna could carry herself.

Of course, once they had it Lily, Fleur and Hermione had charmed the hell out of it, with multiple fire proofing charms and the like. It would not do for the little dragon to simply burn his way out and cause a panic.

The impact his arrival would make at Hogwarts would be big enough as it was.

Off to one side Tonks stood waiting. Unofficially, her job today was to be an Auror presence on the Hogwarts Express, just in case Death Eaters tried to hijack it or kidnap students. Of course, given the inept Ministry, she was the only Auror who would be able to do anything. Neither she nor Amelia expected the only 'official' Auror, Dawlish, to do anything other than laze the trip away in the back of the Prefects carriage. Minister Scrimgeour had not authorised any additional Aurors, stating that 'The Express is a low risk target. There are far more important places for our highly skilled Aurors to watch over'.

Hence why she'd ride along with the students. It was still covered in her role as bodyguard to Harry. The fact she'd be wearing her Auror robes while patrolling the Express was purely coincidental.

"Tonks?" She turned her head to regard Remus. The last Marauder still looked care-worn, but thanks to Sirius' bequest and Harry, he looked a hell of a lot better than he had before. "Can I have a word?"

Nodding in reply, Tonks looked about for a moment before gesturing to the side of the brick pillar that the entryway to the magical platform was built into. From there she could maintain an eye on Harry's group, but they could also speak privately. As they stepped over Tonks tried to slow her racing heart. Was this about what she thought it was?

Remus faced her once more. Looking into his eyes, Tonks training allowed her to see nervousness in them. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said, you know... earlier this month." At her nod of understanding, Remus pressed on. "I still think you can do much better than me Tonks, and that you're crazy in trying to get involved with a... well, someone like me..."

Tonks felt her heart start to plummet.

"...But Merlin help me, I want to try." He looked at her earnestly. "I really do like you Tonks, but I'm... afraid, of my own self. I don't want to see you get hurt because of something I did, even if I'm not in my right mind. The book has helped, but... I fear I still have a long way to go."

Tonks was on the verge of hyperventilating. "You... you serious?"

The reply was instantaneous. "No, I'm Moony. Padfoot's Seri..." He trailed, a pained look crossing his face for a moment. Banishing it, he looked up at her again. "Sorry. Yes, I am serious about this."

Smiling happily, Tonks looped her arms around his neck to drag him down to kiss. He was clearly shocked at first, but then as he began to put some effort in, Tonks found herself slumping against him in a swoon. While clearly inexperienced, Remus clearly had gobs of natural talent.

Once they parted for breath, Tonks drew in a shaky breath before beaming at the taller man. "You're so getting lucky soon."

Remus however backed off a little. "Not so fast Tonks... Yes, I said that book helped. But... I still don't feel in control of the wolf. I don't know what it'll happen if we, you know..." He actually blushed a little.

Tonks grinned. "I'm not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf."

"You should be." Remus' reply had no trance of banter in it.

Tonks frowned in reply for a moment, before smiling and patting him on the arm. "I have faith in you Remus." She said before stepping back towards the teens.

After being released from Emma's hug, Harry stepped behind the trolley bearing his trunk. Given their numbers, they had doubled up on the trolleys, so instead of using seven – one for each Hogwarts student – they had four. Harry's trunk shared space with Katie's, while Daphne had her sisters with her own. Luna's trunk rested with Susan's. Only Hermione had a trolley to herself; after trying to get what seemed like half the Potter Library into her trunk, Lily had pulled another, smaller one out of a storeroom for her to fill with books. Of course, Hermione had used the smaller one for her clothing, and her larger original one for the books.

Seeing first Katie then Tonks pass through the portal, Harry pushed on the trolley, straining a little to get it lined up correctly. He was surprised to find it wasn't as hard as he'd expected: clearly the training from Captain Granger was paying off.

"Harry..." the man in question called out before he could start to move forwards. Harry looked back. "Remember lad. Never start a fight..."

"...But always finish it." Harry answered with a grin. The corner of Daniel's mouth twitched upwards in reply.

Turning back to face the pillar, Harry took a moment to take a deep breath. Although he 'knew' he would be passing through the portal, it still looked like a very solid brick column. And he remembered the debacle before his second year, when Dobby had sealed the portal… Throw in everything that he knew would be waiting for him and his girls on the other side… "Lets' do this…" he muttered before pushing forwards.

The adults not going on the Express watched one by one as each student passed through the seemingly solid brickwork. As Susan slipped through Emma shivered from within her husband's encircling grasp. "I'm never going to get used to seeing that…"

Amelia chuckled dryly. "It's not much better doing it one's self." Glancing at one of the clocks hung around the station she sighed. "I need to get into the Ministry. I'll see you all later."

As the older woman moved away Daniel shook off the effects of seeing the young ones, including his niece, walk straight through a seemingly solid wall. Stepping forwards, he held out one hand over the spot, before pressing down gently. He felt the rough brickwork that he expected.

Lily smiled at his actions. Her father had done the same thing when she first came home from Hogwarts. "It's magic Daniel. Magic."

Across the country, deep in rural Berkshire, a grand old manor house stood proud atop a small hill. All the grounds around it belonged to the estate, keeping the closest road well back, too far for prying eyes. For the local people of Little Haglington however it was a blessing that Riddle Manor was set so far from the road, and well outside the village. The Manor was an eyesore, derelict for nearly fifty years. The once grand building was decaying, faster than most structures of its age, and the grounds were an overgrown mess. No one went near the place, except for a few local lads every now and again until a few years ago, when they all outgrew such antics.

The Manor was considered haunted too, and cursed. Since the early part of the century bad luck and strange happens occurred in relation to the place. In the twenties the Lord's first born son had run away with a 'common' woman, who, according to rumour, was about as bright as she had been pretty… neither of which had been great. He'd later returned a few months later, without her, but the rumour and scandal haunted the Riddle family. Then in the early forties, the entire Riddle family was found dead in the dining hall, not a mark on each one but all very dead. The staff that had been in the house at the time were also found dead, scattered throughout the servants areas, as if they had simply dropped dead in the midst of their duties. The only staff members left had been the maid of the sole daughter in the family, who'd been visiting her sick mother in the village… and the ground-keeper. Frank Bryce had instantly become the prime suspect, but nothing could be stuck. 'Everyone' knew he did it, though motive and method were unclear. The villages would point to his wounded return from Europe, whispering how 'war changes men'. Frank had soldiered on however, tending to the estate as much as he was able even as it decayed around him, as no-one came forward to claim it. With the war raging in Europe, the issue of the Riddle Estate and its distribution fell through the cracks.

But lately things had turned even darker, and more rumours were spreading. Frank, by then a pensioner, had disappeared the summer before last. A chill seemed to emanate from the estate, sending shivers up the spines of anyone who even approached. Those that did told how the manor house appeared to be decaying even faster, the very air around the grounds chilled and dark. Everyone was unsettled, a sense of foreboding hovering over the whole village.

And then, only last month, men and trucks had moved in, directing all to keep away from the estate firmly. Only a few had actually talked to them, but the appearances of those had been passed around rapidly. Hard men, with cold, expressionless faces and dark looks. Rumours and gossip escalated, as the locals tried to work out what could possibly be happening on the old estate. Some claimed that the men were workers, builders brought in to finally refurbish – or more likely, demolish and replace – the ancient manor. They backed this idea up with the event of two weeks ago, when a pair of large transporter trucks had brought the village to a standstill as they forced their way through the village centre, the only route which they and their cargo of two mobile trended cranes could use. Others spun tales of a government secret force being assembled. Some even suggested a secret private army.

Despite himself, Lance-Corporal Carter felt a small smile worm onto his face as a chuckle tried to escape. The smile was all he would allow himself to do. Making sound now would be very bad for his life expectance… and more importantly, his mission's chances of success.

The Riddle estate was overlooked on one side by a larger forested hill, a thick at the bottom acting as a boundary between the two. Crawling slowly through the undergrowth, Carter eased between the trees towards a small hillock that gave an excellent vantage point over the entire estate.

Problem was, there were two men lazily patrolling around the edge of the estate, and they were barely ten feet from his location. Both wore rough clothing, some dyed grey, and with slung AK's over their shoulders. Although the two talked between themselves – it was one of the eastern European languages, one which unfortunately Carter was not versed in – any strange noise would draw their attention… and the mission would be a bust.

Within a few minutes however the two moved on. Carter took note of their route before pushing onwards, reaching the hillock, on which a thick clump of Ash grew. The ground cover was ideal for his purpose, and with barely a sound he shed his pack and began to set up camp.

In only a few minutes the experienced SAS trooper had his gear set up, checked and concealed. From this OP he could watch the estate… which to normal sight looked like a derelict old manor house. But with the 'enhanced' sights…

Riddle Manor was now a fortress.

With practiced ease he began to make notes with one hand, keeping his eyes on the sights… and his ears open for any sound of his detection.

With the Army force almost ready, it had been decided to start hunting the Death Eaters and in particular their Magi-SS allies. While the others were drilling and preparing response teams, Carter had been taken aside and given a mission more suited to his own skills. The two Tiger tanks had been tracked moving across the country, their disguise holding up against all but 'enhanced' cameras. Finally the pair had been followed to here, an ancient manor in the middle of rural England. Working on the assumption that if the tanks were here, the bulk of the Magi-SS forces would be too, Carter had been dispatched to recon and evaluate the place, hopefully to work up a plan of attack, but mainly to gather Intel. They'd waited till today, September the first, for him to infiltrate the grounds, hoping that the Magical World would be focusing all its attention on Kings Cross. Carter had arrived the previous night, and had spent it in the local pub, not drinking but working the rumour mill, hoping to gain some extra Intel.

Wincing he took a moment to rub his eyes for a moment, taking the opportunity to roll his wrist as he did. SOP for ops like this were for a two man team, but no other SAS members had magical relations. The only one who could possibly fill the role had been Captain Granger himself… and he was needed elsewhere. No, it was down to Carter himself.

It was a dare, Carter realised, and another small smile appeared on his face for a moment.

The motto for the 22nd Regiment was well known, and he had no intention of losing this one.

It didn't take long on the other side of the platform for the teens to get organised. Hermione frowned for a moment when Harry used his wand to lift the trunks onto the carriage, but smiled when he used one hand to pull her 'book' trunk while hauling his own in the other. Reaching the last two compartments of the last carriage, the teens looked at each other for a moment. Each compartment could only hold eight at best: they numbered ten, and were expecting at least another two to join them. Before anyone could volunteer to separate, Fleur took matters into her own hands. Stepping into the last compartment, she turned to the dividing wall as her wand appeared in her hand. With a few softly muttered French words and some lazy flicks, she opened up the wall, opening a way through to the other compartment. Then the doors moved towards each other, becoming a paired sliding door with the windows bracketing them. The seats that had been against the dividing wall shifted, most moving to be flush to the outer wall facing the new double door, while the rest seeming vanished, to reappear on the inner walls were the old internal windows and doors had been. The padding of the seats appeared to get plumped up as well, and Harry was sure she must have used an expansion charm as well in there, as the now double compartment seemed deeper than before.

"Now we have all the room we need." Fleur said simply as she tucked her wand away. Beaming, Harry laid the trunks he was holding down to step forward and reward her with a dip and kiss. Fleur, naturally, deepened the kiss, prolonging it.

"Bit early for that, you two." Katie groused good naturedly. Harry was flushed slightly as he came up for air, but Fleur just winked at the others.

Tonks stood just outside, smiling to herself as the rest of the teens filed in. Looking along the passageway, she spotted Neville lending a hand for Hannah as she stepped up onto the carriage. When he looked towards her she waved before pointing towards the compartment. Nodding, the Longbottom scion and his intended quickly joined the Potter party.

"Nice work here Harry. Who do we have to thank for this?" He asked when the pair of them stepped into the expanded compartment.

"Fleur." Was Harry's reply before he turned to look at Hermione. "Anything we need for the prefects meeting?"

"We'll be fine with just our robes on top." She replied, already lifting the lid of her trunk. "And, of course, the badge."

Nodding, Harry fished the metal shield displaying the Gryffindor emblem superposed with a bold 'P' out of his pocket, before opening his own trunk. In only a few minutes the pair were robed, their badges clearly displayed. Noting that they had a bit of time the two sat together, Hermione going over the Prefects handbook once more for Harry. Not that he really needed to do so again… they were simply killing time. Neither said anything when Luna snuggled into Harry's free side, her little dragon Gobbler now free of his travel basket and in her arms. The Terrible Terror just crooned, his large eyes closed in relaxation.

Outside on the platform the bulk of the returning students bustled about, greeting their friends and swapping summer tales while trying to get on the train. As the clock hands moved closer to eleven the activity on the platform become more frantic, until it died away just before the hour, with only parents standing there. Harry noted that there were a much larger number of parents at the station than in years previous. A sign of the troubled times.

A flash of red drew his attention, and Harry looked to see the Weasleys rushing onto the platform. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Two minutes to Eleven. "Even with just the two of them, they're still barely in time."

"From her expression, Ginny seems to think it's all Ron's fault." Hermione commented as they watched the four Weasleys reach the train.

"Would you really expect her to think anything else?" Harry asked rhetorically. Hermione had no answer for that.

The whistle blew just as Ron was hauling his lanky frame onto the train, and everyone in the compartment felt the first tug on the couplings. From outside the parents could see the engine move a little, before the wheels spun for a half-moment. Then they bit, and slowly the express began to move as a whole. Despite the fear and tension in the air, each one of them felt a sense of nostalgia as they watched, memories of their own trips to Hogwarts replaying in their minds.

On board, Hermione stood up. "Come on Harry. Time for us to go."

Harry nodded, but didn't stand right away. Instead he turned to Luna. "Are you going to be alright?" He asked softly. Although they had no blood relation, and he'd only known of her for a little under a year, Harry felt very protective of Luna. They had formed a bond between them that nearly rivaled the bond he felt at times with those witches he loved intimately, or the bond he had with his mother. There was no romantic feeling between them: Harry truly felt that Luna was his little sister in spirit if not in blood. After she'd gotten over the death of her father, Luna had blossomed into a bright, happy young woman, full of energy and cheer. Each one of them had found themselves at ease with her, even Hermione, whose own logic driven nature tended to clash with Luna's faith based one. But never did either of them go away from a discussion even thinking the other was stupid or insane. The revelation that Luna's 'Crumple-Horned Snorknak' was actually real – just a miniature type of dragon unseen in the British Isles for many years – had radically altered Hermione's perception of her.

However, in the last few days of August Luna had started to withdraw again, some of her mannerisms from the previous year returning. Both Harry and Lily had sat down with her and reassured her that this year, no one would be bullying her… or at least, would get away with it.

Harry had been keen on the idea of marching into the Ravenclaw Common Room and issuing a firm warning. In the end they had managed to talk him down to just having her sit with him at the Welcome Feast… and having the Potter Crest on her robes. Significantly, on her right arm, below the shoulder, which to those who knew meant that she was a Vassal to House Potter. And any attack against a Vassal was an attack against the higher House.

And those who actually studied history soon learned that the Potters had never been one's to hold back when their family, even extended family, was threatened.

Luna smiled lightly, cuddling her familiar a little tighter. Gobbler just crooned in response. "I'll be fine Harry. Go threaten Malfoy like you want too."

"Now Harry…" Hermione said as he stood, a broad smile on his face. "…as much as it would be satisfying to teach that slimy, no-good, foul, evil…" her words descended into half muttered mumblings for a few moments, prompting knowing smiles from the others. "…little toe-rag a lesson, you are a Prefect now Harry. He do have to set an example for the other students."

"Sure I will." Harry answered innocently. "I'll make an example out of Malfoy too. 'This is what you get for being a bigoted Junior Death Muncher. And a raping bastard.' Should be simple enough that even Crabbe and Goyle can understand."

Hermione sighed, but they could all see the smile on her face as she led Harry away.

As they walked the length of the train, the pair greeted those other students they knew at least a little, exchanging pleasantries with each one. Seamus, who seemed to be attempting to grow a beard. Padma Patil, who was stood off to one side from where her sister Parvati was speaking a mile a minute with Lavender, who was talking back just as fast. The Creevy's who both almost hyperventilated when they saw Harry. It was as Hermione was speaking with a couple of Ravenclaws – they were already wearing their uniforms – that Harry found his eyes lingering on her… and pondering the simple fact that the almost floor-length black robes completely covered her. He wasn't sure, but he guessed that the two other witches were from wizarding homes. Would explain why they were already in uniform.

His thoughts then wandered, as he tried to picture what their expressions would be like had they seen what Hermione was wearing under those robes. Tight, hip hugging jeans and a thin, pale T-shirt that when she move just right exposed a thin slice of her toned stomach. It was conservative compared to what had been worn on the other side of the barrier; bare shoulders and shorts that barely reached mid-thigh seemed closer to the standard for young women. He knew that had the other boys seen her dressed that way tongues would have been hanging out: Hermione had truly blossomed into a very beautiful young woman. She'd already been complemented several times by other witches, which had prompted a blush from her every time.

As they moved off, Harry couldn't help his imagination wandering, spurred by the thought that Hermione could have been wearing anything under that robe, and nobody would know. Lacy underwear, or maybe that golden bikini outfit that Princess Leia had worn in that last Star Wars movie for a bit. Or even nothing at all. His mind started conjuring images of her flipping up the hem of her robes just as she sat on his lap in the Great Hall, giving him a brief glimpse of her bare backside before she was seated. No else around noticed, even when one of her hands reached down to unzip his pants as she shifted on top of him…

It was as they were in the connection to the Prefect's carriage, safely away from any others, that he allowed his hand to land were her arse was. It wasn't a hard smack or grope, but a loving caress that had the brunette witch pausing to moan throatily.

"Later Harry…" She whispered.

Harry took the opportunity for her tilting her head to one side to lean forward and gently kiss her neck, just under her ear… which was one of her most sensitive spots. "Looking forward to it." He replied softly, letting his breath roll over her skin. Hermione shuddered once more before she opened the door. Harry followed with a broad smile…

…Which faded away when he saw who was sat within the compartment. It was an open-plan space spanning the width of the carriage. Bench seating ran along the side walls, with a pair of seats facing the rear.

And sat in the left one was none other than Cho Chang.

The pretty Chinese witch – and Harry's first crush – looked up as the two entered. He eyes widened at first, then they narrowed, her lips thinning slightly. Harry could almost see her thoughts. 'I knew it.'

Harry however refused to be embarrassed. Cho had tried to make him chose between her and his best friend… a choice that for him was all too easy. And in the long run, it had turned out far better than he had ever dreamed. Sitting down next to Hermione, he returned Cho's look steadily as they all waited for the other Prefects to arrive.

Quickly the others began to filter in. Harry nodded in reply to the surprised greetings from the others, but didn't offer much explanation for why he was there instead of Ron. While the others mostly sat with their House group, Hannah came over and sat on Hermione's free side, the two talking softly for a moment before the door opened once more. Harry steeled himself: there were only two missing…

Sure enough, Malfoy strutted in, Parkinson on his arm like she was the queen to his king. He looked about the compartment like he thought it belonged to him… and then his eyes landed on Harry. A sneer creased his face. "Potter! What do you think you're doing here? This compartment is for Prefects only, although…" His eyes shifted to Hermione. "…The standards for admittance to such an noble body have dropped as of late."

Hermione smiled mockingly at the Ferret. "Why Malfoy, I didn't know you knew such big words. Been studying hard over the summer? Or are you just quoting your father?"

Draco scowled. "Be quiet Mudblood! No one hear desires to hear you pollute the very air with your know-it-all attitude!" As he turned back to Harry, both Gryffindor's noted how most of the other Prefects looked darkly at the ponce; the Seventh Year Slytherin male Prefect even face-palmed. But not one spoke out against the Ponce…

"You know you could lose your badge if the Professors heard you using that term Malfoy." Hannah spoke up. Her face flushed as every eye turned to her, but she refused to back down.

Malfoy actually chuckled. "Oh I'm safe little Huffleslut. We all know the Headmaster doesn't care about anything these days. How can he, when's he's so senile a stuffed Iguana could outwit him?" The laughter died as he looked at Hannah darkly. "You had better watch your mouth Abbot. Bad enough you waste it on the squib Longbottom, but if you continue to insult a great Noble House like the Malfoys… well, things can happen." It was all too clear what he was referring to.

Harry decided it was time to go on the offensive. He could see that Malfoy's threats had touched something deep within the other Prefects, and they were backing down, letting him get away with his poison and vile again. And he decided to launch the first strike against one of Draco's main weaknesses; his pride. "Funny you say that Malfoy. I never got the Wizengamont memo that the Malfoys had even been elevated to the standing of a minor Noble House." He pretended to buff his nails on his robes as all eyes turned back to him. "And as the Potters sit on the board that decides if a family should be elevated in the first place… well, something's fishy here."

He looked up to see that Malfoy was red faced, but silent. They both knew that he'd just called Draco's bluff… and that it was a bluff. He pressed on. "Tell me Malfoy, just what were your family doing say… oh, two hundred years ago? Weren't they still herding sheep and living in one room wooden shacks in the French Alps? If I recall my tutoring right, other families here, such as the Abbots…" He waved a hand towards Hannah "Were already wealthy land holders, with a string of high ranked clergymen in their number. Or what about the Stewarts?" He nodded towards the Ravenclaw seventh year sat across the compartment. "I heard they still control the last family run bank in Commonwealth territory. A turnover of several million galleons a year, right?"

The Seventh year looked stunned, but nodded slowly reply.

Harry's eyes locked onto Malfoy's now. "And then we have the Potters and Blacks…" Harry now raised his left hand up, palm facing him. A gasp ran around the compartment as the two solid gold rings shimmered into view on his fingers. "The Blacks have been part of Wizarding nobility since the Dark Ages, while the Potters are even older still."

Harry allowed that to sink in for a moment, before pushing on. "But all that doesn't mean that I'm entitled to treat anyone as less than myself. No, I judge people on their merits, their actions. How they treat others.

"Mark my words, Malfoy. The time of Voldemorts reckoning is coming. And when judgement comes calling, he will be found… most wanting. He and I have unfinished business… and I will finish it, along with him, for good. All those who stand with him will not be shown quarter. They have made their bed, now they have to lie in it. They want to follow him, they can follow him into hell." All the while that Harry had been speaking, not once did his raise his voice, or alter his tone from a cool, calm one. It was definitely much more powerful because of it. He was speaking with emotion, but calmly, logically, as if the outcome was already set, it was just getting around to doing it. And while the other Prefects looked at him with a mixture of renew hope and respect, Hermione had lust in her eyes.

Draco felt fear coiling around his gut, but he refused to yield, his own pride and belief in the power of his master spuring him on. "How can you hope to even fight him Potter? You're nothing compared to him!"

Harry just looked back calmly, one eyebrow raised slightly. "Malfoy… don't you follow the tales and rumours? I've faced Voldemort five times…"

"Six," Hermione jumped in. Harry shot her a small smile, causing her heart rate to spike.

"Sorry. Six times Malfoy, and each time I've come away with at the least a draw. He's my nemsis… and I'm his. I have strengths he refuses himself. I have those around me, my family and friends. Together, we are far greater than the sum of our parts. He stands alone. And in the end, that will be his downfall.

"I have no intention of letting his twisted vision of the world become reality. Every which way he turns, I'll be there, ready to end him. And his bigotry will die with him."

Harry now looked pityingly at Draco. "For your own sake, I hope you have not bound yourself to him irreversibly. Because then I will have to tell a mother that I was forced to kill her son."

Draco now lunged forwards. "You know where my mother is? Where have you taken her?! TELL ME WHERE SHE IS!"

Harry leaned back a bit, as spittle was flying from Draco's mouth. "Why? So your father can kidnap her, bind her to him forcibly, so he can regain the funds he lost when the divorce went through?" Pansy's jaw dropped, prompting Harry to lift his eyebrow again. "You didn't know Parkinson? Draco neglected to mention that something like eighty-percent of the Malfoy fortune was actually Black Family money, paid out as a dowry? A dowry that, due to the Head of the Malfoy Family allowing himself to be branded like a herd animal, the Black family was fully entitled to reclaim, along with the interest from said dowry?"

At that moment Hermione notice something about Malfoy: his robes were did not the 'just off the hanger' look he normally had. There was a little fraying at the cuffs, and a few stains around the hem. His tie seemed a little small, and the shoes were scuffed. Clearly, he'd had to cut back on the personal grooming to make ends meet.

Harry had by now turned back to Draco, whose face was almost reaching Weasley red in colour. "I guess your father finally wanted to know what it felt like. After all, rumour has it the Malfoy men have always had a preference for their animals than their wives… Narcissa certainly backs up that claim. I mean really, separate beds since the honeymoon? I don't call that a marriage.

"A man once said to me 'It is our choices which define us Harry, not our past'. And while I have… issues, with him, that day he spoke truth. You have choices ahead Draco. Choose wisely, for one wrong one could spell your end." It was not a threat in Harry's tone, but a promise.

Draco still looked spitting mad, but Parkinson appeared to have developed a grain of common sense – or at the least self-preservation – and dragged the fuming young man over to the last remaining spaces in the compartment. Harry noted that those who were sitting either side of them shifted away as much as they could, leaving the two isolated, but before he could think on it much further he felt Hermione's hands snake around his shoulders. Turning his head, he looked into her sparkling eyes.

"That was inspiring Harry." She whispered before soundly kissing him.

Several of the Prefects smiled at the sight, though Chang scowled. Hannah chuckled to herself. "Some one's getting laid tonight."

After the tense start to the meeting, the Head Boy and Girl pressed on with matters. With Chang staying silent, it fell to the Head boy to welcome the new Fifth years, as well as Harry. Draco tried to insinuate that the Weasleys had been forced to sell the badge to Harry simply to make ends meet, but Harry shut that down fast. The position change had been at Professor McGonagall's insistence. Once the duties had been covered briefly once more and the passwords handed out, the schedules for the Express Patrol were handed out. Harry and Hermione had a mid-trip patrol, so they prepared to head back to their compartment. The last order of business was introducing the Auror assigned to the Express, Dawlish. Both of them only just managed to keep the scowls off their faces.

Returning to the compartment, they found the others had made themselves comfortable. The snack trolley had clearly been already, as a number of treats were scattered about. Hannah sank into her spot beside Neville with a sigh of relief, prompting curious looks from those who'd not been at the meeting.

"Malfoy. He's not changed a bit." Harry supplied as an explanation.

It was about an hour into the trip that a knock came on the door. As they looked up, a girl who looked like she was a third year Hulfflepuff stepped in hesitantly. "Can we help you Diana?" Susan asked. The personal form of address seemed to calm the younger girl.

"I've been asked to pass these to Neville Longbottom and Harry P-Potter." She stuttered slightly as she held out two scrolls, each tied with violet ribbon. Perplexed, the two young men looked at each for a moment before reaching out to take them.

"Not so fast you two." Daphne spoke up, freezing them both. Her wand was out and she waved it over both scrolls, muttering something. When nothing happened she relaxed. "They're clean. No offense, Diana, was it? It's just there's a lot of people who'd like to harm these two…"

Nodding in understanding, Diana passed the scrolls across before stepping out of the compartment. Through the glass they could see that her calm air shattered once the door was closed, as she bolted away, her expression showing excitement. Shaking his head in resignation, Harry broke the seal to read the scroll.

'Harry,

I would be delighted if you would join me for a spot of lunch in Compartment C, Carriage 4.

Sincerely, Horace'

"It's an invitation." Harry said, looking up to see Neville nodding.

"Same. But why me as well?" The old Neville likely would have asked that question nervously, but now only confusion filled his tone.

"Only one way to find out…" Harry sighed as he stood once more. He paused for a moment, before turning on the spot. "Daphne, care to accompany me?"

The elegant blond smiled as she stood. "I'd love to." Was her reply as they linked arms.

The walk along the Express was lined with other students watching them, many showing surprise at the sight of Daphne, the 'Slytherin Ice Queen', on Harry Potter's arm. They had expected something like this in their family plans before today… but it still wore at Harry's nerves. Fortunately, all his girls had discussed how to keep him calm and distracted from the staring. Daphne simply held his arm close, and Harry's expression brightened instantly.

When they reached the compartment mentioned, they discovered that they were not the only invitees. But judging by the enthusiasm of the initial welcome they received, Harry was certainly the most anticipated.

"Harry, m'boy!" The man sat on the one bench jumped to his feet as soon as the door was slid open, causing his great belly, covered in velvet clothing, to seemingly fill the remaining space in the compartment. The light shone on his bald head, while his silvery moustache gleamed, prompting Harry to wonder if it was real, or actually made of silver. "Good to see you young man, good to see… you." The greeting trailed off a bit as the man took in the presence of Daphne on Harry's arm. But after a moment he regained his vigour. "I see you brought a guest! Excellent initiative, I have to say! And what is the name of this fair maiden?"

Daphne smiled sweetly, but Harry could tell that there was a forced air to it. "Daphne Greengrass, sir."

"Greengrass? Hmmm… now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time." The man seemed to have cooled considerably before he turned towards Neville, who so far had remained outside the compartment. "And you must be Neville Longbottom! Don't stand out there like that! Come in, Come in!"

Harry took the opportunity of the man sitting down to look at the others in the compartment. He recognised two of them: One was a Slytherin in their year, a tall dark skinned boy with high cheekbones and slanted eyes, and a Seventh Year Gryffindor that he'd seen around the Common Room but never spoken with. There was also another Seventh Year, by the look of him, in Ravenclaw colours. Turning back to their 'host' Harry allowed his head to dip forwards a little. "I'm afraid we have not been introduced, Mr…?"

"Oh, gracious me, how forgetful I am sometimes! Horace Slughorn at your service. Please, have a seat." After a quick glance with Daphne, the pair sat on the said side as the other Slytherin and the Ravenclaw, while Neville eased down between Slughorn and the door. The other Gryffindor was between Slughorn and the window: the corpulent man filled the space of two.

"Now then, I'm sure you know everyone here? Blaise Zabini in in your year, of course…"

Harry and Daphne turned to regard the Slytherin. "Hello Zabini." Daphne said softly, her tone cool. Blaise nodded in response, his expression unreadable. Harry just nodded, to be polite.

"This is Cormac McClaggen." A hand waved to the older Gryffindor. "Perhaps you've come across each other…? No?"

Harry shrugged lightly in response as McClaggen waved arrogantly.

"And this is Marcus Belby, I don't know whether…"

Belby offered a strained smile, which on his thin face, made him look even more nervous.

A wicker basket was lowered down from the luggage racks with a flick of a wand. "Please, take a napkin. The Trolley, I'm afraid, does not agree with a poor old man's digestive system, so I packed my own lunch… Pheasant, Belby?" Once the boy had taken a portion, Slughorn carried on talking as a small basket of bread rolls came out. "I was just telling young Marcus here that I had the pleasure of teaching his uncle Damocles. Outstanding wizard, outstanding. And that Order of Merlin was well deserved, I do say. Do you see him much, Marcus?"

Unfortunately, Belby had just taken a bite of pheasant, and in his haste to answer, swallowed too fast. He gagged and started to choke. Harry, who was sat next to him, swiftly slapped him on the back, freeing his airway.

"Ah, thank you P-Potter. And uh, I'm afraid not… not much of him, no."

"Well, of course, I dare say he's a very busy man." Slughorn seemed to have cooled once more as he examined Belby questioningly. "I sincerely doubt he invent the Wolfsbane potion without considerable hard work!"

"I suppose…" Belby shrugged nervously, toying with his remaining pheasant. He appeared eager to have another bite, but was afraid to do so until Slughorn had finished with. "He and my father don't get on very well, you see, so I don't…" He trailed off however as Slughorn had turned to Cormac beside him.

"Now Cormac… I know your uncle Tiberius very well. That is a rather splendid picture of the two of you hunting nogtails… Norfolk, was it?"

"Yeah. That was fun." Cormac said smugly. "We went with Bertie Higgs and Rufus Scrimgeour. This was before he became Minister, of course…"

"Ah… you know Bertie and Rufus too?" Slughorn beamed as a plate of pies came out. Harry noted that Belby was somehow missed out when they went round. "Tell me…"

Harry turned to share a look with Daphne and Neville. The former clearly was thinking this was the same thing he was… and was using all her skill to keep her face pleasant. Neville, on the other hand looked worried. Neither lad had any delusions as to what, or rather who, Slughorn would refer too: his parents. The subject was almost never raised in the Manor: they all knew and understood that the topic was a very painful one for Neville. Lily had shared some of her school day stories with Neville regarding his mother, which had helped some, but most of them allowed the young man his privacy. Harry was convinced that Slughorn would not.

Turning back to the conversation, Harry heard that Zabini was there because he had a famously beautiful witch for a mother. One who had, apparently, been married seven times. Of note, each husband had died mysteriously soon afterward, leaving her a small mountain of gold each time.

"Now Neville…" Slughorn turned his attention onto Harry's friend. Inwardly Harry cringed. "…It's so sad what happened to your parents young man. Wonderful people, very talented…"

"So I've heard…" Neville muttered, his tone and body language clearly stating that he didn't want to talk about the subject.

"Oh don't be so humble my boy!" Harry noted that Slughorn seemed to be reassessing Neville: that he was weighting and measuring his friend, and that he was found wanting. A fire was lit in Harry's gut. "They were gifted students of mine. So brave to stand up to…"

"Mister Slughorn." Harry forcibly cut in, prompting eyes to jump to him. "The matter you are talking about is one that my friend finds distasteful. I am asking you to drop this. Now." There was no mistaking the steel in Harry's tone.

"But of course, we have here Mister Potter!" Slughorn seemed to be trying to take Harry's intrusion in his stride, but there were clues to his discomfort. "Were to begin? The events of the start of the summer… why, I'm sure the Prophet barely scratched the surface!" He was eyeing Harry like he was a particularly large and succulent piece of pheasant.

Harry snorted. "Considering that, in my opinion, the Prophet is of more use for wrapping fish and chips than wiping my arse, let alone reading, I would not be at all surprised if that publication got it's facts wrong."

There was no mistaking the discomfort Slughorn was feeling now. "But… surely what their calling you now, the 'Chosen One', must be correct? After all, there have been all those rumours over the years since your parents… I mean, your father's death… Put joy back into my heart to hear that your mother had survived that terrible night. Absolutely brilliant student she was. Very gifted… But of course you must be pretty special yourself… to have survived at barely a year old… Word is you have powers beyond extraordinary…"

A small cough from Zabini clearly showed his amused scepticism. Seeing a chance to tweak the Slytherin's nose, Daphne spoke up.

"Oh, he's gifted all right." She said sultrily, one hand lightly tracing up and down his shirt front. "Why… I could tell you all sorts of stories of what this man is capable of… stuff you could only dream of…"

Harry noted that while Belby had a look of stunned shock on his face, both Zabini and McClaggen were clearly infuriated. Slughorn was reddening from embarrassment. Neville… was smiling with amused exasperation.

Seeing that the old duffer was lost for words, Daphne lazily uncrossed her legs and stood up, putting just a bit more effort into rising seductively. "I think we're done here Harry, Neville. Why don't we head back to the rest of our group? You do have Prefect patrol soon Harry, and I think Neville's in need of a hug from his betrothed. Mister Slughorn, a pleasure." Harry suspected that only he and Neville could tell that her last word was completely untruthful. As Neville stood as well, she looked beyond Harry. "Blaise, can I have a word outside?"

A dark eyebrow rose in question, but the dark-skinned boy nodded in response and stood as well, following the three out. Slughorn watched them go with a jaw that hung open a little, clearly unsure of what just happened.

Once the door was closed Daphne looked to the other two. "Go on ahead guys. This won't take long."

Harry looked intently at her, his expression clearly stating his reluctance to leave her alone with a member of her former house. Daphne felt warmth fill her at his clear and obvious concern, but nodded and waved him off. Harry nodded in reply, and slowly began to follow Neville back to their compartment.

"Interesting Greengrass…" Zabini spoke quietly as she turned back to face him. The taller boy was leaning against the wall, arms folded across his gut casually. "You've gotten really close to Potter over the summer. Almost as close as Granger…"

"Zabini, I didn't ask you out here to talk about my life." Daphne cut in, her tone cool and sharp. She'd detected the edge in his voice when he said her friends' name. "I wanted to speak to you about yours."

"Mine?" He asked, his own voice turning sharp as well now.

"Yes. I know you're a Blood Purist. I know how you look down on Muggleborns." Daphne levelled her full Ice Queen look on him for a moment, before relaxing it a little. "But, unlike Malfoy, you don't go spouting off about it."

Blaise snorted. "Malfoy's an insult to all Purebloods. To all wizards, actually."

"For once, we agree. Look, we've never seen eye to eye, and I doubt we ever will. But I have to know: do you support Voldemort?"

Blaise shuddered, before glaring at her hotly. "Support that psycho? That lunatic's a mad dog! I don't care if he's the heir of Slytherin or not: someone like that needs putting down!"

Daphne now smiled lightly. "Good. That means that when the lines are drawn, we won't find you on the Bigots and Death Eaters side then?"

"You really think it'll come to that?"

"Of course it will. You're not that stupid Blaise. You can read the signs as well as me. Things are coming to a head. And when it does, I intend on being on the winning side."

Blaise raised an eyebrow again. "How can you be so sure that Potter will win?"

Daphne shrugged. "If Voldemort wins… well, I'd rather be dead than live in a world like that. He only sees servants and slaves, and the line between the two is very thin. Why don't you think on that for a while, and while you're at it, spread the word amongst the other Slytherins? It'll kill Harry to have to kill his classmates because they didn't think about where their choices would take them later on…"

Turning she walked away, leaving a very confused, but very thoughtful, Slytherin behind.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. Malfoy it seemed didn't dare try another attempt to goad Potter, contenting himself to glaring daggers when he and Hermione walked past outside when they made their patrol. Harry noted that while Zabini was in the same compartment, he didn't seem to be engaging with the rest of them. Daphne had relayed what had passed between her and the Slytherin when she returned to the compartment. While Harry applauded her attempt, he feared that too many in her old House were too steeped in the Blood Supremecy Movement to change now, with the possible exception of the youngest years. Malfoy had been up to his neck in it his first year, and the intervening years had only seen him sink deeper.

As dusk had fallen, the group stayed together as they left the station towards the carriages. As they moved Harry spied a couple more Aurors stationed about, watching over everything. 'They really ought to be looking outwards…' he thought before a gasp from in front snapped his attention.

Hannah was staring at the front of the nearest carriage… right at the thestral that was standing there. She'd blanched as white as a sheet, her jaw hanging. Neville, understanding in an instant, wrapped an arm around her comfortingly.

Daphne looked between her and the empty space, before the light almost visibly came on in her mind. "Wait… there's something actually pulling the carriage, right?"

Harry nodded. "Thestrals."

"And only those who've seen death can see Thestrals." Hermione supplied, looking a little unsure of herself. She turned to Luna. "Luna… I'm sorry for doubting you last year…"

Luna just smiled. "You were still innocent Hermione." Was her answer.

The ride up to the castle was done in silence, though they were cheered when they disembarked.

"No disasters this time Harry?"

"Hey Moony." Harry greeted the last Marauder happily, shaking his hand before pulling the taller man into a quick back slapping hug. "You settling in okay?"

Remus smiled. "Yes, Hagrid and McGonagall have both been very helpful. I've already put a few of the 'toys' out. Next couple of nights and I'll have the whole grounds covered." The 'Toys' as he called them had been cooked up between Daniel Granger and the Weasley Twins, a combination that still sent shivers down Harry's spine. Resembling nothing more that oversized ball-bearings, each one was sensitive to movement, and could relay an image to a specially charmed and crafted mirror, via its own coloured pin which lit up when the monitor was tracking something. With a board on which he'd stuck a map of Hogwarts grounds, Remus could watch over the entire grounds without leaving the comfort of his new hut. They had calibrated the monitors to pick up anything that was roughly half an adult human in size, so he could also search for missing students, but not be distracted or confused by smaller animals. With direct communication charms linking his room with both the Headmasters office and McGonagalls, they would very quickly be alerted to a threat.

Remus greeted each of the teens warmly, but when he came to Tonks the two seemed to be unsure how to proceed… or unwilling to with an audience. "Why don't you all go on ahead?" He 'suggested'.

Harry felt a sly smile form on his lips. "Sure thing Moony. Don't do anything I wouldn't!"

"Harry! 'ere isn't anything you wouldn't do, silly boy!" Fleur teased him light-heartedly.

"You wound me, mon cheri." Harry affected a pained tone, pressing a hand to his chest. Fleur smiled brilliantly however at his attempt to use her own language, and rewarded him with a searing kiss for it.

It was as they entered the Entrance Hall that a thought occurred to Susan. "Say, uh Fleur… where are you going to sit for the feast? I'm not sure you'd be allowed to sit at our table…"

"That has already been thought of, Miss Bones." McGonagall called out as she stepped across from the room that Harry remembered was where they had waited to be sorted their first year. "Regretfully, you are correct. Miss Delacour, as neither a student nor a school guest, is not permitted to sit in on the Welcome feast. I have however had a place set for her with Mister Lupin and Miss Tonks, near the Staff table. Remus knows where it is, so if you could, perhaps…?"

Fleur nodded. "Of course, Professor. Thank you."

McGonagall smiled lightly. "It was no bother Fleur. We had the table already set up anyway. Now…" She turned back to the others. "…Normally you are only permitted to sit at your House table for the Feast. In light of certain circumstances, I have managed to gain a waiver for Miss Lovegood to sit where she chooses. I'm afraid I could not do the same for Miss Davis, Miss Abbot or Miss Astoria Greengrass, however…"

"We can cope for one meal." Tracy said calmly. "It is only for the Welcome feast, right?"

McGonagall nodded once more, her expression brightening. "Yes. While most tend not to use the opportunity, once tonight is over you are free to sit at which ever table you like." Her eyes lingered on Gobbler, who was once more free of his basket and wrapped protectively in Luna's arms, but she decided it was not worth saying anything. The truth about the Terrible Terror would get out sooner or later: may as well be now. "If you will excuse me…"

The group minus Fleur walked through into the Great Hall. Harry took a deep breath as he crossed the threshold. Yes, Potter Manor was his home now, but Hogwarts would always have a special place in his heart. After a few words with Daphne, Tracy and Astoria split off at the Slytherin's table, with Hannah hugging Neville once more before sitting at the Hufflepuff one. Not that most of the other students noticed any of them, as all eyes were on Harry and the witches around him. Hermione, Susan and Daphne all cut stunning figures around him, each with their own style and poise. As they approached the table Harry saw some jaws drop. He felt a bubble of pride well up within him at the looks.

Looking towards the Staff table, Harry noted Dumbledore watching him with an expression that Harry couldn't quite identify at this distance. Seeing his look, the headmaster nodded slowly, a gesture of respect. Harry returned the move, but his eyes tracked along the table, seeking…

The head of rich red hair gave her away. Harry beamed up at his mother sat at the table, looking like she belonged there. Lily returned the smile, her hand waving him to sit down as she did. Harry followed her implicit command just as the doors opened once more to admit McGonagall, the new first years trailing behind her. 'were we ever that small?' He thought as he followed their progress.

His motion was halted however when his eyes landed on Ronald. Ron was watching the younger children with an empty expression, one that looked very odd on his former best friend. As if sensing Harry's gaze, Ron turned his head to look back. Harry had to fight the urge to recoil. Ron's gaze was unrecognisable, almost alien, to Harry. There was not a trace of the Ron he thought he knew in there. It was like looking into the eyes of a puppet.

So disturbed by the sight, Harry completely missed the Hat's song and the sorting. It was only when Susan tugged on his arm that he reconnected with the world around him. "Harry, what's wrong?" He blinked to see that their entire group was looking at him with concern written across their faces.

"Ron. He's… there's something very wrong with him. I… I can't explain it, but…" He looked down, and was surprised to see the feast had begun already.

Hermione glanced towards where the red-head was indulging in his usually gluttony. She swallowed back a stab of nausea: his table manners appeared to have gotten even worse. "Looks like normal to me right now." At Harry's look though, she reconsidered. "We'll speak with McGonagall as soon as we can. For now, eat something."

As Harry tucked in, Hermione watched him and Ronald carefully. Harry was clearly disturbed by whatever it was he sure in Ron just before the Sorting begun, which did not bode well at all. Harry was very hard to disturb to this extent…

As for Ron… Harry was right, like he normally was actually. There was something off about him. He acted and sounded like the Ron they had known, but still… something nagged at her.

"Hermione? Can I have a moment?" She turned her head the other way to meet the face of Lavender, who was looking at her almost nervously.

"Yes Lavender? Something wrong?"

"No… I, it's just…" Lavender seemed highly nervous about something. "I… well, I was wondering if you two were going to run the DA again this year."

Hermione blinked for a moment in surprise. She had not been expecting that question from her blond-haired dorm mate. "We'd talked about it, decided to see what the new DADA professor was like before we decided anything." She cast a look at the new face sat at the Staff Table. "Personally, I don't have high hopes after seeing him, so I think it'll be likely. Why?"

Lavender played with her food for a moment before replying. "Hermione… the attacks were all over the Prophet. Seeing just who was attacked… and what happened… I realised that I need to be better." She now looked up at the stunned brunette. "Even if you don't run the DA again, could you give me some extra lessons? I… I realised what not being able to defend myself will mean…"

Hermione nodded, understanding perfectly. Lavender would be a prime target for the rapists in the Death Eaters ranks. It would be better to die than fall into their hands. She placed a hand over Lavenders in support. "We all know, Lavender. I think we will run the DA again, just to be safe." She frowned slightly. "Might need a name change though…"

"Huh? Why? What's wrong with it?" Lavender asked confusedly.

A deep sigh came from across the table. "It's the alternative name of the DA that's the issue." Susan supplied. At the baffled look on the blonde's face, she carried on. "We've all got trust issues with the Headmaster right now… none more so than Harry."

"Oh…" Lavender was clearly shocked. "But he's…"

"Albus Dumbledore, oh yes we know that." Daphne finished, one hand rubbing Harrys back as she spoke. "But he's still human Lavender. He can make mistakes. And in Harry's case… he's made far too many. Big ones too."

Lavender looked between the three witches, the wheels visibly turning in her mind. Her mouth opened, clearly to ask what they were talking about… then her eyes fell onto Harry, and her mouth clicked closed. Even the self-styled 'Gossip Queen' could see that this topic was not to be spread. She had too much respect for Harry to do that to him.

There was also the fact that she knew that Hermione was very smart, and knew a lot of obscure curses. Marrietta was still trying to hide the effects of the cursed parchment of the DA from last year.

Then something completely diverted her attention.

"What is that?" She half yelped as Gobbler's head poked up over the table from Luna lap, where he'd been curled up. No one had noticed him before since she'd been behind Harry and the others as they walked to the table, and when she'd sat down she'd moved the little dragon to her lap.

"Oh don't mind Gobbler. He's just after fish. Insatiable, he is." Luna said happily. She speared a chunk of roast ham from a platter before offering it to him. Gobbler's head snapped forwards after a few sniffs, wolfing the meat down eagerly.

"But… I… That's… But…" Lavender stuttered for several seconds before her brain managed to bypass the jam to speak clearly. "But that's a dragon!"

"Correct. Terrible Terror." Hermione said calmly. "Oh don't worry. We reckon he's fully grown."

By now Lavender was getting over her shock, and her expression was shifting to a look of awe. "Oh my… he's so cute!"

"Looks more like an overgrown frog to me." Seamus stated, his tone clearly stating his disdain. Gobbler however, did not care for his tone at all, and a hiss Harry was familiar with was emitted.

"Better duck and run Seamus, that's a signs he's…" Harry paused as a spear of fire shot out of Gobblers mouth. Seamus jerked back in shock, the flames racing past his face close enough to singe his eyebrows. Harry wondered how many times one's eyebrows could take such punishment. "…About to breath fire." He finished.

Seamus poked his head up over the table from where he'd fallen onto the floor. His expression was one of awe. "Wicked! You've got to tell me where you found him!"

"Squatting on my lands, actually." Harry replied dryly, prompting laughter from everyone who'd watched on in wide-eyed shock and awe. After that the little dragon became the centre of attention, with several Hufflepuffs and even a few Ravenclaws coming over to see the 'mini-dragon'. Gobble seemed to bask in the attention, but when one witch got a little too close he hissed again, and she hastily backed off. Only Luna got to cuddle him. The others in Harry's family could pet and stroke, but he was Luna's… and she his.

When at last the feast ended, Dumbledore stood and strode to the podium before his seat. "Good evening one and all! To those of you returning, welcome back to Hogwarts! And to those of you new to our hallowed halls, I bid you welcome. Now I'm sure you are all eager to get settled in tonight, so I'll try to keep my comments brief…"

Dumbledore paused, as the whispers were starting to build. The cause was obvious: his right hand was almost black, and looked dried up. Smiling lightly, he shrugged his shoulders, allowing the sleeve of his robe to ride down and cover the damaged limb.

"A small matter, nothing for you all to worry about. Now, where was I… oh yes. Once again, I find I have to remind all returning student that the Forbidden Forest is just that: Forbidden. I have recently been told that just saying that will likely have the opposite effect on most of you, but please, do try and stay out of the forest. While we have increased security around the grounds, the staff cannot be everywhere at once.

"Now, Mister Filch, the caretaker, has updated his listing of banned objects. I told it now includes the entire contents of the recently opened store Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. Which, if what I hear is true, is doing a roaring trade." He now leaned forward, as if to impart a vital secret to the students. "Truth be told, some of their jokes are new even to me. Ah, it is always a sad day when one has not laughed at least once during it." Some of the students chuckled.

"I will get onto the increased security I mentioned before in a moment, but first, I must, once again…" he drawled in a long-suffering tone. "…Announce a change in staff. Over the summer, I was able to welcome a former professor back. Horace Slughorn…" Slughorn now stood, waving to the students while beaming. "…Has graciously agreed to return for this year to teach his old subject, potions…"

"Potions?" Harry gasped, sharing wide-eyed looks with the others in his group.

"…some of you may have heard of him from your parents. Professor Snape, for this year, will instead take on the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor…"

"WHAT!?" Harry yelped, so loudly that everyone was shocked silent. Harry's look of shock would have been comical… had the situation been any different. Snapes response was to sneer at him.

"I assume you all, Professor Snape is more than capable of teaching you how to resist the Dark Arts." Dumbledore looked about the hall, his eyes lingering on Harry for a long moment. Harry frowned, but kept quiet. They would definitely have words about this later! He did note however that his mother was also glaring at the headmaster. Clearly Lily hadn't been told of this either… and from the expressions on their faces, neither had McGonagall or Flitwick!

"Now, our last change is one that is going to be very important to all of you." Dumbledore seemed immune to the glares burning into his back. His tone now demanded attention. "Hogwarts is the premier school in the Magical world. However… it has been drawn, rather forcibly I have to say, to my attention that the Magical World is only a small part of the whole world. The muggle world is so much larger, so much more massive than our own, it would be foolish in the extreme for us to deny its existence. Or worse, ridicule it." His gaze now appeared to be resting on the Slytherin table, rather sternly from what Harry could see.

"As such, from this year, Muggle Studies is being made a Core subject…" A babble of raised voices erupted, mainly of outrage from the Slytherin table, forcing the Headmaster to raise his own voice to overpower it. "…A core subject to at least OWL level!" The hubbub died away, prompting Harry to wonder if the Headmaster had done some subtle magic when he raised his voice. "Those of you who chose Muggle Studies as an Elective will have a chance to choose another course instead. All Fourth years and who did not chose the course will attend catch up courses, to ensure that you are familiar enough with the muggle world to be able to living there without drawing attention to yourselves… which if any of you had studied history properly, would know that is the reason we hide from the muggles.

"Alas, just before the start of term, our beloved Muggle Studies Professor requested a year's leave. Visiting relatives in the states, I believe. I hope he's doing research into muggle/wizard relationships over there. Fortunately a delightful young woman who is particularly gifted with understanding muggles has stepped forwards to fill the gap, at least for the time being. I take the great pleasure to introduce this year's Muggle Studies Teacher… Madam Lily Potter."

As Lily stood, one could have heard a pin drop in the hall. For about a half second. Then the cheers and wolf-whistles started. Lily smiled bashfully, which just increased the number of whistles, before sitting down again.

"Well, after that warm welcome… I have to talk to you about serious, dark matters." All the jovial tones had gone from the Headmasters words, and the hall fell silent.

"As was proved at the end of last year, Voldemort has, indeed, returned. So far, thanks to skill, timing and not a small amount of luck, his first opening strikes have not been as effective as he'd hoped. All resources at the Ministry's disposal are being trained against him… and those that follow him. Due to the unsettled natured of things right now, the wards around these grounds have been enhanced, and a team of Aurors are stationed in Hogsmede for protection of this school. This does mean that, unfortunately, the staff will be tighter on ensuring you are all tucked up in your Common Rooms each night. With all of you safe in your dorms, the staff can more easily deal with issues cropping up from outside. Please, heed the directions of the staff, for if something happens, we likely will not have the time to explain everything clearly." Harry took a look over towards the Slytherin table. Just by looking, he could see that while most of the students were listening attentively, about a third appeared to be not bothered. Malfoy, in fact, was levitating his fork, looking completely bored.

"But the battle against the darkness will not be fought just outside these walls. At the same time I was reminded about how much the Muggle world out numbers us, I was also reminded about something that I should never have forgotten. What you learn within these walls shapes your lives outside, afterwards. I don't mean the spells or the essays… I mean the life lessons. Choices and actions have consequences. It is our duty as teachers to teach you, not just how to do magic, but also about life, about how to act. How to live. The habits of a lifetime are formed here. Those which are good, such as kindness, compassion and understanding, must be embraced. But those born of selfishness, of deceit, of cruelty… those must be stamped out, forgotten."

Quite a few Slytherins – and to Harry's concern, a number of Ravenclaws – were looking nervously at each other. It was clear that the hidden meaning to the Headmasters words were reaching them: Bullying was no longer tolerated.

"Now, you have all heard me drone on for long enough, and those beds of yours are waiting. Pip pip!"

As they stood Harry saw McGonagall striding down towards them, Lily just behind her. Harry held still, his family around him staying together.

"I see Gobbler was a success." Lily commented when she reached them, throwing a smile for Luna, who beamed in reply.

"Yes… even if he did nearly burn Finnagan's face off." McGonagall stated, her brow furrowed.

"Honestly professor, Seamus does that himself nearly every term." Harry replied, with Neville nodding vigorously behind him.

McGongall sighed. "I know, which is why I'll not pursue the matter. In any case, Albus said you have a meeting arranged with him now?" At Harry's nod, she carried on. "As I assume all of you will going along, I'll join you, and then lead you all to your chambers afterwards."

Nodding his thanks, Harry turned to regard the headmaster, who was still stood at the podium, watching the students filter out.

Maybe this time, they would get some answers.

A/N: And there we have it. Hopefully I covered everything I needed too. Well, I hope that you all enjoyed this early Christmas present. Have a good holiday!