On September first, true to Ron's word, Harry followed Snape up to Dumbledore's office so they could floo to the Leakey. From there make their way to King's Cross so Harry could board the train with the rest of the students. Harry hadn't been too sure about Snape and Muggle London, since they'd be walking to the station, but he'd been pleasantly surprised to see his staid Potions professor dressed in black jeans, black button down, and black jacket . Harry admitted to himself the man looked kind of cool, and would blend in fine.

To be honest, Harry was feeling rather smart himself. The new clothing Snape had purchased for him included casual wear, clothes that weren't used and that actually fit his frame. Like Snape, black jeans without the knees worn out, a long sleeved t-shirt that wasn't ragged or stretched out in the neck and arms, and a zippered hoodie that didn't hang to his knees. New black trainers without holes in the soles completed his outfit, and he felt pleased that Draco wouldn't be able to find fault with his attire. Harry and Snape reached Dumbledore's office to find Draco and Professor Tonks already there.

"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore greeted him. "Ready for another school year, I see."

"Yes, Sir," Harry replied."Hopefully a little less...adventurous."

"Indeed," Dumbledore chuckled, and gestured towards the fireplace, "Professors Snape and Tonks will escort you and Mr Malfoy to the train and see you off, and I'll see you again at the feast."

"Yes, Sir," both Harry and Draco intoned.

"Alright then boys?" Professor Tonks said brightly. "All set? Severus?"

Snape nodded at Professor Tonks and gestured for them to proceed.

Harry and Snape followed, and presently they were all standing in the Leakey Cauldron. Both Harry and Draco took a surreptitious glance around, each hoping none of their friends were there. Satisfied there weren't, Harry said to Draco, "I still think it's stupid to have to come all the way here when we were already there."

"It's tradition, Potter. I wouldn't expect you to understand. I see Snape gave your wardrobe a makeover. I was shocked when I didn't feel the need to give you alms." Draco said in his most annoying posh tone, his nose in the air. He was well aware that both adults were monitoring the exchange, Snape especially. When he had provoked the other boy into a narrowed gaze, he relented. "Seriously, I don't see the need to do this either. It's not like we won't have plenty of time to catch up with our friends this evening."

Snape's posture relaxed by a degree and his wary attention turned to the people assembled in the pub. He scanned the crowd for threat and when he saw none, he stepped away with a nod towards Ted. His uncle moved both boys along towards the exterior door. He wondered if they were going to take a Muggle taxi to the station. Father had always apparated him to the station from the Manor. He wasn't exactly sure how far they were from King's Cross.

He was disappointed when he saw the familiar entrance to the station after only a few minutes walking. Potter shot him a questioning look at his obvious disappointment.

"Something wrong?" Harry asked.

"I didn't realise the station was so close, within walking distance," Draco shrugged, "Father usually apparates us from the Manor. I thought we might take a taxi."

Harry was about to tease him, but then realised Draco probably hadn't ever had much car riding experience.

"Ever ridden in a car before?" he asked instead.

Draco didn't answer as they went into the Muggle side of the station. Both Vince and Greg lumbered past them scowling at their party as they did, Then came Millie, her mothers, and her much younger twin sisters. She nodded at him, paying no mind that he walked with Potter. She gave a friendly nod to him and said, "Malfoy. Professor Snape."

"Bullstrode." He croaked out wishing that the ground would swallow him whole.

Severus gave her a cool nod and continued his long, ground-eating stride towards the entrance of the platform. He passed through, followed by Potter.

Uncle Ted held him back, "I know the next few hours might be trying for you. When you get to the castle, if you need to talk, you know you can come to Andy or me…for anything."

Sudden resentment fluttered in his chest and up his throat. "I'm not a child, Uncle, that I need protection from my own friends. I assure you, Slytherins are much more than just house. We are family."

Draco pushed his way through the bricks. He didn't bother to see if his guardian had followed.

Harry self consciously tried to put a bit of distance between himself and Snape as they approached the train. He looked back, and saw Malfoy trying to do the same between himself, his uncle, and Harry. He turned back, and saw, to his horror, Snape had stopped and was looking at Harry pointedly, a disgruntled expression on his face. Harry picked up his pace a bit, before Snape actually called out to him. Glancing around, he saw it was moot. People, kids and parents alike, were all looking at Snape, then going wide eyed when they realised who it was, a few even doing double takes and then hurrying on.

Harry sighed, realising he wasn't going to be able to keep his secret much longer. He trudged toward Snape, who'd stopped again, his black gaze sweeping over the chaotic cacophony of chattering students, parents, trolleys, and animal noise. Harry heard his name being called, and saw a sea of ginger advancing toward him, as Ron and his family descended. Relieved to see them, Harry smiled and waved as they surrounded him. Mrs Weasley clasped him in another stranglehold embrace, and Mr Weasley continued on to talk to Snape.

Draco paused, not really knowing what his reception might be with his friends after the fact was known that he had a guardian that was the Muggle Studies professor. It was bad enough that they knew what had transpired this summer with his parents. Deciding there was no need to put off any unpleasantries, he looked around the platform until he saw Pansy at the centre of a knot of Slytherin students. As he took a few steps towards them, his uncle half shouted above the hubbub, dangling a now full-sized garment bag that he'd packed that morning containing his school uniform, "Son! You need your clothes!"

It seemed as if the entire platform paused and a large, hissing silence filled the air. Draco turned back towards his uncle, and he heard Pansy's derisive laugh, followed by her words, "I heard that he's living with his disgrace of an aunt and her Muggle lover. I can't believe he's sunk so low. His father must be so ashamed, but that's what he gets for dealing in illegal dark artefacts."

Draco closed his eyes, trying to stop the world from spinning, trying to get his breathing to stop stuttering through his lips. He would not cry. He wouldn't give them any more fodder.

Harry, who'd been freed from Mrs Weasley after assuring her he was fine, heard Professor Tonks shout further down the platform, and he and the Weasleys all turned to see what was going on. Harry's heart fell to his feet at spotting a mortified Draco stoically walking toward his uncle who was holding a garment bag aloft. A group of Slytherin girls, including that two-faced little pug Parkinson, were laughing at him, and everybody was staring.

"Bloody hell," Ron snickered, "Malfoy's face is so red he looks like he's on fire!"

"Shut up, Ron," Ginny hissed. "You'd look the same if Mum shouted out at you in public!"

A surprised Ron gaped at her before his face turned thunderous and he growled back, "How can you defend that prat after what his father..."

"It isn't his fault what his father did!" Ginny retorted angrily. "Just like it isn't your fault Dad arrested his parents!"

"His parents deserved Dad arresting them!" Ron shot back hotly.

"Maybe they did, and Dad was only doing his job," Ginny said fiercely. "But that doesn't mean Dad was happy about taking his parents away from him. Even Dad would say the son isn't responsible for what the father chooses to do. Are you responsible for Dad's obsession with Muggle plugs and gadgets?" Ron couldn't argue with that, Harry saw. He was struggling for an answer, but Ginny just gave him a final disgusted look and flounced off.

"She told you, Ron," George snickered.

"We've told you not to tangle with her, little bro," Fred said. "C'mon, Georgie, let's go ask Mum if Ronnie's forgotten anything,"

With a parting smirk, he pulled his twin off with him.

"Prats," Ron muttered.

"Ginny's right about Malfoy not being responsible for what his father did, Ron," Harry said quietly.

"Yeah?" Ron said belligerently. "Wasn't your sister he did it to was it?"

Harry was saved from thwarting an argument by the arrival of Hermione, who said a bit breathlessly, "Sorry I'm late! I wanted to run to Flourish and Blotts for some more quills and ink to be sure I had enough!"

She looked from Ron to Harry and said "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Ron said, shaking his frown off. "Only you would worry about enough quills and ink, Hermione."

"I like to be prepared," she said defensively.

"Let's go find a compartment," Harry said before they too started bickering. He glanced back to where Draco had been, but he'd disappeared. He looked in the other direction, towards Snape, and saw Professor Tonks had joined him and Mr and Mrs Weasley.

Draco had decided to get a compartment for himself. He doubted, after Pansy, the bitch, had outed him to one and all, that he would have any travelling companions. Well, they could all sod off, for all he cared.

He looked through the first two cars, trying to find an empty one. Every time he would open a door hopefully, he was met with stares, outright pity, or hostility. This was not going to be a great year. He exited the second car, passed through the connector and entered the third car. The first compartment on the left was blessedly empty so he went in, shut the door, and hung his uniform from a hook that was provided for luggage. He then sat, with his eyes closed, his feet propped on the seat across from him, and willed the trip to end. He'd worry about his reception in Slytherin tonight, now he wanted the world outside to fuck right off.

After introductions to Professor Tonks had been made and Snape had unshrunk Harry's own duffel and handed it over, thankfully less obviously than Professor Tonks had, he, Ron, and Hermione said their goodbyes and boarded the train. They found a compartment towards the end, on the platform side of the train, passing a solitary Draco sitting with his eyes closed, and settled in. Ginny joined them, she and Ron ignoring one another, and they all waved at the Weasleys from the windows. Harry met the eyes of an expressionless Snape, and raised his hand momentarily. Snape acknowledged it with a slow nod of his head, and Harry finally relaxed. Ginny pointedly told Hermione and Harry she'd see them later, and left the compartment, still ignoring Ron.

"Did you two have an argument?" Hermione asked Ron.

"Nevermind her," Ron said dismissively. "She's gone round the bend, she has."

Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry, who smiled back, and they all fell silent. Harry's mind wandered back to Draco, sitting alone, and wondered if he was alright. Draco had confided to him that he'd been to see his mother when Harry had been in Diagon Alley getting his supplies with Snape. No matter how big of a prick Malfoy could be, and had been, to Harry and his friends, Harry felt nothing but sympathy for the other boy. Even without having a mother of his own, Harry wouldn't wish that experience on anybody. Draco loved his mother, and Harry couldn't imagine how hard that had to have been on him. And now, it seemed like even his friends, judging by Parkinson's behaviour on the platform, had turned their backs on him. Harry felt more confused than ever over all this relationship stuff. Were he and Draco friends or weren't they? Now that summer was over, did they just go back to being the thorn in each other's side they had always been? Even after all they'd been through this summer? All the talks they'd had? Did he want to be friends with Malfoy? There was so much he disliked about the pointy little git, but...he'd found out that Draco had moments of actual empathy and understanding, actual feelings, and Harry suspected he was one of the very few Draco ever let see that. Did that mean Draco trusted him? Did Harry trust Draco? Maybe a little? Was friendship...or whatever this was with Draco...supposed to be so bloody complicated? He sighed inwardly. He just didn't know.

The door to his compartment slid open and then shut. Draco didn't bother opening his eyes. Anyone who chose this compartment would probably only be there to gloat. He just couldn't be arsed to care, especially since Mother's little bombshell about Father.

He'd tried not to think about it at all in the days preceding, but he couldn't help it. He'd been raised by a liar. His father had knowingly told him things as truth that he obviously didn't believe… or rather that he doubted. The betrayal stung. How easy would his life had been if…

The door opened again, "Oi! You bloody git, move your legs."

He opened his eyes and affixed a sneer on his face. He drawled,"Come here to gloat, Bulstrode?"

"I'm not that bitch, Parkinson, Malfoy." The larger girl picked up both his feet and let them drop to the floor. "My mums' say hello."

"I'll be sure to thank them when I see them next." Draco replied, closing his eyes again. He felt a rough, pointy thing being placed on his lap, it poked his hand. He opened one eye and spied a package wrapped in brown paper with a lopsided bow affixed to it. A childish scrawl, written in two colours of crayon marked it. It said, 'Hoppy Berthday! To Draco, Love Mindy and May.'

"It's from my sisters, the little ones, not the older ones." Millie said as she sat with a graceless plop. "Don't make fun of it. They love you and have been fighting all summer about which one is going to marry you when they grow up."

Draco smiled, a genuine one. "I don't know what I ever did to make them feel that way. I only met them once."

"Well, they are obviously blind and idiots," Millie answered. "Just open it. They wouldn't tell me what they had given you. I hope it's something completely inappropriate so I can hold it over your head for blackmail."

He laughed and opened the package carefully, making sure to keep the part with his birthday greeting. Inside lay a lumpy knitted scarf in Slytherin colours. He held it up for Millie's inspection. It was wider at one end and several stitches had been dropped leaving a long line in it. He put it around his neck, and then lifted a small crudely painted figurine of a dragon. It was done in neon green, pink, and orange. Where the paint met, it was a muddy brown. "Just what I needed, I'll be sure to dash off a thank you note and an autographed photo to each of them."

"Prat." Millie said, her blue eyes sparkling under the heavy fringe her mother insisted she keep. It made her blunt square face look even thicker than it was.

Draco set the package on the seat next to him. Trust Millie to become his champion. It was her nature to stand up for the underdog. "Ta, Millie, I was afraid I was going to be alone this year."

She started to speak, but the door opened again. The She-weasel came in and said, "My brother is being a prat, so I need a place that will keep him away. I hope you don't mind."

"Which brother?" Millie asked, eyes narrowed dangerously at the girl. "He don't need trouble."

"Ron, and I'm not looking to give him any." Ginny answered as she sat next to the larger girl. "I do a pretty good Bat Bogey hex that makes him sick up every time I use it on him."

Millie gave a grudging smile, "I can never get mine right. Maybe you could show me sometime. I'll trade you for a roach summoning spell I learnt last year."

The girls began talking about the disgusting spells they knew. He tuned them out as the train lurched forward. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.

"So, Harry," Hermione said. "Did Professor Snape approve your schedule? Muggle Studies and Care of Magical Creatures?"

"And Arithmancy," he said, "And all the others. I'm going to need your help Hermione, especially with Arithmancy. I looked over the book, but...Snape is mad if he thinks I'll do well in that class. I want to, but.." He shook his head.

"Don't worry, Harry," she said encouragingly. "It's really not as difficult as it seems. You've just got to pay attention. I'll help you out."

"Thanks, Hermione," he said gratefully.

"I just hope that Hagrid does well", she said fretfully. "...and that Dumbledore approved his class plan."

"That'll be an easy class," Ron said. "And outside. "He gave Harry an annoyed look and said, "Good thing since there's no free period this year."

"I can't help it, Snape's making me take Arithmancy, Ron," Harry said with equal annoyance, "I told you, he wouldn't let me take Divination, and wouldn't let me go to Hogsmeade if I didn't."

"Not talking about that," he said with a disgusted sigh.

"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked, amused.

"Dad's making me take Muggle Studies!" He said, "No thanks to you, Harry!"

"Me?" Harry asked in surprise. "How is it my fault? I didn't tell your dad to make you take it! I didn't even tell him I'm taking it!"

"No, but Snape did," Ron said gloomily, "last week when we went to Diagon Alley. Told Dad you were all excited about the wood shop and all and that he was pleased you were enthusiastic about a class, and how he'd gone to see it for himself and talked over the class plan with the teacher..."

"Professor Tonks, Ron," Hermione said. "We just met him on the platform."

Ron gave her a quelling look and continued, "Snape told Dad he approved, and that he thought it should be made a required class, especially for kids raised in wizarding families, to 'broaden their horizons' or something. 'Course he had a captive audience with Dad, didn't he? He called me out to his shed and gave me a big long lecture about how wizards need to come to a better understanding of Muggle ways because it's wrong to be so ignorant about the way more than half the world population lives and a bunch of other stuff. So, I'm taking Muggle Studies with you instead of Divination."

"Well, he's not wrong, Ron," Hermione said reasonably. "Whether wizards want to admit it or not, Muggles outnumber wizards"

"Yeah, I know, Hermione," Ron said, "but we live in the wizarding world. We have magic to do stuff..."

"That's what D...that's the pureblood stance, Ron," Harry said uneasily.

"I am a pureblood, Harry," Ron said, "I..."

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed softly, her voice and expression hurt.

Ron turned to face her next to him on the seat, putting a hand on her arm.

"Not like that, Hermione, c'mon," he said gently. "You know I don't think any less of you, or your family, or any of that shite Malfoy and his goons think. I just mean...not 'pureblood' but wizards, magical. We have magic, we live in the magical world, even you do mostly. You're not allowed to do magic at home, but if you could, wouldn't you? To do chores and yard work and stuff?"

"Well, I ...I suppose," she admitted. "For some things, maybe. Repairs…"

"See?" Ron said, letting her arm go. "So why do I need to learn how Muggles do stuff without magic, when I can do magic at home? I mean, we aren't supposed to, but I live in a magical household, they can't tell if I used magic or Mum and Dad did, just that it was used, and since it's a magical household, who cares?" He turned to Harry and said, "You can't tell me you wouldn't have used magic if you could have at the Dursley's, with all the chores you had."

"'Spose I would have," Harry shrugged. "But that's not really the point of Muggle Studies, is it? It's not all about chores, Ron. Draco's uncle was a furniture maker before he became a teacher. That's why he brought his wood shop..."

"Who?" both Ron and Hermione chimed at once, their faces round-eyed in surprise, and Harry realised his faux pas.

Shit! he chastised himself. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Look, I reckon sooner or later everybody will find out Snape is my guardian now, and...that Professor Tonks is Malfoy's uncle, and ...since his parents were arrested, he was placed with his aunt and uncle. His aunt is his mother's sister. Her family disowned her because she married Professor Tonks, who is Muggleborn."

Hermione was frowning thoughtfully, but Ron looked like Christmas had come early.

"Look," Harry said, sitting forward in his seat. He gave them a quick rundown of all that had happened since he'd left the Dursley's, including his summer with Draco. He left out the more personal bits of their conversations, but emphasised how wrong footed they'd both felt at being thrust into a life completely different to what either of them had been raised in.

When he finished, he felt a bit better at seeing Ron's expression had changed from triumphant to thoughtful.

"And, you know, I told you all this in confidence, yeah?" Harry said.

"Of course, Harry!" Hermione said immediately.

"Ron?" Harry asked.

"Are you asking us to be friends with him, Harry?" Ron said.

"No, I mean...I'm not even sure I'm friends with him," Harry said, "but...well, it's like Ginny said, isn't it? Lucius Malfoy isn't a good man, and yes, he nearly got Ginny..."

"And you!" Ron said.

"And me, killed, but that's not Draco's fault. He can't help what his father does. Draco didn't know he was going to do that, and he thought it was just a book, a dark book, but he didn't know it did anything, he thought it was just a dark magic book, like potions or something. What I'm saying, Ron, is yeah, he's a spoiled, pointy little git, but that's also kind of not his fault. He can't help who his parents are, or how they raised him, or what they believe in. They're still his parents, and they're in jail, and his whole world was taken away."

"So was yours, Harry," Hermione said quietly.

"Yeah, but..." Ron sighed and said, "I never thought I'd say this, cos it's Snape, Harry's is better now." He turned to Harry and said, "It is better, right?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "Different."

"Well, Draco's isn't necessarily worse, although I'm sure he thinks it is," Hermione said. "But for however horrible his parents are, they are still his parents, and I'm sure he loves them. It can't be easy for him."

"He's been horrible to you, Hermione," Ron said.

"Yes, but, well...he's just parroting what he's been taught. If you haven't been taught there's another way...I mean that kind of pureblood is fairly insular, isn't it? They really only associate with their own kind, don't they?"

"You mean rich snobs?" Ron asked.

"Well, a lot of them do seem to be rather wealthy, but even wealthy Muggles stick to their own. I meant blood purists though. They're very much like Muggle Nazis, aren't they?" Hermione said, her brow furrowed.

*Oh, there she goes" Ron said to Harry. "That's her 'I must study up on this' look".

Harry chuckled at that. He didn't know much about Nazis, but he was sure Hermione would let them know.

Their attention was drawn to the door of the carriage.

"Hello, Harry," Professor Lupin said, "I wonder if I may share your carriage? Everywhere else seems to be full, and, well, you're the only familiar face."

"Erm...sure, of course!" a surprised Harry blurted, "Have a seat!"

He moved over make room, wondering what Snape would have to say about this.

"Thank you," the man said, settling into the corner seat.

"Hello," he nodded at Ron and Hermione.

"Erm, Ron, Hermione, this is Remus Lupin, he's our new Defence teacher. Professor, these are my friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."

They said their hellos, and Professor Lupin said, "You're probably wondering why a teacher is on the train, imposing on your last few hours of freedom. I know your father and I would have. Well, you can relax," he chuckled, "I'm not here to police your fun, no, I simply had some business in London to finish up, and decided to take the express back to Hogwarts. Reliving my youth, you might say, a sentimental journey of sorts. Also, I don't really care for flooing."

"You knew Harry's father?" Hermione asked politely.

Professor Lupin smiled at Harry, who smiled back, and told her, "Yes, I did. We were friends, yearmates at Hogwarts, along with Harry's mother. Gryffindors, the lot of us."

"Oh, so are we all!" Hermione said happily. "How wonderful for you, Harry. Professor Lupin can tell you about your parents!"

"That I can, Harry," he said kindly.

"I'd like that," Harry smiled.

"Perhaps we can have tea sometime," Professor Lupin said, "but for now, don't let me intrude. I have some reading to do. Don't mind me. Carry on." He sat back into the corner and pulled a folded up copy of The Prophet out of his jacket pocket, disappearing behind it as he opened it up.

The three friends looked at one another, not quite sure what to say, then Hermione said, "Good idea,"

She pulled a book out of her bag, and settled into reading. Harry and Ron sat silently for a bit, and Harry, glancing at Professor Lupin, saw he'd dozed off, his paper over his chest, hands limp in his lap.

"Snape's letting you play Quidditch though, right?" Ron asked quietly.

"He can't really stop me," Harry replied, "I don't need his permission for that, but yeah, he is. He approves."

"I know you're better off away from your relatives, but I still can't imagine...I mean, Snape, Harry. I can't imagine what it's like seeing him first thing in the morning."

Harry snickered at that, but said, "He's not so bad."

"Did you ever think you'd hear yourself say that?" Ron laughed.

"No, I can't say I ever did," Harry also laughed, then they quickly hushed at a glare and a shh! from Hermione. She frowned and put her book down, looking around.

"Why is the train slowing down?" she asked.

"What are you on about?" Ron said.

"No, it is!" Hermione insisted, as they heard the screech of brakes. The train came to a shuddering halt, and the three looked at one another in confusion. Lupin must have been exhausted. Harry thought, glancing at the still sleeping man.

"Should I wake him?" Hermione asked worriedly.

Before either of them could answer, the carriage lights began to flicker, then went out completely.

"What's going on?!" Hermione said a bit shrilly.

"Probably just engine trouble or something," Ron said, the wary note in his voice belying the confident nod of his head. "Yeah, they'll have it fixed soon."

They sat silently, waiting for the train to start up again, and Harry noticed it seemed to be getting colder. Ron and Hermione noticed too; Hermione was rubbing her arms. There was frost forming over the windows and Hermione squeaked, "Oh, I don't like this!"

Harry wasn't even sure what happened next. There was the sound of far off shouting and general chaos from the front of the train, but a strange sort of rasping sound from the corridor outside the door, where there seemed to be a large, dark shape moving about in the gloom. He watched in fascinated terror as the door slowly slid open, a skeletal hand with unnaturally long, bony fingers grasping the edge of the door, opening it further. He didn't want to look up, but couldn't seem to help it as an unseen force raised his head and he found himself looking into a yawning maw of whatever horror this was. Images flashed through his mind, he thought he saw a woman, heard her screaming, a bright green light flashing. This image flashed over and over, the woman screamed again and again, until he heard a man shouting loudly, a blinding white light obscuring everything, and Harry finally sunk into darkness.

Draco jerked, suddenly awake as the lights flickered then went dark. The train wasn't moving and it was dark outside the compartment, much darker than it should have been naturally. The Weaslette and Millie were standing, wand's drawn, their breath visible in the sudden, unnatural chill. Draco stood, his own wand slipped into his palm.

Millie gave him a disparaging look. "'Bout time you woke up, Princess."

"What do you think's going on?" Weasley asked, licking her lips nervously. "Do you think we've broken down?"

"Never happened in the hundred and sixty three years the Express has been running." Millie said, and Draco trusted her. She loved history of all types and could quote whole passages of books she read on it. Dates, names, and facts came easy to her once she read them. It was the reason she hated History of Magic. She could have taught the class better than Binns in her first year. She may not do so well in some of her other classes, but Millie was some kind of savant with history.

Weasley shivered, her short sleeved frock inadequate against the chill. Draco took his outer jacket that he had worn to London from the seat and tossed it to her. She caught it and draped it around her shoulders, an odd look on her face as she said, "Thanks."

Suddenly a feeling of sinister oppression filled Draco. He felt lethargic, despair filling him. He wasn't worthy of Millie's protection. He should never have returned to school. He was doomed to repeat Father's mistakes…

He stumbled against Millie who shoved him away. She, too, was suffering from the same type of doubts. He looked to the Gryffindor, who looked as if she were going to burst into tears

He listed off what he knew; unnatural cold, sudden depression, preternatural darkness… He'd read about these symptoms in one of mother's books.

"Dementors!" he hissed. "Keep the door shut! Don't let them in!"

Millie began casting a ward, one she'd taught Draco to do when his trunk had been broken into their first year. Draco joined her.

Weasley started to sniffle, but stepped forward to lend her own spell to their efforts. A stench of decay filled the air and a skeletal hand appeared on the surface of the frosted glass that made up the top of the compartment door. The creature's nails scraped the window as it passed.

Once it did the feeling of dread and cold receded. Further down the corridor they heard a commotion, and a bright light blasted the car. Suddenly the lights came on and the exterior darkness receded. The three quarter moon outside the train was visible once more.

It was Millie who broke into her supply of chocolate, and fortunately for them all, it was the darkest kind with very little sugar. Draco took the piece she offered, as did Weasley. "My mum says to always be prepared."

Millie put a piece in her own mouth and then flopped onto the seat once more. Her hair was dripping with sweat and her face had an ugly flush, as if she had been running. Weasley didn't look much better. Draco knew he probably looked just as bad. Suddenly he felt like laughing, a hysterical bubble of mirth rose and he gave in to it. Millie glared at him before she broke into a sardonic smirk. Weasley, who was confused at first, snorted once, setting Millie off. Soon all three were wheezing.

The door shook. Someone was trying to enter. Draco lazily cast a finite on the hastily placed wards, and the door was pulled open with enough force that it banged against the compartment wall. The DADA teacher poked his head in, "Is everyone all right here?"

They all nodded, even as they laughed. He said, "Here, eat this, it will help."

He held out a bag, but Millie waved it off. "We already did, thanks, though."

The man nodded and left.

"Who was that bloke? " Millie asked. "He's a bit old to be one of us."

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Draco smiled. "You'll have to pay…"

Weasley rolled her eyes, saying, "Slytherins!"

When Harry opened his eyes, it was to three worried faces peering down at him, and he realised he was lying across the seat. He hurriedly sat up, a bit confused and disoriented feeling, with a lingering sense of sadness he couldn't understand.

"Wh..what happened?" he rasped, "what was that...thing?"

"Eat this. Harry, it will help you feel better," Professor Lupin said, holding out a good sized chunk of chocolate to Harry.

He took it, nodding his thanks, and Professor Lupin said, "That, Harry, was dementor. They guard Azkaban prison, and usually don't leave the grounds. I'm not sure, but I suspect they boarded the train to search for Sirius Black. I'm sure Se...Professor Snape has told you who he is."

"He got my parents killed," Harry said, "betrayed them to Voldemort. He was their friend. He must have been yours too."

"Was, yes," Lupin said regretfully. "We all were, but James and Sirius were particularly close, which made his betrayal all the more shocking."

Harry nibbled the chocolate; it really was making him feel better, and contemplated what Lupin had said. He had so many questions, but wasn't sure he wanted to ask them in front of Ron and Hermione, at least not the ones to do with his parents. Although he'd probably tell them about it later anyway, he wanted to hear the answers himself first.

"But...I don't understand," Harry said. "it...it..did something to me, or, or...caused something...I saw a kind of ...misty image of a woman, heard her screaming...I couldn't tell what...my name, I think...then a really bright green light...and.." he shook his head, looking at Lupin, who seemed to have gone a shade paler than he already was.

"Ah..if, if you're feeling better, Harry, I'll just go have a quick check over the other students and make sure everyone is alright. The dementors are gone. Don't worry." He patted Harry's shoulder and hurried out the carriage door.

"Bloody hell!" Ron blurted out, "that was weird!"

"Well he is a teacher. Ron, of course he'd..." Hermione said, but Ron interrupted her.

"Not that! Dementors on the train! Lupin's right, they usually don't leave Azkaban's grounds. I've heard Dad talk about them before. There's dark and dangerous wizards in Azkaban, some of , you know, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's top followers. That's why the dementors guard the prison. They're just as dark and dangerous. If they were on the train, even if they were searching for Black, they had to have been ordered here. They're under Ministry control."

"But who in their right mind would send such dark creatures into a train full of students?!" Hermione cried shrilly, "it doesn't make sense for Black to try and do anything to Harry on a train positively bursting with witnesses! He can't hope to kill us all!"

"Fudge," Ron said, "Dad says Black escaping Azkaban is a really big cockup on Fudge's record. People are talking, so he's desperate to recapture Black to restore his image."

"But endangering a train full of students...it doesn't make sense!" Hermione protested, "What if Lupin hadn't been here to do what he did and Harry was hurt or...even killed! That's a huge risk to take, Ron. The Minister of Magic is supposed to be concerned with everyone's welfare! That would be an exceedingly stupid risk to take on his part!"

"Well, according to Dad and my brothers, Fudge isn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, is he?" Ron said, "Dad would know, being Fudge is his boss, yeah?"

"Wait...what did Lupin do?" Harry asked before they started another argument.

"Well...you fainted, Harry. Lupin jumped up, pulled out his wand, and cast the patronus charm. It repels dementors, drives them back, away," Ron said, "that's how the human guards at Azkaban control the dementor guards."

Hermione was staring at Ron, open mouthed in astonishment.

"What?," Ron said irritably, "I'm not stupid, you know. I know things. My dad works for the Ministry, I hear him talking, I listen. I know what a Patronus Charm is. I've seen Mum and Dad cast it, haven't I? Bill too."

"It's really difficult to do," Hermione said to Harry. "Not all wizards can do it. It's a really strong protection charm. I've read about it, but Professor Lupin's is the first one I've seen cast."

"Was that the bright white light?" Harry asked.

"Yes!" Hermione said. "Some wizards can even cast one that has a corporeal form. They can even make it talk, like, to send a message."

Professor Lupin returned while Harry was digesting this information, and he resolved to ask him about it after class sometime soon.

"We can all relax now," He announced as the train jolted to a start again. "The dementors have left the train, and the remainder of our trip should be blessedly uneventful. By the way, I passed the snack trolley on my way back. You might all treat yourselves to a chocolate frog or two, but not too many. "We have the feast later."

With that, he smiled, settled himself into his corner, and soon dozed off again.

Harry treated them all to some chocolate frogs , as well as frosty bottles of pumpkin juice and a cauldron cake for each. They settled in again, Hermione taking up her book, and Ron and Harry talking quietly about the Quidditch and the fantastic new top of the line Firebolt they'd seen in Quality Quidditch's window when they'd gone to Diagon Alley. Harry found himself getting dozy after a bit, and he only realised he'd been kipping when Hermione's voice roused him to say it was time to change into their school robes. Upon straightening up after his nap, he saw Lupin had disappeared again.

"He left while you two were sleeping," Hermione told them. "He said he'll see us in Hogsmeade."

When they were all changed and settled back into their seats, they spent the remainder of the ride talking about Ron's trip to Egypt, and Hermione's trip to France. Soon enough the train whistle blew, signalling their arrival into Hogsmeade Station, and they joined the bustle of disembarking students pouring out onto the platform.

Harry looked about for Draco, wanting to make sure he wasn't still sulking about the scene Parkinson had pulled. For better or worse, he could admit he felt for Draco in that situation. He'd not had many friends, but when everyone had thought he was the heir to Slytherin last year, Harry hadn't much liked the gossip that flew around about him, especially when it was said in a way that he was supposed to overhear.

He finally saw him standing with Bulstrode and, of all people, Ginny. He wondered what that was about, but given how badly Ron had acted about Malfoy, he thought she may have been just being kind.

He heard Hagrid saying above the confusion of noises, "First years, over here!"

Ron and Hermione were waiting for him, so he picked up the duffel his clothes were in, and made his way over to them. Suddenly Ron stopped in front of Harry, causing him to step on the other boy's heels. Ron pointed to the area just outside the gate that led to Hogsmeade, "Uh-oh mate. He looks in a strop."

Snape was standing in the middle of the walkway, his expression thunderous. Students skirted his inky figure, suddenly growing silent as they did, eyes downcast to avoid his basilisk glare.

Harry shrugged, he couldn't be mad at him could he? He'd been gone most of the day pointlessly riding the train. He'd done the few chores Snape required of him. He hadn't broken any of his arbitrary rules about anything. There was nothing he could have done that would have Snape glaring like that. He took a breath, knowing he was okay, as far as things went with Snape. He just wished the man didn't make him so nervous every time he was around him. Sure, they got on tolerably, but Snape was just…Snape. Just as he had himself convinced that he wasn't in trouble, Snape saw him and if anything, he looked even more outraged. He said, his words clipped, "Potter, come here."

"What pixie's in his bonnet?" Ron whispered loud enough that Snape's bat ears could hear him.

Harry gave Ron a shove with his shoulder, and Hermione hissed, "Be respectful, Ron."

Harry started towards the man, irritation pulsing in him. Did he have to pull this shite in front of his friends? He was treating him like a toddler. Why was he so unfair? He hadn't done anything, not that he'd had a chance to, mind. He had been restricted for the two weeks leading up to the start of school.

Ron and Hermione were quick to follow him and Snape glowered at them as he snapped, "I wasn't aware I called either of you. Get to a carriage and don't dawdle."

Ron grabbed Hermione's arm and half dragged her away as she started to say something. Ron mocked, "Be respectful, Hermione!"

Harry could hear them bickering as they left.

"I didn't do anything, Sir!" Harry protested as he drew closer, Most of the students had already left in the carriages and the few that lingered were quick to leave once Snape's glare caught them. "And even if I did, do you have to treat me like a child in front of everyone?"

"Watch your tone, Potter." Snape's scowl deepened, and then he took hold of Harry's chin, moving his head so that Harry was looking up his nostrils. "I never said you did anything to incur my wrath, Potter, now open your eyes, I need to see your pupils."

Harry did, suddenly feeling a bit odd as Snape put the back of his other hand to Harry's forehead before letting him go. "Lupin said you had a severe reaction to the Dementors. I'm taking you to the hospital wing to make sure you don't have any lasting effects."

"What? No! I'm fine." Harry protested.

The DADA professor, who Harry realised was still at the station, sauntered up, "I'm sure Harry is fine, Severus. He responded well to…"

"When you become the boy's guardian, Lupin, you may make that determination." Snape returned. "Since the Ministry hasn't lost its mind, the boy is under my care. You'd do well to remember that."

"That's unfair, Severus." Lupin said. "And I'd ask you to remember what Albus said about our interactions in front of students."

"We will discuss this later then, Lupin." Snape said, still peering into Harry's eyes. "Perhaps Albus can then be reminded of your past associations."

"You can trust me with…" Lupin began.

Snape finally let go of Harry's chin, removing the back of his hand to his forehead, before he let the boy go. He placed his body between Lupin and Harry and said, "I trust no one with the boy, especially those who were friends with Black. Now, If you're through making proclamations about my charge's health, we will take our leave."

Snape turned, pushed Harry ahead of him, and they began walking in silence up to the castle, leaving Professor Lupin behind. Harry had to double his steps to keep up with his guardian

Once there, Snape waved his wand in a lazy set of loops, and the gates swung open. Harry asked, "So you were never angry with me?"

"Never say never, Potter. I would like to know how you came to be sitting with Lupin, despite my warnings." Snape answered. "But no, my anger tonight was over the Ministry employing those creatures to hunt down Black. They are unsafe, to you especially, apparently."

Harry passed through the gates wondering if Snape had actually been concerned for him. He couldn't help but smile a bit. It felt odd to have someone look out for him for once.