Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.

A/N: Just so you are not disappointed, I am not creative enough, nor am I willing to write a song for the sorting hat. Though I love a bit of hard work, I lack the musical talent to write a piece, much less one like the sorting hat does. Maybe I'll do it for the fifth year sorting, but don't hold your hopes for it.

Chapter 7: Dementors

Harry woke up late the next morning, but felt well rested. Disappointed he was unable to do anything to work out, like his routine had included during his stay at the cottage, he got dressed and headed down for breakfast, and wasn't disappointed to find the Weasleys, along with Hermione, all eating at the largest table in the bar.

Slowly walking towards the table, he saw Hermione glance at him, but she didn't seem to recognize him. The twins, unlike Hermione, immediately knew who it was, and started grinning. Harry shook his head, causing them to grin even more.

Slowing to a stop behind Hermione, he lowered his hand onto her shoulder, causing her to jump, before sighing dramatically, "I go and lose the glasses, and cut my hair, and now my best friends don't even recognize me."

She twisted around, looking up towards him, "Sorry but who… are you… Harry?" At his grin, she screamed, "HARRY!"

It started a cascade, everyone got up to hug or greet him, whether it was a hug from Hermione, Ginny, or Mrs. Weasley, pats on the back from Ron and Mr, Weasley, something pompous from Percy, or the twins being overly dramatic to attract attention, the number one thing that stood out was that he had grown.

"Harry, what happened to you? You easily grew several inches, and where are your glasses? Where is your scar?" Hermione asked, surprising everyone that there were only three questions.

Sitting down, Harry gave a basic short story of his summer. That his relatives had been kinder, they had demanded he buy himself better clothes, that he had eaten better, and that a healer fixed his eyes and managed to heal his scar.

After some questions from everyone, Ron spoke up. "Hey mate, have you done your school shopping yet?" Ron asked.

"Yea… I had to come here earlier in the summer, so I did while I was here." At their confused looks, he elaborated. "I had a small accident earlier this summer. While walking down the steps a few weeks ago, I tripped and landed on my arm. At the time, I had my wand in my sleeve, and while my arm was fine, my wand… well, it was damaged beyond repair. Ollivander said it was beyond repair."

Harry drew his new wand, pretending it had been against his back, "Cherry and Dragon heartstring, thirteen inches. It was custom made because of the difficulty Ollivander had trying to match me with one that was ready made."

Ron drew his new one, 'Willow and unicorn hair, fourteen inches" he said proudly, and showed it off, before talking about the new classes. Hermione had apparently already been there the day before after arriving home early, and had done most of her school shopping, as had the Weasleys.

They did some other shopping, and they stopped at Magical Menagerie, where Hermione bought a part kneezle, named Crookshanks, that looked like it had been hit in the face with a brick, and Ron bought some tonic for Scabbers. Apparently in Egypt, Scabbers had become pale and sickly. Though now the rat had a new problem, namely Crookshanks. It caused a fight between Ron and Hermione, but they finally calmed down after she took the cat back to her room.

After that excitement, they went and got ice cream, and saw Neville with his grandmother. Neville ran over to them, much to his grandmother's charagin, and started talking about their summers. Ron and Harry both showed their new wands, and Neville made a comment about using his father's wand, something Harry hadn't known.

"Why are you using your father's wand?" Harry asked. Ollivander had spoken about why one cannot just choose their wand. Even Harry knew the difference between his wands.

"It honors his father." His grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, responded, clearly displeased at someone questioning this.

"Do you feel warmth when you hold it?" Neville shook his head.

"Neville, wands choose the wizard. It's the first thing Ollivander says about wands when you go to get one. If you didn't feel warmth, then the wand isn't working for you, and is probably the reason you struggle in class." Hermione said, beating Harry to it by mere seconds.

It started a debate between the five of them, which resulted in a frustrated Madam Longbottom finally agreeing to go see Ollivander to see if they were right, and to get Neville his own wand if they were. Unfortunately, they didn't see either of the Longbottoms again, but they guessed they might have missed them.

Eventually, they returned to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner, which led to the Weasleys rushing to pack everything, much like the year before, though Harry did see the twins messing with Percy's Head Boy badge near the stairs, and decided it was best to avoid them and their mischief.

September 1st, 1993

Platform 9 ¾

London

"Harry, may I have a word before you board?" Mr. Weasley asked. Nodding, they stepped to the side. They only had a few minutes, but there was time.

"Harry, I wished to warn you, though many wouldn't want you to know, that you need to be safe this year." Mr. Weasley said, more seriously than Harry had ever seen the man.

"Why?" Harry was concerned. It was unlike the gentle man to be so…worried.

"There is a rumor that Sirius Black is headed to Hogwarts, possibly for you. Before his escape from Azkaban, it was rumored that he was muttering about the school, saying that 'he's at Hogwarts'. I want you to be safe, and promise me you won't go looking for him." Mr. Weasley demanded.

Knowing it was a pointless argument, and that the man probably wasn't a safety risk to him, he sighed, "Very well, I won't go looking for him, but if he finds me, and is a danger to me, I will fight back." Harry replied.

Mr. Weasley's eyes widened, but he nodded, "Go and join your friends, and don't be afraid to write if you need anything. Good luck, and try to have a good year."

Boarding the train, the trio tried to find a compartment, and the best they could find had, surprisingly, an adult man in shabby robes, who was also sleeping.

"Who do you reckon he is?" Ron asked, walking into the compartment as the train accelerated. Hermione looked up, and shocked Harry with her answer.

"Remus J. Lupin, it's on his trunk." She spoke. Harry stared at the man, and after ten minutes of silence, made a snap decision.

Shaking the man's shoulder slightly, he spoke, "Remus, wake up."

"Harry!" Hermione hissed.

The man's eyes slowly opened, and shifted to Harry quickly, "Is there something you need?"

"Yea, where have you been Remus Lupin?" Harry asked, not bothering to introduce himself. Hermione looked appalled, but was stunned silent.

"I am sorry, but who are you?" He asked, looking more alert. He recognized the eyes, they were familiar, so was some of the face, but he couldn't place who it was. The boy even smelled familiar, something he noticed being a werewolf.

"Harry James Potter."

"You can't be Harry. Dumbledore said you were smaller, had longer and messier hair, and glasses, plus it is well known you have a lightning shaped scar on your forehead, which… is almost entirely gone.." Remus trailed off.

"Where have you been, Moony?" Harry asked. He had learned their names from his grandparents, and was more than willing to use them. Harry knew he shouldn't know these things, but it was an easy thing to lie about how he knew.

Remus Lupin sat there, stunned, at the boy he was looking at. He could easily see James in him, but he had more of Lily, and even some of Dorea, in him. Remus sat in thought trying to process that he was actually meeting Harry already.

Harry sat down across from him, as Hermione sat next to him and Ron across from her, as far away from the shabby man as he could. Not surprising, as if Ron knew what the man was, Harry would guess Ron would be afraid of being in the same compartment as him. Werewolves were shunned in the magical world, and it was shocking to see Remus here, near kids of all things. Then again, he had attended Hogwarts as one.

"You're actually Harry. My god, you look good." Remus said, trying to avoid the elephant in the room, though looking at Harry's steeled gaze, too far like his mother when she was in a mood, he knew, there would be hell to pay. "Harry, this… this isn't the place or time that I would like to discuss that. Would you be willing to meet with me later on?"

Sighing, and knowing Remus was right, Harry nodded. "Soon, I want answers as to what happened. I know you were best friends with my father and godfather, but no one knew what happened to you after the war."

"To give a short explanation, I left, I couldn't cope here, and traveled to the continent for years. I only came back last year. Dumbledore heard I needed a job, plus he is probably desperate to hire a defense teacher, so he asked me, and I accepted, though I only took a one year contract." Remus explained.

Hermione spent a good period of time talking to him with Harry asking questions too. Neville found them a short time later, though shortly after he did, the train started slowing. "We can't be at Hogwarts yet, why are we stopping?" Hermione voiced.

"We aren't Ms. Granger. The Dementors are stationed at Hogwarts because of the risk Sirius Black poses. They are searching the train from the outside. They will only enter if they find him." Remus replied grimly. Already the temperature began to drop, and the windows rapidly froze over. Harry felt horrible, and looking around, it seemed to be a common feeling.

The feeling got stronger over the next few minutes, before suddenly the group heard the train doors open, and after a few moments, a dark shape was seen approaching their compartments. The feelings of hopelessness and loss increased double at the creature's entrance.

"They aren't supposed to board, everyone, stay calm." Remus rasped out. He had his wand out, and Harry drew his as well. The feelings going through his body were making it hard to focus, but he was using his best calming techniques to focus on the present, though he swore there was a scream happening in his mind. Focusing, Harry forced the only fire spell he could cast in a small space to the front of his mind, ready to cast it at a moment's notice.

After all, if they make it cold, he will make it hot.

His wand tip glowed as the figure halted outside of the door, before suddenly the door opened slowly of its own accord. As the door revealed the creature in all its glory, Harry couldn't help but think it was the ugliest and most horrid thing ever. Black wrinkled skin, with bones showing clearly. It floated, lacking any legs, and it wore a tattered black cloak, which both hid its face, and reminded Harry of Death.

"Leave. Sirius Black is not here!" Remus said forcefully. It ignored him, opting to… stare… look in the direction of Harry. Harry braced himself as his wand started to glow.

"Leave." Harry spoke. It didn't move back, instead, slowly started moving forward. As Harry heard Remus say something, Harry whispered a word, Incindio, and a torrent of flames streamed narrowly against the creature. It let out a screech, as suddenly a ghostly blue light slammed into it, forcing it out of the compartment, and then the train. Moments later, the lights came back on, and the train began to move.

Remus was staring at Harry, astounded at the focused stream of fire he had sent at the Dementor. Opting not to mention it, he observed the occupants, before dishing out chocolate. "Eat, it will help relieve the feelings of the Dementor's aura. I need to speak with the conductor, and write a report to Madam Bones. They should not have boarded, much less attempted to harm you, Harry." Remus said, his voice seemed scratchy.

The man left after ensuring that everyone had some chocolate, and he didn't return until nearly the end of the trip, apologizing for having to check on all of the students. Of course, it was his job, and no one was upset about it, as they caught up with one another. Neville had gotten a new wand, Cherry with Chimera heartstring, at 12.5 inches. Apparently, due to using a wand ill suited for him, Neville's magical core had expanded to compensate for work required to cast magic, or so Ollivander said. Now, Neville would have to learn control, much like Harry had spent his summer doing. It was something interesting that led Hermione to fall into thoughts about magical cores.

Arriving at Hogsmeade Station, they got off the train and onto the horseless carriages to head to the school. Malfoy, having not made his normal appearance on the train, seeked Harry out publicly on the steps entering the school.

"Hey Potter, is it true you fainted from the Dementors?" Malfoy mocked. Laughter rang out. Harry was almost shocked Malfoy recognized him, but he was with his normal friend group.

"You know Malfoy, you should verify your faces before speaking out. If you had heard, I attacked the Dementor, and with the assistance of our new defense professor, drove it away." Harry replied without care, then grinned, causing Malfoy to shiver.

"You know, I am starting to wonder if you are a poofer, Malfoy. You seem to always seek me out, attempt to shame me, and always seek my attention, while trying to look your best. Are you a wizard's wizard, Malfoy?"

Shocked silence rang out around them as everyone stared between the two. Malfoy was shifting between rage, embarrassment, and shame. He seemed to utter a few noncommittal sounds, before glaring at Harry.

Harry just stood, grinning, and several others stood snickering. "No? Or are you just not denying it? Maybe you just were sorted into the wrong house with all your brashness. Maybe you are just a lion wearing green? Now leave me be. I have better things to do than deal with your petty insults."

Walking the rest of the way into the Entrance Hall, everything returned to normal around them. Hermione was pulled aside by Professor Mcgonagall as they entered the Great Hall, leaving Harry, Ron, and Neville to find a good seat.

A few minutes later she rejoined them looking only slightly disappointed. Ignoring Harry's question of what was wrong, she asked Harry what he was thinking. "I was just trying to show Malfoy that he is being a fool. An annoying one at that." Hermione let out a huff but dropped the subject as the sorting started.

Harry was shocked to realize he was actually seeing another sorting. The hat's song was just as awful as his first year, but soon enough it was underway. Some names he recognized from his studies at the cottage, and some from other students, but no one really stood out. Dennis Creevy, now second year Colin's brother was a notable one who joined Gryffindor, along with Astoria Greengrass who was now a part of Slytherin.

Dinner was an amazing thing, as always. Hermione was shocked at the amount Harry ate, though judging by the look on her face, pleased that he had more table manners than Ron. Harry noticed Dumbledore watching him for a moment at the end of the feast with shock displayed openly over Harry's appearance, before he gathered himself, and made his typical speech.

"And as a final note, as many of you know from the train ride, Hogwarts now plays host to a hundred of Azkaban's guards, the Dementors, because of the escaped prisoner, Sirius Black. The dementors are not to be messed with, and are not fooled by any form of concealment. I ask that none of you give them a reason to attack you, as they do not know mercy. Our new defense professor has requested that chocolate be provided at all meals, and urges you to eat even a little, as it will help ward off the presence of the dementors' aura. Thank you for listening, and have a good night." Dumbledore said, clearing the opportunity for the prefects to get the first years, and everyone else to head to their common rooms.

Making his way up, Harry knew he would be asking what spell Remus… Professor Lupin, used, as it seemed to be the reason the Dementors fled. He wanted to master it, as having his soul sucked out didn't sound ideal.

Headmaster's Office

"I think you described the wrong child, Dumbledore. Harry, he reminds me of the best of his parents, without the arrogance James had, and without the hot-headedness Lily showed." Remus said.

Dumbledore frowned. Ever since the feast, the moment he recognized Harry, he knew something had changed in the boy. He wasn't meek or withdrawn. He was confident, and seemed more inclined towards his parents. Nothing made sense. There couldn't be that much change. Not without serious motivation. Sure, Harry had been under pressure last year, but was that the cause?

"He has changed a lot since I last saw him." Dumbledore replied. "He has grown."

"You said he had a scar from that night, everyone says there was a scar from that night. I only barely saw it though." Remus replied.

That halted all of Dumbledore's thoughts. "What do you mean 'you barely saw it'?"

"It's gone. Or almost entirely gone. It's surprising considering the curse that did it." Remus replied.

Dumbledore nodded, though Remus could tell he was distracted. Though he was confused about the importance of Harry's scar, he let it go, and after a few more words about the full moons, Remus left for his quarters, ready for a good night's sleep.

Once Remus had left, Dumbledore sat in thought. How could it have been destroyed? What did this mean for the prophecy? A scarier thought hit him like a ton of bricks. Was it even Harry in there, or had Tom taken over?