Hi Everyone! Chapter 16 is up, hope you all are satisfied with it. Finally Harry is returning to Hogwarts, I think in my edits i will try and condense the first few chapters together for more space. Let me know what ya'll think! Oh also I haven't had time to look through for spelling and stuff so i have a feeling its worse than usual...just a heads up.

The Hogwarts Express was as magnificent as it always was, the scarlet body glinting under the light and the black face gleamed like it had only just been polished. Harry felt a little bit of the anxiety he had felt about returning fade a little as he looked at the steam train that had given him so much joy. He could still remember the nerves building up, the fear of being told it was all a joke, and then the delight as the train began to move. Meeting the Weasleys, Hermione, watching as the train pulled into the station and they took the boats across. It was all incredible to him and he closed his eyes to recall the relief that came with it, of escaping the Dursleys, of finally hoping to make something for himself, of finding more about his mum and dad, of knowing he wasn't just a freak and even maybe make a friend. The joy that he had had those first few weeks of learning about magic…

"Come on lets find a seat before the hoard of latecomers descends." Theo's dark tone burst through his reminiscing, and he turned to look at his friend who was glaring at the smaller children who were already running around squealing.

"Try to scowl harder maybe they'll stay away from you." He teased as his friends scowl deepened.

"Eurgh children, I'll get us a compartment. Bye you two, I'll make sure your little flower makes it to the castle in one piece." He said with a wave to Remus and Sirius as he left them, striding tall and proud through the crowd before disappearing onto the train, the trunks magically following him.

With a shake of his head at his friend's dramatics Harry turned to his guardians. They'd said goodbyes last night just so that today would be less weird but now it came down to it, nothing was easily said anyway. Instead Harry took the non-verbal path and took a step forward to wrap Sirius in a hug, the arms came around him and he squeezed tight for a moment.

"Thanks for everything Padfoot."

"Anytime Prongslet." Came the slightly hoarse reply.

Pulling away he immediately turned and stepped into Remus' waiting arms.

"Thankyou Moony."

"Would do it all over again, Prongslet." The man murmured.

They separated and for a moment they all stood in the hustle and bustle of the station. Memories of the car trip, the stories around the fire, the amount of food consumed and all the laughter came to them and it was a few seconds before Harry realised he was smiling rather dopily at the two men.

"Right, better be off." He said briskly, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Yep, before it gets crowded." Sirius said glancing around and wincing at the sight of a bawling mother as she clung to her daughter.

"I'll call you tonight?"

"Sounds good. Now go, have some fun."

"Play some pranks."

"Eat some chocolate."

"Kiss your girlfriend."

"Do some studying."

"Have some firewhiskey."

"Sirius!"

"Remus!"

Harry rolled his eyes but his smile gave him away.

"Alright alright I'm going."

Just as he turned away he hesitated, feeling like thankyou wasn't enough and yet he didn't know what else was. Just as he opened his mouth though he was swept between the two of them, practically smothering him.

"Miss you guys." He mumbled, just barely able to breathe the words out feeling very much like his fourteen year old self.

"Miss you too, talk soon." One of them said and at the perfect moment just before it started to get awkward they retreated from each other.

"Go on Prongslet, before mama bear starts to cry." Sirius said only hal joking.

"Bye." Quickly turning up the stairs he paused for a second to wave at them both before going to find his friend feeling a strange melancholy overtake him.

Finally finding Theo, he slumped down in his seat and stared at the Potter ring as well as the Black heir ring that Sirius had insisted, he take with him.

"Jipky brought me here on my first day, my father couldn't be bothered. She was disguised of course but she had practically raised me after mum died. Leaving her was harder than I thought, it got easier each summer but leaving for the first time to go somewhere new. It's scary no matter what age especially when its people who you know care about you."

Harry smiled in acknowledgement but nothing more and Theo leant back with his book satisfied that he had given his friend a little bit of peace. Nothing more was said until the compartment door crashed open and Neville came in, his face flushed and eyes flashing.

The other two glanced at each other and shrugged before returning their gaze to the teen whose red shirt perfectly showcased the fitness regime he'd been working at all summer as well as the tan but whose mouth instead of being in the upturned grin that they'd grown used to was now back in the intense, straight line that had been present for so many of their younger years.

After manhandling his trunk about them he dropped into his seat and took a breath before launching into speech.

"Got home last night and all good, Gran was happy I paced up, we had another chat about what she expects from me this year in terms of schooling and the wizengamont but all good nothing new. Getting ready this morning, everything is peaceful, she even splurged, and we went out for breakfast before getting a taxi here which was brilliant and she asked me about my plants and how interesting it was that the apothecary was showing more of an interest in my business." He took a deep breath. "And then guess who just happened to be arriving at the exact same time as we are…? I'll give you a hint, they're blonde, obnoxious, arrogant, rude, rich aaannnd he's always talking about payback and getting revenge."

"Okay so you saw Malfoy, but what's with all the…" Theo trailed off as he gestured at all of Neville.

"He was with his mother, as soon as she saw us she sought of froze up. The mask of superiority came down as though her husband just been tried and found guilty for conspiracies against wizarding society, bribing officials as well as torture and murder. Malfoy started shooting his mouth off straight away. Blood-traitor this and liar that. He also gave some delightfully 'subtle' hints about death to those who betrayed his family." He took a breath. "And then he started on my parents. Nothing directly about them of course, but comments about witches and wizards who were weak, who couldn't find work. Who were mad. Drooling. And didn't see how disappointing the world could be and –"

"Nev. Nev. Nev!" Harry said as their friends voice became harder and he shifted in his seat. The blue eyes glancing up with mild innocence but with the glare hidden carefully.

"What?"

"He's a prat. What happened after?"

With a deep breath, Neville wrestled with his temper.

"Gran said that it was a disappointing world where people remained free because of their gold rather than contributing any help to society, and that it was time that justice was brought down on those who had stood proud for too long. And then just walked away, cut them off directly, forcing them to stop to let her pass. It was pretty cool." He admitted with a small grin. "But I just…" He punched his fist into his hand with a glare.

The other two remained quiet and after another minute of patient silence Neville suddenly waved his hand in the air and leant back.

"Moving on, please. How was your goodbye? Weird going away now?" He said knowingly.

"Just a little, what was your first leaving like?"

"Scary as hell." Was the blunt reply to which Theo snorted at. "Our house elf had packed my trunk, Gran had given me Trevor a few days before but apart from that she basically told me to buck up and do my parents proud." He paused as he thought back to that day. "Actually she did hug me."

"Really?" Harry winced at the high pitch of his voice.

"Yeah, was quite surprised actually, full hug as well not just a hand around the shoulder. Think she sniffled too."

"Surely not."

"Well I can't be entirely sure but I think, I think I heard a sniffle."

"Wishful thinking, mate." Theo said, shaking his head with a solemn look on his face.

"No I swear I did and now that I think about it…I'm pretty sure there was a tear in her eye."

"Now you're falling into fantasyland." Harry said with a grin.

"No no no see I thought that but now I know differently."

The comic relief continued until there was a harsh banging at the door.

"Oi! One of you big, muscled blokes come and help! I'm a weak, helpless female in need of assistance."

"Tracey, you've never been helpless in your life." Theo laughed as he stood to open the door and get the trunk up into the rack.

"Oh but weak I have been?" She asked indignantly.

"Trace, you struggled to open the Nutella last week."

"A one off!"

"What about the juice?"

"Well…"

"And the door! Remember in the room last year, you couldn't turn the knob!" Neville suddenly announced.

Tracey looked around at them all with a deadpanned face.

"You catch me on bad days." She said before settling next to Harry with her legs crossed elegantly and attempting to stare them down before the giggles got the better of all of them.

"So last few days?" She asked as they all got comfortable once more.

They continued chatting, doing a little people watching and alternately being sympathetic and laughing at some of the children and parents reactions.

"Trace you sure the Greengrasses are going to get here? Its already quarter to."

"Oh believe me they'll be here, Daphne is always ready hours in advance but Astoria always remembers something as fifteen minutes away from the house."

"She was fuming the first time, they only made the train five minutes ahead. Now though they make it a minute and count it as early. Besides you can't really say anything mister flew a car to get there!"

"Ah that was when I was young and stupid though."

"Can argue that that is still the case." Theo said.

"Thankyou very much, you were the one who sulked for half an hour because you lost at monopoly."

"You cheated!"

"Prove it!"

There was a moment of silence before Theo simply turned to look out the compartment with the superior look on his face that had the others stifling their laughter.

"Oh here they come." He said, interrupting them.

Harry immediately perked up turned to the window, squishing his face against the glass to catch a glimpse of the blonde. On the other side Theo copied him with an exaggerated expectant look on his face.

"Oh oh I see a glimpse! An inch of blonde. Oh she is so pretty, I can't look away!" He said with a breathy kind of voice that had Tracey in hysterics while Neville attempted to take a look too.

"Ah a vision of beauty no doubt, truly exceptional the way she walks – mwah!" He said with a chefs kiss.

Harry decided the best thing would be to ignore them completely which did nothing but encourage them more.

Eventually the door slid back and Daphne stood in the doorway with Astoria peeking around the side.

"Daphne my love! I have been desolate without you! Empty! Alone! Don't leave me again!" Neville said immediately going to her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off her feet. The rest of them could see how her eyes widened and she stiffened at the unexpected contact.

"Put me down before you lose the vital part that will make little Longbottom heirs." Came the slow, calm voice and an instant later she was on the floor and Neville was as far away from her as he could be. She sunk gracefully into the seat next to Harry and grabbed his hand before turning to the rest of the cabin. Astoria doing a quick round of hello's before darting off to find her friends.

"What have I missed?"

Finally the great train began to move and soon they were hurtling through the countryside, the five kept themselves occupied with exploding snap and chatting as the tree's edged out and the fields began to lengthen and edge out to the horizon. Soon enough however their peace was disturbed as the door slid open with a bang and a mocking tone crawled its way inside.

"Ah the children are playing their kiddie games again."

Two familiar grunts were heard as well and Harry and Tracey both rolled their eyes while the others simply ignored them with dignity.

"Buzz off Malfoy, I'm already tired of you." Tracey said as she placed down another card.

"Tsk tsk, someone is getting too big for their station. I will do something about that."

"Doubtful."

Obviously getting annoyed at the lack of attention the blonde turned his focus to the cabin.

"How the mighty have fallen, you could have all be great you know -"

"I think we're pretty awesome." Neville butted in.

"Seconded!" Harry said quickly.

"Thirded!" Theo joined in.

"Well there you have it, we're already ahead of you." Neville said, keeping his eye on his cards.

"You will never be great, not as long you socialise with blood traitors, mud-bloods, beasts and freaks!" The boy hissed. "And when the Dark Lord has risen and his followers are hunting down those who betrayed the cause, I shall be only too glad to point them in your direction."

"Huh, can't see that working out too well for you buddy." Theo said dryly before springing forward and slapping his card down. "Ha! In your face!" He announced as the cards blew up in Tracey's face.

"And why is that? He has already risen! And soon he will reward his loyal followers."

"I think you mean servants." Harry butted in, unable to stay quiet despite the warning glances from Daphne and Neville. "Oh which your father is now behind bars due to his bowing."

"My father was no servant! He was devoted to his Lord and will be praised for it!"

"He was a slave to a half blood maniac who wanted to conquer the world because he had daddy issues." He stood up, eyes flashing emerald at the three who were crowding around the door. "Your fathers were drawn in by a promise of power that was never going to happen, if you have any brains at all or even the semblance of common sense you'll get out before you're completely and utterly destroyed."

And with that he slammed the door shut and immediately cast several charms on it.

He returned to his seat next to Daphne and took her hand in his, running a thumb over her knuckles as he quietened his breathing.

"What is it with people and not resorting to violence? Life used to be way more fun." Came Tracey's helpful insight.

Neville let out a huff of laughter while Daphne snorted and soon the others joined in.

Suddenly a gentle knocking came at the door. Feeling his ring warm up Harry immediately cancelled the charms and Luna slipped inside, closing the door behind her and settling next to Theo with a happy sigh.

"We wondered when you were going to join us, little one."

"I thought it would be best I wasn't here for the altercation, it could have gotten nasty."

"A very sensible decision, how was the rest of your summer?" Tracey asked, leaning over to question the girl.

"Perfectly lovely, father and I went to Cornwall for a few days last week and we managed to catch a glimpse of the water horses."

"You mean sea horses?"

"Oh no, the water horses, they come in on the tide and land on the shore. It's quite exquisite." She said in her gentle and yet passionate way.

"Have you done one of your paintings for it? I'd love to see something like that." Daphne asked.

"I hadn't actually thought of it, but perhaps it is something I can do this year."

"I'm sure it would be brilliant." Harry said with a grin.

Just then the door slid open a second time and this time to redheads leant through.

"Ahh what a cozy meeting you are all having –"

"And without us too, feel quite forgotten, don't you Gred?"

"I certainly do Forge And they call themselves our friends."

"I don't think I've ever called you that." Daphne spoke dryly and the brothers winced.

"Ouch, she certainly has an icy tongue."

"Yes but she speaks with a certain ring of truth."

"Well we must rectify that." Gred said with a hand rubbing his chin as a familiar spark of mischief lit his eyes.

"Our mission this year I think." Agreed his brother an they both turned to grin at the girl who was now looking a little like a deer in headlights.

"What mission?" She asked slowly.

"Why to make you our best friend of course." The two chorused and Neville burst into laughter at the slightly horrified look on the heiresses face.

"Erm excuse best friend of Daphne Greengrass is right here thankyou very much." Said Tracey pointing to herself with a raised eyebrow and a glare in her eyes.

"What about me?" Harry asked indignantly.

"Oh please you're her cuddle buddy thing, I am the Best Friend." She emphasised.

Harry went to speak before he felt his girlfriend shift closer to him, lay her head on his shoulder and throw her legs over his. He glanced suspiciously into the blue eyes that were watching him through the blonde hairs that framed her face.

"She's not wrong, you're definitely my cuddle buddy." She said softly and leant up to gently kiss his cheek and immediately Harry sank back into his seat and tightened his hand that held hers.

"Damn straight." He muttered while Daphne sent a wink to Tracey who tried to hide her sniggers.

"So cute, aren't they Gred?"

"Sickeningly so. How do you put up with it?"

"You don't." Theo immediately answered.

"Yes I can see that, anyway what we really wanted to tell you guys –"

"Was that our little siblings are under rather strict orders –"

"To not bother you guys at all –"

"Mum and Dad had a pretty intense discussion in the first few weeks of the holidays –"

"Asked for the whole story and really weren't impressed."

"I wasn't expecting that."

"Harry, you never expect anything that's your flaw. But we basically had a family meeting about it and eventually it got knocked into their heads exactly how stupid they'd been." George said with a shrug.

"We just wanted to give you the gist, all good?" Fred asked.

"Yeah and thanks guys."

"Don't mention it, now if you'll excuse us we have some beautiful chasers to annoy."

"Ta ta!" They said in unison.

"Well what do you think of that? You think he might actually be reasonable now?" Tracey asked.

"With all respect to the Weasleys." Neville said hesitantly. "I think its something I'll believe when I see it. Ron has never exactly been rational, can't see him owning up to a mistake. Ginny thought…" He trailed off, looking at his dormmate who shrugged.

"Her actions were simply childish and immature. Maybe this will have opened up her eyes, but she still said some pretty crap things considering everything. I agree with Neville, wait and see."

There was silence before Tracey broke it.

"Moving on from that! I learnt poker over the summer, who wants a go?"

"First change into our robes, I don't want to be caught out like last time." Daphne said with a warning glare to the boys who left the compartment obediently.

It was after several rounds of poker, that Tracey had not only had teach them all but also showed herself to have a rather excellent face as she laughed and giggled at everything she had whether it be bad or good.

Soon they felt the train slowing down, looking out the window they saw the station and the darkening horizon which only just showed the forest that surrounded Hogwarts.

"And we have returned." Said Luna in her soft voice.

Managing to snag a carriage for them all, the talk turned to how exams were going to be and who they thought the DADA teacher would be.

"Do you think it could be the real Moody? He does know an awful lot?"

"Sirius says that he's still recovering and helping with the convictions of the Death Eaters."

"Really? How's he doing that?" Tracey asked.

"Well he was there for so many of the original but during those days it was all in chaos. They barely had time to give evidence before the Minister had them out searching again, which is why some cases like Malfoy got thrown out while others like Sirius were put away on hearsay. Now they're going through the evidence and the rumours and throwing everything at them to determine justice."

"Well whoever it is, what's the bet they'll still be trying to kill you?"

"Tracey!"

"What? Isn't that kinda the running theme?"

"Well yes but that's hardly the point."

"Says you, maybe I'll ask the twins to add it to the book."

"What book?" Harry asked.

"The betting book."

The five of them stared at her while she looked back in surprise.

"What betting book?" Harry eventually asked.

"The betting book where they record all the bets and odds people have placed. Seriously? You guys have never heard of this? You're in it a lot, Harry."

"What!" Harry practically squeaked. "Since when!?"

"Erm well let me think…that would be…erm yep. Your first year."

"Did you know about this?" Harry asked Daphne who shook her head furiously before noticing that Theo was looking solidly out into the forest.

"Theoooo." She asked.

"Hm?"

"Did you know about this?"

"About what?"

"The book."

"What book?"

"The betting book run by Fred and George Weasley."

"Oh that."

"Theo, if you don't answer me satisfactory then Danika will never be satisfied, do you understand me.

With a gulp the Nott heir admitted that he did indeed know.

"How could you not tell us something like that?" Neville demanded.

"Well in all honesty I thought you did! Its why I thought you were angry at them during the tournament."

"They made a bet against me for the tournament." Harry realised, a cold feeling spreading over him.

"Oh no it was for you, pretty strong odds against but they refused to even reword it, it was always the bet that you would win."

"Oh, that's not too bad I guess then."

"Yeah and then the one about you and Daphne."

"Wait what?"

The dark eyes widened at his slip.

"Erm, nothing."

"What about me?" The blonde spoke dangerously.

"Well when you two were spending so much time together the rumours were flying."

"And…" Daphne inquired, eyes flashing ice and Neville and Tracey immediately switched seats to be next to Harry instead.

"And they maybe kinda had a bet about when you guys were together or got together or that kind of thing…" He murmured looking everywhere but at the girl who was now staring him down.

"And you knew about these bets?

"I knew about them."

"And you made a bet?"

"I made a bet."

"How much?"

"Well it doesn't matter."

"Theo. How much?"

"…"

"Theo!"

"Ten galleons that you were together by Christmas, can't remember the exact date. I made quite a bit after though." That fact didn't seem to make Daphne feel better.

Five minutes later and the silence was starting to get uncomfortable and the staring hadn't stopped.

"Should I be worried about going to sleep tonight?" He asked tentatively.

"No."

He looked relieved.

"Not tonight."

"Daph, please. I rather like having him around."

"He made a bet about us!"

"And he can buy you an extra nice birthday present as a result."

"Well…I mean…the money.."

"Theo…"

"Yep can buy you something gorgeous absolutely."

"I'll consider it."

Within a few more minutes the carriages arrived in front of the school and they all disembarked with sighs and stretching muscles while pointedly ignoring the whispers and fingers that were coming at them from all directions. As a group they headed up the stone steps into the entrance hall where Professor McGonagall was trying to encourage students into the great hall. They paused a few steps away and to the side.

"See you late, love." Harry murmured brushing his lips over Daphne's cheek and watching as the usual society mask slid into place.

"Try to keep your temper." She responded and with a couple of waves the snakes headed to their table.

"Luna my dear, would you like an escort?" Neville asked, holding his arms out with a grin and being rewarded with a beaming smile.

"Thankyou but the Humplydinks are happy to escort me for now. See you both tomorrow." And with a hug to each she skipped to the table decked with blue.

"Looks like we're stuck together, you ready?"

"We are men! Not mice! Onwards!" Neville announced and together the two made their way to the red and gold. The table turned quieter as they neared it, and a familiar sense of de ja vu came to Harry as they sat down. Catching each other's eye it was obvious they were both struggling to reign in laughter as the eyes immediately dropped to plates.

A moment or two later the hall doors opened with a flair and in strode the Deputy Headmistress leading the shy, hesitant, small faces down the aisle. Harry couldn't help but smile at the awe and excitement present in every one of them along with a healthy amount of nerves and fear. As the sorting hat commenced, the two watched in interest at the various names that popped up. Harry could see Hermione waiting at each place to welcome the new lions, and he could just about see the gleaming P pinned neatly onto her robes. The other, he was surprised but pleasantly so to see it was attached to Dean who was clearly doing everything he could to put the muggle children at ease but making pop culture references and doing a good job of slowing Hermione's speech down.

Soon the last child – a Milton Zeigler into Ravenclaw – was sorted and Dumbledore rose to make a familiar speech of welcoming everyone and forgiveness and rising to the challenge etc. What caught Harry's attention as he let his eyes wander was a garish pink bow and rising just a touch in his seat he was baffled to see none other than the Undersecretary Umbridge seated, looking undeniably smug. All at once she rose, interrupting Dumbledore's speech in a move that clearly astonished all the staff and most of the students.

"Thankyou Headmaster for those kind words…"

She blathered on about responsibility, change and superiority of power. Glancing at Neville, Harry could clearly see the disgust he knew reflected his own feelings perfectly. By the end of it, it was evident that 95% of the students had completely zoned out and the other 5% were the prefects and head girl and boy who clearly were attempting to listen but were struggling. Eventually the speech ended and Dumbledore lead the hall in a slightly hesitant applause. The food arrived on the plates in front of them and they chatted easily as they helped themselves to roast chicken and bacon cabbage as well as the soft white rolls.

The first person to come up to him was Angelina, the dark hair girl wearing a 'C' badge proudly pinned to her robes.

"Good evening Harry."

"Hi." He said shortly, he'd never admit it but having had the entirety of the Quidditch team turn their backs on him had hurt more than the numerus backhanded comments from Gryffindor house in total.

"Look first off, we…I am sorry. We should never have done those things to you last year and I regret heartily not listening to you and writing you off so quickly. We don't really have any excuse just that it was a mixture of anger and jealousy I guess, but I really am sorry for my part in making your fourth year crap."

Harry nodded meeting the dark eyes that were watching him steadily.

"Secondly I want to invite you back to the team, you are it for us that much is obvious but after everything I don't want you to feel like its just because you're a brilliant Seeker. Team isn't complete without you. However I can completely understand if you refuse, but I wanted to make sure you knew the offer will always be there."

"Thank you for the apology, but I think I need to think about it."

Angelina smiled a little sadly at him.

"Of course, see you around." She turned and headed back to her seat that had Katie and Alicia at its sides.

"Kinda shocked, thought you would have headed straight back." Neville said bluntly.

Harry shrugged.

"I loved being a part of the team. And I love flying. Just not sure if it's the same thing anymore."

"Fair enough, maybe you'll think up your own sport to play."

"Haha yeah maybe broom racing."

"Pretty sure that's already out there, mate."

"Seriously?"

Neville looked up at the shock in his friends voice and frowned.

"Well yeah, obviously. It was thing before Quidditch."

"How does it work?"

"You have to make laps of a field, sometimes they have a couple of obstacles thrown in to make it more interesting, but that's mostly the leagues and bigger competitions."

"And its about speed?" Harry asked his eyes shining as they focused on Neville who had the sinking feeling he was going to be getting a very angry howler from Sirius and Remus.

"Well yeah, plus angling around the corners and stuff." He mumbled out before hurrying on. "Anyway what do you think of Umbridge being here?"

Luckily it worked and for the moment Harry turned his sight away from speeding broomsticks.

"It means there's going to be a lot going on around here, but I can't imagine her lessons are going to be much fun."

"Gran hasn't mentioned anything to me about the Ministry meddling, has Sirius mentioned it?"

"Nope, I'd definitely remember something like that."

"In that case Fudge is hiding something. No way would they keep this to themselves."

"I'll make sure it's the first thing I mention to Sirius."

"Looking forward to your chat?"

"Yep." Harry said immediately, not hiding the fact he already missed his guardians.

Just then the plates cleared and Dumbledore stood again.

"It is so wonderful to see so many of you here but now it is time to get to bed and to enjoy the sweetness of your dreams before studying begins! Goodnight!"

Waiting for the rush of first years and those simply wanting to reconnect with friends had died down, the two headed out and met with the three Slytherins.

"See you tomorrow. Meet at Ravenclaw for breakfast? Luna can have a it of protection." Theo said almost immediately.

"Sounds good, we'll see you guys then." Neville responded.

And after a quick peck between the love-birds they departed ways.