Chapter Four

It was far later than Lily would have liked as they made their way quickly towards the barrier to get to platform nine and three quarters.

"I've dropped my scarf." Harry said looking in his bag that was balanced on top of his trunk.

Lily sighed, "I'll go with Danica and meet you on the platform. Hurry, we've only of 15 minutes."

Severus had been called into Hogwarts early and was unable to take Harry to the train. So Harry retraced his steps followed by Padfoot who was wearing his pink collar and lead. Harry found his scarf in a few minutes and began to make his way back. He looked over to the barrier and saw the red headed family going through.

He arrived just as Ron was the last one to go through and waited his turn silently.

"Well well well if it isn't the famous Harry Potter." Ron huffed, stopping before going though the barrier and turning to face Harry.

Harry rolled his eyes and gave a tense smile, "Hello Ronald."

"Can't say I'm pleased to see you back again. I hoped your letter would get lost in the post. Stupid over fancy bird." Ron huffed and Hedwig.

Padfoot gave a small growl causing Ron to jump back slightly.

"Look Ronald, time is marching on. Just go through the barrier. You can continue this nonsense on the train if you really have nothing better to do." Harry snapped at him.

Ron looked up at the clock and back to Harry. He walked towards the barrier so his trolley was just touching it, leaving a small shimmer where the trolley and the barrier touched.

"No the famous Harry Potter must go first." Ron spat giving Harry a low bow.

Harry rolled his eyes but wasn't going to argue this close to the train leaving and quickly walked though the barrier. Lily was waiting just on the other side, she wrapped him in a hug as Padfoot turned back into Sirius.

"What took you so long?" Lily said hurrying him towards the train.

"We ran into a bit of trouble." Sirius said waving his hand dismissively.

Harry looked behind him and couldn't see Ron come through but his mother pushed him to an open carriage door before he could have a proper look. Lucius walked over carrying Danica.

"Have a good year Harry. We'll see you at Christmas." Lily gave him a huge hug and kissed his cheek.

Danica reached down and gave him a hug and said goodbye. Harry hopped on the train just as the train whistle blew. He waved out the window until his family faded from view.

Harry found the carriage with his friends easily enough and sat down.

"How are you guys?" he asked.

Daphne smiled, "I'm well. I can't believe that Astoria will be coming to Hogwarts next year. It's going to be strange having her around."

"Yeah Thomas is coming in two years as well." Neville grinned, "It'll be invasion of the younger siblings. We'll no longer be able to run wild, have to be all responsible."

Draco smirked, "Don't look too happy, guess who else is coming next year."

Harry's face fell, "Really? I've never even seen them are you sure she'll let them come?" he asked.

"And give up a chance to get rid of her children for most of the year? They'll be coming." Draco rolled his eyes.

Pansy shook her head, "Well to the year ahead; lets hope it's a little less interesting than the last."

Draco looked at her blankly, "Well you've said it now."

They laughed. It was a fairly uninteresting train journey, they played chess and ate more sweets than was good for them. Gilderoy Lockhart popped his head into the carriage looking for Harry but Draco saw him coming when getting a drink from the trolley and they were able to hide Harry under the pile of their robes.

They changed just before arriving at Hogsmead station and getting off the train. Harry gave a wave to Hagrid seeing him gather up the first years. He could see a small flash of red hair and assumed that must be Ginny.

They made their way to where the carriages were waiting to take them to Hogwarts. They hadn't really seen the carriages last year, but it was obvious now that they weren't pulled by anything. When Harry gave Pansy a confused look, she just shrugged and went round to the step into the carriage.

"It's a shame we can't ride in the boats again." Neville said helping Daphne up the step, "It was great seeing the castle from the lake."

Pansy nodded in agreement, "The carriages are nice though." She said sitting down on the yellow velvet covered bench and looking up and the black walls and roof.

Harry looked around him before getting in, he still hadn't seen Ron and a flash of worry passed over him. What if he'd missed the train? Would that have been his fault? Harry shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. Ron would have had time to get through. There were still a few minutes after Harry got through the barrier after all.

Harry climbed up and took his seat. It was only a short journey to the castle where they were dropped off and filed into the castle. They were watched over by smiling ghosts and a scowling Professor McGonagall telling them to hurry up and walk carefully at the same time.

"Who put pumpkin juice in her hat?" Draco grumbled.

They waved goodbye to Neville and took their seats on the Slytherin table. Sally and Howard came over and greeted them.

"Congratulations on being made prefects again." Harry smiled, shaking their hands.

"Thank you." Sally smiled, "We have high hopes of head boy and girl next year."

"Well head girl at least, I have to compete with Weasley for head boy and he's such a teachers pet." Howard shrugged, "Hopefully we'll win the house cup this year though."

They all nodded and turned their attention to the top table as the remaining students in the hall took their places. Harry saw Snape giving him a small wave, sitting next to Professor Dumbledore who was sitting in his grand chair.

Gilderoy Lockhart sat at the head table, his wizard hat sat at a jaunty angle matching his pale dusty-rose coloured robes. He flashed them a dazzling smile and continue to chat to Professor Sprout who looked less than impressed. Harry looked over and rolled his eyes at the group of older girls giggling and blushing, waving up from their tables.

Lockhart looked over to them and winked, even giving them a few waves. Even Professor Sinistra was sitting a few seats down from Lockhart, looking longingly at him.

Harry clapped with the rest of the hall as the first years entered. They looked around in awe, nervously smiling at the faces looking at them.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward and placed the sorting hat on it's stool. As it did last year, a tear just by it's rim opened up and it began to sing;

"So look upon me now,

O first years so young,

And wonder which house you do belong.

Maybe the wise of Ravenclaw

So intelligent, smart and wise.

Or to Gryffindor,

Where the bravest do dwell,

The loyal go to Hufflepuff,

Beware to cross their friends

and last perhaps to Slytherin,

Where the cunning live.

Four houses, Four founders!

All should dwell in peace,

Wherever you are placed

Rest assured you are where you should be,

For I'm the sorting hat!

And none disagree with me!"

Harry clapped loudly along with the rest of the hall. It was a shorter song than last year but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Professor McGonagall stepped forward and unrolled the large scroll.

"When I call your name, please step forward and try on the hat." She said loudly, "Atherton, Robert."

Robert became a Hufflepuff, "Beck, Lucy." was a Slytherin. Harry clapped loudly as she came over to the table. The list continued, it was much more enjoyable watching people get sorted than when you were standing nervously waiting for your turn.

"Grey, Henry-James" Gryffindor

"James, Christopher" Ravenclaw

"Kerr, Tatiana" another Ravenclaw

"Lovegood, Luna" yet another Ravenclaw

"Mendoza, Ebonie" Hufflepuff

"Weasley, Ginevra"

Harry looked up and paid more attention as Weasley's name was called. It was the same small, red headed girl that had been with Ron in Florish and Blotts. She was one of the last one's left now and walked nervously up to the sorting hat.

"Gryffindor!" it shouted after a few minutes. The girl looked very relived and jumped up to join her brothers. Harry saw them all giving her a hug and welcoming her to the table. He felt himself go cold. Ron wasn't there.

Harry looked over to the teachers table and managed to catch Snape's eye while the last couple of students were sorted. Snape looked over to the Gryffindor table, following Harry's eyes and nodded. He got up and excused himself slipping out the hall.

"Is everything OK Harry?" Draco asked beginning to tuck into his plate of food.

Harry nodded, "It's just Ron's not here and I have a bad feeling. I think Dad's gone to find out where he is."

"Maybe he chose not to come this year." Pansy suggested hopefully.

"No he was behind me at the barrier." Harry told them, "I'm sure it'll be OK."

Harry was much relieved when Snape returned a little while later and nodded to him so he could enjoy the feast.