Chapter 15

The last week of the summer had passed and it was time for the students to return to Hogwarts, Harry had woken up that morning with everything packed the night before, sitting up in bed he glanced around at the room he called his own for the past month. Augusta had told him how she had returned to Privet Drive and had a few words with the Dursleys about their treatment of Harry, she didn't go into specifics but she said they got the message when she walked away but waved her wand and vanished the bars on his window. Harry almost wished he didn't have to go back to Hogwarts since next summer he'd have to return to his relatives, after spending a month with Augusta and Neville he's put on a healthier amount of weight and according to Neville he's gotten a bit taller, he almost wished he didn't have to leave but at least Augusta and Neville told him he's welcomed back any time.

Harry got ready and as he did, he thought about everything Augusta did for him, he now knew more about his grandparents and knew more about the Potter family, he was given more photos of his family, although she couldn't tell him much about his parents since Frank and Alice knew them better than she did, and lastly Augusta and Neville made him feel more welcomed than he ever felt with his relatives, leaving Longbottom Manor felt like he was leaving home. Harry knew the Potters and Longbottoms have been close allies for generations and Harry was more than happy to continue that since Neville was one of his best friends.

Once Harry was showered and dressed and his teeth were brushed he went to have breakfast, walking into the dining room Harry saw that Augusta and Neville were there waiting for him and Shiny had prepared a big breakfast for them. Harry greeted the two before sitting down to eat, ever since he started taking the potions he's gotten a better appetite, Augusta asked some last minute questions to make sure they had everything packed, once breakfast was done Harry and Neville went to retrieve their trunks and their pets. With the two boys ready Augusta shrunk their trunks and put them in her pocket, Hedwig stood on Harry's shoulder while Neville held Trevor in his other hand, Augusta took hold of both their hands and apparated them to the platform.

Arriving at platform nine and three quarters Harry saw they were already in front of the train, he heard Hedwig complain about apparating since it wasn't comfortable for her, she told Harry she'd rather fly somewhere than go through that again. Hedwig flew off Harry's shoulder and landed on the train, Harry turned to Augusta and asked "Wait, we're not going through the barrier?"

Augusta shook her head and said "The barrier is mostly used for muggleborns or families that don't know how to apparate, they could also travel here by floo but it was easier for us to come here by apparating."

Harry looked and saw where there were fire places and how some students were arriving with their families. Augusta moved them out of the way before another family could apparate to the platform, she pulled out their trunks and changed them back to their right size before placing a hand on both their shoulders and saying "Neville, Harry, I want the two of you to stay safe, whatever danger you see at Hogwarts I want you to contact me and let me know, look out for each other and make sure you both study hard, please be safe while you are there."

Neville nodded and Harry agreed but wasn't sure how to feel, he's never had an adult care about him before so this was new to him, Augusta looked at Harry and said "Harry, while I wish the reason was different, we have been happy to have you over, you are always welcomed to Longbottom Manor, I hope you'll be able to join us again next summer."

Augusta did something that surprised Harry, she hugged him, Harry felt his eyes tear up but was able to stop them from coming out, he slowly hugged her back and said "Thank you Augusta."

Augusta hugged Neville and wished the two boys luck, the two grabbed their trunks and got on the train while Augusta apparated home. Harry and Neville decided to look for an empty compartment so they could wait for their friends, as they walked through the train they glanced into each compartment to find an empty one. Many were filled with other students, Harry even saw in one there was a little blond girl reading a magazine upside down, they eventually found an empty one and placed their trunks inside. The two boys sat down and started to talk about their upcoming school year and they wondered what the danger Dobby tried to warn Harry about was.

A few minutes passed and soon the door opened and they saw Hermione and Fay showed up, the two girls happily greeted the two boys and joined them in the compartment, it wasn't long before they were joined by Susan, Hannah, and Sally-Anne. The group of friends talked for a while and Neville asked Hermione what she thought of Lockhart's books, Hermione seemed conflicted since the books didn't teach any new spells, she decided she'd see what kind of teacher Lockhart is first before deciding what she thought of him. They were greeted by their Slytherin friends but since they couldn't stay for long they agreed to meet up in the dueling room later before they left.

The time for the train to leave soon came and just as expected the Weasleys were the last ones to show up, Ron soon joined them while Fred and George stopped by to greet them before leaving to find Lee. Ginny had been with them but she took one look in the compartment before turning away since Harry was watching her so she quickly followed Fred and George. A few minutes later they heard a knock at the door and saw Dean and Seamus showed up, Dean asked "Hey guys, do you mind if we join you?"

The two boys joined them, once they put their trunks away they sat down and Dean asked "Hey Harry, I was hoping it was possible we could join you guys in spell practice?"

Seamus continued "My parents weren't too happy I passed my charms with an acceptable, they're expecting me to get at least and EE."

Harry smiled and turned to his friends, they all nodded in agreement so Harry said "Sure, you guys are welcomed to the dueling room any time."

The two boys seemed grateful, Seamus then asked if they could help with their homework so Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Susan got out theirs to help the two boys. For most of the train ride nothing happened, the group of friends either talked about their summer, what they might expect for their next school year, read a book in mostly silence, or played some games, Hermione did point out some mistakes Dean and Seamus had in their homework that the two boys quickly corrected. Many of their friends had stopped by to say hi before heading back to their compartment, even Lavender and Parvati had cheerfully greeted their year mates before leaving. Hedwig wasn't with them since she joined several of the students' owls and went ahead to the school to wait for them to arrive.

Half way through the trip the door opened up and they all heard "Well, well, well, I'm surprised to see you're still here, scarhead." Turning to the door there was a collective groan when they saw Malfoy standing there, behind him were Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, Parkinson, and Bulstrode. Malfoy continued "I would have imagined by now you would have realized how inferior you are and dropped out, instead here you are surrounded by half breeds, blood traitors, and a squib."

Crabbe and Goyle started laughing while the rest smiled in agreement, Harry seemed bored and said "Oh hey Malfoy, what is it this time, insulting my blood status, bragging about yourself, or crying to daddy again, I'm rather busy so can you get it over with already."

Some of Harry's friends snickered at that, Malfoy frowned and said "You better watch what you say when you're speaking to your betters, scarhead."

Harry sighed and said "You can call yourself my better all you want Malfoy, that doesn't make it true, don't forget when we dueled I was the one still standing and you were on the ground, even when you try and confront me and my friends you usually do it to try and get us in trouble, let me guess you invited some Slytherin prefects to watch."

Outside the compartment Nott glanced over and saw the Slytherin prefect they invited, Harry continued "You're still just a coward who can't say anything unless he has backup, now if you are done wasting everyone's time I'd like to continue the conversation I'm having with my friends."

Malfoy glared and was about to speak but then he heard Fay say "Just piss off already Malfoy!"

Malfoy turned to her and said "I don't listen to a daughter of a disgrace like-"

He was cut off when Harry asked "Hey Fay can you show me how you got rid of Malfoy last time?"

Fay smiled and quickly moved in front of Malfoy and raised her fist, seeing this made Malfoy step back, as soon as he stepped out the door Harry pointed his wand at the door and cast a spell causing it to slam close. Neville cast his own spell at the door and they all heard it lock, Fay sat back down next to Hermione and crossed her arms and said "You should have let me punch him, it would have taught him a lesson."

Harry watched as Malfoy and his group walked off and they saw a Slytherin prefect follow them. Harry spoke "Knowing him you'll likely get a chance soon, besides we aren't at the castle yet so I don't want you to get in trouble before we get there."

Dean spoke up "Malfoy always wants to cause trouble for others but he keeps focusing mostly on you Harry."

Harry shrugged his shoulders and said "He's hated me since last year when I refused to shake his hand after he insulted my friends, at this point I just ignore him unless he does something first."

Seamus turned to Fay and asked "What did Harry mean by how you got rid of Malfoy last time?"

Fay smirked and said "During Christmas break Malfoy came to insult us so I punched him in the face, he ran off crying to daddy after that."

Seamus and Dean were shocked to hear this but soon the two boys were interested in hearing the details, Harry thought of what Malfoy said and asked "Hey Fay, what did Malfoy mean when he called you that?"

Fay seemed surprised by the question before looking down and saying "It's not really something I like to talk about."

Harry quickly understood it was private and said "It's alright, you don't need to tell me."

Fay shook her head and said "No, it's fine, you're my friends so I don't mind telling you, Malfoy called me that because of my dad."

Harry seemed confused and asked "Why, when I met your dad he seemed like a nice person, why would he be a disgrace?"

Fay kept looking down and said "My dad used to be an auror, he and my mom were partners, however one day something happened to him and he was forced to quit being an auror."

Neville asked "What happened?"

Fay was quiet for a few moments, she seemed to hesitate before saying "My dad was hit with a spell that damaged his magical core, because of this he can't use magic anymore, that's why many often call him a squib or a disgrace, because of that he hasn't been able to get a job."

Hermione hugged Fay to try and comfort her, Harry remembered the claw marks he saw on Mrs. Dunbar's back and wanted to ask but he saw the subject already made Fay uncomfortable so he decided to keep his mouth shut. Harry instead said "Well if it means anything, I think your dad is a great guy, he's way better than someone like Lucius."

That seemed to work since it made Fay smile, the group of friends continued to talk and Dean and Seamus were welcomed into their conversation so the two boys felt like they were already part of the group of friends. Most of the train ride passed and soon an announcement let the students know they'd be arriving soon, the five boys stepped out to let the girls change first before the girls let the boys get changed. The train had arrived at Hogsmeade station and the prefects were telling the students to get on the carriages to head for the castle, Harry and his friends were about to get on a carriage but they stopped when they saw a small girl with dirty blond hair was petting the thestral.

Harry, Hermione, and Neville noticed the girl was petting the thestral with one hand while she was holding something in her other hand, they saw she was holding some meat and she was feeding the thestral. Looking closely at her they saw she was wearing plum earrings, she had an unusual necklace with corks, and she kept her wand behind her ear, Dean asked "Why is that girl petting the air?"

Realizing they couldn't see them, Neville explained "She's not, there's a creature that pulls the carriages, I think she's feeding it."

Harry decided to walk up and ask "Um, Excuse me?"

The girl turned around and her silvery eyes met Harry's, she smiled and said "Hello Harry Potter, don't you think the thestrals are beautiful?" Harry felt surprised by the young girl, she pulled out some more meat from her bag and fed the thestral and continued "The nargles told me she's pregnant, hopefully we'll be able to meet the baby soon."

Harry felt the girl was unusual so he asked "Can you tell me your name?"

The girl turned back to him and said "My name is Luna Lovegood, it's nice to meet you, Harry Potter."

Harry noticed Luna's robes didn't have any of the house colors so she hasn't been sorted yet, realizing she was a first year Harry said "It's nice to meet you too Luna, you should probably go join Hagrid and the other first years so you can be sorted."

Luna smiled and said "You're right, thank you Harry Potter."

Luna walked up to Harry and took hold of his hand, Harry glanced at his friends not sure what to do, he decided to lead Luna over to Hagrid while telling his friends to get on the carriage. Harry led a smiling Luna over to where Hagrid was calling for the first years, Harry called out to Hagrid and when he spotted them he smiled and said "'Arry, good ter see ya again, thank ya fer bringin' Ms. Lovegood ter me."

Harry nodded and greeted the friendly giant, Luna gave Harry a smile and said "Thank you Harry, you were very helpful and kind to me, it was almost like having a friend, I hope I'll be able to make a friend like you in school."

While Harry thought the girl was unusual he didn't see her as anything bad so he smiled at her and said "I could be your friend Luna."

Luna's eyes seemed to brighten at that before agreeing "Of course, thank you for being my friend Harry, I'll see you soon!"

Many of the first years started to head for the boats and Harry watched a happy Luna skip away. Hagrid spoke up "Tha' was nice of ya 'arry, I better be goin', I'll see ya and yer friends later."

Hagrid left to guide the first years so Harry rushed over to join his friends in the carriages. When Harry rejoined his friends he told them about the girl, Ron then said "So you met Loony?"

Harry frowned and asked "Why do you call her that?"

Ron answered "She and Ginny use to be friends and she would come over a lot when she was younger, she was always strange and would talk about creatures that didn't exist so I started calling her Loony."

"You shouldn't call her that, she seems nice and she became my friend so I'd appreciate it if you stopped calling her that."

Ron was about to say something but the look on Harry's face told him he was being serious so he stopped talking, Hermione spoke up "She was able to see the thestrals, I wonder what happened?"

Ron explained "A while back her mum died, I think it was around that time that she and Ginny stopped being friends."

Hearing that made Harry feel sorry for Luna, if she could see the thestrals then that meant she must have been there to see her mum die, he decided he'd try to be a good friend to her. For the rest of the ride up to the castle Hermione was explaining to Dean and Seamus what thestrals were and how they could see them. The look on both their faces told them they didn't believe her however once they arrived at the castle Harry stood in front of the thestral and raised his hand and started to pet her. Surprisingly, the thestral felt soft and liked being petted, Harry got the rest of his friends to pet her and many of them flinched when they actually felt something was there. Harry looked at the other thestrals and when comparing them to her he noticed she was pregnant like Luna said.

Harry started to pet her again and said "I'll wish you the best, do you have a name?" The thestral snorted so Harry thought of a name and said "Then how about I call you Swift?"

The thestral seemed to like the name and agreed, Harry parted with Swift and joined his friends, entering the castle Susan and Hannah had to part with their friends to go to their house table. The eight Gryffindor second years sat together and were joined soon by Lavender and Parvati, the two girls greeted them and talked about how their summer had been. Harry talked with his friends until everyone quieted down as Professor McGonagall led the new first years into the great hall, Harry could see many of them were nervous however he recognized Luna since she was the only one smiling. McGonagall soon brought out the sorting hat and after it sang a song the sorting began, Harry clapped politely for the students that were sorted into other houses however soon the Gryffindors got their first member, a small mousy-haired boy named Colin Creevey.

The first year seemed excited to join Gryffindor however Harry noticed he was stunned when he looked at him, more specifically his scar, the boy said "I get to be in the same house as Harry Potter, I've heard a lot about you, can I get a picture with you, could you sign it too?!"

Harry felt embarrassed while his friends around him chuckled, thankfully the sorting continued and Colin had to be quiet. Harry hadn't paid much attention to the sorting however he listened when McGonagall called "Lovegood, Luna."

Harry saw Luna walk forward while still wearing a smile on her face, he heard some people comment on her earrings and necklace, although she didn't have her wand behind her ear anymore. Once Luna sat down the hat was placed on her head, almost a minute passed before the hat laughed and said "What a delightful student, I'd say you belong in Ravenclaw!"

Many of the students were surprised by the hat's reaction however Harry and his friends started clapping and it got many others to clap as well, Luna's robes gained the colors of Ravenclaw and she happily joined her house. Harry remembered something and turned to Parvati and asked "Hey Parvati isn't your sister in Ravenclaw?"

Nodding, she answered "She is."

"Can you ask her to look out for Luna?"

Parvati agreed to ask her sister, Harry thanked her and turned back to watch the sorting, many students were sorted until finally it was Ginny's turn. The hat seemed to hesitate for a moment before sorting her into Gryffindor, Harry saw Ron, Fred, George, and Percy all cheered loudly for her. With the sorting now over Dumbledore began the feast and many started eating, Harry mostly spoke with his friends however he also answered the questions Colin was asking him although he felt embarrassed since Colin again asked for a photo with him and if he could sign it. Ginny didn't talk much to anyone but the entire feast she kept staring at Harry, when Harry turned to her and tried talking to her she tried to act normal but ended up putting her elbow in the butter. Harry also talked to another first year named Demelza Robins, although she seemed a bit shy she looked interested when the topic of quidditch came up.

Harry knew if he wanted to be a prefect in the future then he needed to be helpful to the younger students so whenever any of the first years asked a question Harry was happy to answer and give his own advice from his first year. Eventually the feast came to an end and Dumbledore stood to make a few announcements before welcoming Lockhart as their new defense against the dark arts teacher, Harry noticed Lockhart got a louder cheer from the girls while most boys only clapped politely. With the feast now over the students went to their common rooms while the fifth year prefects led the first years.

Once they were back in their common rooms Oliver pulled Harry and Ron aside to talk to them, Oliver said "This weekend we'll have our first practice so I want the two of you to be ready."

Both boys agreed and Oliver turned to Ron and said "I hope you're ready, remember this isn't going to be us playing games so I'm going to need you to take this seriously."

Ron nodded and said "Of course."

Oliver smiled and sent them on their way, the group of friends wished each other a good night before heading upstairs to the second years dorm. Harry was able to pick the bed closest to the window, the five boys got ready for bed and soon they all had their curtains closed. Harry summoned the journal to his hand and flipped through it, he found the list of spells he could learn and saw the ones he marked that sounded the most helpful, hopefully he could find them in the library so he could suggest them to his friends.

Putting the journal down Harry decided to test out his control without a wand, holding his hand up Harry cast 'Lumos.' Harry saw his hand started to give off a glow, he tried focusing more magic into the spell and he saw the light become brighter. Harry felt the spell did need more effort even though with a wand this would have been easier, at least he knew if he ever lost his wand he'd be able to still cast some spells. 'Nox.' The light went out and Harry decided to practice one more spell, pointing his hand at his pillow Harry first tried to cast silently however he felt he couldn't yet so Harry whispered "Wingardium leviosa." His pillow started to float and Harry pulled it towards him, smiling at his success he dropped the spell, Harry hoped if he kept practicing in the dueling room he could eventually cast every spell wandlessly and silently.

Realizing how late it was, Harry decided to sleep so he could be prepared for his classes. Putting his glasses away Harry fell asleep with a smile on his face feeling like he returned home.

Please comment and let me know what you thought of the chapter.