Chapter 326
The yell from outside arrested all talk within the compartment.
"Was that…" asked Neville nervously.
"Molly?" Harry nodded. He checked the time. It was almost eleven. The
Weasleys were cutting it very fine. A few moments later, Ron staggered into the compartment, the door slidingshut behind him. Neville and Harry assisted him with his trunk.
"You owe me one, mate!" Ron said as he collapsed onto the bench besideHermione. Harry retook his seat with a grin. "I do?"
"You should have heard her when Dobby popped in with Sirius's message!
'How could he leave him there on his own!'" Ron mimicked his Mum's voice. "'What was he thinking?!'" He snorted. "Like Sirius doesn't take every
precaution known to a wizard where your safety is concerned! She's goingtosend him a Howler – I'd bet you anything she does! I delayed her as longasI
could so she couldn't come aboard and give you an earful!"
"Thanks, Ron." Harry smiled at him as the whistle blew outside. Ron frowned as he looked around the compartment, doing a double take at
Luna before giving her a polite nod. "Where's Ginny?" Harry, Hermione and Neville looked at each other questioningly and back toRon.
"She had a sleepover with Lydia last night." Ron explained. "I guess she hasn't
found the compartment?"
"Well, not everyone understands the Eebeebees are guards and would
understand why they're here." Luna pointed out. Ron gaped at her in bewilderment.
"The charms Remus put on the compartment were supposed to turn away
those Harry considers a threat or who are a threat but let any of Harry's
friends through," commented Hermione logically, "but maybe if Ginny doesn't
know Harry's on board, she hasn't looked?"
"True," Ron said, "she wouldn't have known. We thought Sirius was goingtofloo with him until Dobby turned up."
"Or maybe Harry considers her a threat." Neville teased, smiling at Harry.
"Well, Ginny and Lydia together are a threat!" Ron said with a grin. "They'reathreat to Harry's virtue!" Harry reached around Hermione and whacked Ron on the head as they all
laughed. "Oy!" The train lurched forward. They were on the way back to Hogwarts. o-O-o
"Stop sulking, Sirius." Remus threw a sandwich wrapper at himacross thetrain compartment. He'd lost the female form he'd had when they'd hiddenthemselves away, lost the bra (Sirius never wanted to see Remus go toplessever again) and he'd transfigured his clothing back to plain wizarding robes. Sirius glared at his friend. "I don't know why we couldn't have stayed in thesame compartment with Harry." He had also ditched the disguise and was
much happier back in his jeans and leather jacket ensemble.
"Because Harry's experience of travelling on the train with his friends –theexperience he wanted – wouldn't be the same if we were in the compartment
with him!" Remus stated with more than a little exasperation, which Siriusunderstood since it wasn't the first time they'd had the discussion since
deciding on the plan to get Harry to Hogwarts.
"You were in his compartment last year!" Sirius whined anyway. Remus rolled his eyes. "More like he was in mine. Look, Sirius, Harry needstoget used to being away from us – you! You need to let himgo. The moment of
goodbye at King's Cross is traditional. Harry's subconscious and your
subconscious will acknowledge it as such and recognise it as a traditional
parting of ways for parents and children. If he knew we were aboard or if we'dtravelled together, it would have been delayed until Hogsmeade makingthingsmore difficult for you both." He was right but Sirius wasn't going to give Remus the pleasure of admittingthat. He took another bite of his own sandwich and wondered if Harry wasenjoying the picnic basket Dobby had made up for him and his friends. He'd been pleased to see Hermione arrive early and followed fairly swiftly byNeville. Luna's entry into Harry's compartment had been a surprise since
Sirius hadn't sent her a message but that she'd found Harry had to meanHarryaccepted her as a friend. Ron's late arrival wasn't unexpected – the Weasleysas a family ran on their own time. Sirius had hunkered down hearing Molly'sstrident tones on the platform. He suspected that he had a Howler in his
future despite the fact that Remus's plan was quite ingenious.
They'd arrived early at the platform disguised to ostensibly drop off a child;
check. They then warded Harry's compartment to the hilt and made it soonlyhis friends could enter; check. They notified a few of his closest friends sothey could find him; check. They took up a position in the next compartment
which they made all but invisible to everybody just in case someone hadsussed out the rest of the plan; check. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 327
The latter was handy because they had to go to Hogsmeade anyway andmove into the new house. Sirius wasn't actually looking forward to that. Heloved Griffin House. The new house wouldn't have memories of Harry
sprawled on the living room floor watching a movie, sat at the dining tableeating treacle tart, or curled up in an armchair by Sirius's desk reading whileSirius worked. On the other hand, regardless that Griffin House was a floo away fromHogwarts, Sirius was comforted with the knowledge that he'd be physically
closer to Harry with the new house. If anything happened…
And he couldn't shake the feeling that something might happen. Noshi's warning kept ringing in his ears; how Harry would be injured andSiriuswould take him back to Noshi to heal. No.
No, it wasn't inevitable. Hadn't he and Noshi discussed how prophecies andvisions might give the impression of things that really weren't what they
seemed?
Sirius would never stop believing that he could keep Harry safe. But he hadtoadmit that he hated turning Harry over to the care of Hogwarts; of Albus
Dumbledore who had already failed on so many levels to keep Harry safe. Not that Sirius thought he was doing a bang up job of it himself either sinceHarry had almost been kidnapped at the World Cup. He sighed. He'd admitted his mistake in leaving Harry at all and not getting himaway assoon as the news of the stadium fire had reached him. Harry had admittedhismistake in running after the bastard that had attacked them. They'd bothlearned. And it was a major part of why Sirius felt he was making another
mistake, he acknowledged to himself. Hadn't he learned leaving Harry insomeone else's care meant that he wouldn't be there to keep Harry safe? But
Harry had promised – promised – that he only wanted a quiet normal school
year; that he had his animagus project to keep him occupied; that if anythingstrange or unusual or mysterious occurred that got his attention he wouldtell
someone – he wouldn't go charging in himself.
"Will you stop worrying? I can hear your mind whirling fromhere!" demandedRemus, looking up from his book to glare at Sirius. "And for Merlin's sake, finish your sandwich!"
Sirius did the mature thing; he stuck his tongue out. His mirror buzzed. Sirius immediately dumped the sandwich on the seat beside himand yankedthe mirror from his inside pocket. "Padfoot here." Minerva's face appeared in the mirror. "Sirius."
"Minerva." Sirius said brightly, inwardly wincing.
"The Headmaster has asked me to contact you regarding Harry's arrival."
In other words, Albus was bugging Minnie about when Harry was expectedtoarrive and by what method since Sirius had point blank refused to tell him.
"We're on the Express." Sirius informed her briskly. "Harry's in the next
compartment." He continued cheerfully. "According to Remus we can't travel
with him or he won't experience the full Express, um, experience." Minerva closed her eyes as though trying to remain calm. She opened themagain to glare at him. "Then he'll arrive with the other students?"
"Yes, that's the plan. Remus and I will disillusion ourselves, see himontoacarriage and follow it up to the gates." Sirius said firmly.
"You do know the press is going to have a conniption fit." Minerva sighed.
"Serves them right for printing rumours and leaked information!" Sirius
retorted. That had pissed him off although it was part of the plan. Minerva nodded. "I'll be at the doors to make sure he gets inside safely." Sirius nodded back, his eyes roaming over her tired features. "Howare you, Minnie?" She sighed. "I'm all recovered." Her features softened a touch; the stern lineseasing. "Try not to worry, Sirius." The mirror went blank. Sirius tucked it back into his pocket. He picked up his sandwich and discardedit again. He shifted restlessly, an urge to sneak to the compartment next door
and just check on his son. Of course, he reflected, he would probably havetostun Moony first.
"You're not stunning me and checking up on Harry." Remus said, startlingSirius. He looked up in amusement at Sirius's shocked face. "You're very
predictable, Padfoot. Eat your lunch and do your correspondence. I thought
you wanted to write some letters?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 328
"How am I supposed to focus on letters?" Sirius complained forcefully. Hegot
to his feet and paced. He hadn't felt so adrift since…since he'd lost Lily andJames and Harry. He lurched to a stop. "It's like I've lost himagain, Moony." The wave of emotion as he confessed the truth of the sick aching feelinginhis gut had him immediately seeking a refuge…his usual refuge; he turnedintoPadfoot, slumped to the floor and gave a miserable whine. Remus immediately set aside his book and dropped to the floor of the
compartment. He patted the floor next to him and Sirius sidled up to him, eventually settling with his head on Remus's thigh, Remus's strong handstroking his head gently.
"Forgive me, old friend," Remus said softly, "you've been doing so well, I forgot
you see. You've hardly done this since you came back fromthe States." Sirius knew he'd been Padfoot a lot at the beginning of the Summer whenhe'dhad too many painful emotions to cope with despite his want to be there for
Harry. But once he'd been given Harry coupled with the healing he'd had…he'dneeded to be Padfoot a lot less. Moreover, he hadn't wanted to be Padfoot. But right at that moment…Padfoot was safe.
"You're doing brilliantly." Remus said firmly. "You've given Harry a home andhe…he loves you beyond anything, Sirius. He's going to come home; you'renot
going to lose him; I promise." But Moony couldn't promise that, nobody could promise that. And that's what
scared Sirius.
..... Hermione frowned as the carriage cleared Hogwarts' gates. Harry had
brightened up during the train journey to Hogwarts but he'd fallen quiet againwhen they'd arrived at Hogsmeade, and during the ride to the school he hadbeen positively moping. She wound her arms back around Harry's left armandgave him a sympathetic squeeze. Her eyes caught on the silvery gaze of Luna across from her and Luna gaveanimperceptible nod of pleased understanding at Hermione's action. Hermionehad come to appreciate the quirky Ravenclaw during their time on the Express. Yes, Luna had odd moments – very odd moments – which were disconcerting, and some of the creatures she talked about Hermione was sure Luna hadmade up, but Luna was otherwise very sweet with a remarkably sharp intellect
that Hermione had quickly come to respect. Their discussion on Divinationhad been fascinating and Hermione thought she might try and look up someof the references Luna had quoted to get a good understanding of the subject. Although she didn't take the subject anymore but she didn't want her
knowledge to be lacking. Ron caught her attention and he unsubtly looked at how she was holdingontoHarry and back up to her with wide questioning eyes. Hermione tried toindicate Harry's state of mind by looking deliberately towards Harry, whowasstaring out the small window of the carriage with a pensive expression, andgesturing with a subtle jerk of her head. Ron frowned but nodded in
understanding.
Hermione sighed heavily. The carriage came to a halt. The noise outside was the usual maelstrom of childish chatter. Neville got out
and helped Luna down. Ron clambered down and surprisingly held out a handto Hermione who took it with a murmured thank you. Harry exited last, andhisreluctance told in his hesitant glance toward the castle.
"Mister Potter." Professor McGonagall's Scottish burr washed over themasshe hurried to the group. "Glad to see you've arrived safely." Harry managed a smile. "Thank you, Aun – I mean, Professor."
"I'll mirror call Lord Black while I wait for Hagrid. You should get yourselvesinside for the feast." Professor McGonagall ushered themtowards the doorsand they complied swiftly. They'd barely made it past the doors when other students started to convergeon them. Malfoy beat everyone else by a mile, and he had regained his
minions of Crabbe and Goyle.
"Weasley, Longbottom, Granger." Malfoy's eyes took in Luna and a small
frown appeared. "Lovegood." He turned his gaze to Harry. "My father saidyouwould arrive with everyone else." He proclaimed grandly. "I thought it best not
to seek you out beforehand."
"Thank you, Draco." Harry said dryly. "Did you have a good journey?"
"Entertaining for the rest of us." Nott said, falling into step beside Malfoy, Goyle dropping back to let him. "Parkinson has a plan to get her arrangement
with Malfoy reinstated." He said in a stage whisper. Malfoy blushed bright red. "Thank you for sharing that with the world, Nott." Nott grinned at him. His dark eyes slid over Luna sandwiched between Harryand Neville. He raised an eyebrow. "Protected?" Harry followed his gaze and nodded. The Slytherins peeled off as they
crossed the threshold to the Great Hall.
"Harry!" The girlish shriek had them all wincing. They turned to find LydiaandGinny barrelling towards them, along with another third year girl, Jessica, whowas Lydia's best friend.
"Save me!" whispered Harry urgently. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 329
Hermione stifled a giggle and gave Harry a nod. "Harry," she raised her voiceatouch, "why don't you and Neville escort Luna over to the Ravenclawtable?
Ron and I will save us some seats." Harry shot her a grateful smile. Neville immediately offered his armto Lunaand Harry hurried to follow his example. The young blonde girl gave a
delighted smile and winked at Hermione as they led her away. Hermione sawHarry was aiming for Michael and Anthony; no doubt Luna would be givenover to their care. Hermione pushed Ron towards the benches but their progress was arrestedby the arrival of Ron's sister and the two other girls. Hermione felt a surgeof
irritation with the youngest Weasley. She couldn't exactly blame Ginny for
grasping the others' offers of friendship – Merlin knew she knewherself what
it was like to go without close friends – but it made a mockery of Ginny's
professed desire to seek a genuine friendship with Harry when she hungaround with girls who so blatantly wanted the Boy Who Lived not Harry.
"Who is that with Harry?" demanded Lydia.
"Luna," replied Ginny absently, tucking a strand of red hair behind an ear, "weused to play together when we were small."
"Luna who?" Lydia frowned.
"Lovegood." Hermione supplied. "Is there something you wanted Ginny
because we'd like to sit down?" Ginny flushed. "When did Harry arrive?"
"He was on the train." Ron said pushing past his sister to get to the table
where he slid onto the end of the bench near to the door. Hermione sat downnext to him as he moved up a space, exchanging a quick look with himthat
confirmed Harry would take the seat in between them when he returned.
"What do you mean he was on the train?" Ginny sat down opposite her brother
and her new friends quickly took the spots next to her.
"Sirius put him on the train this morning and sent Dobby with a note to let usknow so we could find him." Ron said succinctly.
"You could have found me on the train and told me!" Ginny argued fiercely. Ron shrugged. "Couldn't give Harry's position away, could I? It wouldn't havebeen safe and Sirius would have had my head, not to mention Mum." Ginny opened her mouth and snapped it shut again, obviously realising thevalidity of Ron's words.
"Why's Looney with him?" Lydia asked snootily, casting a look back over her
shoulder to where Harry and Neville were stood by the Ravenclawtable. Hermione pursed her lips disapprovingly. "Luna," she stressed the girl's name, "is Harry's friend." She shot a look at Ginny who got her meaning immediatelyif the bright red blush was anything to go by. She ignored her own twingeof
jealousy that Luna might fit Harry's criteria for a girlfriend since it was clear
that she saw him for himself and not for his titles.
"Ron!" Lavender took the seat next to Ron and smiled at himcoquettishly asParvati took the seat beside her. Hermione blinked. Had Lavender just batted her eyelashes at Ron?
Lavender ran a hand over Ron's arm. "I love your new robes! Very stylish!
Where did you go? This isn't Madame Malkin's work." Ron swallowed hard. "Um, well, Bill has this mate and…"
"Oh, does he do women's clothing?"
It was all Hermione could do to not to start laughing herself silly at the utter
horror on Ron's face at the question.
"No!" Ron said immediately.
"That's a shame, but he obviously does good work." Lavender smiled again. "You look smashing!" She suddenly took on an air of concern. "I was really
sorry to hear about your family getting attacked, Ron!"
"It looked awful in the papers!" Parvati commented, settling her robes aroundher.
"Awful!" echoed Lavender. "But you were a real hero rushing into the tent tosave your Dad!"
"And Neville and Harry are heroes too, of course!" Parvati frowned, her lipsforming a perfect pout. "Where are they?"
"Over there at the Ravenclaw table." Lydia remarked sourly, pointing behindher.
"Here, budge up, Gin-Gin! Angelina wants to talk with the teamover dinner" Fred slid onto the bench, immediately followed by the Chaser girls and thenGeorge. They forced Ginny and the other third year girl to slide further upthebench and away from where Harry would be sitting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 330
Fred grinned at Hermione and she mouthed 'thanks' at him. She craned her
head to sneak a peek at Harry who had been accosted on his way back totheGryffindor table by some of the Potter alliance Heirs including the newHead
Boy. Neville had stayed with him. Ron followed her gaze and sighed. "They never give him a minute of peace, dothey?"
"Well, politically he is their leader." Hermione murmured unhappily but shewasin agreement with Ron. The alliance members were great but they neededtoremember Harry was just Harry now he was back at school.
"Children!" Professor Dumbledore's voice rose above the babble and
commanded silence. "Please take your seats! Our first years are awaitingtheir
Sorting and I'm sure we are all hungry enough not to wish to delay our
welcoming feast any longer than necessary." Everyone not seated immediately scattered for the tables. Harry slid in between Hermione and Ron as Neville took the seat Hermionehad left at the end for him with a grateful smile. Hermione gave Harry a quick smile as the side door opened and Professor
McGonagall led the first years in. They looked so small and scared. Hermioneknew intellectually that she and her peers must have looked the same but it
seemed so unlikely. The stool and the Hat were placed solemnly, and the Hat opened its mouth.
"I am the Sorting Hat
Not a mat, a bat, a cat.
I will Sort you once tonight
Making sure your home here's right. Those with cunning, Slytherin bound. Those with loyalty, Hufflepuff sound. The brave and noble, Gryffindors be.
Knowledge and witty, Ravenclaws, see?
But the cunning need
To watch for greed. And the loyal may hide
A too trusting side. The brave always fall
To the reckless call. Thinkers fail to look
Further than a book.
But you are all these things
And our battle will be won
Only when this truth is known
And Hogwarts stands as one." Hermione absorbed the words of the Sorting song and sighed. It was
paradoxical to harp on about Sorting people by attributes one moment andtotalk about unity in the next. Of course, their idea for an inter-house CommonRoom was the same foolishness in some respects but maybe that was theHat's point; that they should try to see beyond the differences of their Houseplacements and see the similarities of being Hogwarts' students. She politelyclapped as the first student was Sorted into Hufflepuff.