Harry Potter and the Great Struggle

- Chapter Three -

The Journey of Inquisitions

Ron awoke to find that Harry was sitting over his bed, visibly shaking. He looked outside and saw it was still dark, but here he was, awake in the middle of night. Ron looked at Harry again, and sighed, “Another nightmare Harry?” There was a pause before Harry replied.

“Yeah, first one in a long time.” Harry tried to think back to the last time he had had one. Over three months ago, around the time when they were testing for O.W.Ls. It had never been this bad though. He had woken Ron up with his screams and then to top it all off, his scar was bleeding. That hadn’t happened in, well, he didn’t know when it had last happened.

By this time Ron had gotten up and walked over to Harry’s bed and sat down next to him. “Harry, you’re bleeding,” Ron said, stating the obvious.

“Yeah. I kinda’ noticed.”

“What was in the dream?”

Harry looked at his best friend warily. His friend was genuinely concerned for him, and it made Harry feel guilty. What right did he have to involve them in this? None, Harry thought sadly. Nonetheless, he had to tell him something. “So many,” Harry managed to whisper, “they’re all dead Ron.”

“Who?”

“Muggles. Voldemort massacred them.”

---

“Ron! Harry! Are you two awake?” Mrs. Weasley’s voice carried through the room where Ron and Harry were both indeed awake. After going back to bed, they had managed only a few more hours of sleep before they had to get up to get ready to leave for the station.

“Yes mum!” Ron yelled out the door before shutting it again. “Got all you’re stuff Harry?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Ron grabbed his trunk and carried it through the door as if it were nothing, while Harry lugged his into the hallway. Hermione came running up the stairs just as Ginny was leaving her room with her trunk.

“Hurry up you three!” Hermoine said urgently, grabbing the other end of Ginny’s trunk and helping her down the stairs. Harry and Ron followed and they went outside, where the ministry’s car was waiting. There was only one, as Fred and George Weasley had graduated the previous year, and the extra car was unnecessary. Hermione had already put her things in the magically enlarged trunk, so Harry, Ron, and Ginny followed suit. After finally settling down in the car, it began to move, with Mrs. Weasley in the front and the four studends in the back.

“Harry,” Hermione said suddenly, after a few minutes of travel into London, “did you have another nightmare?”

Harry looked up in surprise, “How’d you know?”

Ginny smiled, “We all heard you yelling Harry. I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie heard you all the way in Romania.”

“Yeah Harry, you were pretty loud. I told Hermione about it anyways, while you were putting your things in the trunk.”

“Who died Harry?” Hermione said finally, getting the to point.

“And where did this happen?” Ginny put in.

“I..” Harry paused. Where did this happen? “I’m not sure. Somewhere in England. They were speaking English.”

Ron mumbled something incoherently under his breath, and then said, “That clears up nothing Harry. Honestly, we all know he’s in England.”

Harry laughed after Hermione glared at Ron. Apparently they were still mad at each other, or at least Hermione at Ron, seeing as how Ron had to break the ice by telling her about Harry’s dream.

“How many Harry?” Ginny asked suddenly, quietly. “Huh, how many what?” “How many died?” “I...” Harry paused again, this time hesitating. After thinking about it, he offered slowly, “More than,” Pausing again he thought, had it been that many? “Over a hundred.” Hermione looked aghast but Ron just nodded. “It’s starting isn’t it?” He looked sad, “The war’s starting.” Ginny smiled sadly, understanding what kind of pain Harry had felt when he had had his nightmare.

Harry returned her smile sheepishly, “I’d rather not talk about it you all. I’ll tell you about it on the train when we’re all there.” By this Harry meant the fifth member of their group, Neville Longbottom.

“But Harry,” Hermione broke through, before Ginny put her hand on Harry’s and looked at Hermione.

“Not now Hermione. I think, Harry wants to think to himself for a bit.”

Harry nodded, glad Ginny was always able to understand him so easily. In reality, she had become closer to him than Hermione or Ron had, in the past year. Ron would always be his first friend, and Hermione and he would be Harry’s best friends forever. But Ginny, she was something different. Not someone he was meant to be with, but a friend on a whole other level.

---

After arriving at the station and grabbing the necessary trolley’s for each of them, they made their way to the wall that led to Platform nine and three quarters. Harry watched Ron, then Hermione, and then finally Ginny enter the wall, disappearing after walking through. Harry sighed as he walked forward and then straight through it. He welcomed the sight that stood before him. The Hogwarts Express was steaming, ready to go, with children milling about everywhere. He was going home.

“Come along now Harry,” Mrs. Weasley said after stepping through the wall after Harry. She nudged him and Harry followed his friends to the train before pausing at the news stand. He picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet and sighed to himself. The headline blared out, Magical Attack on Muggle Community, 134 dead He paid for the paper and opened it up while his friends got on the train, after Mrs. Weasley waved them goodbye.

Magical Attack on Muggle Community, 134 Dead

By Irene Medial

What started out as a normal night for a group of muggle teenagers ended in horrible disaster. In a muggle nightclub known as The Box, one hundred thirty four casualties arose from what appears to be a dark wizard’s attack. It is not known who committed these attacks, but numerous assumptions can be made from the evidence presented. Firstly, witnesses outside the club saw numerous men in dark cloaks enter the club after killing the bouncer who stood outside with what the muggles called, “a bright green light.” This reporter assumes that it was the killing curse, Avada Kedavra.

Second, a green skull appeared above the club which is most notably The Dark Mark of Voldemort, but it should be noted that other dark wizards have used this mark to signify their clan of merciless wizards, most notably the dark wizard Salazar Slytherin. What does this mark mean? When asking minister of public relations about these events, the head advisor to the minister, Percival Weasley only said, “The Ministry would like to allay the fears of the public as to Voldemort’s return. We know there have been rumors of you-know-who’s return, but there has been no evidence of his return. These acts are unrelated but rest assured, this will not happen again.” Whether or not what Mr. Weasley says is true, what is known is that many in the ministry are arguing that the wizards who committed this act were not dark. They were merely taking care of a muggle problem. These disputes make this reporter wonder, how corrupt is the ministry as to the fact that they would allow something like this to occur?

The third bit of important evidence in this case is that one of the victims in this case was not a muggle, but a squib. The family has asked that he not be named, but it is known that he is from a prominent wizarding family, and that they have numerous enemies in the ministry. Why is this important, some may ask. The fact is, when you-know-who was in power, he made note of attacking squibs and many squibs had disappeared over the last few years he was in power. While many consider this a far fetched theory and merely a coincidence, it must be considered.

So who is behind these attacks? Whether or not the ministry will like you to believe it or not, he-who-must-not-be-named has appeared to have returned. We will give the ministry the benefit of the doubt, and say perhaps it is the return of the Order of the Serpent Tongue, also known more commonly has the Death Eaters. The last attack these Death Eaters that is known is two years ago at the Quidditch World Cup, when they attacked a group of muggles.

The Daily Prophet has decided not to make stories up, as reporters of the past have done. We are sad to admit but that has occurred. This reporter specifically wants to make sure you, the public, knows what is going on, and makes sure that you will be warned.

Harry scanned the article again quickly to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. One hundred thirty four dead? How could this be?He stuffed the paper in his trunk and dashed off the to the train. When he reached the train and grabbed hold of the railing, he paused for a moment. Harry turned his head and looked around, feeling a piercing gaze upon his body.

His green eyes finally met up with a familiar set of steely gray eyes. Malfoy. He watched Malfoy surround himself with his usually Slytherin crowd, including the now stunning Blaise Zabini, and Malfoy’s two idiotic henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle. Pansy Parkinson was also hanging around them, grotesquely trying to get her arms around the blonde haired git. Harry thought to himself. Malfoy smirked at Pansy, pushing her away, clearly only interested in Blaise. He looked at Harry again, smirking. He helped Blaise onto the train just as they were joined by another girl. Draco turned to her and smiled, waving his hand, motioning her to get on. The dark-haired girl turned slightly, revealing her face to Harry, who recognized her immediately. Maria Malfoy, younger sister of Draco Malfoy. Harry felt himself choke as Mrs. Weasley came up behind him, urging him to get on the train

“Harry! Here you are! Hurry up now! The train is about to leave.” She pushed him forward, jerking Harry out of his reverie. He smiled at Mrs. Weasley and she hugged him quickly. He looked over once more at the Slytherins and saw Malfoy wink and grin at him, as he himself got on the train. That creep it up to something, he thought miserably, or he knows something I don’t. With that, he got on the train.

---

After Harry had reported to the prefect compartment to let them know he would be with his friends, he wandered through the train until he found his friends, the full crew. During the past year, their tight nit trio had expanded to include not only Ginny, but also Neville Longbottom. In the middle of their fifth year, Neville had finally come of age and with that, came extraordinary magical power. For him at least. His magical prowess was amazing. Before, when he lacked it, he had studied and studied, practiced and practiced, trying to keep up with his classmates, but never succeeding. However, when his magical powers fully manifested themselves, all the practicing and learning had paid off, making his skills rival that of Hermione. He was still pathetic at potions, as well as defense against the dark arts. The boy had never been able to cope with darkness; he was never comfortable with it.

Yet, in transfiguration and charms, he was amazing. He fell behind Hermione only on a minimal level, impressing all of them. No longer was Neville a pathetic loser, who was magically inept. However, even though his magical powers had become great, he still lacked self-confidence and would probably always keep to himself. To an extent, Harry felt as if he did not Neville at all, and that would probably never change. Physically, Neville was still nothing imposing, chubby and cursed with a large bum, which the Slytherins tormented him about. Nonetheless, Neville ignored these taunts, and joined the trio along with Ginny, who he still longed after. If Ginny returned these feelings, Harry could not know. She had gotten over the boy who lived, that was for certain.

Harry took a deep breath and leaned back in his seat, staring out the window. It had been a long and tiring summer, and he was glad he was finally headed home. He felt relief surge through him as he heard the train’s whistle sound and the train began to chug away, slowly at first and then speeding up until it was finally moving. The trees moved by in a blur as he watched out the window as the train moved away from the outskirts of London and into the unsettled lands. After about fifteen minutes, his friends stopped chatting amiably and decided to cut to the chase. Neville looked up at Harry and smiled, thinking of a way to go about this; he noticed Harry was not paying any attention to their conversation.

“Harry?” Harry didn’t answer. “Harry? You there?”

Harry looked up at Neville, startled, “Sorry, Neville. What’d you say?”

“Nothing yet. I was wondering though.” That had been another change in Neville, he spoke clearly and concise, his tone rarely showing any emotion as he kept it all to himself.

Harry asked, “Yeah?”

“You told everyone you would tell them what happened in your dream earlier today,” Neville paused, looking thoughtful before adding, “I would understand if you wanted to keep it to yourself, but I would like to know what happened as well. We could help you understand exactly what happened.”

Harry sighed, “I already know exactly what happened. Voldemort,” Ron winced at the name. He had never gotten over that, “and his death eaters ruthlessly attacked and killed innocent muggles.”

“You sure it was absolutely real? I would put it passed You-Know-Who to fake something like this.” Ron looked around and added, “I mean, what if he knows that you can see him with your scar.”

“Trust me, it was real.” Harry pulled out the Daily Prophet and tossed it to him. Ron quickly scanned it, his mouth open. He handed to Hermione.

“Okay. I suppose it was real.” Ron sat back in his seat, “One hundred thirty seven. Merlin.” Ron swore thinking of all those dead. “All over one squib?”

Hermione finished reading and passed the paper to Neville, “They said that was a possibility Ron. It could have been just a coincidence.”

“Hermoine, while I’m glad to see you’re talking to Ron,” Hermione turned slightly red, “but I really doubt that it was a coincidence. And I think you know that too.”

“Yes, I suppose. But honestly, you can’t rule out a coinci-” she was cut off by Neville.

“Yes you can. This is you-know-who. He knew damn well who the squib was.” Harry was shocked. Neville rarely spoke with so much force. Of course, Voldemort had affected Neville in nearly the same way Harry had been affected. Voldemort’s death eaters had driven the Longbottoms insane, forcing Neville to live with his grandparents and forcing his parents into St. Mungos.

“Recognize any of the death eaters, Harry?” Ginny asked now, speaking for the first time.

Harry thought hard, trying to remember the dream. “Yeah. Only one though. Wormtail.”

“Shoulda’ killed him when you had the chance Harry,” Ron said, as a matter of factly. Harry looked at Ron, seemingly worn out. Ginny sometimes looked at Harry, and realized that Harry was older mentally than he should have been. So much had been forced upon on him, so much was expected of him. It wasn‘t fair, yet Harry dealt with it. She felt slightly angered by her brother when he pointed out Harry‘s mistake.

“I know Ron. Can’t change the past though.”

“Wormtail though?” Neville asked, realizing there was more to this than Harry had said.

“Yeah. He was more powerful now, he doesn’t even use a wand. I told you about the hand right?” He stopped and continued once everyone had nodded. “Yeah, well, it acts as a wand for him. And I could tell it added to his power.”

Hermione smiled and grabbed Harry’s hand, squeezing it, “You know we’re with you Harry. You don’t have to go through all this alone.”

“Thanks you, Hermione. I’d probably be dead without you all.”

She smiled at him, “Yeah, you probably would.”

Meanwhile Ginny was talking to Ron, while Neville sat quietly by himself. “I still can’t believe that Percy’s Scabbers did all this.”

Ron scowled and answered, “He was mine when we found out who he was, ya’know.”

“Oh I know. But he was Percy’s.”

“Ginny. Scabbers was mine,” Ron said possessively.

Hermione coughed while Harry grinned, “Does it really matter Ron?”

“Well know, but well, he was mine.”

“Time to grow up Ron. You know, dark wizard, doesn’t really belong to anyone,” Hermione smiled at her friend.

Ron shut up but not before grumbling, “well he was mine,” Just as Ron said this, the door to the compartment opened a small shaggy haired boy walked in. He looked around the compartment, looking lost.

“Can we help you?” Hermione asked, the prefect in her kicking in.

“Not really,” he paused, looking around the compartment. “Well, maybe you can. I heard there‘s a celebrity going to Hogwarts. I wanted to meet him.”

Harry sighed, getting up, “Hi, I’m Harry Potter.” He stuck his hand out to the little boy.

He looked at the hand blankly and then up at Harry. “Okay?”

Ron guffawed and Harry blushed. Ginny and Hermione joined in, with Neville just smiling. Someone doesn’t know who I am? Harry pulled back his hand, feeling obnoxious. “Well, you said you were looking for the celebrity. I just thought --”

Ron cut in, grinning from ear to ear. “Harry Potter here is the celebrity. Took on you-know-who and lived to tell the tale. You know, the boy who lived.”

“You know who?”

Ron blanched, “huh?”

“I’m sorry. I’m muggle born. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“That explains it!” Ron said, smacking his forehead.

“Don’t worry about it,” Harry said. The boy just nodded and started to leave. Ginny stopped him saying, “You need any help getting back?”

“No. I’m good. Thanks for your help. I think.” Ginny smiled and the boy blushed before leaving the compartment.

---

A half hour had passed and Harry shifted in his chair, realizing they still had another hour and a half on the train ride to Hogwarts. He looked around and heard his stomach growl. The boy looked around to see if anyone had noticed, but saw that Ron was asleep, with Ginny’s head on his shoulder. Neville was awake, but was deeply sucked into his own thoughts. Hermione was reading a book, and after a quick glance, saw it was the text for potions.

“Potions, Hermione?” He smiled, “traitor.”

Hermione looked up, about to flare in indignation, but stopped when she saw Harry smiling, “Yes, I want to get ahead this year.”

“You always want to get ahead. Every year, its the same thing.”

“Well yes, but this year, I want to complete Potions in such a way that Snape will be unable to do anything but congratulate me.”

Neville’s train of thought was broken and he looked at Hermione, “like that will ever happen.”

“I must concur with Neville,” Harry said.

“Well, you both don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hermione’s face was dead serious, “so hush!”

Harry and Neville laughed softly, not wanting to wake Ron up. Hermione angrily returned to her book. Just as he stopped laughing, his stomach rumbled again and this time Neville noticed. “The food cart hasn’t been by yet has it?” he asked of Neville.

Neville shook his head, “Want to go look to see what’s up?”

“Definitely.”

“I’ll come with you,” Neville said quickly.

“Ah, there’s that unmatchable lust for food again, Longbottom,” Harry said jokingly, merriment in his eyes. He instantly regretted as Neville stood up and moved for the door, with only half a smile.

“Yeah, sometimes its uncontrollable,” he answered, trying to brush the joke off. He opened the door to the compartment and stepped through. A group of Ravenclaws were in this compartment, chatting amiably.

Harry quickly followed suit, nodding to the Ravenclaws. “Listen Neville, I’m sorry,” he continued to follow Neville to the next door, this time a group of second year Hufflepuffs. “I shouldn’t of said that.”

Neville whirled on Harry, making the young students jump. He had a glow of anger in his eyes but it quickly faded and he returned to same, soft yet constrained Neville. “It’s alright. I know you were just joking.”

“Still, I had no right to say something like that to my friend,” Harry looked truly apologetic.

Neville’s face softened a bit more. “Don‘t worry about it. I know you didn‘t mean anything by it.” Neville then turned and Harry walked next to him as they reached the third compartment. They opened it and saw the other members of their year, a few fifth years as well. The whole lot were Gryffindors, like them. “Hey Dean and Seamus,” Neville smiled at them. They nodded and greeted them as well, with Parvati and Lavender smiling up at them from their seats.

“Hey Parvati. Hey, uhm,” Harry stuttered. “Lavender.”

Somehow this caused Lavender to smile coyly up at him and Harry quickly turned to Dean and Seamus, where Neville was questioning them. “Have you guys gotten the food cart yet?”

Dean answered, “No, not yet.” Seamus stood up.

“I suppose that’s what you two are looking for,” he motioned to the door, “I’ll come with you all.”

“Bye Harry,” Lavender said, which caused Harry to say something he couldn’t believe.

“You look really pretty Lavender,” he instantly wished he hadn’t. She said bye, you idiot! He thought to himself, Good lord, you’d think I was a third year, embarrassed around girls

Lavender blushed and smiled sweetly at him, before standing up and whispering sensuously in his ears, “You don’t have to hide it. It’s so obvious.” Harry lost it and turned completely red, causing everyone else in the compartment to laugh. Harry mumbled bye and walked out, followed by Neville and Seamus, who was clearly annoyed by the way Dean was fawning all over the fifth year.

“Silly git, he’s so annoying when he’s all mushy.”

---

After walking for a few more minutes on the train, and meeting old friends such as Cho Chang and the Creevey brothers, they finally made it to a loud compartment, the noise deafening. “Shall we?” Neville said, indicating to the door and Seamus smiled and opened the door and motioned for Harry to enter. He took one step in and was instantly shocked and disgusted by what he saw.

“Bloody Slytherins,” Seamus muttered from behind him after entering. “They’re hogging all the food for themselves.”

The Slytherins had indeed taken over the food cart, constantly buying things to keep the old witch’s business. They were, more or less, having a party on the train. The compartment held almost fifteen kids, all crammed in. Harry noticed that they were all fifth years and above, and then at the same time, he noticed his rival just as he noticed him.

“Malfoy,” Harry sneered. Draco laughed and looked past Harry and at Neville.

“Mad Neville? Honestly, you’d think we were doing a favor, keeping the food away from you.” Most of the Slytherins ignored the Gryffindors, not caring for them or not noticing them at all. The ones who had noticed however, laughed at Malfoy‘s crack.

“No,” Seamus said, stepping in, “he’s just trying to figure out why a snake like you isn’t eating live prey.”

Malfoy laughed at this, “That wit Seamus, that’ll get you noticed someday.” He paused, as if thinking it over, “Nevermind, I forgot who I was referring to.”

Harry stayed silent during all this, not bothering to get sucked into Malfoy’s game, knowing full well that if Neville wanted to, he could hold his own. Seamus was another story.

“Make-up Malfoy? That face’ll maybe get you noticed someday,” Seamus mocked the Slytherin, “Oh nevermind, I forgot who I was referring to.”

Harry then decided he would not partake in this, and walked over to where Blaise and Maria Malfoy were sitting. He couldn’t help but notice Blaise looked astounding, but that was reduced by the viciousness in the eyes. “What do you want, Potter?”

“You look really stunning this year, Blaise.”

Blaise looked at his quizzically, not knowing how to respond to a compliment. She had expected her rudeness to be returned in kind. Harry, satisfied, looked at Maria. “Hello Harry,” she said kindly, amusement in her eyes from Blaise’s reaction.

“Hullo’ Malfoy.” Maria looked shocked at his cold demeanor, but then quickly sobered. “What house do you think you’ll be sorted into Maria?” Harry asked her calmly.

Maria stared at him for a moment before answering. Harry couldn’t help but noticed her dark brown eyes where hypnotizing. “Slytherin, I suppose.”

“’Course Slytherin!” Malfoy said popping up, leaving Seamus fuming. Neville continued to stay silent, obviously unsure of himself. “Malfoys always go to Slytherin. It’s law.”

“I don’t believe you were involved in our conversation Malfoy,” Harry said, finding himself growing angry.

“And I don’t remember you being invited in here, Potter,” he sneered in kind. “Urgh!” Harry had suddenly grabbed his arm and twisted Malfoy’s body around so that he was slammed up against the wall, his arm pinned in a painful way behind him. Seamus looked at Harry in suprise, as did the rest of the Slytherins. The compartment was deathly quiet. For a moment Harry thought Neville would calm him down, but a quick glance in his direction told him otherwise. Neville looked on with merriment in his eyes.

To Harry’s shock, Malfoy smiled. “Feel powerful back there Potter?” Harry grunted angrily in reply. “Sound intelligent there Potter. It’s a wonder how you got through the maze during the tri-wizard tournament without anything going wrong.” Harry instantly felt a wave of sadness envelope his mind, remembering thoughts of a boy, thoughts of a death he had long ago forgiven himself for. He noticed Goyle moving for Harry, but Neville had brought his wand up and put an impedimenta curse on him.

Draco laughed, continuing. “Oh wait a second, mate. I completely forgot about Diggory. Sacrificial lamb, ‘eh mate?” Harry‘s anger flared up suddenly, and he put more pressure on Malfoy‘s hand, who could no longer ignore the pain. Nonetheless, he continued, “You remember him, don‘t you Potter? Tall bloke. Hufflepuff.” Draco‘s already wide smile widened. “I‘m surprised you don‘t recall. You did kill him, you know.”

Harry ignored him, “What’s your father up to Malfoy, masquerading around as a rich muggle?” Malfoy’s smile faded at the veiled insult towards his family.

“None of your business Potter. I will tell you however, that he is not masquerading. He doesn’t even live there. Muggles are stupid creatures.” Harry could barely control himself.

“Don’t you dare call them creatures Malfoy. Don’t even refer to them,” Harry’s voice only whispered now. “You‘re not worthy.”

Malfoy only could whisper back, “By the time you find out anything, Potter, it will be far to late.”

Harry released him, drained. Malfoy rubbed his arm, smiling, while after quick glance to Neville saw that the overweight boy looked disappointed. He released Goyle from the curse who stumbled forward and fell on his face. Seamus laughed, “I’m surprised at you Malfoy. I would have figured overused cliches were beyond you.”

Malfoy just smiled at him, sitting down. “I do believe you came looking for food, Potter. Excuse me, I mean the beast that is Longbottom.” The Slytherins snickered at this. Harry just nodded and after a load of food was bought, they left. Harry was the last to go, and he quickly glared at Malfoy, but not before including Maria in it as well. As he walked away from the compartment, he heard roars of laughter from the Slytherins as their party resumed.

---

The rest of the train ride was uneventful for Harry and the others. They had returned with the food and had shared it with the others, yet just after a few minutes, the cart came by and they bought more food. Neville had filled them in on what had happened on the train, and Hermione had looked at Harry with a look of worry, but did not voice her concerns. Shortly after, the train arrived at Hogwarts and they disembarked, enjoying the warm fall day as they strolled to the carriages. Upon nearing the carriages, Harry noticed Hagrid standing over the young children, guiding them to the boats.

“Hagrid’s back!” Ron said enthusiastically when Hagrid noticed them.

“Ey ‘Arry! Yeh’ had a good summer?” he said walking over to them.

Hermoine smiled, “Yes Hagrid. I’m glad to see you’re back. We missed you last year.” “Yeh’, well yeh’ know, been doin’ things for Professor Dumbledore. Kept me busy last year,” he grinned broadly at them, and turned back to the first years. He was just walking away before turning back, and smiling again, “I really miss yeh’ all.”

“How do you think his envoy to the giants went?” Neville asked.

“Now Neville, we don’t know that was what he was up to.” Ginny said.

“Yeah we do. Honestly, what else would they be doing, Ginny?” Ron asked of his little sister. He stopped and squinted at one of the first year boats. “Hey, what‘s that girl doing with them? Shouldn‘t she be with us?”

Harry looked at who Ron was speaking of and saw it was Maria. “Yeah. Her first year here though. ‘Reckon’ she’s being forced to go with the first years, from her look that is.” She did indeed have a look of disdain as she got on the boat with Hagrid and two small first years.

“Damn Harry. Why didn’t you tell me she was so pretty.” Ron said, mouth open.

Harry jabbed him in his side before muttering, “She’s a Malfoy.”

“They all can’t be that bad, can they?” Neville smiled while Ginny started sniggering at Ron.

“I think Ron has a little crush.”

Harry looked at Ron while Ron blushed. He felt a twinge in his chest and a sudden, yet short, flare of anger. Ron walked off to the carriages after Hermione while Harry started at him. I want nothing to do with Maria, anways. He thought to himself. Then another voice spoke up at the back of his head, Then why are you jealous?

---

The carriage ride had been short and enjoyable, but they all wanted to get to the castle and enjoy the opening feast. Upon arriving, Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into the entrance and then after a few moments, Ginny walked in with Neville, looking flustered. Ron looked at her, “Everything alright, Gin?”

“No, everything is not alright.” With that, she stocked off to the Great Hall. Harry looked at Neville.

Neville answered his look with one word, “Malfoy.” He followed after Ginny. Ron’s face turned red with anger, this only adding to the anger he felt at Malfoy after hearing what had happened on the train. He then calmed down after Hermione rested her had on his shoulder. Hermione smiled at him and went into the great hall. Ron followed, leaving Harry to his own thoughts.

The Slytherins were foul creatures, but Harry had rarely felt annoyed with them. Hate, loathing, extreme discomfort and embarrassment, but never annoyed. It was all childish. The inter-house warfare and such. Yet, it made Hogwarts what it was. One of the things, at least. Hogwarts, the school for wizards and witches. Harry never felt more comfortable anywhere than here. Number Four Privet Drive was anything but comfortable. While The Burrow was comfortable, it was really the home away from home. Harry’s true home was Hogwarts.

He smiled to himself. “I’m home,” he whispered to himself, and quickly followed his friends in the Great Hall.

---