The Sides of Fear

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 3
Revenge and Relief

The owls had arrived from Hogwarts carrying their book lists for the upcoming year, and everyone was going to spend the day in Diagon Alley. Harry, Ron, and Ginny had decided to meet up with Hermione at Gringotts. Actually, it had been Harry and Ginny who had suggested they meet up with her. Ron was still oblivious to Hermione's existence, and had begun to protest until Ginny had punched him, and called him an idiot. Ron had looked pleadingly towards Harry, but he knew there was no way of ditching Hermione.

Mrs. Weasley had told them to meet up with her at the Leaky Cauldron since she had errands to run. They arrived at Gringotts with Harry successfully using Floo Powder coming out unscathed. They could see Hermione standing by Gringotts looking very nervous as the trio walked up the steps.

"Hi Harry, Gin...Ron," Hermione said cautiously.

"It's so good to see you again Mione," Ginny said rushing up to hug her friend.

"Yeah, you look great Hermione," Harry said.

"Hi," Ron muttered, looking down at his feet.

Harry just looked at Ron and remembered how big of a prat Ron could be when he wanted to. Before he could say anything the girls had already gone into Gringotts. Harry quickly turned around with a furious look.

"YOU STUPID PRAT!" yelled Harry. "I KNEW YOU COULD BE STUPID AND A PRAT, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD BE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!"

Ron was taken aback as his friend was standing outside of Gringotts yelling at him, and calling him a stupid prat. People had stopped to look at the two boys, and Ron could feel his cheeks burning.

"Harry, I..." Ron started.

"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN! I'M TIRED OF SEEING YOU TREAT HERMIONE LIKE THIS!" Harry yelled, now feeling his own face go red out of anger. "SO SNAP OUT OF IT BEFORE I HEX YOU!"

Ron just stood there flabbergasted hearing people around them giggling and laughing.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I'm a prat," sighed Ron, looking down at his feet once again.

"AND IF...huh? What did you just say?" asked Harry.

"I said I'm a prat," Ron said looking up.

"You forgot the stupid part," added Harry.

"Sorry. I meant stupid prat," Ron said with a slight smile.

"Much better. Now what do you say we go in and talk to the girls?" Harry said grinning.

"Sounds good to me."

When they walked into the bank they could see Hermione and Ginny standing in line waiting to exchange Hermione's Muggle money. They walked up to them, and Harry dragged away Ginny saying something about an incredible goblin statue of the founder of Gringotts.

"Ahem," coughed Ron trying not to look at Hermione. "I'm sorry Hermione," he said.

"What?" asked Hermione turning around looking at Ron.

"I said I'm sorry for being a stupid prat."

"You should be," snorted Hermione.

"I know I can be a bit...thick-headed, but it's just because I care about you," Ron said feeling his ears turn pink.

"Well, the next time you feel like showing how much you care about me try to think of a different way to show it," Hermione said trying to hide a smile.

"I'll try. I just hate it when Ginny's right," added Ron looking up seeing a smile play on Hermione's lips.

"She is right you know. You can be a stupid prat sometimes," said Hermione grinning.

They both looked at each other, and knew everything was going to be alright. From across the lobby Harry and Ginny could only laugh at the scene that was being played out in front of them. They both knew that Ron and Hermione liked each other a lot.

"That's my brother," Ginny said in between laughs. "The most stupid boy at Hogwarts."

Harry looked at her surprised. She really had changed a lot during the summer.

A few minutes later Harry went to get some money out of his vault, and after that it was off to Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions.

***

"How is he taking all of this?"

"He's fine," snapped Lucius. "He's a Malfoy."

"Do you think he'll succeed?" asked Narcissa.

"If he knows what's good for him, he will," said Lucius turning around to grab the carafe.

He slowly filled up his goblet with wine that had the look of blood.

"But he is so young still," Narcissa said hesitantly holding out her goblet for Lucius to fill.

"Lord Voldemort seems to think there is something special about him," sneered Lucius remembering Voldemort's words about his own abilities.

"We must keep him strong if he's to survive this year," said Narcissa. "He mustn't find out about the weakness in our family."

"You mean your family," added Lucius angrily.

"We can't tell him. He mustn't find out."

"I know my dear. He won't find out," said Lucius flatly.

"In Vino Veritas," said Narcissa holding up her goblet to take a drink.

Draco had heard enough as he made his way up to his room. He had been on his way down to see his mother, and ask her for advice for the upcoming year when he had heard his parents' voices. He sat down at the end of the bed and flung himself back feeling the bed soothe his nerves. Two weeks ago his father had come home after he had been summoned by Lord Voldemort, and told Draco it was time for him to meet his new master. Draco had always known his life would lead to the service of the Dark Lord, but he had thought he would have to wait until he was finished at Hogwarts. He reached for his dagger on the bedside table. The silver glistened in the light, and the dragon-shaped handle molded itself in Draco's hand. The eyes were an icy blue and they reminded him of himself. He had held it in his hands for as long as he could remember. Every time he did so it mesmerized him to a point where time seemed to stand still. He had asked his father about the strange dagger on his 4th birthday. The only answer he had received had been "It's from your future master." Draco closed his eyes and threw it up in the air. The dagger twirled around in the air only to land in Draco's outstretched hand. His eyes were still closed. He had never missed a throw with his dagger. The curious part about it was that the dagger only responded to him. His father had once tried to use it to "punish" Draco, but as his father had aimed to cut him the dagger had stopped in mid-air followed by a scream. The dagger had burned the mark of the dragon in Lucius' hand. His punishment had of course been more severe after that incident.

"I belong to him now," whispered Draco. "My new master."

The memory of the dagger brought back childhood memories that Draco had tried to surpress. Most of his childhood had been full of pain and suffering. His father had been quick to clue Draco in on the secrets of pain and how to block it out. "Fear is for the weak," his father had said. "Pain is glory." His father had made sure to give Draco "instructions" on how to tolerate pain. The marks on his body bore testament to that. He could feel the seering pain of the hot branding irons that had made the marks on his shoulders as if it was yesterday. He had hated his father for years now. He remembered the time when his father had hung him up, and cut him all over his body. His eyes had sparked with hatred, and his father had seen it.

"Yes. Finally. I can see the hatred in you," Lucius whispered as he cut Draco over his chest again. "Keep it inside you. Let it fester. Let it feed your mind."

"I...hate...you," Draco spat out.

"You don't know what true hate is. I will teach you though," growled Lucius letting his knife dance over Dracos arms. "You will be ready when he is not," added Lucius, his eyes glistening with content.

Draco could hear footsteps coming closer to his door. It was his father. He was the only one that would come to his room. The handle moved and the door creaked. He aimed his dagger at the door, and was just about to throw it when the door stopped short of opening, and was slowly shut. Draco sighed and lay down on his bed, throwing the dagger up in the air, over, and over again.

"I will have my revenge," he thought as the dragon's eyes seemed to look into his soul.

Draco drifted off into a trance as he kept on throwing the dagger, whispering "Revenge."

***

"Gin, would you look at this!" shrieked Hermione.

"Oh, that's to die for Mione," said Ginny feeling the hem of the velvet robe.

As Hermione was on her way to ask for resizing Ginny saw a dress robe that took her breath away. The silver and gold shimmered as the light gently stroked each strand of fabric. Ginny walked around the dress letting her hand sweep across it. It felt so light that she could've sworn it was barely there. Hermione had come running back finding Ginny by the dress robe.

"Gin, that dress is made for you," gasped Hermione.

"I know. Isn't it beautiful?" said Ginny. "Too bad it's just a dream," sighed Ginny letting her hand fall to her side.

"How much is it?" asked Hermione.

Ginny lifted up the price tag, letting it go with a dejected laugh.

"A girl can dream can't she?" she said walking away from the dress holding back her tears. "I never have anything new," she thought to herself as she made her way over to the exit where Harry and Ron were waiting.

Harry and Ron had known the trip to Madam Malkin's was inevitable, but little did they know that the girls were going to spend two hours looking at dress robes. At every shriek from Hermione or Ginny there had been an equally painful roll of the eyes from Ron followed by groans from Harry. He and Ron had picked out their dress robes in seven minutes, and that was counting the time it took to fit them. Ron had actually fallen asleep on the bench, no doubt put there for a reason, and Harry had sat down to look at the people walking by the store. After a while he had seen Hermione, with her bushy hair, come darting by looking for the seamstress. He had looked up to find Ginny standing by a dress made out of silver and gold. The sight took Harry's breath away. The dress looked like it would be a perfect fit for Ginny, and he had left his mouth hanging open. "She's definately not a little girl anymore," he thought still unable to tear his eyes away from Ginny. Hermione had went back to Ginny, and they had exchanged a few words until Ginny had come walking up to where Ron and Harry were sitting.

"I'll be right outside. I just need to go outside for a while," Ginny had said as she walked out quickly.

Hermione had come up to him looking sad.

"What's wrong with Ginny?" Harry asked.

"She saw this perfect dress," said Hermione sadly, "but she can't afford it."

"It was really beautiful," said Harry looking out the window at Ginny.

Harry turned around only to find Hermione with an evil smile plastered on her face.

"What was really beautiful?" asked Hermione amused.

"Wh...well...the dress," Harry stammered feeling his cheeks go pink.

"Uh huh," said Hermione nodding. "I'm sure you thought so," she added giggling as she went up to pay for her new dress robe.

Harry woke up Ron who was talking in his sleep about Quaffles and Chasers. As Ron got all his books together trying to help Hermione with all her bags, Harry walked over to the dress Ginny had been looking at. He looked at the price tag, and carefully looked at again just to make sure his eyes hadn't deceived him. He turned around, and ran back to the door where Ron and Hermione were trying desperately to get out without dropping one of their bags.

They made their way up to the Leaky Cauldron and sat down to wait for Mrs. Weasley. All of a sudden Harry remembered something Mr. Weasley had asked him to do.

"I'll be right back," said Harry darting out of the Leaky Cauldron heading for the Muggle streets.

"What's with him?" asked Ron frowning.

"Dad asked him to get something for him this morning," said Ginny staring at Hermione's bag from Madam Malkin's.

Hermione could see her staring at her bag, and she tried to shuffle around her bags in order to hide her new dress robe. The door opened again, and Mrs. Weasley stood in the doorway looking flustered. She walked up to the trio and sat down letting out an exasperated sigh. She looked around only to find Harry gone.

"Where's Harry?" she asked with worry.

"He just had an errand to run for Dad," Ginny said snapping out of her sadness. She didn't want to make her mother feel bad about not having enough money to buy a new dress robe.

At that moment the door flung open with Harry struggling to carry a huge box into the Leaky Cauldron. He waved his arms to catch Ron's attention asking him to help him out. Ron ran over to help him out, and was surprised at how heavy the box was.

"What's in this ruddy thing?" he asked.

"Ronald Weasley," started Mrs. Weasley.

"Sorry Mum," said Ron coughing before he spoke again.

"Harry old chap, what, if I may so humbly inquire, is in that cube made out of re-enforced paper?" Ron said with his best Percy impression.

Harry couldn't help but laugh. Hermione and Ginny were giggling, but Mrs. Weasley gave Ron a stern look.

"I'll let your Dad show you when he gets home," Harry said walking over to grab his bags.

They made their way to the fireplace in the back with Mrs. Weasley going first followed by Ginny and Hermione.

"So what's in that ruddy thing anyway?" asked Ron again.

Mrs. Weasley's head popped up in the fire to the boys' surprise.

"Ronald Weasley. What did I tell you? Get back here now. You have chores to do," said Mrs. Weasley as she disappeared once again leaving Ron looking horrified.

"I can't blo...believe it," said Ron looking shocked as he stepped into the fire.

***

It had been a busy morning for Dumbledore as Professor McGonagall had dropped off a list containing more "suitable" candidates for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Dumbledore chuckled at the thought of Minerva's efforts to see to it that there was a change in faculty. Severus had also been kind enough to drop off a list of his own of perfectly good Potions teachers to replace him when he took over as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He had however informed Dumbledore that the potions were ready, and that there would be no problems during the school year. Dumbledore's light mood changed as his mind turned to matters concerning the chalice and Voldemort. Things were dire in the wizarding world, and there was no time to waste. He had to make sure Harry was taught everything he might need to know. After that all he could do was hope that he would be ready.

"Our fate rests on hope," sighed Dumbledore as he crumpled up the papers, and threw them in the fire.

***

Harry woke up in the middle of the night only to hear Ron snoring loudly, and talking in his sleep.

"Hermione," grumbled Ron as he threw his arms out, and pursed his lips.

Harry almost fell off the bed trying to stop himself from laughing out loud. Ron turned over mumbling something else that Harry couldn't make out. Harry was wide awake now and walked downstairs to grab his broom. Whenever he felt like he couldn't sleep he would grab his broom and go for a ride. When he walked outside he kicked off and soared into the air. As he looked back at the house he could see a figure out on the ledge huddled up. When he came closer he could see it was Ginny.

"What are you doing up?" he asked her.

"Couldn't sleep," she said looking scared.

"Did you have a nightmare again?" asked Harry quietly.

Ginny's head shot up.

"Nightmares? Who to...No, no nightmares. I just couldn't sleep," lied Ginny.

"Ron told me in a letter," said Harry landing on the ledge, and sitting down next to Ginny.

"He just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut," said Ginny angrily.

"Ginny. He's just worried. You're his little sister, you know," Harry said.

"I'm not so little anymore. I hate being called that," whispered Ginny turning away from Harry.

"I've been wanting to talk to you about that for a long time," said Harry grabbing Ginny's hand.

Ginny couldn't believe it. She felt like she couldn't speak, but somehow words came out of her mouth.

"Harry, I'm so scared," she said shaking.

"I'm so sorry Ginny. It's all my fault. Everything's my fault," said Harry lowering his head. "Sometimes I wish I would never have found out about Hogwarts."

"What are you talking about? You saved me. Do you remember that?" replied Ginny.

"You almost died Ginny...and my parents...and Cedric did," said Harry still with his head between his knees. "It's all my fault."

"You know sometimes you're as stupid as Ron," said Ginny starting to look mad. "It's not your fault those people died. It's all You-Know-Who's fault," Ginny continued.

Harry looked up at Ginny's face with tears running down his cheeks.

"You don't understand," he said. "It's all my fault."

"Harry, look at me," Ginny said waiting for Harry to focus on her. "It is not your fault. You saved me. You saved the whole school from the basilisk. You saved the world from Voldemort's tyranny in the first place," Ginny cringed. "You did all that. Nobody else could've done that."

"You said his name," Harry said baffled.

"Well, I can't really be afraid of a name, can I?" said Ginny scrunching up her nose.

Harry looked at Ginny and was amazed at how calm and gentle she seemed. She was right. She wasn't little anymore. Harry wiped away his tears and took out the necklace.

"I never got a chance to thank you for this," he said rubbing the pendant.

"It was just something I found," said Ginny blushing once again.

"Well, it seems to have helped me. I haven't had any nightmares since I started wearing it," Harry said still holding the pendant in his hand. "That's twice I owe you Miss Weasley," Harry said with a slight smile.

"I'm happy to see you're feeling a little better," said Ginny feeling herself drown in Harry's smile.

"I suppose I should get back to bed again before any of your brothers wake up, and think we're up to no good," said Harry getting up, putting the necklace back inside his shirt.

"I suppose you're right," said Ginny grinning. "You never know what my stupid prat of a brother would think."

They both smiled as Harry got on his broom, and soared out over the ledge.

"That's twice I owe you Ginny," Harry said turning around in the air. "Thank you."

With that Harry flew down to the ground and made his way inside.

Ginny was still sitting on the ledge looking up at the sky only to see a shooting star. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, and then got up and went to bed.

***

The Burrow was alive with commotion as preparations for the beginning of the school year were taking place. In less than 24 hours they would be on their way for another year at Hogwarts. The twins were busy finding all their order slips as well as trying to figure out how to sneak them past Mrs. Weasley. Harry and Ron had decided to break their tradition, and actually pack most of their things a day before.

"Books, books, and more books," groaned Ron as he threw his Divination book into his trunk.

"At least we didn't have to buy any of Lockhart's books," said Harry throwing one of his socks in Ron's face.

"Hey!" Ron yelled picking up a pair of his own socks aiming for Harry, but missing his mark.

"It's a good thing you're not going to try out as a Chaser," laughed Harry.

"Let's just get all this packing done so we can play some Quidditch," said Ron turning his attention back to his pile of books. "At least I have a new dress robe," said Ron smiling, "and it's a lot better than the one with lace."

"I don't know about that," Harry said, "I thought it looked cute on you."

Ron spun around, slightly red, only to see Harry with a giant grin on his face.

"That's not funny Harry," grumbled Ron. "We didn't have enough money to buy a new one," Ron continued, "but I'm glad that Fred and George bought me this one."

"Come to think of it," paused Ron, "I wonder where they got the money?"

Harry remembered how he had given Fred and George the money from the Tri-Wizard tournament, and he had made them promise to buy Ron a new dress robe. Of course the experiments that the twins had done during the summer really left Harry thinking it might not have been such a good idea.

"They probably got it from selling some of their stuff last year," said Harry flatly.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

"Well, I'm done. What about you Ron?"

"Just one more book," Ron muttered throwing in his copy of The Dark Arts: A History.

They ran down the stairs clutching their brooms in one hand, and a Quaffle in the other. They spent the rest of the evening giving Ron some practice, and when it was time to eat supper they were sweating and starving.

"I think I'll go take a shower," panted Harry as he walked up to the bathroom feeling tired, but content.

"Hurry up! I'm starving," yelled Ron as he went into the kitchen to steal a piece of food only to find his mother's watchful eye on every morsel of food.

***

"I have called you here today to make sure everything is going according to plans," said Voldemort looking around at his circle of Death Eaters.

"I have made sure that nothing will stop us this time, by recruiting an insider at Hogwarts."

"I am ready my lord," said a figure wrapped in a black cloak.

"Come here," hissed Voldemort.

The figure made its way from the circle into the middle where Voldemort was waiting.

"Bow to your master," said Voldemort.

"Yes my lord."

"Now feel the pain," added Voldemort as he raised his wand. "Crucio!"

The dark figure let out a scream as the pain seemed to make its way through every limb. After a few seconds of agonizing pain Voldemort lowered his wand.

"Beg me not to do it again," hissed Voldemort his red eyes glowing with satisfaction.

"Please do not do it again my lord," gasped the figure. "Please...my lord."

"Hold out your arm," commanded Voldemort.

Voldemort grabbed a hold of the outstretched arm, and began to murmur an incantation. He let his wand glide across the arm, which was followed by another scream. As he let go of the arm, what looked like a searing wound, was the Dark Mark. The dark figure was still bowing down when Voldemort turned around.

"You are part of us now," said Voldemort, "and you know what is expected of you."

"Yes my lord."

"Now leave! And remember," Voldemort snarled, "I have people watching you."

"Yes my lord. I will not fail you."

The circle opened as the figure walked into the woods. Mars was shining brightly, and all that could be seen of the figure was a silver fang glistening in the darkness of the forest.

***

They arrived at Kings Cross and walked through to platform nine and three-quarters with ease. Harry remembered his second year when he and Ron had been forced to take Mr. Weasley's flying car to Hogwarts.

"Harry! Ron! Gin!" came a familiar voice.

Hermione was standing by the train waving madly trying to get the trio's attention.

"Hurry up so we can get a compartment!" yelled Hermione trying to get her bags on the train.

They managed to find a compartment and settled down just in time before the train began to move. Harry looked out to see Mrs. Weasley standing at the platform waving with a worried look on her face. She had been very concerned with all that had happened last year, and Ginny's nightmares hadn't made it easier for her to see her children leave home. A few nights before it was time to leave for Hogwarts she had asked Harry to try to keep an eye on all of them, but especially Ginny. Harry had promised her that he would try to keep all of them out of trouble, especially the twins.

The door slid open, and Fred and George popped their heads in.

"Mum thought she got all of it," grinned Fred, "but she didn't know about our secret compartments in our trunks. OW! What did you do that for," shouted Fred.

"Well it's not a secret anymore thanks to you," said George glaring at his brother.

"Oh, well we can trust all of them not to tell Mum," said Fred scanning the compartment. His eyes stopped at Ginny who obviously had no intention of letting an opportunity like this go idly by.

"Gin, my favorite sister," smiled Fred. "What do you say? You won't tell Mum about our little secret will you?"

"That all depends," said Ginny smiling.

"We'll do anything," said the twins in chorus.

"Anything?" asked Ginny.

"Well, almost anything," said George hesitantly.

"Promise me you won't give me any trick gifts for two years," said Ginny, "or else I'll tell Mum."

"TWO YEARS? Ginny that's not..."

"Fine," snorted Ginny turning away.

The twins looked at each other for a brief moment before they agreed on the terms, and left to go harass someone else.

"Gin, you just keep on surprising me," said Harry smiling at her.

"Well, you learn a lot when you grow up with six older brothers," giggled Ginny.

Hermione was absorbed by her copy of The Dark Arts: A History while Ron was absorbed by Hermione. Harry exchanged a glance with Ginny only to find that she was having trouble holding back her laugh. Harry was about to give Ron a nudge when the compartment door slid open again. This time an unwelcome guest was standing in the doorway.

"If it isn't Potty, Mudblood, and the Weasels," sneered Draco.

Ron started to take out his wand, but Harry held him back.

"Not now Ron. He's not worth it," growled Harry.

"What do you know about worth Potty?" snapped Draco.

"I know you're nothing but a little ferret," said Harry still trying to keep Ron from jumping Draco.

Draco's lips formed into a thin line as he quickly withdrew a dagger from his robe.

"I warned you before Potter. You should've chosen your company more carefully to begin with," said Draco angrily, "and now you'll have to pay the price."

"What are you going to do Malfoy? Use your knife on me?" said Harry feeling his anger building inside.

"When the time comes, I won't have to," said Draco smugly. "I warned you. Watch your back Potter."

Draco turned around and slammed the door shut.

"Just once I would like to turn him back into a ferret," scowled Ron taking his hand off his wand.

"Don't worry about it Ron," said Hermione letting her hand touch Ron's arm. "Like Harry said, he's not worth it."

"I don't care," said Ron blushing, "nobody treats my friends, or you, that way."

Both Harry and Ginny had noticed what Ron had just said, but decided not to make things worse for Ron who was already looking like he was going to explode any minute unless Hermione removed her hand from his arm. To everybody's relief she did so, but not before brushing her hand against his hand.

Ginny spent the rest of the journey looking out the window as she started thinking about her nightmares. They were getting worse. It had begun with her remembering small fragments of what had happened during her first year, but lately the dreams had become very real, and sometimes the outcome had been different. She shuddered to think that Harry and her would have died in that chamber. What scared her the most was not Voldemort or the Basilisk. She knew that Dumbledore had said that older and wiser wizards had been fooled by Voldemort, but she had done everything he had commanded. She had followed the orders of a book. "I'm so stupid," she thought to herself. "If a book can do this to me, then imagine what he could do if..." she broke off her thought shuddering.

Harry had been watching Ginny as she had been staring out the window apparently fascinated by the green pastures. He had seen her wince and shudder, and he knew what she was thinking about.

"Gin," he said softly startling her, "do you want to go with me and pick up something to eat?"

"Um, sure Harry."

Harry turned to Ron and Hermione.

"Do you want anything?"

"A couple of chocolate frogs wouldn't be bad," said Ron looking at his corned beef sandwich with a twisted expression.

"I just want something to drink," said Hermione taking her eyes out of her book for a second.

Harry and Ginny made their way out into the corridor and went to find the cart.

"Gin," started Harry, "what were you thinking about in there?"

"Oh, nothing," said Ginny keeping her eyes lowered.

"C'mon Gin, I know something's bothering you. Is it your nightmares?"

"Harry, I don't want to talk about it," snapped Ginny stopping, and turning to face Harry.

"Gin, I'm here if you need to talk about it."

"I said I don't want to talk about it!" yelled Ginny glaring at Harry.

"Gin, I'm worried about you. Besides I think it's my time to do something for you," added Harry. "It's the least I can do."

"Harry, I..."

Harry grabbed a hold of Ginny's arms and pulled her towards him.

"Gin, please let me help you. Please talk to me," begged Harry.

Ginny felt unable to talk as Harry was holding on to her tightly.

"I...I..."

She felt her resolve melt away only to be replaced with a feeling of bliss.

"I will," she whispered.

"Promise me you'll talk to me when you have another nightmare," said Harry still holding on to her.

"I promise," she said leaning closer to Harry.

"Thanks Gin," said Harry taking her into his arms, and hugging her.

Ginny had closed her eyes as she couldn't believe what was just happening. Harry was actually hugging her, and she didn't want the moment to end.

"Ahem!"

Harry and Ginny whirled around only to find Fred and George staring at them.

"What do you think you two are doing?" said Fred smiling.

"Yeah, if I didn't know any better I'd say something was going on," added George with a suspicious smile.

"Nothing's going on. We were just..." started Harry.

"Oh give it up!" yelled Ginny. "You won't be able to blackmail me with that," said Ginny trying to keep a straight face.

"We'll just see about that sis," said Fred turning around and grabbing George.

"For some reason I feel like you're at war with those two," said Harry scratching his head.

"If there's one thing I've learned it's not to give those two an inch," said Ginny calmly. "If you do, they'll take advantage of you."

"I guess you're right," said Harry remembering his birthday. "Let's get back to the compartment before Ron starts to suspect something," chuckled Harry.

***

As they pulled into Hogsmeade Harry could make out the enormous shape of Hagrid waiting to take care of the first year students.

"How are yeh Harry?" boomed Hagrid's voice scaring the first year students. "How was yehr sommer?"

"Well, it was the same old story at the Dursleys," said Harry, "but I spent the last month or so at the Burrow with Ron."

"Nice family them Weasleys," said Hagrid pushing a student in the right direction. "I'd best be off. Got's lots o' business ter take care of."

"I'll see you later tonight," said Harry watching Hagrid make his way through the students almost knocking one down onto the tracks.

When they finally reached the Great Hall Ron's stomach was making loud noises as they sat down at the Gryffindor table. Harry could hear the girls around each table giggle and look at him. Apparently it hadn't gone unnoticed that he had built up quite a physique during the summer. The goggling and drooling was interrupted as the doors opened to let in the first year students who would be sorted into their respective house. When the last two new students entered the Great Hall Harry's mouth dropped with the rest of the students'. In walked Fleur Delacour followed by Viktor Krum.

***

The Sorting Ceremony became a long tense affair for Harry as he watched Hermione and Ron taking turns glaring at Fleur and Viktor. Ron was furious that Viktor Krum was here at Hogwarts, and Hermione was shooting daggers at Fleur with her eyes. "If looks could kill," thought Harry, "we'd have two bodies on our hands right now." It didn't make matters better when both Viktor and Fleur were sorted into Gryffindor. Fleur immediately made her way in between Ron and Hermione, who gave her a glare that could've rivaled the petrifying glance of a basilisk. Ron, on the other hand, almost jumped out of his seat when Viktor sat down next to Hermione, and leaned in and whispered something to her. Whatever he said made Hermione giggle, and blush profusely.

"It is so nice to see you again 'arry," said Fleur, "and it is vairy nice to see you Ronald," added Fleur smiling.

"Call me Ron," blushed Ron.

"Oui, I will call you Ron zen," said Fleur happily grabbing hold of Ron's hand.

Hermione had turned her attention back to the girl from Beauxbatons. Harry could almost see the smoke coming out of Hermione's ears. He was just happy he wasn't sitting between the two of them.

"Herm-own-ninny," said Viktor. "I'm so glad to see you again."

Hermione turned around, her face still red with fury.

"Viktor," she said leaning in towards him, "I've missed you."

"I have missed you too," said Viktor letting his arm go around Hermione.

If Hermione had looked furious then Ron was looking like he was about to explode. Harry could see Ron clenching his fists as if ready to start a fight.

They were interrupted by Dumbledore who stood up from his chair as the Great Hall fell silent.

"My dear students. It is with great pleasure that I see all of you return for another year. The rules are the same as before. The Forbidden Forest is, of course, forbidden. Visits to Hogsmeade will be limited to third year students and above. The Inter-House Quidditch Cup will of course be taking place this year as there is no Tri-Wizard tournament."

At this the Great Hall erupted into cheers only to die down as Dumbledore continued.

"I am also pleased to be able to introduce your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am sure she will provide each and every one of you with...interesting lessons," said Dumbledore with a smile curling on his lip.

At that moment the doors to the Great Hall opened and in walked a silver haired woman wearing a tightly fitted black robe. Her blue eyes were focused on Dumbledore as she made her way up to the table. The boys looked like when they had seen Fleur walk into the Great Hall. Most of them were staring at her with their mouths wide open. She moved so swiftly that it almost looked as if she was floating in mid-air. When she reached the table she turned around to face the Great Hall. There was a stunned silence as the first female Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was surveying her new students.

"May I introduce to all of you, Miss Kaye Miala," said Dumbledore gesturing towards her.

There was no clapping, not a sound.

"Well, after that warm greeting, I think it's best we sit down and eat our meal," said Ms. Miala walking up to the empty chair and sitting down.

WIth slight hesitation the Great Hall broke into applause, but it was obvious this was something very unexpected. Even from Dumbledore.

The rest of the meal went smoothly, and as the students filed out of the Great Hall to find their quarters, there was a buzz about the new teacher.

"She's a woman," Harry could hear Draco complaining.

"She looks fairly young," said George looking at Fred.

"And she's really good looking. Did you see the way her..." added Fred only to receive a hard punch accompanied by a glare from Angelina Johnson.

As they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady Hermione stepped up, and with a worried expression said, "Slimy Snape." The door flew open to the giggling and chuckling of the rest of the Gryffindors. The discussion about the new teacher went on until it was time for everyone to retire to their respective dormatories. As Fleur made her way up to her room the Gryffindor boys stared at her climbing the stairs. Their adoring looks were of course accompinied by the less than enthusiastic glares from the girls. The same procedure, but with roles reversed, followed as Viktor went up to his room.

As Harry laid down to sleep he gently rubbed the pendant.

"This is going to be another interesting year," he thought as he closed his eyes listening to Ron snoring.