Harry Potter and the Emerald Sceptre

~~~~ Chapter 8 ~~~~

Commuting

Screams erupted from the platform outside. Where the Barrier used to be was a gaping hole. Through the dust, Harry could see the Muggle station on the far side. The Dark Mark was hovering above the hole. People on both sides of the wall were running around like headless chickens; panic had taken hold of them. The parents of the students had already disappeared back through the hole in the wall. Harry looked over to where Tonks and Lupin had stood moments before; they were gone. They must have assumed that since Harry was on the train he was safe and had gone home. They were on their own. Oddly enough, Harry could not see any Death Eaters. The platform was now deserted; there was no one around.

"Stay here!" he said to Neville. They were in the last carriage except for the baggage car. He ran forwards through the train and opened the door to carriage four; on his left, a door opened and a second year girl came out.

"What is happening?" she asked, "I heard a bang!"

"It's OK, just stay in your compartments, and do NOT leave for any reason, OK?" The girl nodded and retreated to her compartment. Harry had to repeat this command at least once in every carriage he went through. Being the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry's commands were obeyed without question. Harry reached the prefects' carriage and threw open the door. Inside, he found the prefects crowded around Katie and Charles Miller, the new Head Boy. He was trying to sound in control but failing dramatically. They all spun around when the door flew open. Those in the DA had their wands raised.

"Don't mind me," said Harry quickly as he continued forwards. He reached the driver's car and found the driver with the Food-Trolley lady. They were writing a note to Dumbledore.

"What are you doing in here, this is off-limits to students," said the Witch as he entered.

"Have you let Dumbledore know?" asked Harry.

"What do you think we are doing?" asked the Driver indignantly. Harry noticed that he was trying to attach a note to Tawney owl.

"An owl will take hours to get to him. The Dark Mark is outside; we need to reach him faster," said Harry quickly.

"And what do you suggest?" asked the witch. Harry paused. How was he going to contact Dumbledore? Then it hit him--the amulet.

"We aren't safe here. Get the train moving and I will contact Dumbledore," said Harry.

"You are not in charge here, boy. Let us do our job," said the driver. "Wait...aren't you Harry Potter...of course, yes sir, Harry Potter, I'll get us going; you contact Dumbledore." 'Sometimes it pays to be Harry Potter,' thought Harry as he left the locomotive. He gripped the amulet.

"Albus Dumbledore," said Harry aloud. Nothing happened; he tried again. Then all of a sudden the amulet began to glow red.

"Harry?" came the Headmaster's voice in his head.

"Yes sir, it's me," said Harry.

"You do not have to speak aloud, Harry, just think what you want to say," continued the voice of the Headmaster.

"Sir, there has been an attack, the platform was bombed, and the Dark Mark was hovering above the train!" thought Harry.

"Have you left yet?"

"Yes, I told the driver to get going and we have just left."

"Harry, listen to me, I am sending some help. Nymphadora and Remus will board at the next station you come to. The rest of the order will go to Kings Cross. Stay on the train, use my army to patrol the train, and be especially careful around some of our less trustworthy students. You and our new Head Boy and Girl should be able to maintain order until the Order arrives."

"Yes sir, I'm on it." Dumbledore had gone. Harry went back into the driver's compartment.

"Dumbledore is sending some help, just keep the train going. I'll have the prefects patrol the cars." The two adults just nodded; neither objected. Having Harry Potter there was obviously a comfort to them. Harry went back into the first car. He knocked on the mirror. Aunt Petunia opened the door.

"Harry, what happened? There was a bomb wasn't there?" she asked.

"Yes, there was an explosion. Listen, stay in here; we're moving now so we should be safe. I'll check in again in about an hour." She nodded and he left.

'Jesus Christ,' thought Harry. 'This is just what we need. An attack when there are no teachers around.'

There was no one to help them and there could be another attack any second. The prefects and the DA were supposed to patrol the train. Six of them had managed to survive in the Department of Mysteries. If Death Eaters got on board here, there wouldn't be a battle; it would be a massacre. First years couldn't even use wands. Seconds years had only been taught by Umbridge. Hundreds could die here today. He walked back into the prefects' carriage; it was in chaos.

"We need to keep order," Miller was stuttering to his audience.

"And how are we supposed to do that?" drawled Malfoy, "promise them sweeties if they shut the hell up?"

"Shut up, Malfoy," said Katie, "we need to patrol the cars and keep everyone in their compartments. There could be another attack any second."

"No, there won't be," said Malfoy.

"Why not?" asked Harry, stepping further into the room. They all turned to look at him. "You think Death Eaters can't attack us on board; wishful thinking, Malfoy. Granted, they cannot Apparate on board while the train is in motion, but do you really believe that with all his high and mighty ways, Voldemort cannot bring a single train to a standstill?" His voice was barely above a whisper, yet everyone heard every single word. He had, so it seemed, the ability to keep an audience quiet with next to no effort, just like Snape.

"Why are we worried?" drawled Malfoy sarcastically. "We have the famous Harry Potter here to save us. I'm sure he has the situation well in hand." An evil grin appeared on his face as he added the last line. Harry let this go; he had more urgent problems to deal with. Besides, he didn't want the enemy to know about his new hand.

"When you have finished with the sarcasm, Malfoy, we will attend to more important matters - the safety of every student on board this train for a start."

"Excuse me Potter, I am the Head Boy. Whereas you have no right to be here, let alone to be giving orders to my prefects; I am going to have to ask you to leave," said Miller.

"That is, of course, your prerogative, I am merely a passenger, just remember that this is not a game, your Headship. Students could die if you bugger it up. Are you willing to take responsibility for the lives of the 300 souls on board?"

"Y...yes I am," stuttered the Head Boy.

"Then by all means, lead your prefects into battle," whispered Harry. He turned on his heel and made for the door. He found himself in the first of the five student carriages. The gangway was full of students, from first years to seventh years. They were all looking terrified and were talking to each other in lowered voices.

"Potter, what's going on?" asked a Hufflepuff seventh year. The carriage became silent; they all wanted to hear his explanation.

"There was an explosion on the platform, as I am sure you are aware. Don't worry, the Head Boy has assured me that we are quite safe on the train. Return to your compartments; prefects will be patrolling the corridors in a few minutes."

"The Head Boy told you? What do you mean 'the Head Boy told you?' I don't care what Miller said; he's a muppet. You are the only one who can help us," continued the seventh year.

"Help you?" asked Harry with a dry laugh, "how can I help you? I'm an attention seeking, disturbed, little, sociopath, remember? I have no great ability, I just enjoy showing off."

"That was just the Prophet I for one never believed Dumbledore was mad or you."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I have no authority here."

"Yes you do. You're the Boy-Who-Lived. We all heard the story about how you lead students into the Ministry to stop You-Know-Who stealing a weapon. You're our hero," said an excited fourth year.

"Don't believe everything you read," said Harry with a sigh. "Five followed me in, and aside from me, only one actually walked out; the rest came on stretchers."

"What about your interview with the Quibbler? You were at You-Know-Who's resurrection; you duelled with him and survived. No one has ever done that," said another fourth year.

"Dumbledore has," replied Harry, beginning to get impatient.

"Yes, but he was the only one You-Know-Who ever feared. Now it looks like he fears two people," said Dennis Creevey from behind a fifth year.

"Flattering, Dennis, but I am afraid the answer is still no, the Head Boy and Girl are in charge. Dumbledore is sending Aurors and teachers. They will board at the next platform. Until then, the prefects are in charge. End of story."

"And if You-Know-Who shows up?"

"Then none of us will make it to Hogwarts alive," replied Harry. The door opened behind him and two fifth year prefects entered the carriage.

"Back to your compartments, now!" barked one of them.

"You too, Potter," said the other.

"As you wish," said Harry, he started to walk towards the door to the next carriage. Before he got there, there was a screech of brakes and the lights went out. Those who were standing were sent flying through the air. Someone had hit the emergency brake. Harry picked himself up and looked around, students were on the floor all around him. One girl's head had hit a pane of glass and had shattered it; she had a deep gash on her forehead.

"Keep pressure on it," ordered Harry. "Is everyone OK?" Harry got some responses, none sounding too healthy. They were in a tunnel so there was no light at all. It was pitch black; girls screamed. He could hear screams from the other carriages. He looked out of the window; hooded figures in black with glowing white masks were approaching on all sides. The Death Eaters were coming for them, more specifically for him.

"Lumos," he muttered, his wand ignited. He held it high so that he could see the whole carriage. Students were huddled in corners; younger children were crying.

"Ok, anyone with their wand on them light them up. The spell is 'Lumos'. Forget the Restriction of Underage Magic, this is an emergency, return to your compartments AND THIS TIME STAY THERE!" Several wands ignited and the students hurried to their compartments. Harry ran back into the prefects' carriage. They all had their wands out and were still arguing with the Head Boy. He was stuttering feeble responses, Katie was trying to calm them down.

"SILENCE!" shouted Harry. Miraculously they all heard him and stopped talking. "Death Eaters have arrived. If no one has any objections, you will now do what I tell you, OK?"

"Well, actually I do have an objection..." started Malfoy, but he fell silent when Harry's wand was raised to his throat.

"How many are coming?" asked Harry.

"How should I know?" asked Malfoy.

"Don't lie to me, Malfoy. I know full well what happened at Malfoy Manor this month. I know you have followed in your father's footsteps." Malfoy rolled up his sleeve; there was nothing.

"Do you see the Mark?" asked Malfoy.

"He is not stupid enough to put a Mark right under Dumbledore's nose. Just because you don't have one doesn't mean that you are not a Death Eater."

"If I knew this would happen, why would I get on the train?" drawled Malfoy.

"We don't have time for this," said Harry. He pointed his wand at his own throat. "Sonorus!" he said.

"ATTENTION! THIS IS HARRY POTTER. ATTENTION! DEATH EATERS HAVE SURROUNDED THE TRAIN. ALL STUDENTS ARE TO STAY IN THEIR COMPARTMENTS. ANYONE OUTSIDE THEIR COMPARTMENTS WILL BE STUNNED. ALL DA MEMBERS, INCLUDING YOU MARIETTA, COME TO THE PREFECTS' CARRIAGE IMMEDIATELY." Marietta, although untrustworthy, would be an extra wand and they needed all the help that they could get. He removed the spell and turned to the prefects. The DA members arrived momentarily; Marietta looked very uneasy. "Ok spread out. Four prefects in each carriage, stun anyone who leaves their compartment. Keep shield charms up at all times. As you go along, lock all doors and windows to the compartments. I assume you all know the relevant spells. Keep an eye out for relatives of known Death Eaters: Nott, Crabbe and Goyle. Everyone know what to do?" They all nodded. "OK Katie, you come with me, and Malfoy, I want to keep an eye on you. The rest of you split up into fours, I want a DA member in each group. Go whenever you are ready. Malfoy, Katie, we'll take the last car, ready?" They nodded. "OK here we go."

He opened the door and peered into the dark corridor. There was no sign of movement. He raised his wand to get a better look. Slowly, cautiously, he edged forward. He walked down the centre of the corridor. Katie and Draco were just behind him; they reached the door at the far end. So far, so good. He opened the door; there was no one there. This lack of obstacles was getting to Harry. Then he heard a scream from the next carriage. The three of them ran forwards.

"Malfoy, you go first," ordered Harry. Draco's eyes widened. Harry reached for the doorknob and twisted; the door opened but nobody moved.

"Go!" hissed Harry. Draco took a step through. Harry peered around the door. On the other side were Theodore Nott and Vincent Crabbe, both had their wands out. They saw Malfoy approach with his wand out; they hadn't seen Harry and Katie. They extinguished their wands and followed Malfoy through the door.

"Draco, it is happening at last. The Dark Lord has come to liberate us from the Mudbloods!" said Nott excitedly.

"What are you doing?" asked Malfoy coolly.

"Starting his noble work for him. A Mudblood first year and his friends are in here. Thought I might introduce myself. Shame I can't do the Cruciatus curse yet. You want to join us, right?"

"Wrong," said Harry from the shadows, before the two Slytherins could react, Harry and Katie had hexed the pair of them. When the first stunner had been fired, Malfoy spun around. He brought his wand up to face Harry.

"What the hell were you playing at, Potter? You nearly hit me!" growled Malfoy.

"It was only a stunner, and believe me, if I wanted you stunned you would be unconscious and chained to a toilet seat by now."

"Can you boys stop arguing?" interrupted Katie.

"Yes ma'am," muttered Harry. He levitated the two unconscious forms into a compartment; the occupants were relocated to another compartment and both were locked with magic. "Come on," said Harry. Just as they were leaving, Lavender came in with three prefects. Harry called to her.

"There are two students locked in here," whispered Harry. "Leave it locked. Keep the others in their seats!" Lavender nodded and Harry continued into the next compartment.

They moved through the other carriages, arriving at length in the last carriage. Malfoy and Katie locked all of the doors to the compartments while Harry checked the baggage compartment. The last carriage was for baggage. Many students chose to keep their trunks with them, but racks were provided for those who chose to store them here. There was no one there. Harry closed and locked the door.

"What now?" asked Malfoy. Harry looked out of the window again. Death Eaters were outside but were not attacking. They stood five feet apart in perfect formation, just waiting. Waiting for what?

"Malfoy, do you know what they are waiting for?" asked Harry.

"I don't know, maybe a signal."

"What would this signal be?"

"Use your head, Potter." Of course, thought Harry; it would be the Dark Mark.

"In saying that you have just admitted knowing about this!" growled Harry, pointing his wand at Malfoy's throat.

"Come on Potty, it isn't hard to work it out. Death Eaters aren't exactly going to use a bugle and cavalry charge are they?" Harry suddenly remembered the incident in the park. The Death Eater had called him 'Potty' just before the climbing frame had fallen on him.

"It was you in the play park wasn't it? You called me Potty before the climbing frame fell on you!"

"As witty as I am, it didn't take a lot of thought to come up with that name. It could have been anyone. However did you pass any OWLs?" Then, Harry remembered that Death Eater had been hexed by Narcissa and had landed on the flaming stump of the tree. Draco had no burns. His hypothesis, it appeared, was wrong.

"All right, that is enough, Malfoy. I can't prove you are Dark but I know it in my gut. If we get out of this you and I are going to have a long chat."

"I can hardly wait. But, as you said earlier, we have more pressing needs at the moment," replied Malfoy.

"OK then. The Dark Mark is the signal, but that would mean that there is someone on the train waiting to give the signal when the time is right?"

"Correct, Potter," came a voice from behind them. They all spun around and saw Lucius Malfoy step out of the shadows.

"Lucius," hissed Harry, "how did you enjoy your stay at the Hotel Del Azkaban?"

"Enough jokes, Potter. Drop your wands, move into the baggage car and leave through that door, now!" barked Lucius.

"Come and get them," growled Harry. Lucius didn't move, but Harry and Katie's wands flew out of their hands. They turned to see Draco holding their wands. At that moment Goyle Senior appeared from the shadows and grabbed Katie from behind and lifted her off her feet. Draco and Lucius shepherded them into the baggage car.

"Sometimes it pays to play a hunch, Potty," laughed Draco. "And you were right about the play park. You'd be amazed how easy it is to heal burns...and how painful. I owe you for that." He waved his wand and a baggage shelf fell on top of Harry. He was crushed to the floor; several heavy trunks had fallen on top of him. One corner connected sharply with the back of his head; this pressed his face to the metal floor of the car. Harry couldn't move; he was completely pinned down by the weight of the trunk. He heard a muffled voice and the trunks flew off of him. Harry summoned all of his strength and managed to roll over onto his front. He propped himself up against the wall. He could feel a warm, sticky liquid dripping down the back of his neck; the trunk had cut him. He could hardly see out of his left eye. There was a puddle of blood on the floor where he had been seconds before. Katie was staring at him in horror. Because there was wand light inside and no light outside, he could see his reflection in the window. His left eyebrow was swollen; there was a gash within the swelling. Blood was flowing into his eye. His right arm was hurting, though he did not think it was broken.

"How do you like it?" grinned Draco.

"Enjoy it while you can," said Harry.

"I intend to," quipped Draco.

"Draco, that is enough," hissed Lucius. "Potter, the Dark Lord wishes to meet you and Draco. You on the other hand," he pointed his wand at Katie, "I do not need, and what do I do with something that is obsolete?"

"If you lay a finger on her, I'll rip your throat out, I swear to God," growled Harry, his anger boiling over. How dare he threaten her!

"You would kill me?," laughed Lucius. "I think not. Bella told me all about your experience with the Dark Arts; you couldn't even manage the Cruciatus curse, even after she killed your mangy mutt." Harry was now furious; he had gone so red that it was a surprise that he was not glowing in the dark.

"Get up, Potter," barked Draco. Harry didn't move.

"Are you going to come quietly or do I have to use force?" asked Lucius venomously. He waved his wand and Harry felt an invisible force lift him to his feet. He was levitated towards the door that opened in front of him. The five of them climbed down. Well, three climbed down, one was pushed out of the door and Harry was levitated down to the tracks. His wounds were beginning to clot now; the bleeding had stopped. When he moved, the wounds would re-open so he tried to stay still. Lying on the gravel. Katie knelt beside him, wiping blood from his eyes. Goyle roughly pulled her away and held her once more.

"Ickle baby Potter! How is my Ickle Potty-Kins?" Screeched an evil voice from not so far away. Harry's head snapped around to see the face that had haunted his dreams all summer. Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Leave him be, Bella. No one is to make any move until the Dark Lord arrives. Is that clear?" growled Lucius. She glared at him but said nothing.

"And what have we here?" hissed Bellatrix, "Potter's bit of rough, hey?"

"Quite a catch," remarked Draco. "Always figured him for a bit of Mudblood love. She's pure I believe. Tell me, what has Potter been up to? Buggering you senseless?" Katie spat at him; he received an eye full of saliva.

"Bitch!" spat Malfoy. He grabbed her by the throat. "You had better cut it out. Because of your blood, the master may be lenient with you, so you had better learn some respect." She kicked him in the gut. Malfoy fell to his knees clutching his gut. Bellatrix stepped forwards and slapped her hard across the face.

"It's OK, Aunt Bella, I'll deal with her," stuttered Draco, climbing to his feet. He approached Katie again, who still had Goyle's gorilla like arms wrapped around hers.

"That was not smart. I offered to try and save you. Now, instead of being a Death Eater you will be a lowly whore!" He thrust his right hand down the front of her jeans. With his other he pulled her head forward and kissed her. Overcome by rage, Harry dived at Malfoy. He felt more hatred for him than he had for Voldemort. How dare he touch her! The son of a bitch was going to rape her. Harry would rip his throat out.

"Crucio!" The curse struck him in mid air. The air was knocked out of him when he hit the floor, but that was nothing compared with the pain of the curse. It felt like every cell in his body was on fire, as though he were swimming in acid. At last the curse was removed. Harry lay in agony on the ground. His body was steaming in the cold dankness of the tunnel his mind was numb and he could hardly hear the voice of his captors.

"How romantic," sneered Draco.

"You had better pray that Moody catches you before I do," stuttered Harry. "Moody brings people in alive; I won't be so lenient!" Harry knew they wouldn't believe his bluff but it made him look more confident than he really felt.

"Ah, but Moody isn't coming is he?" said Lucius. "Your band of merry men are moping around at the station. Don't you see the genius of it Harry? You are completely defenceless. It will take an army to stop us; do you have an army, Harry?" asked Lucius in mock concern.

"YES!" shouted several voices behind them. "STUPEFY!" Several stunners flew over Harry's head and hit Bella and Lucius. Harry turned to see the DA at the windows of the train; Hermione and Ron were even on the steps down. Harry turned to Draco. Spinning on the spot he brought his leg up. He landed a spinning kick right on Draco's jawbone. Wandlessly he summoned his wand and Katie's. He pointed his at Goyle.

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Goyle dropped Katie and was catapulted back against the wall of the tunnel. Adrenalin pumped through Harry's veins; all haziness disappeared. He kicked the downed figure that was Malfoy hard in his gut for good measure, knocking the air out of him. He slipped Katie's wand into her pocket. The he pointed his own wand at Katie who was lying on the floor beside him; he used a banishing charm to cause Katie to fly through the air and through the open door back onto the train.

"Get back in the train!" he shouted to Ron and Hermione, who obediently shot back inside. Harry himself then dived and rolled under the train, narrowly missed by several curses. Adrenalin pumped through his system; the pain vanished and he found he had energy once again. 'Three times in a month,' thought Harry. 'What the hell did I do to deserve this?' He stood up on the other side and knocked on a window. It opened and a young girl with freckles opened it. She gasped as she saw Harry drenched in blood.

"Tell the prefects to get the train moving again!" shouted Harry. She nodded and disappeared from sight. There was the crunching of gravel to his right and to his left. Two Death Eaters emerged from under the train and raised their wands. Through instinct, Harry dived backwards; the two Death Eaters missed him and hexed each other. As Harry fell he fired another stunner between his own legs at a third Death Eater who was crawling under the train. The girl's head reappeared at the window accompanied by some others.

"Throw me your wand!" shouted Harry. She did and he caught it. "Now close the window!" Harry looked to his left. He could see several Death Eaters coming around the far end of the train. He ran to his right, towards the front of the train, but that end also was surrounded by Death Eaters. More were emerging from under the train. Harry could also see flashes of light from within the train. Death Eaters were on board. He was trapped. If you can't go left and right you can only go up.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" whispered Harry, pointing his wand at himself. He flew up onto the top of the train. Looking down, he could see the two Malfoys and Bellatrix regaining consciousness. He lay flat on top of the train so no one could see him.

"Where is the little bastard?" shouted Lucius, still unable to stand.

"We lost him!" came a reply.

"He can't Apparate. Find him!" screamed Bellatrix. It was only going to be a matter of time before they did. Harry clasped the amulet.

"Professor Dumbledore," thought Harry. "Come on, answer damn you, I don't have time for..."

"Harry?" came Albus Dumbledore's voice.

"Sir, we have been ambushed in the tunnel. You sent the Order to the wrong place. The station was a distraction."

"Where are you?" came the Headmaster's voice, betraying a note of panic.

"In a tunnel, about five minutes out of London."

"Remus and Tonks are ahead of you, the rest are behind you. They will have to run towards you. They can't Apparate to you; an Anti-Apparation barrier is around you. They can't just Apparate to the edge since they don't know where it is. If they haven't been there then they can't Apparate to it."

"I need help!" hissed Harry desperately.

"I could go," came a female voice.

"Do you know where we are?"

"Yes, there are only two tunnels in your area. I was raised near the first. It is called Long Ash Tunnel, the second is the Millbridge Tunnel. I could check them both," said Narcissa.

"Harry, Professor Black is coming to you. Where are you?"

"On top of the train, the baggage car I think."

"OK give me five minutes to get beyond the Apparation barrier at the castle and then I'll join you, OK?"

"OK."

"Hang on Harry!" said Dumbledore. Did things just get better or worse? He was trapped and the only help he was getting came from the wife, mother and sister of the Death Eaters who were trying to kill him. He made a mental note to keep an eye on Narcissa. He still did not completely trust her and with her own son out there, her loyalties would truly be tested.

"Check on top of the train!" shouted a voice. His time was up; they had found him. A masked face appeared next to him. Harry gave the hooded figure a hard kick in the face. He fired several stunners to one side of the train. The Death Eaters on the far side crawled under the train to find him. Harry lowered himself down the other side and lay flat on the ground. All doors were locked; the only one open was the door out of which they had come. That was on the other side of train, the one with all the Death Eaters on it. Harry needed some way to get passed the Death Eaters unnoticed, but how? His cloak was on the train. He couldn't knock on another door in case a Death Eater answered it.

Then he remembered last year. What was the spell Moody had used? Yes a disillusionment charm. 'Think Harry, think, what is the incantation? It is in the Defence textbook you read. Think!' Then it came to him. He tapped his own chest with his wand; he felt the familiar cold sensation spread throughout his body.

He slowly crawled forwards under the train. To his horror he could only see three Death Eaters. The rest had boarded the train. Only Bellatrix, Draco Malfoy and Goyle Senior were in sight. Harry stood and crept forwards, but the noise of his footsteps on gravel were too loud. Draco spotted the footprints appearing by themselves. Harry noticed his wand moving quickly enough to duck. Harry lost his concentration and the spell wore off. He was visible again. He stood, but as he did, Lucius appeared behind him. He grabbed Harry, just as Goyle had done to Katie. Harry instinctively threw his head backwards. His cranium connected to Lucius' jaw. Lucius howled in pain and released Harry, who raised his wand, stunned Lucius and Goyle and then turned to Draco. Harry could feel the hatred brewing in him. He would avenge Katie; he would make this little worm beg for mercy.

"Expelliarmus!" He disarmed Draco effortlessly.

"Potter, you wouldn't," whimpered Draco.

"Watch me!" snarled Harry.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry's wand flew out of his hand; he turned to see Bellatrix pointing two wands at him, his and her own. Draco picked his own up off of the ground and aimed it at Harry.

"You are quite the little soldier, Potter! Look - your friends are all in pain; you yourself are a hostage. What do you do now? Come quietly and we will leave your school chums alone. Agreed?"

"Never!" snarled Harry, though in his mind he was considering it. Hundreds would be saved if he agreed. Why wasn't the bloody train moving? He had asked ages ago. Death Eaters must hold the locomotive.

"Who are you holding out for, Potter? No one is coming to save you!" Just then a foot came out of nowhere and hit Bellatrix on the jaw.

"Hello, sis!" growled Narcissa. "Harry, are you OK?"

"Fine," replied Harry as he summoned his wand.

"Mum?" whimpered Draco. Narcissa ignored him. Bella was back on her feet.

"Ciss, what the bloody hell do you think you are doing?" she growled.

"Something I should have done a long time ago!"

"Are you a Malfoy or a Mudblood?"

"I'm a Black; you once were one too. Have you forgotten what that is?"

"Bitch! You will go the same way as our accursed cousin! Go to hell!"

"You first! Stupefy!" Bella collapsed in a heap. "One more time Draco, right now. Bellatrix or me?" said Narcissa. Draco looked from his mother who held a wand at him, to his Aunt who lay in a heap on the floor, to his father who lay on the gravel with blood oozing out of his nose, to Harry. He picked up his wand and sighed. He had decided.

"DIE POTTER!" he screamed, but before he could curse Harry, a stunner hit him in the chest. He collapsed on top of his aunt. Narcissa sighed, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She turned to Harry.

"Come on, you get this thing moving; I'll help the others," she said in little more than a dazed whisper.

"No wait, there are too many. The DA can't cope even with us. We have to get them all out here or everyone will get hit in the crossfire." He summoned his wand from Bellatrix's unconscious hand.

"And how do you plan to do that?" asked Narcissa getting a hold of herself.

"I don't know. They will have to want to leave."

"But only You-Know-Who can call them back," said Narcissa "Excuse me, Mr. Dark Lord sir, would you mind calling back your minions so that we can escape? I somehow doubt that that would work."

"Ciss, this is no time for bloody sarcasm."

"Sorry Harry, I have just stunned my own son. I will be a bit ratty for a few hours."

"Is there any way to remotely activate the Dark Marks?" asked Harry.

"I don't think so; they work by his touch," said Narcissa.

'Wait a minute,' thought Harry. 'Dumbledore said that Voldemort had transferred some of his power to me; he gave me some of his life force, and he used my blood in the potion. Maybe, just maybe,' thought Harry. Harry ran over to where Lucius lay unconscious, followed by Narcissa. She watched with curiosity as he rolled up Lucius' sleeve. The Dark Mark was there on his left arm. It was as clear as crystal; it looked painfully red. Harry took a breath; he stretched out a finger on his real hand and pressed it to the Mark. Narcissa gasped as the Mark hissed and let off a little steam as it turned from red to black. The effect was immediate. There were many cracks from inside the train. Harry peered in through the window; the Death Eaters were gone. Harry collected his wand.

"Run up to the locomotive and tell the driver to get us moving again, OK?" said Harry. "I'll see if anyone needs Madam Pomfrey."

"OK" She took one last look at her son and then ran up to the locomotive. Harry grasped the amulet once again.

"Albus Dumbledore," the amulet began to glow once again.

"Yes Harry?"

"It's OK now. We are safe, the lights went out and the Death Eaters surrounded the train, but they have gone now and we are setting off again," thought Harry.

"Is everyone OK?"

"Except for Nott and Crabbe; we had to stun them. Both Malfoys have been stunned and left with Bellatrix; so has Goyle's father. We can't bring them in; we may have wounded to attend to. I am going back in to have a look. I would have Madam Pomfrey meet us at the next stop."

"I will see to it. What made the Death Eaters withdraw?"

"I activated the Dark Mark."

"YOU WHAT?" This was the first time Harry had ever heard him raise his voice.

"I touched Lucius Malfoy's Mark and they all Disapparated."

"Harry come to my office after dinner, we need to talk."

"OK sir." Harry did not like the sound of that.

"Harry - Remus, Tonks, Kingsley and Alastor are at the station ahead of you; the train will stop to let them on. Poppy will be there, too. You make sure that no one else gets on or off. Keep the patrols going." He hung up.

Harry sighed. The adrenalin had worn off; pain came back to his limbs. He gingerly climbed back into the train. He closed the baggage carriage's door. Using magic, he put all of the trunks back on the shelves. He could now see nothing at all out of his left eye.

"Fluvius," he muttered. Water became to trickle out of his wand. He raised it so that it flowed onto his bruised eye. It cleared the caked blood from his face. It was lovely and cool; it would relieve the swelling given time, but Harry had none. He moved into the last carriage. It was absolute carnage. There were holes in all of the seats and doors. Students were cowering in groups crying on each other's shoulders. Worse, Harry could see a figure lying motionlessly on the floor. It was Cho! Harry knelt beside her; he gently rolled her over. He sighed with relief when he found that she was breathing, slowly, painfully, but she was breathing.

"You," he called to a group of boys. "Move please so I can put her up here." They gasped as they saw the state of him. Harry could see himself in the window. His face and robes were covered in blood and grit. His eye was the size of a grapefruit and his hair was spiked up with blood. The boys did however move and Harry levitated Cho onto the seat. He covered her with her cloak. He checked her vital signs; he had seen it done often enough.

Harry raised his voice. "Is there anyone else who needs medical attention?" There were several groans in response. Harry could see two students who had cuts on the arms and legs though luckily they were not too serious.

"OK, listen up everyone. Aurors and Madam Pomfrey are coming aboard at the next stop. Everyone is to remain in their seats. You two come with me." He picked up Cho in a bridal carry. Her head rested on his chest. The advantage of this was that he could feel her breathing. The two students with injuries followed him forwards. As Harry entered the next carriage, there was a quiet crackle and the lights came back on. Harry moved forwards, there were students in all compartments who looked scared to death; some seemed physically hurt. Cuts and bruises were commonplace. Several students were sporting deeper looking cuts. These Harry sent forward into the prefect's carriage.

"Stay here, teachers will be arriving soon," Harry told the others as he passed.

He found similar scenes in all compartments. Thankfully no one was dead. Harry discovered to his horror that several students had received the Cruciatus Curse. Harry had made sure that everyone was warm and relatively OK, before moving into the prefects' carriage. The worst part was finding a total of six unconscious prefects and DA members. Six people who had nearly lost their lives. Harry had put them up to this. If any of them had died it would have been his fault. With help from some of the walking wounded, all those who were unconscious were levitated to the prefect's carriage. Harry also passed nine unconscious Death Eaters in the carriages. He stopped, bound them and locked them in a compartment before moving on to the next.

"We have to search for Harry, he could be hurt!" Hermione was shouting at the Head Boy.

"No need," said Harry as he entered. All heads turned, several gasps were audible. Harry set Cho down on the seat next to him. His followers sat down the unconscious forms which they carried. As Harry stood back up, Hermione threw herself at him.

"Oh, Harry, we were so worried," she stammered.

"I'll live. Wait here," he told her, then turning to face the students who had followed him in, "you, too." Harry walked forwards through the prefect's carriage. It looked like a field hospital. Unconscious figures lined every seat.

In all, eight DA members and eleven prefects had been hit; none were fatal hits, though Terry Boot was bleeding quite badly. Six students lay unconscious. Two were already there, Lavender Brown and Michael Corner. Harry had brought the other four: Cho, Marietta, a third year Slytherin and a second year Ravenclaw who he did not know. Ron and Hermione were still standing; all the veterans of the Department of Mysteries were helping others. Harry quickly nipped into the Dursleys' carriage. Aunt Petunia nearly screamed when she saw him. After assuring them that they were safe and that they were moving again, Harry went to see the driver. He had his arm in a makeshift sling and Narcissa was tending to the tea lady.

"Ciss, are you done in here? We have nineteen injuries, six of them are unconscious, plus God knows how many bumps and bruises. The prefects and DA fought back. None are dying, but they need care. One is bleeding badly. Also, we have several students who have suffered the Cruciatus Curse and hundreds more are in shock." Narcissa looked pale. He turned to the driver. "Dumbledore says to stop at the next station where Aurors and Madam Pomfrey will board. Coming, Ciss?"

"I'll be two minutes. I just need to fix this and I'll be along."

"Ok, hurry."

Harry went back to the prefect's carriage. There were injured students everywhere. The compartment was becoming full. Students of all ages were cradling injured limbs. A few of them were lying unconscious on seats. In the middle of the compartment was a large table. It had timetables and other papers spread over it.

"Listen!" shouted Harry. "Get everything off this table! Move those who are unconscious up onto it. Anyone who knows first aid, do what you can. Check vital signs and put pressure on any cuts. Those with less serious injuries take a seat. If you only have a small cut or bruise, you can wait. Go back to your compartment. We'll call you when there is room. Madam Pomfrey is coming aboard at the next station. Until then we have to make do."

The papers were thrown on the floor and the six unconscious students were carried by older students and placed onto the table. Hermione and some other Muggle-borns who knew first aid arranged them into the recovery position and checked vital signs. Other students sank into seats. Harry stood at the front of the room, surveying the carnage. He had brought them to this. It was Harry that Voldemort wanted. If he had just given himself up, none of this would have happened.

"Harry!" shouted Hermione from the other end of the carriage.

"What?"

"It's Terry Boot; he's stopped breathing!"

"Jesus!" gasped Harry. His blood went cold. This was another death on his account. "Can you do CPR?"

"I can try," shouted back Hermione.

"Wait here!" shouted Harry. He turned and ran back into the locomotive. "Narcissa, someone has stopped breathing."

"Shit," gasped Narcissa. She dropped what she was doing and followed Harry back.

"MOVE!" shouted Harry as he pushed he way through the crowd with Narcissa close behind. The two of them arrive at the table where Terry was lying. He was on the edge of the table. Hermione was trying to revive him, without luck.

"Harry! That's...." began Hermione.

"I know," interrupted Harry. "What can you do?" he asked Narcissa.

"Harry?" said Ron. "What is she..."

"Shut up Ron!" shouted Harry.

"You have been doing CPR?" Narcissa asked Hermione.

"Yes?"

"No response?"

"No," sighed Hermione.

"OK, you breathe and I'll try to restart his heart."

"I've tried that," said Hermione. "It doesn't work."

"We need to magically defibrillate his heart. Use a spell that will electrocute him. OK, breath on the count of three. One, two, three!" Hermione clamped her lips over Terry's mouth. She breathed down his throat. Harry saw his cheeks swell as Hermione filled them with air. "Stand back!" said Narcissa. "CLEAR!" A bolt of yellow light shot out of her wand into Terry's chest. His body thrashed, then lay still. "Again! Breathe and CLEAR!" Again the bolt of yellow light hit Terry in the chest.

"It's not working!" said Ron.

"I know!" shot back Narcissa angrily. "We need a stronger spell. Breathe on the count. One, two, three." Hermione once again lowered her head and administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to Terry. "Stand well back! CRUCIO!" Terry's body began to spasm. His unconscious body thrashed for a few seconds. Looks of terror filled the eyes of all those watching. Hermione checked his breathing and heart again. She looked at Narcissa and shook her head.

"Again!" said Narcissa. "Breathe...and...CRUCIO!" Terry's body again started to thrash and spasm. His arm hit another unconscious student on the table, causing them to wake. Narcissa held the spell for nearly five seconds before releasing him. They tried the procedure again, and then a fourth time.

After the fifth attempt Hermione lowered her cheek to his mouth so that she could feel if he was breathing. Slowly a smile formed on her face.

"He's breathing," she sighed. "He's OK."

"What is she doing here?" growled Ron.

"Put your wand down, Ron," ordered Harry. Ron didn't move. "Ron, relax, she is on our side. She saved us, just put your wand down."

"She is a Malfoy!" snarled Zacharias Smith.

"Not anymore she's not!" replied Harry. "She is the new Defence teacher and more to the point, a qualified Healer so if you don't want your friends to die, I suggest you let her see them!" Ron slowly lowered his wand. The others followed suit.

"What now?" asked Miller, who was still standing.

"You stay here with Professor Black."

"Who?" asked Ginny.

"Me," said Narcissa. "I am not a Malfoy anymore."

"The rest of you who can walk start patrols again. Keep students calm. Any injuries bring them in here. Use Reparo to try and restore the train so that is comfortable enough for another six hours. We will be stopping at the next stop. Madam Pomfrey will be here to help and several Aurors will come aboard. You must ensure that no one else gets on or off. These instructions come from Dumbledore." Harry finished his list of orders and then staggered towards the door. Every bone in his body was aching. He had aches where he didn't know he could have aches. Then he noticed someone, or rather the lack of someone.

"Where is Katie?" he asked. Hermione, Ginny and Ron looked at their shoes; no one gave him an answer. He repeated the question.

"Over there," said a prefect. Harry followed the boy's gaze. Katie was lying on a seat. It appeared that there had, in fact, been seven students knocked out, not six. She had a bruise where Bellatrix had slapped her. She had another bruise by her right temple. "It wasn't even a Death Eater," continued the prefect. "She pulled a boy out of a compartment just as it was destroyed. It collapsed; a support beam hit her on the head." Harry sank onto the seat next to her. She was still breathing; he thanked God for that. Miller's voice came back to him first.

"OK, you heard what to do. Repair the train and bring any injuries here. You four wait outside; bring bad injuries in and have the minor cuts wait outside. Let's hustle!" 'Why does he insist on running the prefects like the Marines,' wondered Harry.

"The prefects left in groups of three. Ginny squeezed Harry's shoulder in encouragement as she passed.

"Harry, could you move please?" asked Narcissa. Harry did so. "I have stopped Boot's bleeding; he is still unconscious and I have no potions or bandages, but he should live. This one will be fine; she just needs rest. You are the next worse one. Lie back here." Harry did so. Narcissa examined his wounds. "I can't close these until they are cleaned." She conjured some water just as Harry had done and froze it. She rested the ice on his bruised eye. "Keep this on it," she instructed.

"I could send in Arwen, Phoenix tears are going to be very helpful, aren't they?" Narcissa agreed and Harry summoned Arwen. Harry used his new hand to hold the ice so that it wouldn't get cold. Narcissa was dashing about helping students. Prefects began to bring in others with cuts and bruises. The prefects' carriage was incredibly crowded; students were standing everywhere. Every seat was occupied with an unconscious form.

Ten minutes later the train stopped. The Order members boarded and the train continued. Harry sat with Katie for the next hour. The carriage was alive with activity. Madame Pomfrey and Narcissa were tending to all manner of injuries. With the potions Madam Pomfrey had brought they were able to fix almost all wounds, though bruises and scratches would have to heal naturally. Harry saw his comrades regain consciousness and heroically, or so Harry thought, restart their patrols. Harry went to visit the Squires. After an hour or so, he returned to Katie. Hermione was in the compartment when he arrived.

"Are you OK, Harry? You look rough."

"I'll live, how about you?"

"I'm OK, so are Ron and Ginny. Oh, Harry, it was terrible. They came from every direction, curses flying everywhere. Our friends were being tortured before us; it was..." she began to sob.

"I know, Hermione, I know," said Harry. "It was awful but it is over now and we have work to do. The Order is here now; we are safe." Hermione dried her eyes.

"How is she?"

"No change; Ciss said she should be alright."

"Who?" asked Hermione a puzzled look on her face.

"Ciss, Narcissa Black."

"Oh, I see. Do you trust her, Harry?"

"Yes, today I saw her stun her own son to save me. I think, finally, I believe her."

"Finally, you mean you knew she was on our side and you never told us?"

"Would you have trusted her on my word? You would automatically drop any prejudice against a Malfoy just because I told you to? Besides, Dumbledore didn't tell you, I assumed it was for a reason, so I kept silent as well."

"Is there anything else you would like to tell me?" Hermione looked a bit miffed, but managing to keep her cool. Harry paused. He considered telling her about the prophecy, but decided against it. Then there was his hand; it wouldn't hurt for her to know that, would it?

"OK, at the shopping centre I may have been hurt a little more than I let you know."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning that Macnair took my hand off with that bloody axe of his."

"You're kidding!"

"Afraid not. Dumbledore gave me another one, just like Wormtail's, except not silver."

"Can I see?" Harry sighed and removed the glove on his right hand. The blue gem shone in the light of day. Hermione gasped and gingerly reached out and touched it. Harry felt nothing when she made contact but a sigh escaped her lips.

"Just don't tell anyone, except Ron of course. Consider it a secret weapon, as it were. In the mean time, help Narcissa, will you? She can be trusted."

"So we were a bit mean not trusting her when she was trying to help?"

"You weren't too bad; I had a knife to her throat!"

"Harry, you can't just sit here all day. Students need to see you around; if they see you they will know everything is all right. I'll stay with Katie, you go for patrol shift."

"Maybe later, I'll stay here for now," said Harry softly. She laid a comforting hand on his shoulder and then left to patrol. Harry sat down next to Katie. She looked scared, cold and vulnerable. Harry was hardly surprised. She had nearly been raped. Hatred for Malfoy grew in him; he wished he had killed Malfoy when he had had the chance. He gently brushed her hair off of her face. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. As his lips met her skin, her eyes shot open. Her fist came swinging up and hit Harry on his right eye.

"Get off me!" she screamed. Harry recoiled in pain and all eyes turned to them. Katie looked into his eyes, a look of utmost terror on her face before her eyes glazed over and she looked blankly into space.

"If you are quite finished, young lady," said Madam Pomfrey coming over to them. Katie lay back down less than enthusiastically. She was given a foul looking black tablet. She swallowed it.

"I am NOT kissing you after that thing!" said Harry. Katie didn't respond.

Madam Pomfrey did not look best pleased. "OK you are both strong enough to make it to the castle. You may leave as I am short of space, but I expect both of you to report to me first thing tomorrow morning!" She turned and disappeared amongst the crowd of students.

They staggered towards the door. Harry was still aching all over and had the ice pressed to his face. He walked through all of the carriages. The prefects had done a good job of repairing the train. There were a few scorch marks and tears in seats, but it was habitable once more. Harry could see students in all compartments, many of whom rose to see him when he passed. Nott and Crabbe were still in their compartment. They were awake, but since the compartment was locked and they didn't have the intelligence to use wands to unlock it, they remained seated. Harry couldn't help but grin as he passed. He met each of the Order members in turn; they all fretted over him. Lupin, in particular, was very emotional about seeing him alive.

"I thought I had lost you!" he wept. They went back to their original compartment. Harry was so tired. He was aching everywhere and could hardly keep his eyes open. He sat in the corner of the compartment. Katie lay down next to him, her head in his lap. Her eyes were wide open and glazed over; she didn't resist him moving her head to relieve pressure on his crotch. The compartment was warm and the sun shone in the window. Harry soon fell asleep.

He was flying through the air, no broom, no wings just Harry himself flying through the air. He was skimming over the clouds like Superman. He felt free; nothing could touch him up here. He soared higher and higher; he twisted and dived, loop the loop and then plummeted to Earth before pulling up. He stopped on a window ledge to catch his breath. He surveyed the city below him. London, he assumed. Tall buildings lined the street; pedestrians looked like dots below him. He gently floated to the top of the building and landed on the roof. Suddenly, the bright roof lit by the midday sun vanished, and a cold dusty room appeared before him. Harry paced up and down. A snake lay asleep by the fireplace; a raven was perched on a chest of drawers, which looked as if it hadn't been opened in an eternity. There were several loud bangs like a whip cracking; Harry looked up to see twenty figures in black cloaks and masks.

"What are you doing here? I believe that you were given instructions to bring me both the boys, not just one! Do you dare return without them?" hissed Harry, his voice unusually high. His hand slipped into his pocket and his fingers clasped his wand.

"But Master," said a small figure near the front, "you summoned us"

"I did nothing of the sort, Avery."

"But you did, Master. Your sacred symbol burned and we obediently Apparated to you." Harry raised his wand and pointed it at Avery.

"You dare to contradict Lord Voldemort...Wait, you say your Marks burned?" asked Harry.

"Yes M'Lord," whimpered Wormtail.

"Curious. I did not summon you. How do you explain this Wormtail?"

"Someone else must have activated them," whimpered Wormtail.

"Precisely, Wormtail. You have finally started using your miniscule brain," gloated Harry.

"Yes, My Lord" said Wormtail.

"Then tell me this, my friends, whose Mark has been activated?" None of them moved. Harry felt his anger begin to boil, "I asked which one of you bears the Mark that was activated. It could only have been one of you."

"It was mine, M'Lord," said Lucius nervously.

"Who set off your Mark?" asked Harry.

"M'Lord I was unconscious; I don't know. Everyone else was on the train, except Bellatrix and my son."

"Did you two see anything?" hissed Harry, turning to face Draco and Bellatrix, the former cowering behind the latter.

"N...nothing, Master" replied Draco. "We were both stunned by my treacherous mother!"

"So, Narcissa has left her husband, has she?" Harry muttered to himself. "Interesting, I wonder if... never mind. It still leaves the question of who on that train activated the Dark Mark," reasoned Harry.

"Who could it be?" asked Wormtail.

"There aren't any teachers aboard; it must have been a student," offered another masked figure.

"There are so many. How are we to know which one?" asked another Death Eater.

"It could be only one," said Harry quietly. "Harry Potter."

"Are you sure M'Lord?" asked Wormtail.

"Of course I am!" snapped Harry. "Are you implying that I am ignorant, Wormtail?" asked Harry withdrawing his wand.

"Of course not, M'Lord," stuttered Wormtail, a look of pure terror on his face.

Harry was sorely tempted to hurt Wormtail, but he knew he needed to concentrate on the issue at hand - Harry Potter.

'Since I used his blood in my rebirth potion,' thought Harry. 'I now share his blood and he may have absorbed some of my power when I failed to kill him. It must be him.' An evil smile spread across Harry's face.

"The boy has become more powerful than I had expected," Harry muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "If there is enough anger in him to use the Mark...maybe...just maybe. I must speak with him," announced Harry.

"But Master, the train will now be protected. We cannot attack again," said a Death Eater.

"If he can't come to me," said Harry with an evil smile. "Then I must go to him."