Harry Potter and the Return of the Dark Ages

Chapter-7

Roxburgh Astri

Blood drained from Ron's face. He nodded bravely and helped Harry regain his balance. They both then rushed to the Common Room and spotted Ginny there, doing her study. Hermione was nowhere to be seen.

"Ginny! Where's Hermione?" roared Ron, and she stopped dead. She turned and saw Harry, drenched in sweat. She rushed towards them.

"What happened? Are you all right?" she asked urgently, trying to overcome the fright in her eyes at Harry's condition.

"Ginny, tell us the password to Dumbledore's office, quickly. We need to go," Ron said urgently, not wanting her to come.

"Yeah, let's go!" she said, standing.

Ron opened his mouth to argue, when Harry interjected, "Ginny please its private, could you just tell us the password and send Hermione there as soon as possible?"

Ginny sighed and told them the password ("Peanut Pears") and rushed to the girls dormitories.

They rushed to his office. They had to take a longer route, in order to avoid Peeves, who was throwing Stink Sap at every passer-by. The result was that they had taken 5 minutes more than they ought to.

When they reached the office, Dumbledore was sitting, reading some important looking papers. But seeing them, he quickly stuffed them back to their folder.

"What is it, Harry?" he asked, peering at them with his penetrating gaze.

"Professor, as I was going up to my dormitories..." Harry started to say, when Hermione banged through the door.

"Sorry professor," she apologised to the professor and quickly turned to Harry. She was still in her night-wear and had just put on a robe over it. "Ginny told me to come here- You told her to?" she asked.

"Well, I was going back to the dormitory after the party, when I ..." Harry told them fully what he managed to hear and what he could conclude by it.

"Professor, I'm sure- by what I've heard- that Voldemort is going to attack at the Privet Drive. Bellatrix Lenstrange knows everything about her...she is the in charge. He said that she knows how to do it," he concluded. "Though I am not sure when, but it will be done within a few days."

Dumbledore nodded, and went to the Phineas Nigellus' portrait and said-

"Phineas, PHINEAS! I need you to visit the quarters and alarm the others about the centre to be terminated," He repeated the message twice. The occupant nodded lazily and drifted out.

He moved towards Fawkes, who had grown back to his usual form again, and whispered in its ear, which Harry could not hear. It vanished with a golden flame. The turned towards them again and said calmly, "It'll be better- if not best- for you three to go and sleep peacefully in your comfortably inviting beds. If what you say -happens, then you'll be first person to know about her safety Harry."

Before Harry could know what he was saying, he heard himself say, "But Professor I need to be there-"

"NO you won't, Harry. Thinking of the past, it could be well another plan of Voldemort to lure you there. You now go back, try to empty your mind and sleep."

***

The next day Harry woke unexpectedly. He dressed up and looked at Ron's bed, which was empty. It was five in the morning. Wondering why Ron would wake up so early, he went to the Common Room, yawning widely. But even the shock of finding Ron up early wasn't nothing compared to what he saw there. The scene gave him a terrible jolt and made him stop at the stairs, seeing the scene stealthily.

Ron and Hermione were talking quietly (without an argument) in the mercifully empty Common Room. She had tears in her eyes and she said something that made Ron blush. But what was more surprising was, as Harry blinked in shock, she rose from her sofa and gave Ron a peck on his check. This made both Harry and Ron blush even deeper.

Hermione, still unaware of Harry's presence, quickly ran towards her dormitory. Harry turned towards his dormitory back, when he heard an audible gasp. Turning towards the source of sound, he saw that Hermione was halfway through the stairs, eyeing Ginny as though frightened of her. Ginny was smirking at her. Apparently, Ginny also had witnessed the scene.

But before Ginny could say anything, Hermione fainted right on the stairs and rolled on them, till she hit the floor.

Harry and Ron ran towards her. Ron was surprised to see Harry but asked Ginny instead, "What should we do now? Take her to the Hospital Wing?"

Ginny nodded. "Obviously, Ron! Luckily though, she has a broken arm only, and the fall was not high."

"OK!" said Harry resolutely and heaved Hermione in his arms. He stumbled once but steadily went towards the portrait.

Ginny coughed in surprise but followed him and Ron, who had a strangely awkward expression.

But she stopped in front of the Wing and started nervously, "Er- Harry, it would be better if we place her on a stretcher now. Madam won't approve this." She pointed at him, carrying Hermione in his arms.

He understood what she meant and looked at Ron in embarrassment. He was looking guiltily at him, for a reason Harry couldn't guess.

Harry nodded as Ginny conjured a stretcher and put Hermione on it. Ginny took the stretcher through the doors, followed by Ron. But Harry remained behind, not wanting to go there and but to solve the impossible jumbled threads of his feelings.

***

"Look Harry, what came in the Daily Prophet!" Hermione shouted, waving the newspaper in her hands and running towards him and Ron, followed by an exasperated Ginny.

"Ginny, the matron told you not to move your hand much. Will you give it a rest?" she asked in between gasps.

Hermione ignored her and turned to them. "Cornelius Fudge has been removed from the post of the Minister," she said excitedly. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"I told her we could talk this later but she was adamant and rushed to you as soon as Madam Pomfrey put the spell. She even didn't hear what precautions she gave," Ginny explained.

But even before she finished her sentence, Hermione opened the paper and slapped it hard on the table, with a cartoon of Fudge being kicked from the foot of an invisible person-

ROXBURGH ASTRI SWEARS IN AS THE NEW MINISTER OF MAGIC

Over the many rumours that were finding our ears, Senior Undersecretary, Emmit Wycoff, has finally confirmed that Roxburgh Phillyus Astri finally took over as the New Minister of Magic. The swearing ceremony was conducted by Albus Dumbledore,The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and The Headmaster of Hogwarts, immediately after the election procedure ended.

Members of the international Confederation of Wizards, Warlocks of the Wizengamot, Heads of all Departments and Order of Merlin awardees (first class) voted out Cornelius Fudge, the then Minister last evening. Sources from the inside the Ministry suggested that Fudge was loosing his 'touch' and Ministry employees were not satisfied with his present works.

Though Albus Dumbledore was considered to be a strong contender for the post but he wished to continue his reign as Hogwarts' Headmaster and his place at the 'Chocolate Frogs' cards. Though reluctant at first to stand, Astri finally defeated Fudge and Salveqki by mere 89 and 26 voted respectively. 'Astri will be a just Minister, I am sure of it. I am happy he won. He is precisely what the Magical community needs today,' replied Salveqki genuinely, on being asked how he felt about his defeat. Salveqki is currently the Head of Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, and fought for the post 'only because his friends and colleagues blackmailed him to.'

Fudge has been given a chance to rejoin the Ministry as an official of Magical Catastrophe Department. But sources say that it is unlikely and he will now shift abroad and try to settle there.

'It was only a matter of time before Fudge had to be kicked out. He disagreed with Dumbledore only to continue his post smoothly and tried to crush his attempts when he tried to warn the world about Voldemorts' return,' commented Tiberius Ogden, 75, Wizengamot elder from her official residence. Many other reasons, coupled with the above one were found from different sources. Apparently, Fudge denied Dumbledore's advice to send the Giants a welcome hand and remove the Dementors, He-who-must-not-be-named's most royal creatures, from the Azkaban. These might raise the eyes of many people, but 'it would have not resulted in the breakout of the Death Eaters from the Azkaban,' retorts Arthur Weasley.

He tried to discredit Dumbledore and Mr. Potter, who was the only witness to the Dark Lords' return, for a whole year by pushing the Daily Prophet to print only the wrong version of their warnings. He also passed several 'disgusting' Educational Decrees to spy on Dumbledore and rule over Hogwarts indirectly through his ex-Senior Secretary- Dolores Umbridge, who is still missing after she fled from Hogwarts. He even ignored an attack on Mr. Potter by the Dementors in July last year. Instead of investigating on the matter, Fudge called it a cock-and-bull story and tried to expel Mr. Potter for using magic to save him and his cousin.

Roxburgh Astri (69), muggle-born, has been an active Ministery official and has also voiced solutions whenever the ministry has been through low times. Originally appointed as a mere clerk at the Wizard Owl Post Control Board at the age of 25, he got several promotions and soon he became the Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Within a few starting years of his career, he proved to be an indispensable official. He has got an Order of Merlin, First class, for curbing the world-wide smuggling network of Ibraham-Ul-Hak. He also worked tirelessly against the Dark Arts, resulting in the arrest of many Death Eaters when Dark Lord was at large before.

In an exclusive interview to the Prophet Astri talked about the tasks he would do that would stabilise the Ministry. He wished to take control over anything The Dark Lord is likely to require to join in his deadly army, before the Dark Lord does. He would also seal the Department Of Mysteries for the time being, refusing to give its reason. But the highlight of his list of tasks is the shift- or the renewal- of the wizard prison. "I have no intention to re-establish Azkaban as the prison again," he said pointedly on being asked about Azkaban.

Astri's long term aims also include promotion of different under-stated magical creatures, especially House-elves, who are denied their rights since ancient times and extending the Muggle-Artefacts workings to curb the exploitation of the innocent Muggles by the wizards.

'We hope to enter a new era of peace and love and offer our utmost cooperation to the new Minister. His appointment to the top post is rightly deserved,' expressed Dumbledore. The Wizarding community can also only hope and pray that Astri would be able to rectify the blunder Fudge had created by keeping them in dark about the Dark Lord for a whole year.

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ELECTION PROCEDURE- Turn to Pg.-6

TO READ THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE MINISTER- Turn to Pg. 8

TO READ MORE ABOUT BOTH THE CANDIDATES- Turn to Pg.-9

"That's good news! This obviously means that the Order now doesn't have to hide from the Ministry," exclaimed Ron happily.

"I'm not sure Ron," replied Hermione, her eyes furrowed. "Order, as much as I know, was a hidden group from the starting. The Ministry never knew -or pretended not to know- about it. And about hiding, you're not sure how the new Prime Minister would be! Maybe he interrupts in its working. I don't think Order will be open even now."

Ron pursed his lips in thought and nodded. Harry also agreed with her fully and was about to ask about her arm when Ginny suddenly said, "Well, I need to go to my classes. You enjoy yourself!" She winked at Hermione, who blushed and quickly started her breakfast.

Tonks entered the class swiftly. Harry sometimes found it difficult to believe Tonks could even move so swiftly, when she moved so clumsily at the Headquarters.

"Now as I see, many of the students here will accompany me to Durmstrang," she said fondly. Let's see... 10 points to each Team member here in this class. Back to the point! Now, as I showed in the last period, today we'll be practising the Advanced Shield that blocks all spells except a few powerful dark spells, including the Unforgivable Curses. For this first try to empty your minds."

Harry found it quite difficult to empty his mind with Malfoy sniggering behind him. Even Ron, even with his eyes closed, was clutching his wand tightly in position to attack.

After a few minutes Tonks spoke again, "Now speak with me- Obshieldo!"

"OBSHIELDO!" The whole class roared together.

"Good, now each student kindly come forward and try to shield the spells I put against you," Tonks said. "On my call, Neville-"

Neville moved forward. He shouted, "Obshieldo!" and a huge red mist in the shape of a Coat of Arms appeared in front him. But it was weak, and Tonks easily deflected it with a Jelly Legs curse.

After him Pansy Parkinson came. She couldn't even produce a distinguish shield and was stunned easily by Tonks. She went back to her place gloomily after her two defeated chances.

The DA members performed quite good, making Harry feel proud about his last year's hard work. Most of them were able to shield Tonks' spells at third chance the most. But only Harry was able to shield Tonks' peculiar curse successfully at one go only. Even Hermione and Ron mastered it in their second chance.

"You all performed very brilliantly, considering the toady teacher you got last year for your OWLs year," she said. Harry and Ron snorted at the word 'toady'. She continued, "But I gather from Professor Dumbledore that in this class, I could find quite talented students who are adept in DADA. And I now see that he was true. This spell was quite difficult and only really powerful wizards could do it in first time."

The whole class turned to look at Harry, who blushed. Tonks grinned at him. "Now, 20 points to Harry, he did it in first time only and 10 points to all those who did in second chances."

The Gryffindors started murmuring excitedly among themselves. Among Slytherins, only five of them, including Malfoy, were able to cast in second attempts. The rest had failed miserably.

"Only 50 points to Slytherin and 80 to Gryffindor- wow!" Ron whistled.

Hermione's eyes glinted malevolently. "Why is there the urge to jump so much, Ron? You must have seen you face when Tonks put that strange spell through you," she said. "I thought you were doing a ballet with someone special- who was it?" she asked him, teasing. Ron blushed.

"Ooh- the poor Ronniekins is blushing, is he?" she probed on.

Harry had an urge to laugh hysterically. Now that Ginny was not anywhere near, she was now quite composed (She and Ron blissfully unaware of Harry's presence at the same time.)

"Why do you care who I was dancing with?" he snarled suddenly at her.

Hermione smile suddenly vanished. She replied frostily, "Nothing- just curious."

"Shut up, you two!" he hissed at them angrily, "The class has not yet finished."

Suddenly Colin entered the class entered after a soft knock.

Harry saw Colin the first time after the train mishap. He looked quite pale and there were dark circles around his eyes. But Harry noticed a firm set jaw, which Harry knew was never there in Colin. He looked strangely out of his character. Harry had a shaky feeling in his stomach, which troubled him more than it ought to. Colin's voice broke through the train of his thoughts.

"Excuse me, Professor. The Headmaster wants Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss. Granger in his office as soon as possible."

Tonks grinned. "Tell Headmaster, they'll meet him after they finish their class in fifteen minutes," she said. Colin nodded and went away quickly.

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked curiously at each other. So they quickly rushed to the office after the class.

Dumbledore was waiting for them when they reached. Before any of them could ask, Dumbledore quietly confirmed Harry's last night's suspicion. "Voldemort did attack Privet Drive early in the morning Harry. You were right."

The earth beneath him seemed to vanish. He stumbled from shock and Hermione supported him, talking to Professor. "And...w-what happened Professor?" she asked.

Dumbledore smiled suddenly. "No need to worry. We came just as they apparated there. There were no serious injuries, except your Uncle, who fainted from shock after breaking his wrist and fell from the sofa as it broke," his mouth quirked for an instant. "Dudley was at Smeltings, and your aunt was unharmed. We knew something like this could happen. In fact I was waiting when Voldemort would take this step. The Minister has agreed not to make an issue of this in the Daily Prophet. But you did a great job Harry. You saved her life by giving us the information. You strengthened the bond between you two Harry. Thank You Harry!"

***

In the evening, they went to the Great Hall for dinner and sat beside Neville and opposite to Parvati and Lavender. Parvati leaned across towards them conspirationally. "Well, I heard a rumour - Maybe Dumbledore will announce the team captain today," she said triumphantly. Ron's eyes gleamed in anticipation but he continued eating this roasted lamb.

As the last of their pudding disappeared, Dumbledore stood up and the entire Hall fell silent. Parvati and Lavender giggled.

"A very important notice for you all. The Quidditch team for the league has been chosen. They were the best among the others and I sincerely congratulate them. The school had great expectations from our team and I expect you all to support them as much as you can.

You might've noticed the absence of the Team Captain. After a long discussion Madam Hooch, most of the teachers," he paused, "have agreed on one name unanimously. I am happy to announce the name- it is our seeker- Mr. Harry Potter from Gryffindor."

After a second's interval, during which the students digested the news, there was huge uproar at the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table. A few Ravenclaw applauded politely, while nobody clapped at the Slytherin table. Everybody was coming over to congratulate him, shaking his hands or thumping him on his back.

Finally, Dumbledore intervened. "Yes! Yes! Well done Mr. Potter. Another note, the practises have to be daily held for a few days, till the captain suggests a pause. All the members have to come for practises. Now everybody, off to bed!"

"That's brilliant Harry! You must have seen the look on Malfoy's face. He looked ready to spit slugs!" said Ron excitedly, climbing two stairs at a time.

"Yes- even I and Ginny won't miss Harry playing as a captain. But shame, Malfoy had to come," sighed Hermione.

"Look at my bad luck. I won't be able to see Harry's first day as a captain!" interrupted Ron viciously.

"Why?" asked Hermione curiously.

"Don't you remember? I have detention with Pince tomorrow."

Hermione snickered. Ginny interrupted them from behind, her one friend missing from the usual four.

"At least you are not missing the whole practise, are you?" Ginny said bracingly. "Come on, don't be a spoil sport, you'll come back early. Madam Pince only requires the cleaning of old books."

Ron seemed to hate the idea. To cheer him up, Harry added, "Its loads better than taking Occlumency with Snape once every week, saying you are taking remedial potions, at least."

Ron nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, and if Snape would have had called me for Occlumency even once...I would've...I would've..."

***

Harry took his broomstick and his new book about Quidditch rules, along with their loopholes ('Stupid Quidditch Rules, and The Brilliant Way they could be avoided'-By Fred and George Weasley) sent to him by the Twins, who personally wrote all the rules and their plans how to break them legally, after knowing that Harry was the Captain. Harry didn't take it seriously at first, but after Ginny's continues persuasion, he finally read it and found it quite informative. It listed all the rules observed in International Quidditch, and the loopholes unwittingly made in them. Fascinated by it, Harry decided to go to the pitch early and read the book a bit. But his wish was not granted.

"Hi Harry!" someone shouted over to him and Harry coughed, inhaling a bit of too much of her perfume.

"Hi," he replied, smiling as she wandered over to him.

Ginny looked over to see him carrying the book. "So finally you decided to take my advice," she smiled uncannily like her brothers. "Fred and George wrote this book in the fourth year and planned to publish it. But the publishers never agreed. But it has wonderful tricks to break the rules and avoid penalty. For example, blocking a Keeper trying to save his goal and say you were just beating the Bludger towards the other player. So I tricked them into sending this book as soon as I came to know of the matches."

Harry frowned. "How do you know so much about this book?" he asked her.

Ginny grinned again. "That is so because dear Harry, that I am the editor of this book. Fred and George tried to keep it as a secret at first, but I helped them a lot in providing the loopholes, and provided them a critical view, that they finally made me the editor of this book.

"Anyways, I was going to Hermione- she said something about needing to see me to talk about the night time patrol, and some of her stupid ideas to minimise the work of elves by organising the Prefects and students to do some of their works." Ginny rolled her eyes, while Harry laughed. Hermione was still obsessed with the house- elves and as a Senior- Prefect, saw her duty to do something in this cause.

"And I have to go down for the practises- Well, see you later," Harry said and waved to her.

The rest 11 players (Ron was at the detention) were already waiting for him, even though he was 10 minutes early.

"GOOD EVENING CAPTAIN!" they all roared happily, except the Slytherins as Harry reached them. Harry blushed as being greeted as captain.

"Look everyone- there's no need to be formal with me. Call me Harry, and not as 'The Captain'. This is the first time I will be playing a Captain, whereas some of you might've already played as one-" he said looking at Davies, who was smirking. But his smirk vanished instantly as he realised Harry was looking daggers at him. Satisfied with himself, Harry continued, "So kindly cooperate with me. But-" he rounded onto Crabbe and Goyle, "- if anyone misbehaves in any way with any other player anytime- he/she will have to leave the team immediately, I'll make sure he/she does that the next second they misbehave." Harry smiled suddenly, thinking he had been posing as a very 'typical' Captain. "But first I need your introductions. Katie -Bradley -Crabbe -Goyle -Smith -Ernie -and you're," he paused at the blonde boy.

He smiled stiffly. "I'm Rollie Wedge -Hufflepuff, Beater," he said and nodded tersely.

Harry nodded and continued with the rest of the team, only to pause at Cho, as she beamed at him.

Trying to push out the distracting thought, he continued, "Ok. It is a pleasure to have you hall playing as one team, and I am really overwhelmed to have to guide you all. But please don't be afraid to criticise me about my faults. Our Keeper- Ron is not here. So we will be practising with Bletchely as the only Keeper till Ron arrives. Ernie- Rollie, could you please bring the crate in?"

They nodded and quickly brought it in. The started the practise and Harry watched it, hovering on his broomstick and observing all the players, trying to find out their plus and minus points as the practise progressed. Most of them were doing quite good, but faltered when they felt Harry watching them. Bletchley was not doing a good job as a Keeper. Harry patiently explained him to concentrate on the players and their apparent moves. Surprisingly as a Slytherin, he listened to them carefully and tried to imply them.

Harry pointed out mistakes to the different players, to which they all listened seriously.

Harry also tried a few hands at shooting the Quaffle but failed miserably. He was just talking with Cho about other players, when he felt someone staring at him. He turned towards the stand, and found Colin sitting there with Ginny. It was Colin who was staring at him but waved happily at him. Ginny waved to, a grin plastered onto her face. She kept glancing at Colin, trying not to frown whenever she did that.

Harry forced his mind towards the practise. He was going over to Ernie, when he saw the snitch just beside Cho's right ear. But Cho was too busy beaming at him to notice the Snitch. He turned his broomstick sharply and caught the Snitch, flinging his arm through Cho's left. She shrieked from fright.

"Cho, what were you staring at me for? Your job is to catch the Snitch if I am not there, and not stare at me," said Harry angrily, embarrassed at the fact that she ignored the Snitch because she staring at him.

She seemed flustered and tears started forming in her eyes as Harry announced the end for the practise.

Harry was wearing on his robes when he saw Cho waiting for him in a corner. Curious to see what she wanted to talk about, Harry walked towards her, unintentionally looking towards the stand where Colin and Ginny sat. It was empty. And so was the stadium. Everyone had gone back.

"Yes?" Harry asked Cho politely.

Cho cleared her throat. "Actually Harry, I want to say sorry about the row we had last year. I was stupid. I realised it must be so hard for you to fight him... I am so sorry Harry..." she broke off and started crying on his shoulders.

Realising gloomily that most of his time alone with Cho had been with her crying on his shoulders or shouting at him, Harry somehow felt guilty inside. It was hard placing his guilt but he had a strange queasy feeling inside. But still he patted her and tried to console her with what he thought would be gentle words.

"It's okay. What I have to cope up with is something I cannot divide with someone else. And its impossible to avoid it...you can't help it. You did what you thought was right at that time. I am happy that we are on good times back," he finished, cautiously choosing his words and framing his sentences, lest she would start shouting again.

Cho abruptly flung her arms around him and continued to cry. Harry gently pulled her away and tried to look sincerely in her eyes. Her eyes were red and she looked beautiful even when she cried. Harry took out his napkin and gently wiped her tears.

Cho smiled beautifully at him and leaned into him, but at that instant someone coughed violently behind her. Harry moved to saw it was Ron, and his eyes looked as if they might come out of its sockets any second. Harry quickly dropped his hands from her shoulders. Cho saw turned behind, seeing Ron, she blushed and quickly ran towards the castle.

Ron came over to him. "Is the practise over?" he asked.

"Yes," Harry grunted back.

Ron smirked. "So you were having a good time," he joked.

"Shut up, Ron!"

***

Finally, the day came when they were to leave for Durmstrang. To give them a nice farewell, Dumbledore had announced for a feast and the classes were cancelled that day.

Ron and Harry had spent the whole of the evening packing their luggages. Even Hermione and Ginny had gone frantic about packing. Hermione was bobbling in and out of the Common Room to see if she forgot anything.

When she came down finally with her suitcase hanging behind her, Ron jumped up quickly and said, "come on let's eat lunch. Who knows -if we'll get any food on the journey?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "God, Ron. Don't you think anything except eating?" she asked.

Ron's grin was loop-sided. "I am a growing boy. I've grown another quarter-inch since the end of term and have already reached 6 feet. I need food!"

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" drawled Ginny, coming down the stairs. She cast a disdainful look at her brother, who was still smiling and turned to look at Harry and Hermione.

"Give it up, Hermione. He's always been that way." She paused for a second. "His future wife is going to have to be able to keep him well fed." Harry choked on his water and laughed, while Ron glared at Ginny.

Hermione smiled and interrupted the fight. "Let's go!"

Ginny and Hermione passed through them. Ron followed them grumpily, while Harry accompanied Ron, still grinning.

"Stop smirking at me Harry!"

The decorations in the Hall were spell-bounding. It was almost impossible to decide which part of the decorations was best. The house tables were stationed under huge gleaming house banners and the staff table had all the four house symbols bound around an 'H'.

Harry was full of food and forgot for a moment that it was lunch and not dinner. He took a step back in surprise when he stepped into the bright Entrance Hall.

"Are you all right?" Hermione asked Harry, full of concern.

"Yeah, I just forgot, it was a lunch. It was surprising to come out in the light suddenly.

But the more surprising was the carriage in which they were to go.

Ron whistled in awe, and Hermione reprimanded him to whistle in public. But Harry had to agree with him.

The carriage was spectacular, and it simply spelled BEAUTY. The usual Hogwarts carriages were nothing compared to the carriage. In this case, the carriage was just a little more than three of Hagrid's biggest pumpkins with tiny windows and was connected to a Phoenix ('Fawkes!' exclaimed Harry excitedly.) just by its tail. The carriage was sparklingly gold with blue and red carvings on it and the wheels were encrusted with gems. But something tensed Harry. How were they going to squeeze into the carriage?

The entire school had come to bid goodbye to the team and Harry's Fan-club, led by Colin, made sure that no one (except them) remained near Harry for too long.

Dumbledore arrived soon, followed by all the other teachers, who came to bid them farewell. After announcing their departure, he went to Fawkes and stroked it, while Snape beckoned them to get inside the carriage.

As soon as he entered, Harry felt his jaw drop.

The carriage was gigantic in comparison with its outer proportions. A calisthetic corridor led to different cabins. Inquisitive to know more, Harry entered the nearest one.

It was a large room, even bigger than the Gryffindor Common Room. It had some dainty cabinets with antique curious objects. Half of the cabin was devoted to books (an excited squeal from Hermione and a groan of Ron confirmed their presence behind him).

The lighting system was also artistic and two gigantic chandeliers hung at the opposite ends of their cabins, providing enough light to illuminate the entire room. They reflected light al over through the angular mirrors placed around. The radiance was compelling. The windows, which looked tiny from outside, provided with constant supply of fresh air. They provided a picturesque view of the grounds where students were pushing and shouting to deliver their wished first. A few minutes later, the carriage began to move and as lightly as a feather, they soared upwards.

The radiance of the midday sun, gloss of the phoenix's rainbow -like tail, magnificent aerial view and a cool breeze blowing in from the windows made Harry relaxed and somewhat dozy.

The carriage was divided into four main cabins, two for the students, one for the staff and one as a library and recreation room. The Slytherins went to one cabin, and the rest were in other cabin. They originally claimed the larger one, but had to leave it in order to accommodate the larger group more easily in it.

Their lot was having a great time. They were playing Exploding Snap and Wizard Chess in turns. The biggest hurdle in front of everybody was Ron, who was nearly impossible to defeat. The girls were chatting together and giggling.

After defeating Harry spectacularly for the third time, Ron asked, "Where's Hermione?"

Harry looked around. There, in the nearest corner to them but the farthest from the other areas of the cabin, Hermione was sitting there, immersed in an about 5-inch thick book. Ginny was sitting near her, reading a book even thicker than Hermione's and scribbling on a parchment. It seemed to Harry that Ginny was trying to outdo Hermione.

Ron went over her and wrenched Ginny's book from her and turned to Hermione.

"Will you stop reading these books now, Hermione? It makes me sick. We're not going to have exams this year...so what's the need? We obviously know that you have crammed up all these already!" he said.

"You don't have papers, but I do have my OWLs!" snapped Ginny and took the book from Ron. Hermione ignored him and continued reading. In the end, Ron and Harry had to go back and resume their games.

They flew over villages, towns, cities, wild countryside, rivers, and mountains and even over sea when the sun started going lower. It was becoming steadily darker inside the cabin when Tonks arrived excitedly and announced, "Now everybody, get ready and pack your bags again. We'll be reaching Durmstrang Institute in a few minutes!"