An Unexpected Situation

The next few days were some of the best in Harry's life. He spent time with his friends going through Diagon Alley, happily talking about what they would like to get if they had the money. Fred and George were their usual selves, playing pranks and making plans for the shop they wanted. Mrs. Weasley was not pleased with them, wanting them to concentrate on studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Ron and Hermione spent a lot of time with Harry, even helping him read through his Animagus book. Hermione helped Ron with his summer homework and was amazed that Harry already had his done.

The night before they left for Hogwarts, Harry had a terrible dream. He dreamt that he was walking around an ordinary Muggle neighborhood. The street of houses was like many that he had seen before. It was dark as he stood in the middle of the street. Suddenly, flashes of different colored light came from one of the houses. He jumped as he saw someone crash through a second story window. He heard screams from inside the house. Then he saw the same thing happening to the other houses on the block. People were thrown through windows and doors. Several houses started to crumble. One house totally fell into the ground, never to be seen again. He saw a flash of green light in the sky and looked up. His blood went cold as he recognized the shape of the image. The skull in the sky was encased in green - The Dark Mark.

Harry sat up with a scream. He clutched his head. His scar was hurting him terribly. He put his hand on it then took it away at once. It was burning so much that he couldn't touch it. Ron was at his side immediately. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley soon came into the room, followed by Hermione and Ginny.

"Harry!" said Mr. Weasley desperately, "What is it?"

Harry breathed for a minute and looked at the elder Weasley. "It's him. I think he's struck again. I saw people being killed, houses being destroyed. Then I saw it...the Dark Mark, in the sky overhead."

Ron's parents looked at each other with concern. Mr. Weasley then spoke. "We need to inform Dumbledore."

"You can use Pigwidgeon. He's the fastest," said Ron.

Mrs. Weasley nodded as Arthur left the room. He came back a few minutes later with a note in his hand. Ron got Pig from his cage and tied the note to the bird's leg. Ron took the owl to the window.

"Get this to Dumbledore as fast as you can. Don't stop for anything."

The owl gave an excited hoot and flew away. Ron watched as he disappeared from view then closed the window. He looked at Harry, who looked sad and defeated.

"Dammit, I feel so helpless. I want to do something and I feel like nothing I do will help," Harry said angrily.

"But you have been helping us," said Mrs. Weasley defiantly, "we now know that You-Know-Who is on the move again. And since we have a head start on the Ministry, Dumbledore might be able to help in some way."

Harry nodded but didn't feel better. Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry and Ron and went back to her room followed by Mr. Weasley. Ginny hugged Ron while Hermione soothed Harry as best she could. After a few minutes, the two girls went back to their room. Ron got back into bed and stared at the ceiling.

"I know how you feel, Harry. I've been thinking the same thing for months."

Harry turned and looked at Ron. "Let's hope that eventually we can do something." He closed his eyes and returned to a fitful sleep.

----------------------------------------------

Harry awoke the next morning to the sounds of chaos. Mrs. Weasley was yelling at Fred and George for not being packed. Mr. Weasley was banging on the door of the girl's room, telling them to wake up. Ron was putting his shirt on, looking grumpy. Harry put his glasses on and got dressed. He and Ron had packed the night before, so they carried their trunks downstairs and set them by the door. They sat at a table and had breakfast while waiting for everyone else to come down.

As they ate, Harry let the events of the past few weeks go through his mind. His thoughts constantly went to Ron and his revelation to him. As he thought, he watched Ron as he ate. "He's still the same mate I met four years ago... still outspoken about some things, quiet about others. He's still my loyal friend. Now he wants to take it a step further. Part of me wants to, and part of me is so unsure about what may happen if it doesn't work...but then again, why wouldn't it work. Ron and I are so inseparable now, why would it make a difference?"

His train of thought was broken when Mr. Weasley came down with Ron's cage, which had Pigwidgeon inside hooting happily.

"He got back this morning," said Mr. Weasley putting the cage on top of Ron's trunk. He turned to Harry. "Dumbledore sent me this note."

Harry took the note and read it.

Thank you for telling me this at once, Arthur. I am dispatching agents to the area to confirm. I can only hope it is not as bad as Harry described it.

Albus

PS - Tell Harry I need to meet with him after the feast when he gets to Hogwarts.

Harry suppressed a small shudder. He could only imagine what Dumbledore would tell him at the meeting.

Ginny and Hermione came down the stairs with their things and sat down, looking weary and tired. It was apparent that they had not slept well. Fred and George soon followed with their mother, who was looking very upset with them. Everyone ate quickly and had just gotten finished when the door opened. A familiar face walked in.

"Professor Lupin!" said Harry, who stood up to greet him.

"Please Harry I'm not a professor anymore. You can call me Remus." He looked more tired than usual and it seemed that the grey in his hair had multiplied since Harry last saw him. "All right, is everyone ready to go?"

The party stood up and went to gather their things. They went outside and saw two cars ready to take them to the King's Cross. Remus helped them put their belongings in the trunks of the cars. Harry saw the driver in the second car. She looked very familiar.

"Profess... Remus, is that Mrs. Figg?"

Lupin looked at the driver. "Yes it is. I thought you would recognize her. She's been watching after you when you're at your aunt and uncle's house."

Harry nodded and got into the car Remus would be driving. He noticed that the trunk had been slightly altered, but the inside of the car looked very ordinary. As Remus got in, Harry's suspicion was confirmed. Ron got in and sat next to Harry in the backseat as did Hermione. Mrs. Weasley sat in the front while Ginny and the twins got in the other car with their father.

In no time at all, they arrived at the King's Cross. Remus looked at his watch and told them they had twenty minutes to spare. He helped unload their luggage onto the trolley carts. They then moved into the station, heading for the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Remus went first, followed by Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione, the twins and the elder Weasleys. Harry grinned as he rolled his cart down Platform nine and three-quarters. The adults helped the kids load their things into a few compartments near the midsection of the train. Harry and his friends soon saw a few classmates. Dean Thomas said hello from a short distance away. Neville walked by, being scolded by his grandmother for forgetting something yet again. Several minutes later, the train whistle sounded. Everyone said their goodbyes to the adults and boarded the train.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred and George walked down the hallway looking for an empty compartment. The twins saw Lee Jordan, a friend of theirs, and went to sit with him. The remaining four soon found an empty compartment near the middle. They went inside and took their seats just as the train started to pull away from the station. They were getting ready to talk about the coming year when a voice sounded from nowhere.

"May I have your attention please? I need Pansy Parkinson, Hannah Abbot, Roger Davies and Hermione Granger to please report to the front of the train immediately. Thank you."

The other three looked at Hermione, who shrugged. He got up and left the compartment without another word.

"What do you think that's all about?" asked Ron.

"I'm not sure," said Harry, "I'm sure she's not in trouble. Someone comes and gets you if that happens."

"I wonder," said Ginny pointedly. "Did you notice? Each of the others was from a different house."

"Hmm, that is odd."

"Hey Harry, care for a game of Wizard Chess?"

"Sure."

Ginny sat back quietly and watched as the two friends played the game. Harry was actually doing pretty well when the door slid open. Harry looked up and saw a boy holding what looked like a copy of The Daily Prophet.

"I was wondering... Harry!"

"Alex!?" Harry recognized him at once. His long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He was wearing black pants and a black t-shirt with the word "Tool" on it.

"I hoped we would meet again," said Alex as he walked over and shook Harry's hand.

"So did I," smiled Harry. "Everyone, this is Alex, who I met last week. Alex, this is Ron Weasley and his sister Ginny." Alex shook hands with everyone then sat down next to Harry.

"So what are doing here?" asked Harry, "I assumed you went back to America."

Alex smiled. "My parents transferred back here after we found out what happened with Cedric. They grew up in London and went to school at Hogwarts. They moved to America about a year before I was born. My Dad actually worked in the American Ministry of Magic until the end of June. Evidently Dumbledore filled them in on what actually happened and asked if they could work for him. Since he and my mother are good friends, they couldn't turn him down, especially with everything that's going on."

"I know. That attack last month was terrible," said Ron.

Alex looked around with sadness. "I guess that means you haven't heard the latest."

"What is it?" asked Harry nervously.

Alex handed him the copy of The Daily Prophet he was holding. Harry unrolled it and began to read the headline.

SECOND ATTACK CONFOUNDS MINISTRY

The Ministry of Magic confirmed today that the destruction

of several Muggle houses in Manchester last night, which resulted

in the deaths of 49 Muggles, were indeed the work of dark wizards

and witches unknown.

"We are doing everything we can to bring this situation under

control," announced Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.

"Our team from the Magical Law Enforcement Squad got to the

site first. A few Muggles had to have their memories altered to

ensure the preservation of the magical world."

When asked if this had anything to do with the rumors about

the return of You-Know-Who, the Minister replied, "Absolutely not.

We have reason to believe that this is the work of a small group who are

trying to destroy everything we have worked for all these years."

Harry threw the newspaper down in disgust. "I can't believe that man!" he said, a very angry tone in his voice. "He's so afraid that he'll lose the public's trust if he announces that Voldemort's returned that he doing everything to cover it up. What a right bastard!"

Ginny, though taken aback with Harry's choice of words, nodded in agreement. Ron had a scowl on his face as he picked up the paper and read it for himself. Only Alex had a sad look of disappointment on his face.

"He doesn't know what he's doing. Mark my words, it's gonna get to the point where Voldemort's out of control and Fudge will suffer for it. I hope it doesn't happen, but I have a strange feeling. And I hate it when that happens, because my suspicion usually comes true."

Before anyone could say anything, the door slid open and Hermione walked back in. She was smiling widely and holding a gold badge.

"Guess what? They made me a prefect!"

Harry was not surprised at all. The group cheered and congratulated Hermione. She then turned and saw the strange blonde sitting next to Harry.

"I've never seen you before. I'm Hermione Granger" she said, extending her hand.

"I'm Alex Latham, transfer from America. It's nice to meet you," he replied. He took her hand and kissed the top of it gently.

Hermione was intrigued. She had never met anyone from America before, never mind one so charming. He seemed to radiate an aura of happiness from his body.

She looked him over and saw the shirt. "What does that mean?"

"Tool is a popular hard rock band in Muggle America. They're a bit strange. Their lyrics and music are a fusion of dark tones, alternate theories of science and eastern religions."

"That's sounds right up your alley, Hermione" said Ron. "Have you heard the latest?" he asked. She shook her head as Ron handed her Alex's paper. She read it then lowered it in frustration.

"I don't know how that man ever got to be Minister! He is a bloody disgrace!"

Harry, Ron and Ginny looked at her with shock. It was normal for Hermione to voice her opinion, but they never heard her voice it like that before. Alex, however, was unsurprised and seemed a bit amused by her. Hermione saw this and felt her face heat up.

"I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but that's the way I feel."

"I couldn't have said it any better," said Alex, looking her in the eye. "But you need to be careful about who you say that to. The Ministry has many eyes and ears. Just be on your guard. I don't want anything to happen to any of you."

A look of concern came over Hermione's face. "Are you telling us this because your parents..."

"No, no," laughed Alex, "My parents are over here because Dumbledore asked them to come back." He then explained everything to Hermione. When he was finished, she sighed with relief.

"By the way, what year are you starting?" Hermione asked.

"Fifth," said Alex. "Although from what I understand I may know quite a bit of what will be taught this term. My old school in America pushed a lot on us in a short amount of time. But still, I hope I'll learn something. Besides, the hardest part is over. I'm not even at school and I've got new friends." Everyone smiled at Alex, who returned the expression sincerely.

The journey continued pleasantly. Harry and Ginny looked over his Animagus book. Ron even took an interest and they discussed what type of animal they might want to become. Hermione talked with Alex. She discovered that he too was a bit of a bookworm, but was balanced by a very fun and somewhat rebellious streak.

During the trip, Alex noticed a girl with dirty blonde hair walking down the hallway. A few minutes later, he saw her again. She was holding a newspaper upside down and had strange earrings on.

"Any idea who that is, Hermione?"

Hermione looked up and nodded. "Luna Lovegood. She's a forth year Ravenclaw. A bit odd from what I understand."

Alex merely nodded and went back to reading the Daily Prophet.

Near the end of the journey, the door flew open. The face that appeared made almost everyone scowl. It was Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin who was hated by Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny. The feeling was mutual.

"Well well, if it isn't scarhead and the Weasels," said Draco in his usual tone. "Can't seem to get away from each other, can you? And what have we here..."

Draco turned to Alex, who had gotten to his feet. Although Malfoy had grown a bit over the summer, Alex was a good two inches taller. Alex's eyes were piercing daggers through Draco's.

"Alex Latham, new student from America."

"America?" said Draco with surprise, "I see they're letting anyone into Hogwarts now. I'm not surprised, seeing you in here with Potter, the Weasels and the Mudblood..."

Harry started to get to his feet, but he wasn't fast enough. Alex had grabbed Draco by the back of the hair and was pulling his head back sharply. Harry's eyes widened at the look of hatred on Alex's face. Draco's arms flailed then stopped when Alex moved his face closer to his.

"If I ever hear you call anyone that again, I will personally ensure that your life is a living hell beyond anything you could ever fucking imagine!" He let go of Draco and watched as he fell to the floor in the hallway. Draco rubbed the back of his head and looked at Alex with pure hatred.

"Don't you threaten me! My father..."

"I don't give a damn about your father! And you'll learn soon enough that I rarely give warnings...and I don't make threats!" Alex let these words soak in for a minute then slammed the door in Draco's face.

Alex let his breathing calm down then he sat down across from Hermione. He noticed that everyone was looking at him with a mixture of fear and wonder.

"I'm from one of the oldest pureblood wizard families in the world," said Alex with a touch of anger, "but I don't tolerate that kind of discrimination. Everyone that has the ability should be able to learn magic."

Everyone in the room smiled and looked at Alex with a new-found respect. They were so used to Malfoy's comments against Muggle-born wizards that it was nice to hear a different opinion from a Pureblood for a change.

-------------------------------------

The remainder of the trip was uneventful. The five went back to their activities and remained undisturbed. Just before they arrived, everyone changed into their robes. Soon the train slowed down then came to a complete stop at the platform. Harry and company got off the train. They all heard "Firs' years! Over here please! All right there, Harry?" He turned and saw Hagrid, who looked very tired. Harry smiled at him and nodded. The group then headed for the stagecoaches that would take them to the school... except for Alex.

"Hey Alex, aren't you coming with us? You're not a first year."

"I know," said Alex, "But my letter told me to go with them since I have to be sorted. Knowing my luck, I'll be last."

Harry noticed he had a small frown on his face. He knew exactly how Alex felt. Harry got in a coach with Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville. It suddenly took off and made its way up the path towards the school. They soon arrived and Harry got out of the coach and smiled.

"It is good to be home."

All the students went inside and headed for the Great Hall. Harry walked with Ron and Hermione while Ginny went off to talk with Neville. They were about to enter the Hall when Draco and his thugs Crabbe and Goyle approached and kept them from entering.

"You better tell your American friend to watch himself, Potter."

"Give me a break, Malfoy," said Harry, "The way Alex handled you makes me wonder how you can do anything without your tagalongs here."

A look of fury came over Draco's face. He was about to speak when a voice shouted "All right, that's enough!"

Draco turned and looked right into the eyes of Professor McGonagall, Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor house. He gave a last scowl at Harry before walking away, taking Crabbe and Goyle with him.

The trio walked to the Gryffindor table. Harry sat beside Ron and across from the twins while Ginny sat between Hermione and Neville. Harry looked around and saw that the professors were all seated except for McGonagall. Hagrid had just come in and taken his seat. He saw Professor Snape, his least favorite person next to Draco, sitting to the right of Dumbledore. Beside him was a very attractive woman. She had black hair as long as Dumbledore's and seemed to generate an aura of strength.

"Look," said Harry, "I think that woman is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." The others turned to look at the woman and nodded.

"She sure gives you that impression, doesn't she?" asked Ginny.

"Let's get the sorting started," said Ron, "I'm starving."

"I'm actually looking forward to the sorting," said Harry pointedly. The others looked at him. "I want to know where the Sorting Hat will put Alex."

"Hmmm..." said Hermione. She went to complete her sentence, but then the doors of the Hall opened and McGonagall lead the first years inside. Harry saw that Alex was at the end of the line, just as he predicted. They stopped when the came to the front of the teachers table. Hermione noticed that Luna Lovegood was looking at Alex with a keen interest in her eyes from the Ravenclaw table. Harry looked and saw that the Sorting Hat was perched on a stool as always. The hat stirred for a moment then began to sing:

For these many years I have sorted them all

From the bad to the good, the great and the small

But the dark time ahead as all of you know

Will be the chance for your abilities to show

For brave Gryffindor to become very strong

For wise Ravenclaw to help us along

For loyal Hufflepuff to work with the light

For cunning Slytherin to join in the fight

As I have done now since I did back then

It is now time for the Sorting to begin!

The Hall erupted with applause scattered with whispers. Clearly this was one of the shortest songs the Hat had ever sung. It also struck Harry that the Hat had never been so 'to the point' before.

The Sorting went rather quickly and it seemed that each house got an equal number of first years. Finally the time the Harry was waiting for came.

Alex nervously sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head. After a moment, a voice spoke to him.

"A student from America. I've been waiting for this opportunity. I see a great deal of intelligence...and plenty of courage. You would fit well in any of the houses here...but I think the best place for you is..." Suddenly the hat sounded throughout the Hall, "GRYFFINDOR!!!"

The Gryffindor table burst into applause at the announcement. Alex handed the Hat back to McGonagall and smiled. He went to the table and sat next to Hermione. He pulled the ponytail holder out of his hair and let it fall over his shoulders. Hermione noticed that Luna flashed a small smile, then went back to her far away expression.

Professor Dumbledore then stood up. "Welcome everyone, to another year at Hogwarts. I have a few announcements I wish to make... but after we eat! Let the feast begin!"

Suddenly the tables became filled with food and drink. Everyone started in and enjoyed the immense feast. Alex talked with Hermione about what courses they would be taking. Ron and the twins were stuffing their faces, to no one's surprise. Harry just enjoyed himself, taking in all the sights and sound around him. He truly felt at home once again. He put his internal personal struggle aside for the evening, wanting to enjoy his first night back.

After the last course was served, Dumbledore called for everyone's attention.

"Before we say goodnight, I have a few short announcements. Firstly, I would like for everyone to welcome our new transfer student from America, Mr. Alex Latham."

The Hall was filled with applause, especially at the Gryffindor table. Alex nodded his head and smiled at Dumbledore.

"Secondly, I would like to give my congratulations to our new prefects, Pansy Parkinson, Hannah Abbot, Roger Davies and Hermione Granger."

The four prefects stood up to a tremendous applause. Hermione's face was as red as the Gryffindor crest.

"Thirdly, I would like for everyone to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Ms. Bryony Ravenwillow."

The dark haired professor stood and the Hall applauded again. Several of the male students seemed to be taken with her. The applause died and Dumbledore had a very serious look on his face.

"Finally, I would like to remind the students that the Dark Forest is out of bounds. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, asked me to remind you that the list of forbidden items has expanded and is posted in his office. Also, in light of recent events, all magical wards around the school have been strengthened, and any and all secret entrances have been sealed." Harry and Ron looked at each other. "Well, that is all. Now off to bed with you."

Hermione led the first years out of the Hall toward Gryffindor Tower, followed by everyone else. Dumbledore called Harry over to the staff table.

"I told Arthur Weasley that I would meet with you after the feast, but I can see that you are tired. We will talk after classes tomorrow." Harry felt a bit of relief and nodded. He was all too willing to wait.

He walked out of the hall and soon caught up with the rest of the Gryffindors. They had just reached the painting of the Fat Lady.

"Password?" asked the woman.

"Rumex crispus," answered Hermione. Neville smiled as the portrait swung open. Harry knew Neville was good at Herbology and would remember this password.

Everyone went inside and up to their dorm rooms. As Harry entered his dorm, he noticed that it had been expanded and had one more bed. Soon Alex entered the room, along with Ron, Neville, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. The group welcomed Alex to Gryffindor and he smiled. Being too tired to say anything else, they changed into their bedclothes and went to sleep almost immediately.