Harry Potter and the Angel of Justice

Chapter Nine - Going to the Chapel

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It was the week after Percy's dramatic escape, and the morning post had arrived after breakfast as normal, but today a large golden eagle was at the window as well as the usual Daily Prophet owl. Harry immediately knew that Mars must have sent something, and he hurried to open the window. He paid the owl for the newspaper, then took the letter from the eagle. The eagle looked at Harry carefully and then at the envelope in his hand. He glanced at it and noticed that menacing markings covered the front side. The eagle then took off from the window sill and flew into the sky. Harry could have sworn that she had waited for him to notice the marks.

The drawings looked like the runes that Harry had seen Hermione and Luna studying, but he had no idea what they meant. The girls entered the kitchen, chatting, and Harry called Hermione over to look at the envelope.

"What do you make of them?" he asked Hermione.

"Well, they're not any runes that I've studied at Hogwarts. In fact, I don't think they're runes at all," stated Hermione.

Ginny nodded in agreement.

"The letter's addressed to Mrs. Weasley, so I'm guessing that if anyone else tried to open it, they'd be very sorry indeed," warned Hermione.

Harry quickly placed the letter carefully on the table. He had no desire to discover what kind of retribution would strike someone foolish enough to intercept a letter from Mars.

Mrs. Weasley and Ron now entered the kitchen and Harry drew Mrs. Weasley's attention to the letter from Mars. Mrs. Weasley didn't seem fazed by the malicious lettering, because she opened it straight away. It took her only a few seconds to read it, after which she looked happier than Harry had seen her since Ginny had been named a prefect.

"What did he say, Mum?" asked Ginny brightly.

"Well, there's good news, and a bit of bad news. I was hoping Mars had the time to go with us to Diagon Alley so Harry could come. I know that the last two years you haven't been able to make it, dear," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at Harry. "Ron's told me that you always enjoy yourself there. But it seems Mars is just too busy at the moment. He has a few things up to wrap up before he--well, he's just too busy. Without Mars, I don't think it's safe for you to come along, Harry."

Harry nodded solemnly. He was a bit disappointed not to be going to Diagon Alley, but he was more intrigued at what was keeping Mars so busy.

"What was the good news, Mum?" asked Ron.

"Oh, er--he just answered a few questions for, er, your father, yes, for your father," stammered Mrs. Weasley.

"What questions?" asked Ginny and Ron together.

"Never you mind! Hermione, Harry, I need you two dears to get a list ready of the school supplies you'll need for next term. Ginny and I will go to Diagon Alley this afternoon," said Mrs. Weasley.

"How come only Ginny gets to go?" complained Ron.

"Because I don't want to leave poor Harry all alone, and Ginny needs to pick out her new dress robes for making prefect. Charlie will drive us in Mars' truck," answered Mrs. Weasley, and then she left the kitchen.

"She sure seems friendlier with Mars since he helped Percy out," commented Hermione.

"I don't think she ever actually disliked him," said Harry. He was about to say more when he remembered overhearing Mrs. Weasley sobbing while Fleur comforted her, and he couldn't bring himself to continue reliving that memory.

Over the next few days thoughts of the upcoming school term were pushed into the background by the hurry to get ready for Bill and Fleur's wedding. While the wedding had been a topic of discussion among the Weasleys all summer, now suddenly the wedding was only two weeks away and it dominated all conversations. Fleur's family had arrived in Britain, and both families were busy with preparations. Harry and Hermione felt a bit out of sorts with all the family events going on.

While the Weasleys scurried about with last-minute errands and preparations, Hermione took advantage of a quiet moment to ask Harry how his Occlumency lessons were going. Mars had visited Harry twice since Percy's rescue. The Occlumency lessons, like Mars had promised, were much less traumatic without Snape as the teacher. Mars carefully instructed Harry on how to recognize attacks, how to close his mind to them, and how to clear his mind before going to sleep. Unlike Snape, Mars didn't use his wand at all for Legilimens--he simply stared at Harry; but the results were much more intense. Mars seemed to speed through Harry's memories, like a soaring hawk gazing for the movement of any prey. However, while Snape had invariably picked embarrassing or frightening moments in Harry's life, Mars seemed to seek out Harry's victories and happier times. As a result, while Harry felt quite drained at the end of his lessons he still felt good, much like after a strenuous session of teaching his Dark Arts Defense Club last year. It was a good tired, so to speak. This was very different from the drained, depressed feeling he had had after every Occlumency lesson with Snape.

During his first lesson, Harry felt his attempts at defense had been hopeless, but in his second lesson he had managed to deflect the probe. Just as when he had turned the tables on Snape, Harry found himself privy to some of Mars' memories. He saw a beautiful, raven-haired woman with light blue eyes like Mars. She was smiling warmly and greeting him as he came in the door. As she approached him with welcoming arms, Harry heard a voice and turned. Mars was standing there, in his own memory, smiling at him.

"My mind is far too dangerous a place for you to be wandering around in, Harry."

Harry had snapped out of the memory. Mars had congratulated him and said that Harry would only need a few more lessons, and that he had to leave.

"That's where I stand now," said Harry as he finished recounting his story. "We'll have another lesson after the wedding, before school starts."

"He actually appeared in his own memory telling you to leave?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, very different from when Snape stopped me."

"Who was the woman? Did he say?"

"Mars said it was his mum. I swear, Hermione, I could feel love and caring just pouring out of her. Like she exuded goodness."

"He must really love his mum to have such a powerful memory of her."

Harry nodded.

The last of the wedding plans were not finalized until the day before the ceremony. Hermione, Ginny, Fleur's little sister Gabrielle, and the maid of honor were all staying with Fleur at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade that night. Fleur and the girls would walk to Hogwarts early the next morning, before the Groom arrived, and there the bride would get ready. Charlie, the best man, would then drive Bill to Hogwarts in the Hummer right before the ceremony. The truck was Mars' wedding present, and it was already proving useful.

When Hermione and Ginny had left for Hogsmeade, Harry and Ron felt out of place at the Burrow. Everyone was running around and they only seemed to be able to get in everyone's way. Mrs. Weasley seemed both happy and nervous at the same time. Bill was a bit tetchy, and Charlie's teasing was not helping. All in all, Harry was quite glad when bedtime finally arrived and he and Ron could escape the commotion and get some rest.

The next morning, Mrs. Weasley awoke Ron and Harry early. They dressed quickly and then walked warily down the stairs. In the kitchen they found Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and the twins, eating breakfast with none other than Mars. Ron and Harry awoke completely when they saw Mars, and greeted him enthusiastically as they sat down and started to eat.

"You two dears hurry with your breakfast now. Mars wants to be at Hogwarts well before the girls arrive with Fleur," said Mrs. Weasley as she sat down next to her husband.

"We're going with you today, Mars?" asked Harry hopefully.

"How come you want to beat Fleur there?" asked Ron.

"Yes, you are, Harry," answered Mars. "You two can't apparate yet, and the Hummer is spoken for today." He then turned his gaze to Ron. "The Delacours are a very superstitious family, Ron. Not only do they want to make sure the Groom doesn't see his Bride before she walks down the isle, they don't want any males close to him to see her either. So we have to get there, finish setting everything up, and then get inside before the girls arrive."

"Just what are you planning, Mars?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"I told you, Molly, it's a surprise," Mars twinkled. "Fleur will love it. Hurry up, you two."

Harry and Ron bolted their food and ran upstairs to got their dress clothes and robes together. They rushed downstairs again to meet Mars in the living room.

"Okay, we'll see the rest of you Weasleys at the wedding," said Mars, and then he pointed his wand at the rug and said "Elicio!" A large elegant vase with many songbirds painted on it appeared. He jabbed his wand at the vase and said "Portus," and it glowed bluely and shook a bit before settling peacefully.

"Mars, an unauthorized Portkey? They'll be able to track that back to the Burrow, you know," stuttered Mr. Weasley nervously.

"Relax, Arthur. After my wolves knocked high-and-mighty Jo Anne Lennon off her pedestal last week, Fudge has been real keen on me. I have permission to make any Portkey I need to. Besides, do you really think they could track me if I didn't want them to?" asked Mars toothily.

Charlie, the twins and Bill all smiled at the bravado, but Mr. and Mrs. Weasley still looked bothered.

"Now you lot be careful, we'll see you this afternoon," said Mrs. Weasley as she kissed all three on the cheek.

"On the count of three, we all grab the vase and hold on tight. One, two, three!" said Mars.

Mars, Ron and Harry all reached out to the vase and grabbed it simultaneously. Harry felt the familiar sensation, like a hook jerking him by the navel. He managed to keep his eyes open the entire time as they flew into a vast array of colors and sounds. His brain was close to sensory overload with all that was going on around him. Just when he was sure that he couldn't handle any more sensations, his feet hit the ground hard. He and Ron both stumbled a bit, but kept their feet. Mars, however, landed sure-footedly. He look at Harry and Ron and smiled.

"Good job keeping your feet, boys."

"We're at Hogwarts? Nice Portkey, Mars," said Ron, impressed.

Harry looked around and noticed that they were on the lawn in front of the Hogwarts castle. He could see the giant squid swimming lazily across the lake towards the mountains. Harry felt good to be at Hogwarts, even if only for a day.

"C'mon, the ceremony's going to be over here. Professor Dumbledore will be meeting us here any minute to help with the setup," said Mars, heading towards the center of the lawn with his long strides. Ron and Harry had to jog to keep up.

"How come they're getting married on a Wednesday, anyway? People have been complaining about that all month," asked Ron when they stopped.

"According to tradition, Wednesday is supposed to be the best day to get married, Ron, though most people have it on Saturday because it's more convenient. But Saturday is actually the most unlucky day to be married, so a superstitious family like Fleur's would insist on a Wednesday. Today, whatever the Bride says, goes, Bud. Get used to that idea, boys; it'll be your turn sooner than you think," Mars commented as he turned and looked at the castle's gates.

Both Ron and Harry wrinkled their noses.

"Ah, here he comes now." Mars pointed. Dumbledore was striding towards them from the castle, smiling all the way.

Dumbledore and Mars exchanged pleasantries and quickly got down to work. Mars created a magnificent red carpet that ran from the castle's entrance to the center of the lawn where they stood. Dumbledore created about eighty chairs in rows on either side of the carpet. Mars then conjured a beautiful silk canopy at the end of the carpet that was large enough to cover at least six people. Finally, Dumbledore summoned a pedestal and a few tables with candles and orchid-filled vases .

"Well, I think that about does it," said Dumbledore pleasantly.

"Just one more thing, Professor," replied Mars. "Wait here." He walked about twenty feet away and started moving rhythmically. His arms waved rapidly and they could hear him chanting.

"Is he dancing?" asked Ron with a puzzled look.

"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Chanting and dancing are a big part of Native American magic. I think I know what he is up to now," said Dumbledore, gazing intently at Mars.

The Headmaster didn't let Ron and Harry in on his suspicions; instead, he remained silent as Mars continued to chant for another minute or so. When Mars finally stopped dancing, he spread his arms wide and looked at the sky.

His audience followed his gaze upward and both Harry and Ron gaped as they saw the largest, brightest rainbow they had ever witnessed form before their eyes. It started somewhere over the mountains, crested over the road to Hogsmeade and came to rest, seemingly, miles past the forbidden forest. Dumbledore clapped politely and Harry and Ron quickly joined in.

"Bravo, Mars. That is simply beautiful," said Dumbledore, beaming proudly at his former pupil.

"Thank you, Headmaster. Nothing is luckier than a bride seeing a rainbow on her way to the wedding. Mum's the word on me helping that rainbow come about, eh, boys?" Mars winked.

"I didn't see anything, did you, Ron?" Harry grinned.

They all laughed.

"Well, we need to get out of here before the bridal party arrives. We have a few hours before the wedding; is there anything else that needs to be done inside?" asked Mars.

"The house elves have the reception completely ready so you three can enjoy yourselves. I have a few letters to write so if you lot will excuse me I will be off," said Dumbledore.

All three of them bid Dumbledore goodbye and he ambled back towards the castle.

"Well, I think I have the perfect task to occupy us until the ceremony. Professor Dumbledore told me that Magorian was furious with Hagrid and him at the end of last year. We should go smooth things over with Magorian and his people," suggested Mars.

"Magorian? The last time I saw him, he wanted to kill me, Mars!" Harry protested. Seeing Ron's confused look, Harry added, "He's the leader of the centaurs; well, I think he's the leader, anyway."

Ron nodded in comprehension.

"Relax, Harry. I know Magorian very well. No matter what Hagrid or Professor Dumbledore did to upset them, he'll greet me as a friend. I'm one of the few wizards who studies the stars as much as they do. I do remember Hagrid used to call them something derogatory; hmm--what was it again?" asked Mars with his hand on his chin.

"The last time I was in the forest with him, I remember Hagrid calling them a bunch of mules," said Harry nervously.

"He did? Well, that's not a bright way to get on their good side, is it? No, no, it wasn't a racist name like that, that I remember. Oh yes, it was 'ruddy stargazers'."

Harry nodded. He remembered in his first year Hagrid referring to the centaurs that way after they answered his questions so obtusely.

"Well, I'm a ruddy stargazer myself!" said Mars, grinning. "Don't worry, Harry. We'll be fine around them. Let's get going." Mars set off in his quick long strides, straight for the forbidden forest. Ron and Harry trotted after him.

About twenty minutes into the forest, the group was confronted by three armed centaurs, but as Mars had predicted, the two older ones recognized him and seemed happy to see him. The centaurs quickly consented to bring them to Magorian. Some time later, they were face to face with the centaur leader, who was in the middle of talking to another centaur named Bane. Harry sighed; he and Bane had never gotten along.

Magorian seemed happy to see Mars, but Bane scowled at Harry and didn't smile when Mars greeted him.

"Mars, I am pleased to see you after so long an absence. We asked Hagrid many times about your welfare, but he would only say that you had gone abroad," said Magorian.

"He wasn't giving you vague answers on purpose, my old friend. Hagrid has not seen nor heard from me in eleven years. I had indeed gone abroad, back to my birthland in fact, but it is here that I feel most at home."

"Of course you do, Mars. You alone among wizardkind understand the heavens as we do; you do not belong in their cruel world, but with us. Gather your mate and foals and return here. You will not miss the deceitful wizards you leave behind." Magorian looked scornfully at Harry and Ron, which did nothing to reduce Harry's anxiety about being in the forest. The centaurs might like Mars, but they seemed to still hold a grudge against Ron and him.

Mars smiled at the centaur and replied, "One day I will take you up on that offer. For now I have no mate, no foals, and no time to properly study the stars and their meanings." Magorian and the two friendly centaurs looked surprised and saddened, but Mars continued. "While abroad, I constantly waged war, Magorian, and I am afraid that I have returned to Britain to do the same."

Magorian's face hardened. "Then we are reading the signs correctly? The peace between the wizards' wars has passed and now they seek to slaughter each other again?"

Mars nodded. "Two months ago it began. Peripheral conflicts only, so far, but an enormous battle is coming, Magorian. I fear your people will be right in the path of violence. I am very sorry."

"You have seen this? You are sure?" asked the centaur anxiously.

"Yes, I have seen it. I may be wrong, I hope I am, but Magorian - it was quite clear. We cannot ignore it," said Mars, shaking his head.

Magorian looked fiercely for a few second in the direction Harry thought Hogwarts lay. His angry gaze returned to Mars.

"It is Dumbledore who brings this upon us, isn't it?"

Harry scowled. How could they blame Voldemort on Dumbledore?

"Yes, Magorian," said Mars grimly.

Ron and Harry gasped in horror.

"But Mars, how can you -," Harry interrupted, but Mars raised his hand.

"Silence, Harry!" said Mars sternly. His friendly expression was now gone. He looked deadly serious as he spoke to Magorian.

"Dumbledore is Voldemort's enemy, Magorian. Voldemort envies his power, his esteem, his knowledge, and his secrets. That is why Voldemort will come, and your people are in his path. Dumbledore has never meant you any harm. If not for Dumbledore, your people would have been forced off your land long ago."

This pronouncement seemed to offend Magorian and infuriate Bane.

"I would have never believed our old friend Mars would sound like a ministry official. Claiming the centaurs live only because of the great mercy of the wizards. What has happened to you?" said Magorian with deep loathing.

"When did I utter such nonsense? Why would you twist the words of an old friend like that? Magorian, surely you remember who defeated Grindelwald?"

All the centaurs flinched horribly.

"Name him not!" commanded Magorian.

"You haven't forgotten him then?"

"Forgotten him? Madness has surely afflicted you, Mars. He and his followers murdered thousands of centaurs. Where was your wonderful ministry then? They were cowering as his people butchered us!"

"The ministry cowered, yes, but Dumbledore defeated him. I do not expect you to have any loyalty or gratitude towards the Ministry or wizards in general, Magorian, but Dumbledore has treated you respectfully and fairly, and I have always been your friend. Do you really think you would be better off with Voldemort's bunch running things?"

"What about that witch Umbridge? She claimed to be the Headmistress of the school, insulted us and attacked Magorian! What about her, eh, wizard?" demanded Bane. He looked angry, but kept his distance from Mars.

"She has been deposed and sent off to Azkaban."

"Why did Dumbledore rescue her then? If the two of you hated her as much as you say, why not leave her to us?" asked Magorian, who seemed a bit calmer now.

"If he didn't rescue her, the Ministry would have sent their own wizards to take her from you forcefully. You can imagine how bad that would have been. We need to work together, your people, myself, Dumbledore and Hagrid. The only other choice is defeat."

Magorian thought deeply for a moment and then replied, "I will speak with the others, Mars. I trust you, and Dumbledore has never lied to us. But we still have an issue with Hagrid and him about Firenze."

All of the centaurs looked angry at the mention of Firenze's name.

"I'll be back with Dumbledore and Hagrid. I am sure we can clear that obstacle."

Mars shook hands with Magorian and the two friendly centaurs and then he, Harry and Ron started walking back to the castle. After a few minutes Harry felt brave enough to speak up.

"I can't believe they're still so mad at Firenze; it's not like he taught us anything at all last year."

"Very true," Ron nodded.

"Centaurs are really touchy about anyone learning their secrets. I am guessing Professor Dumbledore was banking on his defeat of Grindelwald to give him enough clout to be able to hire Firenze without too much fuss from the others," said Mars.

"Didn't turn out that way, did it?" commented Ron.

"Not yet. Hopefully, Magorian will listen to me; we can't have him trying to kill Hagrid each time he goes into the forest," replied Mars.

"Speaking of Hagrid, can we go see him now? I want to thank him for the watch he got me," asked Harry.

"I am afraid he's still on a mission for the Order, Harry," answered Mars.

"Oh," said Harry, disappointed. "I hope he's back in time before school starts."

"Me too. I hated not seeing him when we got off the train last year," added Ron.

"Yeah, that was depressing," said Harry.

The rest of the morning passed pleasantly, with Harry and Ron asking Mars questions about America and about the things he and the older Weasley boys had done at Hogwarts. Mars had many excellent stories to tell, and before Harry knew it, he and Ron had to rush inside to change for the wedding.

Many people from the Ministry and Gringotts Bank were in attendance - even a few goblins. Harry figured that Fleur must have come from a large family with lots of friends, because her side of the aisle was just as full as Bill's. French could be heard as often as English in the guests' chatter as they awaited the arrival of the bride. Charlie, Bill and some wizard Harry had never seen before were standing around the silk canopy, shifting nervously as they peered towards the Castle gates.

Music then filled the air of the lawn, though no instruments were visible. The audience all stood and turned towards the gates. A young blond girl exited the gates and walked along the carpet. She scattered flower petals from a basket as she approached the canopy. As she neared, Harry recognized her as Fleur's little sister, Gabrielle, whom he had rescued during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament two years ago, and she smiled at him as she passed. After Gabrielle reached the canopy, she quickly ran over to her mother in the front row. Fleur's mother looked a great deal like Fleur, but Harry noticed that at this moment she didn't look haughty at all, but merely nervous.

Harry heard a murmur from the crowd, and he and Ron looked back towards the castle to see Fleur approaching in a magnificent white dress, escorted by her father. As Fleur walked up the aisle, Harry could see orange blossoms in her hair and a stunning bouquet of orchids. Harry had to admit that she looked radiant. He was surprised to hear many of the women and girls sniffling and to see them wiping tears from their eyes.

"Why in the world are they crying now?" whispered Harry to Ron. This earned him a swift kick from Ginny, whom he now noticed was shedding a few tears herself. Hermione gave him one of the nastier looks that she normally reserved for Ron.

Harry found the ceremony itself quite tedious. Ron looked as bored as he, but Hermione and Ginny seemed enamored with the whole ordeal, staying misty-eyed throughout the long process of oaths and candle lightings. Neither he nor Ron dared to make any noises of boredom, with the two girls on each side of them happily sighing every minute or so. Harry was relieved when Bill and Fleur were finally pronounced husband and wife and kissed. The crowd cheered raucously as the newlyweds walked down the aisle and back towards the castle gates. None cheered louder than Harry and Ron; they were so glad to finally be allowed to move and make some kind of noise!

The guests slowly followed the happy couple along the carpet to the Great Hall for the reception.

"That was a wonderful ceremony, wasn't it?" asked Hermione glowingly.

"Oh yes, it was. Fleur looked fantastic! What a dress," answered Ginny enthusiastically.

"Bill looked great too," added Hermione.

The only thing Harry could think of was the food awaiting them at the reception so he wisely chose to smile silently until they reached the Great Hall. There was a large table at the front which at the moment seated four people: Bill, Fleur, Charlie, and the maid of honor. Harry noticed that Bill and Fleur had a single glass between them on the table. It was a large, beautiful cup with two handles and many sparkling gems in intricate patterns.

Ginny noticed Harry's curious stare at the cup and told him, "That's a Coupe De Marriage, Harry. It's been in the Delacour family for over three hundred years. Fleur talked a lot about it yesterday."

There were smaller round tables on each side of the Great Hall, with a large open space between them. Cheesy music permeated the Hall along with the smell of butterbeer and firewhiskey. Ginny lead them to a table up front, near the wedding party.

Hermione and Harry were seated with Ron, Ginny, and the twins. The menus in front of them looked very similar to the ones from the Yule Ball two years ago. Harry picked his up, decided what he wanted, and said, "Roast Beef and Potatoes." His plate filled with delicious looking food, and Harry dug in. Everyone else was doing the same, and the feast was on.

After most of the guests had finished their meal, the bride and groom ventured across the hall to cut themselves pieces of the wedding cake. It was an enormous, layered rum-soaked fruit cake with hard white icing. Harry couldn't wait to try it. After the couple had cut their pieces and returned to their seats, everyone else queued up for pieces of the cake and took it back to enjoy at their tables; everyone, that is, except for Mars and Tonks, who walked over to the table where Harry was sitting with his own piece.

"Wotcher, Harry?" asked Tonks.

Harry's mouth was quite full so he just smiled back at her.

"Aren't you having any of the wedding cake, Mars?" asked Hermione.

"I had a little, but just for luck. I can't stand the stuff," said Mars quietly.

"Charlie said you had terrible taste in food," blurted out Ron with a laugh.

"He did?" said Mars, looking at Charlie, who was close enough to hear the conversation and was chuckling. "Like he would he know anything about taste? If he eats anything spicier than white bread, he cries like a four-year-old." Mars and Charlie made faces at each other while the others giggled.

A short while later Charlie announced that the bride and her father would lead the first dance, followed by the groom and his mother. Others could join in shortly thereafter. Fleur glided to the area between the tables and clasped her father's hands with her own.

"Dancing?" said Harry, startled. "No one told me anything about dancing."

"Don't be silly, Harry. People usually dance at weddings," said Hermione.

"Well I've never been to one before. You lot should have warned me," replied Harry nervously.

"What do you mean, warned you?" asked Ginny suspiciously.

"So I could have planned to sneak out when they were cutting the cake or something," answered Harry.

"You know, I think we still can skive off. Everyone is staring at the bride," said an equally antsy Ron.

Harry nodded and started looking around the room.

"Ronald Weasley, you are not sneaking out of your own brother's wedding," said Ginny sternly.

"Why not, Ginny? Bill won't even notice. C'mon, Harry, I think this would be the easiest way," said Ron, pointing left.

"I mean it, Ron! Mum will want you both to dance with her, so will Fleur. You two are not going to ruin this day for them," snarled Ginny.

Harry and Ron both looked terrified.

"Ginny's right, you know. If you two try to skive off we'll make enough fuss that you get caught, so you might as well not bother," Hermione huffed.

Harry and Ron sat back in their seats and resigned themselves to suffering the indignity of the dance floor. Harry sighed.

Both Hermione and Ginny now had their arms crossed and were looking at the many dancers around Bill and Fleur. Every now and then one or the other of them shot a glare at Ron or Harry, to which Ron responded with a muttered, "What?" This seemed to merely annoy them further and they would turn back to the dance floor with noisy sighs.

Harry knew his only way out of the doghouse was to ask one of them to dance, but he couldn't screw up the courage to do it. The last thing he wanted to do was look the prat by trying to dance in front of all these graceful French wizards, Ministry officials, or Mars and Dumbledore. He saw no way to escape unscathed.

Mr. Weasley came over to their table and asked Ginny to dance. After she had left, Hermione gave Ron the nastiest look yet before turning back to the dancers.

Harry nudged his best friend and said, "Go on, mate. Otherwise it's nothing but icy stares for a month."

Ron nodded at him and started to stand, but then they heard Mars' voice.

"Why in the name of Merlin is such a lovely young girl by herself when a song like this is playing?" Mars was bending down and holding out his hand to Hermione.

Hermione smiled back at him, stood and said, "Oh there are reasons...none of them good, though." She then took his hand, turned up her nose at Harry and Ron, and walked onto the dance floor with Mars.

Ron looked quite miserable and Harry felt sorry for him. However, with both the girls gone, at least Harry and Ron could talk without being sneered at. After they had chatted for a few minutes Harry was feeling better, but he spotted Fleur walking towards Ron with a twinkle in her eye.

"Venez avec moi petit frère," she said, reaching her beautiful hand towards Ron.

Harry knew Ron could not get away with denying the bride's request. Ron managed a smile at Fleur. She led him off, much as Mars had led Hermione. Harry had just leaned back and started to relax when Tonks shouted at him.

"Oi! Harry! Whatcha you doing over there by yourself?"

Harry's face flushed immediately.

"C'mon, give us a spin," added Tonks. She then waved her hand, motioning him to come over. Harry slowly walked towards her. As soon as he was within arm's length, Tonks seized him with surprising strength and spun him around. The two were then whirling around the floor and sometimes into other couples.

He was prepared to feel very awkward while trying to dance, but Tonks was so clumsy and unashamed of it that Harry actually felt light on his feet. He began to smile, and noticed Ron too was enjoying himself.

"Switch!" shouted Mars.

Tonks and Harry looked confused. Then they saw that Mars had let go of Hermione and was now cutting in on Charlie to dance with Mrs. Weasley. Everyone seemed to get the idea; Harry's next partner was Fleur, and after another switch, he was with Ginny, and Hermione was dancing with Ron.

Harry wasn't sure if he actually liked dancing or not, but at least Ginny was smiling at him instead of scowling as they slowly swayed to the music. Fleur and Mars then spun by them and he heard Fleur speaking in French.

"Ta plan a fonctionné très bien, Mars," she said, smiling at Harry and Ginny as they passed.

"Vous deux avez fait un grand travail," answered Mars.

Harry spoke no French, but he was positive that he and Ron had been set up by Fleur, Tonks and Mars. For some reason it wasn't bothering him at all.

About twenty-five minutes later Harry noticed Ginny staring intently at the doors to the Entrance Hall. He asked her what she was looking at.

"Isn't that Sturgis Podmore talking with Mars and that weird wizard who was chatting with Bill and Charlie before the ceremony?" she asked.

Harry looked at the doors as they spun around again and nodded at her. Podmore looked excited, and Mars and the other wizard looked grave.

Ginny seemed to be edging Harry to his right, where Ron was still dancing with Hermione. The two of them looked so happy that he hated to distract them, but it seemed Ginny was going to take the choice out of his hands.

"Hermione, look at the entrance," Ginny whispered as she spun by.

Both Ron and Hermione looked over at the three wizards by the door. They all watched as Podmore hurried off from the other two and headed to Dumbledore. When Podmore reached him, the two of them separated themselves from the crowd and Podmore looked very concerned as he relayed his message to the Headmaster.

"Let;s go speak to Mars, right now," said Hermione, as she immediately stopped dancing and started weaving her way to the doors.

"Why?" asked Harry as he, Ginny and Ron struggled to keep up with her.

"Because I think any second Mars is going to leave to act on whatever Podmore just told him," replied Hermione.

When they were about ten feet away from the doors, the wizard who was waiting with Mars darted into the Entrance Hall and closed the doors behind him. Mars beamed at the four of them as they approached.

"So I guess you four noticed Podmore's briefing, eh?" he asked.

"Yes," said Ginny. "Hermione thinks you're about to leave; what did he tell you?"

"What would be your guess based on what you saw and what you know?" quizzed Mars. Harry was surprised that Mars was not annoyed at their nosiness. The last thing he had expected was for Mars to actively encourage their behavior.

"That he has important information on what Voldemort is doing," said Ron.

"Too general, Ron, you can do better than that. You all saw how upset he was," replied Mars.

"They're planning a murder or an attack?" suggested Ginny uneasily.

"Not bad, Ginny. But I'll spare y'all anymore suspense. It's a meeting; in fact, it's the biggest meeting the Donnies have had in over a decade. They'll all be masked to hide their identities, so I'm guessing that they're bringing in new members. Thanks to Sturgis, I now know the time and the place. And Hermione is right--I'm about to bolt."

Mars looked across the Great Hall at Dumbledore. Harry saw the Headmaster look at Mars and nod solemnly. Dumbledore then went back to talking to Mad-Eye.

"The go sign. Make sure you pass the news onto Bill, Charlie, and Fleur, but tell them after the reception has wound down. I don't want them distracted during the entire party," said Mars, looking excited. He started to turn, but Hermione grabbed his robe.

"Mars, you're not going by yourself, are you?" she asked in a terrified voice.

"Of course I am. This is a tremendous opportunity," he answered.

"But you said it's a huge meeting. Lots of them will be in attendance," added Harry.

"Yes, Mars, from what you said there seems to be a good chance that he might be there in person," whispered Hermione, trembling.

"You mean Tom Riddle himself? Oh, Hermione, that would be very fortunate. All of them in one spot with him in the thick of it. I shouldn't get my hopes up, though. Remember: don't ruin the reception for the newlyweds."

Mars spun quickly and dashed though the doors. The four of them followed him as fast as they could, but when they opened the doors and looked down the Entrance Hall, there was no sight nor sound of him.

"How did he vanish like that?" asked Ron, astounded.

"He couldn't have disapparated," added Hermione.

"Maybe he's invisible?" suggested Harry.

"Does he have a cloak?" asked Ron.

"Oh, he wouldn't need a cloak to become invisible, Ron," came a voice from behind them. It was Charlie; he waved for them to come back into the Great Hall.

When they got back inside, Harry could see Bill and Fleur coming over to them.

"So much for not telling them until after the reception," said Ron gloomily.

"What did Podmore tell Mars? Dumbledore isn't saying anything," said Bill as he approached, sounding annoyed.

"There's a meeting of Death Eaters, a big one; and he told Mars when and where it was at," answered Harry.

"We've heard hints about a meeting like that for a while now. Nothing definite though; the Donnies have been real tight with their security lately," said Bill.

"Well that should have made Mars' day. He's been hacked off since he lost You-Know-Who in Belarus before he could try and ambush him," added Charlie brightly.

"'E shouldn't ave gone all alone like zat. We should be wizz 'im," said Fleur with concern.

"Don't be silly, Fleur. This is your wedding day. Mars would never want to ruin it," said Charlie.

"It will be ruined if he gets 'eemself killed, Charlie," snapped Fleur.

"Killed? Don't be silly, love; Mars can take of himself," said Bill, patting her shoulder reassuringly.

"But he said that they all might be there, even Voldemort himself," said Harry earnestly.

Charlie flinched a little and then replied, "But Harry, that's precisely what he wants. Mars will probably just blow the whole building to smithereens with that lot inside." Charlie and Bill both smiled broadly at the thought.

"Why go it alone? Surely Moody or Dumbledore would help?" asked Hermione, starting to sound panicky.

"Relax, Hermione. He's not going to get hurt. Knowing Mars, he'll be back in time for for the Chiverie," answered Charlie.

Charlie's comment did not relax Fleur or Hermione at all. They both looked very concerned for Mars. Fleur, in fact, seemed quite upset with Bill's and Charlie's flippant attitude toward the safety of their friend. She looked about ready to tear into both of them, when a few of Fleur's relatives called for her and Bill to come chat. This broke up the discussion and the four teenagers went back to their table.

The rest of the evening was not nearly as much fun for Harry and his friends. All of them were worried sick about Mars. Fleur shared their anxiety and visited their table several times to discuss it. Hermione and she were absolutely furious with Charlie and Bill, and they also both seemed cross at Dumbledore for letting Mars take on such a dangerous mission alone. While Harry was concerned for Mars, on the other hand, he agreed with Bill that Mars was quite capable of taking care of himself.

Mrs. Weasley came to their table at eleven or so and notified them that they would be staying at Hogwarts for the night. French wedding parties often lasted into the next afternoon, and she didn't want them going back to the Burrow by themselves.

"But Mum, we can just use the portkey that Mars created," suggested Ron.

"Never mind that. You'll be staying in your dormitories tonight. Ginny, the house elves have set up a bed for you in Hermione's dorm," said Mrs. Weasley and then she left quickly.

"I wonder why they want us to stay here for the night?" pondered Hermione.

"It is most likely on Mars' order," said Fleur. "'E took Lilandria wizz 'im so 'e will want Dumblydore to be near 'Arry."

"Why would that make him want me to be near Dumbledore?" asked Harry.

"If she is wizz 'eem, zen she cannot watch over you, mon ami."

"You mean Lily has been watching me?" asked Harry hotly.

"'Arry, do not be mad. 'E was très upset zat you 'ad been attacked so many times. Mars no longer trusts anyone but 'eemself et Dumblydore to protect you," answered Fleur, putting her hand on his shoulder.

Harry swallowed his pride and accepted her explanation. He, Ginny, Hermione and Ron soon after went to bed in the Gryffindor dormitories. The next morning, they were awakened by Mrs. Weasley, who ordered them off to the portkey that Mars had created. The four teenagers bombarded her with questions about Mars' whereabouts, but she would only confirm that he had not returned for the Chiverie late last night. She looked a little haggard and crossly shook off their other questions. The lack of news did not comfort them at all, and they trekked to the portkey for the Burrow with trepidation in their hearts.

The teenagers did not see any sign of Mars in the following days, but there Hermione spotted an article in the Daily Prophet that may have been a clue. On the night of the wedding, a large muggle warehouse in Leeds, that had been abandoned for years, inexplicably exploded. The muggle officials were blaming the IRA, but Ministry officials were sure the explosion was magically induced. They and the CADS people were, of course, blaming the Death Easters, but Hermione offered up a different explanation.

"What if that warehouse was hosting the meeting Mars had heard about?"

"That would make sense, Hermione. Remember, Charlie did suggest Mars might just blow up the whole building," said Ginny.

Harry and Hermione nodded.

"I just wish we could find out if Mars is okay," said Harry.

"I think now we can assume that he is, Harry," said Ron who was looking out the back window into the garden.

"Why can we assume that, Ron?" asked Hermione as they walked over to join him.

"Because I can see Lily sitting on the fence in the garden," he answered.

They all went outside and approached the bird. Lily flew over and landed on Ginny's arm. They took turns rubbing her tiny head; Harry felt much better after seeing Lilandria.

Chapter Ten - The Hogwarts Express

Click here for chapter illustration.

It had been a week since Bill and Fleur's wedding and things were just getting back to normal at the Burrow, except that now school was about to start. The morning they were to leave to catch the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross was, as in previous years, quite chaotic. Harry's personal effects were scattered throughout the house - though he swore he had no idea how that had come about. Ron was even more disorganized, and he rushed around shouting questions at people about the locations of his various possessions. Hermione, who had been packed and ready since the night before, did not help with her nagging about their lack of planning, instead of helping to find things. Ginny was also a little behind in getting ready, and the delay was making Mrs. Weasley a bit cross.

"It's not as if you didn't know which day we were leaving," Mrs. Weasley said, echoing Hermione's complaints.

Eventually Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry were all packed and sitting comfortably in the back seat of the Hummer, with Bill, Fleur and Mrs. Weasley up front. With Mrs. Weasley in the car, Harry knew there would be no flying on the way to King's Cross.

"This Hummer from Mars sure made a great wedding present, don't you think, Mum?" asked Bill as he patted the dash of the truck.

"I'll admit it's very handy, dear, but it's still rather extravagant," answered Mrs. Weasley, slightly pink.

"Don't be silly, Mum. He only got this thing to impress Harry's uncle, didn't he, Harry?" asked Bill.

"Yeah, that's true. He said he really didn't like it much, he prefers Italian sports cars," answered Harry.

"That still seems excessive--to spend so much money on something, just to impress a Muggle--doesn't it?" said Mrs. Weasley.

Harry thought she had a fair point there. Charlie had mentioned that Mars was extremely wealthy, but there must have been easier and cheaper ways to impress Uncle Vernon.

"'E likes geeving uzzers prayzants, Madame Weasley. 'E as been so lonely all zat time in ze desert wizz just bounty hunters and demons for company. Just speaking to normal weezards again geeves 'eem joy," Fleur said sympathetically.

Mrs. Weasley and Ginny looked compassionate on hearing this, but Bill seemed confused. "Are you trying to say Mars got depressed while he was a Spirit Defender?" he asked.

"Wouldn't you be if you were baneeshed to zat 'orrible desert for eleven years?"

"Banished?" Harry and Hermione whispered, looking at each other in surprise. Mrs. Weasley looked uncomfortable at what Fleur had said.

"I would be depressed and so would you, Fleur, but this is Mars we're talking about," Bill responded. "It's his nature to seek out new magical knowledge, and he enjoys picking fights with evil nasties. In fact, I can't think of any two things he likes doing more; and he got plenty of each in America!"

"'E is not a machine! You and Charlie should not treat 'eem like 'e as no feelings, because 'e does!" said Fleur fiercely.

Bill replied dryly. "She just thinks he's sensitive because he speaks French so well."

Ron chuckled, but the other girls and Harry did not. Harry thought Bill had made a mistake; Fleur had crossed her arms and was staring out the window. There was a minute or so of stony silence until Hermione spoke up. "Fleur, what did you mean when you said Mars had been banished?"

Fleur was silent for a moment; finally, she looked over at Bill and shrugged. Bill sighed and spoke. "That, I'm afraid, is between Mars and Dumbledore, Hermione. You'll have to ask one of them."

The passengers in the back seat looked at each other in confusion but said nothing. Harry had no problem believing that the strong-willed, self-assured Mars could get himself into trouble with the Ministry. However, he couldn't imagine Dumbledore having anything to do with banishing Mars. The two of them seemed to like and admire each other very much. Harry dwelt on this for a minute or so before he gave up, leaning back in the seat and relaxing. After all, he would be able to talk freely with his friends once they boarded the Hogwarts Express; and he was pretty sure he knew what the main topic of discussion would be.

They arrived at King's Cross with plenty of time to spare and leisurely unloaded the truck. As they were arranging the baggage, a familiar gravely voice rang out.

"Nice vehicle ya got there, Weasley. Real inconspicuous," growled Mad-Eye Moody, appearing out of nowhere.

"Can it really fly at 350mph?" asked a middle-aged blond woman who had Tonks' voice.

Ginny and Hermione squealed "Tonks!" and ran to hug her.

"Yes, Tonks, it does fly that fast, and don't try to scare me, Mad-Eye. Mars told me several of you would be tailing us," answered Bill, smiling, as he reached out to shake Moody's hand.

"Still a child to be coddled!" Harry thought venomously. "But Mars and Bill couldn't really keep the Order members from following me. I must stop being so touchy, I'm in the Alliance now. Acting childish will only prove to the Order that I can't be trusted." Harry smiled and greeted Mad-Eye and Tonks along with Ron.

"Kingsley and Snape are in a right state, Weasley," Moody said to Bill as they started walked towards Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters. "They're furious about the last two raids--" Moody quit talking when he noticed the teenagers listening avidly. Bill noticed this and waved his hand in their direction.

"Mad-Eye, they're as tied up in this struggle as we are. Ignoring this won't help. Mars is adamant about the role they're destined to play, and Dumbledore believes him."

Moody merely grunted and fell silent.

Ron beamed at Bill's pronouncement of trust. Harry, however, was confused, and he noticed that Ginny and Hermione also looked puzzled. Destined? Was Bill saying Mars could see into the future? Harry remembered Luna's claim that Mars was a powerful Seer, and that Hermione had heard some American wizards saying the same thing. Harry's experiences with Divination, however, had rarely been convincing. Neither of his Divination teachers, Professor Trelawaney and the centaur Firenze, had ever taught Harry anything he considered useful. He didn't like to associate Mars with that sort of pseudo-magic gobbledygook.

The group made their way to the barrier between platforms nine and ten and then discreetly passed through it, a few at a time. Harry stared hungrily at the Hogwarts Express as it sat on its tracks, steam puffing merrily out of its stack. The sights, sounds and even the smells raised his spirits. He would be at Hogwarts this very day, he would feast on the best of foods when they arrived, and sleep in a magnificent four-poster bed. This had been the best summer of his life because almost all of it had been spent with the Weasleys, but there was still no place like Hogwarts to Harry.

Harry looked around at the students loading onto the train, and could not believe how short most of them were. In fact, they looked so young he was driven to ask Hermione a question.

"Did they allow younger students into Hogwarts this year?"

"Well, they sometimes make an exception and let in really talented kids before they're eleven, but it's rather rare," answered Hermione.

"I swear, most of this lot look a lot younger than we did back in our first year," said Ron.

Harry nodded in agreement.

Bill and Tonks helped everyone load their trunks and Harry's Galaxy Globe onto the train, and then everyone left the train again to say their goodbyes on the platform. Mrs. Weasley hugged the teens and then coughed.

"Now, I suspect this will be a very interesting year for you. The classes get very challenging at the NEWT study levels. You will be working very hard, but I am sure you'll enjoy yourselves immensely. Wouldn't you agree, Bill?" Mrs. Weasley was smiling exactly as she had two summers ago when they were leaving on the train. At that time she, Bill and Charlie had known that the Triwizard Tournament was to be held again at Hogwarts, and they had teased the boys mercilessly about the upcoming term.

"Oh, yes. This should be your best year yet. I'm jealous," answered Bill, who was wearing the same smile. Fleur, too, had a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"What are you three trying to get us all worked up about?" asked Ron.

"I suspect you'll find out soon enough. Now get on the train, dears, it's about to leave," said Mrs. Weasley, pushing Ron up the steps. The teenagers clambered aboard the train.

Ginny called out the open window, exasperated, "Mother, what are you three grinning about?"

Mrs. Weasley's only answer was a parting wave as the Hogwarts Express started rolling out of the station.

"What are they on about?" muttered Ginny crossly.

"Well, it can't be the Triwizard Tournament again. It's only held every five years," said Hermione.

"If they ever hold another one, you mean. After all that went wrong last time, I bet you'd have a hard time getting the other schools to join in," Ron commented.

Harry nodded. He remembered all too well the unplanned events of the last tournament.

Uncomfortably, Harry noticed that the others were all staring at him. "What?" he asked.

"Well, it's just - just that we have to go up to the prefect's carriage for a while; remember?" Hermione said shyly.

"Oh, that's right. Well, I'll try to find Neville or Dean, then," said Harry, putting on a brave face. He was determined not to seem jealous that his closest friends were all prefects.

The three prefects started for the front of the train, but Ron seemed to be lagging behind, as though reluctant to leave Harry just yet. Hermione gently tugged him along, and Harry was left alone with Hedwig. He started walking down the train, looking for fellow Gryffindors. He passed quite a few members of Dumbledore's Army, who greeted him brightly. Harry passed compartment after compartment full of happy chatting students without finding one with room he could hold for the other three. He was starting to get discouraged when he saw Luna Lovegood alone in a carriage. She was, as usual, reading a copy of the Quibbler. He had come to like Luna quite a bit this summer, so he opened the door.

"Hullo, Luna. Is it all right if we sit in here?" Harry smiled at her.

"Birds of a feather flock together," answered Luna in a sing-song voice.

"Er--" Harry responded. He wasn't sure if that meant yes or no. She was smiling at him, so Harry decided it must be a yes. "Thanks!" he said, sitting down across from Luna.

"Were you talking about your owl?" asked Luna in a dreamy voice.

"Huh? Er--I don't think so," answered Harry in surprise.

"You asked 'Is it all right if we sit in here with you?', but I only see you and your owl," stated Luna, staring into Harry's eyes.

"Oh, I get you. No, I didn't mean Hedwig. Ron, Ginny and Hermione are all in the prefect's carriage for now, but they'll need seats after a while," answered Harry in relief.

"Mars was at Ginny's prefect party," said Luna blandly.

Harry was now accustomed to Luna's non sequitors. He knew she generally followed with another comment that might be meaningful, so he just nodded.

"I hope we see him again. I've never met a wizard like that before," Luna continued, in the most normal voice Harry had ever heard her use. He looked up to catch her expression, but she had gone back to reading the Quibbler, so he could no longer see her face. While Luna was likable, she was certainly not as much fun as Ron, Hermione or Ginny, thought Harry.

Several of his friends dropped in to say hello over the next hour or so: Dean and Seamus, Hannah and Ernie and even Neville. Harry asked Neville to stay, but Neville seemed nervous at the way Luna was staring at him, so he left after a short visit.

Shortly after Neville had left the compartment, the door opened again. It was Cho Chang and her friend, Marietta Edgecombe. Harry was not sure by which girl's presence he was more taken aback. Marietta had joined and then betrayed Harry's secret dark arts defense study group last year. Because of her betrayal, she had suffered disfiguring pocks across her face spelling "SNEAK." She had been in the hospital the rest of the year because Madam Pomfrey could not reverse the hex; but she now stood before Harry, pock-free and smiling. Cho was also smiling at him. Last year Cho had been furious at Hermione for hexing the club's sign up sheet without telling anyone, causing Marietta's pocks. Why where they both now smiling at Hermione's close friend?

"Hello Harry. Did you have a good summer?" Cho beamed.

"Yes, it was quite good," answered Harry, trying not to stutter with surprise.

Both girls greeted Luna cheerfully and she returned their greeting, setting down the Quibbler and staring at Harry again. Cho and Marietta then sat down on either side of Harry, which made him nervous. Harry was even more on edge when Cho grabbed his right hand with both of hers after she sat down. However, it was Marietta who spoke.

"Harry, I really want to apologize for snitching on the study group last year. I wish I'd never had done it! My mother put so much pressure on me to help that Umbridge cow that I finally gave in. I know I shouldn't have, Harry. Please forgive me." Marietta sounded very sincere.

Harry looked at her, remembering how furious he had been with her last year. But then he remembered how his own mistakes had led to Sirius' death. Having his club disbanded and Dumbledore temporarily exiled paled in comparison. Harry could see no reason to not forgive her.

"Those were tough times. We all make mistakes," said Harry gently. He was still resentful in his heart, but he hoped that it would pass. He felt Cho squeezing his hand tighter and leaning on him. Last year on the train ride to Hogwarts, Harry would have given anything for this kind of attention from Cho, but now it made him uneasy. He said the first thing that popped into his head, and immediately regretted it.

"I see Madam Pomfrey finally removed that hex."

Marietta's face lost its happiness, but she didn't look as angry as Harry expected. She took a breath and then managed a small smile. "Actually she had no idea how to counter Granger's jinx," Marietta sneered slightly on the word "Granger." "The day after I got home from Hogwarts I had a visitor. My mum didn't want to let him see me, but he told her he could counter the hex, so she relented. He was a friend of yours, you know."

"A friend of mine? Who?" asked Harry.

"A tall American wizard named Mars," she said, smiling.

"Mars? He was at your house the day after the term ended?" said Harry in surprise.

"Yes. He told me he'd just arrived from Texas, and that Professor Dumbledore had asked him to see if he knew the counter-curse to my condition," replied Marietta, frowning slightly.

"And obviously he cured her!" Cho piped in happily. She was now leaning her head on Harry's shoulder.

Marietta smiled again and said, "He visited me a second time three weeks later. He told me the counter-curse wasn't really difficult, but it was exotic so very few people in Britain would know it. He told me that he'd come by to make sure I was doing all right, but he ended up asking a lot of questions about you, Dumbledore's Army, Umbridge and lots of other things from last year. I was happy enough to help him. I hadn't though I'd ever get over that hex."

"But you did," said Cho. "And Dumbledore's back at the school and we'll never see that foul Umbridge woman again. Oh Harry, can't it be the way it was before all this mess started? Can't you stop being so furious with me?"

Harry was flabbergasted. She had been the one who was always getting upset. What was she driving at? Harry took a deep breath and asked as calmly as he could, "What makes you think I'm furious with you?"

"Well, you ignored me all summer. You didn't respond to my letter or the birthday card I sent. Didn't you like the present?" asked Cho, staring at him with large, dark and beautiful eyes.

Harry's anger melted. It was easy to be mad at Cho when she was arguing, but seeing her now so desperate to make amends, it was impossible not to give in. "Okay," was the only word Harry managed to get past the lump in his throat.

"Oh, Harry!" she gasped. Cho looked as though she was about to throw herself onto Harry when Marietta interrupted.

"Cho, we need to go see Mandy. She's expecting us." Marietta looked like she wanted to leave immediately.

"Oh, all right," replied Cho grudgingly, and she rose to leave the compartment.

Harry stood to be polite, and was about to say goodbye when Cho spun, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him squarely on the lips. Harry was caught off-guard and didn't even try to push her off. His momentary confusion was worsened when the carriage door was opened at that moment by none other than Ginny Weasley. Ginny froze in mid-step and her surprised look turned sour as Cho released Harry from her lip lock. Harry, regaining some of his motor functions, glanced quickly around the room. Luna was looking as dreamy as ever, staring at Ron in the doorway. Ginny and Marietta were both glaring at Cho, while Hermione and Ron were staring at Harry with shocked expressions.

"See you at the feast, Harry! Nice to see you all again," said Cho brightly as she and the scowling Marietta weaved their way though Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and the doorway.

Harry fell back onto the seat and put his hands on his forehead. He had no idea what to say to his newly-arrived friends. Hermione and Ron sat on either side of him, while Ginny sat beside Luna, opposite Harry, next to the window.

"I thought you two were finished after that last row you had about her friend being hexed?" asked Ron carefully.

"So did I, mate. I'm as confused as you," replied Harry through his hands.

Ginny made a quiet hissing noise. Harry noticed her arms were crossed and she was staring out the window. That pose was getting quite familiar to him.

"I wonder who knew the counter curse to the Siamese Spy Spotting Spell? I thought Dumbledore would know it, but Edgecombe still had the pocks when she left Hogwarts. Maybe he did it later?" wondered Hermione.

"Dumbledore didn't know it, but he did ask Mars to go and see her," answered Harry.

"Mars cured her?" asked both Ron and Hermione. Even Ginny stopped sulking and looked back at Harry.

"Yeah, she said he came by the day after last term, and again three weeks later. He asked a lot of questions about our school year and about me and you guys," said Harry.

Harry was going to elaborate on his conversation with Marietta and Cho, but suddenly he had a strong feeling of being watched. He couldn't say what had triggered it, but the feeling was unambiguous. He glanced around the carriage. There was no one standing at the door, and nothing at the outside window. Harry even glanced up at the luggage racks and under the opposing seats. He knew he had to be imagining things, but he was unable to convince himself. He stopped searching and looked at his friends. Hermione seemed to still be deep in thought about Marietta and Cho. Ron and Ginny, on the other hand, were looking at him with puzzled faces. Harry sighed and leaned back into his seat.

Ginny finally broke the silence. "Mars certainly seems to get around."

Everyone, even Luna, nodded in agreement.

Another awkward silence was interrupted by the food trolley. Harry was very glad to have his friends back with him, so he insisted on treating them all to various cakes and sweets. They ate merrily for a while (with the exception of Ginny, who was still sulking), trading Chocolate Frogs and Bertie's All-Flavor Beans, until Hermione turned to a more serious topic.

"I wonder who Dumbledore's hired to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?"

"It can't help but be an improvement, can it? Even Lockhart was better than Umbridge," said Ron.

"Not by much," Harry grimaced.

"Well, whoever it is, they certainly assigned a strange book for the class," said Hermione, pulling a book out of her bag. "This is an astronomy book, for goodness' sake, and most of it was written by two muggles!"

"What?"

"Odd, isn't it?" Hermione said. "A witch is the actual author, but a majority of the pages are tables made by Tycho Brahe and one of his students. The author merely corrects them in places and adds some commentary."

"Who's Tycho Brahe?" asked Ginny.

"He was a 16^th century Danish astronomer. He's well known to muggles in astronomy; I found him in muggle textbooks," answered Hermione.

"But why would astronomy be a Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook?" asked Ron.

"That's what I've been wondering ever since your mum brought our school stuff back from Diagon Alley," said Hermione.

"Actually, I'm more worried about our Care of Magical Creatures professor," said Harry.

"Why?" asked Ron and Ginny.

"Because we didn't see him at my birthday party, at the meeting, or at Bill and Fleur's wedding," Harry frowned.

"Do you think he's in Tomintoul? Er--seeing some old friends?" suggested Hermione.

Harry knew she meant that Hagrid might be spying on the Giants that Mars had reported in Tomintoul. He glanced at Luna to see she was growing suspicious, but she had her face buried in the Quibbler.

"He might very well be. I just hope he's back by the time we get off the train," replied Harry.

The others nodded.

Hermione pulled out the Daily Prophet and started reading it. Ron and Harry started talking about Quidditch, and after a while Ginny stopped sulking and joined in. After about forty minutes, Hermione let out a shriek of indignation.

"I don't believe it!"

"What's wrong?" Ron asked Hermione.

"That Skeeter woman is back at it, taking shots at Dumbledore again. She's claiming he's getting senile, and calling on him to step down as Headmaster of Hogwarts," answered Hermione crossly. "No mention of any of us, though."

Harry glanced at Luna, who still had her nosed buried in the Quibbler, and then asked Hermione, "Does that violate the agreement you had with her?"

"Not the letter of it, but certainly the spirit. I'm not surprised at her treachery, though; she isn't exactly made of high moral fiber, is she?" sneered Hermione.

"Careful, Hermione. I don't think Rita Skeeter would risk her freedom by violating your agreement so openly unless she had some kind of plan to deal with you," warned Ginny.

Hermione pondered Ginny's words.

"Ginny's right, Hermione," Harry spoke up. "That Skeeter woman maybe a cow, but she's not stupid."

"I wonder what's she playing at?" asked Hermione thoughtfully.

Harry again suddenly had the feeling of being watched. This time it was so strong that he got up and looked around, in and on top of things in the carriage. He made no attempt to hide that he was looking for something.

"What are you looking for?" asked Ron.

"Oh, nothing. I just--oh, forget it."

"No, what was it?" Ron demanded.

"Nothing, really. Er--shouldn't you three be patrolling the train or something?" Harry desperately attempted to change the subject.

"Oh, no! We've been neglecting our prefect duties," squealed Hermione. "It's Ginny's first day, we can't have her told off already. C'mon, let's get going!"

The three prefects bustled into the corridor, leaving Luna and Harry alone. Luna looked at Harry and motioned for him to sit next to her. Harry moved to her side and she leaned over so her mouth was very near his ear.

She whispered faintly, "I felt it also."

"Felt what?"

"Shh," said Luna and she again moved close to his ear. "I felt someone watching or listening to us just now, just like you did. Don't let on that we know."

Harry nodded, and tried to look natural as he peered around the room, returning to his seat across from Luna. Even though he was accustomed to Luna's somewhat tenuous grip on reality, he wasn't about to blow her off this time. He was positive that he felt something in the room, and she was the only one who also seemed to notice. The thirty minutes Harry spent waiting for Ron, Ginny and Hermione to come back was one of the longest half-hours in his life. He was actually glad Luna was there so when the prefects returned they wouldn't be tempted to discuss anything too sensitive.

Ron opened the door and sat down next to Harry. Ginny entered right behind Ron, and sat next to Luna. Both looked irritated, but it was Hermione's face that really caught Harry's attention. She entered behind Ginny, slamming the door as she came in. Her face was red with anger and she looked close to tears. She sat down next to Harry and immediately leaned her head down and put her hands over her face.

"What happened?" asked Harry anxiously.

"The head boy and girl were cross with us for being late on our patrols," Ginny volunteered. "He snapped at us a little and left, but the head girl, Ester Spikes from Slytherin, was cracking to be mad at somebody. She told Hermione off for several minutes and was very insulting. It was all I could do to keep Ron from hexing her right then and there."

"You should have let me, Ginny. The stupid cow deserved it," Ron snarled. He was looking at Hermione with real concern.

"I'm afraid it's going to be a long year dealing with her," said Hermione, sitting up. "She seems to have always disliked me, but it's a good thing that you didn't hex her, Ron; it would have only made things worse."

"Hmph," was Ron's only answer.

When the train was a few minutes away from Hogsmeade Station, they changed hastily into their robes and then Ron, Ginny and Hermione left to supervise the disembarking of the students. Hermione had a basket for Crookshanks this year, which was a good thing, because there was only Harry and Luna to carry two owls and one very large ginger cat.

Harry left the train, with Luna close behind him, and began looking for Hagrid. He had just moved away from the train when he heard what he'd been hoping for.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" called Hagrid's voice. ""C'mon, follow me, firs' years!"

"Hagrid!" Harry yelled out, waving madly.

"All right there, Harry?" Hagrid beamed at him.

Harry nodded and yelled, "See you at the feast!"

Every step seemed lighter now. It had seemed such a bad omen last year when Hagrid hadn't greeted him off the train, but now he was where he should be. Harry then remembered that for the first time he hadn't seen Malfoy or his cronies on the train ride. Things were looking bright indeed, he thought as he walked toward the carriages.

Harry found an empty carriage and Luna met up with him, bringing Pig. He looked at the thestrals that were pulling the carriage and smiled. Thestrals were horselike creatures, solid black, with no flesh--just skin and bones, and bat-like wings. The oddest thing about them, however, was that only people who had seen death up close could see them. Harry considered approaching one to rub its head, but stopped when he thought about how weird it would look to the other students if he appeared to be reaching out to stroke empty air.

Ron and Ginny approached him, smiling. "I feel a lot better seeing Hagrid here this time," said Ginny. Harry and Ron nodded.

Luna smiled at Ron and handed him Pigwidgeon, then climbed into the carriage. Ginny and Ron followed her inside, and Harry looked around the station for Hermione. He finally spotted her speaking with the Head Boy. After a moment she finished the conversation and headed his way, looking annoyed.

"He's useless!" she hissed as she stomped up the steps into the carriage.

Harry followed her inside and closed the door. Hermione was complaining loudly.

"Malfoy and Parkinson as prefects along with a Slytherin head girl? It's almost enough to make me resign!"

"Didn't Jason say he would do something about them?" asked Ginny.

"He said he had no power over Ester and if I had a problem with her I should take it to her Head of House," answered Hermione hotly.

"Complain to Snape about a Slytherin? Is he kidding? You might as well complain to the back wheel of this carriage for all the good it will do you!" snorted Ron.

The three prefects were grumpy for the entire carriage ride, so Harry was quite glad when they arrived at the grounds of Hogwarts and started walking towards the castle. The thought of food had always cheered Ron up in the past, and it was clearly no exception this time, as he was now all smiles.

As the five of them neared the entranceway, Ginny screamed.

"What's the matter?" yelled Harry and Ron, spinning around towards her.

Before she could answer, Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin sixth-year, also screamed. Harry looked at her and saw her wiping her side with her hand; something was oozing off it.

"Blech!" Blaise cried. "A rotten egg." She was scowling.

An egg whizzed by Harry's face, missing him by inches. He turned and was unsurprised to see Peeves squealing in delight at the chaos he was causing. Professor McGonagall came out of the entranceway to collect the first years and saw Peeves throw an egg at the first years, causing them to scream and scatter. Her mouth was very thin.

"Peeves!" she screamed. "How dare you assault the first years before they even get into the castle? You'll scare them half to death!"

"Just giving them a little exercise," yelled Peeves between cackles. He hit a first year boy right in the back, scaring him so much that he knocked down four other first years in his flight.

"I mean it, Peeves. You'll pay for this," said McGonagall in a deadly serious voice.

Peeves gave McGonagall a great raspberry and flung the entire remaining basket of eggs onto Katie Bell. Katie was covered head to toe in foul-smelling egg ooze. She stared at Peeves' fleeing form with tears of fury in her eyes. She let out one loud, furious scream after him and then stomped inside, presumably heading for the girls' baths.

"You'll pay, Peeves. I promise you. You just wait till tomorrow," snarled McGonagall. "First years, line up over here. Quickly now!"

As Harry passed Professor McGonagall he could hear her muttering, "Oh I can't wait till tomorrow. I can't wait. He'll straighten you out, all right."

"Peeves really hacked off McGonagall off this time," said Ron.

"I hope she evicts him!" hissed Ginny angrily as she wiped egg off herself with a handkerchief of Harry's.

They headed towards the Great Hall for the feast, Hermione and Ginny growling in anger while Harry's and Ron's stomachs growled in hunger.