The Dragon Games

The train slowly came to a halt on the Hogwarts grounds; the doors were opening and students were pilling out, being greeted by a giant bearded man with a lantern, and carriages drawn by invisible beasts.

The giant was calling out, "First years over here!"

And the timid first years came.

The rest of the group was a much more confident looking group of students of various ages. Three of which included a frizzy brown-haired witch who was accompanied by a flaming-haired, freckled tall boy and a blonde-haired girl, looking kooky as could be with mismatching earrings and outfit to match.

"Harry?" the brown-haired witch called back onto the train. "I'm telling you he's not here, you got your calculations wrong and we shouldn't be here at all."

"Hermione, could you shut up for even a moment?" the red head asked.

"No Ronald, I can not when Harry is being a-"

A messy blacked haired boy in glasses covering his emerald green eyes interrupted, "Hermione, this is my decision, and though we didn't plan it, it is happening, so don't be all in a fret about it."

"I'm trying not to, Harry, but think about it, what good is this going to do?"

"It's a little late to turn back now, Hermione," the blonde girl stated in a misty voice.

"Luna's right, Hermione, drop it already," Ron muttered.

"I will not drop it!" Hermione hissed.

"Drop it Hermione, I know we weren't supposed to be back here, but now we are, because the circumstances forced it to be," Harry muttered.

"I still don't get it, Harry, what circumstances?" Luna asked.

Ron and Hermione gazed up at him with curiosity as well.

"I've explained already," Harry said, climbing into a carriage.

The three followed in after him.

"What? That half-wit story about secret information being leaked out by some anonymous source," Ron said. "Cut the crap, Harry, we know something more is going on, tell us."

"That's it, I got a tip that's all," Harry said.

"The tip said to go back to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.

"The tip said I would find the answers I was seeking here," Harry said.

"But anyone could have sent that note, Harry; even Crezlers have been known to send tricksey tips to people," Luna said.

"Luna, Crezlers don't deal with people, they live in hiding," Hermione said knowledgably.

"All the more reason for them to get people away, and send them on a false treasure hunt," Luna said pointedly.

"Listen guys, I'll explain more when I'm ready to, okay?" Harry stated.

Harry wished they would just leave him alone about it already; it was his mess to deal with after all.

"So there is more?" Ron asked.

"Yes, but I'm not ready to disclose it until I understand better, so drop it," Harry said.

Harry had made up his minds that his friends were not ready to handle what was going on. Sure, he had told them a few things about the situation, but not about the letter, and what information he had really learned inside. He checked his pocket quickly to make sure it was still there. It was.

Harry glanced out the carriage window, surveying the other carriages.

"How can Malfoy really be back?" Hermione asked Harry.

"I dunno," Harry said.

Harry was uncertain about Malfoy's return, but he knew it wasn't too far fetched to think he wouldn't be in hiding for good. But to come back to Hogwarts? That was just lunacy. After what happened, how could Malfoy dare to show himself? Did he even think for a moment that Harry wouldn't get revenge?

"Harry, what are we going to do if we find him?" Ron asked suddenly, a quiver of fear in his voice.

"We do absolutely nothing," Harry said clearly. "I'll take care of it."

"But Harry! What are you going to do?" Luna asked.

"I'll take care of it."

"How?" Hermione questioned. "Surely not by killing him, Harry, you can't become a murderer."

"I'm not going to kill him, Hermione," Harry said bluntly.

However, Harry really didn't know if that statement was true. All summer the only thing he could think of was to get his hands on either Malfoy or Snape.

"I'll find out why the hell he's back, and then I'll beat him till you can't recognize his precious face anymore."

"Harry!" Hermione said, shocked. "I know he's an awful person, but maybe there's a reason this tip led you to him."

Harry said nothing. She was right, and he knew it would be incredibly stupid to hurt the boy that could lead him right to where he wanted to be.

"Harry, what if the note was to lead you right into a trap with Malfoy?" Ron asked suddenly.

"Well, then so far their trap is working out pretty well, now isn't it?" Harry said.

"That's not funny, Harry," Hermione said.

"I know, and I'll be careful," Harry replied.

He wanted off the topic of Malfoy.

"The good part of this whole deal is that we get back to lessons," Harry said.

"You're right, we definitely need as much training as we can get, but Harry, you know it's not going to be nearly as safe without...erm Dumbledore."

"I know, Hermione! We'll be careful, which is why we're still going to pick up the D.A. this year."

"We're what?" Ron asked.

"Harry! That's brilliant," Hermione said with a smile.

"Huh?" Harry said, confused.

"With you here, Harry, we'll be able to at least defend the students."

"Hermione, you realize what your saying will put a whole lot more of a burden on Harry," Ron said slowly.

"It doesn't matter Ron, I'm already fated to be a part of this," Harry said. But oh how he wished he wasn't.

"I know Harry, it's just, I'm wondering if you can handle this much pressure," Ron muttered, concerned for Harry.

Harry said nothing; he was thinking the exact same thing.

"Ron, don't be such a twit, Harry can handle it, he won't let us down," Hermione said, with and encouraging smile.

Harry didn't look at her. What if I do let you down? Harry thought miserably.

"Of course we won't have as much influence on the students without our perfect badges this year." Hermione muttered.

"Why'd you get them taken away?" Luna asked.

"Because, we told the school we wouldn't be coming back, so they gave up our positions." Hermione said.

"I'm glad," Ron said. "Taking care of all the students was a real pain; they're such annoying prats, the whole lot of them."

"Well, it would have been useful if we still had our badges," Hermione said, looking at Harry. "But since we don't, I guess we'll have to work around that."

"Harry, I just had a thought," Ron said suddenly.

"Oh, that's a change," Hermione said rather rudely.

"Shut it," Ron said dryly. "Harry, what if Snape is back? What if he's brought Malfoy back with him?"

"I don't want to think about that," Harry muttered.

Harry could maybe deal with Malfoy, but there was no way that Harry could ever see Snape again without snapping.

The carriages arrived at the castle's front entrance, and they all got out. Harry was reminded of all the previous times he had walked through these doors; this was the first time he would walk through the doors wishing he was anywhere but the castle of Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry.

The doors opened, and they all walked to their seats. Harry looking aimlessly around for a site of the new headmistress and instead his eyes landed on a very pretty girl with flaming red hair identical to Ron's. Harry's heart gave a huge tug, as she looked back at him, eyes full of longing, desire, and an emotion Harry couldn't deny as anything but anger.

Harry tore himself away from her eyes and casted them towards the staff tables as he sat. There, sitting in Dumbledore's old spot, was a woman he had never seen before. She had long golden hair, blue eyes, a thin face, and deep blood red robes.

Harry nudged Ron and nodded his head towards the headmistress.

"Who's she?" Harry asked.

"Good question," Ron answered. "I thought they'd get McGonagall for sure."

Hermione surveyed the woman.

"It's odd," Hermione said. "Usually they get someone who knows the castle, like a professor."

Harry regarded her apprehended. What did the rest of the world think of this woman? Was she trustworthy?

The woman's eyes were surveying the students, but they never stopped to make contact with anyone, not even Harry who didn't tear his eyes off her face until the first year students were led in by Professor McGonagall.

Harry turned his attention to the sorting hat along with the rest of the students in the hall, and the hat opened its brim to speak.

Regarding my year's,

Eternity seems merely a game to fear,

Savagely I'm welcoming you,

So here's my only clue,

Irreplaceable souls will be lost here,

Nothing will change, the future is clear,

Petrified you may be,

Either you cut your enemies, or they will cut thee,

Alas, you may say,

Cutting ties, there's no way,

Entirely not true,

Alliances are the greatest power we have,

Liabilities aside, we are all each other has,

Break apart from barriers,

Unite with a formal hatred carrier,

Slytherin coy blend with Hufflepuff joy,

Dim wits with brains,

Understanding with fame,

Muggles with purebloods,

Balance's between hate and love,

Leveling the playing field,

Exaggerating a new life we dream of,

Don't let go of these dreams we keep,

Others will be lost,

Regardless of decisions we make,

Enjoy what time we have, for it just may be your turn next week.

With the last line, the song ended somewhat abruptly. Harry stared at the hat, thinking something was wrong, but McGonagall stood up and went to the hat, telling the first years what to do.

"That was oddly cryptic," Ron muttered.

"And a lot like last year's," Hermione said.

"They want us to unite the houses," Harry said.

"I don't think the Slytherins and the Gryffindor's will ever get along," A boy named Neville muttered.

"Bloody right," Ron nodded.

"Ron, Neville, don't be so closed minded, someday you just may have to fight side by side with a Slytherin," Hermione shot at them.

"Who said anything about fighting?" Ron asked.

"We're in a war," Hermione said swiftly. "What do you think you do in a war?"

"Don't be so cold about it, Hermione," Ron said gruffly.

"Well, then take it more seriously."

McGonagall kept calling out names. Harry noticed eyes upon them, and turned to see the Head Mistress looking in their direction. The woman with blue eyes was staring at them with a blank expression.

"Ron, Hermione, shut it," Harry muttered.

The woman nodded at Harry, then turned her attention back to the students. As unfamiliar as the new headmistress seemed, Harry couldn't help but think he knew her from somewhere.

Hermione and Ron stopped bickering and watched the sorting in a huff.

Soon the new students were all sorted, everyone was seated and the new headmistress stood up to address the students.

"Welcome, everyone to Hogwarts. I am, the new Headmistress Aiyana. I take up this honor with pride, dignity, and loyalty, for the loss of the man who came before me. I, like many of you, know the tragedy this school has been through within the last few year's. And I'm here to promise you, that while you are here on these grounds, you will be safe from Voldemort's attacks," Aiyana said as she glanced around the room.

Harry was not entirely shocked to hear her say Voldemort's name aloud; after all if she was loyal to Dumbledore, she would believe the way he did: that his name was not to be feared.

"Though this year will bring forth many new avenues for all of you, some not so bright, I look foreword to being able to teach you to defend yourselves against the Dark wizards in this world. I know this sounds scary, but there is a war fast approaching, and many of you will find yourselves in the middle of it," her eyes glanced at Harry's for a moment. "But you will be prepared if I can help it, and these year's you have at Hogwarts will teach you the greatest thing of all, unity. As such, there is an important announcement I must make before the feast shall begin."

***

-Summer, shortly after Harry's birthday-

-Two day's before the wedding.-

Harry and Ron were sleeping in a room in Number 12 Grimmauld Place because Harry had decided if any sort of knowledge might be gained it might as well be here, in a safe haven away from trouble. Plus the wedding was fast approaching and Mrs. Weasley had convinced Harry, Ron and Hermione to take a break from their search.

The two boys awoke to the shrill sounds of people arriving that morning. A loud popping noise came from the bottom of their beds and Fred and George appeared.

"Wake up," George said.

"Aunt Lori is here," Fred said.

"What?" Ron said as he yawned.

"And Aunt Crissy," said George.

"And Uncle Harold."

"Cousin Julie."

"Mum's aunt Marigold."

"Wallace."

"Peter."

"Fleur's parents."

"Gabrielle."

"And not to mention her hott cousin, Bridgett," Fred said.

"Who?" Harry asked sleepily, pulling on his glasses.

Their door opened, and in rushed Ginny and Hermione, fully dressed and slightly frantic.

"Do not go out there!" Ginny quickly said.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Everyone is arriving for the wedding, Harry," Fred explained.

"That means every single Weasley and their significant other is going to be staying here," Ginny continued.

"At my house?" Harry rang out.

"Sorry, mate," George said sympathetically.

"You shouldn't have told Mum that it was okay to have the wedding near here," Ron shrugged.

"Plus, Fleur's family is showing up as well, and so there's a bunch of Veela running around," Hermione said distastefully.

"Which, given the situation is the only good part," George said.

"So, what are we supposed to do?" Ginny asked.

"We're hiding out," Fred said.

"Aunt Crissy heard about our drop out, and she'll not give us a moment's peace until we explain ourselves," George explained.

"Which we won't."

"So we hide in here."

The door opened again, and in rushed a confused Remus Lupin and disgruntled Bill Weasley.

"You'd think she'd have a problem with werewolves the way she's talking," Bill murmured.

"Oh, good morning," Lupin said, as he realized they had an audience.

"You're all hiding as well?" Bill asked.

"Bill, mate, you're going to have to go back out there," Fred said with a smile.

"Oh no I won't. I shouldn't have to deal with family until the wedding, when I'm too smashed to understand they're insulting me."

"You're fiancée will come looking for us," Lupin said.

"Hmm, you're right...Hey, Fred, George, want to go out for a bit? We'll say we're doing some brother bonding," Bill said smartly.

"Right, where to?"

"Wait, you can't leave us all alone!" Ginny whined.

"Sorry, Gin," Bill said with a grin. "Leaky Cauldron."

They nodded, and Lupin, Bill, Fred and George apparated from the spot.

"Why didn't they invite us?" Ron asked with a scowl.

"Probably because they know that Harry can't apparate," Hermione stated.

"Well, I haven't seen my brother since he's been off doing things with Fleur. I want to have brother time," Ron protested.

"Then go," Harry said.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, go, have fun, we'll hold up the fort," Harry said, smiling.

"Thanks, mate," Ron said, and then apparated.

"Well..." Harry said awkwardly, as he, Ginny and Hermione were the only ones left.

Ginny looked away from Harry and left the room. Hermione looked after her, and then turned to Harry.

"Hermione, I don't need a lecture," Harry muttered.

"I wasn't going to give you one, Harry," Hermione said. "I was just going to tell you to give her some time. She's heartbroken over you; it's going to be a while till she's going to be okay around you again."

"It's just weird her not talking to me," Harry said.

"I know," Hermione said.

They heard a knock on the front door from outside their room.

"Want to go meet the family?"

"I dunno, they sound like a scary bunch," Harry joked.

The two went to the door, and walked outside only to come to find the person who had just entered the house was none other than Percy Weasley.

Everyone was deadly quiet.

Hermione let out a low whisper, "Very scary indeed."

***

The hall was silent; every single face was staring at the new Headmistress.

"I know the first years have just been sorted. It's been this way for year's; this school has been divided in four. Four groups of equally able wizards and witches separated by nothing but a title. Tonight, that tradition will be thrown away, and your titles broken. As of tonight, the houses that you know are no longer in existence, and you are all one."

The hall was filled with shock from nearly every student.

"I would like you now, to all get up from where you are seated, do not move from your spot, but please remain standing," Aiyana said gracefully.

Nobody rose from their seats; not a single person, and Harry wasn't surprised.

"I know this is a strange notion, and that many of you will be upset by the idea. But what good is it to be separated at times such as these; the only way to break the walls between you is to take away the things that separate you."

The students still did not get up, and Aiyana seemed to understand that she would need to do a bit more persuading.

"For the sake of the Wizarding world, and the sake of the lives that will be lost, stand now, and become a force to be reckoned with, stand against evil, and work together. Please, stand now."

Everyone was looking around each other at the tables. Harry knew what he had to do, but Hermione put a hand on his arm, and Harry turned sharply. Why was she discouraging him?

He saw her arm pointing at the Slytherin end of the hall; he searched for her direction and he found it, there, standing tall and just as stiffly as ever, was a blonde boy with silver gray eyes. Draco Malfoy was the only student standing in the whole hall.