Chapter One.
Adava Kedavra.
The sun shone on the little house in the country that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Henley. The small red brick house looked like any other in the area on the outside but on the inside it was a lot more unusual. The living room was filled with strange objects and books. The kitchen was filled with strange cookbooks such as “Cooking in an instant, Wand revelations.” Mr. and Mrs. Henley were also not normal people. They were wizards. Mrs. Henley was a tall thin woman with a kind face, light brown hair and Blue twinkling eyes. Mr. Henley on the other hand was tall and built; his face looked like there was nobody inside. It was cold and empty. He had blonde hair and had deep brown eyes.
Mrs. Henley’s daughter Michele was medium height and slim. She had an oval face with dark brown eyes that everyone said were mesmerizing, people also said her smile was contagious. She had shoulder length dark brown hair that always fell onto her face. Michele was also a witch. She attended Durmstrang School of Wizardry. And was about to go into her fifth year.
It was early in the summer holidays and Michele sat in the garden watching the clouds float by. She thought about Mr. Henley who she had been forced to call Dad since her mother married him five years ago. Michele had never liked her 'dad'. He was always telling her mother what a disappointment she was.
Michele had heard mother and ‘father’ having an argument the night before.
“Her grades are useless. She could be doing much better but instead she chooses to hang around with mudbloods. You should make sure she hangs around with better people than that. And you shouldn’t let her visit that no good mudblood loving fool of a grandfather this summer. Maybe it is his influence that is dragging her grades and her morals about pure bloods down.”
“Maybe if you let her go to Hogwarts instead of Durmstrang she would fall with a better crowd. You know she hates it there but still you force her to go. Hogwarts is a much better school and you know it. And she will visit her grandfather; I am not going to have this argument with you again. She loves my father.”
“Your Father is a stupid crackpot old fool.”
“Don’t talk about him that way.”
“I will say whatever the hell I want about him. Look, you will do as I say or… or I don’t know what will happen.”
Michele had refused to listen to anymore and had turned up her music full blast.
When Michele had woken up in the morning both her mother and father had gone to work. She had gotten up and done all the usual things then gone outside to sunbathe before her father came home. Now the clouds were moving across the sky and the sun was starting to set.
Deciding to go inside, Michele picked up her blanket she was lying on, her Walkman and her empty glass and went inside to the kitchen. As she put her glass in the sink and started into the living room she heard the front door slam and footsteps coming down the hall, more footsteps than normal. There were at least three people coming down the hallway. Wanting to see who was there, Michele came into the hallway to see her father and two men dressed in black with their faces masked.
“Who are these people?” Michele asked her Dad.
The taller man unmasked his face and Michele screamed in fear. The tall figure looked at Michele with his snake like eyes and mumbled something to the other masked figure.
“Voldemort? What is he doing here? Why is he with you? WHAT IS GOING ON?” Michele yelled as her father forced her back into the living room.
Voldemort laughed a cruel high-pitched laugh, “Your father is my servant. He is here to make you into a message for your grandfather. When we kill you he will want revenge. He will try to find me and I will kill him to.”
Michele tripped over the coffee table in the middle of the room and fell into a heap on the floor. A shadow fell over her as she looked up her father was standing over her, his wand raised into the air; suddenly his yell broke the silence that filled the room.
“CRUCIO”
Michele screamed a pain like no other filled her body as she writhed on the floor. Her bones were on fire and her skin was being slit open. Suddenly it stopped and she felt herself still twitching as a high cold laugh filled the room.
“I bet little miss perfect didn’t enjoy that. Now finish her off.” Voldemort said carelessly to Mr. Henley. Mr. Henley looked from his master to Michele. Michele could tell he didn’t want to do this, as much as he thought she was useless and stupid.
“Do it” Yelled Voldemort. Mr. Henley closed his eyes, “So you know, your real father is Remus Lupin. Tell your mother I am sorry.” He then pointed his wand at Michele and yelled so loudly the ornaments on the mantle piece shook.
“ADAVA KEDAVRA”
Michele screwed up her eyes, as she knew that in a few milliseconds she would be dead. But it never came. She stayed screwed up on the floor but still nothing happened. After a few seconds she heard the other masked man speak, his voice wall small and weak.
“Umm, Master. It has happened again. How could this be?”
Michele opened her eyes and she saw her father sprawled on the floor with a look of terror on his face but he was unmistakably dead.
“Well it seems we have a second Harry Potter, Wormtail. I am not going to repeat the same mistake as I did 15 years ago.” Voldemort bent down and held Michele’s shoulder so she couldn’t back away. “Look girl, you are lucky. Tell your grandfather to be careful as I will get him in the end.” With that he masked himself again and he walked out with a swish of his cloak. Wormtail stayed standing for a second then followed his master hurriedly.
Michele sat swaying backwards and forwards for a while, a million things rushing through her mind. Was she really the second Harry Potter? Why had that happened? Why hadn’t the curse killed her? Michele went over these questions, as soon as one answer started to come another question came until the door opened and footsteps came down the hall once more.
The next few days passed like years for Michele. Once her mother had come down the hall and found her huddled on the floor with her dead stepfather next to her, Michele had not spoken to anyone. Her grandfather had come to see Michele and her mother the next day. He had suggested that Michele attended Hogwarts for the remainder of her schooling, to which her mother had agreed instantly. Mrs. Henley had never wanted Michele to attend Durmstrang but Mr. Henley had forced it. Michele’s Grandfather had also suggested that Michele and Mrs. Henley go to stay with him for the rest of the summer, they would be safer there.
Chapter Two
Another Birthday. Harry lay on his bed his first transfiguration book laid open on the pillow. Harry remembered when he had to use this book in his first year. He had been reading all his old books recently. Chapter 5, Transfiguring Hedgehogs. Harry looked at his clock. The bright red numbers shone out at Harry. It was ten to twelve. Harry would be 15 in ten minutes. Harry thought about the last summer holidays when he had been doing the exact same thing. Waiting for himself to get another year older.
Hey Harry.
Harry walked over to the three owls and took the parcels or their legs. The three owls took off immediately, flew out of the window and out of sight. Harry opened the parcel from Ron and found a small chocolate cake and a leather-covered book. Harry opened the book and looked at the first page. 101 Ways To Avoid Trouble at Hogwarts. The words shone out of the page.
Hey Ron.
Harry attached the letter to Pig’s leg and Pig set off through the window. Harry then turned to the next package, which the barn owl had brought. He found a small card with Hagrid’s scruffy writing
on it.
Happy Birthday Harry.
Harry looked at the box, which had a few tiny holes in it. It moved. Harry watched the box more closely, it did it again. The box seemed to be moving. Something was inside trying to get out. Harry moved towards the box and opened it slowly. A small black mouse scurried around inside the box.
Harry
Harry opened Hermione’s present to find a book called Quidditch in the USA. Harry smiled and whispered to himself ‘thanks Hermione.’ Harry looked at the last parcel. It was a lot smaller that the others and the paper was rather shabby. Harry assumed it was from Sirius. Harry grabbed the letter and ripped it open to find a card. Harry opened it to see Sirius’ scruffy writing.
Harry,
Harry read the letter again. Harry would write to Sirius later if the Dursleys let him go to stay at Ron’s. Harry looked to the package. He pulled off the paper. Inside was a small black velvet covered box. Harry paused for a moment then opened the box. Harry gasped. Inside was a silver watch and it was amazing. The watch had two hands but they weren’t moving and there were twelve different planets moving around the side of the watch.
Ron.
The next four weeks were longer than Harry had ever known. After a week uncle Vernon had noticed Harry’s new watch and asked him where he had gotten it.
“My Godfather bought it for me for my birthday.” Harry told him bluntly. Uncle Vernon had not said anything since.
Harry closed his eyes. The image of a girl crouched on the floor flashed before his eyes. The shock made him open his eyes but as soon as he did it was gone. Harry slowly closed his eyes again but nothing happened, no image flashed in front of him, no girl crouched on the floor, just the black hollowness of the inside of his eyelids. Harry opened his eyes again. It was now 11:59, only one minute to go. Harry turned over and stared at the ceiling, the pattern was dark and gloomy. His eyes drifted over to the empty cage sat on the desk. Hedwig had been gone for six days now and Harry was starting to worry. He had only sent her to Ron and she was usually back sooner than this.
12 O’clock. Harry felt the tiny bubble of anticipation in his stomach burst. He was 15 years old. Harry decided that there was no reason to stay awake worrying about Hedwig so he turned over and closed his eyes. The shallow black loomed in front of him as he drifted off to sleep.
Harry woke up with a start. Tap, tap, tap, what was that tapping? Harry turned over to see Hedwig taping her beak against the window. Harry got up and opened the window letting Hedwig fly over to her cage. A large parcel was tied to her leg. Harry walked over to Hedwig, untied the parcel and stroked Hedwig’s large snowy head.
Harry was about to open the parcel when another owl swooped into the room, and another, and another. Three large owls landed on the bed. Two were Tawny owls and one was a barn owl. After a minute another smaller owl streamed into the room and started flying around and around Harry’s head. Harry recognised this owl as Pig, Ron’s owl. Harry snatched the little owl out of the air and detached the letter from his leg. Harry let go of Pig who flew over to Hedwig’s cage and much to Hedwig’s dislike started drinking some water. Harry opened the letter and saw Ron’s scruffy writing.
Happy Birthday. I hope everything is ok. Hedwig’s parcel is from me as well. Birthday present and all that. (Pig couldn’t carry it.) Have you heard from Sirius? I was wondering if you could come over to stay with us for the last few weeks of the Holiday. Could you ask your uncle? Anyway write back.
Ron
“Wow Ron. I wonder where he found this.” Harry said awestruck. Harry grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment and started to write.
Thanks for the present I love it. Where did you get it? I haven’t read it yet but I am betting it will get us out of a few detentions this year. I will ask about staying at yours but I am not sure what Uncle Vernon will say. But I will send Hedwig to you as soon as I know.
Harry
It isn’t much of a present but I thought you might like it.
See you at Hogwarts
Hagrid
“He brought me a mouse? Why did he get me a mouse?” Harry pondered to himself. Harry put the mouse down and looked at the other packages. There was also a yellow envelope with emerald green writing, this one was obviously from Hogwarts, Harry thought. He turned to the next package and opened the letter attached to it. Hermione’s overly neat writing gleamed out of the page.
Happy Birthday. I hope you are having a nice day. I hope you like my present. I know it isn’t as outrageous as Ron’s but I thought that you might like it. Have a great day and I hope I will see you in London. I will be there on the day before we get the train. Can you meet me? Have a great day Harry.
Hermione
Happy Birthday. The present is from Remus and me. I am staying with him for a while thought I won’t tell you where for the usual reason. Is everything ok? I hope the Dursleys are treating you ok. Has your scar hurt at all? If it does write to Dumbledore and tell him. I would advise that you stay with the Dursleys for now. It is a lot safer there but if you want to get away write to me before you leave for Ron’s. I hope you like the present.
Sirius & Remus.
Harry put it onto his wrist and looked at the instructions, he read them over and over again until he had worked out how the watch worked. Harry looked at the watch and after looking at the parchment with the instructions he realised it was twenty past eleven. Harry decided that he’d better go and ask uncle Vernon if he could go to stay at the Weasley’s for the rest of the holidays.
“No. There is no way I am letting that crackpot family come here and get you.” Uncle Vernon yelled when Harry asked him.
“Please. I promise I will get them to come by car this time.” Harry begged. But uncle Vernon refused again and again. “So are you going to take me to London then?” Harry asked blankly.
“Yes I will.” Vernon roared. “I would rather take you than have you go and stay with people like you again.”
Harry had given up by this point. He would have to stay with the Dursleys for four more weeks.
Harry walked up the stairs and back into his room. Harry picked up his quill and grabbed a piece of parchment. Harry thought for a minute about how to put his thoughts into words.
Uncle Vernon is refusing to let me come to stay with you for the rest of the summer. Don’t come and get me anyway, I would rather stay on relatively good terms with them. I will meet you the day before we have to catch the train though. I am meeting Hermione there as well.
Lets say 12:00 on the steps into Gringotts.
Harry
Harry spent most of his time in his room over the next three weeks, only coming out occasionally for food and to go to the bathroom. The rest of the time he spent reading his old school books. On one day Harry found one of Dudley’s schoolbooks from the last year. Harry looked at the cover; it was brightly covered with pictures of mathematic symbols on it. Harry had read the book from cover to cover on that day and had found it unbelievably boring so he went back to reading his old books.
On the day before uncle Vernon had agreed to take him to London Harry packed up his trunk but left out one piece of parchment and a quill, he would write to Sirius to tell him thank you for the watch and that he would be in London for the last two days of the holiday. Harry sent Hedwig off with the letter and put the quill in his trunk. Harry looked at his watch it was eleven fifteen. Harry changed into his pyjamas and got into bed, he was asleep before his head hit the pillow.
Chapter Three
Harry got out of the car and walked towards the leaky cauldron. Uncle Vernon got out of the car and pulled the trunk out of the boot before saying goodbye.
“Well I suppose I’ll be seeing you next summer.” Uncle Vernon said before getting back in the car and driving away. Harry stood on the sidewalk for a minute or so before grabbing the end of his trunk and pulling it inside the Leaky cauldron. Tom the Barman was standing behind the bar talking to a man in a deep blue suit. The man was talking in a loud and important manner.
That girl.
“You get a lot of weirdoes in here don’t you?” The man asked Tom.
“I wouldn’t put it like that.” Harry said loudly to the man.
“Yes well you are just a little boy, what do you know? Now stay out of conversations you stupid little boy.” The man said turning back to his drink.
“How dare you speak to Harry Potter that way. Take that back!” Tom ordered the man.
“What? I can tell the boy what I want.” The man protested.
“GET OUT!” Tom roared. The pub fell silent. Everyone was now looking at Tom, the man and Harry. The man stood staring at Tom, who’s face no looked as red as Ron’s hair. The man started to leave. Harry could still hear the man muttering ‘Weirdoes’ as the door shut behind him.
“Hello Harry, how are you doing?” Tom asked after everyone had started talking again.
“I’m fine Tom. Have you got a room I can use?” Harry asked.
“Sure, here.” Tom walked down the bar and looked on a chart. “OK number 4 is free. Do you want me to bring your trunk up for you?”
“No it’s ok I can take it.” Harry said as he picked up the end of his trunk and pulled it into the back hallway and up the stairs to room number four. Harry looked at the watch Sirius had brought him, it was three O’clock. Harry decided he would go and get his money and his robes today and he would buy his books tomorrow. Harry had received a letter from Ron a few days before telling Harry he would meet him at twelve O’clock on the 31st of August outside Gringotts bank. Harry dumped his trunk and Hedwig’s cage in his room and opened the cage. Hedwig soared out and out of the window. Harry opened his trunk and dug around for his Bank key.
Harry left the Leaky Cauldron and went up to the wall in the back. He pulled out his wand and tapped the right brick. Suddenly the wall melted away and left an archway. Harry walked through and started down the street to the large snowy building. Harry climbed the stairs into Gringotts and walked through the doors, which were being held open by a goblin in a red uniform. Harry looked around, Gringotts looked exactly the same as it had done two years before. Goblins lined the walls behind large counters made of white marble. Harry walked towards a free goblin.
“I’d like to take out some money from my vault please.” Harry asked.
“Name please.” The goblin asked.
“Harry Potter.” Harry replied.
“Ah, Yes, yes. Do you have your key Mr. Potter?”
“Yes, here it is.” Harry replied handing over his key. The goblin inspected the key then handed it to a rather small goblin standing behind him. “Grett here will take you to your vault Mr. Potter. Harry followed Grett into the tunnels. He climbed into the cart taking him down into the underground system.
Twenty minutes later Harry emerged from Gringotts with his moneybag a lot heavier than it had been when he had entered. Harry walked down the road to Madam Malkin’s robe shop. Harry entered and started looking around the dress robes. Harry had received his school list, which had told him that he needed dress robes again this year. Madam Malkin came over to Harry.
“Ah, Hogwarts dear?” She asked Harry
“Yes. I need some dress robes too.” Harry said sheepishly.
“Ok well I would suggest green for you dear.” Madam Malkin told Harry.
“Yes that what I had last year.” Harry told her.
“OK well lets get you measured for working robes.” She paused. “You do need working robes don’t you dear?”
“Oh yes. My others are too short.” Harry said
“Ok well let me just measure you.” Madam Malkin said as she got out a measuring tape that started measuring Harry on it’s own.
After five minutes of measuring Madam Malkin had found Harry some working robes and was now showing him green dress robes in his size so he could pick some he liked. After a while Harry picked out some bottle green robes with a high collar and emerald edges. At 6 O’clock Harry returned to the Leaky Cauldron. He ate his dinner then went up to his room to try and pack the rest of his things. At ten O’clock Harry lay in bed trying to fall asleep, without a lot of luck. His thoughts kept haunting him. Where was Voldemort now? Had he been going back to the old ways? Had Fudge come to his senses and believed Dumbledore? Still without answers to his questions Harry fell asleep.
The next day Harry woke around 10 O’clock. He washed and had breakfast before going back into Diagon Ally. He went into Flourish and Blotts to buy his books. The man behind the desk looked very tired. Harry could tell that they had been very busy with last minute shoppers. As Harry was walking out of Flourish and Blotts when he bumped into a girl and Harry’s books all spilled out onto the floor.
“Sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going” Harry stammered as he bent down to pick up his books. He looked up at the girl. Her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail but some bits had fallen out and were softly hanging over her face. Harry saw the girl’s eyes flicker up towards his scar then down again.
“I’m sorry I don't have my head screwed on properly.” The girl said. Her eyes met Harry’s for a second. The deep brown made Harry sizzle on the inside. Harry’s eyes pulled away when something caught his eye. A tick shaped scar on the base of her neck. Harry didn’t have time to look closely because the girl stood up and apologised again.
“I’m really sorry.” She said.
“It’s nothing.” Harry said before watching the girl walk into the shop.
Harry walked down the street and sat on the steps going up into Gringotts. He had promised to meet Ron and Harmione here at 12 O’clock. As he sat his mind drifted back to the girl he had just bumped into. Had he seen her eyes flicker up to his scar? She hadn’t mentioned it, but he was sure he had seen her do it. But something else was plaguing him. He had noticed she had a scar. On her neck was a tick shaped scar that Harry thought looked like the Nike tick. Lost in his thoughts he never noticed Ron walk up the steps and sit next to him. Harry jumped when he started talking.
“Hey Harry, How are you?” Ron said cheerfully.
“Fine. I was just thinking.” Harry replied unconsciously.
“Cool, what about?”
“I just met someone. They noticed my scar but never said anything and…”Harry started but Ron butted in.
“Well that’s great. Maybe you are just a normal guy now.”
“No it wasn’t that that bothered me.”
“What was it then?”
“She had one.”
Ron looked at Harry. About to ask ‘one what’ when Harry carried on talking.
“She had a scar. Like mine, it wasn’t the same shape but it was the same type of scar.”
“Oh come on, it was probably a normal scar. You don’t think there is another person running around with your scar do you?” Ron joked, but stopped as soon as he saw the look on Harry’s face. “Come on Harry, she probably fell and cut herself and that was the scar from it.” Ron stopped and looked up. Hermione was standing at the foot of the steps with a puzzled look on her face.
“Who had a scar? Harry this could be serious. Maybe she survived a curse like you.” Hermione prompted even against Ron’s look of disbelieving.
“It doesn’t matter I won’t see her ag…” Harry started then stopped as he looked across the road. Stood across the road was the girl, looking right at Harry. Ron and Hermione looked over and Ron whispered at Harry.
“Is that her?” Harry nodded his head and continued to stare at the girl who had started to walk over.
She walked up the steps and stood a few feet in front of Harry who had gotten to his feet.
“Hi. I was wondering…” the girl started, her eyes flickering up to Harry’s scar again.
“Yes I am Harry Potter.” Harry said in an annoyed tone. The girl however looked at him confused.
“What?”
“That’s what u wanted to know isn’t it? Or were you hoping for an autograph?” Harry snarled as the girl gave a shocked look at him.
“No. I was going to ask if you three attended Hogwarts. See I am starting this year and I needed to know what time the train leaves tomorrow.” The girl corrected, surprising Harry that there wasn’t a tone of annoyance or cruelty in her voice. Harry felt his face turn red as he tipped his head down to stare at his feet.
“It leaves at eleven O’clock.” Hermione started then looked puzzled. “What year are you in?”
“I am starting my fifth year.”
“So how come you are only starting Hogwarts now? Surely you will be way behind.”
“Well I have attended Durmstrang for the last four years but there was an….” The girl paused “an incident. That made my mother want me to change schools.” She looked at Ron who was looking at her scar. “What?”
Ron who was unaware that he was being watched jumped. “Oh nothing.”
“Ok well thanks for telling me about the train. And…” she turned to Harry who was looking up at her again. “I am sure someone, somewhere will want your autograph.” She smiled and walked off.
“Hey Harry, I think she likes you.” Ron smirked.
“Oh piss off Ron.” Harry said playfully punching Ron in the arm making Ron massage his arm for the next five minutes.
“Are you three ready to do your shopping then?” Mrs. Weasley asked them as she walked towards them with Ginny, Fred and George in tow.
“Well I have done my shopping Mrs. Weasley but I would be happy to come with you all.” Harry answered smiling back at them.
“That would be lovely dear.” Mrs. Weasley answered. “First we must go into Gringotts.”
“Oh yeah. I didn’t take out enough yesterday so I have to go back down.” Harry said picking up his moneybag from his pocket.
“Ok dear.” Mrs. Weasley answered. “Fred, George, Ron are you coming in?”
“Yeah mum.” The twins answered in chorus.
“I want Harry to see something.” Ron added.
“Fine.”
The five of them walked into Gringotts leaving Ginny and Hermione sitting on the steps talking. Once Mrs. Weasley had talked to a goblin at the front desk a smaller goblin named Lex took them through the other door and into a cart. The journey down to Harry’s vault wasn’t long. Harry climbed out and let Lex open his door. Once open Harry scooped some more money into his bag, shut the door and climbed back into the tiny cart.
The journey down to the Weasley’s vault was a lot longer. They were twisting and turning down small passageways. Finally they came to a holt in front of a small door that said WEASLEY on it. Lex climbed out of the cart and opened the door. A look of surprise swept Harry’s face as suddenly he saw huge piles of gold galleons. Ron saw Harry’s face, smiled and started explaining the gold to Harry while Mrs. Weasley went and started putting the gold into five separate moneybags.
“Well, after what happened to Mr. Crouch last year, Percy was made head of the International cooperation department, so he is now bringing in loads. Then last year a few weeks after we broke up from school mum went down to Gringotts and found we had eight hundred extra galleons in our account. Well mum went to the front desk and said there was a mistake but the goblin told her that there wasn’t a mistake and that someone had put it in there by check a few days before.” Ron explained excitedly.
Harry smiled, he couldn’t think of a nicer thing to have happened to the Weasleys. Harry looked at Fred and George who were sitting behind Ron. Both of them were grinning from ear to ear. Harry suddenly realised who the extra money was from but he couldn’t ask them about it now. Harry decided he would ask later.
Chapter Four
Aboard The Hogwart’s Express. The next morning Harry was woken up by Mrs. Weasley coming into the room and trying to get Ron up.
“Come on boy’s it is nine O’clock. I need to get you to the station early today, as I need to get back up to the house.” Mrs. Weasley said as she picked up things off the floor and put them in Ron’s trunk.
“Ok mum. I can do that, just let us get up and get dressed please. Go wake Fred and George.” Ron groaned sleepily as he got up. Mrs Weasley strode out the room leaving Harry and Ron to get up and make sure they had everything.
At ten fifteen everyone gathered outside the Leaky Cauldron. Harry was watching Fred and George trying to get Mrs. Weasley to let them go into Diagon Ally quickly to get an owl between them. Finally Mrs. Weasley agreed and told them that they had five minutes. Fred and George rushed off muttering about if they wanted a barn owl or a snowy owl. Harry turned to Hermione who was discussing forth year with Ginny.
“Hermione, did you get that girls name yesterday?” Harry asked when Harmione had stopped talking.
“No sorry I forgot to ask, hey why don’t you ask her yourself, she’s just over there.” Harry spun around to see the girl getting into a taxi with her mother and the driver hauling her trunk into the boot.
“Too late” Harry moaned as the taxi drove away.
Just as the taxi drove up to the pub Fred and George rushed out with a large barn own in a black metal cage.
“What do you think?” bragged George holding up the cage.
“Nice. What’s its name?” Harry asked as he climbed into the taxi.
“Well we were going to call her Percy but we decided that we don’t want to be charged with animal cruelty.” Fred joked.
“We aren’t sure what we are calling her yet.” George said.
They all got into the two taxis and they drove to the station. Harry climbed out of the taxi and helped the driver pull the trunks out of the boot and onto trolleys. Finally Mrs. Weasley paid the drivers and led the way into the station and onto platform 9.
“Right Harry dear, you and Ron go first and try and find a compartment for all of you.” Mrs. Weasley said and tapped Harry on the shoulder.
Harry and Ron walked over to the barrier between platforms nine and ten and looked around to check nobody was watching before sliding through onto platform 9 and three quarters. Harry and Ron walked down the platform looking into the windows to find an empty compartment. At last they found one with only one-person in. they had their back to the window so they couldn’t see who it was. Ron climbed into the train and went into the compartment. Harry could see him talking to the person in the compartment. The person was nodding; Ron smiled and left the compartment. Harry turned around and looked down the platform to find Hermione. He saw her walking towards him with the rest of the Weasleys.
“Hey Harry, guess who it is in the compartment.” Ron said joyfully.
“Who? The new defence against the dark arts teacher?” Harry answered hopefully.
“Nope. It’s our mystery new girl.” Ron said looking pleased with himself.
“What are you so happy about Ron?” Hermione asked as she approached them.
“The new mystery girl said we could share her compartment.” Ron answered.
“Ok you kids, have a great year. And don’t get into too much trouble you two.” Mrs. Weasley said glowering at Fred and George.
“What? Mum we never get in trouble.” Fred assured his mother.
“Yeah mum. We are the perfect little angels.” Said George walking up behind Fred. Mrs. Weasley looked at Fred and George reassuringly and hugged both of them.
"Have a nice seventh year both of you.” She then turned to Ginny, “ Have a lovely time darling. And try to keep your grades as good as they were last year Hermione.” Hermione blushed and smiled as Mrs. Weasley gave her a goodbye hug. Hermione then pulled her trunk into the train and took it into the compartment. Mrs. Weasley Then turned to Harry, “Dear, I know it isn’t your fault and you can’t really avoid trouble; but try to stay out of as much as possible this year.” Harry smiled and nodded and carried his things into the train.
Harry found the compartment door open. He pulled his trunk inside and put it into the luggage rack then turned and saw the girl sitting in the corner by the window looking out of it longingly. Hermione on the other hand was sitting near the door submerged in a book. Ron opened the door a few seconds later pulling his trunk behind him. Harry went outside the train again and picked up the two cages containing Hedwig and Pig, and a wicker basket containing Crookshanks.
He carried them into the compartment, which was now full with Ginny and the twins. He put the cages on a chair and gave Crookshanks to Hermione. Harry went and sat by window. Pretending to look out of the window he looked at the girl out of the corner of his eye. He could see her eyes were quite red. Harry was sure that she had been crying but he didn’t say anything. The girl looked at him and Harry looked hastily out of the window and waved at Mrs. Weasley who was waving them goodbye.
All of them sat in silence for about five minutes while they sorted themselves out. Then Fred walked to the corner where the girl was sitting.
“Are you new then?” He asked her curiously.
“Yes.” She answered shortly. Not bothering to look at him.
“What year are you in?” George piped up.
“Fifth,” She answered still not looking at them.
“Cool, how come you haven’t been at Hogwarts for the rest of the time?” George asked.
“I was at Durmstrang, but my mother wanted me to switch schools, Lets just say she is very close with some people at Hogwarts.”
“Very cool.” Fred said nodding. “By the way, I’m Fred Weasley and this is George… my twin brother.” The girl looked up at Fred for the first time.
“I would never have guessed.” She said smiling sarcastically.
“Well it is kind of obvious isn’t it.” George joked. The girl looked at George and nodded.
“So… do you have a name or shall I just call you the hot new girl?” Fred asked with a cool smile.
“Well I suppose that would get confusing, wouldn’t it.” She replied smiling. “My name is Michele.”
Fred held out his hand and She shook it lightly.
“Nice to meet you Michele." Fred indicated to the people in the compartment. “This is Hermione Granger, our younger sister Ginny, and our annoying little brother Ron. Do you have a last name?”
“Well I am not sure what it is right now. It should be Henley. But I only just found out who my real father is so I suppose my name is Michele Lupin.” She said with a slightly sad tone.
“Lupin?” Harry blurted out.
“Yeah.” Michele replied looking down again.
“What was your fathers first name?” asked Hermione, catching on to what Harry was getting at.
“Remus. I am not sure if it is true. My step dad told me, just before…” Michele said before stopping as if she had said something she shouldn’t of.
“Remus Lupin? Your father is Remus Lupin?” Ron asked bewildered at the thought.
“Well I think he is.” She replied.
“Well if it isn’t the famous Miss Henley.” Came a drawling voice. Harry turned to the door to see Draco Malfoy standing in the doorway. Michele looked at Draco and laughed.
“I wouldn’t say famous. I would say perfect.” Michele joked. Harry looked around, and sure enough everyone was as shocked as he was about this exchange. Michele got up and walked to the doorway and hugged Draco, making Harry sear with hatred.
“I heard you were coming to Hogwarts this year. I also heard about…” Malfoy stopped and brushed Michele’s hair away from her neck and looked at the scar. As quickly as Malfoy had brushed the hair away she moved it back.
“Wow is it public news now? Who told you? Well I suppose it wouldn’t stay quiet for long.” Michele said obviously annoyed.
“It’s true?” Malfoy looked at her shocked, “Are you serious. God and I say I hate my dad.”
“I don’t hate him Draco.” Michele started.
“You don’t?” Malfoy’s face looked like he had been slapped. “Why not?”
“Draco, I don’t hate him. I despise him.” Michele assured him. Malfoy laughed.
“Oh ok, well good I suppose.” Malfoy turned and looked around the compartment.
“Potter. How nice to see you.” He said sarcastically. “And Weasley. Your family earn anything yet? Maybe you should sell Potters real story to the paper and get enough to feed your family for a month.
“Draco don’t, Please.” Michele said quietly.
“Why are you sticking up for them? She’s a mudblood and they are muggle loving fools.”
“My Grandfather is a muggle loving fool if you remember correctly Draco. Well you should know. I don’t give a toss about all this pureblood crap. You should know that by now. Look lets just go. You can introduce me to some people.” Michele prompted.
“Ok then.” Draco said sneering at Harry and Ron.
After they had left Harry looked at Ron “Did that just happen?” He asked dumbfounded.
“I don’t know.” Ron replied. “Well Harry I guess you were right about the scar. It is something weird.”
“We don’t know that Ron.” Hermione slipped in. “Her dad might of cut her or something.”
“Yeah I suppose. But it must be weird if she hangs around with Malfoy.” Ron answered cruelly. “What’s wrong Harry?”
“Well I am really confused. She said her grandfather is a muggle loving old fool. Who do we know that Malfoy knows who is a muggle lover? Mr. Weasley, obviously it is not him and Draco is always calling Dumbledore a muggle lover. Did you see his face when she mentioned her grandfather? He went quiet. Also her father is Lupin? This girl confuses me. I want to know what all this is about. And why she got all upset when Malfoy mentioned her dad.” Harry looked at them.
“Dumbledore isn’t married Harry.” Fred answered.
“How do you know that? Have we ever asked him about his personal life?” George asked.
“Also If she is Dumbledore’s granddaughter wouldn’t she have gone to Hogwarts from the beginning?” Hermione said.
“Good point!” Fred and George chorused.
“Why don’t we just ask her?” Ginny asked.
“Well we don’t want to seem like we are giving her the third degree do we?” Fred told Ginny.
“I suppose not.” She replied.
They all sat in silence for a while
“Why do we care? I mean she hangs around with Malfoy. Shouldn’t that say something?” Ron said after a few minutes
“I don’t know why I care. But something about me wants to get to know her and know about all this stuff she said.” Harry told him.
Michele didn’t come back right until the end of the journey.
“Hi again.” She said as she came through the door. There was a chorus of hellos and Michele went and sat next to the window again. Harry could tell that Fred was just about to ask about all the things they had talked about so Harry piped up before he could say anything.
“So do you know which house you’ll be in or will you be sorted?”
“I have to be sorted. My grandfather thought it would be the fairest idea, to get me with people like me I suppose.” Michele said not actually sure what would happen.
“Which house do you want to be in?” Ron asked slyly.
“Gryffindor. My grandfather and my mother were in there. Plus all my grandfathers’ friends I have met except one. He was in Slytherin.” She smiled.
“What about Malfoy? Won’t he get lonely without you?” Ron said sarcastically.
“Who gives a toss about Draco? He can manage. It isn’t like we are best friends, I just know him. He is probably the only student I know. I know most of the teachers, well I have met them. But I know hardly any students. I just know him.”
“Oh good.” Harry blurted. Then noticing that everyone was looking at him he went red. “Sorry but you can’t say we don’t hate Malfoy.” Harry said looking at all of them.
“Yeah he gets annoying at times doesn’t he.” Michele joked. For the first time Hermione got excited and started telling Michele about Mad-eye Moody turning Malfoy into a ferret and bouncing him up and down in the hall.
“It was so funny. He was bouncing up and down even when Professor McGonagall came to ask him what was going on.”
“Not that it wasn’t funny but that wasn’t Mad-Eye Moody.” Harry reminded her.
“Yes well… umm.” Hermione tried to say something but words failed her.
“Who was it then?” Michele asked curiously.
“Voldemort’s servant. Barty Crouch. The younger Barty Crouch.” Harry reassured her when he saw the look on her face when he mentioned Barty Crouch. Harry looked at Michele who was shaking.
“Voldemort’s servant was at Hogwarts?” she asked, her voice trembling so badly that she could hardly say it.
“Umm, Yeah but I am sure there won’t be one there this year.” Ron said quickly. After that nobody spoke for the rest of the journey. It wasn’t long before they were pulling into the station and getting off the train. Michele climbed off the train with Harry. When Harry got to the bottom of the stairs he reached up and took Michele’s hand and helped her down. Though when Michele was at the foot of the stairs she didn’t let go of Harry’s hand.
“Look I know what you are thinking about me. Just trust me, please. I am not like Draco.” She said quietly though she wasn’t looking at Harry.
“Don’t worry. I don’t think that you are not like Malfoy.” Harry replied smiling. Hagrid’s booming voice sounded from behind Harry.
“Aright Harry. Aright Michele. You have to come with me. With the first years.”
“OK Hagrid.” Michele replied. “See you later Harry.”
“What was all that about Harry?” Ron asked as he got to Harry.
“She was making sure I knew that she isn’t like Malfoy. Then Hagrid asked her to come with him. Oh, she knows Hagrid by the way.” Harry replied.
“Well if she is in Gyffindor then maybe she can come with us to Hagrid's once in a while.” Hermione said enthusiastically. “It would be nice not to be the only girl in our little group.”
“You know Hermione she might give you a run for your money on teachers pet. I mean she knows all the teachers.” Ron joked.
“Hmm well we’ll see about that.” Hermione said. Sounding like she was going to go into battle.
“Oh come on. Nobody is as big a suck up as you Hermione.” Harry laughed. Then seeing the look on Hermione’s face he added. “I was joking.”
Chapter Five
Dreams. Harry turned to see that the carriages were filling up so they all got into one at the back and they started up towards Hogwarts. Soon the magnificent castle came into view and soon enough the carriages were slowing down and stopping in front of the front doors. The three of them clambered out and up the steps into the entrance hall. Harry looked around, at last he felt at home again. He walked with Hermione and Ron into the Great Hall to see banners of the four houses behind the teacher’s table. Harry followed Ron and Hermione over to the Gryffindor table and sat in the middle opposite Fred and George who had saved a space between them.
When the hat had finished the hall erupted into applause. The first years looked very relieved that they only had to put on a hat. Michele was applauding but did not looked surprised. Professor McGonagall started calling out names and one by one they went and sat on the stool. So far there had been no new editions to Gryffindor.
“WHAT IS GOING ON?” A girls shout pierced it’s was through Harry’s dream. Harry then saw three men come into a large room pushing a young girl backwards into it. Two of them were masked and the other Harry had never seen before. The first masked man took off his mask and Harry saw Voldemort’s face. Harry’s head seared with pain but he didn’t wake up. Voldemort stood for a moment as the girl stood petrified.
“Just in case Michele gets sorted into Gryffindor.” Fred said winking. Harry laughed, he could feel jealousy in his stomach rising if Michele sat in between them. The hall was very full and only a few people were coming in off the last of the carriages.
Harry looked up towards the teacher’s table. He could see Dumbledore deep in conversation with someone who Harry presumed was the new defence against the dark arts teacher. Harry looked again. Could it be? Then the woman turned and looked at Harry and smiled. It was it was Fleur Delacour. She waved at Harry. Harry waved back still not able to believe his eyes.
“Ron look who is sitting at the teacher’s table.” Harry hissed at Ron who was staring at the door.
“Oh my god. What is she doing here?” Ron hissed back. Hermione looked over.
“Well it’s obvious isn’t it? She’s teaching.” She said.
Before Ron could respond the first years came into the hall following Professor McGonagall. They were all looking nervously around at the hundreds of faces staring at them. Harry could remember being up there thinking that he was going to have to do a test in front of the school. Soon Harry saw Michele come into the hall after the first years and Dumbledore smiled warmly at her, which she returned. Harry could here whispers in the hall about the older new comer.
Professor McGonagall brought forward a stool with the Sorting hat on it. She set it down in front of the students. The hall went silent. The first years continued to look around nervously then the rip in the hat opened and started to sing.
“Dune, Helen.” Professor McGonagall called. Helen sat on the stool and after a moment the hat called,
“Gryffindor.” The Gryffindor table burst with joy. People were standing and clapping and yelling as Helen Dune jogged to the nearest seat and sat down. The sorting carried past the M’s and past the T’s. Vulcan, Graham became a Slytherin. West, Jennie became a Hufflepuff. And as Professor McGonagall finished the first years Dumbledore stood up. The hall fell silent once more.
“Well, We have a new student this year who will be starting in the fifth year. She used to attend Durmstrang. I hope you will help her fit in as best you can.” Dumbledore sat down again and Professor
McGonagall called her forward. Michele sat down and placed the hat on her head. She sat on the stool for almost a minute and a half. The whole hall was silent as Michele sat nervously on the stool. Finally after the minute and a half the hat called out.
“GRYFFINDOR!” the hall erupted like never before. All the Gryffindor’s were cheering and shaking hands with Michele as she went to sit between the twins who both hugged her before letting her sit down.
Dumbledore stood once more and gestured for silence in the hall. It took a while for everyone to stop talking but after a minute everyone was quiet once again.
“Well Last year was an…Umm, an interesting year. I hope you will all be on the alert for danger, as I know you will know there will be. I don’t want to start the year on a bad note and so I won’t.” a few people laughed and Dumbledore smiled. “So let me just say have dinner and get some sleep before lessons tomorrow.” Dumbledore sat back down and almost suddenly the golden plates filled with food.
“Ok, I wasn’t expecting that!” Michele said looking at the plate of chips.
“Yeah, I was kind of surprised the first time that happened.” Harry assured her. Michele smiled and nervously took a chip and ate it.
“Well it tastes normal. I suppose it is ok.” She laughed and took some peas. The food vanished from the plates as people ate. And when everyone was done with his or her pudding the plates were spotless once again. Harry looked at Michele who was looking at Snape. Harry looked at Snape who was mouthing something to Michele. Michele obviously understood him because she was nodding and shaking her head at different intervals. Harry saw that Michele smiled and looked away from Snape.
“You know Snape?” Harry asked Michele.
“Yes. Grandfather often has him over to the house when I stay with him.” Michele answered casually. Soon everyone started standing and filing out of the Great Hall. Michele however stayed put.
“Are you coming Michele?” Hermione asked as she stood up.
“Umm yes in a minute. Could you wait for me Hermione, I don’t know how to get to the common room.” Michele answered standing up.
“Sure.” Hermione said thrilled that Michele had asked her to stay with her.
“See you two tomorrow then.” Ron said as he got up.
“Ok then,” Hermione said dismissing Ron and turning to Professor McGonagall, who was walking towards them.
“Miss Granger. May I have a word?” She asked.
“Oh yes of course Professor.” Hermione answered instantly.
“I will meet you back here Hermione ok.” Michele told Hermione before walking off. Harry and Ron decided to take leave to and started up towards the common room.
When they reached the painting they realised that they didn’t know the password.
“Well, we’ll just have to sit here until someone comes up.” Harry said, slumping himself onto the floor. Ron sat down and leaned against the wall.
“So what do you think of her then?” Ron asked after a few seconds.
“Who?” Harry asked as he stared down the corridor.
“Michele.” Ron probed. Harry thought for a moment.
“Oh, Well she’s nice.”
“I hope she hangs around with us. It would be nice to have another girl around!” Ron thought aloud. Harry sat up. He could hear someone coming. Soon enough Hermione and Michele came into view, deep in conversation.
“So my letter got lost in the mail. I still can’t believe it. I’m a prefect.” Hermione paused for a moment. “So what did Dumbledore want to talk to you about?”
“Oh nothing really, just classes, which ones I want to take and so forth.” Michele replied looking down the corridor. “Oh hi you two, what are you doing out here?”
“Waiting for someone who knows the password.” Ron answered getting to his feet. “Oh it’s pear drop. Professor McGonagall told me.” Hermione explained importantly as the painting swung forward.
“So you’re a prefect now?” Harry asked even though he already knew the answer.
“Yes I am so pleased. I will have to write and tell my mum and dad. Anyway I am going to go to bed.” Hermione said as she climbed into the common room after the others. “See you at breakfast.” She said casually as she went through the door to the girl’s dormitory.
“I better go to. Goodnight.” Michele called as she followed Hermione through the door.
“So. Are we going to bed then?” Ron asked.
“Yeah. I’m tired.” Harry answered starting for the stairs.
When they got into their circular room Dean, Seamus and Neville were sitting on Dean’s bed talking.
“Oh hey guys.” Ron said as he shut the door. Three hellos came back. The five got changed into pyjamas and sat on Dean’s bed chatting about the holidays for a while. It was only when Neville fell asleep and toppled off the bed that they decided to call it a night.
Harry couldn’t sleep for a long time after he went to bed. He lay awake thinking about the scar Michele had on her neck. Could it be a curse scar? Maybe Dumbledore was her grandfather and Voldemort had tried to kill her to get to Dumbledore. But why had she lived? Did her mother die to save her? But Harry had seen her mother with her the day they caught the train. Also Malfoy had said that her father had done something. After thinking for a while Harry drifted off to sleep.
“Your father is my servant. He is here to make you a message for your grandfather. When we kill you he will want revenge. He will try to find me and I will kill him to.”
The girl who was still backing away from the men tripped over the table in the middle of the room and lay huddled on the floor. The unmasked man walked over to the girl and pointed his wand at her. He opened his mouth and yelled
“CRUCIO!”
The girl screamed and writhed on the floor. Harry wanted to stop the man but he couldn’t move. He felt like he did in a memory. Nobody could see or hear him and nothing he did would make a bit of difference. Voldemort started to laugh.
“Little miss perfect didn’t like that. Now finish her off.” Voldemort said carelessly to the unmasked man. The man looked from his master to the girl who was still twitching occasionally. The man’s face looked whiter that ever and the expression on his face told Harry that he wasn’t completely happy with this part of the deal. Voldemort who was watching the man saw his hesitation.
“Do it.” Voldemort yelled. The man closed his eyes and opened his mouth though not to kill her. “I’m sorry.” The man said. “And so you know, your real father is Remus Lupin. Tell your mother I’m sorry.” Harry was confused. How could the girl tell her mother? He was going to kill her. Was he going to kill the girl’s mother too? The man pointed his wand at the girl and screamed the words he didn’t want to say.
“ADAVA KEDAVRA”
There was a flash of green light and the girl lay huddled on the floor. Harry looked at her long enough to see a tick shaped cut bleeding on her neck before he was woken by Ron shaking him telling him to get up.