FicWad

Chapter 34:- The Train RideA/N:- Malehorntaildragon did his normal work on this chapter, thanks!

***

The Boy Who Lived – The Man Who Lived

The Prophet can exclusively announce today that The Boy who Lived is no more. That’s right the Chosen One is no longer the Boy who Lived. He is now that Man Who Lived. There are few that can not remember the awful events sixteen years ago when a small boy stopped the greatest dark wizard of the time and from that day forward he would always be known as The Boy Who Lived, but not any more.

Through painstaking research we have been able to find out that our Chosen One, Harry Potter, is a boy no more. We are all fully aware that the age of maturity for us magical folks is the age of seventeen but not for our Boy! Earlier this month papers have been filed within the Ministry that have changed that. The Prophet has managed to see those papers and have confirmed that they are legal and have been accepted. This means that Harry Potter is now an Adult!

This second feet of near impossibility was orchestrated by none other that Albus Dumbledore famed Headmaster of Harry’s School. He has used a centuries old law; one which we do not think has been used in over 100 years, to make Harry an adult. It is questionable at the very least to see why Dumbledore has done such a thing. In the past you may remember he was, and still is, the champion for reform of the Wizarding law yet he has used one of those laws that he wants to repeal. The Prophet asked for a comment but as usual the Wizard refused to answer any questions, so where does this leave our Harry Potter, let us see?

It is not all smooth sailing for him as many of the more modern law are still applied to him (see page 4 full a full list of laws Harry still has to obey) yet he is, in the legal eye, and adult. I can see now that many of your readers are thinking similar thoughts especially you women out there. To answer your first question, yet this means that Harry Potter does indeed rocket straight in at number one on The Most Eligible Bachelor List (see page 10 for the full list).

As now the legal heir to the Potter Household he is able to access all of the rights and privileges as well as the wealth which has so far been withheld from him. Because of all of this he had become, in history, the youngest member of the Wizengamot. We are unsure whether he has actually attended a session yet but we do understand that he was present in the Ministry on the day of the Law Suspension vote by Ministry for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour. That vote was only narrowly defeated but we have learned that it will be placed before the Wizengamot at a future session.

But this is just the start of the sudden changes to Harry Potter. In a second exclusive we have found out that Harry Potter was the sole heir named for the illustrious Black Family. The paper was surprised to find that the judgment was not appealed by any of the Black cousins and has therefore made Harry even wealthier. The Prophet has been unable to find out the exact details of the will or the full contents of the Black estate as it had been in trust by the Goblins of Gringotts since the deaths of the elder Blacks, but conservative estimates would now placed Harry Potter within the top ten wealthiest people in the country.

So what has our new adult been up to since this magnificent good fortune? It does seem that the new rich lifestyle is something that he has yet to embrace. For the whole of the summer he has only been reported in Diagon Alley twice. The first was a brief visit to hear of his good fortune and visit his new wealth. The second was for a brief shopping trip with his friends. He spent most of the day walking around shops buying his school supplies and a few gifts for close friends but that was all.

Come on Harry splurge a little, I’m certain that there are a number of Witches (and a few Wizards) who would be happy to help you out there!

***

Harry hadn’t seen the morning paper yet. In fact none of the Grimmauld place residents had. The normal morning rush to get everything ready and the departure for Paddington Station had prevented that. The departure from the house had been hectic, Harry wasn’t sure what he was suspecting for such a large group but he guessed it was going to be noisy. He didn’t fail to notice that the only other member of The Order that turned up to help was Mad-Eye. So it was with him, and Mr and Mrs Weasley as their guards that they all left.

With trunks bouncing and cages rattling they walked the distance to the Underground. Harry looked round and saw that it was nowhere near as busy compared to the last time he had used it but there was still people watching them. He had been surprised that no one said anything about the collection of animals they were carrying but he thought that there was some addition magic going on to help them. As they crammed into a carriage Mad-Eye and Arthur immediately took up posts by the door keeping a close watch on everything. He had never seen Mr Weasley looking so nervous and he was sure that he had his hand around his wand ready at a moments notice.

The ride was long but at no time did anyone approach the group. Harry managed to relax slightly in his seat but he could feel the slight emotions flowing from Gabrielle. Every so often he would look her way and thought he could see the fear in her eyes. This day was going to be the most different for her and he could feel it. He remembered going to school for the first time himself, he had been excited and a little frightened but Gabrielle seemed to be even more scared.

As the Underground came to a clattering halt he followed Mad-Eye out of the carriage and onto the main concourse. He took a few steeps before he realised what he was looking at. He had seen the station busy before but this was different. It wasn’t full of people but those he did see looked to him to be all Witches and Wizards. He shook his head slightly wondering how the Muggle’s could not notice something like this. Pilling his trunk and Hedwig’s cage onto a trolley he set off after Mad-Eye towards the platform Barrier. As he walked he got the feeling that most of the eyes were watching him.

“Um…Mad-Eye?” he whispered

“Not now Potter.”

“But everybody….”

“It’s the bloody paper; you’re fine but watch yourself. Remember Potter, Constant Vigilance!”

Harry fell back until he was walking next to Ginny, but shivered slightly as the eyes kept following him.

Both Ginny and Gabrielle had noticed the people. Ginny had seen the look before and thought she understood what it was. By the end of the day she would know exactly what it meant. Gabrielle on the other had could feel the emotions from the lookers as they rolled around the station and impacted upon her. She could feel her insides churn as she understood what was happening, she kept glancing at the people and felt suddenly more and more inadequate for Harry. She knew she was beautiful, but what else was there to her?

She slowed to a stop as the rest congregated around a stone pillar. She had been told about the entrance by Ginny but now looking at it and feeling the emotions of the station all she wanted to do was run to Harry. She wanted him to take her home away from all of this, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen.

Mad-Eye looked over the group before speaking.

“Ok I’ll go first; you Ron and Hermione are next. If nothing happens Harry you are to follow them. Molly you take Ginny and Gabrielle next and Arthur you bring up the rear.” Without waiting for an answer Mad-Eye drew his wand and walked towards the barrier and disappeared.

Ron looked and Hermione and shrugged before the pair walked at a brisk pace towards the wall and vanished. Harry looked over his shoulder at the two girls, Ginny was smiling her smile but Gabrielle looked scared. He wanted to reach out and touch her but Mrs Weasley’s voice broke his thoughts.

“Go on Harry quickly now.”

He gave the girls a small smile before turned and walking straight through the wall. Molly waited a count of five before grasping both girl’s arms and saying.

“Well our turn. Gabrielle its fine, just keep walking.”

She nodded in understanding and with a more determined step than she felt, walked to the wall and straight through it.

**

The Red Steam engine billowed steam down the platform causing people to be obscured as each cloud rolled down the sides. Harry looked along what he thought was a familiar scene but he could see so many differences. The platform was normally crowded with parents and students, especially at this time so close to departure, yet there were only small knots of people. They would normally have to fight their way through the crowd to get to the train but today was different the small knots were well away from the carriages and the only movements were from the many Ministry Officials patrolling up and down.

“Harry you must hurry and get on.” Growled Mad-Eye as his magical eye watched the patrolling Ministry officials.

“What about the others?” asked Harry not yet seeing Ginny and Gabrielle emerging from the Barrier.

“We’re here.” Called Ginny walking through a cloud of white steam. He smiled a greeting and looked at Gabrielle to see her face was still pale.

“Let’s find some seats.” He said slightly worried about the younger girl

Gabrielle’s eyes were everywhere drinking in the new sights and sounds around her. The red steam engine seemed to puff magical music to her and the feelings rolling off everybody weren’t as intense as the other station. Her heart was beating faster as the nervousness of the moment was taking over. Her eyes swept round and saw student after student in the train or boarding it and she understood that the quiet and somewhat intimate existence she had had with Ginny and Harry would soon melt away.

She watched as everyone paused in front of a doorway their luggage being passed up into the carriage. So only burdened with her rabbit and a small bag she stood with the rest. Mrs Weasley was going from person to person giving each a hug and wishing them well for the journey. She was taken a little aback when she too was included. A loud whistle from the front of the platform started everyone moving into the train. She climbed up the steps and wormed her way to the back of the group as both Ginny and Ron was still standing at the front and waving goodbye. With another whistle the train lurched into movement causing her to sway and almost fall over. As the rhythmic puffing increased so did the speed and she realised that they were away.

“Well come on then lets find seats.” Shouted Ron over the noise of the wind as Ginny was struggling to close the open window.

Gabrielle paused not knowing what to do now, as she glanced around it seemed everyone knew what to do except her. Ron was leading the group down a small corridor looking into each compartment but she was still rooted to the spot.

“Do you want to find some first years?” asked Harry standing next to her.

“Why?”

“It’s just normal. I meet Ron and Hermione on the first train ride. So what about you?”

“I…I…want to stay with you and Ginny.”

“That’s fine…isn’t it Harry?” said Ginny joining them. Shrugging slightly Harry agreed and followed Ron down the corridor. Ginny walked after Harry hearing Gabrielle follow her but whispered comments caught her ears every time they passed a compartment. It wasn’t much but she definitely heard Harry’s name mentioned more than once. She glanced into each compartment as they passed and saw that many faces were looking back as they walked, obviously looking at her Harry.

Eventually the group found a compartment, its only occupant was Luna. Not wanting to look any further Ron bundled into it and lifted his things onto the rack.

“Hi Luna, nice holiday?” asked Ron conversationally as the rest fell into the carriage.

Luna looked up from reading her book straight into the eyes of Harry. Something almost reacted inside of her to the sight and she felt a slight sigh escape her.

“Yes thank you. It was fun but it’s nice to see my friends again.” She replied to Ron her eyes still locked on Harry.

Everyone took seats all except Gabrielle who still stood in the doorway. It was obvious to her that the rest knew exactly what they were doing it seemed almost like a ritual but she felt left out, but before she could do anything Ginny spoke up.

“Luna this is Gabrielle remember, you may have seen her at Harry’s party she’s starting this year do you mind if she joins us?”

Luna looked at the small girl in the doorway, her eyes washed over the young but beautiful body. It was strange for a first year to join such senior students but she didn’t mind, something about the face said that she would be a friend to her if given a chance.

“No I don’t mind please.” Replied Luna indicating the empty space next to Ron and Hermione.

Gabrielle smiled in gratitude and perched on the seat, she wanted to be near Harry but this was going to have to do. She closed her eyes briefly and sought him out through her magic, it wasn’t much but it did allow her to calm her nerves ever so slightly. It wasn’t long before everyone started talking to Luna about the holiday but Gabrielle saw that Harry was being very cautious about what he said.

It wasn’t long before the door was pulled open and three boys fell in.

“Nice to see you Harry.” They all said before one of them turned towards her and almost purred.

“And who might you be?” said a boy with a silky Irish accent.

“That’s Gabrielle a first year Seamus.” Called out Ron

“Ooooh you’re nice, I hope you’re in our house.”

“Please to meet you.” Said the other two boys turning and looking her over. She saw that the both of them glanced over her; she knew that within this small environment her Veela magic would be affect them.

“Gabrielle this is Seamus Finnegan, Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, they’re my roommates.” Said Harry

“Hello.” She replied to them trying hard to back as far into the seat as she could. The closeness of the three large boys’ was beginning to frighten her.

Neville turned from Gabrielle back to Harry.

“Why didn’t you say anything to us?”

“About what?”

“You being an Adult and everything.”

“An Adult?”

“Yes... is it true? It’s in the Prophet.”

“I…um…”

“What does it say?” quickly asked Ginny fearing she now knew what all of those words she had heard were saying.

“Here read for yourself.” Said Neville brandishing the paper.

Ginny quickly took it and read the front page; almost as soon as she started Harry lent closer and started to read the article for himself. He felt his stomach drop as he read line after line. He had hopped that it would not come out. Well not yet anyway, after the Ministry visit he had suspected that it would come out straight away but when it didn’t he had hoped that the Minister had been wrong.

Once he had finished he closed his eyes and attempted to calm his mind. Instantly he felt the gentle presence of Gabrielle dancing over him. At first he was annoyed thinking that he didn’t need her every time he was upset but he felt something else. He could almost feel Gabrielle’s emotions; it was though by connecting to him it was helping her. His mind flashed back to the ministry and how hard it was for her there. Snapping his eyes open he glanced at both Dean and Shamus who were still staring intently at Gabrielle and crowding the poor girl.

“Hey you two stop that!” he called out.

“But…but…she’s….” stammered Shamus with Dean rocking his head like a shaggy dog.

“A little different just leave her be...ok?”

“Ok.” Groggily replied Dean wrenching his eyes away from her.

“So Harry is it true?” he asked.

“Yeah I supposed it is.”

“Cool mate. So what’s it like….”

“I can’t do much. It was just used so that I could….” But he tailed off telling these two about Sirius and The Will was not something he wanted to do. Neville looked at Harry and saw the pain in his eyes. He had seen Sirius fall through the veil and then understood, with a silent nod he turned to leave and spoke to those still in the doorway.

“Well I best get back, Seamus, Dean?”

“Yeah you’re right.” Replied Dean following him out of the compartment.

“Nah I’m going to find Lavender. See you all at the feast.” Said Seamus as he too left the group.

Luna was the one to break silence as she turned to look at Harry.

“I thought you might have used the Quibbler again for something like that.” She asked quietly feeling a little hurt for some reason.

“Um…I didn’t want people….” Stammered Harry.

Luna just smiled before retuning to her book.

“Oh….that’s alright then.”

Hermione nudged Ron and indicated the doorway. Sitting in the compartment was fun but she knew that the pair of them had to leave for the annual prefect’s meeting. With the smile to them all she stood up and Ron followed suit.

“See you later after the meeting, ok?” she said to everyone then turned and left, making sure she left her hand trailing so the Ron could hold it. As soon as they exited Ginny grabbed Harry’s hand and moved to the other side of the compartment next to Gabrielle and opposite Luna.

When Harry saw a break in people passing by, he nudged Gabrielle and placed his hand on her thigh.

“Hey, you ok?” He whispered quietly keeping an eye on Luna.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and let Harry’s magic wash over her, silencing the noise of the emotions. “I am now.” She said smiling brightly to him.

Harry smiled back. “Good, I remembered what happened at The Ministry and just wanted to check.” He squeezed gently and turned back to see Ginny watching.

Ginny smiled and pulled him down for a slow kiss. When he pulled back, she saw Romilda Vane scowling at her and abruptly walk away.

‘There was definitely going to be trouble on the horizon over Harry, but at least I’ve got backup’ she thought.



**

The train’s movement was slowly rocking Harry to sleep. The soft noises coming from the girls in the compartment were also helping his mood. As his eyes closed he could fell the stress of the day so far draining away, to his mind it was just feeling right being here with Ginny and Gabrielle. His right hand encased Ginny’s left, while his right rested slightly against Gabrielle’s thigh it wasn’t much just enough for their magic to entwine with each others encasing all of them in peace. Absently he listened to the conversation but did not pay much attention, but when the door opened once more his eyes sprang open.

“Sorry it took so long.” Said Ron as he flopped down in an empty seat.

Harry blinked a few times and looked at the others, to him Ron and Hermione had only just left.

“Why what took so long?” questioned Ginny.

“The meeting for starter’s. They went over some of the extra security measures, boy it’s almost like a prison.”

“Now Ron it’s for our safety.”

“But…but….”

Ginny glanced and Harry and gave him a wry smile before interrupting the pair again.”

“Anything else.”

“Well yes Draco actually.” Replied Hermione.

“Why what’s he up to now?” asked Harry quickly.

“Nothing that’s just it. Normally he would patrol the corridors as a chance to bully the new first years, sorry Gabrielle.” Said Ron.

Gabrielle kept quiet but her fear grew just a little more, hearing things like this made her understand more and more that this was going to be different than the summer.

“All he’s doing is sitting in his compartment with the other Slytherin’s.”

Hermione let her hand drop on top of Ron’s as her mind thought through the Draco problem. Something was jogging her about him but she as yet did not know what it was.

“Anyway that’s all done for now so has anybody seen the trolley, I’m starving.”

But before anybody could reply the door was pulled opened once more. All eyes turned to look at the new person. Standing in the doorway was a third year girl looking very nervous. Harry felt Ginny’s arm stiffen slightly next to him as the new comer stood there.

“I…I…Have this for Harry Potter.” Stammered the girl brandishing a rolled parchment tied with a green ribbon.

Harry stood and held out his hand, the girl dropped the rolled parchment then almost fled from the compartment.

“Who’s it from?” asked Ginny.

Harry slowly unrolled and read the brief message.

“It’s from Professor Slughorn, it’s inviting me to lunch in compartment B.”

“Isn’t he the person you saw with Dumbledore?” asked Hermione.

“Yes.”

“Isn’t it unusual for teachers to be travelling on the train?” Queried Ginny.

“A little but Professor Lupin did.” Answered Hermione

Harry looked round his friends and the back at the invitation. He wanted to spend the trip we these people and not a teacher but could he refuse?

“You had better go, Harry.” Said Hermione.

Harry looked at Ginny to see her reaction. He wanted to spend this time with her knowing that at school getting such moments would be harder but a small nod told him that it would be ok.

“Alright I’ll go.” He told everybody as he left the compartment and started to make his way to carriage B.

**

All the way he could feel the eyes looking at him and in some compartments students jumped up to the door for a better view. Everywhere he could hear the whispered comments but he tried to ignore them. Only one real compartment was different, as he passed it he could not stop himself from glancing within.

Looking directly back at him was Draco and the rest of his Slytherin buddies. The looks that they were giving him were far different than everybody else on the train. Draco was lounging against the window with Pansy sprawled next to him. He could see the Draco had casually draped his arm around her and had his hand quiet openly on her breast. The look on Pansy face showed that she was proud to be where she was there was also the gleam of hatred that he had come to associate with all Slytherin’s.

As he moved on he saw Draco’s mouth twitch slightly in a smile before as he started to fondle Pansy’s breast through her blouse. The girl giggled loudly at Harry and squirmed slightly against Draco. Not wanting to see more Harry rushed on until eventually he came to a plush looking door. He knocked upon it before pushing it open, he stepped in and was amazed at what he saw. This carriage was nothing like the others; it was just one huge compartment. Around the walls were candles giving light to the dark corners. Each of the windows had velvet drapes next to them and the floor was of polished wood. Harry was reminded of his ballroom as he walked towards the collection of chairs.

“Harry my boy. It’s so good to see you take a seat.” Greeted Slughorn as he spotted Harry and rose from a very large and very plush chair.

Harry glanced around the chairs and saw three students he didn’t know and one he did.

“Well it’s a smaller group than normal but it’s more intimate that way. So let me introduce you all. First we had Blaise Zabini...” the tall student opposite Harry nodded once but said nothing.

“...your mother is a famously beautiful and is what onto her third husband already.”

“Fourth.” Automatically replied Blaise still looking at Harry.

“Is she really...we also have Phillby and ....., but I suspect that you already know of them him.”

“Um...no not really.”

Slughorn looked at Harry closely before continuing.

“Oh...But the last I do know you know, Susan Bones. She is going to be one of the Ministry’s best if I’m not mistaken. Which I very rarely am.”

Harry looked at Susan and saw she was looking directly at him, he could almost see the pleading in her eyes. But through this he also saw that she alone looked about the most comfortable in these surroundings. Harry was a little surprised because from the little he knew of her it didn't fit. Crossing to the empty chair next to her he saw that she watched him all the way.

“Be careful.” She whispered to him.

“Why?”

But before she could rely, Slughorn spoke up.

“Just like old times. I remember many a meal like this when I was last teaching. Many still remember me fondly; I managed to help some of them. Even now Matilder Crook. You know her?”

Harry and the rest shook their heads but from the corner of his eye he saw that Susan did not shake her head in fact she had dropped it to look at the table.

“She was made Head of Magical Transport last year. Anyway she still is grateful even offers to get me a first class Portkey whenever I want one. Also there is....” And Slughorn started to drool on about ex-students which seemed too still owe him a favour or two.

Harry relaxed back into the chair and listened vaguely to what was being said. His eyes washed over the rest but did not see anything suspicious. As soon as Slughorn paused one or the other would speak. The only one that was silent was Susan; she just sat in her chair silent.

Food was suddenly produced and was passed round and it was not long before a rich meal was laid before them. Harry picked at a roll or two still listening when he saw Susan move closer to him. He braced himself yet waited for what she was going to do.

“Harry you do understand what this is?” she whispered quickly.

Harry may not be experienced but it was obvious to what Slughorn was doing.

“Yes he’s trying to make friends and help us so that we would be grateful to him.”

“That’s not all.”

“What else?”

“Look at his eyes when anyone speaks.”

Harry glanced at Slughorn when Phillby next spoke about his Uncle. He saw an instant change in the Professors face, the friendly twinkle was replaced by a hard gleam as though Slughorn was memorising something.

“See he’s prying for information. He wants to help us yes, but he really wants information from us, and favours in the future. See how he always talks about people who he’s helped? Now those same people are helping him.”

“But what can we give him?”

“Them not much...” said Susan lightly nodding at the other students “...me some, but you…”

“Me?”

“Yes you Harry, remember the Minster of Magic. You are the biggest piece on the chess board now they all want you.”

Harry continued to look at Susan and saw something in her eye that he had never seen before. He could easily remember the few times that he had taught her personally during the DA but never could he remember that look being in her eye. He continued to look at it and then in an instant it was gone.

The look reminded him of Ron playing Chess or Hermione explaining a spell to him. It literally screamed at him that this person knew the answer.

“Susan what do you mean?”

Susan’s heart continued to race. Ever since Harry had entered it had gotten faster and faster but now it seemed to slow. Inside of her she felt that she was at last doing the one thing that she had promised him. She was helping, as she sat there she had seen Slughorn’s game. She had been given an advantage over the rest from her time at the Ministry but actually faced with it was different to what she had thought it would be like. She had looked at Harry for the whole time yet her ears had still listened to what was being said and more importantly what was not being said. She marvelled at how Slughorn was extracting information from the other students but gave very little in return.

Then the one thing she feared about this meeting happened. No matter how hard he questioned her she was certain that she could deflect it but he hadn’t even bother and now he was turning his attention to Harry.

“So Harry tell me about The Ministry. I read that you were there when HE attacked?” smoothly asked Slughorn turning to fully face Harry.

Harry was momentarily taken aback, the question took him a little by surprise but he managed a vague reply.

“Yes I was there.”

“The papers say you were in the Hall of Mysteries?” Harry could now feel the eyes boring into him. By reflex he closed his eyes and as was becoming normal for him he checked his barriers around his mind but felt no attack. Before he opened his eyes Susan spoke up.

“The papers are not always correct.”

“But I feel that in this case that they are right, aren’t they Harry?”

Harry glanced at Susan not understanding this sudden mental sparing.

“Well um….” He stumbled a reply.

“Oh come now Harry don’t be so modest. The papers are calling you the Chosen One.”

“They are also saying that Rufus Scrimgeour was responsible for the Gatsby Massacre in 57.” Said Susan not allowing Harry to answer. It was rude she knew but she was going to protect him.

“And wasn’t he?” asked Slughorn turning to face Susan.

“How would I know I’m only a school girl.” She replied demurely.

Slughorn waited before replying his eyes continued to look at Susan and then glanced back at Harry. Harry waited for the next question from the new professor but it never came. With a booming laugh he started to relate yet another story. Harry let out a long sigh of relief as Slughorn’s eyes and his attention turned away.

*

Harry noticed that the carriage was getting dark yet Slughorn continued on with one story after another but then all of a sudden he stopped when he too saw the fading light.

“My how late it has gotten. Well we must break up this party you need to get changed into your robes and I need to get ready. It’s been a pleasure to meet you all and we will have to do this again soon.” Said Slughorn dismissing everyone.

Harry wanted to bolt from the room and so almost leapt to his feet, but as he passed Susan who was just rising he paused.

“Thanks.” He whispered.

“That’s alright I...could I have a word?”

Harry glanced around quickly before reply.

“Of course.”

He followed her out of the carriage and the two of them found an empty corner. He looked at her and waited.

“Um...Harry....have you decided what you are going to take yet?”

Harry blinked once and was taken slightly aback at this question.

“Well...I....um....”

“I want to help Harry I said so before. I really mean it you...you...saved me.”

“Anyone would....”

“But you did. I’m...I’m not the best at everything but I can help, honestly.”

Harry continued to look at Susan and could see the determination on her face. The way that she handled Slughorn did show him that she did know about something’s far better than him.

“Well...” he ventured.

“Please...”begged Susan once more finding her courage slipping away fast. “I know about the Ministry I’ll help if you need me too. I’m sorry that I answered your questions you just looked...”

“Lost.” He finished for her because indeed he had been.

“Yes.”

“I was thinking about taking the Ministry course, you know the one about law and that other stuff?”

Susan could see her moment approaching but she didn't want to jump too fast, as a little warning bell told her something was different.

“Why...you don’t seem to be the Ministry type?”

“Dumbledore said that I should.” He didn't want to say more but something was telling him to do so.

“He’s right you should... especially now.”

“Because I’m an adult?”

“Yes and no, Harry you’re powerful.”

“Everyone keeps saying that but...” Ranted Harry feeling his anger start to rise, but Susan held up a hand.

“No Harry not that way. You have the power of influence, people will listen to you.”

“Because I’m the Chosen One.” Scorned Harry.

“Yes.”

“But I’m not...”

“Whether you are or not it doesn’t matter people will listen to you. If tomorrow you gave an interview to the Prophet saying that you think girls should all wear bikini’s I bet you all the gold I have that by the end of the day virtually every girl you met would be wearing one. If you said that we should all give up and let...Vol...Volde... You-Know-Who win most people would do that. You are important and you should learn how to use it.”

“Like Slughorn.”

“A bit yes but it’s up to you how you use it. You should learn how the Ministry works its laws and everything. You need that knowledge.”

“Could you help me?” he asked.

Susan couldn’t stop herself and flung her arms around Harry. He immediately felt a connection tug, and suddenly felt ashamed. He had forgotten that he was connected to Susan. When she touched him he could feel her emotions not strong like Ginny’s or Gabrielle’s but he could feel them, it was like joy flooding into him.

“Of course Harry I said I wanted to help and this I can do my Aunt made sure of that.”

“I’m sorry about her...”

Susan stepped back and nodded she wasn’t going to cry again thinking about Amelia but the hurt was still present.

“Thanks Harry...I think she knew just before she died.”

“Knew about what?”

“That I wanted to....”

Harry waited for the rest and saw Susan turn bright red.

“...Help you. Well, see you around.” She finally blurted before turning and running off down the corridor.

Harry shook his head at the retreating form of Susan but felt his emotions calm. He had made the decision, he knew that he had made it long ago but now he was only just acknowledging it. He was going to take the one course he had never thought he would and he would be without Ron or Hermione in it.

**

Gabrielle could not wait any longer, the train was darkening as the evening drew in and still Harry had not returned from the party. It was getting close to the time that they would be arriving. Everybody else in the compartment seemed happy and relaxed but she was not. She was thankful that Ginny was near yet she wanted to be alone. The steady stream of people coming into the carriage looking for Harry was getting to her. Every single one of them stopped and looked at her when they noticed Harry was not there. She was used to looks but they was nothing like what she was receiving from the students, she knew it was her Veela magic which was creating some of the problems but she was feeling like a piece of meat in a shop window.

Every boy that had stopped had looked at her with hungry eyes easily sizing her up, and undressing her with their eyes. They never said anything to her but she could feel the emotions rolling off of them, for some of them she could almost picture what they were thinking. The girls were even worse, the jealously that they were displaying was frightening her. Yet throughout all of this she had not seen anyone of her own age, every visitor seemed to be of Harry or Ginny’s age. She didn’t think she would care for her own age group but she was beginning to fear that she might be the only one starting school this year.

Smiling at Ginny she left the compartment to get changed and hopefully sense Harry’s return. A look or a word from him would calm her she knew. As she walked the corridor she saw the looks once more and so quickened her pace slightly the fear was building now but she tried to force it down. Finding the toilet at the end she ducked into it and was gland of the privacy.

Normally she could get ready in mere minuets but in the solitude of the small room she took her time. She slowly changed into the plain school uniform and smiled at remembering shopping for it. She would love to wear that new one but that was going to be for Harry’s eyes and only Harry’s eyes or possibly someone else as well. As she pulled the socks up her calves she looked at her feet once more and still thought that they were too small. Slowly she changed every article of clothing until she was done. Taking a breath she prepared herself for the walk back.

Unlocking the door she walked out and stooped at once. Blocking her was a blond boy, almost as tall as Harry but as his eyes travelled over her she saw that for her they held no warmth in them. Gabrielle found herself shivering and felt so exposed; the boy continued to look her over; up and down his eyes swept drinking in every part of her body. She wanted to move forward but he was fully blocking her way. As his eyes travelled back to her face she shuffled back slightly and felt the door behind her.

“Well aren’t you nice…a first year?”

“Yes.”

“Well, well, well this year is certainly going to be…nice.” Drawled the voice as he took a step closer.

Gabrielle could smell the expensive cologne waft from the boy as he moved closer. She could feel her magic weaken as the cold eyes continued to boor into her. This boy was creating an effect and one she didn’t understand.

“So who are you?” said the boy.

“Gabrielle…”

“Gabrielle….do I know you?”

“No.”

“But I’ve seen you before…haven’t I.”

Gabrielle knew that she could not dodge this question forever and found that she was answering him.

“I…I….was here almost two years ago…at the Tri-Wizard Tournament.”

“That’s it...I remember now you’re that French Veela’s sister.”

“Yes.”

“Well I’m Draco…Draco Malfoy and it is so nice to see such a pretty face on the first day.”

Gabrielle swallowed and felt the fear now in full rise within her. Her eyes quickly danced around looking for an escape. She had heard stories about this boy from the others but it was nothing compared to the real life version in front of her.

“Ah you have heard of me. Not all bad I hope.”

Gabrielle shook her head and wanted to run. Draco was now moving closer to her and her heart was hammering in fear she could feel the blood pumping through her ears yet she still didn’t move.

“Oh I see you have been with the wrong crowd. Well I’m not like that.” Said Draco at the look on the girl’s face.

“Yes you are.” She replied with as much defiance as she could muster.

“Oh... you have some sprit in you, how utterly perfect.” Replied Draco now leaning against the wall in what he thought was a manly pose. His body and mind could not believe in what he had just found. His body wanted her, and it wanted her now. She was on the verge of womanhood, the very threshold. He had to have her, she was so pure so delicate, she was just so perfect. The looks were perfect but so was the attitude, he could just imagine her writhing under him like that other girl at the beginning of the summer. She could be the one an absolute perfect match for him and he had found her here at Hogwarts, all that was left was to make her his.

Looking over his shoulder into the face of the ever present Crabbe he commanded.

“Go back and keep a look out for Pansy I don’t want her to disturb us.”

The boy nodded and shuffled down the corridor.

“Well now I can look at you properly.” Said Draco reaching out an arm towards Gabrielle.

She could feel the power emanating from the boy but that was all, there was little or no emotion just magical power. His arm moved forward towards her and all she could do was look at it. Never, even in her most horrid nightmares had anything like this happened to her. She was frozen to the spot as the boy came onto her.

“DRACO!” bellowed a voice.

Gabrielle instantly found that her body started to react. She knew that voice; she would always know that voice. It penetrated her like no other could, her magic and body instantly responded to it. Harry was standing in the corridor with his wand drawn advancing towards them. Her link was flooded by emotions from Harry as he got closer. Seeing an opportunity she ducked under the stretched arm of Draco and ran to him. She didn’t care about anything for the moment; he was here and had saved her.

She ducked behind Harry as he continued to advance as if to shield herself from that boy. Harry stopped when she was behind him and whispered.

“You ok?”

“Y…y….yes, as long as I am with you.” she managed to stammer as her heart continued to race.

“Oh so she’s yours?”

“She a friend.”

“You need them after the Ministry don’t you.”

Gabrielle could not miss the fury that suddenly erupted from Harry. She closed her eyes to help but the power was to much for her, it literary batted her attempts away.

“Why you….” Gritted Harry feeling the power within him rise.

“Harry don’t…” whispered Gabrielle.

The tiny voice pierced Harry and he reacted to the Girl.

“It’s alright Gabrielle, go back to the rest. Tell them I’ll be along in a moment.”

“N…n…no you mustn’t.”

“Its fine the ferret always loses… go!” he commanded.

Gabrielle backed away slowly, she didn’t want to leave but Harry’s command had made it clear. As soon as she was out of sight she ran, ran for the compartment and the rest.

“So you’re defending little girls now?”

“Listen Draco; leave her and the rest of us alone.”

“Is that threat Potter.”

“Take it how you want.”

“Fine I will.” Draco slowly dropped his arm to his side and Harry watched it move all the way. His fury wanted him to strike out at Draco it just needed a sign. Harry watched has Draco’s arm come to rest then it moved once more. In a flick it flashed and drew his wand but Harry was ready. He cast the stunning spell instantly but it never hit. Draco’s hand moved quicker than Harry could follow and a shield intercepted his red beam and sent it spinning off into the side of the carriage.

“Well…well…well Potter, getting slower are you.”

Harry waited for the next spell, his wand loose in his hand but his eyes concentrating. Never had he seen Draco like this before.

“The silent treatment…I think I like you silent.” Draco’s arms flashed again and two beams of light left it and headed directly for Harry. He had been expecting something like this a so dodged to one side whilst casting a shield. The first spell flew over his shoulder and barley missed him impacting on the window behind him. But the second hit his shield; he was thankful for its protection but saw Draco’s spell burn straight through it and hit him directly on the throat.

Harry felt the muscles in his neck contract, he opened his mouth to say something, anything, but found that nothing came out. Before he could react further Draco had closed the distance between them. He had brought up his forearm and had swung it towards his face. Harry felt Draco’s elbow connect with his cheek and nose before his head hit the wall, as it bounced off he felt his legs go week and stumbled slightly. With a sudden shock he felt his legs taken from under him and felt to the floor looking straight up into the face of Draco.

The tip of Draco’s wand passed in front of him and he could see the glow of the spell contained within its end but not discharged.

“Oh so easy Potter. You have been lucky, far far too lucky. It was so simple I could finish you now but I won’t, not just yet; you aren’t worth my time anymore, I have much bigger things to do now.”

Harry looked as Draco straightened up and then saw the foot coming. He tried to protect himself but laying on his back it was almost impossible. The kick connected with the side of his face and he heard a sickening crack from his nose.

“Not much of a Chosen One are you?”

Draco turned and left Harry on the floor, he walked quickly down the corridor hearing the approaching footsteps. The power that had ran through him only a moment ago flowed away to rest once more. He suspected that it would be Weasley and the Mudblood who would be coming to help Harry. Well they would see just how pathetic he was. Pulling open the compartment door he looked into the face of Pansey. She was still sitting by the window where he had left her. He was pleased to see that she had gotten changed and into one of those new uniforms. With a smile to himself he sat next to her and let his hand rest on her leg, he slid it up moving her skirt as he did so to rest on her thigh. Yes this year was beginning to look up.