Harry came to with a start, his chest beating rapidly as he greedily sucked in air. He had that stupid dream again, that endless hallway with the door that had begun to plague him. The dream wasn't scary, wasn't horrifying in any way, but still it scared him. He could feel in his very being that the dream meant something, meant something horrible and terrifying, but he didn't know what. It was shielded almost, an answer on the tip of his tongue that he'd never remember.
"Harry, it's time to start waking up. The train leaves in a few hours," Someone knocked on his door, calling for him. He could recognize it as Hermione, a yawn falling from her lips after as if she had just woken up too.
Harry rubbed his face, trying to shake off the lingering unease from the dream. His scar prickled, a sensation that wasn't exactly painful but still left him on edge. He glanced toward the window, where the early morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow across the room.
"I'm up," Harry called back, his voice groggy as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He felt the cool touch of the wooden floor beneath his feet and sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. His room in Grimmauld Place still felt foreign to him despite the days he had spent there over the summer. It was home, not like Hissyfitz kind of home, but it was a home. He didn't have many of his own personal items in the room, just all of Sirius' old and abandoned things, but Sirius told him he was more than welcome to nick whatever he wanted. Harry very proudly stole a few shirts, a leather jacket, and some silver rings. He wore a few of the rings on his fingers now, wishing them to be a permanent part of him.
Hermione knocked again, louder this time. "Harry, are you listening? You'll need time to eat, pack, and… well, you know Ron's not exactly quick about these things."
"I said I'm up!" He repeated, louder this time. He heard Hermione mutter something about boys being impossible before her footsteps faded down the hall. Harry stood, stretching until his joints popped, and shuffled toward the bathroom, looking into the bathroom mirror. His reflection stared back at him, pale and drawn, with dark shadows under his eyes. He frowned. He knew he'd been stressed recently, but it seemed it was all finally catching up to him.
The dreams had been relentless over the summer. At first, he'd thought it was just the stress—after all, Voldemort was back, the magical world was in chaos, and he'd barely had a moment to breathe from the whole becoming a Phoenix, discovering weird prophecies, learning about and willingly wearing a horcrux around his neck, befriending and binding himself to Draco, and saving his mother with a convoluted plan thing and all that came from it. But the more frequent the dreams became, the more uneasy they made him, and now they had reached a whole different peak. That door in the endless hallway was always locked, always out of reach, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't open it.
The worst part was the feeling it left behind, like a thread tugging at the back of his mind, urging him to find it. To open it. Something inside him desperately wanted to, but another part of him told him he wouldn't like what was behind that door.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. Dwelling on it wouldn't help, and besides, he had more immediate concerns. Like getting through the train ride without snapping at anyone or immediately trying to find and hug Draco despite them keeping their friendship secret for now.
Throwing on a set of clothes after a quick shower, Harry grabbed his wand from the bedside table and tucked it into his pocket. He glanced around the room, making sure he hadn't forgotten anything important. His trunk was already packed and downstairs, courtesy of Hermione's insistence the day before, and Hedwig's cage sat neatly by the door, her amber eyes watching him with quiet understanding. Hedwig always understood him, somehow.
"Right," He muttered to himself, grabbing Hedwig's cage and heading out into the hall. The smell of breakfast—eggs, bacon, and toast—wafted up the stairs, and his stomach rumbled in response.
Downstairs, the house was buzzing with activity. Mrs. Weasley was bustling around the kitchen like usual, her wand directing plates and cutlery to the table, while Ginny and the twins sat at the far end, discussing what sounded suspiciously like a prank. Hermione was perched in a chair with a cup of tea, a book open on her lap as she blinked slowly, as if trying to wake herself up, and Ron was slumped in a seat next to her, his head on the table and drool falling from his still sleeping mouth. They could force him to the table, but they couldn't force him awake, it seems.
"Morning, Harry," Hermione said brightly, looking up as he entered. Her eyes flicked over him, narrowing slightly. "You look like you didn't sleep well. Was it a uh.." She trailed off, glancing meaningfully at him.
Harry shook his head quickly, not wanting to talk about it. They hadn't asked over the summer, so he didn't feel the need to tell them. "Just a dream," He said, sitting down at the table. "Nothing important."
Hermione didn't look convinced, but she didn't press him. Instead, she set her book aside and poured him a cup of tea. "You should eat something. It's going to be a long day."
Harry nodded, reaching for a slice of toast. As he buttered it, he felt someone sit down beside him. He turned to see Ginny, her honey brown eyes watching him with curiosity.
"You alright, Haz?" She asked, her voice quiet but steady.
"Yeah," He lied, forcing a small smile. "Just tired."
Ginny studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Well, you'd better wake up soon. Fred and George are plotting something for the train, and I doubt it's going to end well for anyone involved."
Harry chuckled softly, the weight in his chest lifting just a little. "Sounds about right."
The morning passed in a blur of last-minute packing, shouting about misplaced wands and socks, and Mrs. Weasley's frantic attempts to get everyone out the door on time. While she corralled her children, shouting at them as they dashed up and down the stairs, Harry was saying goodbye to Sirius and Remus in the sitting room.
Sirius was clutching him to his chest, sniffling but pretending he totally wasn't crying as he rocked them side to side. Remus stood with them, his longer arms over both his partner and their godson, a quiet sadness to him.
"You'll write, won't you, Harry?" Sirius said, his voice thick as he reluctantly released Harry from his bear hug. His hands lingered on Harry's shoulders, as if making sure he was really there and not about to disappear again. "Every week. I mean it. Or I'll come storming into that school, Animagus form and all."
"I'll write," Harry promised, smiling faintly despite the lump forming in his throat. He'd never had anyone to say goodbye to before. "Every week."
Remus nodded, his soft brown eyes warm but serious. "And don't forget to look out for yourself, Harry. Things are… complicated this year. More than usual."
Harry swallowed hard, catching the meaning behind Remus's words. Complicated didn't even begin to cover it. "I'll be careful," He said quietly, glancing between the two men who had come to mean so much to him over the summer. "You two take care of each other, alright?"
Sirius smirked, pulling Remus closer by the waist. "Don't worry about us, kiddo. Just focus on school—and keeping out of trouble."
Harry snorted. "Me? Trouble? Never."
Remus chuckled softly, ruffling Harry's hair in that way that made him feel like a little kid. "That's what I'm worried about."
Sirius and Remus exchanged a look after a moment, something unspoken passing between them. Sirius stepped forward, holding out a blue cloth-wrapped object he had retrieved from his acid washed jeans. "We wanted to give you something before you left. Just in case."
Harry frowned but accepted the bundle, unwrapping it carefully. Inside was a shard of a mirror, its edges smooth but irregular, as though it had been broken from a larger piece. The surface was slightly cloudy, reflecting the room dimly.
"A mirror?" Harry asked, glancing up at Sirius and Remus. "What's it for?"
"It's not just any mirror," Sirius explained, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "It's a two-way mirror. Your father and I used to use them when we were younger, though I had this one repaired and repurposed a bit. I have the other half. All you have to do is say my name into it, and I'll be able to see and talk to you through mine."
Harry's eyes widened as he looked down at the mirror again, his heart beating steadily as he looked at it. "Really?"
"Really," Sirius said, his tone turning serious again. "I know Hogwarts can be unpredictable. And things are going to be tense this year with everything that's happening. If you need me, or Moony, if you ever need to talk or if something goes wrong—use the mirror. Anytime, day or night."
Harry swallowed hard, the weight of the gift settling over him. "Sirius, this is… this is incredible. Thank you."
Remus stepped closer, resting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "It's not just for emergencies, Harry," He said gently. "We know how isolating it can feel, carrying everything you do. If you ever just want to talk—or if you need someone to listen—we're here. Always."
Harry nodded, clutching the mirror tightly. "I'll keep it with me. I promise."
Sirius ruffled his hair affectionately, his usual smirk returning. "Good. Just don't lose it, alright? I'd hate to have to go all the way to Hogwarts to retrieve it. Though it would give me another excuse to show up as Padfoot."
Harry chuckled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "I won't lose it. And I'll use it if I need to."
"See that you do," Remus said with a small smile, his gaze warm. "You're not alone, Harry. Remember that."
Sirius slung an arm around Harry's shoulders, pulling him close. "We mean it, kiddo. You've got us in your corner, no matter what."
Harry looked between them, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks. Really."
Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out from the hallway. "Harry, we're leaving in one minute whether you're ready or not!"
Harry glanced over his shoulder, then back at Sirius and Remus. "I guess I'd better go."
Sirius pulled him into one last hug, quick but tight, before letting him go. "Be safe, Harry."
"I will," Harry said, his voice firm as he grabbed Hedwig's cage and his trunk, the mirror now stashed in his pocket. He hesitated for a moment, not really sure he even wanted to leave, then added, "Thanks. For everything."
Remus smiled gently, the kind of smile that made Harry feel like things might be okay. "Always."
Harry turned and hurried down the stairs, his heart feeling strangely heavy and light all at once. If he looked back, he wouldn't leave at all. Mrs. Weasley ushered him and the others out the door, a flurry of cloaks, trunks, and shouts as they all piled into the cars waiting to take them to King's Cross.
——
Harry's heart thudded as he stepped through the barrier with Ron and Hermione. The platform at King's Cross was as chaotic as ever, students and parents rushing about in a whirlwind of trunks, owls, and goodbyes. The scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express loomed ahead, its whistle echoing across the platform. The familiar sight of the train filled him with a mix of anticipation and dread. It was strange, he thought, how something so familiar could feel so different now. Everything had changed—he had changed—and he wasn't sure how he'd fit back into the world of Hogwarts.
He was scanning the crowd almost instinctively, looking for a shock of platinum blond hair. He wasn't sure what he expected to see if he found Draco—maybe a subtle nod, maybe nothing at all. But his eyes caught instead on something somewhat unexpected. Draco with his arm around one of his friends, the Slytherin girl Pansy Parkinson. Harry felt his heart give a shuddering crack, a pit of nausea growing in his stomach.
Draco stood tall, his face calm and unreadable, but Harry could tell from the tightness in his shoulders that he was still on edge, even if he looked somewhat comfortable standing with a few of his friends, bantering with them as Pansy clutched onto his side. Harry and Draco's gazes met briefly, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them.
"Come on, Harry!" Ron's voice jolted him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see his friend waving him toward the train. Hermione was already climbing aboard, and Ginny was close behind her.
Harry gave Draco one last glance, but the moment had passed. Draco was looking away, his expression cold and distant as he stepped onto the train. Harry sighed, dragging his trunk behind him as he followed Ron and the others.
"Me and Ron have to go to the prefect's meeting first, Harry. Can you find us a compartment and we'll meet you later?" Hermione told Harry, practically vibrating with excitement. Her deep brown eyes were full of joy, her hands shaking with how happy she was to be a prefect. Her long dark hair was puffier than usual from her constant worrying with it, revealing just how nervous she really was on the inside.
Harry nodded, trying his best to smile at Hermione's excitement. "Yeah, no problem. I'll save us a spot."
Hermione beamed, her brown cheeks tinged slightly pink. It was always so nice to see Hermione genuinely happy. "Thanks, Harry!"
Harry nodded to Hermione, gave Ron a thumbs-up as he nervously began to follow behind her, and watched them disappear down the train corridor toward the prefects' meeting. He lingered for a moment, staring out of the window at the bustling platform before deciding to wander down the train to find a compartment. His thoughts still drifted toward the image of Draco and Pansy, and the subtle tension in his chest refused to go away. Draco would have.. he would have told him if he was dating someone, wouldn't he? He tried to shake it off, the endless questions coming to him. He let himself believe the locket around his throat was just heightening his fears.
As he walked, he passed compartment after compartment, some filled with familiar faces that didn't look all too friendly and others with first years looking both excited and terrified. Just as he was beginning to consider sitting alone, he heard a soft voice from a nearby compartment.
"Harry? Over here!"
He turned to see Ginny's bright smile through the glass door of a nearly empty compartment. She was sitting beside Neville, whose warm, earnest expression made Harry feel a bit more grounded. Harry had always liked Neville. Across from them sat someone Harry didn't recognize—a girl with extremely long, wavy platinum blonde hair that cascaded like moonlight and eyes so silvery-blue they seemed to see straight through him. The first thought that came to him was that sitting in front of him was a younger and softer version of Lucrezia Slytherin, with blue eyes instead of green. The second was thoughts of Draco and his own pale locks.
"Hi, Gin," Harry said, sliding the door open. He smiled at Neville, then glanced curiously at the unfamiliar girl. "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Ginny said cheerfully. "Come on in. You already know Neville, of course. And this is Luna Lovegood. She's a friend of mine."
Harry sat down beside Luna, nodding to her. "Hi. Nice to meet you."
Luna tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering as she studied him. There was something unnervingly serene about her expression, as if she were seeing him in a way no one else ever had. "Hello, Harry Potter," She said in a lilting, dreamy voice. "I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Her words sent a ripple of something through him—warm, electric, almost familiar, though he was certain he'd never seen her before. For a brief moment, the train compartment felt like it wasn't entirely real, as though the space around them had shifted to something older, something sacred. Harry couldn't explain it, but the moment their eyes met, he felt a connection that hummed in the deepest parts of him. It was similar to the feeling of his and Draco's bond, something intense and all consuming, but this felt.. different.
Ginny and Neville didn't seem to notice the strange undercurrent in the room. Ginny was already chatting about the upcoming term, her voice light and casual, while Neville nodded along and added his own thoughts. But Luna's gaze remained steady on Harry, and he found himself unable to look away. Luna outstretched her hand, which Harry took note of the multicolored bandaids on her fingers and hand, the countless rings on her fingers and bracelets on her wrists, her nails being painted a light shimmery blue with a dark blue spiral on each nail.
Harry hesitated for only a moment, and then took her hand and shook it. And suddenly, without any sort of warning, everything changed. The rush of magic between their hands was overwhelming, intense, and bright. For a moment, Harry could truly no longer see the train compartment anymore. Instead, he was caught in a flurry of images and sensations, like glimpses of another time, another life—or perhaps many lives.
He saw a young man who looked similar to him, standing beside a pale-haired woman with a knowing smile. He saw a castle bathed in moonlight, a garden blooming with wildflowers that shimmered in the dark, and a flash of deep blue spirals that mirrored the patterns on Luna's nails in quick succession. He felt emotions that weren't his own—joy, sorrow, love, loss—washing over him like waves. It was as though their hands had bridged something ancient and unspoken, like they were a focal point in time and space itself.
And then it was gone.
Harry blinked, his breath catching as he stared at Luna, who seemed entirely unaffected by the surge of magic they'd just shared. She withdrew her hand, her dreamy smile firmly in place, but her silvery-blue eyes glimmered with an awareness that sent shivers down his spine. He knew exactly who she was now. The Descendant.
"You felt it, didn't you?" Luna asked softly, tilting her head as she observed him.
Harry swallowed, nodding slowly. "I… yeah. What was that?"
Luna didn't answer right away. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, her fingers idly twisting one of the rings on her hand. "It's not something that can be explained easily," She said, her voice as light as a breeze. "But it's real. You'll understand it in time."
Ginny and Neville had gone quiet, both of them looking between Harry and Luna with confusion. "What are you two talking about?" Ginny asked, her brow furrowing.
"Nothing," Luna said simply, her tone so airy and matter-of-fact that it effectively ended the conversation. Ginny frowned but seemed to let it go, as if used to this kind of thing, turning back to Neville to resume their discussion about classes.
Harry, however, couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just uncovered something monumental. The magic he'd felt was different from anything he'd ever experienced—intense yet comforting, foreign yet familiar. And Luna… she was unlike anyone he'd ever met.
He shifted in his seat, glancing at her again. "You… you're a Seer, aren't you?" He asked in a low voice, barely above a whisper.
Luna's gaze drifted to the window, where the countryside was beginning to blur past. She smiled faintly. "Some would call me that," She said. "But I think titles like that only scratch the surface of what people truly are. No one can fit in a tiny box, and people are multiple tiny boxes."
Harry wasn't entirely sure what to say to that, but her words felt like they held a truth he couldn't quite grasp yet. "Do you know… do you know what I'm supposed to do?"
Luna turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a piercing clarity that seemed at odds with her dreamy demeanor. "I know you're walking a path that no one else can walk. And I know you're not alone, even when you feel like you are. Beyond that…" She shrugged lightly, tucking a piece of her wavy long hair behind her ear. "The future is like water. It moves, it changes. But there are some things that are constant, like the stars."
Harry stared at her, his heart thudding. He didn't fully understand what she meant, but he knew it was important. He knew she was important. He knew just how important she was, Lucrezia had made sure of it.
Luna smiled again, and the moment passed. She turned her attention to Ginny and Neville, seamlessly joining their conversation about classes and professors. Harry leaned back in his seat, his mind spinning.
The connection he felt with Luna wasn't like the one he shared with Draco—where their bond was forged through blood, magic, and circumstance. This felt ancient, like it had always existed and would continue to exist long after their lives ended. It was terrifying, but it was also comforting in a way he couldn't explain.
For now, he decided, he would let it be. He didn't have all the answers yet, but he was beginning to learn that some things couldn't be rushed. Luna's words lingered in his mind, a quiet reminder that the stars had always been there, even when the sky seemed darkest.
"Professor Sprout is going to let me help her in the greenhouses this year. She said I've got a real talent." Neville spoke, blushing and looking down. His words snapped Harry out of his mind, bringing him back to the present.
"That's wonderful, Nev!" Ginny cried, hugging him. "I know you're gonna be smashing! She would have been a fool not to pick you!"
Harry couldn't help but smile at the sight of Ginny hugging Neville, her enthusiasm so genuine it was contagious. Neville turned even redder, stammering a quiet "Thanks," while fiddling nervously with the strap of his bag.
Luna, meanwhile, was watching the scene with a faint smile, her hands folded in her lap. Her gaze flicked to Harry, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a glimmer of mischief in her silvery eyes. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving him wondering if he'd imagined it.
Ginny released Neville and turned to Harry, her expression bright. "What about you, Haz? Any plans to help out the professors this year? Maybe Snape will let you brew some fancy potion."
Harry snorted, unable to help himself. "Yeah, right. I think Snape would rather eat his own cauldron than let me anywhere near an advanced potion."
Ginny laughed, a sound so light and easy that Harry couldn't help but join in. Even Neville laughed, though he seemed to be watching the door, as if half-expecting Snape to appear and dock house points for merely being mentioned.
Luna tilted her head, her dreamy voice breaking through the laughter. "I think Professor Snape secretly enjoys having you in his class, Harry."
Harry blinked at her, startled. "What?"
"Oh, not in a warm, fuzzy way," Luna added, as if clarifying something obvious. "But you're like a riddle he can't solve. People like him find riddles fascinating, even if they won't admit it."
Harry opened his mouth to reply but found himself at a loss for words. Ginny grinned. "Lu might be onto something there. Snape definitely looks at you like he's trying to figure out what makes you tick."
"Yeah, or like he's planning his next move in a chess game," Neville mumbled, glancing nervously at Harry. He and Harry always got it the worst in Snape's class.
Harry shook his head, bemused. "Well, if that's true, it's the weirdest compliment I've ever gotten."
Luna didn't respond, instead turning her attention to the window again, her fingers idly twisting a ring on her thumb. Harry studied her for a moment, trying to make sense of the enigma that was Luna Lovegood. She seemed to exist in her own world, yet somehow she understood things about the people around her that no one else did. She was fluid, existing everywhere and yet nowhere at once.
As the train began to pick up speed, Harry felt the tension in his chest begin to ease. The hum of conversation, the warmth of the sun filtering through the window, and the presence of his friends made the looming weight of the year ahead feel a little less overwhelming. He began to think as he observed the others, biting his lip.
Over the summer, when he had numbed himself up to hell and back with alcohol, drugs, and loud music, he had an epiphany. That epiphany was only further proved as summer had gone along. Harry needed more friends. He had been seriously neglecting himself in that sense, only really seeing Ron and Hermione as his friends and everyone else as additions. Draco had become his friend, and despite wishing that friendship was something more, that's all it was for now, and it had opened up his desire to be more social. Ginny had somehow got through to him, but she was basically his younger sister. Fred and George were his friends too, but they were definitely more like siblings to him. All of the Weasley kids were.
He had neglected his housemates, never even attempting to make friends outside of his house or his year. He shared a room with Neville and yet he couldn't even say one fact about him besides him being bad in potions class and liking Herbology! It needed to change, it had to change. He loved Ron and Hermione, they were his best friends, but he needed other friends too. He was going to do his best to befriend others this year, he swore it.
"So Neville, what do you think Professor Sprout will let you help her with? Like uh.. what kind of plants?" Harry asked him, trying his best to find an opening. By the end of this train ride, he'd be Neville Longbottom's actual and genuine friend. He refused any other outcome that could possibly happen.
Neville's eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn't expected Harry to ask. "Oh, um… well, she mentioned something about the Venomous Tentacula needing extra care this year," He said, his voice tentative but tinged with pride. "And the Snargaluff pods are blooming early, so she might let me harvest one. That's pretty rare, actually."
Harry nodded, genuinely intrigued. He had gone over his textbooks every day after purchasing them, wanting to get a head start for the upcoming year, and recognized what Neville had been talking about. Maybe Draco was right and Harry was turning into a Ravenclaw... "That's brilliant, Neville. Aren't Snargaluff pods the ones with all those vine tentacle things? You've got to be really careful with those, right?"
Neville's face brightened, clearly delighted by Harry's interest. "Yeah, exactly! They're tricky, but I've been reading up on them all summer. The trick is to distract the tentacles with light while you go for the pod."
Ginny leaned in, grinning. "You're going to be famous one day, Nev. The Herbology Master of Hogwarts. I'll be telling everyone I knew you when."
Neville flushed, his ears turning red, but he was smiling. "I don't know about famous…"
"Why not?" Harry said, smiling encouragingly. "You're already the best in Herbology I've ever seen. And if anyone can handle a Venomous Tentacula or a Snargaluff, it's you."
Neville's smile grew, and he looked down at his hands, no longer fiddling with the strap of his bag. It was like Neville had gained confidence from the recognition and praise. Harry made a mental note to help him gain more as much as he could. "Thanks, Harry. That means a lot."
Luna, who had been quietly watching the conversation unfold, suddenly spoke up. "You're both right, you know. Neville's got the heart of a great wizard, and plants always respond to hearts like his. They trust him."
Neville blinked, looking startled but pleased. "Er… thanks, Luna."
Ginny smirked. "See, even Lu agrees. You've got this, Nev."
Harry couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at how relaxed Neville seemed now. He had always admired Neville's quiet strength and unwavering bravery but had never taken the time to tell him. That was going to change.
"So, Luna," Harry said, turning to her, "Do you like Herbology too, or is there another subject you're excited about this year?"
Luna tilted her head, her silvery-blue eyes sparkling. "I like Herbology well enough, but I think Divination is the most fascinating. It's not always about seeing the future, you know. Sometimes it's about understanding the patterns in the world around us. Everything is connected if you look closely enough."
Harry found himself nodding, even if he didn't entirely understand what she meant. There was something calming about Luna's perspective, as if she could see beyond the chaos of everyday life and focus on something deeper.
Ginny nudged Harry with her foot, her grin mischievous. "Watch out, Harry. Lu might start reading your tea leaves if you're not careful."
Luna smiled serenely. "I'd be happy to, if he wanted. But sometimes it's better to let the mysteries unfold on their own."
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I'll leave the mysteries to you for now, Luna. But thanks."
As the train rattled along, the conversation flowed more easily. Neville grew more animated as he talked about the different plants he'd worked with over the summer, and Harry made a mental note to ask more questions and keep the conversation going. He was surprised by how much he enjoyed hearing Neville's stories, and even more surprised by how easy it felt to relax around Luna. Her dreamy comments, while sometimes odd, always seemed to carry a quiet wisdom.
By the time the trolley witch arrived with her cart of snacks, Harry felt lighter than he had in weeks. He had laughed more in this train ride than he had all summer, and for once, the weight of his responsibilities didn't feel quite so crushing.
As they each picked out their favorite treats and settled back into the compartment, Harry glanced around at his companions. Neville, who was beaming as he unwrapped a chocolate frog and handed Luna the card that came with them, Luna apparently collected them and made jewelry and other crafts out of them. Ginny, who was chewing on a blue licorice wand and talking at the same time, her hands going everywhere as she told a slightly more dramaticized story of the trick brooms Fred and George invented that she and Harry got to test during summer. And Luna, who was listening to Ginny's story with an intensely soft look, even as she picked apart the pink fairy floss in her hands and let it dissolve on her tongue. Harry was nibbling on a Treacle Tart, and he couldn't help but to smile. Maybe, just maybe, Hogwarts wouldn't suck so bad this year.
Soon, Ron and Hermione found the compartment, both smiling wide as they entered. They only looked slightly confused by Luna's presence, as they didn't know her, but didn't let that deter them from coming in and sitting down. Hermione took the spot next to Ginny, while Ron sat beside Harry.
"So how was the prefect meeting?" Ginny asked them curiously as Harry handed Hermione and Ron both a chocolate frog he had bought for them. He knew, despite Hermione's insistence that chocolate can give you cavities, chocolate frogs were her favorite candy besides sugar quills, and Ron loved collecting the cards and displaying them on his walls.
Ron immediately tore into his chocolate frog, grinning as he carefully examined the card. "Got Agrippa this time, yes! " He said, pocketing it with obvious satisfaction. "The meeting was fine, I guess. Just the Head Girl going over rules and stuff while the Head Boy stood in the corner and tried to look intimidating. Pretty boring, really."
Hermione gave him a withering look. "It wasn't boring, Ron. It was informative. We have real responsibilities now, you know. Keeping an eye on younger students, setting an example—"
"Yeah, yeah," Ron interrupted, rolling his eyes but with a grin that suggested he wasn't entirely serious. "You sound like Percy."
Hermione bristled, but before she could retort, Ginny jumped in. "So what's the most exciting part of being a prefect? Did they give you any polish for those shiny badges of yours?"
Ron smirked. "You mean this shiny badge?" He tapped the prefect badge pinned to his chest, puffing out his chest dramatically, obviously messing around. "Pretty impressive, isn't it?"
Ginny snorted. "Careful, Ron. Don't let the power go to your head."
"Too late," Hermione muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on her face as she took a delicate bite of her chocolate frog. "Honestly, though, it's a big deal. I think this is a chance to really make a difference."
"I'm happy for you both," Harry said sincerely, glancing between Ron and Hermione. "You deserve it."
Ron shrugged, but the tips of his ears turned red. Hermione, on the other hand, beamed, clearly pleased with Harry's words. "Thanks, Harry. It means a lot."
"So, who else is a prefect this year?" Neville asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Well," Hermione began, launching into her explanation, "On our side, it's me and Ron for Gryffindor, Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott for Hufflepuff, Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw, and of course…" She hesitated for a moment, her nose wrinkling slightly. "Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson for Slytherin."
Harry's stomach twisted at the mention of Draco's name, but he kept his expression neutral. He was so proud of Draco being a prefect, he most definitely deserved it as he was passionate about his schoolwork and helping his housemates with things, but seeing Draco and Pansy together earlier still left an unpleasant taste in his mouth. He didn't know much about Pansy, just the few mean comments she's made over the years as a young and foolish girl, but they were older now. He knew she was one of Draco's closest friends, maybe possibly his.. partner.., and he knew Draco would never allow himself to get close to someone he didn't trust or genuinely like somehow.
"Ugh, Malfoy," Ron groaned. "Can't wait to see how he abuses that badge. Bet he'll be docking points left and right for no reason."
Ginny shot Harry a quick look, her expression unreadable, before turning back to the group. "Well, at least he can't do too much damage with Hermione around. She'll keep him in check."
Hermione nodded resolutely. "He won't get away with anything while I'm a prefect. I'll make sure of that."
Luna, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly tilted her head and spoke in her dreamy voice. "Draco Malfoy's not all bad, you know. People often hide their better selves when they're afraid."
The compartment fell silent for a moment, everyone exchanging puzzled looks. Harry's heart skipped a beat, and he glanced at Luna, who was now gazing out the window as if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell into the conversation.
Ron frowned. "Malfoy? Afraid? Please. That git doesn't know the meaning of the word."
"People are complicated," Luna said simply, not looking away from the window. "Even gits."
Hermione opened her mouth, probably to argue, but Ginny spoke up first. "She's not wrong," Ginny said, surprising Harry. "Everyone's got layers. Even someone like Draco."
Harry shot Ginny a curious look, though he wasn't sure if she noticed. The conversation shifted after that, moving back to lighter topics like Quidditch and what Fred and George might have planned for their next prank.
Harry leaned back in his seat, glancing at Luna again. She caught his eye and smiled faintly, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Somehow, she always seemed to know, Harry thought.
Harry started to talk with Luna and Neville, smiling as the two seemed to both enjoy the conversation. They began to talk about school and what they were most excited to learn that year besides their actual favorite classes.
"I think Charms is going to be nice, fourth years are supposed to learn summoning charms, aren't we?" Luna asked, and both Harry and Neville nodded.
"Yeah, we learned those last year. I finally got it down near the end of the year, but Harry seemed to pick it up a bit faster than I did." Neville told Luna, looking awkward and nervous again.
"All magic really is, is intent. So as long as you know and trust you can do it, you will." Harry told them, having learned that very well over the summer. His wisdom seemed to shock almost everyone in the compartment, everyone but Neville and Luna at least.
"Intent, huh?" Ginny said, leaning forward with a playful smirk. "Does that mean if I intend to hex you, it'll work?"
Harry chuckled, shrugging casually. "Only if your intent is stronger than my shield charm."
Neville laughed softly, his confidence clearly bolstered by Harry's easy demeanor. Luna tilted her head, her silvery-blue eyes fixed on Harry. "That's actually true," She said in her calm, thoughtful tone. "Magic responds to willpower and intent. That's why wizards like Harry can cast spells under stress. His intent is stronger when it matters most."
Hermione, who had been listening while still nibbling on her chocolate frog, suddenly froze and looked up, narrowing her eyes at Harry. "Wait a second," She said, clearly intrigued. "Where did you learn that? I've never heard you explain magic like that before."
Harry hesitated, glancing between his friends. "Well… I might have done some reading over the summer."
Hermione blinked, her mouth slightly open in shock. "You did what? Harry, are you telling me you've been studying? On your own?"
Ron looked equally shocked, though he quickly tried to mask it with a laugh. "Blimey, mate, you've been holding out on us. What happened to 'that's what Hermione's for'?"
Ginny grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Careful, Ron. Looks like Harry's trying to steal your title as Hermione's favorite pupil."
Harry rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not trying to steal anything. I just… had some time this summer and figured it couldn't hurt to know more."
Hermione leaned forward, her expression now a mix of curiosity and approval. "What kind of reading? Did you focus on theory? Or maybe practical applications? Oh, Harry, if you've got notes, I'd loveto compare them—"
"Whoa, Hermione," Harry interrupted, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "It wasn't all that deep. I just wanted to understand magic better, you know? How it works, why intent matters, that sort of thing."
Hermione stared at him for a moment, then broke into a wide smile. "That's incredible, Harry! Honestly, if more people approached magic that way, we'd all be much better at it. You'll have to tell me everything you've learned."
Ron groaned, leaning back against his seat. "Great. Now there are two of you."
Ginny snickered. "You're doomed, Ron. You'll never keep up."
"Don't worry, Ron," Harry said, grinning. "I'm not planning on replacing Hermione anytime soon. Someone has to keep me from failing potions."
That earned a round of laughter, though Hermione's eyes still lingered on Harry, filled with a newfound respect and curiosity. Meanwhile, Ginny leaned closer, her smirk firmly in place.
"So, Harry," She said teasingly, "When did you become such a Ravenclaw? Should we start calling you the-boy-who-studies?"
Harry groaned, shaking his head. "I don't think I'm quite there yet."
Luna smiled serenely. "Studying magic is never about fitting into houses. It's about understanding how everything connects. Harry's starting to see that."
Neville nodded in agreement, his confidence growing with each passing moment. "It makes sense, though. Magic isn't just about spells and wands—it's about what's behind them. Isn't that how wandless magic works?"
Harry smiled at Neville, grateful for his insight. "Exactly. That's what I've been trying to figure out. I want to understand more than just how to cast a spell. I want to understand why it works."
Hermione nodded vigorously, clearly impressed. "That's the best approach, Harry. I'm so proud of you."
Ginny, however, couldn't resist one last jab. "Next thing we know, you'll be asking to borrow Hermione's color-coded study schedule." She sighed dramatically.
"Don't push it, Gin," Harry said with a laugh, though he was secretly glad to see his friends so engaged.
As the train rattled on toward Hogwarts, the conversation shifted back and forth between playful teasing and deeper discussions about magic. Harry felt lighter than he had in weeks, surrounded by friends who, despite their differences, made the prospect of the year ahead feel just a little less daunting, even though he knew something bad was going to happen. It happens every year, doesn't it?
"I don't pity you guys this year, with your OWLs going on. I remember Percy during OWLs year.. it was horrific." Ginny's whole body shivered at the thought, cutting Harry out of his thoughts.
"Thanks for the reminder, Ginny," Ron groaned, slumping dramatically against the seat. "As if Mum hasn't already mentioned OWLs about fifty times a day since summer started."
Hermione straightened up, her expression growing serious. "She's right to remind you, Ron. OWLs are incredibly important. They determine the kind of classes you can take next year and what career you can pursue after Hogwarts."
Ron rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You sound like Percy."
"Percy was insufferable, yes," Ginny added, smirking. "But Mum practically worshiped him that year. If you manage to pull off even half of what he did, you'll probably get a statue in the Burrow."
Harry snorted, imagining a statue of Ron in the middle of the Burrow's cluttered yard, holding a scroll and looking unbearably smug. "Don't forget the plaque with something like, 'Ronald Weasley: Survived OWLs and lived to tell the tale.'"
Ginny burst into laughter. "With an asterisk saying, 'Barely.'"
"Very funny," Ron grumbled, though he couldn't entirely hide his grin. "You lot just wait until it's your turn. Then we'll see who's laughing."
"I'm not worried," Ginny said breezily. "I'll just charm the answers out of the professors."
"Spoken like a true Weasley," Luna commented serenely, drawing laughter from everyone. "But I think you'll do just fine, Ginny. You're very resourceful."
Ginny gave her a playful wink. "Thanks, Lu. I'll count on you to distract the examiners with a really rare and suspected extinct creature story if I get stuck."
"Of course," Luna said loyally, nodding solemnly, though her silvery eyes sparkled with amusement.
Hermione, however, had clearly decided to refocus the group. "Joking aside, I've already started putting together study schedules for us. If we start early, we won't have to cram later."
Ron groaned again. "Great. Here we go."
Harry gave Hermione a sidelong glance. "Is this going to be like third year, where you tried to make me write essays three weeks before they were due?"
Hermione crossed her arms but didn't deny it. "It worked, didn't it? You passed all your exams."
"I passed because I stayed up the night before with Ron, cramming everything I could," Harry said with a grin.
Neville chuckled nervously. "I wouldn't mind a schedule, actually. I could use the help."
Hermione's face lit up, as no one had ever taken her up on her offer before. "See? Thank you, Neville! At least someone here is taking things seriously."
Ginny leaned back, her hands behind her head, her grin teasing. "You've got Nev, Hermione. He'll be your perfect student. Leave the rest of us to wing it."
Harry chuckled, but he was beyond glad that Ron and Hermione were including the others in the conversation as well. He liked the idea of Neville coming along with them, including him more on things. Neville had helped him loads last year, he'd befriended him and been his friend when Ron was being stupid. He'd like to include Luna and Ginny more too, outside of classes since they were in the year below.
It wasn't against the rules to hang out with someone from a different house, was it? He very rarely ever saw people in different houses hang out, at least not in big groups. Even if it was against the rules, it would be a stupid rule and he refused to follow it. What good was a house system when after you graduate, you have to spend time and work with people regardless of what house they had been in? He thought of Cedric, who had been intelligent and brave, not just a loyal Hufflepuff.
"I'll concede to doing a big study session once a week, if we can make it a big group thing with others, different years and houses included. What's the point in studying if you don't have a wide range of information, perspectives, and people with special interests who can actually help you?" Harry suggested casually, sheepish as he looked around at the others to see what they'd think of it, purposefully using fancier words to get Hermione's attention. He hoped Ron and Hermione would be open to it, but he had his doubts. Gryffindor pride could be a horrible and bigoted thing.
Ron looked at Harry as though he'd just sprouted a second head. "Study sessions with other houses? You do realize we're Gryffindors, right? You know—lions? Brave, bold, and not big on, you know, mingling."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the idea, already latching onto it. "Actually, Harry's got a point. Collaboration could be really beneficial. Different houses excel in different areas. For instance, Ravenclaws are brilliant at theory, Hufflepuffs are meticulous with practical work, and even Slytherins are skilled in… well, resourcefulness. It could really broaden our understanding."
"Slytherins?" Ron repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I'll bet their 'resourcefulness' is just code for cheating."
Harry gave him a look. "Not every Slytherin is a cheater, Ron. That's prejudice. Besides, if we're going to survive OWLs, and everything else that will more than likely happen this year, we need all the help we can get. That means being open-minded."
Neville didn't hesitate, nodding his head rapidly. "I think it's a good idea. I've always been terrible at potions, but maybe someone from another house could help. And I could probably help with Herbology in return."
Ginny grinned. "I'm in. I'd love to show up the Ravenclaws in Charms. Besides, it sounds fun."
Luna tilted her head thoughtfully, her gaze distant yet focused as she looked at Harry, a smile gracing her, like she was proud of him. "I think it's a wonderful idea. Connections are like threads in a tapestry—they make the whole stronger. And it's always interesting to learn how others see the world."
Ron groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. "Great. I can see it now. Me sitting in a room full of Ravenclaws explaining why I can't memorize goblin rebellions without falling asleep."
Ginny smirked, leaning closer to him. "Don't worry, Ron. I'm sure the Ravenclaws will find your lack of attention span fascinating."
"Very funny," Ron muttered, though he didn't argue further.
Harry felt a small wave of relief. While Ron's initial resistance was predictable, the idea seemed to be gaining traction. He turned to Hermione, whose expression had shifted into full-on planning mode. "What do you think, Hermione? Could we make it work?"
Hermione's eyes lit up, her mind clearly racing as she rambled. "Oh, absolutely! We could reserve a classroom or even use the library. I'll put together a schedule, and we can invite people from each house. We'll have to coordinate with their schedules, of course, and make sure everyone knows the focus areas. Maybe even rotate who leads the sessions based on their strengths—oh, this could be brilliant! Just think of everything we could achieve!"
Ron rolled his eyes but didn't interrupt. Ginny leaned over to Harry, whispering, "You've created a monster."
Harry chuckled under his breath, but inwardly, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe this year could be different—not just for him, but for everyone. The idea of bridging the gaps between houses, of building something new and inclusive, felt like a small rebellion against the divisions that had always defined Hogwarts. And after everything he'd been through, Harry thought, maybe a little rebellion was exactly what they needed. Plus, maybe this could be a reasonable excuse for him and Draco to stop being enemies in public.
——
When the train finally got to the station, Hermione and Ron had to go ahead to help handle the first years, leaving Ginny, Neville, Luna, and Harry alone once more. When they walked up to the usual carriages, Harry froze. The sight of horse-like creatures hitched up to the carriages jolted Harry to a halt. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the skeletal, bat-winged horses. They were dark and spectral, their milky white eyes glinting faintly in the dimming light of the evening. Harry felt a chill run down his spine.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Ginny asked, noticing him stop. She followed his gaze, but her expression remained confused. "Why are you just staring at the carriages?"
"Do you…" Harry hesitated, unsure if he even wanted to ask. "Do you see those horses?"
Ginny blinked at him, looking at him puzzled. "Horses? What horses? The carriages don't have—"
"I see them," Luna said softly, her dreamy voice cutting through the confusion. Harry turned to look at her, surprised. She was gazing at the creatures with a calm, almost reverent expression. "They're thestrals. Aren't they beautiful?"
"Beautiful?" Ginny said confused, looking between Harry and Luna. "What are you two talking about? There's nothing there."
"They're there," Harry said quietly, his voice firmer than he intended. He looked back at the thestrals, their bony wings shifting slightly as they stood, seemingly unbothered by the students climbing into the carriages they were pulling. "They're pulling the carriages. You just can't see them."
"Why can you see them, though?" Ginny asked, her tone filled with concern. "And why can Luna?"
Luna turned to Harry, her silvery-blue eyes soft. "You can only see thestrals if you've seen death. Not heard about it or read about it, but actually witnessed someone die," She said simply, her voice carrying no judgment or fear, just truth.
Harry felt like the ground had dropped out from under him. Of course—that was it. Cedric. He swallowed hard, the memory of the graveyard flashing before his eyes. Cedric's lifeless body, the green flash of Voldemort's curse, and the cold, hollow feeling that had lingered ever since. He pinched himself, his nails digging into his skin until he could breathe again.
"Oh," Harry managed, his throat tight. "That makes sense."
Ginny's hand touched his arm lightly, grounding him. "Harry…" She said softly, her voice heavy with sympathy. She didn't press further, but the weight of her concern was enough.
Neville, looking equally pale, glanced at the carriages and then back at Ginny. "I can see them too."
"So they're actually real?" Ginny asked, her eyes wide.
"They are real," Luna assured her, her gaze returning to the thestrals. She smiled faintly. "They're misunderstood, though. People think they're bad luck because of how you see them, but they're actually gentle creatures. They only just look frightening."
Harry nodded, still staring at the nearest thestral. It was watching him now, its head tilted slightly as if it understood him. "They don't seem scary," He admitted quietly. "Just… different."
Luna beamed at him, her expression one of quiet approval. "Exactly. Different isn't bad."
The others were quiet as they climbed into the carriage, the atmosphere slightly heavier now. Harry found himself staring at the thestrals even as the carriage began to move. He didn't understand how he hadn't noticed them before—had they always been there, pulling the carriages since his first year? The thought made his chest tighten. Another reminder of how much had changed. Of what he'd lost.
Luna, sitting beside him, seemed to sense his unease. "They're not just here to pull the carriages, you know," She said softly. "Thestrals can lead you places when you're lost. They know the way, even when you don't."
Harry looked at her, his throat still tight. "I feel lost a lot," He admitted, the words surprising even himself.
Luna's gaze didn't waver. "Then maybe they'll help you find your way."
There were a few moments of silence before Neville broke it, speaking in a quiet tone with his eyes on the floor. "My grandfather died when I was young, I was there and I saw it. It was peaceful but.. it just has a way of sticking with you."
Ginny's head snapped to Neville, her honey-brown eyes wide with sympathy. Without a moment of hesitation, she shifted closer to him, resting a comforting hand on his arm. "Neville," She said softly, her voice full of warmth and care. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
Neville gave her a small, tentative smile, his face flushed from the attention. "It's okay. It was a long time ago," He said, his voice shaking slightly. "I just… I've never talked about it much."
Harry's gaze shifted from the thestrals to Neville, feeling a sudden kinship with him. He hadn't thought about what Neville might have gone through, but it made sense now. Quiet, kind Neville, who always seemed to carry a weight no one else noticed.
"It doesn't make it any easier," Harry said quietly. "Even if it was a long time ago."
Neville nodded, looking down at his hands. "Yeah. It doesn't."
Ginny's grip on Neville's arm tightened slightly. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, Neville, but… we're here, okay? If you ever do."
Luna, who had been silently watching the exchange, tilted her head thoughtfully. "Sometimes, it helps to talk about things," She said, her voice soft and dreamy. "Other times, it helps to just sit with people who understand."
Neville looked up at Luna, his eyes meeting hers, and for a moment, there seemed to be a quiet understanding between them. He smiled faintly, more genuine this time. "Thanks, Luna. And Ginny. That… means a lot."
Ginny gave him a bright smile. "Anytime, Nev."
Harry felt Ginny's gaze on him next, and when he looked at her, he saw the same warmth and understanding she'd shown Neville. She moved her hand to his knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You too, Haz. You don't have to carry everything by yourself, you know. You've got us."
Harry swallowed hard, her words hitting him more deeply than he'd expected, even though he's heard those words all summer. "Thanks," He said quietly. "I mean it."
The ride to Hogwarts continued in a more subdued tone, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was a shared understanding, a quiet acknowledgment of the things they'd all been through. Ginny's presence felt steady and grounding, her touch and words lingering like a warm light in the gloom. Luna's serene voice filled the carriage now and then with musings about thestrals and how they navigated the unseen paths of the world, offering a strange but soothing comfort.
As they approached the castle, the thestrals moved with a strange grace, their wings shifting as the carriages came to a stop. Harry climbed out first, looking back at the creatures with a newfound appreciation. They weren't scary, just misunderstood, like Luna had said. They were a reminder of what he'd lost, but also of what he still had.
Once the rest of the group stepped off the carriage and began walking toward the castle, Luna's soft voice broke through the quiet. "I've seen them for years," She said, glancing back at the thestrals. Her words were calm, but there was a vulnerability in her tone that made everyone pause and turn to her.
Harry, Ginny, and Neville exchanged glances before looking back at Luna, who was staring at the skeletal creatures with a faraway look in her silvery-blue eyes.
"My mum died when I was nine," Luna said quietly, her voice soft but steady. "She was experimenting with a spell—something she'd been working on for ages. It was beautiful, really. Swirls of light and color, like a living painting. But something went wrong."
Harry felt his breath catch in his throat, and Neville's expression faltered, his hand instinctively clenching at his side. Ginny stepped closer to Luna, her face etched with concern, but she didn't interrupt.
Luna smiled faintly, her gaze still on the thestrals. "I was there when it happened. The spell backfired. One moment she was laughing, and the next… she was gone." Her voice wavered slightly, but her serene demeanor remained. "It was strange. I didn't cry, not right away. I just sat there, watching the light fade, wondering if it would come back."
The silence that followed felt heavy, as though the world itself had paused to listen. Ginny, her eyes glistening, huddled close to Luna and wrapped her arm around her waist. "Lu," She said softly, her voice full of so much compassion and care, "I'm so sorry. That must have been awful."
Luna finally turned to look at Ginny, her smile bittersweet. "It was," She admitted. "But it wasn't just awful. Mum was… brilliant. She always told me to look for the beauty in everything, even in the sad parts. She'd have loved the thestrals." Her gaze shifted back to the creatures, her eyes filled with quiet wonder. "I think that's why I'm not afraid of them. They remind me of her."
Neville stepped forward, his voice unsteady but filled with determination. "My grandfather… he was the one who raised me after my parents couldn't. He wasn't like your mum—he wasn't experimenting with anything—but he just… stopped one day. I was holding his hand when it happened. I know what it's like to lose someone who's so much a part of you."
Luna turned to Neville, her expression softening even more. "It's strange, isn't it? How we can miss them so much but still carry them with us."
Neville nodded, his voice quiet. "Yeah. It is."
Harry, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice raw. "I saw Cedric die last year. He was right there, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I keep thinking I should've been able to save him, but I couldn't. And it's not just him, my parents..It feels like every time I lose someone, I lose a piece of myself, too."
Ginny reached out, wrapping her hand around Harry's arm. Her touch was warm and grounding, her voice steady. "You haven't lost yourself, Harry. You're still here, and you've got us. We'll help you carry it, all of it."
Luna nodded, her gaze meeting Harry's with quiet intensity. "Ginny's right. The people we lose… they're never really gone. They leave pieces of themselves behind, in the memories and the love they gave us. And sometimes, in the things we carry forward."
Harry looked at Luna, her words sinking into him like a balm for his frayed nerves. "Thanks," He said quietly. "That means a lot."
The group lingered for a moment, the weight of their shared losses binding them together in a way words couldn't fully capture. Ginny, always the one to lighten the mood, gave a small smile. "Come on, then," She said gently. "We'll miss the feast if we stand here much longer. And I'm starving."
Luna's smile returned, soft and genuine. "I hear the pudding's particularly good this year."
Neville chuckled, and even Harry managed a small laugh as they began walking again, the thestrals fading from sight as they stepped into the warm glow of the castle. They had all found comfort in each other, forging something unspoken but strong between them. Harry would do his best to deserve it.
——
The moment they had all walked into The Great Hall, Harry knew something was wrong, immensely wrong. He knew why too. Sitting at the staff table was a hideous woman covered in an ungodly amount of pink, but it wasn't just any woman. It was the woman who had been at his trial, a woman that had verbally ripped him and his character to shreds.
"Fuck this. Fuck this. Fuck this." Harry muttered under his breath, stalking over to the Gryffindor table. His somewhat happy mood had been burnt to a crisp, ashes on his tongue as he sat down on the bench, Neville and Ginny immediately piling in beside him, Fred and George joining once they spotted them. He knew something bad would happen that year, it was the one thing that never failed and he could always count on it, but it usually didn't begin until later. Not the first minute he had stepped into Hogwarts walls.
"What's going on?" Ginny whisper-hissed from beside him, her head bent low, the other three looking confused before bending down to listen in their conversation.
Harry clenched his jaw, his hands balling into fists on the table. He leaned closer to Ginny, his voice low and filled with venom. "That woman up there," He nodded toward the staff table where the pink-clad woman sat beaming like a grotesque porcelain doll, "is Dolores Umbridge."
Ginny furrowed her brow, whispering back. "The one from your trial?"
"Yes," Harry interrupted sharply, his voice tight. "She works for Fudge. She's his lapdog. And if she's here, it's not for anything good."
Fred and George leaned in, their faces unusually serious. "What do you mean, Harry?" Fred asked, his voice a rare mix of concern and curiosity.
Harry took a deep breath, trying to steady the rising anger and dread bubbling inside him, the flames pricking at his skin, just begging to come out. "She tore me apart at the hearing, practically called me a liar to my face, even when I told the truth about the dementor attack. If she's here… it's to make sure no one believes me about anything, especially Voldemort being back."
George's expression darkened, his usual mischievous glint replaced by something harder. "Looks like Dumbledore's in for a rough time too, then."
Ginny placed a hand on Harry's arm, her touch keeping him steady. "We'll deal with her," She said firmly. "She doesn't know what she's getting into, coming here."
Neville, who had been quiet, glanced nervously toward the staff table. "What do you think she'll do?"
Harry shook his head, his eyes never leaving Umbridge, even when Hermione and Ron finally joined the table, even as everyone around them cheered for the first years being sorted. "Whatever it is, it won't be good. Just… be ready. All of you. She'll want control, and she won't care who she steps on to get it."
Fred exchanged a grim look with George. "We'll keep an eye on her," He said. "And if she starts causing trouble—"
"—she'll find out just how creative we can be," George finished, his tone dangerously light.
Despite himself, Harry couldn't help but smirk slightly. "Thanks, guys. But be careful. She's the type to go after people for the smallest thing."
Ginny's hand tightened slightly on Harry's arm. "We've got your back, Haz. Whatever happens, we'll help."
Before Harry could respond, the hall grew quiet as Dumbledore stood to address the students. His usual warm smile was in place, but there was a shadow in his eyes that only Harry seemed to notice. And then, as Dumbledore began to speak, Umbridge cleared her throat loudly—a high, irritating sound that echoed through the hall.
Every head turned toward her as she stood, her saccharine smile firmly in place. "Hem-hem," She began, her voice sickly sweet. "Thank you, Headmaster, for your kind introduction. I am Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, and I am delighted to join the Hogwarts staff this year as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
A ripple of whispers ran through the students, but Harry's stomach dropped. Defense Against the Dark Arts. She was going to be teaching them. She was the one that had assigned that disgustingly awful Slinkhard book. He'd read over it over summer, him and Draco had made fun of a lot of it actually, and now it finally made sense why a teacher would assign it. It wasn't a teacher at all, but a ministry plant.
Umbridge continued, her smile never wavering. "The Ministry has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of utmost importance. This year, we hope to bring about much-needed reforms to ensure the safety and success of all Hogwarts students."
Harry clenched his jaw, his knuckles turning white as his grip on the edge of the table tightened, his grip on the flames inside irontight. He would not explode here. He could feel Hermione's eyes on him, filled with concern and confusion, but he couldn't tear his gaze away from Umbridge.
"She's here to control us," Harry muttered under his breath, low enough for only his friends to hear. "To spy on us."
Ginny's eyes narrowed, her expression fierce. "Then we won't let her."
"Over my dead body, mate." George huffed, Fred nodding his agreements.
Harry's eyes automatically looked over to the Slytherin table, searching out the familiar blond to see his reaction. Draco had got the full rundown of the trial, of every word and phrase Umbridge had thrown his way.
Draco was sitting stiffly, his pale face unreadable, but his stormy grey eyes were fixed on Umbridge with a sharp intensity that Harry recognized. It was the look Draco wore when he was sizing someone up, deciding what to do and how to handle it best. His usual smug demeanor was gone, replaced by something colder, more calculating.
Pansy, seated beside him, leaned in and whispered something, but Draco barely reacted. His jaw tightened, and his hand gripped his wand where it rested on the table, his fingers pale against the dark wood. It was a subtle gesture, but Harry caught it. Draco was furious—whether at Umbridge's presence or what it implied, Harry couldn't be sure.
"What's Malfoy thinking?" Ginny whispered, following Harry's gaze. Her tone was curious, not judgmental, which Harry appreciated. He didn't know why Ginny was being so cool about Draco, even on the train she had been neutral when his name had been brought up.
"I don't know," Harry murmured. "But he doesn't look happy."
Hermione, who had been unusually quiet since Umbridge's announcement, leaned closer, her brow furrowed. "This is bad, Harry. If she's here to enforce Ministry control, she's going to target anyone who challenges their authority—especially you."
Harry nodded grimly. "She's not just here for me. She'll go after anyone who doesn't fit her version of what's 'proper.'" His gaze flicked back to Draco, who was now whispering something to Blaise Zabini, his expression carefully neutral.
Fred leaned in, his voice low but resolute. "We'll keep an eye on her. If she thinks she can waltz in here and start bossing everyone around, she's got another thing coming."
"And if she messes with you, Harry," George added, his grin sharp and dangerous in a way that reminded him just how dangerous the twins could be if they weren't dedicated to making people laugh, "She'll regret it."
Harry appreciated their loyalty, but he couldn't shake the sense of dread coiling in his stomach. This wasn't going to be like dealing with Snape or even the old confrontations he had with Draco. Umbridge was a different kind of enemy—insidious, manipulative, and backed by the full force of the Ministry. She would be the most dangerous enemy he has faced yet, Voldemort and his cult included.
As the feast continued, Harry kept stealing glances at Draco. He noticed the subtle ways Draco was masking his emotions—keeping his movements deliberate, his expressions neutral, even as his eyes occasionally flicked toward Umbridge with thinly veiled disdain. Harry seemed to be one of the only people who could see past the mask he wore well.
Then, their eyes met. It was brief, just a flicker of a glance, but it sent a jolt through Harry, the bond lingering in the back of his mind, reminding him it was still there. Draco's gaze was sharp, questioning, and for a moment, Harry thought he saw a flicker of something else—something like concern. Before Harry could even process it, Draco looked away, his walls firmly back in place.
"What's he playing at?" Ron muttered, noticing the exchange.
"Nothing," Harry said quickly, shaking his head. "Just… sizing things up, I guess."
Hermione gave him a searching look but didn't push the subject. Ginny, however, leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "If Malfoy's not on board with her, that's something, isn't it? He's usually all about the Ministry."
Harry hesitated. He knew exactly what Draco's stance on Umbridge was, and he couldn't exactly tell Ginny without drawing suspicion. If anyone knew Draco like he did, they'd know Draco's reaction had every indication he wasn't thrilled about her presence either.
"We'll see," Harry said quietly, his mind already spinning with possibilities. Draco had been his rock over the summer, and if they could find a way to work together without blowing their cover, it could tip the scales in their favor. They'd have to meet in secret to arrange something.
As Dumbledore resumed speaking, outlining the new term ahead, Harry's attention drifted back to Umbridge. Her sickly-sweet smile never faltered, but there was a cold, calculating gleam in her eyes that made his skin crawl. This was going to be a long, dangerous year. But as Harry glanced around at his friends he felt a flicker of hope. Whatever was coming, they would face it together. He still held onto the hope that he could save them from the worst of what that year had in store for them.
And as for Draco… Harry made a silent promise to himself. He would find a way to reach him, to discuss what their plan would be for that year. They had other things to do after all, like destroying the horcrux around his neck and finding where the others were located.
Once the feast had ended and everyone began to walk to their common rooms, prefects escorting the first years themselves, Harry did his best to act like everything was fine. He focused on his goals, lost in his mind as he walked out of the great hall, only to be snapped out of it by a harsh shove against his shoulder.
"Watch it, Potter." Draco spat, walking past him with his nose in the air, a group of first year Slytherins following behind him like goslings to a mother goose.
"How about you watch it, Malfoy?" Harry called as Draco walked on, a look of disgust on his face even as he clutched onto a small crumpled piece of parchment that Draco had successfully snuck to him. It was kind of fun, if Harry had to be honest. He and Draco both knew it was a front, a cover to hide their friendship from everyone else, but everyone else thought it was just how they usually were. Enemies.
He didn't open the note until he was in his dorm room, hours after they had all unpacked their trunks and fixed up their desks by their beds. He sat on his bed while everyone else piled out, opening it carefully as if the scrap of parchment was sacred.
Abandoned Necromancy classroom on the 4th floor. Tonight.
Harry smirked. Looks like he wasn't the only one who was thinking ahead and planning for whatever mess the ministry and Umbridge were cooking up