8

Chapter VIII: The Slug Club

(Daphne P.O.V)

Daphne looked out the window of the Hogwarts Express with a smile as Harry shared a hug with his Godfather and Tonks, the two whispering their goodbyes. For a moment, Daphne felt a pang of jealousy at the lack of her own relatives that had shown their face at the platform but pushed that aside. She had the Davis', she had Astoria, she had the Blacks, and she had Harry, and she knew that was more than enough.

Daphne looked down at her wand, Ollivander had certainly got to her just in time, and while she did feel a sense of comfort with the wand, it's magic resonating with hers, she did miss her old wand. The wand she'd received shared no similarities with the one she'd received over four years ago, though in fairness, Daphne felt she hardly resembled the girl she was back then either. Her wand was now Hawthorn as opposed to Elm, and longer than before, now at 12 ¾ inches, with a Unicorn Tail core which felt greatly different from the Heartstring that had once acted as her core.

Though her new wand had made her feel content in other ways, as she knew her mentor's wand had also been constructed of Hawthorn, and Ollivander had told her it was the wood that most frequently latched to the healing arts. Her moment of distraction had been long enough to have found Harry entering the compartment, Loki meowing from atop his shoulder as he scratched the kneazle's head.

Still, her wand had been far from her only surprise as she looked down at the shiny P badge she had pinned to her chest. She wasn't quite sure who had been selected as the male prefect of her year, but she had a pretty good idea, and it had made the badge feel far less prestigious. Though her spirits had been slightly lifted by the Gryffindor Red P that adorned Harry's chest as well. In truth, she knew damn well that Harry didn't want it, but given the fact that he punched the Dark Lord in the face just three months ago, anyone else hoping for the position was completely out of luck.

"God this sucks," Harry groaned looking down at his badge, "As if going to class wasn't bad enough, now I have to do patrols too. Honestly, given what's happening out there, I hate that this school thinks I have nothing better to do than hand out detentions to troublemakers."

"Shouldn't have looked so heroic at the end of last year then, mate," Neville said with a chuckle, "But come on, it won't be that bad, I mean I'm a prefect too, plus, I'm sure you and Daphne can find a Broom Cupboard or too to shirk off work."

Daphne blushed slightly at the notion which earned a chuckle from her sister and Michael who leaned back. "Yeah, you two go screwed, meanwhile, I'm free as a bird. All the pranking I want and I got two people to cover for me."

"Don't think that just because we're friends that I won't report you," Hermione said with a huff, "Being a prefect is a really important responsibility. It shows that our professors and Dumbledore trust us enough to keep order in the castle. It's an honor and it should be treated as such."

"How have you been hanging around Neville for like two years and still manage to be the antithesis of fun?" Michael said with a yawn, "And don't worry I've been tricking you for years, Granger, you won't catch me, I promise."

"You're impossible," Hermione said with a sigh turning to Claire who simply nodded in agreement. Though seeing the French girl in Hogwarts robes was a bit jarring to Daphne. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy Claire's presence, but it was still odd in a way, especially since she was the oldest person in unclaimed robes that she'd ever seen.

Daphne took her boyfriend's hand, rising to her feet. "I checked the schedule," Harry said softly, "We have the first inspection. At least whoever set up the Prefect schedule made us a pair. Same with Neville and Hermione. Goldstein ended up getting paired with Brown, she looked quite upset at the notion, and finally, Draco got paired up with Susan. Poor girl."

A look of pity had even crossed Michael's face at the notion as Daphne smiled, "We don't actually know how dangerous Draco is, or what his plans are, but we'll keep watch of him okay, we won't let any harm come to Susan, alright?"

"Yeah, thanks," Michael said with a dull nod as she and Harry left their compartment onto the expanding train, the whistle signaling their departure from King's Cross Station. She felt Harry take her hand as the two proceed to head straight towards the back of the train.

"I check left, you check right?" Harry asked softly to which Daphne quickly nodded as they opened the first two compartments. Two second-year Hufflepuff's stood there, one consoling the other as the station faded from view. "Make sure to put the trunks in the overhead compartment, don't let your pets roam around freely. Best to get into your robes about halfway into the journey, bathrooms tend to still be empty and you don't have to wear your uniform the whole way. I wish I didn't but-"

"You're Harry Potter, right?" A little girl's voice called out, forcing Daphne to turn towards a group of triplets, that seemed to be first years judging by the colorless trims of their robes which sat folded on their laps. Her boyfriend nodded as the girls spoke up, "My dad, he wasn't really sure if he wanted to send us to Hogwarts, with, well, with him being back. But we really wanted to come. We'll be safe at Hogwarts, right? You'll protect us from him, won't you?"

Daphne watched on silently as Harry entered the room kneeling in the center of the new girls' compartment with a gentle smile, "I'll do everything I can, but it's important that you take your Defense Against the Dark Arts Class really seriously, especially now. And before I go, his name is Voldemort." Daphne watched as the girls shivered at the name, "It may seem hard, but I encourage you all to say it. Fear of the name increases fear of the thing itself. Voldemort, he's a cruel and evil man, but he's also a coward, and allowing him to frighten you is just what he wants. Don't let him win."

"You'll beat him though," The girl said, "You'll beat V-Voldemort right?"

"So long as I have strong people like you at my back," Harry said with a smile, "I'm certain I will." The girls smiled at Harry as he left the compartment letting out a soft groan. "Comforting people really isn't my strong suit."

"They look pretty comforted," Daphne said as she turned to the girls who seemed to be practicing chanting the Dark Lord's name, "You may not like it, but you certainly have a knack for it." Daphne smiled as Harry sighed, the two checking each compartment, though curiously, it seemed as if Draco was missing, the blonde unable to be found in any compartment.

"He's not here," Harry whispered, "But why?"

Daphne shook her head, she too at a loss for ideas. "Harry," Daphne whispered tapping her boyfriend's shoulder. "We can talk about it when we get back to our compartment. He still has people loyal to him on this train, if he finds out we're snooping around for him, he may make tracking himself harder than it needs to be."

She could tell by the look in Harry's eyes that the last thing he wanted to do was give up the search, but she knew that Harry knew she was right. He sighed gently before taking her hand, the two heading back to their compartment. Harry had wasted no time informing the others that Draco was missing, earning some confused looks from the group due to the fact it most certainly wasn't a full moon that night. Though the strangeness of their ride to the great Stone Castle had yet to stop as a knocking manifested upon the glass door, a man Daphne didn't recognize standing just in front of their cabin.

Daphne watched as Michael waved his hand as the man smiled and waved. The man was quite large, so large that the buttons on his waistcoat seemed about ready to burst at every movement. His eyes seemed to glow and shine as the light reflected off his gooseberry colored eyes, and each breath seemed to move the man's silver, walrus-like mustache. "Ah, wandless magic, quite an impressive feat for someone so young," The man said nodding towards Michael, "Allow me to introduce myself before I go any further, my name is Horace Slughorn, I am the new Professor, well new as of now, I was actually the potions master many years ago, and am now returning to retake my post in the castle during this crazy time."

"I've just been venturing down the train introducing myself, and judging the talent of certain individuals," The man stood proudly adjusting his coat before the man's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, "My word," He said suddenly standing at full attention, "You're Harry Potter. Why, Dumbledore said I'd be making your acquaintance soon, but this soon is certainly a pleasure. I look forward to having you in my class, your mother was quite a prodigy, a feat that is even more impressive given the fact she was muggle-born."

"You knew my mother?" Harry started, his eyes widening at the remark.

"Of course, she was one of my favorites, truly broke the mold being one of the few muggle-born witches to be deemed a member of my 'Slug Club', as a few of my students began referring to it as. Your father and Sirius were also ones who piqued my interest, but alas, your mother was far more sociable." Daphne turned to face Harry who she could tell looked deeply intrigued regarding the man's claimed knowledge of his parents. "I'm actually already in the selection process of my new group of prominent witches and wizards, never thought I'd find so many in one cart. If you'd like to discuss more about your family, Mr. Potter, you should see yourself to the front of the train near the teacher's compartments, you and your sister are welcome to come as well, Ms. Greengrass. Your father is actually responsible for many of my fine potion ingredient collections."

"You're welcome to join as well Miss Belmont, I was quite intrigued when I saw you on my class roster. Mr. Longbottom, I'm certain you have some fascinating stories to tell as well." Before Daphne or anyone in the cabin could respond Slughorn pressed on, "Goodness though, look at the time, I've been chatting up a storm here, I'll be expecting you in my compartment at two, so much to discuss, but for now, I have many more students to welcome."

The door closed as the audible sound of the moving wheels returned, setting a comfortable backdrop. Harry groaned lightly, "Why do I feel as if I'm being goaded into joining him."

"At least you got invited," Michael said, "He looked past me like I was chopped liver, not that I care or anything, it's just well, strange of him to compliment my magic and then walk away."

"Don't feel too bad," Neville said with a smile, "I actually have to patrol then so I won't be able to make it either. Plus, I was clearly only invited because of my family name, he doesn't exactly seem like a man to hand out genuine compliments."

"He's probably a man looking to create more connections with students," Claire said, "In my time in the spotlight, I met a lot of people like that. Not all of them are bad people, but most don't have good intentions."

Daphne watched as Harry remained silent. "We'll go together," Daphne said with a smile, "I know that hearing stories about your parents means the world to you. Plus, did you hear about what he said regarding Dumbledore promising him a chance to meet you, that makes it sound like he and Dumbledore formed a bit of a deal. By helping out Dumbledore, it means he'll owe you a favor. I know you don't like him, but holding a favor of a wizard as powerful as Dumbledore, it's a priceless commodity."

Harry nodded in agreement, "Two O'Clock, huh? Guess that means we have enough time for a few games of exploding snap then, anyone want in?"

"Me," Tracey said, jumping instantly at the opportunity, "Wanna put money on it?"

"No," The cart yelled in unison as Tracey's expression sank.

"Fine, but you guys are no fun."

(? P.O.V)

The Blonde Slytherin fifth year kneeled at the Dark Lord's feet, his eyes turned to the ground, unworthy to face the man of power before him, a man that had brought his school rival to his knees, a man, no, a god, that was capable of curing him of his illness, of his shame. "Draco," The Dark Lord hissed, his voice clear yet chilling, "You are aware that should my hunch prove true, your mother shall die. Her wealth and information that she's given us regarding the Order has kept her alive for now, but should I find out she was working against us, I will kill her."

"If my mother turned traitor against you my lord," Draco began his voice frighteningly cold, "Then I shall be willing to kill her myself should it please you." The Dark Lord smiled with pleasure, "My father has failed you, and my mother does not believe I can do your bidding, conscripting the help of both Severus and Bellatrix on my mission. But I am not my father, I will succeed, I will carry out your will. I shall find a way of allowing your servants to enter the castle, and I will kill Dumbledore. I swear it."

"I know you will, Draco," Voldemort said in a calm tone, "You are not like your father, you have a spark in you, a lust for power, we are, in a way, kindred spirits my boy. I have trained you this summer for your objective, for your mother to not believe you are capable is an insult to both yourself and me." The Dark Lord's face soured, "Though as I am painfully aware, mothers do foolish things for their children."

Voldemort's face grew expressionless once more, "Do you have the sample of my voice, young one?" Draco nodded, opening the tiny ring box that hissed in a similar fashion to the champions' golden eggs from the year before. "Do you remember where I told you to go? In there, you will find a place to perfect your method. It is not just anyone I allow into the chamber of my ancestor, do not disappoint me."

"I won't, my lord, I swear it," Draco said with a bow, "Is there anything else you need of me, my lord?"

"No, Draco, that shall be all," Voldemort said, rising from his chair in the Riddle Manor, "Remember Draco, success is everything. You shall be cleansed of your filthy blood and rise above the ranks of Death Eaters. Should you succeed in killing Albus, your name will be heralded across the world as Draco, the true son of the Dark Lord." The fifth-year shuttered at the praise, "Do well, young Draco, Severus will see you off. Severus will act as our envoy, I suggest you keep him informed, he will also be taking you to Hogwarts. Your absence has most likely already been noted."

"Yes, my lord," Draco said with a deep bow.

"And one last thing Draco," Voldemort said, his burning red eyes glaring through the young boy, "Potter is mine to finish, is that understood?"

"Of course, my lord."

(Harry P.O.V)

Compartment C, aside from the golden trims that lined the doorway, it looked no different than any other compartment on the train. It seemed large enough to fit six students comfortably, along with Slughorn himself who took up a bare minimum of two other seats comfortably. Alongside Harry and Daphne, were a sea of familiar faces. Astoria had refused to come claiming that being invited on the merits of their father made the offer far less appealing, and in a way, Harry was thankful as it didn't seem as if he was entering a cart of good company. Marcus Belbly, a sixth year Ravenclaw, Cormac McLaggen, and the pug-faced girlfriend of Draco herself Pansy Parkinson filled the other spots, and Harry had felt nauseous just gazing at the crowd.

It had taken Harry only a few seconds before he felt the eyes of Slughorn fall upon him, his danger radar at an all-time high as he noticed the greedy smile that rose to the man's face. "Ah Harry, my boy, welcome, welcome, you as well Ms. Greengrass, I'm certain I invited more of your friends, should I be expecting them?"

"Well, Neville wanted to come, but he actually had his Prefect Duties to attend to," Harry said, "And Claire, well Michael, the boy you saw doing the wandless magic, he's helping her prepare for her first year here. I'm sure they meant no offense."

"None taken, none at all," Slughorn said waving them entry into the compartment, "Alice and Frank were also the responsible types, and I totally understand Ms. Belmont's predicament. What of your sister, Ms. Greengrass?"

"Astoria, she didn't want to crowd the space, she's certain that I'll be able to report anything that comes of this meeting back to her."

"Ah, a very efficient type of girl is she, not one for frivolous adventures," Slughorn said with a laugh, "Well it's certainly disappointing that the timing was less than satisfactory, I was hoping to invite Lucius' son as well, Malfoy Sr. was quite a fascinating young man during his time at Hogwarts, I was quite looking forward to seeing if young Draco would be equally riveting. Yet, he seems to have inexplicably disappeared."

"I'm certain that he would have been delighted to be invited, I'd be more than happy to extend your invitation to my boyfriend when he arrives at Hogwarts if you'd like," Pansy said, though Harry had to try to hold in the chuckle, apart from possibly being the next Malfoy Baby-Maker, Harry had no idea what prominent qualities Pansy possessed to have even been invited in the first place.

"Yes Ms. Parkinson that would be most appreciated," Slughorn said brushing the girl aside, "Now Harry please, take a seat." Slughorn nudged to the seat beside him and Harry forced the best smile he could manage as he sat beside the large man. "You've certainly been in the news this summer haven't you boy. Punching the Dark Lord in the face, very impressive, and then your mysterious vanishing, you are quite intriguing."

"Well, mystery is the spice of life, right?" Harry weakly forcing a chuckle from his lips.

"Quite right!" Slughorn said with a smile, "Though I must say your legend simply continues to grow. I never would have imagined the tale of the Potter House growing so much when I first met your mother and father, hell I'd have wagered that your mother was never going to be a Potter, despite your father's insistence. You look so much like him you know, except your eyes, you have-"

"My mother's eyes," Harry said with a warm smile, "I've been told."

"Ah yes, Lily," Slughorn said, "She was certainly one of the best potioneers I've ever had the pleasure of teaching, she and Severus were quite the prodigies, only Merlin knows how far she could have taken those skills seeing as Severus ended up filling my spot as potions master post my retirement. Though I suppose she would have been well off doing just about anything, especially with that Potter money at her back."

"That actually reminds me, sir," Daphne said with a soft smile, "Why did you choose to return this year anyway?"

"Well that is a very interesting story," Slughorn said though in a far more morose tone than Harry had been expecting of the jovial man, "I suppose the main reason is that Dumbledore asked me to return, with a raise I might add, I do hope you all treat your teachers well as our pay is atrocious." A light laugh filled the cart, but Harry hadn't moved, there was certainly more to the story, "It also provided me a certain amount of protection as well, being the world-renown potion maker that I am, the Blasted Death Eaters certainly took interest in me, but if they think that I'll serve their lord, they are severely mistaken. I don't associate with criminals."

He's lying, Harry thought to himself, I'm not sure about what, but I'm certain he's lying. Harry smiled once more as Slughorn turned to him, "But all this talk about Death Eaters certainly is a downer on an otherwise joyous occasion. Perhaps somebody else would like to share, maybe Mr. Potter here wants to share where he's been all summer."

"A secret would hardly be any fun if I shared it," Harry said with a chuckle, "But I learned recently that Daphne, my lovely girlfriend, has spent the summer under the tutelage of Dr. Abigail Thatcher."

"Truly!" Slughorn said with wide eyes, "That certainly is a remarkable achievement Ms. Greengrass, I was under the belief that Dr. Thatcher hadn't been willing to train another student for the last-"

"Twenty years," Daphne said with a curt nod, "I'm the first in a long time, I'm hoping that Madam Pomfrey will allow me to assist in the Hospital Wing over the School Year so my skills don't get rusty."

"Remarkable," Slughorn said warmly, "Quite remarkable indeed, should you ever need a recommendation in the future, please don't hesitate to approach me. What of you, Mr. Belby?" Slughorn turned to face Harry as if he was trying to earn his respect, "I was just telling young Marcus here that I had the pleasure of teaching his Uncle Damocles. Outstanding wizard, outstanding, and his Order of Merlin most well-deserved. Do you see much of your uncle, Marcus?"

Harry watched uncomfortably as Marcus shoved a handful of every flavor beans into his mouth as he shook his head, "Not… not much of him, no."

Slughorn's brow furrowed becoming relaxed once more as he smiled, "Well, of course, I daresay he's busy. I doubt he invented the Wolfsbane Potion without considerable hard work!"

He did, Harry thought to himself in wonder as the picture of Remus' smile crept into his mind, Guess I owe your uncle a hell of a lot then Belby, though the boy wasted no time in his response, "I suppose… Er… he and my dad don't get on very well, you see, so I don't really know much about him" Harry had to bite his tongue to contain his smile as he watched Slughorn's eyes sink. The man had given the larger Ravenclaw a kind reply but all Harry could think was, Sorry buddy, looks like you're cut from the club.

The trivial conversations continued as Harry watched Cormac and Slughorn chatted up a storm regarding some nogtail hunt that he and his Uncle Tiberius underwent. Yet it was becoming painfully clear that there was only one target Slughorn had a true interest in, and much to his great displeasure, it was him. Thankfully though, relief had finally arrived as Daphne nudged him, reminding them of their prefect duties to prepare for off-boarding at the Hogsmeade Station. Slughorn had looked heartbroken at Harry's exit, but Harry smiled and nodded, promising they would talk more later.

As soon as the door slammed behind them, Daphne turned to face him with a questioning look, "You actually want to go to another one of these dreadful things, I haven't been around a group of people with sticks shoved this far up their asses since the Malfoy Christmas Party during third year."

"I have to," Harry said with a frustrating growl, "Even with all my passive legilimency skill, Slughorn's occlumency walls were no joke. I could tell he was lying about something," A tired sigh escaped his lips as Harry threw his head back, "I just don't quite know about what. I also need to understand why it is Dumbledore wanted him back. Which means," Daphne gripped his hand softly as they walked down the train's long corridor, "I'm not done dealing with Dumbledore yet."

Daphne sent him a gentle smile, Harry had felt the two shared some rather proficient telepathy by this point, but in fairness, you didn't have to be a mind reader to understand that spending more time with Dumbledore was the last thing Harry wanted. "Come on, if we finish this last search fast, I think I found an empty compartment that you and I could 'occupy'."

Harry smirked as he looked down at his glowing girlfriend, "You are a dangerous one, you know that Ms. Greengrass."

"I'm well aware, Professor Potter," Daphne said with a chuckle as she took his hand guiding him further down the train.

(Astoria P.O.V)

Astoria yawned as she stretched out from her seat, the sinking sunlight visible in the sky from her window seat as she rose to her feet. She brushed off her uniform, before staring across from her seat watching as Claire nervously prepared herself. "Don't worry about it," Michael said, "I know it might feel embarrassing, but Harry did it his third year too, it's stupid, but let me tell you, riding on the boats into the castle, it really is a once in a lifetime experience."

"He's not wrong," Astoria said confirming the Ravenclaw's statement, "The rowboats are actually where I first met Harry. Speaking of which, did he ever come back?"

"Nope but the Slug Club meeting is over," Neville said.

"He and your sister probably went to go find a place to snog," Michael said with a chuckle, "Speaking of which," Astoria shook her head in amusement as Michael placed a gentle peck on Claire's lips. "I'll see you in the Great Hall, Pretty Bird. Everything's going to be fine."

Claire smiled, a hint of relief visible in her eyes as Astoria turned, lifting the curled Loki from the seat beside her, moving him into his transfer cage much to the kneazle's displeasure. "We do this every year Loki, everything's going to be fine." Astoria turned to her broom that was tied to the top of her trunk, the golden letters which read Nimbus 2000 staring her in the face, "This time for sure."

Astoria initially had wanted to go on the hunt for Harry and Daphne, but on the slight chance that she was going to see something she'd never be able to forget, she vetoed that idea and exited the train, the cool September air brushing her silky black hair behind her shoulder. Despite not looking for him though, Astoria quickly found her brother as first years whispered, "I can't believe it, Harry Potter's actually here."

"Relax will you," Another first year hissed, "We already saw him on the train, you don't need to be so starstruck."

"But it's Harry Potter!" The first student roared, forcing a chuckle to escape her lips as she weaved through the crowd, grabbing her sister's hand as they zig-zagged through the crowd towards the carriages. Astoria couldn't help but wonder what it must have been like to be a student who didn't see the black horses that pulled the carriages, and even worse, she couldn't help but wonder how many students would be so fortunate as to still be oblivious to the markers of witnessed death by the time this war was over.

Astoria shook that thought from her head as they climbed aboard the carriage, Michael bringing up the rear after what she could only imagine must have been a rather obnoxious separation between the blue-haired boy and his model girlfriend. Astoria had grown to accept Neville, Hermione, and now even Claire, but she couldn't help but enjoy being around the group that had started it all. "So," Michael started with a chuckle, "You two have a fun final inspection?"

"Yep," Harry and Daphne replied in unison.

Michael sighed, "It's no fun if you two don't get embarrassed by it anymore."

"It's been going on for a while now," Harry said with a chuckle, "I think we've gotten used to it."

"Before Michael interrupts with any more nonsense," Astoria said with a smirk, "How was the Slug Club meeting?" She watched on patiently as Harry explained the contents of the events. As she listened, she had become more and more relieved that she had decided not to go, but Harry's insistence on the fact that Slughorn was hiding something had intrigued her deeply. Though that intrigue had vanished into disappointment upon hearing that somehow, even without any of them seeing the Headmaster's face since the end of the previous term, Dumbledore had once again found a way of roping Harry into a plan. All Astoria could hope for was that whatever it was, it wasn't as dangerous as last year's interference.

"Are you sure you want to continue your meetings with him?" Michael asked, his voice now taking a serious tone, "You know I'm with you until the end of the line, but, and I don't mean to sound cruel, we nearly died trying to get Dumbledore's mole out of your head last year, and that was with Moody's help. I don't think any of us could survive doing that again."

Astoria nodded her agreement to Michael's objection but Harry's face had remained rather stoic, "I'm different than who I was last year, Dumbledore won't get the jump on me this time, and even if somehow he eludes me, he won't be able to do the same to her."

"Her?" Astoria asked in a curious tone as Harry revealed a three-eyed crow pendant from beneath his collared shirt. "That's- That symbol, the eye of the crow is-"

"I was going to tell all of you later, hopefully when we were all together so I wouldn't have to explain it multiple times," Harry said, "But I didn't exactly spend my summer twiddling my thumbs." Astoria had felt as if her soul was leaving her body hearing about Harry's training, her sister's sunken eyes as Harry described his training only adding further, though unnecessary, validity to his story. "In short, this pendant contains a bit of her magic, it means that even if Dumbledore tries to disturb my magic or mind again, she'll be able to recognize it and help me adjust. In a way, it's the ultimate failsafe."

"Here I was thinking my training in France was bad," Michael said with a sigh as the castle became clear in the distance, "Only to find out you spent the summer training with an actual Goddess of Magic. Sometimes the world is just too unfair." Michael shook his head with a gentle smile, "So, um, just exactly how strong are you?"

"I fought Moody to a standstill on my last day of training, but that was when my magic was still restabilizing," Harry started softly, "Truthfully though, I have no idea what my limits at, and if I can find a way of absorbing more of that core I was talking about, the growth can still be exponential, but I need to train my own body and magic more before I can even handle siphoning off more of the power. Morgana made it clear, if I try to take too much too early, Voldemort's magic could overtake me instead, and we all know what happens when his influence takes over."

Astoria watched as Michael clutched his shoulder, the memory of the red-eyed Harry sending shivers down her spine. Truthfully, Astoria felt as if she had a thousand more questions she wanted to ask Harry about his training, but she didn't have the time as the carriages stopped before the towering castle, the sound of this year's Head Boy Roger Davies called out for the students to head out. She watched as Harry's head sunk, "And I have to take orders from this idiot, man this day just keeps getting better. Somehow I think I'd rather be training with Morgana again."

"I wouldn't worry too much about taking orders from anyone," Daphne said reassuringly, "You're back to be 'The Harry Potter' now after all. As much as I hate to say it, as things are now, you're relatively untouchable."

Astoria nodded in agreement as the four left the carriages entering the lines which had been headed by the awaiting and smiling face of one of her favorite Professors, Hagrid. The halls of the Castle welcomed her back with open arms. In a way, the castle had truly become her home, the point only solidifying due to the fact she hadn't returned to Greengrass Manor over the summer. Though as she thought about the curly blonde-haired boy she left behind in Bulgaria, she couldn't help but have a minor pang of sadness.

Down corridors, and up staircases, the castle that had once been so overwhelming had become so comforting, almost to the point that if asked, Astoria was quite certain she could make her way from the Slytherin Common Room to the Gryffindor one with ease, provided somebody informed her which direction the staircases were moving of course. Though as the doors of the Great Hall she found herself staring at the most unwelcome surprise, the hunched-over figure of one Draco Malfoy.

The Slytherin Prefect looked horrible. Bags lined his eyes, his normally pale blonde hair had nearly turned completely white, and his steel-grey eyes somehow managed to look lifeless, and yet full of hate at the same time. Astoria swallowed as she somehow felt the tension of Harry's eyes locking on Draco's, the two seeming to be having a silent war behind their stoic facades. "Be careful, both of you," Harry whispered, the lack of nicknames setting Astoria's heart to beat at a faster rate, "He's different now, his magic, it reeks."

Daphne nodded, breaking her grasp on Harry's hands as the four separated with Michael heading towards the Ravenclaw Table, Daphne to the Snake Pit, and Her and Harry making their way towards the Lion Banner. Though Astoria couldn't help but notice the hawkish glare Harry continued to send Malfoy the moment Daphne had taken a seat between the now arriving Tracey and Blaise. It was only Astoria's gentle tap on Harry's shoulder that broke his gaze, "Play it cool will you," Astoria whispered, "If he knows we're on to him from the jump he'll make all our lives harder. You're not the only one who trained hard this summer, I'm sure Daphne can hold her own, at least long enough for help to arrive."

Harry nodded though he didn't seem too happy about it. The Boy-Who-Lived had no time to complain however, as once more the doors opened as the line of new students arrived in the hall marching behind McGonagall who led with authority. "Welcome to the Great Hall!" McGonagall called out, "We will now begin the sorting process. Once your name is called, please step forward. I shall place this sorting hat atop your head, and you will move to join your fellow classmates. As we have a transfer student, it is only right that she should go first. Claire Belmont, please come forward."

Astoria watched the girl approach the stool nervously, though if possible it seemed as if Michael was even more nervous than her. Claire took a seat as the hat was placed atop her. For a moment there was silence and then, "Ravenclaw!"

"Woohoo!" Michael yelled out jumping from his seat earning a laugh from the table as Claire rolled her eyes playfully. Astoria watched the model elegantly skate towards the table, the trim of her robes now a brilliant blue as she took a seat beside her boyfriend.

The remainder of the sorting was boring, and Astoria was somewhat thankful it was short as she was starving, though she did notice that Harry had taken a special interest in a certain group of triplets. The one name Bailey had been placed into Hufflepuff, Brooke had been put into Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor, who had taken the least amount of students this year, received Blaire. She walked towards the table happily, smiling and waving at Harry who waved back sheepishly as Astoria bumped him slightly, "You better not start scouting my replacement now."

"Who could replace you, Short Stack," Harry said with a chuckle, "You're one of a kind."

Astoria smiled, a smile that grew wider as the food that she had been so desperately craving appeared before her. Never before had she felt as hungry as she currently did, though it was probably a gross estimation, though she was forced to wait as Dumbledore rose from his chair, his throat clearing maneuver echoing throughout the hall bringing silence.

The man normally appeared open and welcoming, his different posture immediately sending off-putting signals as Astoria saw was that the man's other hand was firmly tucked into his robe, a factor, judging by Harry's face, that he had noticed as well. "Good Evening to you all," Dumbledore started the booming of his voice commanding the room's attention, "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff, Potions Master, and this year's Potion Professor, Professor Horace Slughorn."

A gentle applause filled the room as the rather large man stood and bowed proudly, "Now, many of you recurring students may find this surprising as our resident potions expert, Professor Severus Snape has been our Potions Professor for many years, fear not, he will not be leaving us this year. Rather, he shall be given the great honor of serving as this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor." Aside from the new members of Gryffindor house, not a single clap could be heard as Astoria watched the way Harry and Snape flashed their knife-like eyes towards one another.

"Now, as you can see, our attendance this year is unfortunately at a severe low, though it is not impossible to understand why." Dumbledore sighed, "Once, there was a student, like you. Who walked these halls, roamed under this castle's roof, he seemed to all the world a student like any other. His name, Tom Riddle." Astoria quickly watched the way Harry's eyes became tight with confusion at the name, though not the type of confusion that implies a feeling of being lost, but rather one of sharing information Harry already knew with others, "Today of course," Dumbledore continued, "He's known all over the world by another name, which is why, as I stand… looking out upon you all tonight I'm reminded of a sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, Dark Forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, their greatest weapon is the fear within you. Show them none, and you will weaken them indefinitely. Show wisdom in times of uncertainty, be welcoming in a time of absence, be cunning in a time riddled with mystery, and be courageous in a time of fear. Together, we will rise above this dark cloud."

Applause shook the room as Astoria watched Harry's head fall gently before once more Dumbledore continued, "That is all I have for you tonight. Please, enjoy your dinner, your continuation, and for some of you, your entrance into the world of magic begins tomorrow morning."