The last few days before the beginning of school were hectic at Grimmauld Place. The Order had two big meetings that the trio had to sit out as usual, much to Hermione's displeasure. Ever since she had been told the prophecy her attitude toward Dumbledore had taken a turn for the worst. If you can't trust him to tell you something like that, who knows what else he's hiding, she had said. To top it off, the Ministry was going on about international alliances, which as near as Harry could tell just meant that Fudge was trying to get the Ministries on the continent to supply him with additional aurors. Not surprising was this plea for additional manpower since Fudge was having his own aurors do everything from police duty to espionage. The ministry itself had become a virtual fortress and Fudge himself never took two steps without a ring of the most powerful aurors surrounding him with wands drawn.
With only a couple of hours left before time to leave for King's Cross Harry was putting the finishing touches on his trunk. On the advice of Moody he had left his invisibility cloak out just in case the Ministry had someone inspecting luggage for banned items. Harry had repeated his instructions to Kreacher to make sure the evil little elf stayed in line while he was gone.
"Are you finished packing yet Harry?" Remus asked from the doorway.
"Yeah, all done, can you give me a hand?" Harry replied.
Remus flicked his wand and muttered the incantation to send Harry's belongings floating down to the main entrance where Ron, Ginny, and Hermione's trunks already stood. Several Order members had arrived to escort them all to the station, even more than had accompanied them the previous year.
King's Cross was much more subdued than Harry had ever seen it before. Several aurors in crimson colored cloaks were on patrol and some of them were randomly searching people.
"Is that legal?" he hissed to Hermione. She scowled and shook her head, but their escort kept them moving along.
Everyone quietly exchanged good-byes with the Order members before stepping up onto the train. Hermione and Ron headed to the prefect car and Ginny disappeared somewhere; Harry supposed she probably went to sit with some of her classmates. He finally found an empty car and settled down in it, wrapping his robes about him tightly and pulling up the cloak of his hood to cover most of his face. He really didn't feel like being disturbed by anyone so he pretended to sleep. Harry felt the train lurch into motion and a few minutes later the door to his compartment opened up. It was much too soon for Ron and Hermione to be back so Harry chanced a glance out from under his hood. It was a little girl Harry had never seen before, probably a first year he decided. She was peering at him nervously, clearly unsettled by the tall dark figure she was sharing the compartment with as opposed to the cheerfully talking kids that were in the other seats. Harry shifted slightly, his long fingers grabbing a handful of cloak to tighten it around himself even more, and she seemed to flinch uncomfortably.
Harry felt bad that she was so uncomfortable, but he was afraid that if he tried to talk to her she'd get even more frightened. So instead he just sat there, trying not to move, and growing increasingly cramped from staying still. After what seemed like hours the door opened again as Ron and Hermione made it back from the prefects meeting. The little girl let out a squeak and scooted over to the window as Hermione sat down next to her and Ron plopped down by Harry.
"Hello there, what's your name," Hermione asked kindly.
"K-Kira," the little girl replied in a high pitched voice.
"Is this your first time on the train?" she asked.
"Yes, you, you're Hermione Granger," Kira said.
"Er, yeah, I guess I am," Hermione said, somewhat taken aback.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron said pointing to himself before jerking a finger in Harry's direction, "and that's Harry Potter."
Kira's eyes grew large at hearing Harry's name and larger still as Harry pulled his hood down.
"So exactly why were you sitting there like that?" Hermione asked.
"I didn't want people gawking and bothering me," Harry shrugged.
He had barely finished speaking when the door slid back to reveal Draco Malfoy flanked by his goons Goyl and Crabbe. Malfoy was wearing his usual condescending sneer.
"Well, well, if it isn't St. Potter, the mudblood, and the Weasel King. I heard Weasel got made captain of your quiddich team. Good lord Potter, are you really that pathetic or are you just trying to throw him a bone?"
"At least we know Ron didn't buy his way to his positions," Harry retorted. Ron gave him a mixed look, unsure whether to be annoyed that Harry had unwittingly dug him for being poor or pleased that he had implied Malfoy had no talent.
Malfoy moved on smoothly as if Harry hadn't even spoke. "I see that befuddled geezer Dumbledore is still admitting trash. Oh I don't mean you Granger; I was referring to the midget mudblood here. That's right I saw your muggle parents."
Ron looked like he might blow steam from his ears, but before he could say anything Harry flowed gracefully out of his seat so that he stood between a now quivering Kira and Malfoy.
"Are you still going on about the so called purity of blood Malfoy? Its ironic that the champion of purebloods isn't one himself isn't it? Of course we all know that blood doesn't matter with your kind, its power." Harry said vehemently.
Malfoy sputtered for an instant before recovering, "Don't spout drivel you can't understand Potter. The day of reckoning is coming for mudbloods and everyone who supports them."
Harry closed the door as Malfoy stalked off down the corridor toward the Slitherin compartments. He knelt down in front of a sobbing Kira and looked her in the eye.
"Don't listen to anything he says. Who or what your parents are doesn't matter, true nobility comes from your own talent and from the choices you make," he told her.
"What if I'm not good enough though," she sniffed, "I don't know anything about being a witch."
"I didn't know anything about being a wizard either," Harry said consolingly, "besides, Hermione here is just like you, both her parents didn't have any magic and now she's the most powerful witch at Hogwarts. Accomplishments are what matters and if you look at Hermione's accomplishments then she has the purest blood of anyone."
Harry patted her sympathetically and pulled some chocolate out of his cloak that he had been planning to eat later. He broke some off and gave it to her before returning to his seat. Suddenly he was aware that Ron and Hermione were still in the room, both of which were now gaping at him openly. Hermione clutched his hand briefly, her eyes looking especially liquid, but she didn't say anything. Ron looked like he wanted to say something, but settled for a disbelieving shake of his head.
"So Harry, did you know that Luna's a prefect now?" Ron asked.
"No I didn't, did you talk to her any?" he replied.
"Not much, we were busy. She said that her and her dad found those crumple horned snorkack thingies that she's always going on about," Ron said.
"Did they get pictures or something?" Hermione asked skeptically.
"No, she said that they didn't want a bunch of people traipsing around disturbing them and whatnot. Apparently they're fragile or some such." Ron replied.
"I'm sure," Hermione said dryly.
At long last the train arrived and the students began filing off towards the awaiting carriages. Harry shuddered slightly as he saw the ghastly creatures that pulled them. His attention was soon diverted to several first and second years that were sporting some rather unpleasant hexes.
"Someone's been pulling pranks," squeaked some random guy Harry had seen at the Hufflepuff table before. Harry doubted it. It was more likely that Malfoy and his Slitherin goons were already making good their promise to punish muggleborns.
"I have a feeling that the Slythern students are going to be worse than ever this year," Ron said, echoing what Harry was thinking.
The ride up to the castle was uneventful and Harry didn't tarry outside, he took his belongings up to his room immediately so that he could unpack in private. He didn't want any of the other students seeing his books.
As a result Harry got finished unpacking first so he had nothing to do while he waited for the others to get ready for the feast. Harry sat down in one of the common room chairs to wait for Hermione and Ron.
"Comon, or we'll miss the sorting," Hermione said as she bustled down the stairs to the girl's dorm.
"What about Ron?" he asked.
"I'm here, lets go," Ron called from the top of the stairs.
The three hurried down to the main hall that was already starting to get crowded. A timid group of first years were standing in a group waiting for the Sorting. The professors had started to file in and as Harry looked down the row he suddenly stopped in shock. Apparently Hermione had noticed the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at the same time as he did because she kicked him under the table.
"Its Tonks," she whispered as she leaned towards him.
"I'm surprised Dumbledore was able to appoint her. The Ministry must have wanted an auror on the inside this year," Harry reasoned.
Ron started shushing them both as the Sorting Hat finally came to life. Its song was short and even direr than the song it sang during the previous year.
In ages past so long ago Our founders had a mighty foe
Brave Gryffindor his cause just Fair Ravenclaw her wisdom abounded Loyal Hufflepuff did what he must Crafty Slitherin his allegiance sound
Division threatened all the land As poison kills the healthy vine Our founders feared their last stand Yet still they stood to hold the line
Though success be slight Though failure great Embrace the light Or seal your fate
A nervous chatter broke out amongst the students and even the teachers seemed a little put off. Professor McGonagall quickly motioned the first student up and the Sorting began. As usual the split was fairly even with the four houses, though Hufflepuff got more than any other house. Kira, the little girl that Harry had met on the train was sorted into Hufflepuff too.
Headmaster Dumbledore clapped his hands and food appeared much to the delight of everyone assembled. As usual Ron out ate nearly everyone else at Gryffindor table and was the last to finish. Harry watched the teachers and noticed to his relief that Hagrid was sporting far fewer injuries now. Snape looked as sour as ever, McGonagall seemed a bit paler, but the others all seemed pretty much the same as usual. Tonks had her hair down fairly long and it was a very light blonde color that Harry presumed was her natural appearance. He could see the resemblance to the Black family and to Draco, who was also related to her.
"There are a few announcements as usual," Dumbledore said, then paused to let everyone's attention focus on him before continuing.
"As many of you are well aware, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is in fact a very formidable auror from the Ministry, Nymphadora Tonks. The Forbidden Forest is still strictly forbidden and I would advise everyone to stay away from it more than ever this term. In compliance with Ministry edicts I have prepared an extensive list of items which are banned from use by underage and unlicensed wizards. Special note should be made that all personal brooms are banned from the school, everyone will be using the donated equipment in the storage lockers."
Loud mutterings arose from the quiddich players at this point.
"Mr. Flich asks me to remind you all that magic is banned in the hallways and the updated list of banned items can be found on the outside of his office. I wish you all a productive and safe year."
Harry stood up as Ron and Hermione helped gather the first years to escort them to the common room. He went on ahead so as to not get caught up in the crowd and reached the painting only to remember that he didn't know the password. The painting had been open already when he had gone in earlier. Finally someone showed up who knew the password, bollywacks, and let him in. He sat down on the couch again and waited for the prefects to arrive with their charges.
Ron looked thoroughly irritated when he finally came through the door and Harry was sure he caught a few muttered phrases that sounded like "midgets." Hermione had her best prim and proper face on as she told the first years things that were useful for them to know. Harry watched with an amused smirk on his face as they finished showing the first years to their dorms and then came back out looking mildly frazzled.
"Tell me again why I was happy to get this job?" Ron asked.
"It's a very big honor Ron," Hermione said sharply.
"I was just kidding, calm down," Ron said wearily.
Harry glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, "You two fancy a trip to the Room of Requirement?"
"Why?" Ron asked suspiciously.
"Well, we can finally do magic again and Dumbledore thinks it would be a good idea for me to try to teach both of you Occlumency," Harry said.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful Harry, I've been interested in it ever since you started getting lessons," Hermione said.
"I guess we've got a couple hours until curfew," Ron said with resignation in his voice.
The trio slipped out and made their way to the Room of Requirement without incident. Older students were out chattering and relaxing on the only homework free evening that they would have for a while. The Room of Requirement was smaller than when they had D.A. meetings and was furnished with only three chairs around a rectangular table. Harry and Hermione sat down across from each other with Ron observing from the side.
Harry took out his wand and pointed it at Hermione, "Ready?"
Harry had been practicing Legilimency for some time on a theoretical level, but since the skill was so close to Occlumency Harry was certain to be naturally adept at it.
Hermione steeled herself and nodded as Harry waved his wand and said the incantation.
"legilimens!"
Immediately Harry felt his consciousness pulled into Hermione's, but he did not get the same rush of images that he used to get when Snape performed Legilimency on him. Instead he got a large empty space with himself floating in the middle of it. Harry realized that Hermione was shielding her thoughts from him and so he began trying to dispel the illusion of nothingness. Gradually a few images came to him, a small Hermione on a swing, Hermione taking a test, Hermione reading a book, and then he was repelled.
Harry looked at her, she was panting hard and so was he. "Your mind is…very strong."
"Your attack was very strong too," she responded weakly.
"Too strong, you're not a beginner," Harry said.
Hermione gave him a small smile. "I've been reading theory on Occlumency ever since you started taking lessons."
Harry shook his head, "When do you find time to do all this stuff,"
"I'm a fast reader," Hermione shrugged.
"Ok Ron, its your turn," Harry said. Ron switched places with Hermione. After he indicated he was prepared Harry waved his wand.
"legilimens!"
Ron clearly had never practiced Occlumency ever before. A mass of images immediately came to Harry's bidding, a tiny Ron crying, Ron with a teddy bear, Ron being teased by the twins, Molly hugging Ron, and a slew of other memories that Harry could have accessed had he chosen to. Instead he broke off the contact to let Ron rest. His chest was heaving raggedly and he looked like someone had just beaten him for about three hours straight.
"Bloody, what the…no more of that," Ron managed to heave out.
"You can practice, it'll get better," Harry assured him.
"No thanks mate, it felt like my brain was getting blended and I don't need that," Ron said emphatically.
"Ok, we'll take it slowly, but still, please try to empty your mind before sleeping and never look anyone in the eyes if you think they might be a legilimens."
"It might not hurt you to read up on the theory behind Occlumency either," Hermione suggested, "I know some books in the library."
"I'll give it a shot," Ron said grudgingly.
"Please Ron, this is very important, you need to be able to hide your thoughts and Occlumency is useful for breaking things like confundus charms or even the imperius curse." Hermione said earnestly.
"Alright, enough Occlumency, I think we're all worn out with that, so lets practice silent casting with the time we have left," Harry interjected.
"Silent casting?" Hermione said with a shudder as she remembered Dolohov's curse.
"Yeah, Dumbledore couldn't tell me much though, he said it was an art to be discovered not a skill to be taught. The only advice he could give me was to be sure of the effect of the spell I wanted to cast and of the mechanics of casting it." Harry said.
"So that's why you've been so keen to memorize every spell you can get a hold of," Ron said.
"Yeah, basically," Harry said sheepishly. He didn't mention that focusing on spells was the only thing that kept him from going insane with grief for a time.
Harry made a sharp movement with his wand, "Let's try to make a shield charm."
They tried several times, but nothing much happened. Hermione thought she might have seen some silver mist come out of her wand. Harry didn't suppose he could expect much on his first try so when they finally retired for the night he did so with a slight feeling of satisfaction. He would have plenty more opportunities to practice now that he could do magic whenever he wanted and he planned on coming to the Room of Requirement every night he possibly could. In the mean time they all needed to get their sleep, classes started early the next morning.