Disclaimer - JK Rowling and various publishers own the world of Harry Potter. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Thanks to my beta Vettesr, and those kind enough to review.
Chapter 5: On the Train and Hogwarts
The morning of departure for Hogwarts found the Grangers and Harry scrambling to get ready. Emily was so hyper, Hermione thought she would faint from excitement. Harry was trying to stay calm, but was picking up Hermione's emotions, which were almost as wound up as Emily's.
Calm down love, you're making me nervous as well.
I can't help it Harry, Emily is driving me to distraction. Well, we're almost ready, where did we put our new trunks?
I have both of them in my pocket. We should probably have bought one for Emily as well.
Not this year Harry, she wouldn't know enough magic to operate it. Remember how clueless we were the first year, and that was with the bond helping us.
Okay, I guess we're ready, where are your parents?
Oh, here they come, they look almost as nervous as us.
Well, they will be alone for most of the year.
"Are you three ready?" Jean asked. "Let's not be late."
"Yes mum, we just have to load Emily's trunk into the car."
"Hurry then, your father is waiting."
***
Arriving at Kings Cross, the family and Harry walked through to platform Nine and Three-quarters and the waiting Hogwarts express. It was still a thrill for Harry to see the scarlet steam engine and train. A year ago he had no idea what lay in store for him.
Hermione, remember a year ago? Remember how we felt when we met?
Yes Harry, it was the start of the most wonderful time of my life. I wonder what this year will bring?
Remember the warning Dobby gave me. We'd best be on guard for anything. We should start in on those books we got from my parents vault as soon as possible.
After hugs and kisses from Dan and Jean, they made their way to the train.
Boarding the train, the trio found an empty compartment at the rear of the train.
Settling down, they were shortly joined by Ron, Ginny and Neville.
"Hi guys, I see you made it okay," Hermione greeted the newcomers. "This is my sister Emily. Emily, this is Ron Weasley, his sister Ginny and our friend Neville Longbottom."
"Hi Emily," the newcomers chorused.
"This is Ginny's first year as well," Ron said.
"I hope we all end up in the same house," Ginny replied. "Oh, and my friend Luna Lovegood is starting first year as well. She should be along shortly."
Emily hesitantly joined the conversation. "I'm so excited, I've never seen Hogwarts, but from what Hermione and Harry have told me I can't wait."
"I've never seen it either Emily," Ginny exclaimed. "All my brothers have gone there, so I'm the last to see it. We'll be seeing it together for the first time. Oh, here's Luna. Hi Luna, won't you join us? I think there's just enough room. Squeeze over Ron so Luna can sit between us."
Hello Ronald, Ginny, Neville. Won't you introduce me to the rest?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Ginny apologized, "Luna Lovegood, meet Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and her sister Emily."
"Hello Luna," the trio chorused. "Welcome to the group," Harry greeted.
The train gave a loud whistle and started its departure. Hermione, Emily and Harry waved goodbye to her parents. The Weasleys waved to Molly and Neville waved to his Gran. Luna managed a quick wave to her father, and then they all settled down.
As the train left the city and headed for the countryside, the scenery grew from big city to rolling hills and then wild countryside. It was a pleasant day, with fluffy clouds and brilliant sun. Soon Hermione was dozing on Harry's shoulder and Harry wrapped his arm around her protectively.
This was not lost on Ginny, who winced. Luna struck up a conversation with Ron, and Neville joined in.
Harry closed his eyes, relishing the closeness of Hermione and the sweet scent of her hair.
Emily engaged Ginny in conversation, asking about her family. Eventually Ginny loosened up and the tenseness left her as they gossiped. Luna eventually joined in their conversation as well, getting to know Emily.
Ron noticed that Luna seemed different somehow, but couldn't put his finger on just what it was. Certainly she had grown since they last saw each other, and was quite pretty. Something about her manner was different as well. She seemed more assured of herself.
Neville, although talking and listening to Ron and Luna, kept glancing at Emily and Ginny. `Both of those girls are cute,' he thought. `I wonder what there're like. Emily seems shy like me, and I've met Ginny before. She seems more vibrant than I remember though…'
Meanwhile, both Ginny and Emily were sneaking glances at Neville.
`Neville seems to have grown up quite a bit since I last saw him,' thought Ginny. `He doesn't seem quite so shy anymore. Hogwarts seems to have given him confidence and he's lost a lot of weight as well. Actually, he looks quite handsome.'
Emily also was thinking. `Neville seems like a really nice boy. I wonder if he's taken already. Maybe I can get to know him and become friends with him. Ron seems to be a bit loud and Luna looks like she might fancy him already. Oh, right, they did mention that they know each other. Neville, on the other hand, is quiet like me and quite cute.'
Harry, I think Ginny and Emily are eyeing Neville. This could get awkward if they both chase him.
Mmm? Harry thought sleepily. What? Neville and Ginny was the plan. Emily could get hurt if Ginny decides she wants to get to know Neville as we hoped. What do you think, Hermione? Is Emily looking at how well we get along and wanting to… you know… get to know Neville better? They're a bit young to notice things like that yet. They're not like us, with magic pushing us early.
Oooh, I hope not. Emily has always been quite shy, but she's strong willed. It runs in the family. We may have to rethink the plan.
Ron seems to be paying a bit more attention to Luna. Maybe we could encourage Ron so that he doesn't feel left alone so much. Ron's a bit dense though. He needs to mature a bit, but we can maybe nudge him a bit.
***
Later on the train, Malfoy and his thuggish goons stopped by. Looking in their compartment, he commented: "Potter and his mudblood and the blood traitors. What a sorry sight. You'd think that Longbottom at least, would have sense enough to…"
Seven wands were immediately drawn and pointed at Draco and his friends.
"I'd be careful who you try to insult, Malfoy!" Harry and Hermione said together.
Harry continued, "I think we aught to teach them better manners, don't you, guys?"
Malfoy and his two sycophants made a hasty retreat and fled down the corridor before anything could be done to them. It was a near thing though, Ron, Harry and Hermione were on the verge of hexing them, and it would have been nasty. Harry and Hermione had already joined hands and the power radiating off them was truly frightening.
Harry, we have to calm down! The others haven't seen so much power radiating from us before!
Taking deep breaths, they settled down and the power aura disappeared.
"What was that?" Neville and Ron exclaimed together. "You two had this weird glow surrounding you!" Ron exclaimed. "The air seemed to get really heavy and I could hardly breathe. Even the lights flickered and dimmed!"
"Guys, this was our b…magic asserting itself. We've both increased our magical abilities over the last year, and when we hold hands, the power increases dramatically. We have to be very careful we don't lose control. I think we could have blasted a hole in the train without really trying," Harry explained.
Hermione, I almost let slip to Ginny and Luna that we were bonded! How are we going to keep this secret?
I think we'll have to bring them in of the secret as well. This is getting a bit out of hand Harry.
We'll have to find a way to bind our secret to those that we tell. There must be a charm. I hate to do that, but if the rest of the school finds out, it could mean trouble. I think those books we got from our vault might be able to help.
***
As soon as the train arrived, they made their way to the castle. Emily, Ginny and Luna joined the rest of the first years, as Hagrid led them to the boats. The rest loaded into carriages for the short trip around the lake to Hogwarts.
When they were seated, they waited patiently for the sorting ceremony. The Hat sang its song and the sorting began.
Ginny was quickly sorted into Gryffindor and joined her brothers at the table.
Luna took a long time with the Hat. Finally the Hat shouted Ravenclaw. Luna looked disappointed, but brightened when the Hat also sorted Emily into Ravenclaw.
`Ravenclaw,' Emily thought, `I thought I'd be with Hermione and Harry in Gryffindor. At least Luna was sorted into the same house.'
Harry? Emily was just sorted into Ravenclaw! The Hat almost put me in Ravenclaw last year. I wonder why?
She must be smart, just like you, but not as brave. Remember the Patil twins were also split up the same way.
At least Luna can keep an eye out for her. They seemed to get along on the train.
After the feast, they all headed off the bed.
Emily and Luna were quietly talking as Hermione and Harry caught up with them.
"Hi you two," Hermione greeted the pair. "Can you two look after each other, since we don't really know anyone in Ravenclaw? Maybe we can find some time to talk tomorrow."
"Oh, Hermione, we'll be alright," Emily stated. "Luna and I have loads to talk about. We'll look out for each other."
Whew, that's a relief Harry. I sometimes worry about my sister, maybe too much.
No, love, it's right to worry. This isn't a normal school, remember. Lots of things can happen, remember last year. And remember Dobby's warning.
***
Harry and Hermione stayed in the common room talking until late. It had been a long day and they eventually made their way to their beds, falling asleep almost at once. A soft glow started to build around each of them, unnoticed by either. The school was starting to take an active part in protecting the pair. Deep in the school something else had awoken from a long sleep.
***
The next morning, Neville was first to wake and prodded Ron, Dean, Seamus and Harry. As he approached Harry's bed to wake him, he was thrown back, startling him. Harry awoke with a start and the glow faded.
"What the bloody hell was that, Harry? I ended up on my arse as soon as I tried to wake you."
"Dunno mate," Harry replied sleepily.
Dean and Seamus were up, looking at Neville on the floor. "What happened Neville?" Dean asked.
"There was this weird golden glow surrounding Harry, and when I tried to poke Harry, I was thrown back and landed on the floor."
Hermione! Wake up love!
Mmmf, Harry, what's up?
Be careful, there seems to be a protection around us while we sleep. Don't let your dorm mates try to wake you. Neville ended up on his arse when he tried to poke me awake.
Oh! I'm awake now, I don't see anything.
Neville says he saw a golden glow around me before I woke up.
This bond thing is starting to get complicated, Harry. Let's talk about this later, I'll meet you in the common room after I shower.
"Guys, I think it's some kind of protection that my magic is producing to protect me while I sleep. I've never had anything like that happen before, so I don't know how it happened. Maybe it would be a good idea to just call me in the morning if I'm not up. I usually get up pretty early anyway, it's just that I stayed up late last night and was pretty knackered when I went to bed."
Ron, and Neville took this news well, since they knew about the bond. Dean and Seamus looked worried and puzzled. Harry knew there would be more questions but hoped to avoid telling the pair about the bond. He knew he couldn't avoid that much longer, never mind that Hermione would be facing the same problem.
After a shower, Harry went down to meet Hermione for breakfast.
***
At breakfast, Professor McGonagall indicated that she would like a word with them after breakfast in her office. She then proceeded to hand out the term schedules.
Harry and Hermione looked at one another.
What do you think she wants Harry?
I wonder if Professor Dumbledore noticed the shield I produced in my dorm this morning? Maybe that's what she wants to talk about.
No, I think the Headmaster himself would have wanted to talk about that.
I don't know Hermione, I guess we'll find out soon. So what do we have first class?
Hmm, looks like Herbology, then Transfiguration this morning.
After breakfast, they made their way up to the professor's office. Entering, they were surprised to see the Headmaster there as well.
"Well Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," the Headmaster greeted, "I hope you both had a good vacation. I see the wards at Privet Drive are properly recharged. I hope the Dursleys weren't too unpleasant this year."
"Thank you sir, My Uncle was his usual horrible self, but strangely, Aunt Petunia seemed much nicer this year, and managed to keep him and my cousin away from us."
"Sir, my parents had us for several weeks, and we thoroughly enjoyed the time together," Hermione replied.
"Umm, Sir," Harry started hesitantly, "One more unusual thing happened on vacation. While we were at the beach, we were able to breathe underwater: the first time, for about ten minutes and at the end of a week for as long as an hour, as long as our hands were connected. A sort of green glow surrounded us.
"This morning Neville tried to wake me up and was thrown away, landing on the floor. He said a golden glow surrounded me. Sir, I didn't do anything to create that, what happened?
"Ah, Harry, that was why we wanted to see you two. I detected a protective spell forming around each of you last night. It seemed to originate within the school's protective wards. I think Hogwarts itself is taking an active part in protecting you while you sleep.
"One other thing Harry and Hermione, your bond is being noticed by others. Even Draco Malfoy has noticed that you two are much more powerful than you should be for your age. The school can protect you while you sleep, but if knowledge of your bond makes it to the general school population, I fear there will be trouble. I don't want either of you two traveling alone. Some of the older students may take it upon themselves to try to harm you. As your bond develops, there may be other effects you may encounter. Some of them may be harmful to other students. I suggest you tread carefully. It's unfortunate that your sister Emily was sorted into a different house where you can't always keep an eye on her. I will see that the Ravenclaw prefects watch out for her."
"Thank you sir," Hermione replied. "Luna Lovegood has made friends with Emily and the two will look out for each other as well."
"Now Harry, I proposed putting you and Hermione in a separate dormitory when the bond develops a bit farther. Professor McGonagall doesn't think this is a good idea, as it will tend to isolate you from your friends. When you fully bond, it will become a necessity, but hopefully that won't happen anytime soon.
"Telling me about the underwater breathing, leads me to believe that the bond is developing in ways not predictable, and is rapidly becoming a very powerful bond. So much so, that any new ability you notice, I want you to report to us as soon as possible. We may have to move quickly if it endangers the student populace.
"Sir, Hermione and I would like to be close to our friends, is there a way we can ensure the secret is kept from speading? I'm thinking we'll have to tell our dorm mates, as well as Ginny Weasley and Luna," Harry asked.
"Why Miss Weasley, Harry?"
"Uh… it's a personal thing, sir. Ginny has a crush on me, and it could be dangerous unless it's explained to her. Our magic might hurt her if she tries to interfere in our relationship."
"I see… that could be awkward. This seems to be getting a bit out of control. I can suggest a Wizards Oath that may solve the problem. Anyone taking the oath is bound by it and will be unable to break it. It is a bit dangerous however. The wording must be precise so as not to endanger anyone taking the oath, for it could destroy the person attempting to break the oath. Professor McGonagall will administer the oath if you wish."
"That could work sir, thank you," Hermione replied. "We'll arrange a meeting with our dorm mates, Ginny and Luna, perhaps on Saturday, if that would be alright?
"That would be fine Miss Granger," Minerva replied. "I think that is all we need to discuss at this time. I'll write a note to let Professor Sprout know why you're late for class."
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