Stone Angels

Stone Angels

Daddy

Remus, Bill, and Charlie stumbled from the fireplace within the flat shared by Fred and George. To their surprise, they found the ginger haired men sitting before the fire with their noses stuck in charms and potions journals. Bill gasped out the reason for their appearance. Without hesitation they led the way to Madam Patil’s shop.

“They’re in there,” whispered Fred.

“I bet they know something is up,” added George. “Parvati’s been making weird but true predictions all summer.”

“That’s probably why Voldemort want the Patil’s,” said Remus thoughtfully.

“Could be, someone approached Madam Patil, earlier this summer, about joining the Death Eaters,” frowned George. “Padma was in a right state after it happened. She seemed to think that they’d be back.”

“We were inclined to agree,” Continued Fred. “Look down the street.”

“Can you keep them busy for five minutes?” questioned George with sudden seriousness.

“What are you planning?” asked Charlie.

“Apparition tag,” deadpanned Fred.

“Never played,” said Remus softly.

“They created it when they were two and a half,” explained Bill quickly. “They figured out how to apparate even then. Together the four of us figured out to hide apparition signatures.” Bill looked at Charlie and Remus closely before turning to his younger brothers, “Go, you have five minutes.”

With a nod to Bill, Fred and George apparated into the family room, “Ready Gred?”

“Always Forge.” They cast silencing charms on their shoes. “You take their mother I’ll grab the girls.”

Fred quickly made his way into the bedroom of the twin girls. Without thought, the seasoned prankster cast a silencing charm on the room and moved to wake Parvati. He was about to lay his hand on her shoulder when chocolate eyes snapped open.

“They’re coming,” she whispered fearfully.

“I know, get dressed and pack what you want to keep. I’ll wake Padma.” Fred ordered.

“I didn’t want to believe,” she babbled, “I saw but didn’t want to think that we were in danger.”

Fred turned away from the distressed seer to find her sister awake and pulling robes over her pajamas. “Did you hear?”

“Yes.” She reached into the drawer of her bed stand and removed something he couldn’t see. “We’re all packed. I packed after Parvati went to bed. She didn’t want to believe but I wanted to be prepared. Where’s George?”

“Waking your mother,” he responded before placing silencing spells on their shoes. “Gather your things, we have to leave in two minutes.”


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George moved quickly through the house towards Madam Patil’s room. Once inside quickly shook the older woman awake, “Madam Patil, we must get moving. Death Eaters are coming for your family tonight.”

“Parvati warned us,” she said summoning robes and a packed trunk from her closet.

“Do you have everything?” he asked very seriously.

“Yes, what about Padma and Parvati?”

“Fred’s gathering them. Are you ready? Our first apparition is in three minutes.”

“How sure are you that this will work?” asked Remus taking point.

“It will work but we’ll pay for it in the morning,” explained Bill while watching Remus enlarge his scythe. “How many times have you apparated in a row before this?”

“No more than once or twice,” answered Remus.

“We’ve got company,” warned Charlie.

“Fred and George can apparate nearly fifty times before they drop from exhaustion,” finished Bill. He dropped back to stand beside Charlie just behind Remus. “They’ll disapparate then we’ll follow. The Death Eater will follow us rather than them. Then, it’s just a matter of out apparating them.”


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A glaring orange curse flew past them drawing them out of their conversation. Bill cast a steady flow of shielding and reflecting charms with long practiced ease. Beside him, Charlie threw hexes, meant to control Dragons, with frightening accuracy. The group of nearly ten Death Eaters dodged and blocked curse after curse. One unfortunate Death Eater crept slowly forward, completely unaware of Lupin’s weapon or uncaring. With one strike the man fell at their feet.

Fred, George, and the Patil family met in back in the family room.

“Ready?” asked Fred.

“Where are we going?” asked Madam Patil softly.

“We can’t share that,” answered George.

“Time,” said Fred grabbing Padma and Parvati by the hand.

George nodded and they apparated away, Patil’s in tow.


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Bill cursed as Remus barely deflected a particularly nasty curse. Suddenly, he felt the tell tale sign of his brothers apparating, “Time to go, gentlemen. The first stop is that empty field near the Burrows.”

Without questioning further, the three men apparated which obliterated the first apparition signature.


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Fred and George were exhausted by the time the appeared on the doorstep of Madam Longbottom. To their great relief, the light was on and a stern woman with two restorative potions greeted them.

“How did you know?” questioned one of the ginger twins.

“Lupin asked Poppy to Floo call me.” She looked sadly at the small family, “Come along Ashima, let’s get you settled. Fred and George will be required to make the last trip with your girls.”

“Where are they going?” questioned the shell-shocked woman.

“They’re going to join several of their classmates at Rose Haven and they’ll make the trip to Hogwarts from there.”

“Will they be safe?” Madam Patil moved to pull her daughters to her but after a quick hug they pulled away.

“Mum, we’ll be okay,” comforted Padma, “We’ll be safest at Rose Haven and Hogwarts.”

“Rose Haven,” murmured Ashima.

“We have to go,” said George softly, “We’re about ready to fall.”

“Be safe, Mum,” whispered Parvati before she kissed her mothers cheek.

“We love you,” added Padma before kissing the other cheek.

“We’ll see you for the holidays,” promised Parvati as she and her sister rejoined the Weasley twins.

Without another word, the two boys apparated with the girls in tow. When they appeared within the hedge maze they found themselves face to face with a pair of yellow eyes. Fred and George nearly dropped as Minerva McGonagall transformed from her animagus form.

“Is anyone injured?” asked McGonagall softly.

“No, Ma’am,” answered Parvati. “They’re exhausted. We must have apparated at least forty times in the last two hours.”

“Forty-seven times actually,” moaned Fred.

“Mum’s gonna kill us when she hears,” groaned George, “We weren’t supposed to apparate that many times without rest.”

“She will understand. Now, let’s get inside so you can rest. You have a train to catch in the morning.”

“What happened to Bill, Charlie, and Remus?” asked Fred.

“They’re safely within Hogwarts. Poppy is taking care of them.”


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Consciousness was slow in its efforts to take him but with each step towards wakefulness came the waves of pain associated with his injuries. He didn’t want to remember who he was, or how he was injured yet some part of him demanded that he know. Slowly, dark beetle black eyes opened to find a cloud of frizzy curls.

“How are you feeling?” asked a familiar voice.

Professor Severus Snape looked up and grimaced at his mother as everything slowly fell back into place. “Like I’ve been run down by the Knight Bus. What is she doing here?”

“She watched over you while Molly and I dealt with her wayward sons. She had fallen asleep by the time we returned and I didn’t want to wake her.”

“Madam Snape,” questioned Hermione groggily.

“Why don’t you go get a shower, Hermione,” smiled Molly Weasley as she placed several potions on the table, “Breakfast will be ready soon.”

“Yes, okay,” mumbled the sleepy young woman.

“She’s definitely not a morning person,” commented Severus.

“She’ll be better once she’s had a shower and breakfast,” warned Molly.

“Well, how bad is it this time?” grumped Snape as he surveyed the amount of visible tremble to his hand.

“How long were you under?” questioned his mother.

“I’m not sure,” he glared at Molly before continuing, “I think I blacked out after eighteen minutes. I don’t know how long I was unconscious or how long he continued the curse.”

Madam Snape smiled and handed him the first of several potions, “Drink up, and don’t complain. They came from your own stores.”

“Do you want the good news or the bad news?” asked Molly with a concerned look at Serenity.

“Just get it over with,” he snapped between potions. “I don’t plan on being in this bed all day.”

“There’s no permanent damage this time,” began Molly, “but your body can’t take much more of this abuse. The curse is slowly building up your system to fall. This immunity like state you’ve reached is not a good sign.” She took a deep breath and refused to meet Serenity’s eyes, “sustained exposure is not an option, Severus. Another experience or two like this one and it will kill you.”

“You need to quit spying, Severus,” said Serenity darkly. “I’ll not loose another son to that mad man.”

“We need the information,” replied Snape, “I have a duty to fulfill. Besides, there is no walking away from this until the end. If I try, they’ll kill me.”

“There is no duty, Severus. You have no obligation to fix what Sai did. He made his choice just as you did. Any damage he could have done in his six months as a Death Eater you’ve more than made up for in your seventeen years as a spy.”

“I stopped doing this for Sai a long time ago, Mother,” hissed Severus. “Did it ever occur to you that I was trying to protect her? I bloody well couldn’t have her but I was going to protect her. I failed at that but I won’t let him have the only link that’s left to her.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop to arctic extremes as her midnight eyes focused on him, “I forbid it! I forbid you from returning to his side.”

“Then forbid it!” roared Severus before his voice became little more than a whisper, “I’ll protect him in any way I can, I can’t fail him the way I failed her.”

“You’ve hated him all these years.” Hermione’s pained voice startled them but she continued, “Why? If you truly wanted to protect him why hate him?”

Eyes so blue that they appeared black met hers before he replied, “He looked so much like his father, a man that tormented me far worse than Draco ever tormented you, but every time I looked at him I saw her eyes. Even in his treatment of others he was more like her than James.”


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Taking a portkey to platform 9 ¾ was a jumbled affair. Trunks were shrunk and dropped into bottomless bags while Molly Weasley ordered everyone to eat. Rooms were double and triple checked for forgotten items. Finally at ten everyone was ready. Professor McGonagall appeared with an ugly red and green tie.

“Does everyone have their walkie-talkie’s on?” asked Hermione fretfully.

McGonagall waited patiently for everyone to nod their affirmation before holding up the hideous striped and polka dotted tie for them to take hold of, “Everyone ready?” she barely waited for their affirmation, “Good, Summers End.”

Harry held one hand tightly over Titania’s and gripped the tie in the other. Across from them he could see Draco grimace before the hook snagged his belly button and the world fell away. When they appeared again, Harry somehow managed to stay on his feet. On his right, Titania giggled wildly. Draco stood tall and pale, one elegant hand pressed tightly to his mouth. His eyes were squeezed close as he waited for the nausea to pass. A little ways away Hermione rubbed Arianna’s back while she lost her breakfast.

“I’m sorry Mr. Malfoy,” Professor McGonagall said softly, “Portkey is the easiest way to transport a group this size. Take your time and collect yourself. The train leaves in an hour.”

“I’m okay Professor,” sighed Draco, “When Arianna’s ready we can go.”

“We’re ready,” said Arianna with a weak smile.

“Gather around everyone,” said Minerva sternly. “We are across the street from Kings Cross Station. We will cross together and enter the station together. Molly and I will stay with you until everyone is through the barrier. You are to board the train directly and go the apprentice cabin. Dean, Seamus, and Susan will join you there. Do try to stay out of trouble.”

“Yes, Professor,” they chorused.

“Come along then,” Professor McGonagall led the way as though they were a bunch of first years going to the sorting. As a group, they crossed the busy street and made their way into Kings Cross Station. Once inside, they quickly made their way towards the barrier. They were nearly there when Arianna tugged on Professor McGonagall’s sleeve.

“Professor, look.” Arianna directed the stern woman towards a young girl sitting on the end of her trolley crying. On top of the trunk was a cage containing a great horned owl.

Professor McGonagall immediately recognized the girl as one of the Muggle born students, “Why don’t you go see if she would like some help.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” replied Arianna before she grabbed Violet by the hand and pulled her over to the crying girl.

“Excuse us,” said Violet boldly, “Can we help you?”

Short honey colored hair bounced around her tear stained face as the girl looked up. “I can’t find the platform, my Mum already left, and I’m gonna miss the train,” she replied with a sniffle.

“I’m Arianna and this is Violet. My guess is that you’re going to Hogwarts.” She waited for the girl to sniffle and nod, “We’re going too. Our older sisters are seventh years. Would you like to join us?”

“Thank you,” said the girl trying to wipe her tears away. “My name is Seana.”

“Are you ready?” asked Professor McGonagall.

“Yes, Professor,” answered Violet. “Seana was lost but now she’s not.”

Seana’s eyes got wide when she saw the large group, “Are you all students?”

“Professor McGonagall and Professor Weasley are escorting us to the train,” explained Arianna. “We’re the only first years in the group. They’re all seventh years.”

Professor McGonagall stopped them at the barrier between platforms nine and ten, “Is everyone ready?”

“Quickly now,” said Molly, “the notice-me-not is beginning to wear down.”

Seana, Violet, and Arianna watched wide-eyed as several of the older students ran through the wall. When only Hermione, Pansy, and Blaise were left, Arianna spoke.

“Hermione, it’s a wall,” she whispered in shock.

“That’s just an illusion,” Pansy assured them.

“Do it at a bit of a run if you’re nervous,” added Molly Weasley with a smile.

“I… I read about this in a book,” stuttered Seana pushing her trolley slightly forward. She looked at the other two first years, “How about we do this together. All three of us push the trolley.”

“That’s a good idea,” said Arianna nervously grabbing the handle.

Violet took a deep breath before grabbing the handle, “Let’s go.”

“Were we that nervous first year?” questioned Pansy.

“Draco and I had a bet on who would pass out first,” smirked Blaise.

“Who won?” asked Hermione approaching the barrier.

“I did.”


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The platform was nearly empty when Hermione arrived. With nearly an hour left before the train would leave it gave the perfect opportunity to decide what to do.

“I expect this year will be more dangerous than the last six. I’m not saying to distrust your classmates but be careful whom you trust. Stick together and keep your radio’s on.”

“We’re going to stick with the three of you,” said Blaise holding Pansy’s hand.

“That seems safest,” agreed Hermione. “I’m a little worried about running into Crabbe and Goyle.”

Draco smirked, “You only really need to watch out for Knott. Vince and Greg came up with that gorilla act to avoid getting the mark.”

“I’ve always wondered how they ended up in Slytherin,” said Harry leading the way into their compartment. As he walked, Titania whimpered in his arms. By the time they were sitting in the compartment, large tears were running down her cheeks. “What’s wrong honey?”

Titania clung to Harry and hiccupped. Harry leaned back and tried to see her face. He watched helplessly as her small mouth opened and closed silently. After several minutes she buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed herself to sleep.

“What was that all about?” asked Parvati before adding, “Where’d she come from?”

Harry rubbed the child’s back while answering, “She’s the only survivor of Godric’s Hollow. Her entire family died there, so I’m adopting her.”

“How old is she?” asked Padma.

“She’s three,” he replied.

All eyes turned to the door when it opened to admit Seamus and Dean. Both men appeared to be exhausted. Without saying a word, they placed shrunken trunks on the shelf and collapsed in their seats. As they sat, leaning against on another, Ron broke the silence.

“You look like you haven’t slept in months,” proclaimed Ron.

“We’ve had a rough summer,” sighed Dean.

“Speak for yourself, I didn’t spend the whole summer worrying about hiding our relationship,” groaned Seamus.

“I didn’t know it was acceptable in the Wizarding world!” protested the other man.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” questioned Ron.

“Muggles aren’t usually as accepting as Wizards, Ron,” explained Hermione. She turned her gaze on the two young men, “Let me guess, you spent last night making up for lost time.”

“Can I make one suggestion before this goes any further?” asked Blaise before any details were revealed, “Don’t ask. Don’t tell.”

“I’ll second that!” exclaimed Ron.

“Okay,” said Dean confused, “Harry, did you know Draco, Blaise, and Pansy were in here?”

“Yeah,” replied Harry, “They refused the mark and joined us.”

“Welcome to the light side!” proclaimed Seamus, “If you need something a little harder than Butterbeer, just come to me. Professor McGonagall would be proud, if it wasn’t against the rules.”

“I’m the one all the Slytherins go to for hangover remedies,” grinned Blaise.

“We could be great friends,” Seamus said thoughtfully, “Hermione won’t make them for us.”

“No, I made them for people who ask for them and didn’t try to trick me into eating something from Fred and George.”

The door to the compartment slid open admitting a very shy Susan Bones. “Professor McGonagall said I should sit in here and get to know everyone better.”

“Come on in Susan,” said Hermione before pushing Ron over to make room.

“How are you Susan?” asked Harry remembering that her mother was one of the missing.

“Okay, thank you for asking,” she glanced curiously at Titania but didn’t ask.

“Shall we get down to business now or wait until after the prefect meeting?” asked Ginny suddenly.

“Now I think,” said Hermione as the train left the station. She drew her wand and cast several locking and silencing charms on the door before continuing, “Susan, last year you offered to help the DA more. Are you willing to extend that to something a little more important?”

“What do you mean?” she asked softly.

“The war has begun as I’m sure you’ve guessed,” explained Harry. “This child is the only survivor from Godric’s Hollow. I’m positive that Voldemort will attack Hogwarts. The problem is that as far as we know, the defenses at Hogwarts haven’t changed since Grindelwald was in power.”

“But that means all or most of the Death Eaters know,” she said horrified.

“Yes,” Harry continued, “We have begun plans to fix that.”

“What do you need me to do?” There was a fire in her eyes that Harry knew well.

“We’re setting up several lines of defense,” began Hermione, “the fifth and sixth years will protect the first through fourth years. The goal is to get the younger years into several sanctuary’s we’ve chosen.”

“How will the students reach their sanctuary?” she murmured thoughtfully. “What about the seventh years?”

“If the Death Eaters attack, we fight with the Professors,” explained Ron.

“I’ve solved the how,” smirked Hermione, “Have you ever wondered what would happen if you made a person a password activated portkey?” I did the research and testing last year. The students will be their own portkeys.”

“But portkeys can be traced,” protested Pansy.

“That’s what everyone thinks,” said Hermione. “Remember how I altered Protego to create Mihi Custos, it wasn’t the only spell I altered,” admitted Hermione.

“We’re also going to have a select group protecting Hospital wing,” added Ron, “If fighting breaks out you, Madam Pomfrey, and Draco will be depended on to handle injuries.”

“Luna and I will begin choosing and training the Elite Guard during this first week. We will be testing the DA at our first meeting.” Ginny reached carefully into her pocket and pulled out a black velvet bag. When she poured the contents into her hand seven pendants fell into her hand. “I had Fred and George get them.”

Harry picked up the tiny silver disk and examined it closely. On the front was a wand crossing a lightning bolt with the letters EG on either side of it. When he flipped it over in his hand he could barely make out the writing on the back. “These are great, Ginny. What do they say on the back?”

“Loyalty, strength, faith, hope, protection, and wisdom,” murmured Ginny.

“Good,” he replied thoughtfully before turning to the three Slytherins, “What’s the status of Slytherin house? Is there any chance that we’ll find support there?”

“Slytherin house is probably more on your side than you know,” said Draco carefully. “Many of us are supporting our families while praying to any god that will listen that you win. Too many of us have seen what Voldemort is doing to our parents and want nothing to do with bowing before a madman. I know of several people that are planning on running away at Christmas, before they mark the new Death Eaters. Slytherin House may very well cease to exist if things get too bad.”

“What if we give them a sanctuary?” asked Hermione, “If I open Rose Haven to those people who have no where else to go, would they stay?”

“Maybe, but they are all afraid,” said Pansy, “The girls are especially afraid. Voldemort has taken to claiming some of us. We are supposed to make up his private harem and our fathers are proud to offer us up.”

“Very few women actually take the mark,” added Draco, “Aunt Bella and Mother are the exception. They embraced the Death Eaters whole heartedly.”

“If there are more necklaces, I’ll remove them,” said Harry with great determination. “I want the three of you to extend an invitation to people you trust. Anyone that wants to escape or join us is welcome to. We’re going to be having DA meeting in the Room of Requirement every Thursday night. Make sure that they know to stagger their approach. We meet from seven to midnight. Draco, can you put together a group of Slytherins to keep the peace within the house?”

“I know just the group,” smirked Draco with a hint of his old devilish self.

“Good, Ginny marked her group so find a way to identify your group,” grinned Harry.

“Ginny, do you have any extra chains there?” asked Draco.

“How many do you need?” she inquired.

“Six should do it.” He took the chains from her and quickly transfigured each one into an ourobouro with emeralds for eyes. With a smile of satisfaction, he handed one to Pansy and one to Blaise before putting his own on. “Was Millie planning on coming back?” he asked Pansy seriously.

“At least until Christmas,” admitted Pansy, “She was planning on running to the U.S. with Vince and Greg.”

“If we can convince them, that’s our team,” said Draco before looking at his watch, “We should get ready for the Prefects meeting.”

“You’re right,” Pansy sighed. “You ready for this Weasley?”

“Yeah, you ready Parkinson?”

“Bring it on,” She sneered but the act was destroyed when they both broke out into fits of laughter.

When everyone was finally calming down and wiping tears from their eyes, Harry spoke up, “‘Mione, Where’s Arianna and Violet?”

“Two compartments up, across from the boy with green spikes. I think history has repeated itself if a slightly different story. When I left them, the three were talking as though they’ve know each other all their lives.”

“Yeah, but she’s going to need friends that she can trust.” He shifted Titania in his arms as he stood, “They’re going to watch Titania while we’re at the meeting.”

“Why not bring her to the meeting?” asked Ron.

“That’s easy,” Blaise smirked. “People are going to be asking a lot of questions once she’s been spotted. We won’t get anything done. If he keeps her presence under wraps until we get to Hogwarts, we might even be able to clean some of the trash out of the Prefects compartment.”

“Specifically a nasty smelling piece known as Theo Knott,” added Draco. “Knott is dangerous. His Father is a Death Eater and I’m positive that he took the mark two years ago.”

“What makes him so dangerous?” asked Neville.

“He likes to see others suffer,” explained Pansy, “I wouldn’t put it past him to torture small animals and children.”

“We’re going to be late,” warned Hermione.

“We’re ready.” Harry hefted Titania gently in his arms and opened the compartment door.

They followed, talking softly among themselves, as Harry and Titania walk out the compartment door and down the aisle way, drawing curious look after curious look from younger students and year mates. Titania hides her face in Harry’s neck; her warm gentle breathes making him smile at the thought that he was now ‘Daddy’ to a three-year-old child. At the compartment Hermione indicated, he stopped and knocked politely.

Violet opened the door looking very angry. “Oh, it’s just you,” she sighed. “We thought you were that boy from across the aisle. He said that we can’t play Quidditch because we’re girls.” She crossed her arms and glared through the window to the boy with green spikes and a beaters bat.

“What did you do after he said that?” asked Ginny. Ron cringed at the dangerous glint in her eyes.

“I hexed him and told him that we could play Quidditch just as good as the boys,” admitted Violet.

“Good girl.” Ginny covered her mouth with one hand before adding, “Oops, I mean, you shouldn’t hex people.”

“Can you two watch Titania for about an hour?” asked Harry smiling.

“Yes, but can Seana help us?” asked Arianna.

“Sure,” said Harry. He sat Titania down on the bench and knelt in front of her, “I’ve got to go to a meeting, be good for Arianna, Violet, and Seana.” He turned back to the three girls, “Make sure she eats at least a quarter of a sandwich before she gets any sweets.” He handed Arianna a handful of Galleons. “Don’t forget to try the licorice wands.”

“Thank you, Harry,” chorused the girls.

The large group of prefects made a mad dash from the end of the train towards the engine. They were the last to arrive in the Prefects cabin.

“So, Pansy, who’d you fuck to gain that title?” hissed Theo Knott as she passed.

Pansy whirled on her year mate, “Unlike some people, I don’t have to resort to that sort of thing.”

“No, you’ve just been a Malfoy lapdog since you were eleven,” he sneered maliciously, “You’re all traitors.”

“Better a traitor than a slave,” spat Blaise.

“I am no slave,” raged Knott before he attempted to punch the curly haired boy.

Blaise easily blocked the punch and in one swift movement had Knott pinned to the wall with on arm twisted behind him. “By definition a slave bows in fear before another and must do their bidding. If they are given a task and they fail, they will be punished. Does it sound familiar?”

“Knott, you’re out of here. Turn in your Prefect badge and report to detention with Filch Friday night,” ordered Ron.

“You can’t do that!” protested Knott angrily.

“Actually,” began Hermione, “he can.”

“Is there anyone else that shares his views?” asked Pansy with a dangerous glare.

“It’s true then,” said Millicent Balustrade, “You’ve chosen a side.”

“We weren’t given much of a choice, Millie,” Draco informed.

“When the meeting is over, can we talk?” she asked. Draco looked closely at the seemingly haunted girl.

“Yes,” answered Draco, “We have a lot to talk about. Bring the two lumps too.”

“Is there anyone else that supports Voldemort?” asked Harry.

Ron waited for everyone to answer before taking over, “Good, cause it’s time that we try to put the school rivalries behind us. Everyone pair up with someone from another house.”

Everyone stood looking at him as though confused until Draco broke the stupor, “Please, it’s not that hard. Potter, we’re partners.” He grabbed the snickering teen by his robes and pulled.

“Ron?” asked Pansy.

“Sure, why not,” grinned the red head.

Ginny looked at Luna and grinned, “Shall we?”

“Of course,” she replied with a dreamy smile, “although, you realize we’re going to be a dangerous team.”

“Shhh,” Ginny hushed her, “You’re not supposed to tell them yet.”

Ron watched as all of the prefects paired up, “Okay, seventh years, you’re patrol covers the whole school. You’ll rotate the hours and always work with your partner.”

“Sixth years, you’ll patrol the classrooms including the dungeon,” said Pansy as she handed out papers. “Fifth years, you’ll patrol around the dorms. Stick to the houses your in and everyone is to stay with their partner.”

“The goal this year is to encourage house unity,” said Ron. “The honest truth is that there is a war beginning. The constant fighting, which has been going on since the founding of this school, is dangerous to us. We should be working to protect each other and the younger years.”

A tiny voice spoke up from the back of the room, “That’s the problem though. The fighting has been going on for so long that no one knows how to stop it. The houses are too different. Gryffindors and Slytherins can’t get along because they just don’t see things the same way.”

“That’s what would make us so good together,” replied Pansy. “Hermione and I have been friends for nearly a year now and through our talks we realized something. It’s not that we’re so different, it’s that we are so similar but we approach things from a different direction. Gryffindors run into danger without a plan and usually get themselves killed or injured while Slytherins wait, watch, and plan. Imagine if we worked together.”

“We’ll try,” Susan Bones affirmed.

“Are there any questions before we close for the day?” asked Ron.

“There are rumors,” began Millicent, “Hogwarts has taken on apprentices.”

“It’s true,” confirmed Pansy, “There are fourteen of us and we won’t be staying with our houses.”

“It’s bad then. Last time Hogwarts took on apprentices Professor Dumbledore was battling Grindelwald,” someone explained.

“There’s another rumor,” said Millicent with a glance at Harry, “They say that you brought a child on the train with you.”

“Her name is Titania,” explained Harry. “Her family was killed in Godric’s Hollow a few nights ago. I’m adopting her. She’s definitely a witch and will be staying at Hogwarts with us.”

“One last rumor,” Millicent sighed, “Rose Haven has reopened and it’s owned by a student.”

“That one is also true,” Hermione said with a smile. “My sister and I inherited Rose Haven from my Grandmother.”

“Are there any other questions?” asked Ron.

The tiny voiced Hufflepuff from the back of the group spoke up again, “Is it going to be safe at Hogwarts?”

Ron and Pansy looked at one another glad that they had prepared for just that question. Ron answered, “The Professors believe that we will be safe but Harry believes that Voldemort will attack the school. We are making preparations for an attack but we hope that we won’t need to use it.”

“The DA will be meeting regularly again. Meetings will be every Thursday night from seven to midnight and we have help.”

Several of the Prefects were knocked from their feet as the train jerked hazardously. A fearful voice rang out over the radios.

“Death Eaters are on the train,” cried Violet.

A frantic cry was heard from another, “Titania, come back! She’s running towards Harry. We were at the mid-train loo.”

“Violet, Arianna,” Hermione said quickly, “Take Seana back to your cabin and lock the door. Once you’re inside use the incantation ‘Portus Evenescus’. It uses the same wand motion as the levitation charm.”

“What about the other first years?” questioned Violet, “We can’t leave them defenseless.”

“We’ll take care of it,” said Hermione.

Across the train, Violet turned to Arianna, “ We can’t just leave them like this. We’ll lock them in their compartments.”

“What’s going on?” asked Seana. Her eyes reflected a deep fear.

“What are you three doing out here?” They whirled to face the voice only to find the boy with green tipped hair. “Didn’t you see them men in black hoods. They’re dangerous. You need to find a place to hide.”

“We can’t,” insisted Violet, “We have a spell that will keep the Death Eaters out of the compartments.”

“Well, I can’t let you go alone,” decided the boy, “My name is Kaiden. You do the spell and I’ll beat up anyone that gets too close.” He hefted the bludger bat for them to see.

“I have a better idea,” said Arianna. Reaching into her bag she pulled out the invisibility cloak Harry let her borrow, “We’ll use this.”

“Where did you get that?” asked Violet.

“Harry said I could borrow it until Titania is older. He said all first years need something to help them find some new excitement,” Explained Arianna with a small blush.

“But if he starts swinging that around under the cloak, he’ll hit one of us,” protested Violet. “Let’s disillusion him.” She took her wand out and tapped him on the head with it.

“Hey!” protested Kaiden as icy cold ran from his head down. “This feels so gross.”

“Let’s go,” said Arianna throwing the cloak over them.


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“I’ve got to get to Titania!” cried Harry moving towards the door.

“Harry, don’t take off on your own!” Hermione gasped but it was too late and he was out the door.

“I’ll go with him!” Draco charged after Harry even as he heard Ron and Pansy barking orders to the Prefects.

“Let’s go,” ordered Ron, “We need to protect the younger years.”

“Seal them in. The incantation is Portus Evenescus,” instructed Pansy. “The wand motion is the same as for levitation. Go, and be safe.”

Harry ran as fast as he could towards the center compartment. Students, confused by the train’s sudden stop, began opening their compartment door and peering into the corridor. “Go inside and lock the doors,” He shouted as he ran.

“Harry, slow down,” Draco shouted from behind.

Ahead, the bright flashes of light from spells missing their targets and rebounding within the confines of the train could be seen. Screams could be heard along with the shouts of battle. Just as Harry reached the small battle, Draco caught sight of the first Death Eater with a group of students backed into a corner.

Harry, having seen the captives, was stealthily sneaking up behind the Death Eater. A look of rage contorted his face into a grotesque caricature of the Harry he knew. Draco watched calmly as Harry hexed the unaware Death Eater before petrifying him.

“Is everyone okay?” asked Harry breathlessly. Once he received answers from all of them he continued, “Everyone into the compartment. Take care of each other until we return for you. I’m going to lock you in.”

Draco watched until Harry started to seal the compartment and he heard footsteps behind him. Thinking it was Blaise, he turned to speak with the other man but found himself face to face with Lucius.

“Fa… Father,” he stammered. He stepped backwards only to trip over the fallen Death Eater.

“I’m disappointed, Draco,” hissed Lucius. He offered his hand to his wayward son, “It’s not too late to fix things though. Take my hand and we can fix everything.”

Fear overwhelmed him, leaving the normally articulate blonde speechless. In a frightened attempt to escape, he scooted backwards into Harry’s legs causing the dark haired boy to take notice.

“Draco?” he questioned and took note of Lucius. “You!”

“Draco, take my hand this instant!” demanded Lucius.

Draco looked from his father to Harry before replying, “No.”

“No?” parroted Lucius in shock.

Seeing his father nearly speechless boosted his tattered confidence giving Draco the courage to continue, “I won’t go back. I won’t take the mark. I won’t bow to that monster.”

A cold ball of fear filled Harry’s stomach when he felt the tip of a wand press just behind his ear. “Draco Alexander Malfoy stand up and take your Father’s hand,” ordered Narcissa.

Harry felt the first hints of magic before it moved, electricity like, along the walls of the corridor. The whole train shuddered with its force and he barely had the sense to drop limply beside Draco.

“Not My Daddy!” was heard down the corridor as magic exploded outward shattering the windows and knocking Narcissa Malfoy unconscious.

“You’ve made your bed, now lie in it!” hissed Lucius before he grabbed Narcissa and apparated away.

The sobbing child that impacted with his chest hid the sound of the other Death Eaters apparating. Harry held her and tried to comfort her while surveying Draco’s status.

“Are you okay?” he asked finally.

Draco cleared his throat, “I’ll survive.”

“Who’s magic was that?” asked Hermione running up.

“Titania’s,” answered Harry softly. “Narcissa had her wand to my head and she saw it I think.”

“She yelled too,” said Draco, “ She screamed ‘not my daddy.’”

“Harry!” Ernie McMillan cried. The younger boy was sprinting down the narrow corridor towards them, “The Death Eaters all disapparated but there are a lot of minor injures. The younger years are frightened but mostly okay.”

Harry pulled himself to his feet and rubbed his temple with his free hand, “Find out how many are injured and organize a group of sixth and seventh years to comfort the frightened students.”

“I can handle a lot of the basic healing charms,” sighed Draco pulling himself to his feet. “Just take care of her Harry.”

“I’m going to start bringing the doors back,” explained Hermione. “I just spoke to Professor McGonagall, help is on the way. Bill and Professor Snape are tearing down the wards that the Death Eaters put up.”

“We just finished vanishing those,” complained a voice no one recognized.

“The danger is over,” Violet’s voice responded as Arianna pulled the invisibility cloak off the three of them. “Hold still, Kaiden. Finite Incantatem.”

“Come on,” said Arianna stuffing the cloak into her bag, “let’s go help calm the frightened students down.”


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Nearly an hour had passed them by before the Professors appeared on the train. There were five of them, all pale, exhausted, and covered in brambles. The sight that greeted them seemed to put them at ease. The seventh years took charge of fixing the train while the fifth and sixth years calmed and comforted the frightened younger students. Draco and Susan, with the help of Hermione and Harry, took care of the injured students. Together they were able to patch up the injured with an odd mix of magic and Muggle first aid.

“Professor!” cried Harry upon seeing the pale face of Minerva McGonagall.

“Mr. Potter, how are the students?” she asked gruffly.

“There are fifteen injured plus the conductor and the lady that brings the trolley around,” he answered softly.

“We did the best we could,” added Draco. “They’ve all been patched up with a mix of Muggle first aid and Magic.”

“Let’s go see how they’re doing,” Molly said with a smile before leading Susan and Draco away.

“Harry, what caused all of this damage?” inquired Remus.

Harry glanced down at the sleeping child in his arms, “Draco and I came across a Death Eater with a bunch of first years, while we were busy with him Lucius and Narcissa trapped us. They were looking for Draco. Lucius offered Draco another chance and Draco tripped over the stunned Death Eater when he was backing away. I was facing them when I felt Narcissa’s wand to my head. Titania saw it and her magic went haywire. She screamed at Narcissa and everything around us exploded.” Harry looked up at Serenity Snape before continuing, “She screamed at Narcissa, ‘Not my Daddy!’”

“This is the first time that she’s spoken since the fire?” asked Serenity softly.

“Yeah, but she’s been talking since then. The thing is, she’ll only talk to a few of us; mainly the people that she met at Rose Haven. She’s very afraid that she did something wrong.”

“How have you been responding to that?” Serenity queried.

“I’ve been telling her that I’m proud of her, how much I love her, and Draco’s been letting her help cause she’s such a big girl. We’ve tried to keep it positive without dwelling on the event… Hermione’s words not mine.”

“Good, that’s the best thing you can do right now,” Serenity agreed with a nod. “I’m going to go check on the students. You’re doing a good job, Harry.”

“Professor McGonagall,” Blaise called from down the corridor, “what should I do with Mr. Goyle?”

“Tonks will be here soon. Is he stunned?”

“No, Harry petrified him,” answered Blaise.

“I’ll watch him,” Lupin decided with a sigh.

A pop was heard as Bill and Charlie joined them, “Professor, we finally destroyed the wards the Death Eaters put up. Whenever the train is ready, you can leave.”

“Thank you,” Professor McGonagall began, “Will the two of you be able to finish out the journey to Hogwarts?”

“Yes, Professor,” they replied.

Charlie smiled and motioned out the window to Fred and George, “Professor Dumbledore has ordered us to provide an airborne escort.”

“We should be leaving within the next fifteen minutes,” said Severus Snape as he approached from the front of the train. “The damage was minor and has been fixed. Mr. Potter, inform the students that we will be underway shortly.”

“Yes, Sir,” grinned Harry.


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It was dark, the moon little more than a sliver in the sky, when they finally reached Hogwarts. Harry gently hefted Titania in his arms as they left the train. He could smell the baby scent that still clung to her and it made his heart soar. Off to his right, he could hear Hagrid calling the first years to the boats. He followed tiredly behind Pansy and Blaise. Beside him, Draco walked wearily, only his mask keeping his exhaustion at bay.

“How are we going to do this?” asked Hermione with a yawn.

Harry looked around at the group before giving his response, “Can we fit six of us in the carriage?”

“Probably,” sighed Draco, “we’re not exactly a bunch of heavy weights.”

“I don’t care if I have to sit on someone as long as we get to the feast and go to bed,” admitted Pansy.

To everyone’s surprise, Titania wiggled until Harry set her down. Once on her feet, she walked up to the nearest thestral and touched its nose. A deep sadness filled Harry as he watched the small child pat the strange creature before returning to Harry.

“Up,” she requested softly.

“Let’s go,” Harry murmured, “We’ll talk about this later.”

Everyone was silent on the way up to the castle. Each person was lost in thought as the lights of Hogwarts came into view. As the carriages came to a halt and they disembarked, a tiny voice drew their attention.

“A fairy castle,” awe filled Titania’s voice as she gazed at the doors of Hogwarts.

A light chuckle interrupted any reply they could have, “It has been called many things before,” said Albus Dumbledore with twinkling eyes, “but I daresay never a fairy castle.

Titania hesitantly raised her arms to the older man and waited until he picked her up. Once in his arms she leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “(1)Eri anima infinita potestas integer. Aliqui anima quamquam moveo ad obscuras scio numquam sum depravo. Ad ita anima avis de flamma is natus.”

Harry could see the shock register on the Professors face as he returned Titania to Harry. In the instant that it registered it was gone, replaced by the twinkling blue eyes, “Come along, let’s join the feast. I believe our beds are calling to all of us.”


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1- A childs heart is absolutely pure. Some hearts, though touched by darkness, can never be corrupted. From these hearts the Phoenix is born

A/N- It’s finally finished. I’m still not happy with the way it is, but I promised to have it out three weeks ago…… So sorry, one edit turned into a six page rewrite. I hope you like it.