Harry Potter and the slytherin Prince

Harry was unusually late waking up. He grabbed into a clean set of robes out of his trunk, realising that most of the packages containing his new clothing Tonks had brought in Diagon Alley are still unopened. After running through the corridors and using every short cut he can remember he races into the Great Hall, with Leo attached to him, just as a group of students are leaving.

'Made it just in time.' He pants as he joins Hermione and Ron dropping onto the bench opposite them. Ron pushes over a large bowl of porridge from the centre of the table and Harry fills his small bowl adding some honey on top. Harry notices Professor McGonagall is already moving down the Gryffindor table handing out thier new timetables. When she finally reaches them she stops and looks down a list she is holding.

'Let's see. You all got your grades and picked your options correct?' The three of them nod.

'Yes Professor.' Hermione answers for all three of them.

'Here you are Ms Granger, you are cleared for all of your classes.' Hermione takes her timetable off Professor McGonagall and scans Friday's lessons.

'I have a double free first. Then we have Charms, then lunch. Afterwards I have a double free followed by Arithmancy.'

'Mr Longbottom, you put your name down for Arithmancy but you didn't recieve the required grade to get into Professor Vectors NEWT class.' McGonagall looks up from her list and looks at Neville. 'How about you choose something else instead. You recieved an 'E' in Charms. Perhaps you would be comfortable in Professor Flitwicks class instead.'

'Okay Professor.' McGonagall taps Nevilles timetable and then passes it over to him. She turns to Ron next.

'Mr Weasley, you have the required grades to go to all your classes, but you came to see me this morning about getting into Potions. Why did you want to stay in Potions?'

'I wanted to stay with Hermione and Harry.' Ron mumbles.

'Well, i have had a word with Professor Snape and he will not let you in his NEWT Potions class with your 'A' grade. You'll just have to stick with your other 4 options.' Professor McGonagall says holding out his timetable. She holds out Harry's towards him.

'Mr Potter, you are cleared for all your classes. Good luck you four this year. If you have any problems please do not hesitate to see me.' Harry wipes his sticky hand, from the honey, on a napkin before he takes his timetable.

'Thanks.' Harry mumbles. McGonagall then addresses Ron again.

'Mr Weasley. I have put up a list in the Gryffindor Common Room for people who want to try out for the Quidditch Team. Arrange a meeting for when you see fit. But make it soon please.' McGonagall says then walks off. Ron nods his head and looks at his schedule.

'Magical Creatures double first thing, then Charms and all afternoon off. Marvellous. My Mondays even better, only 2 hours of lessons. Plus on Wednesday and Fridays i only have lessons in the morning with the afternoons off! Wicked. What's yours like Harry?' Ron adds leaning over to take a look.

'Mad. I have Tuesday and Friday afternoon off but that's it. I am doing a minimum of 3 hours a day.' Ron laughs

'Your choice mate.' Harry shoots him a 'you will die' look and finishes his porridge.

'Come on you two I want to get some reading done before Charms and you two need to fetch your books and get down to Hagrids.' They both look at each other and roll thier eyes before following Hermione out of the Great Hall.

As Ron and Harry slowly approach Hagrids hut they can see only another 9 studetns already waiting outside of Hagrid's hut, none of which are Slytherins to thier great relief. Dean comes over to them as they approach.

'Hi you two, i thought i was the only one wanting to continue Magical Creatures at NEWT level from Gryffindor.'

'Nah. We like Hagrid and it is an easier option as he doesn't tend to give us much homework.' Ron replies. 'Didn't know you were interested in magical Creatures.'

'I want to be a Dragon Tamer, like your brother Charlie. It sounds really cool and i love working with animals. I did some work at a Magical Menagerie over the summer and found it really interesting.'

'Sounds cool.' Ron responds.

'Do you know what subjects you need for it?' Asks Harry interested.

'Yeah. Magical Creatures, Defence, Charms and Transifiguration. Herbology or Potions can be an option too but i hate both of them.' Dean says pulling a face at the thought of continuing Potions.

Harry opens his mouth to respond but doesn't get a chance as Hagrid comes out of his Hut with Fang at his side.

'Mornin' all. We 're near the forest today. Jus' some easy revision.' Hagrid says before setting off towards the Forbidden Forest at the back of his Hut. Harry, Ron and Dean exchange looks before following with the rest of the class. All of them were thinking about the last time they were near the forest, when Hagrid had showed them some Thestrals with Umbridge there. and they all follow. They come to a stop by a line of desks holding bowls of what looks like jelly and moving beans.

'Line up behind the desks. They'll come in handy. Now who can tell me what a Bowtruckles is?'

Several hands go up

'Ms Webb.'

'It's a tree guardian that protects trees whose wood is used for wand making.'

'Correct. Now what do Bowtruckles eat? Mr Hallibutt?'

'They eat all sorts of...' Unfortunately he never gets to finish his sentence. A loud bang is heard followed by screaming in the distance.

'All of ya, back up to school quickly.' Hagrid shouts. They all turn and run with Hagrid close behind them a few dropping their school bags and anything else they happened to be carrying to be able to run faster. Justin trips on a protruding root landing hard on his hands and knees, not bothering to check he's okay Ron and Harry grab an arm each and drag him up so they can all continue running. As they near the school building they see students from the Herbology class and students who had been outside in their free period filing through the entrance doors. They enter the Entrance Hall and follow the flow of students into the Great Hall where everybody is rushing to their house tables trying to find out what is going on. Harry, Ron and Justin drop down opposite Hermione and Ginny.

'What's going on Herm. You know?' Ron asks as he sits down.

'No. We were just told to come to the Great Hall.' They all turn and watch the teachers enter the Great Hall doors.

'Silence.' Dumbledore shouts. All chatter and movement stops as every students turns to face Dumbledore. 'There was an attack in Hogsmeade and the Professors and I, are going to go and see if we can help, along with a few Aurors from the Ministry. Until I return and open the doors to the Great Hall you are all going to stay in here for your safety. I am asking that all Prefects report to the Head Boy and Girl for further instructions. The ghosts will be your contact with the rest of the world and please call upon the house-elfs who will provide food for you if you should need it.'

Dumbledore finishes and turns and leaves the Great Hall with the rest of the Professors following suit. The large doors slam shut and large bolts are heard locking the doors from the outside. Chaos breaks out. The tables start yelling and shouting demanding to be let out and Harry can see some students breaking down and starting to cry. Harry looks up as Hermione nudges Rons arm and they get up to go and see the Head Boy and Girl. Unconcerned Harry takes a pack of cards out of his back pocket and addresses the Gryffindors around him irrespective of year and age.

'Game of Exploding Snap anybody?' Several murmur agreements. Harry deals the cards out to himself, Ginny, Dean and 4 other students who had nodded. Just as they get started the Head Boy uses the Sonorus Charm to project his voice over all the noise.

'Please sit down at your house tables and settle down. Panicking will not help anybody.' This unfortunately does not help and students still flit from house table to house table spreading tales or trying to comfort the upset students. A few Gryffindors around those playing cards come over and watch them over there shoulders with interest.

'How can you play at a time like this?' A second year asks.

'We are in Hogwarts protected by wards whilst Dumbledore himself is fighting to protect Hogsmeade. Personally I feel quite safe.' Harry says simply placing a card on the pile that shakes threateningly.

'Me too.' Dean agrees looking across at Harry for his answer. Harry's face appears to be calm and collected making Dean assume Harry was right.

'Snap.' Shouts Ginny just before the pack explodes showering them all in cards.

'Here. I got a pack too. We had History of Magic first thing so I had to take something to prevent boredom.' Says Jeremy Eccles, a seventh year. Jeremy sits down next to Harry and they join the packs together as few more people sit down and ask to be dealt in. Ron and Hermione come back over and sit down near Harry where students have moved along to make room for them.

'What did they want?' Dean asks.

'We are to help calm the first and second years and keep a close eye on Harry.' Harry looks up surprised.

'What?' Harry asks blankly. 'Why me?'

'Everybody knows that if anything happens you would know first. Also you do tend to get hurt before everybody else too.' Hermione says simply.

'Great, i'm a warning system. It's nice to be wanted.' Harry replies sarcastically. The new game of Exploding Snap starts and Harry takes a chance to look around the hall to see how the ohter studetns are coping. He sees the students at the Slytherin table sitting quite calmly reading or talking amoungst themselves, the Ravenclaws are settling down reading out of thier textbooks and making notes to pass the time and the Hufflepuffs are still running around trying to comfort each other. The other Gryffindors are gradually surrounding those playing cards and a few others produce a few more packs of cards and the game expands until half of Gryffindor table is in one large game.

'What happens if He-who-must-not-be-named comes here whilst the teachers are gone.' A first year asks quietly. They all go silent and look at him.

'Nah. He'll be too busy running and hiding.' Justin says nervously. 'Right Harry?'

'He's not close if that's what you're asking. Come on who's turn is it?' Harry asks impatiently.

'The wards protecting the school do not let in Dark Wizards.' Hermione states. 'Hasn't anybody read Hogwarts: A History?' Hermione looks around but sees the other Gryffindors shaking their heads at her. 'Oh, honestly!' Hermione sounds put out. 'It says that the four founders constructed the wards to stop Evil entering the grounds to protect the students inside the school. When Salazar Slytherin left, the wards blocked him out too when he tried to return to take over.'

'Thanks Hermione.' Harry says trying to get another game started.

'You know, Herms a simple 'the wards will not let You-know-who into the school, so we're all protected.' would of done fine. We didn't need the lecture.' Ron adds. Hermione huffs. Harry seeing an argument about to erupt interupts.

'Ron, it's your turn.' Ron attention is pulled back and he places a card on the pile. It explodes. As the pack explodes a loud bang is heard from outside causing the room to fall silent. A few studemts from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor head over to the windows and look out.

'There's smoke over Hogsmeade.' A girl standing at the window shouts over the quiet Hall. Books are dropped, quills are thrown down, weeping stops and cards are left behind as more students head over quickly to the windows. Harry puts his cards down and stares blankly at the table.

'Please everybody get back to your seats.' The Head Boy shouts but is ignored again. Hermione leans closer to Harry.

'Are you okay Harry?' Harry looks up and smiles weakly at her.

'Fine. Just great. I am locked in a large room with hundreds of panicked students when Voldemort or Bellatrix Lestrange might be out there.' Harry stands up impatiently and walks to a corner of the Hall, clearly agitated. A few students who had remained sitting down for the card game follow him with their eyes. Hermione, Ron and Ginny get up and go and stand beside him.

'We're sorry Harry. About Sirius and all.' Harry just nods.

'He wouldn't want you to blame yourself Harry.' Hermione says gently. Harry pushes off from the wall and walks a few paces away from them and then swings back.

'Yes it is. If I had listened to you and not gone in hot headed he might still be alive. He had to come rescue me!' Harry's voice is raising and people are starting to turn from the windows and pay some attention to their corner.

'That was his choice Harry.' Ginny says.

'No it wasn't. If I hadn't gotten myself into trouble he would not have had to go to the Department of Mysteries. I was so damn arrogant. I really believed Voldemort had kidnapped him.'

There is a sharp intake of breath from the present students who are all quiet and listening to this conversation, even the Slytherins are quiet and listening. Tired Harry drops onto the end of the Gryffindor table and tries to calm down putting his head into his hands.

'I lost him Hermione. And it's all my fault.' A lone tear streaks down Harry's cheek as he looks up at them. Hermione is the first to rush over and hug him.

'No Harry. You are not to blame.'

'Sirius died fighting. That's what he would of wanted.' Ron says coming over and putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.

'Sirius. Sirius Black!' A student screeches from behind Harry. 'That convict!' Harry stands up eyes blazing and swings around his wand arm raising automatically to point his wand at the Slytherin who had made the comment. The entire student body around the unfortunate student draws back and eye Harry's wand carefully.

'Never, ever talk about Sirius Black in that manner again.' Harry coldly says causing the Slytherin to nod quickly.

'Harry.' Ginny says coming to stand between Harry's wand and his view of the unfortunate student. 'Calm down.'

Harry lowers his arm slowly, causing the Slytherin to visibly relax, and turn away tucking his wand back inside his robes. Another loud bang that rocks the castle draws the schools attention back to the windows leaving Harry to be comforted by Harmione, Ginny and Ron in peace.

A short while later the double doors to the Great Hall swing open recealing the Professors, many of which have torn robes and a few cuts and bruises. The students all turn as one towards the doors as they open, lunch forgotten for the time. Dumbledore steps forward from his conversation with Professor McGonagall and smiles.

'Hogsmeade has only sustained a few minor damages. The Death Eaters were not personally involved, but they had instructed a few Trolls to go into Hogsmeade and demolish it. Hogsmeade is now safe and the Trolls are in Ministry custody.'

To the students surprise Mad-Eye Moody enters the Great Hall, his wooden leg thumping as it hits the solid stone floor. He stops next to Dumbledore and leans closer whispering something in his ear. Dumbledore nods in reply and then turns his attention back to the students who are still sitting in silence too shocked to do anyhting else.

'You must all return to your dormitories immediately. The remainder of Lunch will be sent up to your Common Rooms. The rest of today's lessons are cancelled and will start again on Monday. If you need anything send your house ghost for your Head of House. Do not under any circumstances leave your Houses Common Areas until tomorrow morning.' Dumbledore then turns and leaves.

'Gryffindors follow the prefects up to your tower.' McGonagall states as she steps forward. Snape heads over to the Slytherins.

'Slytherins, make your way in pairs quietly to your Common Room.' Professors Sprout and Flitwick make the same commands to their respective houses too. The students get up and leave quietly, walking in pairs, with nobody risking getting caught by a Professor, by taking shortcuts.

In Dumbledore's office several members from the Order of the Pheonix are sitting around the desk on comfy conjured chairs talking between themselves. As Dumbledore enters closely followed by Moody silence descends.

'Are the students okay?' Arthur asks as soon as Dumbledore sits down behind his desk.

'Yes. They were all eating lunch when i opened the doors. They now have strict instructions not to leave thier House Common Areas until tomorrow.'

'Is Harry okay?' Molly asks anxiously.

'Harry was perfectly fine. He was sitting quietly talking with Hermione, Ronald and Ginerva.' Molly breathes a sigh of relief.

'Why Trolls Albus? They are no match for us?' Lupin asks quietly.

'I agree Remus, Trolls, even fully grown, are no match for us all. Unfortunately, Severus had had no information about this attack. It seems only a few Death Eaters had been instructed to destroy Hogsmeade.'

'Has Severus been told anything lately?' Moody grumbles.

'He was instructed a month ago to make a few potions for Voldemort, but I cannot see where they would fit into this mindless destruction.'

'Could it be a decoy?' Bill says.

'It could be anything.' Shacklebolt says. 'In the last war You-know-who relied on direct attacks with as much mayhem and chaos as possible. But since his ressurection he has done everything differently. He was quiet for a year to begin with. We have nothing to base his actions upon.'

'Could the Death Eaters acted by themselves?' Arthur asks.

'I do not believe so. Voldemort seems to have more control over them all now then in the last war.' Dumbledore says quietly over the tops of his fingers. They are interupted as the door to Dumbledore's office opens and in come McGonagall, Snape and Flitwick shutting and locking the door behind them.

'All the students are in their Common Rooms with House ghosts stationed ready for any emergencies.' Reports McGonagall.

'Thank you Minerva.' Dumbledore leans back in his chair thinking.

'What did we miss?' Flitwick squeaks.

'We were just discussing the purpose of the raid of Hogsmeade.' Lupin replies.

'Distraction.' Snape says calmly. 'What better way to slip undercover, if the Aurors are busy.'

'You seem to know a lot about how to sneak around, Severus.' Moody growls.

'I am a spy, it is my job to sneak around.' Sneers Snape.

'Gentlemen, Gentlemen.' Dumbledore calls out breaking the glaring competition between Moody and Snape. 'Alastor I think you need to go back to the Ministry and warn the Aurors to look for anything suspicious that has happened in the last few weeks.' Moody nods. 'Arthur I would like you to do the same. I want reports on anything that has been found in the muggle world that has the potential to cause serious chaos.' Arthur nods. 'Severus I need you to go and question as many Death Eaters as possible about what their objectives have been for the past few weeks. See if you can find any information no matter how small.'

'We do not discuss our missions. It would be suicide if the Dark Lord found out.'

Dumbledore sighs. 'I do not see the point of attacking Hogsmeade. Strategically it is unimportant. The only place it is near to is Hogwarts and our wards and security are impenetrable to Dark Forces. Why bother?'

'Do you have any ideas what the attack could be covering if it is a distraction?' Bill asks

'Severus provided Voldemort with several poitions that can be used upon objects to curse or poison individuals who touch it.' There is silence, then Lupin sits up straight.

'Dumbledore you don't think he would….' Lupin swallows. '...Send them here? You said yourself it Hogsmeade is next to Hogwarts. What better way to bribe families to follow him then attack their children. The attack at Hogsmeade could have been a smoke screen for the objects to be entered into the castle.'

'But Dark forces cannot break the wards.' McGonagall syas impatiently.

'There are many ways to get cursed objects past barries, Professor.' Bill replies.

Dumbledore nods agreeing. 'Minerva, Severus, Filius, I want to know of anything that has been delivered to your students since they returned to school yesterday. Check thier belongings, they could of unintentially brought it into Hogwarts themselves. Minerva you are also in charge of checking over staff belongings and mail deliveries too. Severus I need you to check the kitchen food supplies for any sign of poisons or unauthorised spells, they are the only delieveries made everyday that we do not check regualry. Filius i need you to check the wards inside of Hogwarts. Any weak points are to be noted. Alastor we will need a few Aurors to search the school from top to bottom incase it was smuggled in. This is a very large building and the Professors and i could not hope to search it all ourselves. Prefects are to be informed to look out for unusual behaviour around them and to report any unexplained occurences to a Professor immediately. Everybody else needs to get into contact with as many of their sources as possible and see if any Dark Objects have been moving around lately.' Dumbledore sits back and concentrates. 'I beleive that is everything at the moment. We will discuss this again at the next Order meeting.'

Everybody stands up and leaves, the majority using the Floo conection in the fireplace but a few leaving through the door and heading back into Hogwarts. Fawkes lands on the desk in front of Dumbledore once everybody has gone.

'Keep an eye on Harry and his friends Fawkes. He could be the main target of any attack.' Fawkes trills before disappearing in a blaze of red light.

Many students on Saturday morning at breakfast were still discussing the topic of the Hogsmeade attack. Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were sitting mixed at three of the tables, but the Slytherins were still isolated. The Professors were ignoring the conversations, even the wild theories about why Trolls were sent to Hogsmeade, knowing that if they did the theories would get wilder.

Dumbledore stands up and the room goes silent as all of the students turns to look at him desperate for more news.

'Good morning. I hope you all slept well last night. I regret to inform you that for the next few days until we are sure that the Hogsmeade affair was an isolated event, we are stopping all incoming and outgoing mail. It all has to be checked thorougly before we can allow it to circulate.' Whispers start around the room 'Your attention please. This is just a necessary precaution with Hogsmeade being so close to Hogwarts and will probably only last a few days. Furthermore, no students are allowed outside until lessons start again on Monday and I am also afraid that the library will be closed. Therefore you are all to remain in your Common Rooms unless you have a good reason to be out otherwise, and if you need to be about you will be in pairs.' Dumbledore stops and looks around the Great Hall, to show he means it. 'Any student not abiding by these rules will find themselves either in detention with Professor Snape or Mr Filch.' Dumbledore states before sitting down.

'Who would be worse Harry?' Ron asks after Dumbledore has sat back down and talking has started again.

'Not much of a choice really. With either one i would be cleaning without the use of magic and i would be forced to be in thier presecne for more then an hour.' Ron laughs. Hermione huffs.

'Well at least it gives us time to check over our essays and make sure they are complete.'

'Herms I gave you mine to check over the holiday. I know they are okay now.' Ron moans. 'Why check again?' Harry laughs.

'Stop calling me Herms!' Hermione shouts. Grabbing the book she was reading and storming out of the Great Hall. The Gryffindors turn and look at them wondering what argument it was this time to cause Hermione to storm out. Ignoring the rest of the table Ron looks at Harry in disbelief.

'What did I say?' Harry shakes his head

'Come on. We'd better do what she says. That way she might be speaking to us by this evening.' Harry replies standing up. 'You can borrow my Quidditch Pitch you gave me for my birthday if you wish and start practising for the tryouts.' Ron smiles and stands up too picking up some toast to take with him. As they walk up to the seventh floor Ron turns to Harry.

'Why is she always mad at me? I try to be a good boyfriend i really do.' Harry sighs, not wanting to get involved. 'What am i doing wrong?'

'You could just apologise. That way she might be talking to you by the time homework starts on Monday.'

'But i didn't do anything wrong!'

'You called her Herms.'

'What?' Ron stops walking confused. 'And? Why was that a problem?' Harry turns and looks at him.

'She hates the nickname.'

'Wish she's said before.' Ron mumbles. At the Pink Lady, Harry states the passeword and they are let inside to find Hermione sitting in her favourite chair by the fireplace curled up with a book. Harry nudges Ron and nods his head in Hermione's direction.

'Apologise.' Harry whispers before disappearing up the boys staircase. Ron nods and slowly walks over to Hermiones chair trying to gage her mood. Hermione doesn't look up when Ron reaches her chair.

'Hermione. I'm sorry.' Blurts out Ron.

'Hmmf.' Hermione doesn't sound impressed

'I was an idiot calling you Herms. I know you hate it. I really am sorry. Please forgive me.' Hermione looks up at Ron.

'You will never call me Herms again?'

'No. Never.' Hermione nods.

'You're forgiven.' Ron leans down and kisses her cheek quickly. Several Gryffindors who are entering the Common Room whistle and cheer causing Hermione and Ron to turn red. Harry drops onto the sofa near them carrying the Quidditch pitch. Ron snatches it off him and sits down on the rug with the pitch on the coffee table in front of him.

'So what we doing today?' Harry asks looking at Hermione. 'As Ron will likely play with that all day.'

'I could look over your essays for you Harry, if you want.'

'I'm fine thanks Hermione. I worked on them since we brought our books in Diagon Alley. I didn't have anything else to do. I think they're okay. Besides it is about time I stopped relying on you.' Ron looks up at him in disbelief.

'You're mad, Harry. You sure you do not need to go to see Madam Pomfrey?' Harry laughs.

'No thanks.' Ron shurgs and returns to the pitch that already has a red and a green team lined up ready to start playing.

'Have you started anything for the first DA meeting? If we're allowed to continue that is.'

'Yeah. It's up in the dorm. I'll go get it.' Harry says before jumping up and disappearing again up the boys stairs. Hermione closes her book and looks over at Ron.

'Ron.' Ron looks up. 'Does Harry seem okay to you?'

'He's happy. What's the problem with that?' Ron asks confused.

'His godfather died a few months ago, Ronald. Is he having any nightmares?'

'No. Not yet. I haven't asked about over the summer.'

'Will you?' Ron looks at Hermione funnily.

'If you think I should.' Hermione nods her head in reply. Harry comes back down carrying a pile of books. Harry sits back down on the sofa and places the books on the coffee table. Ron looks at them disgusted.

'Are you sure you don't need to go to Madam Pomfrey?'

'Ron, i'm fine. These are for DA.' Ron sighs in relief.

'Thank Merlin for that. For a minute i thought you were going to be doing some extra Defence work.' Hermione takes out some parchment and a quill then sits next to Harry on the sofa.

'So, Harry. What was your idea?'

Later that evening Harry and Hermione have a few wooden boxes in front of them on the table and are laughing at Harry's new black beard that reaches his waist and Hermione's new pink hairstyle.

'Tonks would be proud of that.' Harry laughs, causing Hermione to laugh harder. Neville comes down from the boys staircase and comes over looking startled at them.

'Beard suits you Harry. You look like a young Dumbledore.'

'Dare me to leave it on during dinner?' Harry says stroking his beard. 'I could really get used to having a beard this long.'

Hermione nods and Neville agrees. Ginny comes over.

'Oooo. Can I have pink hair too?'

'Well you could touch that box.' Harry says pointing at the centre box. 'But we don't know what it will do to you. It has a Crinis Charm on it. It is a charm that will hcange your hairstyle although we haven't figured out how to isolate it to one sort of change yet. It's given me a beard, Hermione pink hair and Ron rather large eyebrows.' Ron, upon hearing his name, looks up from the Quidditch game he has going on, sporting two big bushy eyebrows that almost obscure his eyes.

'Harry, i live with the twins. Obscure Charms are an unfortunate side effect.' Ginny says shrugging before reaching out and touching the box. A second later she has long blonde curly hair that reaches to her waist.

'Suits you Ginny.' Neville says. Ginny smiles sweetly at him.

'I believe it is your turn Neville.' They all cheer at this suggestion. Neville gulps then timidly puts his hand out and touches the wooden box. A second later he has an afro. Shouts of laughter follow as the others role around laughing. The other Gryffindors in the Common Room look over to see what all the noise is about and laugh when they spot them. Ginny is the first to stop laughing and regain her breath.

'Harry you do know the counter curse right?' This immediately sobers up Neville who looks panicked.

'You do, don't you Harry?' Neville asks worriedly. Harry nods through his tears of laughter.

'I'll put you right after dinner. If I have to keep my beard you can all keep your charms too.'

'Speaking of dinner. Isn't that ready about now?' Ron asks as his stomach rumbles. Hermione and Ginny roll their eyes.

'Come on big brother.' Ginny says before holding her hand out to haul Ron up from his seat on the rug. They leave their stuff on thier seats and on the table and exit the common room. A lot of students give them strange looks and many others laugh at them. Harry ties his beard into a plait and throws it over his shoulder out of the way.

'Oi Harry. Put it back. You look cool with a beard. Suits you.' Ron says.

Harry rolls his eyes but unplaits his beard and strokes it back down his front. A sudden piercing pain goes thorugh Harry's heart and he stops halfway down a set of stairs.

'Ow.' The pain goes but Harry puts his hand up and holds it over his chest. The others stop worried.

'Harry what's wrong?' Hermione asks stepping closer and putting a hand on his arm.

'I dunno. Something isn't right here though. But I cannot tell you what is wrong.' Harry shakes his head trying to shake off the horrible feeling.

'Voldemort?' Ginny whispers

'No. It wasn't my scar. It hurt my heart.'

'Perhaps you should go ask Madam Pomfrey?' Ron urges. Harry removes his hand and smiles.

'No bother. If it happens again I will, it could just be one of those odd twinges everybody gets.'

They all agree but watch him as they finish climbing down the staircases, which luckily hadn't moved. When they appear in the Great Hall doors everybody turns to look at them laughing, obviously rumour had spread quickly.. Harry's heart twinges again and Harry puts his hand on his chest but covers it up by bowing to everybody in the hall. They walk over laughing to their usual seats. Harry looks up at the teachers table and sees Snape sneering at him, not looking amused by all the attention Harry is getting. Dumbledore is chuckling at them and McGonagall rolls her eyes at Harry. Dumbledore stands up.

'I would like to update you all on the situation at present. We have a few Aurors checking the school over. They have done a preliminary search and have found nothing wrong. Also on a happier note I would like to say that I hope those hairstyles are not permament Gryffindors.'

'No Headmaster. We just thought they would lighten the mood.' Ginny yells back. Dumbledore, nods, smiles and sits back down whilst others in the Great Hall start whispering amoungst themselves. Food appears on the tables, causeing another twinge in Harry's heart sharper and more painful. Ron quickly turns at Harry's 'Ouch' and sudden intake of breath. Hermione who hadn't taken her attention off Dumbledore yet notices him drop the fork he had started to pick up and McGonagall tightly smile at him before they get back to their own dinners.

'Harry….' Upon turning back to Harry she notices Harry and Ron whispering with Harry's hand over his heart again.

'Did it happen again Harry?' Hermione asks, worry clearly etched on her face.

'Yes. It was sharper. It's not Voldemort. At least I don't think it is.' Hermione just nods. Harry reaches for his fork and puts some food on his plate with Ginny, Neville, Ron and Hermione watching him closely.

'Come up with many new plays for Quidditch Ron.' Harry says trying to distract everybody. Ron is happy to play along.

'Yeah. Mainly for the new chasers, whoever they happen to be. I figured out a few moves for you too Harry.'

'I am seeker at the moment Ron.' Ginny puts in. Rons fork pauses halfway to his mouth as he tries to think of a response, but Ginny adds more before he can recover. 'Of course if Harry is allowed back on the team who am i to stand in the way of the best Seeker Hogwarts has seen for decades. I would like a go at being chaser though, I much prefer it.' Harry starts laughing at Rons mouth openeing and closing as his brain catches up. 'Why don't you try out Hermione?' Ginny asks sweetly. Hermione glares at her.

'No thank you. I much prefer to keep my feet on the ground.'

'Me too.' Neville sighs. This causes them all to laugh, knocking Ron out of his daze, and Neville to smile.

'Do not worry Neville. You're bloody fantastic at Herbology. You can't be great at everything.' Ron mumbles around a mouthful of food. Harry nods agreeing and reaches for some more carrots. 'Harry. What you eating carrots for?' Ron is speechless

'Sorry. I like them. Besides they help me grow big and strong.'

'No need for that Harry.' Ginny smiles sweeping her eyes down Harry, who is six foot already, and is filling out with muscles too from eating correctly and fencing with Snape. Harry also suspects that the potion Snape was making him drink every morning at breakfast over the summer might have something to do with it. Rons mouth opens wide as he stares at his sister.

'Do you still have your crush on him?'

'No Ron. I am dating Dean remember.' Ginny rolls her eyes.

'Then stop checking Harry out.' Ron urges. Hermione laughs

'Ron. No girl can fail to notice that Harry has grown up. He is as tall as you and a lot broader.' The three guys look blankly at her. Hermione sighs. 'Never mind you'd never understand.' Neville leans closer over the table.

'Is that why the girls on the train when they passed our carriage stared at Harry? I just thought it was because he's the Chosen One.'

'Yes Neville. Harry you actually look like you could be the Chosen One now. You were a lot skinnier at the end of last year.' Harry shakes his head and takes another mouthful of food. He had no intention of mentioning to his friends that for once the Daily Prophet was right. He was the Chosen One. He did have to kill Voldemort or Voldemort had to kill him. Shaking away these dark thoughts Harry turns to Hermione and smiles innocently.

'Do you think that means I'll be able to get a date for the Yule Ball this year?' Harry says trying to lighten the mood. Ginny and Hermione laugh.

'I think so Harry.' Ginny giggles.

This is sufficient to turn the conversation to the notice on the main board that their will be a Yule Ball this Christmas and go onto who they think will be taking whom. Harry sighs inwardly.

Yet another problem in his life was girls. He was interested in them, I mean what self-respecting 16 year old wasn't, Harry thought. But with this prophecy hanging over his head and Voldemort trying to kill everybody he loved it was difficult to even think of letting a girl that close no matter who they were. What would happen if Harry did fall in love and Voldemort did find out. That would be bye, bye to said girlfriend and hello to more pain and misery for himself.

'Harry pay attention.' Harry looks up startled to Ginny who is glaring at him. 'I am talking to you.'

'Sorry Gin. I was miles away.' Harry puts down his fork realising he had finished eating and the plates had been cleared. The fork disappears the moment he rests it on the tabletop. Ginny does not look impressed. She goes to open her mouth to chastise him but desert appears.

'Ow.' The pain in Harry's chest comes shooting back.

'Harry.' Harry shakes his head as the pain disappears. Hermione catches Dumbledores hand squeeze the goblet he is holdiong tightly for a second out of the corner of her eye but dismisses it. Ron reaches over and picks up two chocolate frogs from a stack in front of them. Everybody around them is also reaching for the frogs. He pushes it into Harry's hand. Harry's scar explodes in pain. Harry screams and falls off the back of the bench clutching his head. The students all stop and try to see what is going on.

'Harry.' Hermione and Ron are quickly by his side. Harry drops the frog and the pain stops. Harry sits up and quickly grabs it back. He opens the package trying to ignore the pain in his scar and holds up the card inside his hand shaking. A shadow appears over them.

'Is everything alright Mr Potter?' Harry looks up and sees McGonagall leaning over them. He shakily turns his hand and shows her the card.

'Stop them from eating the frogs.' Harry gasps and drops the card.

'Everybody put the frogs down now.' McGonagall shouts out. The teachers stand up in alarm and Dumbledore sounds the order a second time. Harry struggles to his feet and grabs another frog tearing off the package and sees the same card. The card is of the Dark Mark in an inky black sky. He starts shaking and feels Hermione's and Ron's arms go around him. Other students start to scream as they see the picture on the frog card.

'Silence.' Everybody stops and turns to face Dumbledore. 'Those who had already bitten into their frogs please come to the front now.' Three students rush up deathly white with worry. 'Severus I will need you to analyse the frogs they have eaten and see what is wrong and if necessary cure these students.' Snape turns and leaves out a side door leaving it to slam behind him. Dumbledore looks at the students in front of him. 'You three go to the hospital wing. Ms Granger and Mr Weasley also escort Mr Potter to the infirmary too.' The three students race out and Ron supports Harry as they leave. 'The rest of you, please go calmly back to your dormitories. Prefects I want every chocolate frog and every other sweet or food item that is in your House Areas. Your Head of House will be along shortly to collect the pile. Dismissed.' The students scramble to get up and away from the chocolate frogs. A few even pick up the cards they had taken out to add to thier collections. The other teachers sweep out after them.

The three stricken students are lying in three beds close to Madam Pomfreys office in hospital pyjamas as, Madam Pomfrey makes them take a green potion that she claims slows down all metabolism in their bodies to give Professor Snape time to come up with a potion to cure them. Madam Pomfrey, once finished with the three students comes over to Harry, Ron and Hermione who are sitting on Harry's usual bed halfway down the infirmary on the opposite side of the room to the other three students.

'So Mr Potter, did you eat one of the Chocolate Frogs?'

'No. But my scar…'

'No need to say more Mr Potter.' Pomfrey performs a scan and after quickly collecting some potions from a large cabinet, gives Harry a Pain Potion. Hermione steps forward.

'Madam Pomfrey he was also experiencing some problems just before and during dinner.'

'Its nothing Hermione.' Harry says firmly.

'What problems Ms Granger.' Madam Pomfrey just ignores Harry's statement.

'His heart. It kept on hurting him.'

'When exactly?'

'Just before we went in the hall a few times, then when each course was served. They kept getting stronger too.'

'Well Mr Potter you have no history of heart problems, but I am going to keep you in over night to be sure its nothing serious.' Harry curses under his breath. 'No need for that Mr Potter, heart difficulties can be tricky. Ms Granger was right to mention it. Well you two can get back to your dormitories. Mr Potter get changed into these pyjamas.' Madam Pomfrey says poijnting her wand at the bed conjuring up a pair of gold pyjamas. Harry looks at her with an eyebrow raised.

'I am in here far too often if i have my own set of pyjamas.' Madam Pomfrey smiles and bustles off back to her other three patients. Harry and Ron glare at Hermione.

'Sorry Harry, but your heart is important.' Harry nods

'Fine. I guess i'll see you two in the morning then.' Ron and Hermione nod before leaving the infirmary. Harry can hear Ron start to lecture Hermione as they leave and Hermione start to argue back. Rolling his eyes at their behaviour, Harry pulls a screen around his bed and gets changed into the pyjamas. Once changed Harry crawls under the white covers and stares at the ceiling blankly.

I had been back at school less then two days and already he was in the hospital wing and Voldemort had attacked, Harry thought. It was going to be a very long year.

Madam Pomfrey moves the screen aside and hands Harry a vial containing a red potion.

'Drink this Harry. It will help me monitor your heart over night.' After Harry downs the potion she moves his pyjama top out of the way and attaches a small circular object to his chest over his heart with a sticking charm and closes the top. 'Now get some sleep. I'll check this in the morning.' With that she leaves, leaving Harry to wish again that someday he might actually lead a normal life.

Next morning Harry woke with Hermione shaking him.

'Get up sleepy head.' He feels his glasses slipped back onto his nose and looks to see Hermione, Ron and Ginny around his bed.

'How'd you sleep?' Ginny asks.

'Like a log.' Harry replies sitting up. Seeing Harry is awake, Madam Pomfrey comes over and Hermione moves out of the way. She pulls open his pyjama top, causing Harry to blush at exposing his chest to Ginny and Hermione, then removes the circular monitor off his chest causing Harry to say 'ouch' and leaves again.

'What was that mate?' Ron enquires.

'Heart monitor. Can I escape from here now?' Ron laughs and throws some clean clothes at him.

'Get changed then we can go the breakfast and then work on those boxes you've started on.' Harry nods. Ginny and Hermione leave pulling a curtain around the bed. Harry quickly gets dressed as Ron chats about what rumours are going around the Gryffindor Tower about Harry's Hospital stay. Once dressed, Ron moves the screen back so Hermione and Ginny can sit dsown on the bed as they wait for Madam Pomfrey to give Harry permission to leave. They do not have to wait long as Madasm Pomfrey arrives a few minutes later with his results.

'Everything looks fine Harry you may leave. But if the pain starts again I would like you to come back.' Harry nods grateful to be escaping.