Chapter Three

I noticed I haven't really included Nico into this story, so I wanted you to know he'll arrive at Hogwarts with the first years. Nico also is staying a the leaky caldron unless I say otherwise and his things were sent to him by his father.

A few days later, it was the morning to board the Hogwarts Express. There was a mad rush in the Weasley household as everyone scrambled to get their equipment. Fred aparated downstairs into the kitchen where Mrs Weasley was cooking.

"FRED! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU SCARED THE LIFE OUT OF ME!" Mrs Weasley yelled that of course.

Then Ron aparated down as well, to get to breakfast quicker. Unfortunately he missed and landed on Ginny who was dragging her trunk down the stairs.

"So unfair," Ginny grumbled from underneath. "We never learned to do that last year. The ministry was scared that we would 'use this skill to spread disorder.'" She made quotation marks with her hands.

Ron grinned. "Ha. We did it. You're the only one in the family who can't now. You'll probably learn it this year. Now let's get breakfast!" He disappeared with a crack, only to miss again and land on Mrs Weasley. Cue the yelling.

Ginny gingerly climbed to her feet muttering about mean elder brothers who teased their poor sister about not knowing how to do something.

Harry stumbled into the dining room with his hair sticking up at all angles. He hadn't even brushed it yet.

As soon as Harry entered, Mr Weasley - who was going to take them to Kings Cross - started bombarding him with questions what plugs or eckelecity was.

Professor Jackson was watching with bewilderment. "Reminds me of my friends and I when we were travelling the world. Either Coach Hedge or Leo would always wake us us up with megaphones, explosions or random noises. By the way, where is George?"

Harry shrugged and sat down to eat. Big mistake. George burst into the room, accompanied by firecrackers that would darted under his bottom as he sat down and then let off a shower of sparks and a hideous smell. Needless to say that Harry was not pleased.

"Whooooooo!" Shouted George. "How'd ya' like my new invention Fred my boy. I call them 'Fart-Crackers'. And you say you come up with all the joke shop ideas."

Fred leapt to his feet and grinned madly. "George, my not-as-awesome-as-me brother. I like your idea but we should probably hide them before mum blows up. At Hogwarts, Minnie said we could use the Room of Requirement to make our products. We need to be stocked."

Mrs Weasley was turning red now. "PUT THEM AWAY NOW! And who's 'Minnie'?"

"Well-" started George.

"She's actually-" continued Fred.

"Professor McGonagall-"

"But we call her Minnie-"

"Because her first names Minerva-"

"But that's too long-"

"And annoying-"

"To say." They both finished. Percy laughed.

"Ha! You call Minerva 'Minnie'," he said. "Wow, your lucky you're alive if you said that to her face. I called her that once and she almost killed me."

Fred and George laughed along with him. Mrs Weasley looked like she was about to burst, Harry looked overwhelmed by the amount of questions Mr Weasley was still throwing at him, Ron's face was (unsurprisingly) buried in food while Hermione and Ginny looked at each other with identical disgusted expressions at his lack of table manners.

Needless to say it was a while before everyone was sorted out enough to pile into the brand new red car that Mr Weasley had bought and charmed with an undetectable extension charm. Everyone was quite comfortable with Percy, Mr and Mrs Weasley in the front (Mr Weasley had added another seat so Percy didn't have to sit with the kids), Harry sitting next to Ron and Hermione behind the adults with Ginny between Fred and George in the back.

A few times there was heard an explosion from the twins followed by a shriek from Ginny or a flash of colour followed by a shriek from Ginny, at one time a horrible smell was let off followed by a groan from said Ginny.

Naturally when they arrived at Kings Cross everyone was relieved, no one more so than the girl who had to put up with the Fred and George's crazy joke shop items the entire trip.

They all grabbed a trolley and loaded their trunks onto them. They all got some very strange looks. After all, they had owls and broomsticks with them, who wouldn't be suspicious.

After they all got through the barrier (Nerida hooted very loudly when they were about to make contact. Percy winced. She had said some very unflattering words), they stood on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters surrounded by steam from the train, students and parents hugging and saying goodbye as well as the squawking of hundreds of owls. Mrs Weasley had tears in her eyes as she looked at the children.

"Be good," she said, fussing over the children. "Don't get into trouble. I'm talking to you two Fred and George," she pointed at the twins who were whistling innocently. "Don't go into the Forbidden Forest and for goodness sake be safe. It's your last year Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George. Make it count. And Ginny darling, make sure to study hard so that you are ready for exams. That applies to the rest of you as well."

"We'll be okay mum," protested Ron. "No need to baby us."

"Ooooooh," muttered Fred to his twin. "He's gonna get it now. No one questions mums mothering skills. We learned that the hard way."

"Well excuse me for wanting to do the best for my children," said Mrs Weasley, hands on hips. "You have a knack for getting into trouble. Remember when you drove the car into the Whomping Willow in your second year? Or the Basilisk? Or the Dementors? Or the Triwizard Tournament? Every year you do something dangerous. You will at least try to stay out of everything this year!" By now she was shouting into Ron's ear.

"Okay, okay," said Ron. "You don't have to shout."

Mrs Weasley opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by Hermione.

"We need to go," Hermione said.

"Yeah, let's find a compartment," Harry backed up. The twins offered their input too.

"We're gonna-"

"Go find-"

"Lee. He said-"

"He has some-"

"Ideas for the-"

"Joke shop."

They grabbed their trunks and ran off to find their friend. Percy shrugged.

"I'm going too. I'm gonna find Minerva and Severus. It's been ages. I can't believe they teach here. I always knew Severus was some kind of sorcerer what with his weird concoctions, I never knew about Minerva though. I still don't know why she permanently dyed her hair brown..." He trailed off as he lifted his trunks without breaking a sweat and wandered off.

This left the rest of them standing awkwardly until they heard the five minute whistle to board. They went off in their little group, Ginny breaking off to find her friends once they were in the corridor.

The Golden Trio found an empty compartment halfway down the train. They sat down just as the whistle blew and the train started moving.

"So what do you think about Professor Jackson?" Asked Harry.

"He's amazing," said Hermione. "He is so hot. Windswept hair, lovely eyes, perfect tan..." She petered off at the memory, sounding uncharacteristically girly.

"Pfft. He not that good," said Ron.

"You only say that because your jealous," accused Hermione. "Just because he's good looking."

"I am not jealous," denied Ron. "You just can't see past his looks. And he isn't that good-looking."

Hermione was about to retort scathingly but was interrupted by Harry. "Whoa there guys," he said. "Stop arguing. I heard your opinions."

"Fine," said Hermione. "Then what do you think about him."

"Well..." Started Harry. "I think he's a bit suspicious. I mean, come on. He just appears out of nowhere to teach us after a war in which he wasn't fighting on our side as far as I know. Also I thought there was only a tiny if no population of wizards and witches in America. For all he says, he could be a Death Eater."

Ron looked thoughtful, "I think Harry's right. I remember when he first arrived he lifted his suitcases and I caught a glimpse of his forearm. There was a black mark there. Harry saw it too but we didn't see it clearly enough. Also he always wears long sleeved tops. Don't you think that's a tiny bit suspicious?"

Hermione obviously wasn't comfortable with this topic, "okay, but we don't know for certain. I'll side with you on this one but only because you're my best friends and we don't know much about him."

"Yes," agreed Harry. "Remember he kept mentioning that his family was rich? Plus, Ron, you saw his family vault. It made mine look like a five-year olds savings."

"You never told me that," said Hermione.

"Sorry," apologised Harry. "It kinda slipped my mind. But I think we are all agreed that we need to look into this and get him to spill."

They all nodded and agreed. The next seven hours were spent quickly, playing exploding snap and eating chocolate frogs. Ron ripped the wrapper off one card and jaw was dropped when it had Harry on! Harry just blushed when it was brought up. He was nothing if not modest.

Soon enough the train was grinding to a halt in Hogsmeade and students were pouring out of the train and into the carriages. The first years walked nervously over to Hagrid and stood in front. He noticed that here was a boy Luna's age standing among them. The boy noticed him and smirked giving him a thumbs up and mouthed 'great job bringing down ole' voldy' and turned back to follow Hagrid.

After the war, many people could see the Thestrals. Many Death Eaters had died, even if none of the people fighting against them had.

Percy walked up to the skeletal horses cautiously. He was glad to be out of the train, even if Minerva and Severus were there. They were both demigods. Minerva was a daughter of Athena and an extremely clever wizard who knew about Roman mythology but not Greek. He named his child Minerva because he said she was that clever. Severus was a son of Hades but was disowned and hidden at birth, stripped of any godly powers. Because of this the prophecy could not refer to him.

While growing up they had been raised by wizards and so protected from monsters. Plus in Britain there were less. Well, generally. Severus's scent was completely erased but Minerva's was just as strong as any other daughter of Athena. In fact, she had been a star Quidditch player before a monster attack meant she had to give it up.

Anyway, although the train ride had been fun, Percy's ADHD had made it hard to stay still. Even when Minerva cast a spell to make it less potent. So imagine his surprise when the horses talked.

Hello My Lord, one said. My name is Bone.

Don't call me Lord, Percy replied. Just Percy is fine.

Bone started to bow. Of course My- I mean Percy.

Stop bowing, Percy ordered. I'm undercover.

Bone stood straight and tall. They were beginning to get some odd looks.

Harry, Ron and Hermione meanwhile were watching the Professor with interest. They saw his eyes go glazed as he engaged in his mental conversation with the thestral but thought nothing of it.

The three of them climbed onto a carriage which moved off. They rounded a bend and got their first view of Hogwarts since the last year.

The tall towers and carved arches looked as imposing as ever, flickering torches adorning the walls and casting light on the stone. The trees of the Forbidden Forest leaned in close together, shadows filling in the gaps, daring anyone to enter..

Harry shuddered involuntarily. The thestrals drew to a stop and let the passengers clamber out. Everyone filed into the Great Hall, lit by a thousand floating candles.

All the teachers were already there and sitting on the front table. Professor McGonagall was sitting in the middle as Headmistress while Professor Flitwick was getting the first years.

The first years filed into the hall, mouths hanging open. The boy Harry had seen earlier was looking at him in interest. Ron nudged Harry and pointed to Professor Jackson. He was fidgeting with a pen and looking very uncomfortable.

Professor McGonagall sent him a look. He sat up straight and tried to look professional. Hermione giggled. That's right giggled. What was going on?

The first years nervously stepped forward, from:

"Angell, Sasha,"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

And, "Davies, Emily."

"SLYTHERIN!"

Down to, "Stephen, Thomas."

"RAVENCLAW!"

And "Toberman, Priya."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Ron looked at the empty plates yearningly. Obviously he was only thinking about food. When is he not?

Harry snapped out of his thoughts to hear Professor McGonagall doing the beginning-of-the-year speech.

"-to introduce Professor Jackson from America. He will be taking Defence Against the Dark Arts this year. There might be some notable differences, and with him is his younger cousin Nico di Angelo, whom will be joining the returning Hufflepuffs at their house."

Harry didn't notice this before, but Nico already had a Hufflepuff crest on his cloak.

Professor Jackson stood up. Many girls swooned.

"Hi, my name's Professor Jackson," he started. "Like Min- Professor McGonagall said I will teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts this year and-" he broke off as his eyes landed on Luna. Her eyes widened in surprise. She motioned with her head towards the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables. Neville and Malfoy looked equally surprise. Percy tried to cover his mistake quickly.

"-I hope you enjoy this year," he finished abruptly and sat down. Everyone clapped as the food appeared. Although mostly for the food than the professor.

Noise erupted as everyone dug into their meal. Harry looked at Professor Jackson suspiciously, wondering why he had to cover up his mistake.

The Professor, Luna, Neville, and Draco were sending looks at each other. If Harry read their expressions right then they wanted to meet after the feast. He glanced at Ron and Hermione and could see they had drawn the same conclusion.

In true Ron style Ron said, "Professor Jackson hasn't started eating yet. Wonder why."

Of course this led to Hermione rolling her eyes at his liking for food. Professor Jackson looked around nervously.

I wonder why? Thought Harry. His question was answered when the professor brought out his wand and waved it. A burning brazier appeared into which he scraped the best bit of his food. Whispers started flying and Ron's mouth opened, flabbergasted.

"And I wrong or did he just burned the best part of his food?" Asked Ron. "He just burned his food. Why did he burn his food? He just wasted perfectly good food! Why?!"

Ron's voice slowly got louder until he was almost shouting. Hermione covered her ears with her hands.

"Be quiet Ronald," she scolded. "It's probably just a religion. Which religion? I don't know."

Ron closed his mouth with a snap. As far as he was concerned the Professor had just lost any good points he had so far.

"But why and how does Professor Jackson know those three students in particular?" Hermione mused. "It is a bit odd if you think about it. Neville and Luna have never mentioned anything and that Death Eater scum Malfoy wouldn't know any half-blood like the professor. In fact they look like they know each other from somewhere else. But where? Who is Professor Jackson really? What does he know about Luna, Neville and Malfoy? When have they-"

Ron cut her off by putting a hand over her mouth. "Blimey it seems I'm doing a lot of shutting you up 'Mione. We get the idea. The professor knows two of our best friends and our worst enemy. He's evil. Now can we eat?"

Hermione grumbled under her breath and started to eat.  Harry decided that he should talk to Nico to learn a little about Professor Jackson. Soon the feast was over and everyone filed out to go to bed, following the prefects. Ron and Hermione had been replaced the last year and as a result had no duties to attend to.

Luna, Neville and Draco sent a look to each other which did not go unnoticed by the Golden Trio.

Harry pointed to his invisibility cloak which was stashed under his robes. Let's follow them, he mouthed, pointing to the Professor, Luna, Neville and Draco who had stood up at the same time.

The three of them silently agreed to follow Neville as he's a fellow Gryffindor. Neville joined the throng of students heading up to the Gryffindor tower but carefully detached himself when no one was watching.

Harry glanced at his friends on either side of him and they steered themselves out of the crowd, throwing the invisibility cloak over themselves behind a suit of armour (but bending down to fit underneath because they have grown so tall).

Neville continued down the corridors until he came to an empty classroom (although to be fair all the classrooms were empty). He walked inside, the door creaking shut behind him.

As far as Harry saw inside before the door shut, was Luna, Neville and the Professor standing already there. All he could wonder however was how on earth they knew to meet here of all places. Muffled voices came from behind the door.

"Dang," whispered Harry. "We can't hear them."

"Uh. I have some extendable ears if you want," offered Ron.

"Where'd ya' get those?" Asked Harry. Ron looked embarrassed yet proud.

"I nicked 'em from Fred and George. Good thing I did too."

"Give me those," said Hermione, snatching them away. "I'm going to let it out."

She unwound the ears and let one end wiggle towards the door. It slipped under - don't ask me how, they were much too big - and the voices became clear.

"Ave, Praetor!" Three voices identified as Neville, Luna and Draco said. Hermione looked puzzled. It was a different language, but which?

"I knew you went to a boarding school in Britain," replied the professor. "But I certainly did not think it would be this one."

Hermione's face wore a triumphant grin. "So they do know each other," she said. "Now it's just how they do."

Draco's voice was the next one. "Should we address you as Praetor, or should we just call you professor?"

"Don't call me Praetor," replied Professor Jackson. "It will arouse too much suspicion."

The ear picked up a small scuffling noise like a sleeve being rolled back, heaven knows how.

"Wow, Drake," Professor Jackson comments. "You must have gotten the mark just before term started. I didn't see you when I visited Camp. Well done."

Draco's voice was practically leaking pride as he replied. "Yes. I'm a full member now. The sixth cohort was so proud. Centurion Hazel said I did my parents and Nemesis proud. Thank you. I got it for killing some monsters that were about to kill my friends."

Hermione, Ron and Harry's eyes widened at the same time. Being mortals meant the mist made them think that Draco had said 'muggles' instead of monsters. Naturally they were denying it.

"We probably misheard," Hermione insisted. "Malfoy may be evil but he wouldn't kill an innocent muggle. Besides, Neville and Luna would never be in the company of a murderer."

They turned back to the conversation inside to hear Luna finishing her sentence.

"-half sister. You know I still can't believe that Minerva is. She's my teacher and sister. How annoying. Sorry, off-track. How are you treating Annabeth? She's my half sister too. Is that rumour that you proposed to her true? Did she accept?"

Professor Jackson chuckled. "Yup, it's true and she did accept. Your sister is now my fiancé and you know that I would never hurt her. Or let anything happen to her. I think I'm being a bit overprotective. Oh well. And did you know that all the owls hate me because of your and her mother. Minerva's owl almost killed me!"

They all three laughed like they were old friends. "Did you know that in first year Draco cursed my legs together. I had to hop up to the tower!" Exclaimed Neville.

"Yeah, sorry about that," apologised Draco. "My dad told me about you and then Potter defended you and considering my mum's Nemesis, it wasn't surprising that I wanted revenge."

"S'all right," said Neville. "I understand."

"Guys," broke in Professor Jackson. "You need to return to your various common rooms soon. It's almost curfew. And by the way, the Gryffindor password is 'victory', the Slytherin's is 'repentance' and of course you have to answer a riddle to get to Ravenclaw's."

"Do we have to?" Whined Neville. Weird. He's not the kind of person to whine.

"Okay then," said the professor. "If that won't work then... Neville Longbottom, legacy of Ceres and member of the newly formed Sixth Cohort of the Twelfth Legion Fulminata, is hereby ordered to go to bed by the will of Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon and the Praetor of your opposing camp and honorary Praetor of your actual camp."

"Why d'ya pick on me?" Neville asked, obvious annoyance in his voice. Luna and Draco started laughing again, probably at Neville.

"That goes for you too Mr Son of Nemesis and Miss Daughter of Athena," the professor chided. The three in question mumbled a yes and placed their hands on the door knob to leave.

Hermione quickly reeled in the extendable ear. "We'll talk in the morning. We need to go."

They rushed off just as Luna opened the door and left.

Wow.

If I have made a mistake then can you please nicely tell me in a review. All meanies, haters, Death Eaters and monsters have to call me by my full name, OfficialBookOwl, and everyone else can just call me Bookie.

Julia, PEACE