Chapter 1--A New Home
As Harry Potter slid through the brick chimneys connecting the houses of all the witches and wizards in the floo powder circuit, he looked back over his shoulder. He could distinguish the vague forms that were his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, followed by the silver bearded headmaster of Hogwarts, the school Harry attended for training in becoming a wizard. Ron, who was carrying Harry's trunk, had his eyes shut and had his mouth clamped tight. He was getting rather nauseous. Hermione was watching all of the chimneys flash past with curiosity.
Suddenly, Harry looked forward to see a chimney straight ahead of him. He ducked through the emerald green flames in the fireplace and emerged in a small, three bedroom house. "Sirius! We're here!" Harry called. At that moment, Ron and Hermione came sprawling through the flames and onto the carpet. Finally, Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, popped out cheerfully. A very loud bark sounded, and Harry turned to see a large black dog. "Sirius!" he called gleefully as the dogs shape melted away to be replaced by a tall, black haired man with a gaunt and hunted look in his eyes. "It's great to see you, Harry. You know, I'm surprised to see you without any injuries. Usually, you've at least got a few bruises when I see you." Hearing a crash, Sirius turned to see Ron yanking a spitting ball of fur from his head. "Crookshanks! Really, how in the world do you manage this?" Hermione gasped as she tried desperately to get her cat, Crookshanks, off Ron's head. Hermione was a bushy haired girl who aced all her classes. She had been through many adventures with Harry, who when he was a baby, had almost been killed by the dark Lord Voldemort. Voldemort had succeeded in killing Harry's parents, however, so he had gone to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. Ron was Harry's other best friend. A mop of bright red hair covered his head, and his lanky stature made for his being rather clumsy. Ron had also assisted Harry in many dangerous ventures.
Professor Dumbledore stared at the scene, glanced at Sirius, and shrugged. "Hermione, get this stupid cat off my head!" Ron bellowed as Crookshanks dug sharp claws into his scalp. "Sirius, I'm glad you were pardoned. I think it's best for Harry. However, with Voldemort back, I may have to be strict with security for a while." Dumbledore said, staring at Sirius overtop of his half-moon glasses. "Of course, Professor. I understand,and I'm sure Harry will, too. You may want to know I am taking him to Diagon Alley tomorrow, so you can send someone there to watch him." Sirius warned, reading Dumbledore's aged face for emotions.
A small pop sounded, and suddenly, Professor Severus Snape, the potions master at Hogwarts, appeared before them. Glancing at Sirius, as if daring him to try something, Snape calmly stated, "You're all needed urgently at the school. Here, use this." Snape held up a portkey in the form of an old rubber tire. As everyone grouped around the tire, they were pulled to Hogwarts instantly. Professor Minerva McGonagall came running up. The deputy headmistress, her face was covered in worry. She was in charge when Dumbledore was absent. "Professor, Vicktor Krum just arrived here. He's seriously injured. He said something, and then he passed out on the doorstep."
McGonagall said hurriedly. Hermione, who was practically Krums girlfriend, rushed for the hospital ward. At the doors, Madame Pomfrey, the head nurse, stopped her.
"Where are you going, Miss Granger? For that matter, why are you here before the start of the term?" she asked in confusion.
"Let me by! I have to see Viktor!" Hermione begged with tears in her eyes. Krum, however, was already past Madame Pomfrey and next to Hermione before the nurse could say a word.
"Hermione! I knew you'd be here! Where's Harry? I have to warn him and Professor Dumbledore!" Krum said seriously. Seeing that Hermione was crying, he took a handkerchief out of his robe pocket and handed it to her. She took it, looked up at him, and as he smiled gently down on her, sobbed. "I was so worried. Professor McGonagall said you were hurt." Viktor Krum, who was the seeker for the Bulgarian National Quidditch team, attended Durmstrang, a rival wizarding school. "Not really. The dark lord really is back. He took over Durmstrang, and when I refused to serve him, he put me under the cruciatus curse. He disengaged it when I entered Hogwarts." Krum explained, until a loud cough from over his shoulder turned his attention to Dumbledore.
"What you just told me is quite interesting, Mr. Krum. However, I think you should lie down." Dumbledore said with concern. "Please wait! They are sending another person to kill Harry!" Krum shouted at Dumbledore and the others retreating backs. They did not, however, hear him.
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