John had quickly forgotten the incident with Bellatrix. It had been swept away in Quidditch games and studying. However, his father had been working constantly to help the Ministry keep the peace and it came as no surprise that his father would be on the team that would be guarding Hogwarts. John was almost positive that he had volunteered. When September 1st rolled around John and his parents ushered his siblings into Platform 9 3/4 and then proceeded through the column as well.

"Goodbye dear," his mother said as he gave her a farewell hug. "Don't forget to study. And brush your teeth too."

John laughed as she made her last comment, hopping onto the scarlet train where his father and sister would soon follow. He quickly found a compartment in the back with his cousins, Albus and James, Fred, Dominique, and their friends Lorcan and Lysander. Most of the conversation was about pranks and such but they soon began talking in hushed tones about Bellatrix and her appearance at Diagon Alley.

"Well you saw it didn't you John?" Fred asked, his eyes wide with interest.

"Yeah. I did. I was with your dad and she just appeared. Went crazy on this one kid until she got blasted with spells. I wonder what she was doing though. Showing up like that." John said, his eyebrows knit together in concentration.

"Who knows and who cares! We're going to the safest place in the world." James said and just like that the conversation was returned to things like Quidditch and classes and spells.