If the summer between third and fourth year had been the best year of Harry's life, then the summer between fourth and fifth year had to have been the worst. Where he had idealistically hoped for a peaceful family with Sirius and conspired with Draco to change Slytherin for the better, Harry James Potter had found himself adrift. The return of Voldemort had marked a turning point in his life. Harry had thought that the last of his naivety had left him when he had accidentally killed Professor Quirrell so long ago in first year. Cedric's pale face flashed before Harry's emerald eyes and the teenager's normally placid face contorted into a grimace. Things had changed infinitely after that night in the Graveyard. Where before he had been a beloved celebrity and possessed several friendships, now he was reviled by the Wizarding public. His grimace twisted into an unpleasant sneer at the thought of all the Ministry had done to blacklist him. He had trusted in Dumbledore when the old man had suggested speaking on the matter publicly, but it had only brought the ire of the Ministry down upon himself. The Dementors that had almost killed his cousin were proof of that much.
With a sigh, Harry shook his head and stood. He had spent nearly the entire summer with Sirius at Grimmauld Place in a state of depression. Now that he was back at Hogwarts, the time for weakness was over. Harry had noticed the subtle glance his own 'inner circle' had given him upon the platform. They would all meet tonight in the room of requirement to determine what must be done. Normally, the group would meet in this very same cabin; alas the change Voldemort brought could be felt once more. Before Harry was the Boy-Who-Lived, he was a Slytherin. He had made clear his loyalty to the House time and again. Now it was time for his friends. Would they be loyal to the friendships they had developed? Which Heir of Slytherin would they follow?
Harry's face returned to it's neutral expression as he exited the cabin. He had been chosen by Professor Snape as the male prefect for his year. Naturally the man had made such an honor seem like a punishment, but Harry knew where Severus Snape's loyalties lay. The man had become, over time, something of a mentor to the teenager. It had started with simple defensive magic, but the man's tutelage had extended beyond simple hexes. Occulumency and Dark Magic had been the focus last year. Snape had always been extremely careful about what spells he taught, but Harry knew the heady rush associated with magic created only for the purpose of harming another. It had surprised Harry that Snape had taught him the little bit he had, but the teenager supposed the older man recognized the burning ambition that lay within him. And now, that magic would be needed for the coming war.
Harry's steps were calm and measured as he walked down the corridor of the train. The meeting would be starting soon and the Slytherin knew he would be reprimanded harshly for tardiness. Reaching the door to the appropriate cabin, Harry made a half-hearted attempt to tame the raven colored mop of hair that adorned his head. It had become habit more than anything as it was more likely he would be able to tame Fiendfyre before the unruly hair. The door opened smoothly and Harry looked around for a seat. Realizing he was the last to arrive, his eyes landed upon the only empty seat which was next to Hermione Granger.
Emerald eyes observed her in an appraising manner as he moved to take the seat. The two were not quite friends, but certainly not strangers. Harry imagined himself and the Ravenclaw girl to be pleasant acquaintances despite Draco's cruel barbs. The pureblood had finally stopped using the derogatory terms for muggleborns at Harry's insistence, but old habits died hard. Ever since the two had saved Hermione from a troll back in first year, Draco had resented the girl. Personally, Harry thought his best friend's opinion foolish. Hermione was a brilliant witch and Harry had always found her company relaxing.
As the meeting began, Harry discretely glanced at the girl a few times out of the corner of his eye. He could see why Victor Krum had asked her to the Yule Ball. She had grown into quite an attractive girl since puberty had begun chasing away the awkwardness of youth. Her bushy hair had tamed somewhat over the years and looked soft to touch. The teenager mentally wince and turned his mind away from such frivolous thoughts. The girl was attractive, but it was no reason to dwell on it. Now was not the time for romance. Perhaps once Voldemort had perished he would have time for such hopes. The meeting soon ended and Harry almost made to leave the compartment before he heard Hermione speak.
"Hey Harry," She began in what appeared to be a tentative manner to the Wizard. Harry knew that Hermione had not always been the most sociable of students had Hogwarts, though he could hardly judge. What friends he had made might attempt to kill him that very night. His mind winced at such thoughts and focused on the Ravenclaw girl's words, "Congratulations on becoming Prefect. I know things have been really hectic for you and I hope this year will be less so. But should things get too stressful, I'm happy to help. Did you enjoy your summer?"
For some unknown reason, her words caused a burning irritation to bubble in his stomach. Occulumency was excellent for emotional control, but Harry could only be considered average in the art currently. The stress of the summer finally overwhelmed the young man as he bit out angrily, "Are you saying you don't believe I am capable? Very well, you can kill Voldemort yourself if it's not too stressful!"
Harry's eyes suddenly widened as he realized the words that had exited his mouth in anger. His lips suddenly thinned and his body slumped with a painful sigh. Hermione had a good heart and hadn't meant anything insulting by her words. And he had returned her concern with a caustic remark. With a shake of his head he murmured out, "My apologies, Hermione. I did not mean to snap. My summer has been stressful."
