(Author's Notes)

So, welcome to my new story. Unlike BoT and RoSM, this will not be updated at regular intervals. As Shang Tsung would say, this is but a taste of things to come. This story will be updated slowly as, unlike the other two, I know it will take a while for this to catch some interest. For those who take an interest right off the bat, sorry to have to make you wait a while for an update, but I don't want to overtax myself with too many stories. Ideas pop into my head, and I need to right them down before I lose them. Thank you for your understanding, please read, review and enjoy.

On the night Peter Pettigrew escaped from his former friends, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, as well as Hogwarts third years, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley, Harry and his godfather, Sirius Black, were attacked by Dementors. Harry propelled them, but not initially. He had to travel through time with a magical device known as a time turner with his best friend, Hermione, an unspoken secret passing between the two of them to keep their adventure a secret from even their closest friend, Ronald. This would attract the attention of long forgotten magic and begin the reformation of an ancient order.

Harry and Hermione slept in the infirmary in parallel beds across from Ron, the events just an hour prior making them exhausted enough to sleep through Ron's unnaturally loud snoring. As they slept, the shadows casted by the moon seemed to creep over their bodies of the two time travelers. Harry looked around as he found himself no longer in a peaceful life with a beautiful wife with bushy hair and a wonderful daughter, but instead found himself in a black void. "Hello," he called out. With no response, Harry began to wander. It wasn't long before he found a welcoming sight: a light shining in the darkness. Making his way toward it, he stood just outside the light, looking in on a scene that both confused and excited him.

Hermione was in the light he'd been drawn to. In it, she was Minister of Magic. She'd brought an end to the Pure Blood movement and had unified the Magical and Mundane Worlds under a single banner, by her side, a strong looking man with a lightning bolt scar. He wore the robes of an Auror and held her hand which bore a golden wedding band. A quick glance showed a similar ring on the man's free hand. All too soon, the scene ended, and a younger Hermione looked around confused until she saw Harry. "Harry," she asked.

"Minister of Magic, huh?" Hermione blushed darkly as she realized he must've seen her dream. "And were we…?" Hermione blushed even more causing Harry to join her.

"Adorable," said a whispering voice that sounded as if it was coming from everywhere. The two teenagers looked around, their senses on high alert after the night they'd just had. "To find love at such a young age is precious." Both teens blushed once more before Harry shook his head.

"Who are you?!"

"Me? I am Emissary."

"Emissary," asked Hermione. "Emissary of what?" Before them, the void seemed to morph into a humanoid shape. It was feminine in nature and the third year students felt a chill run down their spine from its presence.

"Emissary of Shadows…" The figure floated around them. Hermione could feel a calculating gaze examining them, watching their every move.

"Emissary of Shadows," asked Harry.

"Did I stutter? Or go mute?"

"Well, no… but…"

"Then you heard me correctly."

"What do you want with us," asked Hermione.

"You two have shared a secret that was to be yours and yours alone, Hermione Granger…"

"You know who I am?"

"I know who you both are…" It floated behind Harry, placing hands on his shoulders. Hermione noticed the slight wince from the touch. "The broken and abused champion…" It then floated to Hermione and lifted her chin up to its 'face'. "And the loyal and naïve scholar…" It floated in front of them. "Both of you so brave, so valiant, so loyal. And yet fools. A secret such as this cannot be kept except by two entities."

"Those being," asked Harry, slowly moving in front of Hermione, acting as a shield in case the Emissary attacked them.

"The first is Death, who carries the secrets of mortals to the grave."

"And the second," asked Hermione, moving beside Harry, not willing to let him get hurt alone.

"Take a good look at where you are, child." Harry and Hermione looked around. At first, they saw nothing but the same void they'd arrived in. Then, certain shapes started shifting into focus. They recognized the beds of the infirmary and Ron, everything from the sheets around his body to his hair, different shades of grey. They turned around and spotted their bodies lying in their beds, hands extended to one another as they slept.

"A-are we…?"

"No. You are not dead, child. We have merely moved your consciousness to our realm."

"The realm of shadows," asked Harry.

"Ah, a bright young lad." The figured drifted to Hermione's side. "You've chosen well…" Hermione blushed as movement caught their attention. They turned to the entrance to the Infirmary and spotted Dumbledore, grey from head to toe, walking in, a cautious and worried look on his face. They watched as he uttered a spell, but no words were heard. A light emitted from his wand and the figure moved them away from it, behind the headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore looked about the room before ending the charm. He turned towards the door but stopped as something caught his gaze. He moved to the bedside of Harry and Hermione and waved his wand, moving their arms back to their beds and folding the sheets under him. "A foolish man with good intentions. A very dangerous combination."

They watched as he closed the doors behind him. Hermione turned to the figure. "Professor Dumbledore is the greatest wizard in the world! Do not insult him!"

"And yet, the man who displays kindness and understanding refuses to allow your friend to leave the wretched household he… lived in for so long."

"What does she mean, Harry?" Hermione turned to Harry and noticed he'd closed himself off. Suddenly Harry's voice whispered in the air around them.

"My relatives hold no love for me. They feed me the bare minimum and blame me for their misfortune. My uncle uses violence to try and snuff out my magic. My 'freakishness' as he calls it. I slept in a cupboard under the stairs until I received my Hogwarts Letter…"

"Oh, my goodness, Harry!" Hermione covered her mouth as Harry glared at the figure.

"Why did you have to tell her that?!"

"I did no such thing," said the figure. "Your shadow did."

"My…" Harry felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around. From where his body slept, a white form was sitting on the bed. Hermione looked down and saw it was connected to Harry by the feet, much like how Peter Pan's shadow was connected to him. The shadow stood up and moved in front of Harry as Hermione spotted a similar form standing beside herself.

"No one can hide from the shadows, dear boy. And no one can keep their secrets from us. It is both a gift and a curse."

"You still haven't answered my question," stated Hermione as she and her shadow turned to the figure. "What do you want from us and why are we here?"

"Your secrets are why I took an interest in you. There are only two ways to keep a secret as you did. I told you the first is death. The second is shadow."

"Meaning," asked Harry.

"I will train you in the arts of the shadows. Learning secrets old and new, keeping them from unwanted ears. Learning of Umbramancy and all of its wonders. And, if you agree, a place in the Shadow Court."

"This sounds like Dark Magic," said Hermione cautiously. The figure floated in front of her face.

"Labeled as such by those who fear its presence and properties. Much like the Mundane people have labeled magic itself as evil several times in the past." Hermione stumbled at the Emissary's words and directed her gaze to the ground, well aware of the fact. Harry took her hand, trying to calm her down. Hermione gave her a thankful smile.

"Oh, how I so want to kiss him right now," muttered her shadow. Hermione and Harry blushed at its words, but Harry refused to move his hand from hers, despite the embarrassment.

"It is as I said. No one can hide from the shadows. Especially not within the shadows themselves." It floated to a window. "I will give you time to think my offer over. But I will warn you now in case your answer is no. Danger looms on the horizon for you, Harry Potter. You may need my assistance in the days to come…" Before Harry could ask what the Emissary meant, she flew threw a window, their shadows receded into them and in no time at all, they awoke to the morning sun shining down on them from the windows behind their beds.

Sitting up, Harry looked around and turned to Hermione. "Did you…?" She nodded silently, already knowing what he was going to ask. 'Did you just experience the same dream as I did?' Hermione brought her knees up to her chest, a cold shiver running down her spine. Harry moved to her bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm to both comfort her and heat her up. It was during this that Ron woke up and spotted the position they were in.

"Hey," he mumbled. "What's going on? Why do you have your arm around Hermione like that, Harry?"

"She felt cold. I was warming her up."

"Oh, ok…" Ron rubbed his eyes, a spark of jealousy igniting within him. Somehow sensing it, Hermione looked at him.

"Ronald, are you jealous?" Ron looked at her, startled, before turning away slightly, ears as red as his hair.

"Well… yeah, just a bit. I was stuck here with a bite in my leg while you two went, Merlin knows where. I feel like you'll leave me behind while you two get closer."

"Ron," said Harry. "That will never happen. "You're our best mate. We'd never abandon you. Not if we could help it." Reassured, Ron nodded in acceptance as Madam Pomfrey walked in, a worried Molly Weasley behind her.

"Oh, Ronald," exclaimed Molly as she rushed over to her youngest son. "Are you ok?!"

"Mum," asked Ron. "I'm fine. It's just a… wolf bite. What are you doing here?!"

"I called your home, Mr. Weasley," said Madam Pomfrey. "I figured, after the day you had, you'd appreciate going home early. Especially with that wound. Even with the potions you've taken for it, to stave off infection, you shouldn't be moving around on it too much for the next week or so. It's taking a remarkably long time to heal, for some reason."

"Maybe it was something in it's saliva," suggested Hermione. 'Sirius bit Ron in his Animagus form. Maybe the potions aren't working because of that tiny detail?' Harry blinked as he heard Hermione's mind in his own. He turned to her, but saw she was looking forward as Poppy thought it over. Subtly, he noticed Hermione's shadow shift as Hermione scratched an itch on her nose. 'Shh,' sounded shortly thereafter and it was Hermione's turn to blink as she looked around.

"Something the matter dear," asked Molly.

"I thought I heard something just now." Harry cleared his throat slightly as he gestured to the shadows subtly with his foot. Hermione's eyes widened slightly in realization before she turned to Poppy. "It was probably just nerves after the Dementor encounter we had last night."

"Would you like a calming draught," asked the school Medi-Witch. Hermione shook her head.

"No thank you, I think I just need a good meal to calm my nerves."

"Alright but remember if you think you're going to have a panic attack, just come back and I'll give you a calming draught." She turned to Harry. "Once again gracing my office with your presence, I see, Mr. Potter."

"Only chance I get to see you, Poppy," said Harry with a wink. Hermione smacked his shoulder as he chuckled, and Poppy shook her head.

"Too much like your father, you are. Your magical exhaustion and Dementor exposure are really the only things you need to worry about at the moment. You'll be released right now to get some breakfast and, if you can, get plenty of chocolate for the exhaustion and Dementor exposure respectively."

"I love the magical world. Only place where chocolate is a good for you."

"Just remember not to eat too much, Mr. Potter. Now, off with you two. I need to discharge Mr. Weasley into his mother's care. Oh, do be dears and see if the other Weasleys would like to return home as well. With classes over for the school year, it seems only fair."

"We'll do that, Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione.

"Thank you. Now then…" As she went to her desk to get the necessary paperwork for Molly to sign to take her children home early, Harry and Hermione made their way to the Great Hall. Once there, they saw the houses were already gathered for breakfast.

"There's the twins," said Harry. "I'll go talk with them and Percy."

"Then I'll talk to Ginny," said Hermione. "And then we can talk."

"About?"

"Well… a number of things. Shadows being the main concern and the other concern…"

"Is?"

"…It can wait."

"How you feel about me," whispered her shadow. Harry and Hermione both blushed and Harry cleared his throat.

"Um… sure. But, do you want to talk here or somewhere else?"

"A little privacy would be nice for this."

"Alright. Then when we finish speaking with the Weasleys and eating, lets head to the library." Hermione smiled and nodded before heading towards the youngest Weasley. Harry slowly made his way to the twins, his mind racing. 'How do I feel about Hermione? I mean, she's brilliant. And beautiful. And she's been there for me since the troll incident. Never leaving my side, not even once.' Harry was brought out of his thoughts as the twins moved in front of him.

"Harry," said Fred/George. "Have you seen our dunce of a brother?"

"He's been missing since last night," said George/Fred. "Come to think of it…"

"…You were missing as well."

"What happened," they asked at once. Harry sighed and rubbed his temples from their twin talk.

"We were out by the Forbidden Forest, a wolf attacked us and bit Ron's leg. He's in the Infirmary right now, about to taken home by your mum. Madam Pomfrey wanted me and Hermione to find you and your siblings to see if you wanted to head home with them as well.

"Is Ron ok," asked Percy, who'd heard the conversation nearby.

"He's fine, but the wound is taking a bit longer to heal. Which is why your mother came to pick him up."

"Getting to go home early," started one twin.

"We'd never pass that chance up," stated the other.

"I would," said Percy. "But I have my responsibilities as Head Boy. I can't just shirk them."

"Percy," said a girl beside him. Harry noticed she had a Ravenclaw tie around her neck. "Don't be daft. It's your family. And it's not like we'll crumble without you. Me and the Prefects will handle things on the Express. Go home with your family. Percy mulled her words over for a second.

"Alright. I'll do what you suggest, Penelope." She smiled and kissed him. Harry chuckled as the twins mocked Percy by making kissy faces. "Both of you, behave. And act your age, you're fifth years, for Merlin's sake."

"Fat chance of that happening," said Harry as the brothers walked off. He turned around and found Ginny accidentally bump into him.

"Oh, sorry, Harry."

"It's my fault. Wasn't watching where I was going." Without a second thought, Harry slipped passed her to his usual seat beside Hermione. A downtrodden Ginny sighed before following after her brothers. The two ate their meals while sharing a pleasant chat with their housemates and excused themselves so they could head to the library to speak. Once there, and after a brief exchange between Hermione and Madam Pince, they found a table and sat down.

"So," said Hermione. "Where should we begin?" Harry thought briefly before turning to Hermione.

"I don't know what love feels like, Hermione. From what my shadow said last night, you know how my life before Hogwarts was. I've always been closed off from others and never expressed my emotions. Truth be told, you are the only one I've actually been comfortable with showing these emotions…"

"Harry. What do you think of me?"

"I think you're brilliant, and beautiful and so amazingly strong, stronger than I've ever been, at least."

"And…" She scooted closer to Harry. "What happens when you do think of me?"

"I… my heart feels like it skips a beat. My mind sometimes drifts to certain quirks of yours I find adorable, and the thought of you in danger makes me angry. I…" Harry's words were cut off as Hermione brought her lips to his. As the two friends shared their first kiss, their hearts began to beat as one. Inexperienced as they both were, neither pulled away from their kiss for a long while until they heard someone clear their throat. Reluctantly, they both pulled away and turned to the newcomer, a girl with long black hair and light green eyes. She wore a Slytherin tie and was sitting on the table beside them with an amused look on her face.

"Oh good, that brought you out of it. Thought you two were going to suffocate with how long you were snogging." She slid off the table, making Harry blush as the motion gave him a brief look at her panties. "Thought I should let you know, Madam Pince is closing the library early. Something about a family emergency forcing her home faster than she would like."

"Oh," said Hermione. "Thank you, miss…"

"Davis." She extended and shook Hermione's hand. "Tracey Davis. I have to admit, your little confession just now, Potter, was so adorable."

"How much of that did you hear," asked Harry.

"Just the ending just before Granger here tried eating your face. But from what I heard it sounded sweet." She grinned at them. "So, you two finally a couple?" Harry turned to Hermione as she gripped his hand lightly. "I'll take that protective gesture as a yes. Now, before you start talking about marriage…" She grinned as she had both teens blushing like mad. "Mr. Potter, my best friend, Daphne Greengrass, would like a word with you on the Hogwarts Express. Just arrive at our cart and you will find us. We usually take the cart right next to yours, if you can believe it?" She grinned as she bent to adjust something on her shoe and noticed Hermione covering Harry's eyes as she did. "Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. See you later." She winked at Harry and skipped off.

"The nerve of her," huffed Hermione. "Doing such a brash thing like that."

"Was she right," asked Harry. "Are we… you know?" Hermione turned to him with a smile.

"Are we what, Harry?"

"Are we… a couple?" Hermione's response with a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Of course, Harry. I just wanted to hear you say it." She took his hand. "Come on, let's go back to the dorms and finish packing."

"Right." They walked, hand in hand, back to the Gryffindor common room entrance. As they climbed the stairs to the seventh floor, Hermione turned to Harry.

"Now, about the other thing we need to discuss."

"Right, the shadows."

"What do you think we should do?"

"Honestly? I don't know. You called it Dark Magic, something we've been warned to be weary of, and yet Emissary made it sound like it wasn't as bad as everyone believes it to be."

"But, it seems so… unnatural. Almost like we shouldn't."

"What about her warning? She mentioned something was going to happen. We should be prepared in case she's telling the truth or she's leading us to a trap."

"You think we should accept her offer?"

"I think we should. If nothing else, it'll be a learning experience and a chance to learn some new spells." Hermione bit her lip slightly as she thought it over before turning to Harry.

"Alright. We'll do it. But how do we contact her?"

"She said it herself, remember? No one can hide from the shadows." Harry turned to their shadows and saw them nod before his flew off.

"Won't someone notice your shadow is gone?"

"When do people ever focus on shadows on a normal basis?"

"Well… I guess you're right." Harry smiled and kissed her cheek as they made their way into the common room. A few hours later, the whole of Hogwarts found themselves waiting to get on the Express to go home. As he and Hermione waited alongside Neville, the twins' friend, Lee Jordan, walked around the students.

"Bets were at 150/1! Officially, they got together at 8:52 AM this morning! Someone had that specific time on this specific day! Step right up, claim your earnings!"

"What's going on," Harry asked Neville.

"Most of the school had a betting pool going on about when you two would get together," said Parvati over his shoulder. Maximum bet was 10 Galleons."

"You were betting on us," asked Hermione.

"No, we were betting on who would get together, when, and how. I was sure it would be when Hermione got herself in trouble again and you'd come and save her, Harry! Like a knight in shining armor and she'd profess her love for you! And then…" She stopped talking as her twin smacked her upside the head.

"And then you shut up. Sorry about my sister, you two. She tends to get carried away."

"It's alright, Padma," said Hermione. "At least you didn't have a bet going on."

"She did," said a blonde Ravenclaw second year as she skipped passed. "5 Galleons you'd get together at Christmas."

"Luna," exclaimed Padma as Harry chuckled. Luna skipped over to Lee and held out her hand. He smiled and dropped a bag of coins into her hands. She smiled before skipping back over to where she was standing beside Padma. Harry noticed she wore a necklace made of corks and had earrings fashioned out of radishes. She had a wide eyed look on her face as she stared off into the distance like she was daydreaming. "Everyone, this is Luna Lovegood. She's a second year Ravenclaw. She may seem a bit… odd… but she's a good kid."

"Hello," said Luna with a smile. She turned to Harry. "Nice to meet you, Harry Potter."

"Nice to meet you too, Luna." He returned her smile. Luna blinked as she looked down. Harry followed her gaze and noticed his shadow return. He turned to her, worried, but found she was distracted by something else. Shortly thereafter, they climbed aboard the train with Luna opting to sit in the same cart as Harry, Hermione and Neville. After the train started moving, Harry made his way to the cart next to theirs, looking for Tracey and her friend, Daphne. He stepped into the cart and saw Tracey and Pansy Parkinson sitting across from two blonde girls, one clearly the older of two sisters.

"There he is," exclaimed Tracey with a smile. Daphne took a sip from the teacup she had in her hand before setting it aside. "Hello, Harry."

"Tracey." He nodded to her. He exchanged a glare with Pansy before addressing the two sisters. "And I'm assuming you are Daphne Greengrass."

"You assume correctly. And this is my younger sister, Astoria. She's just completed her first year at Hogwarts."

"Hello, Mr. Potter," said Astoria, trying to keep her face neutral, much like her sisters, the shadow of a smile briefly gracing her lips. Harry gave her a brief smile.

"Just refer to me as Harry, please."

"As this is a formal meeting," said Daphne. "First names are reserved for those already familiar with each other. It is Pureblood custom." Harry turned to her and saw she kept an air of dignity and neutrality about her, an ever present mask hiding her emotions. A mask he knew all to well, the only difference being, his was forged from fear, hers from training. She addressed Tracey and Pansy. "If you three could please wait in Mr. Potter's car along with whoever is there, we have a private matter to discuss."

"Sure," said Tracey. "We'll leave you to your marital talks." Harry gave her a look as he briefly noticed a blush on Daphne's cheeks.

"Out with you, and Pansy, do not cause any trouble."

"I won't," said Pansy. "If she won't."

"Harm Hermione in any way, Parkinson," said Harry as he fixed her with a coldhearted glare. "And you answer to me." He noticed a small ounce of fear escape her face as Tracey grinned from ear to ear.

"Ooh, he's protective! What a catch!" She pretended to swoon.

"Out," said Daphne, her patience clearly showing. The three girls left, and Daphne addressed a seat across from her. Harry sat and waited for her to finish her tea as she tried to calm herself before speaking. "Now then. I'm sure you're wondering just why I've asked to meet with you, Mr. Potter."

"I am, Ms. Greengrass."

"It pertains to our future together."

"And what future would that be?"

"Do you know nothing about it?"

"Honestly, I didn't even know about the Wizarding World until I received my Hogwarts letter. Let alone that my parents were magical."

"So you had no clue. I see. Then I shall make this brief. In the early days of their pregnancy, your parents and my own came to an agreement. Our mothers were friends, you see, and wanted to be closer. When they, alongside Alice Longbottom, learned of the genders of their children, our mums convinced our fathers to sign a Betrothal Contract between the two of us." She glanced at him as he started sputtering in surprise. "It is a common thing in the Wizarding World, Mr. Potter. And my mother had to convince yours of its natural place among high society members and Pureblood families alike. A chance at building alliances and strengthening friendships.

"The choice was then made for us to meet, become friends and hope something would happen between us to make sure the Betrothal could smoothly transition into an Engagement Contract. Needless to say, not everything went according to plan."

"Meaning Voldemort killing my parents." Even Daphne's apparent training wasn't enough to hide the involuntary flinch that crossed her face. "Why does everyone do that?"

"Those within the Wizarding World our age grew up on horror stories of the Dark Lord. Whenever his name was mentioned, our parents involuntarily flinched and looked behind them, as if expecting an attack. From what my father told me the Dark Lord's name was Tabooed during the war. When a Tabooed word, name, or phrase is uttered aloud, the original intent was for Aurors to crack down on those using the Unforgivable Curses instantly. Though that practice has long since been done away with because of corruption. Would you like some tea?"

"No thank you. What are the Unforgivable Curses?"

"Imperio, Crucio, Avada Kedavra. Absolute control, absolute torture, and absolute death respectively. These three curses specifically target the soul, from what my father tells me, and cannot be stopped by magical shields. Only physical ones or by evading them. The first two can, theoretically, be fought through, but the third… only one person alive has been able to survive it."

"And who would that person… oh. You're talking about me." Daphne nodded.

"Back to the original subject at hand. Our fathers did sign the Contract and you and I are betrothed. Meaning, at a future date in time, we are to be married if we so choose."

"And let me guess, you don't want to marry me."

"On the contrary, marriage to you is preferable to the only other alternative. A certain ponce by the name of Draco Malfoy." She poured herself more tea. "His father has been trying to push a Contract between us for ages."

"So, what. I'm just a scapegoat?"

"No, you dolt." She stood up and walked to him. "The reason I called you here was to see what you wanted to do. Honoring this Contract would mean keeping a promise our parents made to each other. What I am asking, is to see if we can be friends and to see if it can bloom into something more to help the Betrothal go smoothly. However, if you wish to end it, I completely understand."

"Daphne…" She shot him a look. "Ms. Greengrass. I'm dating Hermione."

"And you can continue to date her. Multiple relationships is another common thing within our society. And our Contract is written to ensure both Ancient and Noble family lines continue on without problem. That being said, our first born son, if we continue on with this Contract, shall take my maiden name. The rest shall have yours and mine combined. If you are still dating Ms. Granger, and choose to marry her, your children with her shall just be named Potter. Your mother thought up the specifics after mine explained everything about our society and its less than modern traditions." She sat next to him. "And truth be told…" Harry turned to her and saw her mask had been dropped. A blush had crept onto her face. "Recently I've found myself… fantasizing about women as well as men, so… sharing you with another girl is… appealing… to me."

"I… see." The two sat in awkward silence for a few moments before he turned back to her. "If I can get back to you on this. It's a lot to think about."

"I understand. Take as much time as you need Mr. Potter."

"Thank you, Ms. Greengrass. If you don't mind, I would prefer to call you Daphne."

"Only if you allow me to call you Harry."

"Deal." They exchanged a smile before Harry went back to his cart. He found its current occupants sitting in silence as Hermione and Pansy glared at one another. "Did I miss anything."

"Only complete boredom," said Tracey as she laid herself down, lying her head in Hermione's lap. "All that's happened is a brief but deadly exchange of surnames and these two glaring the whole time. Oh and your friend here talking about…" She looked up at Luna. "What were they again?"

"Wrackspurts," said Luna.

"Right those. Lovegood, right? Father's owner of the Quibler?"

"That's right."

"It's a lesser known newspaper about Magi-Cryptozoology."

"Magi…" started Harry.

"Cryptozoology," said Hermione. "The study of creatures said only to exist in legend and myth. A ridiculous subject if you ask me."

"Loch Ness Monster," said Harry.

"Water horse," said Tracey.

"Centaurs?"

"Living in dark forests all over the world," said Luna.

"But those can be explained because of the existence of magic."

"So can the others," said Pansy. "Its just that no one chooses to go looking for them." She stood up. "Come on, lets get back to Daphne."

"Where's Astoria," asked Harry.

"In the loo," said Tracey as she moved to a handstand, giving the entire cart a peek at her panties. Neville and Harry blushed along with Hermione. Luna hummed a random tune in her head as Pansy rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Pervert," said Pansy as she waited to open the door. "Let's go." Tracey righted herself and winked once more at Harry before leaving. Harry resumed his seat beside Hermione as Neville gulped loudly.

"Well that was entertaining," joked Harry. Hermione smacked his shoulder lightly while Neville nodded, dumbly. Halfway through the train ride, Harry and Hermione were asleep, hand in hand, and soon found themselves back in the realm of shadows, the Emissary waiting for them.

"So," came the whispered voice. "What is your decision?" They gave each other a gentle squeeze before Hermione spoke up.

"We'll learn from you."

"Excellent, my dears. Then let us begin at once…"