CHLOE WAS SEVERAL streets away before she collapsed onto a low wall in Magnolia Crescent, panting from the effort of dragging her trunk.

Sitting quite still and listening to the frantic thumping of her heart, anger was still surging through Chloe. But after ten minutes alone in the dark street, a new emotion overtook her: panic.

Whichever way she looked at it, Chloe had never been in a worse fix. She was stranded, quite alone, in the dark Muggle world, with nowhere to go.

And the worst of it was, Chloe had just done serious magic, which meant she was almost certainly expelled from Hogwarts. She had broken the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry so badly, she was surprised that Ministry of Magic representatives weren't swooping down on her where she sat. She shivered and looked up and down Magnolia Crescent. What was going to happen to her? Would she be arrested, or would she simply be outlawed from the wizarding world?

Just as Chloe started thinking of Ron and Hermione, her heart sank even lower. Criminal or not, Ron and Hermione would want to help Chloe, but they were both abroad. And with Hedwig gone, she had no means of contacting either of them.

Chloe didn't have any Muggle money, either. There was a little witch gold in the money bag at the bottom of her trunk, but the rest of the fortune her parents had left her was stored in a vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in London. There was no way she'd drag her trunk all the way to London.

Chloe looked down at her wand, but she straightened up suddenly, looking around her once more. She had the strangest feeling that she was being watched, but the street appeared to be deserted, and no lights shone from any of the large square houses. She stood up once more, her hand clenched on her wand. She had sensed rather than heard it: somebody or something was standing in the narrow gap between the garage and the fence behind her. She squinted at the black alleyway.

If only it would move, then Chloe would know whether it was just a stray cat or.. something else.

"Lumos," murmured Chloe. A light briskly appeared at the end of her wand, almost dazzling her. She held it high over her head, and the pebble-dashed walls of number two suddenly sparkled; the garage door gleamed, and between them, Chloe saw, quite distinctly, the hulking outline of something very big, with wide, gleaming eyes. Chloe stepped backwards. Her legs hit her trunk and she tripped.

Chloe's wand flew out of her hand as she flung out an arm to break her fall and she landed in the gutter. There was a deafening BANG and she threw up her hands to immediately shield her eyes against a sudden blinding light. With a squeak, the girl rolled back onto the pavement, just in time.

A second later, a gigantic pair of wheels and headlights had screeched to a halt exactly where Chloe had just been lying. They belonged, as the Potter girl spotted as soon as she raised her head, to a triple-decker, violently purple bus, which had abruptly appeared out of thin air. Gold lettering over the windscreen spelled The Knight Bus.

For a split second, Chloe wondered if she had been knocked silly by her fall. Then a conductor in a purple uniform leapt out of the bus and began to speak loudly to the night. "Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor for this evening." He told Chloe, holding and looking at a rather old-looking card.

But the conductor stopped abruptly. He had just caught sight of Chloe, who was still sitting on the ground. She snatched up her wand again and scrambled to her feet. Close to, she saw that Stan Shunpike was only a few years older than he was; eighteen or nineteen at most, with large, protruding ears and a fair few pimples.

"Whatchoo doin' down there?" Stan questioned, quickly dropping his professional manner.

"I.. fell over." Chloe responded, awkwardly. "Whatchoo fall over for?" Stan sniggered.

"I didn't do it on purpose," said Chloe, defensively. One of the knees in her jeans was torn and the hand she had thrown out to break her fall was bleeding. "Well, come on, then! Let's not wait for the grass to grow," said Stan, in exasperation.

Chloe suddenly remembered why she had fallen over and turned around quickly to stare at the alleyway between the garage and fence.

The Knight Bus's headlamps were flooding it with light and it was empty. Stan looked in the same direction. "Whatchoo lookin' at?" He asked.

"There was a big black thing, over there. It was a dog, I think, but.. massive," said Chloe, pointing uncertainly. She looked at Stan, whose mouth was slightly open. With a slight feeling of unease, Chloe saw his eyes move to the scar on her forehead. "Woss that on your 'ead?" He asked, abruptly.

"Nothing," said Chloe, quickly. If the Ministry of Magic was looking for her, she didn't want to make it too easy. "Woss your name?" Stan persisted.

"Millicent Bulstrode," said Chloe, saying the first name that came into her head. Except Hermione, of course, but she didn't want to risk getting her into trouble. "So.. so this bus, did you say it goes anywhere?" She asked, hoping to distract Stan.

"Yep," said Stan, proudly, "anywhere you like, long's it's on land. Can't do nuffink underwater. Ere, you did flag us down, dincha? Stuck out your wand 'and, dincha?" He asked, suspiciously.

"Yes," said Chloe, automatically. "Listen, how much would it be to get to London?" She questioned.

"Eleven Sickles," said Stan, "but for firteen you get 'ot chocolate, and for fifteen you get an 'ot-water bottle an' a toofbrush in the colour of your choice."

Chloe rummaged once more in her trunk, extracted her money bag and shoved some silver into Stan's hand. "Well, come on, then. In." He insisted.

"Er, I'll just-" Chloe replied, reaching over to her trunk. "No, no, no. I'll get this. You get in," said Stan, although, even for him, the trunk was rather heavy.

With Hedwig's cage balanced on top, Chloe and Stan then lifted her trunk up the steps of the bus.

There were no seats; instead, half-a-dozen brass bedsteads stood beside the curtained windows.

Candles were burning in brackets beside each bed, illuminating the wood-panelled walls. A tiny wizard in at the rear end rolled in his sleep and muttered, "Not now, thanks, I'm pickling some slugs."

"You 'ave this one," whispered Stan, shoving Chloe's trunk under the bed right behind the driver, who was sitting in an armchair in front of the steering wheel. Hanging in front of the windshield beside the driver appeared to be the shrunken head of a Jamaican man with black dreadlocks.

"This is our driver, Ernie Prang," murmured Stan, to Chloe, "and that's Dre. This is Millicent Bulstrode."

Ernie Prang, an elderly wizard who was wearing very thick glasses, nodded to Chloe, who nervously nodded back and sat down on the bed.

"Take 'er away, Ern," said Stan, sitting down in the armchair next to Ernie's. But Chloe was more surprised to see Dre, the shrunken Jamaican head, speak. "Yeah, take it away, Ernie! Fasten your seatbelts! Clench your buttocks! It's goin' to be a bumpy ride!" He called, laughing wildly as another tremendous bang was heard. Before she could respond, Chloe found herself flat on the bed, thrown backwards by the speed of the Knight Bus.

Pulling herself up, Chloe stared out of the dark window and saw that they were bowling along a completely different street. Stan was watching Chloe's stunned face with great enjoyment. "This is where we was before you flagged us down. Where are we, Ern? Somewhere in Wales?" He asked.

"Ar," said Ernie. "Knew it, didn't I, Ernie? Wales! We were havin' a right whale of a time," cackled Dre.

"But the Muggles. Can't they see the bus? Or even hear it?" Chloe asked. "Muggles! They don' see nuffink, do they? Don' listen, properly either. Never notice nuffink, they don'," said Stan, contemptuously. "No, but if you jab them with a fork, they feel!" Dre joked, through another laugh.

"Best go wake up Madam Marsh, Stan. We'll be in Abergavenny in a minute." Ernie spoke up.

Stan passed Chloe's bed and disappeared up a narrow wooden staircase. The girl was still looking out of the window, feeling increasingly nervous.

Ernie didn't seem to have mastered the use of a steering wheel. The Knight Bus kept mounting the pavement, but it didn't hit anything; lines of lamp posts, letter-boxes and bins jumped out of its way as it approached and back into position once it had passed. Stan came back downstairs, followed by a faintly green witch wrapped in a travelling cloak.

"Ere you go, Madam Marsh," said Stan, happily, as Ern stamped on the brake. The beds slid a foot or so towards the front of the bus and Chloe clutched onto hers. Madam Marsh clamped a handkerchief to her mouth and tottered down the steps.

"Ten, nine, eight," said Dre, whilst Stan tossed Madam Marsh's bag out after her and then rammed the bus doors shut, "seven, six, five.. four, tree, tree and a half.. two, one and tree quarters. YES!!"

There was another loud bang, and the Knight Bus thundered down a narrow country lane, trees leaping out of the way. Chloe wouldn't have been able to sleep even if she had been travelling on a bus that didn't keep banging loudly and jumping a hundred miles at a time. Her stomach churned as she fell back to wondering what would happen to her and where Aunt Marge was soaring to.

Stan had just unfurled a copy of the Daily Prophet and was reading with his tongue between his teeth.

A large photograph of a sunken-faced man with long, matted hair blinked slowly at Chloe from the front page. He looked strangely familiar.

"That man," said Chloe, as she pointed to the front page, "he was on the Muggle news! Who is he?"

Stan turned to the front page. "Who is that? Who is-? That is Sirius Black, that is. Course 'e was on the Muggle news, Millicent. Where you been? Don' tell me you've never been hearin' o' Sirius Black."

Chloe shook her head. Stan gave a superior sort of chuckle at the blank look on her face, removed the front page and handed it to her. "You oughta read the papers more, Millicent." He pointed out. Chloe held the paper up to the candlelight to read it.

When Chloe looked into the shadowed eyes of Sirius Black, it was the only part of the sunken face that seemed alive. Chloe had never met a vampire, but she had seen pictures of them in his Defence Against the Dark Arts classes, and Black, with his waxy white skin, looked just like one.

"Scary-lookin' fing, inee?" Stan asked, after he had been watching Chloe read. "He murdered thirteen people with one curse?" She asked, handing the page back to Stan. "Yep. In front of witnesses an' all. Broad daylight. Big trouble it caused, dinnit, Ern?" He questioned, as he turned to the driver.

"Ar," said Ernie, darkly. Stan swivelled in his armchair, with his hands on the back to look at Chloe. "He woz a big supporter of.. You-Know-Who." He whispered, matter-of-factly.

Chloe's eyes widened, which Stan noticed. "I reckon you've 'eard of 'im." He acknowledged. "Yes," murmured Chloe, "him, I've heard of."

"Very close to You-Know-'Oo, they say.. anyway, when little Chloe Potter put paid to You-Know-'Oo, all You-Know-'Oo's supporters was tracked down, wasn't they, Ern? Most of 'em knew it was all over, wiv You-Know-'Oo gone, and they came quiet. But not Sirius Black. I 'eard he thought 'e'd be second-in-command once You-Know-'Oo 'ad taken over. Anyway, they cornered Black in the middle of a street full of Muggles an' Black took out 'is wand and 'e blasted 'alf the street apart, an' a wizard got it, an' so did a dozen Muggles what got in the way. 'Orrible, eh?" Stan asked, then dramatically whispered, "An' you know what Black did then?"

"What?" Chloe asked, curiously. "Laughed. Jus' stood there an' laughed. An' when reinforcements from the Ministry of Magic got there, 'e went wiv 'em quiet as anyfink, still laughing 'is 'ead off. Cos 'e's mad, inee, Ern? Inee mad?" Stan questioned.

"If he weren't when he went to Azkaban, he will be now." Ernie pointed out, in his slow voice. "I'd blow meself up before I set foot in that place. Serves him right, mind.. after what he did-"

"They 'ad a job coverin' it up, din' they, Ern? Ole street blown up an' all them Muggles dead. What was it they said 'ad 'appened, Ern?" Stan asked.

"Gas explosion," grunted Ernie. "An' now 'e's out. Never been a breakout from Azkaban before, 'as there, Ern? Beats me 'ow 'e did it. Frightenin', eh? Mind, I don't fancy 'is chances against them Azkaban guards, eh, Ern?" Stan asked, examining the newspaper picture of Black's gaunt face again.

Ernie suddenly shivered. "Talk about summat else, Stan, there's a good lad. Them Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles." He told the conductor.

Stan put the paper away reluctantly and Chloe leant against the window of the Knight Bus, feeling worse than ever. She couldn't help imagining what Stan Shunpike might be telling his passengers in a few nights' time. "Ear about that Chloe Potter? Blew up 'er aunt! We 'ad 'er 'ere on the Knight Bus, di'n't we, Ern? She was tryin' to run for it.."

She, Chloe, had broken wizard law just like Sirius Black. Was inflating Aunt Marge bad enough to land her in Azkaban? Chloe didn't know anything about the magical prison, though everyone she had ever heard speak of it did so in the same fearful tone.

Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, had spent two months there only last year. Chloe wouldn't soon forget the look of terror on Hagrid's face when he had been told where he was going and Hagrid was one of the bravest people Chloe knew besides Ron.

The Knight Bus rolled through the darkness, scattering bushes and bollards, telephone boxes and trees, and Chloe lay, restless and miserable, on his feather bed. One by one, wizards and witches in dressing-gowns and slippers descended from the upper floors to leave the bus. They all looked very pleased to go. Finally, Chloe was the only passenger left. "Right then, Millicent, whereabouts are you headed?" Stan asked, clapping his hands.

"The Leaky Cauldron. That's in London," said Chloe. "You hear that, Ern? 'The Leaky Cauldron. That's in London'." Stan repeated, mockingly.

"The Leaky Cauldron. If you have pea soup, make sure you eat it before it eats you." Dre piped up.

"Righto! 'old tight, then," said Stan.

BANG!

The Knight Bus thundered along Charing Cross Road. Chloe sat up and watched buildings and benches squeezing themselves out of the Knight Bus's way. The sky was getting a little lighter.

"Ernie, two double-deckers at twelve o'clock. They're getting closer, Ernie," said Dre, as the Knight Bus sped towards a pair of double-decker buses. "Ernie, they're right on top of us!"

Whilst Stan had nonchalantly returned to his newspaper, Ernie slowed the purple bus down and pulled a lever down from the ceiling. "Mind your head." Dre chuckled, as the Knight Bus had started to squeeze past the two red buses. The magical bus got more and more narrow, as did everybody inside it. Chloe, who had gotten over her claustrophobia at the age of seven, after spending her young Muggle life in a tiny cupboard, wasn't too uncomfortable with how very tight it had felt.

"Hey, guys? Guys? Why the long faces?" Dre joked, before the Knight Bus made it past the Muggle buses. The second the back of the purple bus stopped touching the red metal of the buses on either side, it returned to it's regular size and barrelled down the road at top speed again.

After a few seconds, Ern slammed on the brakes and the bus skidded to a halt in front of a small and shabby-looking pub, the Leaky Cauldron, behind which lay the magical entrance to Diagon Alley.

"Thanks so much," said Chloe, to Ern. She jumped down the steps and helped Stan lower her trunk and Hedwig's cage onto the pavement. "Well, goodbye," said Chloe, with a friendly smile.

But Stan wasn't paying attention. Still standing in the doorway to the bus, he was goggling at the shadowy entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

"There you are, Chloe!"

Before Chloe could even turn around, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Blimey! Ern, come 'ere! Come 'ere!" Stan shouted, at the same time.

Chloe looked up at the owner of the hand on her shoulder and promptly felt a bucketful of ice cascade into her stomach - she had walked into Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic himself.

Stan leapt onto the pavement beside them. "What didja call Millicent, Minister?" He asked, excitedly.

Fudge, a portly little man in a long, pinstriped cloak, looked cold and exhausted. "Millicent? This is Chloe Potter." He corrected, with a frown.

"I knew it! Ern! Ern! Guess 'oo Millicent is, Ern! She's Chloe Potter! I can see 'er scar!" Stan cheered.

"Yes," said Fudge, testily. "Well, I'm very glad the Knight Bus picked Chloe up, but she and I need to step inside the Leaky Cauldron now."

Fudge increased the pressure on Chloe's shoulder and she found herself being steered into the pub.

A stooping figure bearing a lantern appeared through the door behind the bar. It was Tom, the wizened, toothless landlord. "You've got her, Minister! Will you be wanting anything? Beer? Brandy?" He asked, smiling kindly at Chloe.

"Perhaps a pot of tea," said Fudge, who still hadn't let go of the Potter girl. There was a loud scraping and puffing coming from behind them and Stan and Ern appeared, carrying Chloe's trunk and Hedwig's cage and looking around excitedly.

"'Ow come you di'n't tell us 'oo you are, eh, Millicent?" Stan asked, beaming at Chloe, while Ernie's owlish face peered interestedly over Stan's shoulder. Chloe just looked at them apologetically.

"And a private parlour, please, Tom," said Fudge, pointedly. "Nice meeting you." Chloe told Stan and Ern, as Tom beckoned Fudge towards the passage that led from the bar. "Bye, Millicent," called Stan.

Fudge marched Chloe along the narrow passage after Tom's lantern and then into a small parlour. Tom clicked his fingers, a fire burst into life in the grate and he bowed himself out of the room.

"Sit down, Chloe," said Fudge, indicating a chair by the fire. Chloe sat down, feeling goosebumps rising up her arms despite the glow of the fire. Fudge took off his pinstriped cloak and tossed it aside, then hitched up the trousers of his bottle-green suit and sat down opposite Chloe. "I am Cornelius Fudge, Chloe. The Minister for Magic." He explained.

Chloe already knew who was Fudge was, of course; she had seen him once before, but as she had been wearing her father's Invisibility Cloak at the time, Fudge wasn't to know that. "Hello, sir." She said.

Tom the innkeeper reappeared, wearing an apron over his nightshirt and bearing a tray of tea and crumpets. He placed the tray on a table between Chloe and Fudge, and left the parlour, closing the door behind him. "Well, Chloe," said Fudge, who was pouring out tea, "you've had us all in a right flap, I don't mind telling you. Running away from your aunt and uncle's house like that! I'd started to think.. but you're safe, and that's what matters."

Fudge buttered himself a crumpet and pushed the plate towards Chloe. "Eat, Chloe, you look dead on your feet. Now then.. you will be pleased to hear that we have dealt with the unfortunate blowing-up of Miss Marjorie Dursley. Two members of the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad were dispatched immediately. Your uncle's sister was located a little south of Sheffield, circling a chimney stack. She has been properly punctured and her memory modified. She will have no recollection of the incident whatsoever. So that's that, and no harm done." He stated, reassuringly.

Fudge smiled at Chloe over the rim of his teacup, rather like an uncle surveying a favourite niece.

Chloe, who couldn't believe what she had just heard, opened her mouth to speak, couldn't think of anything to say and closed it again. "Ah, you're worrying about the reaction of your aunt and uncle? Well, I won't deny that they are extremely angry, Chloe, but they are prepared to take you back next summer as long as you stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays," said Fudge.

"I always stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays and I don't ever want to go back to Privet Drive." Chloe spoke up, shaking her head.

"Now, now, I'm sure you'll feel differently once you've calmed down," said Fudge in a worried tone. "They are your family, after all, and I'm sure you are fond of each other.. er.. very deep down."

Obviously confused, Chloe was still waiting to hear what was going to happen to her. "So all that remains," said Fudge, buttering himself a second crumpet, "is to decide where you're going to spend the last three weeks of your holidays. I suggest you take a room here at the Leaky Cauldron and-"

"Hang on," blurted Chloe. Fudge stopped and looked at her, just as she realised that she had interrupted the Minister. "Er, sorry, sir.. for being rude. But.. wha-what about my punishment?"

Fudge blinked. "Punishment?" He asked. "I broke the law. Underage witches aren't allowed to use magic at home, are they?" Chloe questioned.

"Come now, Chloe, the Ministry doesn't send people to Azkaban for blowing up their aunts. We're not going to punish you for a little thing like that! It was an accident," said Fudge, amused.

But it didn't tally at all with Chloe's past dealings with the Ministry of Magic. She nervously twiddled her fingers and said, "But, sir, last year.. I got an official warning when a house-elf smashed a cake in my uncle's house. I was told I'd be expelled from Hogwarts if there was any more magic there."

Unless Chloe's eyes were deceiving her, Fudge suddenly looked rather awkward. "Circumstances change, Chloe.. we have to take into account.. in the present climate.. surely you don't want to be expelled?" He questioned, in surprise.

"No, sir," said Chloe, automatically, whilst she shook her head again, "of course not, I was just-"

"Well then, what's all the fuss about? Now, have a crumpet, Chloe, while I go and see if Tom's got a room for you." Fudge chuckled, airily. He then strode out of the parlour and Chloe stared after him. There was something really odd going on.

Why had Fudge been waiting for Chloe at the Leaky Cauldron, if not to punish her for what she had done? And now Chloe came to think of it, surely it wasn't usual for the Minister for Magic himself to get involved in matters of underage magic?

Fudge came back, accompanied by Tom the innkeeper. "Room eleven's free, Chloe. I think you'll be very comfortable. Just one thing, and I'm sure you'll understand: I don't want you wandering off into Muggle London, all right? Keep to Diagon Alley. And you're to be back here before dark each night. Sure you'll understand. Tom will be keeping an eye on you for me." Fudge informed Chloe.

"Thanks, sir, but.. why-?" Chloe asked, slowly. "Don't want to lose you again, do we?" Fudge responded, with a hearty laugh. "No, no.. best we know where you are. I mean.." He added, then cleared his throat loudly and picked up his cloak. "Well, I'll be off, plenty to do, you know."

Chloe nodded, thoughtfully. "Have you had any luck with Sirius Black yet, sir?" She curiously asked.

Fudge's fingers slipped on the silver fastenings of his cloak. "What's that? Oh, you've heard- well, no, not yet, but it's only a matter of time. The Azkaban guards have never yet failed.. and they are angrier than I've ever seen them." He stated, then shuddered slightly. "So, I'll say goodbye."

When Fudge held out his hand to Chloe, she gently shook it. "Well, I'll be off." Fudge told the girl, once he let go of her hand. "Enjoy your stay, Chloe."

And with a last smile and shake of Chloe's hand, Fudge left the room. Tom now moved forward, beaming at Chloe. "If you'll follow me, Miss Potter. I've already taken your things up." He explained.

Chloe followed Tom up a handsome wooden staircase to a door with a brass number eleven on it, which Tom unlocked and opened for her.

Inside was a very comfortable-looking bed, some highly polished oak furniture, a cheerfully crackling fire and, perched on top of the wardrobe- "Hedwig!" Chloe gasped, beaming in delight.

The snowy owl clicked her beak and fluttered down onto Chloe's arm. "Right smart bird you got there, Miss Potter. Arrived here just five minutes before yourself. If there's anything you need, Miss Potter, don't hesitate to ask." Tom chuckled, warmly.

"Thanks," said Chloe, politely, as Tom gave her another bow and left. Chloe sat on her bed for a long time, absent-mindedly stroking Hedwig.

The sky outside the window was changing rapidly from deep, velvety blue to cold, steely grey and then, slowly, to pink shot with gold. Chloe could hardly believe she had only left Privet Drive a few hours ago, that she wasn't expelled and she was facing three completely Dursley-free weeks. "It's been a very weird night, Hedwig." She yawned.

And without even removing her glasses, Chloe slumped back onto her pillows and fell asleep.

***

It took Chloe several days to get used to her strange new freedom. Never before had the girl been able to get up whenever she wanted or eat whatever she fancied. She could even go wherever he pleased, as long as it was in Diagon Alley and as this long cobbled street was packed with the most fascinating wizarding shops in the world, Chloe felt absolutely no desire to break her word to Fudge and stray back into the Muggle world.

Chloe ate breakfast each morning in the Leaky Cauldron, where she liked watching the other guests: funny little witches from the country, up for a day's shopping; venerable-looking wizards arguing over articles in Transfiguration Today; wild-looking warlocks; raucous dwarfs; and once, what looked suspiciously like a hag, who ordered a plate of raw liver from behind a thick woollen balaclava. Chloe wished she had left sooner.

After breakfast, Chloe would go out into the backyard, take out her wand, tap the third brick from the left above the dustbin and stand back as the archway into Diagon Alley opened in the wall.

Chloe spent the long sunny days exploring the shops and eating under the brightly coloured umbrellas outside cafés, where her fellow diners were showing one another their purchases ("it's a lunascope, old boy - no more messing around with moon charts, see?") or else discussing the case of Sirius Black ("personally, I won't let any of the children out alone until he's back in Azkaban").

Chloe didn't have to do her homework under the blankets by flashlight anymore; she could sit in the bright sunshine outside Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor, finishing all her essays with occasional help from Florean Fortescue himself, who, apart from knowing a great deal about medieval witch-burnings, gave Chloe free sundaes every half an hour. Once she refilled her money bag with gold Galleons, silver Sickles and bronze Knuts from her vault at Gringotts, she had to exercise a lot of self-control to not spend the whole lot.

Chloe had to keep reminding herself that she had five years to go at Hogwarts and how it would feel to ask the Dursleys for money for spellbooks, to stop herself from buying a handsome set of solid gold Gobstones (a wizarding game rather like marbles, in which the stones squirt a nasty-smelling liquid into the other player's face when they lose a point). She was sorely tempted, too, by the perfect, moving model of the galaxy in a large glass ball, which meant she would never have to take another Astronomy class - but since she loved the class, she eventually got over it.

But the thing that tested Chloe's resolution most appeared in one of her absolute favorite shops in Diagon Alley, Quality Quidditch Supplies, a week after she had arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.

Curious to know what the crowd in the shop was staring at, Chloe edged her way inside and squeezed in among the excited witches and wizards until she glimpsed a newly erected podium, on which was mounted the most magnificent broom she had ever seen in her life.

"Just come out, prototype-" A square-jawed wizard was telling his companion. "It's the fastest broom in the world, isn't it, Dad?" A boy, younger than Chloe, squeaked, swinging off his father's arm.

"Irish International Side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties!" The shop owner told the crowd. "And they're favorites for the World Cup!"

A large witch in front of Chloe moved and she was able to read the sign next to the broomstick.

Price on request.. Chloe didn't like to think how much gold the Firebolt would cost. She had never wanted anything as much in her whole life, but she had never lost a Quidditch match on her wonderful Nimbus Two Thousand and what was the point in emptying her Gringotts vault for the Firebolt, when she had a perfectly good broomstick already?

Chloe didn't ask for the price, but she returned, almost every day after that, just to look at the Firebolt. There were, however, things that she needed to buy. She went to the apothecary to replenish her store of potions ingredients.

There, Chloe was delighted to reunite with a familiar boy - not to her surprise, browsing the various shelves of potions supplies, the girl spotted her potions-obsessed classmate, Daniel Page.

Despite picking ingredients for one of the only subjects he truly thrived in most, Daniel didn't look too happy. Just as Chloe was walking over to him, she could have sworn she heard him complaining about his book under his breath. "..could truly be innocent, for all those Ministry twats know-"

"Daniel?" Chloe spoke up, which pulled Daniel out of his resentful thoughts and made him turn around. "Hello," said Chloe, with a wave, before she looked at him in concern. "Is everything all right?"

"Fine," said Daniel, after some brief hesitation that Chloe noticed, "just looking at cauldrons and some scales - those are a must for brewing potions."

"I know." Chloe acknowledged, then narrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Are you here alone?"

"No, my sister's over there." Daniel answered, as he pointed to the auburn-haired woman curiously looking around the shop. Chloe learned, from her first year, that Daniel had parents - a Muggle father and a witch mother. He never seemed willing to talk about his family, as their fellow Gryffindors quickly learned. "What about your parents? Surely they'd want to see you get all the school supplies you need." Chloe curiously pointed out.

As if on cue, before Daniel could answer, the woman he had claimed was his older sister had walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. "I think this'll do it, Daniel. We've yet to get your new robes." She told her little brother, with a sigh.

Just as Daniel looked up at the woman and nodded, she turned to Chloe and took notice of the infamous lightning bolt scar on her forehead. "You must be Chloe Potter." She realised, with a smile.

"Yes," said Chloe, nodding as the tall woman in front of her offered a handshake. She was rather pretty, with shoulder-length auburn hair, fair skin, a slim figure, a small and pointed chin and brown eyes. "Esme Page." She informed Chloe, who then grabbed her hand and lightly shook it. "Oh, it's nice to meet you." She responded, with a similar smile.

"Likewise," said Esme, as she and Chloe let go of each other's hands, "Daniel's told me all about you. I've never known such a brave girl. Especially not one of your age. It's really remarkable!"

Chloe, as she always did whenever she was complicated for all the dark experiences she had been through, felt herself flush. "Thanks, heh, and Daniel's been a great friend at school." She replied.

"Aw, is he really?" Esme teased, whilst Daniel, unnoticed, was also violently flushing. "I suppose he's told you about the Bloody-" His sister went on. "Not here, Esme!" Daniel suddenly hissed, urgently.

Esme stopped, as Daniel frantically waved his hand at her for silence. "Are we going to Madam Malkin's then, or what?" He asked, sharply. "If you want but mind that attitude of yours, mister, or I'll think twice about signing the form." Esme told him, which made Chloe frown about Hogsmeade.

"I'll see you at Hogwarts." Daniel told Chloe, on his and Esme's way out of the shop. "Bye, Dani- oh, wait!" Chloe called, in realisation. "Have you seen anyone else around yet?" She asked, hopefully.

"The Patil twins were near Flourish and Blotts, that's about it. Oh! I think I did see Malfoy and his lot by the Quidditch shop." Daniel explained.

Malfoy and his lot, thought Chloe, as Daniel and Esme walked out - she obviously planned to avoid any interactions with any of the familiar Slytherins throughout the rest of the day. Especially Millicent, who Chloe had claimed to be on the Knight Bus.

As Chloe's school robes were several inches too short in the arm and leg, she visited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and bought new ones. Most important of all, she had to buy her new schoolbooks, which included those for her two new subjects, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination.

Care of Magical Creatures was certainly the class that Chloe was most looking forward to. The name itself was more than enough for the girl to assume that it would be one of her most favourite classes.

But on the way to Flourish and Blotts, Chloe was thinking about Daniel seeming bitter about something. She thought she heard him muttering about the Ministry, before he abruptly stopped Esme from telling Chloe something - presumably the thing he was upset about. It would be an almost impossible mission to find out what, Chloe knew that, because Daniel hardly ever spoke to anybody, let alone shared his how he was feeling.

What pulled Chloe out of her thoughts, however, was the shock of the bookshop window. Instead of the usual display of gold-embossed spellbooks the size of paving slabs, in Flourish and Blotts, there was a large iron cage behind the glass that held dozens many of The Monster Book of Monsters.

Torn pages were flying everywhere as the books grappled with each other, locked together in furious wrestling matches and snapping aggressively. Chloe heard a group of fifth-year boys laughing at the sight, causing her to narrow her eyebrows at them and wonder why a bunch of books wrestling could possibly be so funny.

Ignoring the sniggering teenagers, Chloe pulled her booklist out of his pocket and consulted it for the first time. The Monster Book of Monsters was listed as the required book for Care of Magical Creatures.

Now Chloe understood why Hagrid had said it would come in useful. She felt underwhelmed, since she had been wondering whether Hagrid wanted help with an interesting new pet.

As Chloe entered Flourish and Blotts, a few minutes later, the manager came hurrying over. "Hogwarts? Come to get your new books?" He asked, abruptly.

"Yes, sir," said Chloe, "I need-"

"Get out of the way," said the manager impatiently, brushing Chloe aside. He drew on a pair of very thick gloves, picked up a large, knobbly walking stick and proceeded toward the door of the monster books' cage. "Oh, hang on. I've already got one of those." Chloe chimed in, quickly.

"Have you?" The manager asked. Enormous relief spread over his face. "Thank heavens for that. I've been bitten five times already this morning-"

A loud ripping noise rent the air; two of the monster books had seized a third and were pulling it apart.

"Stop it! Stop it," cried the manager, poking the walking stick through the bars and knocking the books apart. "I'm never stocking them again, never! It's been bedlam! I thought we'd seen the worst when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility - cost a fortune, and we never found them. Well.. is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked Chloe, turning to her.

"Yes, sir," said Chloe, scanning her booklist, "I need Cassandra Vablatsky's Unfogging the Future."

"Ah, starting Divination, are you?" The manager asked, stripping off his gloves and leading Chloe into the back of the shop, where there was a corner devoted to fortune-telling. A small table was stacked with volumes such as Predicting the Unpredictable: Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls: When Fortunes Turn Foul.

"Here you are," said the manager, who had climbed a set of steps to take down a thick, black-bound book. "Unfogging the Future. Very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods - palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails." He explained.

But Chloe wasn't listening. Her eyes had found themselves falling upon another book, which was among a display on a small table: Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming.

"Oh, I wouldn't read that if I were you. You'll start seeing death omens everywhere. It's enough to frighten anyone to death," said the manager, lightly, looking to see what Chloe was staring at.

But Chloe continued to stare at the front cover of the book; it showed a black dog large as a bear, with gleaming eyes. It looked oddly familiar.

The manager just pressed Unfogging the Future into Chloe's hands and asked, "Anything else?"

"Oh, yes, sir," said Chloe, tearing his eyes away from the dog's and dazedly consulting her booklist. "Erm, I just need.. Intermediate Transfiguration and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three, please."

Ten minutes later, Chloe emerged from Flourish and Blotts with her new books under her arms and made het way back to the Leaky Cauldron, hardly noticing where she was going and bumping into several people.. one of whom, unnoticed by the girl, was a taller blonde-haired Slytherin rival.

Up the stairs to her room, Chloe hurriedly went inside and tipped her books onto her bed.

Somebody had been in to tidy; the windows were open and sun was pouring inside. Chloe could hear the buses rolling by in the unseen Muggle street behind her and the sound of the invisible crowd below in Diagon Alley. She caught sight of herself in the mirror over the basin. "It can't have been a death omen. I was panicking when I saw that thing in Magnolia Crescent. It was probably just a stray dog." She told her reflection, defiantly. She raised her hand and tried to make her hair lie flat.

"You're fighting a losing battle there," said the mirror, wheezily, which startled Chloe, "dear."

As the days slipped by, Chloe continued looking wherever she went for a sign of Ron or Hermione.

Plenty of Hogwarts students were arriving in Diagon Alley, with the start of term so near.

Chloe joyfully met her friends, Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, in Quality Quidditch Supplies, where they too were ogling the Firebolt.

When Chloe was trying to make it through the bustling crowd, she unintentionally bumped into several people like before. But she was delighted to run into Neville Longbottom, a forgetful boy, outside Flourish and Blotts. He appeared to have mislaid his booklist and was being told off by his very formidable-looking grandmother.

To Chloe's surprise, Neville had gotten quite taller. His dark brown hair was slightly longer and wavier and was a little slimmer. With the time she had to spare before returning to her room, Chloe helped Neville make sure he had all the books he needed.

Neville's grandmother, much like the Weasleys, seemed like the kind of person who would be against the idea of recieving money from Chloe, but at least the Potter girl was there to help make sure Neville hadn't forgotten any of his books and hear about his excitement for the new classes.

On the last day of the holidays, Chloe woke up thinking she would at least meet Ron and Hermione tomorrow, on the Hogwarts Express.

After she got up, dressed and went for a last look at the Firebolt, Chloe was just wondering where she would have lunch. But the girl stopped and turned, upon hearing a familiar boy yelling her name.

"Chloe! CHLOE!"

They were there, both of them, sitting outside Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor - Ron and Hermione, waving frantically at their best friend.

Chloe immediately lit up with glee - if possible, perhaps due to the fact that she spent a majority of the summer at the Weasley house, she missed her best friends more than the previous holiday.

With an exclamation of delight, somewhere between a giggle and a scream, Chloe ran over as fast as she could. Hermione and Ron both stood up from their chairs and did the same. As soon as the Golden Trio were in each other's reach, the three of them pulled each other in for a welcoming hug.

"Finally," said Ron, grinning at Chloe as they reluctantly separated. But not before Ron gave her one tight squeeze of a hug that was all hers because he had been so worried about her.

"How was France?" Chloe asked Hermione, just as she separated from Ron and the two girls pulled each other in for their own hug. "Oh, Chloe, it was beautiful! I've got so many photographs I want to show you," said Hermione, beaming with pride.

"We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you'd left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkin's, and-" Ron hastily explained.

"I got all my school supplies last week," said Chloe, with a mildly confused look. "But how did you know I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Dad." Ron answered, simply.

Arthur Weasley, who worked at the Ministry of Magic, would of course have heard the whole story of what had happened to Aunt Marge.

Hermione, too, clearly. "Did you really blow up your aunt, Chloe?" She asked, in a very serious voice. "I didn't mean to," said Chloe, whilst Ron roared with laughter. "I just.. I lost control."

"Honestly, Ron, it's not funny. Chloe was lucky not to be expelled." Hermione pointed out, sharply.

"Nevermind expelled, I thought I was going to be arrested," said Chloe, who turned to Ron. "Your dad doesn't know why Fudge let me off, does he?"

"Probably 'cause it's you, isn't it?" Ron shrugged, still chuckling. "Famous Chloe Potter and all that. I'd hate to see what the Ministry'd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they'd have to dig me up first, because Mum would've killed me."

No matter the accuracy, Ron's last comment made Chloe laugh. "Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too! So you can come to King's Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione's there as well," said Ron.

Hermione nodded, beaming. "Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things." She explained. "Brilliant! So, have you got all your new books and stuff?" Chloe asked Ron.

"Look at this," said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. "Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. And we've got all our books-"

When they sat back down at the table by the ice-cream shop, Ron pointed at a large bag just under his chair. "What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two." He recalled, in amusement.

Chloe nodded, then turned to Hermione. "What's all that, Hermione?" She asked, pointing at three bulging bags in the chair next to her. "Well, I'm taking more new subjects than you, aren't I? Those are my books for Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, the Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies-" Hermione explained, quickly.

Ron rolled his eyes. "What are you doing Muggle Studies for? You're Muggle-born! Your mum and dad are Muggles! You already know all about Muggles!" He reminded Hermione, in disbelief.

"But it'll be fascinating to study them from the wizarding point of view," said Hermione, earnestly.

Ron sniggered, but Hermione ignored him. "I've still got ten Galleons." She realised, whilst she checked her purse for leftover money. "It's my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present."

"Ooh, like what?" Chloe asked, intrigued. "How about a nice book?" Ron suggested, innocently.

"No, I don't think so." Hermione responded, composedly. "I really want an owl. I mean, Chloe's got Hedwig and you've got Errol-"

"I haven't," said Ron, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Errol's a family owl. All I've got is Scabbers."

Ron pulled his pet rat out of his pocket. "And I want to get him checked over. I don't think Egypt agreed with him." He added, placing Scabbers on the table.

Scabbers was looking thinner than usual, and there was a definite droop to his long whiskers.

"There's a magical creature shop just over there. You could see if they've got anything for Scabbers, and Hermione can get her owl." Chloe suggested. She knew Diagon Alley very well by now.

So the Golden Trio paid for their ice cream and crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie.

There wasn't much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was smelly and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering or hissing.

The witch behind the counter was already advising a wizard on the care of double-ended newts, so Chloe, Ron and Hermione examined the cages.

A pair of enormous purple toads sat gulping wetly and feasting on dead blowflies. A gigantic tortoise with a jewel-encrusted shell was glittering near the window. Poisonous orange snails were oozing slowly up the side of their glass tank and a fat white rabbit kept changing into a silk top hat and back again with a loud popping noise. Then there were cats of every colour, a noisy cage of ravens, a basket of funny custard-coloured furballs that were humming loudly and on the counter, a vast cage of sleek black rats that were playing some sort of skipping game using their long, bald tails.

The double-ended newt wizard left and Ron approached the counter. "It's my rat. He been a bit off-colour ever since I brought him back from Egypt." He informed the shop owner.

"Bang him on the counter," said the witch, pulling a pair of heavy black spectacles out of her pocket.

Ron lifted Scabbers out of his inside pocket and placed him next to the cage of his fellow rats, who stopped their skipping tricks and scuffled to the wire for a better look. Like nearly everything Ron ever owned, Scabbers the rat was second-hand (since he once belonged to Ron's brother, Percy) and a bit battered. Next to the glossy rats in the cage, he looked especially woebegone.

"Hm. How old is this rat?" The witch asked, picking up Scabbers. "Dunno. Quite old. He used to belong to my brother." Ron answered, with a little shrug.

"What powers does he have?" The witch asked, examining Scabbers closely. "Er-" Ron replied.

The truth was that Scabbers had never shown the faintest trace of interesting powers. The witch's eyes moved from Scabbers's tattered left ear to his front paw, which had a toe missing, and tutted. "He's been through the mill, this one." He said.

Ron shot the witch a look. "He was like that when Percy gave him to me." He stated, defensively.

The witch shook her head. "An ordinary common or garden rat like this can't be expected to live longer than three years or so. Now, if you were looking for something a bit more hard-wearing, you might like one of these-" She said, then indicated the black rats, who promptly started skipping again. "Show-offs." Ron muttered.

"Well, if you don't want a replacement, you can try this rat tonic," said the witch, reaching under the counter and bringing out a small red bottle.

"Okay," said Ron. "How much- OUCH!"

Ron buckled as something huge and orange came soaring from the top of the highest cage, landed on his head and then propelled itself, spitting madly, at Scabbers. Chloe let out a startled gasp.

"NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO," cried the witch, but Scabbers shot from between her hands like a bar of soap, landed splay-legged on the floor, and then scampered for the door. "Scabbers!" Ron shouted, racing out of the shop after the rat. Chloe followed.

It took them nearly ten minutes for Chloe and Ron to catch Scabbers, who had taken refuge under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Ron frantically stuffed the trembling grey rat back into his pocket, before straightening up. "What was that?" He questioned, massaging his head.

Unsure, Chloe shook her head. "It was either a very large cat or a very small tiger." She replied.

"Where's Hermione?" Ron asked.

Chloe pointed her right thumb towards the animal shop and said, "Probably getting her owl."

Together, Chloe and Ron made their way back up the crowded street to the Magical Menagerie.

As the duo reached it, Hermione came out, but she wasn't carrying an owl. Her arms were clamped tightly around the enormous ginger cat.

"You bought that monster?" Ron asked, his mouth open. "He's gorgeous, isn't he?" Hermione beamed.

The cat's ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but he was definitely a bit bow-legged. His face looked a little grumpy, but was purring contentedly in Hermione's arms since Scabbers was safely out of sight.

Chloe looked at the cat, sceptically. She was obviously uncertain if he just hated Scabbers or was vicious overall, like Ripper, Aunt Marge's bulldog that terrified the Potter girl. "Hermione, I don't know if it's such a good idea to-" She replied.

But all Chloe's doubts went away, when Hermione walked over and handed her the orange feline.

Ron just scowled at Crookshanks in detestation, whilst Chloe's eyes widened. "Oh, my gosh, his fur is really fluffy! How is that possible?" She gushed.

Hermione nodded, looking particularly relieved by Chloe's quick change of heart. She beamed at her and said, "I think he likes you, too, Chloe!"

Crookshanks certainly did seem to be just as comfortable with Chloe as he was with Hermione, since continued to purr whilst the girls cooed and gently ran their fingers through his soft orange pelt.

Visibly frustrated by the unexpected turn of events, Ron snapped, "That thing nearly scalped me!"

"He didn't mean to," said Hermione, who turned to the cat in Chloe's arms, "did you, Crookshanks?"

"And what about Scabbers?" Ron asked, pointing at his chest pocket. "He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?"

"That reminds me," said Hermione, pulling out a small red bottle and then briskly slapping it into Ron's hand, "you forgot your Rat Tonic."

But Ron didn't look any happier. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Ron. I mean, Crookshanks will be sleeping in our dormitory," said Chloe, gesturing to herself and Hermione, "and Scabbers in yours."

"Poor Crookshanks. That witch said he'd been in there for ages; no one wanted him." Hermione said.

"I wonder why." Ron sarcastically commented, as the trio set off towards the Leaky Cauldron.

On the way, Chloe turned to Hermione, handed her the cat back and, after making sure Ron wasn't able to hear her, murmured, "He is gorgeous!"

"Isn't he?" Hermione quietly giggled, as the two Gryffindor girls linked arms and followed after Ron.

Arthur Weasley was found sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet. "Chloe!" He greeted, smiling as he looked up. "How are you?"

"Fine, thank you, sir. How are you?" Chloe asked, as she, Ron and Hermione joined Arthur with their shopping. He put down his paper and Chloe saw the familiar picture of Sirius Black staring up at her. "They still haven't caught him, then?" She asked.

"No," said Arthur, looking extremely grave. "They've pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far."

"Would we get a reward if we caught him? It'd be good to get some more money-" Ron pointed out.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ron," said Arthur, looking very strained. "Black's not going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. It's the Azkaban guards who'll get him back, You mark my words."

At that moment, Molly Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping bags and followed by the prank-happy Weasley twins, Fred and George, who were both about to start their fifth year at Hogwarts; the newly elected Head Boy, Percy, and the Weasleys' youngest child and only girl, Ginny.

Ginny beamed when she saw Chloe. She had clearly gotten over her shyness, perhaps because Chloe had saved her life during their previous year at Hogwarts. "Chloe!" She greeted, whilst she waved to Chloe and then excitedly ran over to her.

"Hi, Ginn- whoa!" Chloe giggled, then yelped in surprise when she found herself being tightly hugged around the waist by the Weasley girl.

But before Ginny could realise or quickly apologise, Chloe hugged her in return and patted her back.

Percy, however, held out his hand solemnly as though he and Chloe had never met before and formally said, "Chloe. How nice to see you."

"Hello, Percy," said Chloe, trying not to laugh. "I hope you're well?" Percy pompously asked, shaking hands. It was rather like being introduced to the mayor. "Very well, thank you." Chloe replied.

"Chloe!" Fred called, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. "Simply splendid to see you."

"Marvelous," said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Chloe's hand in turn. "Absolutely spiffing."

Chloe laughed at the Weasley twins' mockery, then contributed to it with a playful curtsy. "Why thank you, sirs, glad to see you again!" She joked.

Fred and George both laughed, whilst Percy scowled at them. "That's enough, now," said Molly.

"Mum!" Fred greeted, seizing his mother's hand as though he'd only just spotted her. "How really corking to see you-" He joked, as Ginny laughed.

"I said, that's enough." Molly stated, depositing her shopping in an empty chair and beaming at Chloe. "Hello, Chloe! Good to see you, dear."

"Good to see you, too, Mrs. Weasley," said Chloe, smiling and waving to Molly as she approached her.

With her warm smile and her obligation to treat Chloe like family, the Weasley matriarch could always make the Potter girl beam with delight.

"Now, have you got everything you need?" Molly asked Chloe, who nodded and said, "I have, yes."

"Yes, all of your books?" Molly asked, nodding back. "They're all upstairs." Chloe answered.

"And all of your clothes?" Molly checked. Chloe nodded again. "Everything I need." She confirmed.

"Good girl." Molly praised, smiling warmly at Chloe, with a hint of relief. "Thank you." She giggled.

"I suppose you've heard our exciting news? Second Head Boy in the family!" Molly reminded Chloe, pointing to the brand-new silver badge on Percy's chest and swelling with pride. The girl nodded.

"And last." Fred muttered, under his breath, earning a playful nudge from Chloe. "Oi! I'm sure Ron will be the third, you watch." She insisted.

"I don't doubt that," said Molly, to Chloe, before she turned to Fred and George with a displeased frown, "I notice they haven't made you two Prefects."

"What do we want to be Prefects for? It'd take all the fun out of life." George stated, looking revolted at the very idea. Ginny giggled. "You want to set a better example to your sister!" Molly snapped.

"Ginny's got other brothers to set her an example, Mother. I'm going up to change for dinner." Percy said, loftily. He disappeared and George heaved a sigh. "We tried to shut him in a pyramid. But Mum spotted us." He told Chloe, making her laugh again.

Dinner that night was very enjoyable.

Tom the innkeeper put three parlour tables together and the seven Weasleys, Chloe and Hermione ate through five delicious courses.

"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" Fred questioned, as he and everybody else dug into a sumptuous chocolate pudding.

"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars." Arthur said. Everyone looked up. "Why?" Percy asked.

"It's because of you, Perce. And there'll be little flags on the bonnets, with HB on them-" George lied. "-for Humungous Bighead." Fred added.

Everybody, except Percy and Molly, immediately snorted into their pudding with Chloe patting Ron's back in an attempt to help keep him from choking.

Percy turned to Arthur. "Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?" He asked, in a dignified voice that made Fred and George roll their eyes.

"Well, as we haven't got one anymore, and as I work there, they're doing me a favor-" Arthur explained. His voice was casual, but couldn't help noticing that his ears had gone red, just like Ron's did when he was under pressure.

"Good thing, too. Do you realise how much luggage you've all got between you? A nice sight you'd be on the Muggle Underground. You are all packed, aren't you?" Molly briskly asked everybody.

"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk yet. He's dumped them on my bed," said Percy, in a suffering voice that made Ron shoot him a look.

"You'd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we won't have much time in the morning." Molly called down the table. Ron scowled at Percy.

After dinner everyone felt very full and sleepy.

One by one, they all made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day.

Ron and Percy were next door to Chloe. She had just closed and locked her own trunk when she heard angry voices through the wall. Curiosity urged her to go find out what was going on.

The door of number twelve was ajar and Percy was heard furiously shouting, "It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing!"

"I haven't touched it, all right?" Ron roared back.

"What's the matter?" Chloe asked. "My Head Boy badge is gone," said Percy, rounding on her.

"So's Scabbers's Rat Tonic. I think I might've left it in the bar-" Ron realised, throwing things out of his trunk to look. "You're not going anywhere till you've found my badge," yelled Percy.

"I'll go down and get Scabbers's tonic, Ron. My stuff's all packed, anyway." Chloe told Ron, walking out of the room and making her way downstairs.

Halfway along the passage to the bar, which was very dark, Chloe heard another pair of angry voices coming from the parlour. A second later, Chloe recognised the voices as Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys'.

Chloe hesitated, obviously not wanting Ron's parents to know that she had heard them arguing, when the sound of her own name made her stop, then move closer to the parlour door.

"-makes no sense not to tell her," said Arthur, heatedly. "Chloe's got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Chloe like a child. She's thirteen years old and-"

"Arthur, the truth would terrify her! Do you really want to send Chloe back to school with that hanging over her? For heaven's sake, she's happy not knowing!" Molly told her husband, shrilly.

"I don't want to make her miserable, I want to put her on her guard! You know what Chloe and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves - they've ended up in the Forbidden Forest twice! But Chloe mustn't do that this year! When I think what could have happened to her that night she ran away from home! If the Knight Bus hadn't picked her up, I'm prepared to bet she would have been dead before the Ministry found her," said Arthur. "But she's not dead, she's fine, so what's the point-" Molly argued.

"Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. It's been three weeks, and no one's seen hide nor hair of him, and I don't care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, we're no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after-" Arthur retorted. "But Chloe will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts." Molly tried to assure him.. and herself.

"We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts." Arthur pointed out. "But no one's really sure that Black's after Chloe-" Molly reminded him.

There was a thud on wood, and Chloe was sure Arthur had banged his fist on the table. "Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didn't report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black escaped. The guards told Fudge that Black's been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words: 'At Hogwarts.. the brat's at Hogwarts'. Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Chloe dead. If you ask me, he thinks murdering Chloe will bring You-Know-Who back to power. Black lost everything the night Chloe stopped You-Know-Who, and he's had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on that." He stated.

There was a silence. Chloe leaned still closer to the door, desperate to hear more. "Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But you're forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I don't think anything could hurt Chloe at Hogwarts while Dumbledore's headmaster. I suppose he knows about all this?" Molly pointed out.

"Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He wasn't happy about it, but he agreed." Arthur replied.

"Not happy? Why shouldn't he be happy, if they're there to catch Black?" Molly questioned.

"Dumbledore isn't fond of the Azkaban guards. Nor am I, if it comes to that," said Arthur, before he paused for a moment, "but when you're dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid. If they save Chloe, then I will never say another word against them. It's late, Molly, we'd better go up."

Chloe heard chairs move. Then she quietly hurried down the passage to the bar and out of sight.

The parlour door opened, and a few seconds later footsteps told her Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were climbing the stairs. The small bottle of Rat Tonic was lying under the table they had sat at.

Chloe waited until she heard Arthur and Molly's door close, then headed upstairs with the bottle.

Fred and George were crouching in the shadows on the landing, heaving with laughter as they listened to Percy dismantling his and Ron's room in search of his badge. "We've got it," Fred whispered, to Chloe, grinning, "we've been improving it."

The badge read Bighead Boy.

Chloe forced a laugh, gave Ron the Rat Tonic, shut herself in her room and lay down on her bed. So Sirius Black was after her. It explained everything.

Fudge had been lenient with Chloe because he was so relieved to find her alive. He had made her promise to stay in Diagon Alley where there were plenty of witches and wizards to keep an eye on her. And he was sending two Ministry cars to take them all to the station tomorrow, so the Weasleys could look after her until she was on the train.

Chloe lay listening to the muffled shouting next door and wondered why she didn't feel more scared. Sirius Black had murdered thirteen people with one curse; Arthur and Molly obviously thought she would be panic-stricken if she knew the truth.

But Chloe wholeheartedly agreed with Molly that the safest place on earth was wherever Albus Dumbledore happened to be. Didn't people always say that Dumbledore was the only person Lord Voldemort had ever been afraid of? Surely Black, his right-hand man, would be just as frightened?

And then there were these Azkaban guards everyone kept talking about. They seemed to scare most people senseless, and if they were stationed all around the school, Black's chances of getting inside seemed very remote. No, all in all, the thing that bothered Chloe most was the fact that her chances of visiting Hogsmeade looked like zero.

Nobody would want Chloe to leave the safety of the castle until Black was caught. In fact, she suspected her every move would be carefully watched until the danger had eventually passed.

Did they think Chloe couldn't look after herself? She had managed to escape Lord Voldemort three times already; she wasn't completely useless.

Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed Chloe's mind.

What to do when you know the worst is coming..

"I'm not going to be murdered." Chloe stated. "That's the spirit, dear," said her mirror, sleepily.

Question Of The Chapter!
How will/should Chloe react to who Sirius Black really is and what he apparently did to her parents do you think? Vengeful like Harry or not?