Here is the next chapter. Sorry for the very long delay. Life got in the way and I had a block with this story. As usual, I do not own these characters except for my original characters. I am just borrowing these characters. I hope you enjoy the chapter and sorry for any errors.

CH 19 END OF THE SUMMER

Harry was finishing packing his stuff for his return to Hogwart's. He wondered what this year was going to bring. He saw Snitch popping into his office.

"The Evans family is here Master Harry." Snitch told him

"Thanks Snitch." Harry said as he went to the hallway and said hello to the Evans. He noticed how excited Mark was. "Are you ready for Hogwart's Mark?" Harry asked.

"Yes. I have been reading Hogwart's A History." Mark said.

"My friend Hermione will be pleased to hear that." Harry said with a smile.

"Did you know that you are mentioned several times in it? You have had quite a few adventures at Hogwart's." Jonathan said.

"And who knows what will happen this year." Harry said.

"We should be getting to the station to catch the Hogwart's Express." Diana suggests.

They all agree as they head in the waiting limo which them leaves for King Cross Station.

Soon after they are all walking toward the barrier to Platform 9 and 3 Quarters. They all stop at the barrier.

"I will go first and then Mark can follow." Harry said as he went through the barrier. Soon after Mark came across and his eyes went wide when he saw the Hogwart's express.

"We are taking that to school?" Mark asked.

"Yes we are." Harry said as they went on the train. As they walked down the hallway, Mark met some fellow first years and he shared a compartment with them.

Harry then walked down the hallway and heard Neville's voice.

"OVER HERE HARRY!" Neville said as Harry followed him into a compartment.

"Hey Neville. Where are the others?" Harry asked.

"Prefects meeting." Neville explained. "Luna and Ginny were named Prefects." Neville explained.

"So it's just the two of us?" Harry asked.

"I guess so." Neville said as the train pulled out of the station. After Several minutes. Ron, Hermione, Luna and Ginny walked into the room.

"Hey guys. How were the Prefects meeting?" Harry asked.

"Long and boring." Ron said.

"There was a lot of important information Ron." Hermione said.

"Congratulations on making Prefect Luna, Ginny." Harry said

"Thanks Harry." Ginny said.

"I was surprised when I got my badge. " Luna said.

"You deserved to be named Prefect Luna. You are the top student of our year after all. Your grades are almost as good as Hermione's." Ginny told her friend.

"Ginny's right Luna. You have earned your badge." Neville said.

"Thanks." Luna said with a smile. She was glad to have people believing in her. She then opened the latest edition of the Quibbler and started to read it.

"Where is your cousin?" Ron asked.

"He met some other First Years and is sharing a compartment with them." Harry explained.

As the train ride, continued Harry noticed the door opening. For a moment, he expected it to be Draco but it turned out to be Nott and Daphne Grengrass.

"Mind some company?" Daphne asked.

"You're both always welcome." Harry said.

"Thanks" Nott said. "Daphne and I were wondering if you are going to have your defense group this year." Nott asked.

"It will depend on who the new DADA is." Harry asked.

"I think you should continue it no matter what happens." Hermione said.

"I agree and you should also open it up to Slytherins." Nott said.

"Why?" Ron asked.

RONALD!" Hermione told Ron.

"It's all right. We know the reputation Slytherin House has. Daphne and I know several members of our house who would like to join." Nott said

"I agree that we should have some Slytherin members. I want to have all four houses represented in the DA." Harry said Hermione then handed a Galleon to Daphne and Nott. They looked at Hermione.

"All of the members of the DA have it. Its away to communicate with the other members." Hermione explained.

"Impressive." Daphne said impressed with the fake Galleon.

"We should be changing into our robes since we should be arriving at Hogwart's soon." Hermione said as they all took turns putting on their robes.

Finally, the train arrived at Hogwart's and they all got off. As they got off Harry saw Mark and the other first years coming up to Hagrid.

"Is it me or are the first years getting smaller?" Ron asked.

"They are not getting smaller. It's us who are getting bigger." Hermione said as they headed to the carriages. Harry stopped in front of one of the carriages and looked at the Thestral. Luna came up to Harry and gave him a knowing smile. He smiled back at her as he climbed on board the carriage and it headed toward Hogwart's.

"Its still strange not seeing who pulls the carriage." Ron says.

"At least you're lucky enough not to be able to see them," Harry said in a sad tone of voice.

"I am sorry Mate. I forgot…" Ron said.

"It's all right Ron." Harry said as they arrived at the Castle. They got off the carriage, headed into the Great Hall, and sat at the Gryffindor table. A few minutes later, the Sorting Hat was brought in and Harry waited to see what kind of message it would deliver.

"IN THIS TIME OF DARKNESS MY MESSAGE TO YOU SHALL BE SHORT. DARKNESS HAS COME TO OUR WORLD AND TO FIGHT THIS DARKNESS HOGWART'S MUST UNITE TO FIGHT IT.

THE FOUR NOBLE HOUSES MUST COME TOGETHER.

GRYFFINDOR, RAVENCLAW, HUFFLEPUFF AND SLYTHERIN CANNOT BE DIVIDED NO LONGER.

A LEADER WILL EMARGE TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE AND THE FOUR HOUSES MUST UNITE BEHIND THE CHOSEN ONE TO FIGHT THE UPCOMMING BATTLE.

THREE OF THE HOUSES HAVE ALREADY UNITED AND SOMEO F THE FOURTH HOUSE ALREADY KNOWS THIS. THIS MUST BE ENCOURGED. HOGWART'S MUST SET THE EXPAMPLE AND UNITE TO FOLLOW THE CHOSEN ONE IN HIS BATTLE AGAINST THE DARKNESS.

When the sorting hat finished everyone in the Great Hall was silent as they all looked at Harry who wanted to sink under the table. After a few seconds, they the First Years marched into the Great Hall and the Sorting finally begun.

Harry listened as students were sorted into various houses. His interest grew when Mark's name was called. Mark walked up to the stool and Harry saw the hat placed on his head. After what seemed a while Harry heard the Sorting Hat's decision

SLYTHERIN

Harry was shocked when he heard the Sorting hat place Mark in Slytherin. Mark walked over to the Slytherin table and sat down next to a first year girl.

"I can't believe that your cousin was placed in Slytherin." Ron said.

"The hat must have a good reason to place him there." Hermione said.

"The hat did want me in Slytherin." Harry said.

"But he is a muggleborn." Ron said.

"Not really. The Evans families are a magical family." Harry said as he explained what had happened at Gringotts,

"That's very interesting. " Hermione said.

Finally, the last student was sorted and Dumbledore got up.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwart's. Before we eat this wonderful meal, I have a few announcements. The first thing I would like to announce is a couple of changes in our staff, I would like to introduce Horace Slughorn who will me taking over Potions and taking over Defense against the Dark Arts is Professor Severus Snape…"Dumbledore said

Professor McGonagall was staring at Dumbledore as he finished his announcement and got up.

"Excuse me Professor but I also have a few announcements. The first one is that the board of Governors has named me the new High Inquisitor here at Hogwart's replacing Dolores Umbridge. In addition, as High Inquisitor I hereby reject Severus Snape appointment as Defense against the Dark Arts professor. In addition, since the Headmaster has failed to make an appointment, I hereby appoint Remus Lupin to resume his duties as Defense against the Dark arts Professor and he will also serve as head of Gryffindor House.

My second announcement is that Professor Binns will not be teaching History of Magic. Replacing him will be Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington." The students looked confused. Hermione smiled as she looked at her fellow Gryffindors.

"She is talking about Nearly Headless Nick," Hermione said.

"Very good Miss Granger 5 points to Gryffindor." Nearly headless Nick said as he floated over to the Gryffindor table.

"You're teaching History of Magic now?" Harry asked.

"Yes. And I will make the class much more interesting then Professor Binns ever did." Nick said.

"Who is going to be the new Gryffindor ghost?" Harry asked.

"That is a surprise Harry/" Sir Nicholas said with a smile.

"Why isn't Professor Binns teaching anymore?" Hermione asked.

"Professor Umbridge was not very happy with his teaching ability. The board ordered his replacement and I was offered the job." Sir Nicholas said,

"But another ghost?" Ron asked.

"Who better to teach history then someone who has lived it? I better prepare my first lesson plan." Sir Nicholas said as he floated away.

"I will miss him as the Gryffindor ghost. I wonder who will replace him." Harry asked.

"Hello Harry. Turn around and meet the new Gryffindor Ghost."Harry turned around and was shocked when he saw the new Gryffindor Ghost.

"SIRIUS?"The Ghost of Sirius Black smiled at Harry. "It would take more then death to keep me away from you Harry." Sirius said with a smile