She looked up at her brother who had accompanied her to Diagon Alley before getting the train. "What do you reckon. I think the one about dream magic looks fascinating, but the idea that someone has actually gone about putting the theories down about the borrowing I do is just so exciting I have to read it. Then there are all the new books for the new year."

She happily smiled at him. She had been so glad to discover she had an older brother. She had seen him quite a bit during the summer as well as Marvo of course. She was going to miss him popping in occasionally when she was back at school. She still wished that Dumbledore had not decided to release him from the DADA post, but what else could he have done.

She went back to staring at the books.

Anders grinned fondly at Kat. He, too, had enjoyed the time he'd been able to spare over the summer getting to know his father and his new family. He'd been desperately concerned about meeting Kat's mother, but she had welcomed Anders into the 'Black fold' with all the love and affection he'd yearned for since his mother's death.

He'd spent a couple of weeks over in Tuscany visiting with Nimue and her family, of course, and the final week or two of the summer had been spent 'house hunting'. He'd got a deposit together (with Sirius' aid) on a small house in Hogsmeade, which would enable him to remain close to his sister and Nimue - and his studies - whilst travelling to London via the Floo network to his apprenticeship with Dmitri Georgious.

Life for Anders Grimalkin was good. He looked stronger, fitter and healthier than he'd ever done since Kat had known him, and there was a vibrant glow of happiness almost emanating from him.

The two of them went inside so that Kat could have a closer look at the book on dream magic.

*********

Piotr couldn't believe his luck. Double luck.

He'd got his father to agree to his attending Hogwarts. It had been an uphill struggle and had necessitated quite a lot of tantrum throwing and sulking and generally being the brat that he was, but he'd finally got Ivan to agree, if only for the sake of peace.

And better still he'd successfully managed to get to London without either of his parents 'dragging him down' and was currently enjoying the luxury of being by himself. He wandered down Diagon Alley, staring into the windows of the shops, occasionally with a faintly amused smirk on his face. He strolled into Flourish and Blotts, purchasing his required books and leaving again without treating the other students there to as much as a nod of greeting.

He was looking, as ever, pale and vaguely unwell, and his feet now carried him to the herbalists where he intended to stock up on the various dried herbs that were required for his potion.

His potion. Just one of many worries. Over the summer, the dosage had needed changing yet again as his sixteenth birthday grew ever closer. His father had sneered, saying he should just stop fighting it and go with the flow, but Piotr would not - COULD not do that. It was bad enough that he would be probably the oldest in the fourth year at Hogwarts, but his academic level was below standard. His father had berated the private tutor of course, but in truth it was Piotr who did not have the desire to learn, who felt he had nothing to prove.

The Almighty Andrei, home from his world travels for a brief period had lectured him, of course, but then the Almighty Andrei lectured about everything.

Piotr stood in the herbalists, looking over the stock critically. He had, without consciously realising it, been keeping an eye out for Sarah Taverner, but as of yet, he had not seen her.

*********

Niki had put off her shopping until the last minute, and was now hurrying back to her room at the Leaky Cauldron laden with bags from Flourish and Blotts, Madam Malkin's, Quality Quidditch Supplies, the apothecary, and several other stores.

She had grown over the summer, quite substantially--from 4'8" to 4'11"--and as a result had needed an entire new wardrobe. She was, at the moment, wearing Muggle clothes: a white t-shirt with something in Greek across the chest and a pair of shorts. She looked much happier than she had been at the end of term.

Niki noticed Marvo heading towards Flourish and Blotts and waved as best she could without dropping anything--a rather difficult task!

If Dylan felt any trepidation about having his mother and younger brother Dafydd along for school shopping, it didn't show on his face as he walked along the bustling wizarding street. Perhaps it was a show, perhaps it was genuine, but he looked happy, and spent much of the time bantering with his brother. Back and forth, the younger boy wide-eyed and gaping, Dylan chuckling and indulgent with his mother practically beaming with pride.

There was a striking resemblance between the Rhydderch boys, though Dylan outstripped his brother by more than a few inches, pushing 5'10 now and needing, much to his chagrin, new robes.

As they walked towards Madame Malkins, though slowly for Dylan hated the process of buying clothes, he kept an eye out for his school mates and saw more than a few by Flourish and Blotts. His face lit up, and he waved as he saw Nimue, his favourite seeing-eye prefect.

Nimue had smiled and waved to him in return though was obviously headed into the bookshop.

Niki caught sight of the three Rhydderchs and registered a slight double take. She was, apparently, not the only one who had grown over the summer.

She hadn't seen anyone from school since June, but had written to Dylan almost every day. Of course, she had to use the Muggle post, and letters took quite a while to get from Greece to Wales. Still, he was the only person she was certain knew about her father's death, and that, among other things, impelled her to hurry over and give him a grin and an embarrassed sort of one-armed hug.

Dylan grinned and turned an interesting shade of pink as he returned the hug.

Dafydd, however, took a second to digest the sudden appearance and hug, then began to howl with laughter. Dylan's colour deepened, and he shot a derisive look and unpleasant comment over his shoulder. "Can we pack him off t' Greece? Tha's Dafydd. An' m' Mum."

Niki waved shyly at Dylan's mother, then glanced at Dafydd. "It would take several owls to carry him," she said thoughtfully, "but I think it would be worth it to see the expression on Yaya's face." She giggled, imagining the look of horror a Muggle boy would elicit from her grandmother.

Dylan's mother waved back, and ushered her younger son away from the pair with a knowing smile that made Dylan roll his eyes a little. "An' Dafydd's. Been drivin' me absolutely mad all summer. School seems like a relief, Transfiguration an' all," he pronounced earnestly. He smiled then. "Mum's been good about it all, though, keepin' him off m' back."

Niki nodded. "Yaya sent me along a few days ago--I suppose you haven't gotten my letter yet. Muggle post is so slow! I've been staying at the Leaky Cauldron, and doing all my school shopping."

She nodded at all the bags. "Plus some extra things. I can't believe how quickly summer went!"

Dylan grinned sheepishly. "I need robes. Mine are way too short." Even his tan trousers seemed a little too short on him, and he shrugged. "Hate buyin' robes. Drives me up a wall."

"Buying Muggle clothes in Greece was...interesting," Niki said with a grimace. "Just point and go 'little! little!'. I'd rather buy robes any day. Madam Malkin didn't recognise me," she added proudly.

Dylan laughed. "Y' have grown a bit. Reckon we all have." Awkwardly, he tugged at the sleeve of his white shirt, feeling a little self-conscious of his height, especially when compared to Niki. "Robes are jus' a pain."

"Well, that's what most wizards say about trousers," Niki said with a grin. She glanced around. "Your brother really seems to like Diagon Alley, doesn't he?"

Dylan watched Dafydd with his nose pressed to the glass of the Owl Emporium with an indulgent smile. "Well, e'er since he found out 'bout th' wizard thin', he's been right enthralled with th' idea. Tryin' t' explain t' him tha' he'll ne'er be a wizard or anythin' is dead hard, though."

"Well, anyone, Muggle or no, can do some wizarding things. Floo powder and Potions don't require magic. Nor does using owls. But magic isn't the answer to everything..." She smiled. "But it does make it easier for me to carry several hundred pounds of bags!"

********

David and Jacob walked out of the Ollivander wandshop. They had been staying near Diagon Alley for about a week or so, and the two were having what appeared to be a heated discussion about the use of Muggle ice skating rinks.

"Really, I have no idea why you find them so interesting. All they are is ice on the ground, and you glide on the ice with shoes that have sharpened blades attached to them." Jacob had been heard insisting. To the others who knew him at Hogwarts, it was probably the longest thing they had ever heard him say.

The two had spent the summer at David's home. Aside from getting to know each other better, the two that looked so alike yet that were so different had become even closer friends.

They were heading off to Florean Fortescue, the wizarding ice cream parlour. Though Jacob had little enough money as it was, he had managed to finish his shopping (mainly through second-hand stores) and come out with a little extra.

**********

Inside Flourish and Blotts, Kat picked up the dream magic book and inspected it.

"Why not let me get you that one?" Anders said, taking the book on dream magic out of her hand. "A 'congratulations for doing so well last term present'." He didn't have a lot of money to his name, but he had enough to treat his little sister.

Occasionally he would cast shy glances around Flourish & Blotts, as though hoping a certain someone would walk in any second. It had only been just over a week since he had returned from Tuscany, but he was still looking forward to seeing Nimue again. It was his plan to see the girls safely onto the Hogwarts Express and then go off to Hogsmeade and meet them again at the other end. For some reason, the entire concept of that amused him.

He'd already seen several unfamiliar faces wandering around the streets; students that he hadn't got a chance to get to know last term and was almost miserable about not returning to the DADA job.

Still... He shook himself visibly to clear the dark thoughts away. Life was good, remember.

Kat smiled up at Anders. "I can't let you but me a book. You should be saving for that house of yours."

"I can run to a book for my sister," he said, planting a loud kiss on the top of her head and giving her an one-armed hug.

Marvo came into the shop and saw Anders talking to Kat. He had spent a lot of time with Kat and her family over the summer, eventually being able to talk to her after without stuttering or making a fool of himself.

Not easy as Kat's ability to tease him seems to have been inherited from her father! But he had a great time there, so much better than being home. He did go home, just for a few days though it was meant to be two weeks. He could not stand it. The rest of the time he spent at the Ministry of Magic, with Mad Eye, training hard, reading and keeping fit.

Now he was back and pleased that he was allowed to return to Hogwarts. However, this time he would have to take lessons! Plus, he was under orders to 'learn' not to show off and to observe how others learnt so that he didn't have to rely on his eye so much.

"Hiya!" he said with a smile.

*********

Nimue's summer had not been quite the idyll that she had expected. Not the first half at least, though the second part made up for it considerably!

Lady Hawkwood had been shocked at Nimue's grades and being very academically minded had insisted that rather than Nimue spending time relaxing that she use her summer productively. That meant study!

Her former tutor was re-engaged to give her 'remedial' work in History of Magic, DADA, Charms and Divination. Divination was dropped after a week as it became obvious that her poor grade in that subject was due to her personality clashes with Professor Trelawney.

Her Mother relented by the beginning of August with the tutorials dropping from three to one a day which allowed Nimue more time to relax and do the kind of things one did on holiday including having one's boyfriend over to visit for two weeks.

It was obvious by the end of Anders' stay that Lady Hawkwood had put aside any hurt she was nurturing over Nimue's perceived slighting of her best friend's son and had become deeply fond of Anders. She expressed the hope that next year he would come for a longer visit and that they would also see him in the holidays.

After he had left, Nimue had been counting the days until their return to England but due to one thing and another it had been delayed until just the day before leaving very little time at all for shopping and for the purchase of essential books and supplies.

She entered Flourish and Blotts with her list of required books and was delighted to see that Kat and Anders were there and that Marvo had just joined them. She came up to the group with a smile on her face. She seemed much more at ease with herself, brighter and more cheerful.

"Kat, Marvo, it's brilliant to see you! I trust you both had a great summer. Sorry I didn't write more." she came up to stand beside them and then turned to Anders feeling a little shy.

When Marvo and Nimue had entered, Anders smile broadened. "Hey, you two," he said, cheerfully, letting go of Kat to shake Marvo's hand and to lean over and give Nimue a chaste - but lingering - kiss on the cheek.

As Kat had spoken to her brother Marvo approached. She smiled at him. Just behind him came Nimue. She looked at them both. "Hi ya. Come to buy your books? Worked out what subjects you are going to take yet? I'm still trying to decide."

Marvo just has time for a "Hi Lizzy" before her attention was taken by Anders.

Marvo smiles and looks to Kat, giving her a peck on the cheek, not to be outdone by Anders. " I've got all my books and supplies" He says patting his robe pocket. "So. What are you taking this year? You know I'm doing classes with you? Oh and I Passed my exam by the way" he gives a big smile.

"Well I have a bit of dilemma." said Nimue brandishing her list of options. "I am definitely dropping Divination - Trelawney and I will never see eye to eye and really would prefer Hidden Talents. Sounds right up our street doesn't it." she said with a smile to Kat.

"Myth, Folklore and Magic is a must I think and I want to continue Alchemy and Care of Magical Creatures which makes four options. I need a Fifth and Arithmancy just isn't my thing unless it's a whole lot more interesting in the Fourth Year than in the Third. I'd like to learn more about Ancient Languages but it seems to take that I need to so the Runes option as well which I passed over last year in favour of Astronomy."

She looked slightly anguished, "What do you think I should do Kat?"

"Just give me a moment." Said Anders to the group. Before Kat could change her mind or say anything, he'd darted up to the counter and paid for the book, which he then shoved into his sister's pile. "No arguments, alright?"

Kat smiled at her brother as he gave her the book. Giving him a half scolding look for running off and buying the book even after she had told him not to.

He grinned at her and turned his attention back to the others. "All set for another year?" His tone was faintly wistful, and as he spoke, his fingers automatically wrapped around Nimue's as he held her hand.

"I think so" Nimue said allowing the gentle handholding that felt very natural between them now. "when I get this option problem solved. Kat what are you taking?"

"I haven't decided what subjects to do.... I mean there are so many good choices and it is all interesting." Said Kat.

Nimue sighed, this whole choice thing wasn't getting any easier. "Well I guess one solution would be to take Ancient Runes this year but get the textbook for Magical Languages anyway."

*********

Andy Warden arrived shortly after Nimue.

His summer certainly had been an exciting one. He stayed at the residence of Albus Dumbledore who renewed his "body" form every once in a while. Andy was thrilled to be staying with the Professor. He was such a nice person and treated Andy with much love and care. Andy looked up to him very much and was upset to hear that school would be starting up again soon.

Dumbledore's house was very beautiful. It was a quiet cottage with many strange rooms. Andy had his own little room that was perfectly furnished with many antiques and collectibles. He had his own cosy fireplace where he would often sit in front of to read or write to his friends.

During his stay, the Professor held a dinner party for the teachers of Hogwarts. Andy was very happy to attend the get-together. They had a lot of fun playing rounds of Quidditch. Andy was allowed to be Seeker! Although Snape refused to play because he said that sort of foolishness was only for children.

And now Andy was in Diagon Alley buying books for next year's term. He approached Kat, Marvo, Anders, and Nimue.

"Hi!" he said desperately trying to ignore Marvo.

"Hi Andy," Kat greeted him as he arrived. She smiled at Andy wishing that the two of them would talk. Marvo had told her about the situation after she had found them ignoring each other just before the end of term. Still boys would be boys and there was no talking to them. She had tried.

"Hello Andy - you are looking well." Said Nimue, "I see the Headmaster has managed to strengthen the spell again."

In the beginning Andy's temporary body had been confined to the castle but Dumbledore had found ways to enhance the spell even before they had left on holidays. Nimue hoped that Marvo would at least try to be civil!

"Yes," Andy said to Nimue, "he's been very kind to me since I am in a rather difficult predicament. But I feel fine. And hopefully everything will be straightened out."

He made sure Marvo heard the last thing he said.

"I am sure it will." Nimue avoided looking at Marvo. His feelings on the matter were quite clear.

Marvo said nothing to Andy as he arrived. For a second he had seemed pleased to see him, then his eye went red and a look of disappointment crossed his face.

*********

Sarah Taverner had passed what she considered a brilliant summer back in Canada. Her family was impressed with her grades having expected her to do poorly and suggested it was fortuitous that she'd been placed in Ravenclaw after all.

Her hair had continued to grow out from its razor cut though was still quite short in comparison to most of her peers. The black jeans and crop top she was wearing was combined with a decorated black denim jacket and dress black cowboy boots. This gave her a much more sophisticated air than the dressed down look she'd effected the previous year.

"Hey people! Marvo!" she winked at him. "Talking options? Runes is a brilliant subject Nimue - anyone seen Branwen about?"

He saw Sarah and smiled. "Oh Hi Sarah. Had a nice holiday"

"Oh....emmm...yeah. Lots of flying - lots of muggle TV. A bit strange coming back to Britain though expect that in a day or so I'll get back into the swing of things." she smiled at Marvo trying to look enigmatic though not actually carrying it off.

"Now, I must make a trip before leave for the station to either Eeylops Owl Emporium or the Magical Menagerie." said Nimue to Anders. She could happily have spent hours in the bookshop herself, "Since Calliope fell in love with that big ginger tom and decided to remain in Italy and Marcus is remaining here in London I am officially 'petless'. I could ask Father for a real falcon but maybe an owl would be preferable so that it could have company and I wouldn't be reminded of how much I am going to miss Bedivere."

She didn't need to say how much she would also be missing Anders.

Kat grinned at Marvo. "I have to say I am looking forward to you attending classes with the rest of us. Maybe I can get better marks than you too..." There was a cheeky grin about her.

She grinned at Kat's remarks over Marvo, "You forget he has that eye! Still you're right it will be great fun to have him back in the Tower."

She wondered how he'd cope with Andy being in the dorm but then there were others - Dylan and Magnus which should help and maybe he'd be a little more comfortable given time with Andy.

"I'm definitely taking up hidden talents," Andy said joining in the ongoing conversation about option classes . "It sounds really fun and interesting. I'm not sure about the rest though. I guess I should decide quickly before it's too late."

Andy smiled back at Kat realising what she had intended. Until Marvo had proof that Andy wasn't a construct there was no hope in a friendship.

*But how can I make Marvo see that I'm not a construct?* he thought. *I'll ask Dumbledore.*

Marvo smiled at Kat, grateful she wasn't trying to get him to speak to the Andy Construct.

"Ah! A challenge! Well we will have to see! Can't have me letting the Ministry down! Who knows what Mad Eye would say if I was beaten by a 'girl'" He gave a wink

Anders grinned back at Kat. Despite his sadness at not returning to his teaching post, he felt good being part of the 'crowd'. He gave Nimue's hand an affectionate squeeze. "I have to disappear for a while - some work that needs finishing up. But I'll be at Kings Cross to see you off, I promise. I'll leave you to it. You guys don't want an old-timer like me cramping your style."

Despite the joviality, there was a pang of loneliness in his words, but before anyone could react, he leaned over and kissed Nimue on the cheek again, nodded to Marvo and Andy and gave Kat a squeezer-hug that took the breath out of her.

Then he was gone, his tall, slender frame winding easily through the throngs of people walking up and down Diagon Alley. Anybody who'd known him before would barely recognise him as the faintly apologetic teacher of a year ago.

*********

Alpha Rich had done all her shopping for school and now she was in a little corner at Flourish and Blotts reading about Celtic symbols in wizardry, fascinating stuff, so she was completely absorbed in reading. The world around her didn't exist..

Sarah spotted Alpha in a corner, "Excuse me, I'm just gonna say hi to Alpha. Good luck with your 'pet quest' Nimue."

*******

Branwen wandered rather aimlessly through Diagon Alley, she'd done most of her shopping already and just had books uncrossed on her shopping list.

She had blossomed during the long summer holidays, starting to fulfil the promise she had shown as a 3rd year and she now turned a few heads without bothering to flirt.

Her parents had been thrilled with her exam results but made her promise not to rest on her laurels this term or get too distracted. That probably wouldn't be too difficult, she hadn't seen Randal since school had broken up and she was looking for a few answers...

She gradually made her way to Flourish and Blotts, gazing in the window for a few moments before pushing the door. She was confident that her Grandmother hadn't released a new book but it never hurt to check first. Satisfied, she entered and began to look for the books she wanted.

**********

Arcadia walks out of Knockturn Alley, a house elf at her side, weighed down with many heavy black bags. "And don't drop any! You know what happened to your predecessor!"

She gives a 'disdainful' look at the shops in Diagon Ally. "Huff. Riffraff shops. Won't catch ME buying anything from THEM!"

She gives the House elf a swift kick and it struggles not to fall or drop anything. "Come on Thing, we have a train to catch, and I have to do my make-up first!"

She gives Pantalaimon a stroke. "Don't worry Pan. Things will be different this year. I have Plans!"