when the time comes

North

"I hope the others make it in time," says Mrs. Weasley anxiously, staring behind her at the wrought-iron arch spanning the platform, through which new arrivals would come.

"Nice dog, Harry!" calls a tall boy with dreadlocks.

"Not mine but thanks, Lee," says Harry with a small smile.

"Oh good," says Mrs. Weasley, sounding relieved, "here's Alastor with the luggage, look..."

A porter's cap pulled low over his mismatched eyes, Moody comes limping through the archway pushing a trolley loaded with their trunks. Harry looks away and his eyes land on a certain brunette, who oddly enough, is followed by another brunette and a girl. And a few ways behind them is a black haired man. What is Cedric doing with Theo? Something must've happened that neither of them have told him through their letters. Harry can't help but frown slightly. They will surely tell him in time...and if not then Harry will make sure to find out on his own.

When Harry looks back at the archway of the platform, Mr. Weasley emerges on to the platform with Ron and Hermione. They have almost unloaded Moody's luggage trolley when Fred, George, and Ginny turn up with Remus.

"No trouble?" growls Moody.

"Nothing," says Remus.

"I'll still be reporting Sturgis to Dumbledore," says Moody, "that's the second time he's not turned up in a week. Getting as unreliable as Mundungus."

"Well, look after yourselves," says Remus, shaking hands all round. He reaches Harry last and gives him a tight hug. "You too, cub. Be careful and listen to Sev." He whispers. Harry smiles and hugs his pa just as tightly.

"Yeah, keep your head down and your eyes peeled," says Moody, shaking Harry's hand. "And don't forget, all of you-careful what you put in writing. If in doubt, don't put it in a letter at all."

Harry nods as that piercing blue gaze remains on him. He stiffens ever so slightly and forces himself to relax. Easier said than done. And then his entire body turns rigid as a hand wraps around his shoulders. "Careful with what you do." The voice whispers. Harry turns slightly and is met by brown eyes. They are like Natalie's.

He relaxes and smirks at his brother's father. "Of course, but the same applies to you."

"Who are you?" Mrs. Weasley's voice is tight and Sirius is growling lowly. Tom looks up at the assembled adults and teenagers. He lifts his hands with a smirk.

"He's Theodore Nott's biological father. I met him during the World Cup while I was wandering around on my own. I've also been in correspondence over the year and summer."

Moody glares at them and Harry eyes him sternly, daring the man to speak up. But to their fortune the retired Auror remains silent. Tom laughs and bids his farewell before turning in the direction of the floo network.

"I don't trust him! He's a death eater if he's a Nott." Mr. Weasley mutters.

Harry holds back a smirk and a laugh. If only they knew that they just encountered the dark lord in the flesh.

Tonks, being the first to regain her composure, turns her attention to the students, "It's been great meeting all of you," She hugs Hermione and Ginny. Then she turns to Harry with an offered fist. Harry bumps it with a bright smile. "We'll see you soon, I expect."

A warning whistle sounds; the students still on the platform start hurrying on to the train.

"Quick, quick," says Mrs. Weasley distractedly, hugging them at random and catching Harry twice, much to his disgust and chagrin, "Write... Be good... If you've forgotten anything we'll send it on... Onto the train, now, hurry..."