The Seventh Year

Lost But Not Found

The Hogwarts Express screeched to a halt as two large men boarded the train. Both were dressed in black, and neither of them looked as though they wanted to be there. One of the men was larger than the other with a graying beard and had his hair pulled back into a slick ponytail. His cloak trailed behind him as he walked swiftly through the hall past the first-years. The second man appeared as stone-faced as his partner; only he was bald and slightly taller. His face was more elongated and clean-shaven. The bearded man had a colder gaze than that of the bald man, creating a more intimidating appearance.

A shriek rang through the hall, originating from the cabin behind the pair. Both men turned to find the source of the outcry. Examining the cabins, a petite girl with darker hair had her hand covering her mouth. She was squished between the window and her friend, who occupied much of her personal space. Opposite of them were two younger girls; both shook violently with fear. The older girl near the window held a newspaper called the Daily Prophet. She quickly turned to her friend and pointed to one of the pictures on the page. When the bearded man slammed the cabin door open, she jerked backward hard, hitting her head on the window's cold glass. The four girls jumped as he snatched the newspaper out of her hands. Flipping the paper over, both men curiously stared down at their moving mugshots with the title:

WANTED: 2 DEATH EATERS ESCAPED FROM AZKABAN

10,000 GALLEON REWARD

The Death Eaters smirked at each other and threw the paper to the ground as they neared the next carriage. Rather than cabins, there were aisles lined with booths on either side of the passenger car. Luggage hung on racks above the seats. The two men glanced around at the bewildered and startled students. He still was not on the train. The bald Death Eater's patience was growing thin. He forcefully nudged his companion to proceed. They walked on and ignored the questions a group of sixth-year Slytherin boys had asked. After a glare from the bald man, the boys fell silent. It was wise for them to keep silent while their car was searched. The Dark Lord was expecting them back soon, and Potter and his friends were still missing.

The Death Eaters didn't dare doubt their master, but it seemed more and more unlikely that the three friends had even boarded the train as the pair checked three more passenger cars. Finally, the men reached the last carriage. If they were here, they couldn't escape this time. The Dark Lord would be so pleased with them and forgive all wrongdoings! At this thought, the bearded man burst through the door.

Every student in the car turned towards the door to see what the disturbance was. A few students shrieked while others drew their wands. This was the Gryffindor carriage for seventh-years. Although more advanced at magic than younger years, the men were unthreatened by how unknowing the students were at defense against the dark arts. Without a consistent D.A.D.A. teacher, they were unknowledgeable and defenseless against the advanced magic of a Death Eater. Before anyone had time to say anything, a curly blonde boy stood next to the two men with an agitated look.

"My father will hear about this," he said haughtily. It was a foolish remark that the bald man tried hard not to snigger at.

"McLaggen!" the boy across from him loudly whispered. "Sit down! Are you mental?" He glared at the blonde boy called McLaggen, who slowly took his seat but held his head high and kept his eyes up, staring down the Death Eaters.

Looking around for any other students willing to challenge them, the pair strode about three steps before a scrawny boy—also with blonde hair—stood up. He was pale and was very small compared to the bearded man. Next to him sat a red-headed girl that turned around to face the Death Eaters. She had a fiery look in her eyes that the bald man didn't appreciate.

"Hey, losers," the scrawny blonde boy said assertively, "He isn't here."