Harry Potter and the Foreign Magic

by La Morraine

Harry's sixth year is anything but calm: another fraud as DADA teacher, Umbridge on the loose, Voldemort wants revenge, new friends and allies come forth. The Malfoys behave strangely and Wiccans prowl Hogwarts ... SLASH HP/LM/DM, SB/RL, Veela!Malfoys

2. Chapter 2

Disclaimer and warnings: Please go and see part one for the warnings and my disclaimer.

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Thanks: Thank you all for reviewing and adding this story to your alerts and favourites! It is really encouraging to read what you think about this story, whether you liked it or not, and why. Hopefully you'll also let me know what you think of this chapter since it is even longer than the first. :-)

In response to a few reviews I have received I'd like to explain why the plot is so drawn out. I know that it might be difficult for some of you to stay with me since it takes so long for the plot to thicken. I wanted to pace the story that way to make Harry's development plausible since there are so many illogical stories out there that could have been much, much easier and fun to read if the fun had come at a better time in the story. I don't necessarily mean later, just more cleverly constructed. To put it simply: I want my story to develop naturally, to have quirks and twists and turns that might surprise some readers in the future. I want to make things happen at the right moments so you can feel comfortable with how Harry and his friends are growing up and developing into young adults. :-)

Whew, that was a lot rambling, so I'd better continue with my expressions of gratitude ;-) Here it comes: I'd like to thank my beta reader Licelli who went through all the trouble of finding the mistakes in this chapter. You did an awesome job, not only editing the story but teaching me better English as well, and in record time too! I could't have asked for a better one, so: Thank you, and I hope you'll stay with me for the following chapters.

My thanks also go to furor_scribiendi who betaed my story the first time around. Without you the whole thing would've hardly been legible since my English wasn't really good back then. I miss you, girl! ^^

And on a recent note: Thanks to RRW for pointing out some mistakes in the timeline of the universe. They are fixed now. :-)

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And now please have fun reading!

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Chapter 2

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On Friday breakfast was calm. Students ate with lowered heads and waited for their mail. For the first time since Hogwarts had opened for another year, the ceiling of the Great Hall wasn't clear and bright but overcast with thick, white clouds, and it depressed them a bit after all the sunshine they had been getting these last days.

Hermione read in her Potions book, Ron played with his cornflakes, Neville tried to perfect his spell for Transfiguration and Seamus just sat there, head supported in one hand and nodding off every now and then.

Harry felt a bit queasy. He and Hermione had finished their Potions homework the night before. It had been difficult, but without Snape hovering over him and with Hermione's calm help he had managed it. Besides, she had corrected his mistakes. Harry thought that he actualley could get a decent mark for this one.

On their way to the classroom for Transfiguration, Harry held back Ron and Hermione a little.

"I forgot to tell you yesterday, but I have to practise Occlumency with Snape tonight," he murmured, keeping an eye on Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. "I have to be there at eight o'clock."

"Oh, bugger," said Ron compassionately. "It looks like Friday nights are ruined for you, mate."

Hermione frowned. "Right, and that means you'll have to do all your homework before eight."

Harry nodded, sighing inwardly. It was good to have Hermione to spur them on, but right now he wished he could crawl back into bed. His flimsy hopes, however, were destroyed by Professor McGonagall's aged, stern voice that called them in.

At least, Harry thought miserably when he transfigured his book into a hourglass, I have all my homework done properly, and if I blow things completely I might live through the day until Snape can throttle me in the privacy of his office.

The feeling of absolute dread didn't lessen when they wandered over the grounds and towards Hagrid's hut.

Care of Magical Creatures was a welcome change to McGonagall's classroom. Harry talked a little with the half giant while Hermione kept an eye on the Slytherins and particularly Malfoy.

"'ello, class," boomed Hagrid happily when everyone was crowded around him and Fang. "We will revise everythin' we've learned in the last year ter prepare yer as good as possible fer the NEWTs. We'll have a closer look at all the magical beasts an' animals. This will be the Hippogriffs, Unicorns, Knarls, Nifflers, Thestrals an' the Giant Squid. I s'pose Professor Blackadder will teach yer 'bout the darker folk."

A disagreeing murmur ran through the rows of Gryffindors, and Hagrid looked at them worriedly for a moment. The Slytherins merely scowled.

"Well, yeah, we'll mos'ly recall what yer already know. Oh yeah, I forgot the Acromantulas an' the–"

"Do we have to revise the Hippogriffs?" drawled Malfoy in a gloomy voice. "I just want you to remember the incident where that rabid Hippogriff almost ripped my arm off."

"Oh come on, Malfoy. It was a simple gash, and if you hadn't insulted Buckbeak he wouldn't have attacked you," said Harry sharply. His green eyes blazed in anger, and everybody now stared at them open-mouthed and in anticipation. "If you would simply listen to what is said in class–"

"Ah, yes, the almighty Potter," spat Malfoy. "You know everything better than everybody else, right? You could ride that beast, and it was you who rode on a Thestral to London! Just imagine that not everybody is as brave as you are. Well, some of us like their limbs where they are – on their bodies! That big oaf over there is the worst teacher in the entire school!"

They stared at each other with utmost hatred, and the Slytherins were hissing menacingly at the Gryffindors, who growled right back. Hermione comforted Hagrid who looked crestfallen and sniffled ominously.

"Like it or not, Malfoy," said Harry finally in a low, dangerous voice, "Hippogriffs and Manticores could be tested in your exam, and you'd be better off to prepare instead of making a greater fool of yourself than you already are. And now quit whining and listen for a change." He didn't even accuse Malfoy of having provoked the attack in order for his father to get Hagrid kicked out of the school. That had to wait for another argument, although he didn't really need to bring it up again: He knew it, and Malfoy knew it too, so the point was moot.

Draco shut his mouth and glared even harder, but he didn't have a retort to that and Hagrid continued his lesson in peace.

"Oh how I hate him!" hissed Hermione menacingly when they stalked back to the castle. "I could wring his little ferret neck for all it's worth! How dare he insult Hagrid like this! He is a good teacher, and I just want to kick Malfoy where the sun doesn't shine!"

Harry agreed with her. Hagrid always took it very badly when people called him names or didn't like his lessons. The three friends had to comfort him a bit before he was able to concentrate on his next class.

"You're late," said Snape silkily when Hermione and Harry entered the Potions classroom. "Ten points from Gryffindor each."

Hermione pressed her lips together and glared at Snape. Malfoy was smirking at them with undisguised malicious joy.

Harry sat down and flung his bag angrily on the table. Blaise watched him.

"Today's potion," Snape started to explain, "Will only take thirty minutes to brew. I therefore suggest that you start immediately." His dark eyes landed on each student.

Blaise started a fire under their cauldron. "Prepare the moonstone, Potter," he said absently. "What held you up?"

"Hermione and I stayed behind to talk with Hagrid," said Harry angrily. "I wish Malfoy would keep his mouth shut. That can't be so hard, can it?" He took the moonstone and uttered a crushing charm under his breath. It was strangely satisfying to see the hard substance crush and break in the bowl.

Blaise took some beetle wings and measured them. "By the way," he said quietly, "we had DADA first thing this morning. Thanks again for your lesson plans." He smiled crookedly. "I can't believe someone like her is actually allowed to teach."

The thoughts in Harry's head jumbled. There might be a possibility … "Um, can we talk after Potions?" he asked quickly.

Blaise shrugged. "Yeah. What about?"

Snape glared at them and they busied themselves for a while with their ingredients.

"Come to the library, after lunch," whispered Harry. "I'll explain then."

"Fine."

The rest of the lesson was spent in silence. Every now and then whispered instructions were heard, but otherwise it was eerily calm. Nothing sizzled in any way it shouldn't, nothing boiled over, and even Blaise and Harry managed to produce an adequate potion. It had the right colour and the right smell, only the consistency was a bit off. Snape had collected their homework and now took their samples.

For a lesson with Snape it had been okay. He hadn't docked any more points, and Harry believed he had seen something akin to satisfaction in Snape's eyes when he had seen their sample. That hadn't been any worse than Ernie's and Hannah's.

Hermione and Harry met Ron at the table in the Great Hall. Harry felt uneasy because he had invited Blaise without consulting his friends first, but he really thought he could be an asset for the DA. And he seemed to have his heart in the right place. Now Blaise just had to pass the Hermione-detector. If she was revolted he could always pretend that he wanted to talk a bit more about the curriculum.

His friends noticed that he was far away with his thoughts and left him alone. Right after lunch Harry dragged Hermione in the library.

"I need to talk to you," he said quickly. "See, I sort of made a truce with Zabini, and I think he's okay. You know, for the DA. I want to ask him if he wants to join."

As expected, Hermione looked at him angrily. "Harry, have you thought about that for a bit longer than a second?" she hissed. "What if he's telling the Slytherins?"

"I just had this feeling that we can trust him," said Harry uneasily. "He's not bad – for a Slytherin, that is."

She sighed resignedly. "You can be such a damn Gryffindor at times. But fine, we'll check him out."

They occupied a table and started on their Potions homework ("Describe the uses of the Perplexity Potion and explain why the aconite has to boil thirty minutes separately before it can be added."), but it didn't take long for Blaise to saunter up to them.

He waved at Harry and Hermione and sat down on the free chair. "You wanted to talk, Potter?"

"Yeah. I don't know if you heard about it. Some students and we," he pointed at Hermione and himself, "started a secret organisation last year. We taught ourselves defence techniques - spells, curses, you get the picture."

"I know. That was the group Umbridge broke up last year. Draco caught you, didn't he?"

"Yes," Harry ground out. "Anyhow, we, the DA, want to continue the training."

Blaise's eyebrows shot up. "Are you implying … ?"

"I want you in the DA," said Harry a lot more confidently than he truly felt. "Of course you must be trustworthy."

The Slytherin thought about it. "And you really mean it? You would teach me as well? Where's the catch?"

Hermione spoke up for the first time. "Our condition is that you're anti-Voldemort. We don't want to train junior Death Eaters."

Blaise snorted. "Understandable. Besides, most Slytherins are already being trained by their parents and are above school average."

"If you don't plan to join Voldemort, welcome in the DA. If you do, forget that we talked to you." Harry's expression was set, and he watched Blaise carefully.

But the boy didn't need to think very long. "I think I'll join," he said thoughtfully. "Dumbledore was right; we either fight for our freedom or we'll never have a future to dream about." He stuck out his hand and fixed his gaze on Harry. "Let's become friends, Potter. It's a shame that Zacharias Smith of all people is in your elite circle, but not a single Slytherin."

Harry took the proffered hand and shook it firmly. Hermione watched the display with satisfaction. Then she pulled out a very familiar looking piece of parchment. But other than the title nothing was written there.

"Here," she said with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "You have the honour of being the first to sign our new, improved list."

Blaise chuckled. "All right. I suppose it's only fair. If I can gain some trust with it I'll do it gladly. Regardless of my abilities as secret keeper, I really have no desire to look like poor Marietta." He borrowed Harry's quill and signed.

"Just think about it," warned Hermione. "If you tell Malfoy or anyone else whose name is not enteredon the, you'll regret it."

Harry signed next, grinning, and then it was Hermione's turn.

"At least," she said, "No one will be able to prohibit our group this time. Umbridge is history, and if she ever dares to set foot into Hogwarts again she'll curse the day she was born." She rummaged in her book bag, and after a few seconds she crowed triumphantly. "Ha! I even found a spare galleon." She handed it to Blaise and explained how it worked.

"Wicked," said Blaise admiringly. "No wonder Umbridge never found out how you could appoint your meetings." He put it away and then stood up. "Well, until tomorrow then. Potter, Granger." He nodded at them and left.

Harry stared at Hermione expectantly.

"He's okay, I guess," she finally snapped irritably. "And now let's do our homework. I know you'll need all the free time you can get before Snape teaches you." She slammed her books on the table, took out some parchment, a quill and ink and immediately immersed them in the Potions homework.

Ron found them two hours later. He complained a bit about Snape, but when he saw that Harry and Hermione worked on Potions he shut up, put his own things on the table and started working, too. In a study break Harry told Ron about Zabini and even showed them the list.

Ron could only gape. "Blimey, Harry! Zabini! A Slytherin! Are you barmy? He will tell Malfoy and Parkinson, and Bulstrode!"

Madam Pince scowled at them.

"He will do no such thing," said Hermione coolly. "I made a new list and altered the jinxes a bit. I warned Zabini that if he told anyone whose name ist not on the list about the DA he would regret it. The only one who's able to scout is Harry."

"Cool. But we can recommend people, right?" Ron asked hopefully.

"Of course," answered Hermione for Harry. "They just better keep their mouths shut about the DA and let Harry handle it."

Ron seemed satisfied with that. He turned back to his own pile of homework, and the time until dinner passed with studying.

Harry couldn't eat. His stomach had turned into cold slime, and his legs shook a bit. Ron and Hermione watched him in sympathy, but this agony was something Harry had to deal with alone, and nothing could change that.

At eight o'clock sharp Harry knocked on Snape's door.

"Enter," said Snape.

Harry entered and closed the door behind him. He noticed that Snape had rearranged his office for their lesson. And the Pensieve already stood in the cupboard, between glasses that were filled with slimy, vile things.

"Wand out, Potter," commanded Snape. "Did you practise?"

"I tried," said Harry. "Sir."

"We'll see. Legilimens!"

Harry ground his teeth together and fought with every fibre against the intrusion. Pictures of his birthday flew by … Sirius when he laughed … Blaise in the library …

"Out!" hissed Harry. He lashed back at Snape and unknowingly cast a Reductor Curse.

He found himself kneeling on the floor, sweating and breathing hard, but the wand was still in his hand. Snape examined a hole in his floor.

"Good, Potter," he sneered. "But I would appreciate it if you would try to block me mentally. And please refrain from destroying my office."

Harry scowled. He stood up and looked defiantly at Snape.

"You still let me in too deep, Potter," said Snape softly. "Legilimens!"

Harry watched in horror as his first catastrophic day in elementary school floated by … Dudley as he was attacked by Dementors … a pair of old socks for Christmas … his parents, dying in a flash of green light …

A flash of hot, searing rage surged through Harry, and he could faintly hear something crash before he came to his senses – this time lying flat on his back and staring up at the dreary ceiling.

"Stand up," snarled Snape.

Harry groaned when he did so. Several glass containers were broken, and the obnoxious green liquid poured out. Snape had cuts on his hands and one on his forehead.

"You should learn to control your magic, Potter," said Snape icily. "I'll go to the infirmary. Don't touch anything." His glare became murderous. "If you so much as breathe at that Pensieve, you're a dead man, Potter." He strode out of his destroyed office and slammed the door.

Harry felt vaguely guilty. He had harmed Snape's hands, and that must be the worst that could happen to a Potions Master. His legs shook but Harry managed to stand up. He gripped his wand tightly and cast a Scourgify Charm to clean the mess up and repair the containers. With a lot of concentration he even managed to get the main part of the liquid back in the containers. The rest vanished with a simple Evanesco Spell.

After that now he was tired. He plopped down on the chair in front of Snape's imposing desk. Why did the man have to make things so difficult? Why couldn't he explain things better? Harry thought bitterly that he might learn Occlumency quite well with a better teacher.

Snape came back after thirty minutes. His hands and forehead were healed, but the scowl was still visible on his face. When he saw that Harry had repaired the damage as well as he could, his sour expression softened a bit.

"You're in a fighting mood today, Potter," stated Snape in his dark voice. "It seems you really have practiced."

"I'm doing Eastern meditation," explained Harry stiffly. "But don't you think that these lessons will make it easier for Voldemort to gain access again?"

Snape visibly flinched, then growled. "You still haven't learned not to use the Dark Lord's name!"

"Why should I?" said Harry defiantly. "That maniac wants to kill me. I think it's in my rights to call him whatever I want."

Snape blanched even more. "No, you stupid boy … The evil will come to places where its name is said …"

Harry thought that Snape was rather superstitious, but he decided not to argue about that right now.

"I still think that Voldemort will use the opportunity to come to my dreams, Sir."

For a moment Snape looked as if he was going to be sick. Then he regained his snappish manner and assaulted Harry three times more before he allowed him to go back to his dorm. The last attack on his mind was the match that made the hate Harry felt for Snape burn up like a roaring fire.

He felt weak and vulnerable when he returned to the common room. Hermione sat there, poring over some problem, but she looked up the instant he stepped through the portrait hole.

"How was it?" she asked softly.

"Don't ask," said Harry dully. "Tell Ron I'm in bed if he asks, okay?"

Hermione nodded. Harry could feel her brown eyes on him as he climbed up the stairs to the boys' dorm. Tired and exhausted as he was he still couldn't find rest. He really tried to relax with the meditation he had learned, but whenever he calmed down his past got to him, and the images of Dudley or Uncle Vernon or Aunt Petunia haunted him. They made him choke and he felt the sickening urge to just cry his heart out for once and get it over with.

He managed to fall asleep before Ron and the other boys came up to the dorm, but as predicted the sleep wasn't easy and restful. Instead Harry once more witnessed a Death Eater meeting. It held obviously no importance, and Harry could feel the faint pull from Voldemort. Even in his dream he could feel his scar burn slightly. It had been the Dark Lord who had lured him into his mind, using his troubled thoughts.

And even in his dream he was angry at Snape for prying his mind open for Voldemort, and for a moment he could feel a sickening glee that wasn't his own.

Harry woke up with a stifled scream. His scar prickled uncomfortably, but he deemed himself lucky that Voldemort and his minions hadn't played around with the Cruciatus Curse last night. They had just talked … talked about things, important things at that …

Thinking hard and fast Harry stumbled into the shower and washed the sweat away. Since when did Voldemort lure him into his mind when he had to talk about important things? A dreadful feeling spread out in his body. What if Voldemort wanted him to see what he had planned? Maybe it was something Harry couldn't prevent? Did he want him to suffer even more? Possibly. Probably.

The sinking feeling in his stomach didn't go away, and he knew that he needed to talk to Ron and Hermione.

At breakfast Harry was surrounded by DA members and decided to talk freely. In a quiet voice he told them about his dream and the strange feeling he had had while being stuck in Voldemort's body. Seamus was grossed out, Ron enraged ("You-Know-Who ordered Snape to weaken Harry's defence! And Snape did it! Eat this, 'Mione! Snape's evil!") and Hermione had a very, very thoughtful expression on her face.

"Well," she suddenly said, "who of you guys are planning to try out for the Quidditch team?"

Everybody stared at her. Then the boys all started to talk at once, gesticulating wildly with their hands. Ginny, Colin and Dennis both jumped into the fight, and soon the whole table was in a tumult.

It was decided to play a bit of Quidditch as long as the field was free. Dean, Seamus, Colin, Dennis, Ginny, Ron and Harry took their brooms and ran out. Hermione went back into the Gryffindor common room to study.

Lunch was loud and cheery; the DA members were excited and looked forward to the first meeting in the Room of Requirement. Harry looked over at the Slytherin table. He caught Blaise's eyes and the boy winked at him, and then turned away to talk to Millicent Bulstrode.

Harry was the first in the seventh floor corridor. He wished for the DA room, and the door appeared. He opened it and waited for the first people to arrive.

Within the next fifteen minutes his friends and acquaintances trickled in. Blaise sauntered in, together with Luna and Cho. Harry was very grateful that she hadn't brought Marietta along. When everybody was in the room Harry closed the door and locked it.

All eyes were on him, and for the first time he truly relished in that feeling. He took a deep breath.

"Welcome back in the Room of Requirement," he said, grinning. "I'm very glad that you all are interested in keeping the DA alive. We even have a new member. I hope he'll be a good replacement for Marietta. Zabini, say hello."

The Slytherin turned around and waved cockily. Murmurs raced through the room at the news, and Zacharias Smith even asked if Harry was serious.

"I let you in, Smith," said Harry coolly. "So, I'm sure Zabini will fit in, as well. Now, Hermione has designed a new list. For the sake of your trust I'll explain what it does." He took the list and showed his students that he, Hermione and Blaise already had signed. "If you sign that list you're bound to keep the DA meetings and its purpose a secret. You can't talk about it to a person whose signature isn't on this list once you've signed. The only person who can scout new members is me. I hope you understand that. Of course you can tell me if somebody has interest in learning more and fighting Voldemort. I'll check those students out and see if they're trustworthy. Okay?"

Everybody nodded in agreement. Parvati lifted her hand.

"Yes?"

"I, uh, already told my sister, Padma, about us. She wants to come, too." She looked sheepishly but pleadingly at Harry.

"All right, I'll ask Padma if she truly wants in. Anybody else?" Harry asked.

But no one had a suggestion. Harry was relieved. That would spare him trouble. He handed the list and a self-refilling quill to Seamus, and he signed eagerly. After him Ron signed, then Dean, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Parvati, Anthony Goldstein, Lavender …

"Okay," he called when the list was back in Hermione's hands. "I'm sure you all have seen the DADA curriculum hanging from your notice boards. Our curriculum will also include Charms, first aid in wand movements," he smirked at Dean, "And even a little bit of Transfiguration. I want us prepared, and I will prepare you well. This will be hard work, and I'm always open for new suggestions. If you have ideas for new curses and jinxes don't hesitate to tell me. If you have a spell that you can do particularly well you can teach it. I want us to be as interactive as possible. We are a team now, we are our own Order. We have to trust each other and we must be able to rely on each other." He looked to Blaise. "Zabini told me most of the Slytherins have been taught … special things. Zabini, are you willing to share what you know?"

"Why, yes, Potter," Blaise smirked. "I think it'll be fun."

"Good. I'm also reading about special summonings. I will tell you more later, right now I need us to decide when we will meet. Now that Umbridge is sacked," the whole DA smirked evilly, "we don't have to hide exactly. But since the DA is still supposed to be a secret organisation, I suggest we try to sneak away every weekend on Saturday or Sunday. You all have your fake galleons; if somebody can't attend, please tell me discreetly. All right?"

Luna raised her hand. "Will you confide in us when you dream of You-Know-Who?" she asked.

Harry tensed. "I don't know if that's such a good idea," he said stiffly.

"Nonsense!" said Dean loudly. "We're a defence group against Voldemort! We want to help you, Harry. You can tell us everything."

Surprisingly, Hermione agreed. "I think he's right, Harry," she said fiercely. "The more heads are thinking about things, the faster we might find a solution. And it's not like they could talk about it to people who do not belong to the DA." She threw Lavender and Parvati a dirty look. "Although some people just have to learn how to keep their mouth shut."

Neville was the next to raise his hand. "Harry, are we telling Dumbledore?"

"I don't think that's necessary," said Harry. "I bet he already knows what we're up to."

Anthony nodded slowly. "So, when do we start with the training? Today? Or do we wait for the next meeting?"

"What do you want to wait for?" Harry asked, confusion evident in his voice. "I hope you all have your wands? Fine! Pair up, two people each group. We're going to revise the disarming spell today! Now, the first lesson, however, is the right wand movement. Hermione, would you please?"

Hermione stepped up to Harry, aimed and then waved her wand in the exact motion and disarmed Harry flawlessly.

"Did you see how she waved her wand? You have to move it precisely." He wished for a whistle, found one on a shelf and blew it.

Immediately shouts of "Expelliarmus!" were sounding through the large room. Wands clattered everywhere.

With pride Harry noticed that the practice was organised and everyone knew what to do. After a few minor corrections on Dean's and Cho's aim, he moved on to the summoning charm. Every time five students would aim at a pillow and try to summon it.

Blaise said "Accio!" so clearly that the pillow hit him square in the head, and the Gryffindors were in hysterics for a few minutes. Blaise just shrugged and laughed himself.

The next was the leg lock, then the total body bind spell. Here more students had problems. Luna accidentally bound Neville so much that he couldn't breathe and had to be rescued by Hermione. Hannah Abbott tripped Ron with a stray spell and apologised approximately twenty times. Zacharias Smith somehow managed to bind himself and Harry freed him with a smirk on his lips.

Most of the DA members wanted to train until lunch, so Harry let them revise the Levitation Charm (Hermione's most favourite classic example in wand movements) and the Reductor Curse.

Hermione had discovered a thick book with blank pages and had immediately started to list all the spells and jinxes they had revised today.

"Okay, that was a very good first lesson," Harry said when everybody had put their wands away. "I will ask Professor Dumbledore if he can get a Boggart for us, and I think Hagrid can give us other creatures to practice with, too. Please look up everything you know about Hinkypunks and Boggarts for the next meeting."

The DA agreed, and then Harry dismissed them and watched how they left slowly and in small groups.

When no one besides Ron and Hermione was left he turned to Hermione. "Do you think you can prepare for the theory when we are done revising our DA stuff from the last year?"

"Of course. In sixth year the curriculum contains shielding charms and defence against mind altering spells, curses, jinxes and potions. Don't worry, Harry. I'll drill you all so hard you'll pass the NEWT exam with a clear O."

Ron groaned good-naturedly. "At least I will get an O in one subject, then."

Harry nodded in agreement. He couldn't care less if his actual sixth year grade was bad; it was the NEWTs that really counted, and for that they all prepared. For now they only had to concentrate on passing the year without raising suspicions.

The bell rang and called the hungry students into the Great Hall for lunch. They left the Room of Requirement and went down, carefully avoiding nosy students.

In the Great Hall the DA members talked animatedly about the first meeting. Several people discreetly thanked Harry for his efforts. Alicia, Katie and Angelina grinned at them conspiratorially and sat down at the end of the table.

"I wish we still had Fred and George with us," sighed Ron wistfully. "We could find out how to use their inventions against Death Eaters …"

"Ron!" hissed Harry. "You're a genius!" He clapped Ron on the back and started to wolf his food down.

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, fantastic, Ron! We'll talk later!" She elbowed Ginny and told her to come see them later.

It had been predictable, really, but Harry was still surprised how eager the members of the DA who were in Gryffindor waited for his newest idea to be announced. He sighed and looked them in the eyes. In a wide circle Lee Jordan, Alicia, Angelina, Katie, Neville, Parvati, Lavender, Ginny, Ron, Dean, Seamus, Hermione, Dennis and Colin sat around the fire of the Gryffindor common room and looked expectantly at him.

"Ron here had a very good idea," said Harry, a bit unsettled bout their rapt attention. "He suggested that we could ask Fred and George to tell us how we could use their inventions as possible weapons against attackers." Appreciative murmurs broke out, and the boys and girls began talking excitedly. "However," said Harry in a warning voice, "we must be careful. A year is short and I'd rather see that you can do as many hexes and curses as possible, and as well as possible. If we have time between Hermione's DADA lectures, the DA training and normal school, then we can experiment with weapons, all right?"

Most of them nodded, only Lee Jordan seemed to be a bit disappointed.

"I will talk about it at the next meeting," promised Harry, "And maybe we can vote. Ron and Ginny, would you write a letter to Fred and George and ask them about their stuff? Maybe you could code it, in case the owl is intercepted."

Ron and Ginny nodded, their faces bright and proud. "Don't worry, we have a family code," assured Ginny. "And they will know what to do, Harry."

Harry was satisfied and a huge weight seemed to lift from his heart. The DA was working again … they trusted him … and he felt good being a leader. He would share the responsibility with Hermione and Ron and everyone who had something to teach … the burden was already shrinking, and he had friends to rely on.

The group scattered. Dennis and Colin talked merrily about their quest to photograph the hands of their teachers. They already had photographed the hands of Flitwick, Hagrid and Dumbledore, Sinistra and Trelawney.

Harry smiled happily and got up in his dorm to retrieve the book Hagrid had given him. Now he finally had some time to read about the summoning of wild beasts and magical animals.

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The next week passed in a blur. On Monday Harry had his first Apparating class, and he was really looking forward to it. Their instructor was, again, Madam Hooch, who had taught them how to fly on a broomstick in their very first year at Hogwarts. Harry remembered very fondly the day when Malfoy had stolen Neville's Remembrall and he had gotten it back and, on top of that, become the youngest Seeker in one century of Hogwarts' history.

"Welcome to your Apparating class," said Madam Hooch in her clear, sharp voice. Her yellow eyes glared at the students, daring them to do something stupid. "You Gryffindors are the last of this year. The others managed to behave so far."

"Even the Slytherins?" Seamus asked cockily.

"Even the Slytherins," confirmed Hooch. "Now, let's get started. Who can tell me something about the theory?"

Unsurprisingly Hermione raised her hand.

"Yes, Granger?"

"Apparating is the ability to switch one's body between two places. It is almost unimportant how big the distance is, but it is a commonly known fact that wizards and witches shouldn't try to Apparate over the ocean." She took a deep breath and then continued. "Furthermore the art of Apparating is based almost completely on willpower. The magic works without a wand which means the wizards or witch who wants to Apparate has to think very clearly of his or her destination and let the magic pull the body behind."

"Very good, Miss Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor. Now, can somebody tell me why it is so dangerous to Apparate over long distances and without the proper concentration?"

Of course Hermione raised her hand again, but Hooch ignored her in favour of Harry, who had heard quite a bit about it from Sirius and Remus and tried to partake in the questioning.

"It's dangerous because without the proper concentration on the specific destination the body splinches and leaves bodily parts of the witch or wizard in either place," said Harry, grinning. "The effect is reversible but highly unpleasant and is punished by the Ministry of Magic because of the danger of being seen by Muggles."

"Another five points for Gryffindor." Hooch started to pace over the lawn. "The concentration is an important part. It also depends on your will. If somebody has a strong will they will master the art of Apparating in no time. If someone is easily distracted then it will be difficult." She smiled grimly at Neville's sad "Oh no ...".

"But don't worry. This is for you only. You won't get grades for Apparating. There will be, however, the licence test in the Easter holidays next year. All those who are interested can take the test then for free. Once you're out of school and want to do the test you will have to pay. Understood?" She glared once more, and then resumed her pacing. "It is also necessary to attend at least fifteen lessons before you can take the test."

Harry was giddy. It sounded cool, and he had been envious of Fred and George ever since they had started Apparating in every place and corner of their house in the summer before his fifth year and in Grimmauld Place this summer.

Hooch bellowed at them to pay attention. "I'll demonstrate now how it is done. Look closely!"

She took one deep breath, and then, with a hearty POP, vanished from her spot. With another she appeared right behind Lavender who jumped in surprise.

"Did you see my wand? No! It is your own willpower and your magic, remember. Now let's get started." She threw a bright red patchwork blanket on the lawn. "This is your destination point. Everyone of you will step forward and try to Apparate to that blanket. You just have to think very hard of the red blanket. Let's see what happens." She turned fully. "Who wants to go first?"

Hermione stepped forward determinedly. "Madam? Are you able to reverse splinching?" she asked dryly.

"Yes, Granger. Now try your luck."

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. One could clearly see how hard she willed her magic to work. She frowned, but nothing happened.

Hooch called the next student. "This can happen. If somebody is particularly unsure or afraid, then the hardest determination won't help."

Hermione huffed. But Harry could clearly see that she didn't fully trust their instructor to desplinch them if something happened.

The next one was Lavender, but she didn't manage much, only a slight flicker of her body.

Harry watched the line of students with mild interest. It didn't matter to him if he did it right the first time. They had time until the Easter holidays, and he was here to learn it, not to get it right this instant.

Dean, who was a catastrophe with his wand sometimes, seemed to be a natural in Apparating. He vanished from his spot and plopped back on the red blanket in a heap.

"Wonderful, Thomas," Hooch said with a hint of pride. "If you work on your landing your licence won't be a problem at all."

Dean glowed with excitement, and when Hooch awarded him fifteen points he was floating on air.

After Parvati it was Harry's turn. He regarded the red blanket with slight hesitation. What if he couldn't do anything? And what if he landed in the Whomping Willow because he got distracted in the last second possible?

"Come on, Potter," said Hooch. "It's just a measly four metres. Try it already."

So Harry braced himself, closed his eyes briefly and thought of the blanket. That he wanted to be there this instant.

The cheering brought him back. He wondered why they were yelling like mad. He hadn't even started, had he? He turned around in confusion. Then down at his shoes.

Green.

"Potter, why aren't you standing on the blanket?" Hooch asked, obviously irritated.

He looked to his right and froze. There was the blanket. He had done it, but he stood next to the blanket, not on it.

"My shoes are dirty," he said meekly. "Didn't want to soil it."

His classmates groaned good-naturedly, and Hooch's eyes brimmed with wonderment and pride.

"Well, Mr Potter. This is a blanket for training. You may step on it as much as you want. Now go back there and try it again. And this time I want to see you standing on it."

Harry nodded and marched back. His friends clapped him on the shoulders, and he distinctly thought that Sirius must have been right. Both his parents were good at Apparating, and he was good too, obviously. He tried to keep his eyes open this time when he thought of the red blanket. And this time he heard the popping sound, too. Only a moment later he saw his friends again, and this time he really stood on the blanket.

He was very confused. He didn't feel a thing, not even the flow of his magic. He was just there, and the next moment he had changed places … It was almost disconcerting, but he was also glad that he could rely on this ability in future fights if he had to get out of somewhere, and fast.

"Twenty points to Gryffindor, Potter," said Madam Hooch sharply in approval.

The next was Ron. Encouraged by Harry's success he did it on his second try, although his landing could have been better. Every student got at least three turns, and even Hermione, who was more scared of splinching herself than Neville, managed to overcome her fears and Apparate. But when she did it, it was as accurate as all the other things she did.

It is needless to say that the trio was overjoyed. They all planned on passing their test with flying colours and silently agreed to train as hard as they could. And now that this that this was no longer an obstacle. Harry had every intention on moving on to Animagus training as quickly as possible.

Other than that the week was simply stuffed. Harry did not even have time to think about Voldemort with all the homework the teachers gave them. Ron was already groaning and whining like Moaning Myrtle. And it didn't get better. Snape was particularly demanding in his advanced course, and Harry was sweating over his homework assignments and the potions they were going to brew. Professor McGonagall was equally demanding, she just voiced it differently. She decided that the colour changing spells needed revising, so Harry and Ron fought with their frogs and tried to get them red, blue or green. Hermione, of course, was outstanding as always and could hex them to take on particularly difficult colours like rose red, mud brown or sky blue.

Only in Charms could Harry relax a little. Flitwick introduced them to a stronger lock opening spell than Alohomora. The Abriara spell was much stronger and could even open difficult padlocks. Harry had already taught it in the DA and used the time for a third opening charm which was even stronger than the other two.

"Ovihara is the best spell to blast heavy locked doors," Hermione explained in a hushed voice so Flitwick wouldn't hear her. "It can even take medium heavy wards down. Here … try it, Harry. Remember the wand movement … it's important …"

"Ovihara," Harry hissed and aimed at the small practice steel door which was locked with three padlocks and two bolts. He had every intention to blast that damned door open-

To his own surprise the door banged open so violently that one of the locks hit Lavender in the shoulder and the bolts flew everywhere.

"Wow," Harry said into the stunned silence. Hermione's proud smile lifted his spirits and he decided to teach the DA this spell, too.

DADA was a fiasco. Professor Blackadder forced them to learn the pagan holidays and bored them all with the different religions that practiced the Magic of Mother Earth. Harry had copied the next chapter of the beast summoning book onto parchment and read that instead of the stupid book Blackadder wanted them to read. He was in no particular hurry to get high marks. School, after all, was not everything.

Professor Sprout quizzed them on Monday, and both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had earned a nice number of points for their houses.

Hagrid was back to his usual, cheery self. This week he revised Unicorns, and, strangely enough, under his surveillance the Unicorns even allowed the boys to pet them.

"Don' know who told yer this rubbish," Hagrid grumbled when Lavender told him what Professor Grubbly-Plank had taught them. "They just want yer ter be pure. It doesn' matter if yer' boy or girl. They don' prefer either."

Harry filed that away for later and petted a silvery unicorn on the nose. It looked at him with huge, mercury eyes and snorted softly.

Harry's Occlumency lesson didn't go well. This week he became so angry that he almost set the whole office on fire, but he didn't manage to shut Snape's mind out successfully. Only once he pushed so deep down as he did manage to fight Snape off, that he saw glimpses of an exposed forearm, a wand, and a cold voice that said something in Parsel tongue … a faint echo of a blood-chilling scream … agony …

Then, on Saturday, the Quidditch tryouts for all four houses took place. Ron led the Gryffindors to the field. McGonagall, Hooch, Snape, Dumbledore, Flitwick and Sprout were there.

"Hufflepuff starts," yelled Hooch over the heads of the students. "Captains, organise your lot! Yes … Mount your brooms … Go!"

Hufflepuff was quickly done. They only needed two new players and decided quickly. The next were Ravenclaw. Cho retired as Seeker. Instead of her a lively fourth year, Johnny Hough, would be the Seeker.

Then it was Slytherin's turn. Not unlike Gryffindor, they needed new Chasers and Beaters. The Beater position was quickly filled with Crabbe and Goyle who had a lot of muscles. As Chaser finally Blaise, Pansy and, to her own surprise, Millicent succeeded.

Ron was rightfully nervous as he led his team and the candidates onto the field. They would determine some Beaters first. Dean and Seamus soared up with the others and started to beat the Bludgers so viciously that Ron took them instantly. Angelina, Katie and Alicia tried out Ginny, Colin and Dennis as Chasers. Parvati had declined after thinking long and hard about possible lesions. They tried them one with two experienced Chasers, two with one experienced Chaser and finally all three of the candidates had to play on the field. Of course, they weren't perfect but Ron remembered his own situation all too well. He was satisfied. With practice they would grow to be a team, and a good one at that.

The next DA meeting on Sunday was as exciting as the first one. Harry continued revising their last year's curriculum and correcting the mistakes of the others, and Hermione could announce her first DADA lesson for the next meeting. She asked the others to bring parchment and ink. She even promised to try and teach as Professor Lupin once had taught them.

Blaise became a respected member very quickly. He was jovial and communicative, and now that he was without his Slytherin friends the others quickly got to know him.

After that week the next week followed, and the next, and then it was already October and the regular Quidditch season started. The DA was in full training mode now. Those who were members had a doubled load of homework, but Hermione had the most work of all. She not only worked out the lesson plans, but also corrected the homework and still helped Ron and Harry with their work load. Harry tried to thank her by buying half the chocolate of Honeyduke's for her on the first Hogsmeade weekend. He sheepishly told her that she could need the chocolate with all the thinking she did. How true it was. During the course of these weeks Hermione had lost some weight and she looked a lot more mature than before. Sometimes Harry worried about her.

The dreams with Voldemort came back on a regular basis, and every single time Harry could tell that he was being pulled in, not landing there by chance. He told the DA of his dreams; sometimes it was torture, cold and brutal with nothing important for Harry to make enduring it a bit easier, sometimes Voldemort discussed his plans with his minions, and then they guessed together what that could mean.

-------

On Monday, October the sixth, Harry met Lucius Malfoy again. The tall, blond man strode down the hallway, obviously intending to visit Dumbledore in his office. Harry decided to follow him, wand in hand. But somehow Malfoy sensed that he was there because he stopped dead in his tracks and turned.

"Mr Potter," he sneered. "What a pleasure to meet you again. Did you want something?"

Harry was so perplexed that he stuttered stupidly. "I - yes. What do you want here?"

"I didn't know it was forbidden for me to visit the school that educates my son, Mr Potter," Malfoy replied, sneering even more. He approached Harry with sure, arrogant steps and stopped in front of him. His grey eyes watched him intently, measuring him, then stared him in the eyes. "Merlin, Potter, you reek of magic," he whispered softly, inquisitively.

Harry froze. It was true, he had practiced some spells for McGonagall and Flitwick in an unused classroom, but how could Malfoy tell?

"Maybe," he said coldly. "And don't tell me this is a social call, Malfoy, because it is not."

Malfoy smirked. "I will leave that to your imagination, Mr Potter. You will surely … discover … my evil plans. Good evening." With a last smirk he turned around. Silvery blond hair rustled in the soft breeze that wafted through all corridors, and then he was gone.

Harry scowled. Then he decided it might be better to go down into the Great Hall for lunch. He was starving.

"What?" Hermione asked sharply when he was done telling them. "Malfoy is in the castle?"

"And I think he gave me another hint, that stuck up prick," growled Harry. "He said something about discovering evil plans." He thought deeply, and the others already had gone back to eating. But then he snapped up suddenly and startled them badly. "Do you remember what I keep telling you about my dreams? That Voldemort pulls me into these meetings? As if he wants me to see what he's planning? Obviously that is part of some bigger plan!"

"That's all good and merry," said Seamus slowly. "But we really should find out what it is that they plan."

"Oh," said Harry bitterly, "Voldemort will come around eventually, I'm sure."

"Why would Malfoy of all people tell you something like that?" Ginny asked sceptically. "Sure, those morons are very confident of themselves, but even he shouldn't spill his master's secrets."

"I think he would spill even more if Harry would pretend to listen," said Ron hatefully. "That Malfoy loves to talk in riddles." He stabbed his steak angrily. The Daily Prophet had written only last week that some departments of the Ministry were going to be closed. Such as the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office where Ron and Ginny's dad worked.

"Who knows when he will be here the next time," said Harry glumly. "And I'm not keen on seeing him, either."

The matter was settled for them. Harry didn't want to think about Voldemort because that led him back to Snape who was supposed to help him block out such intrusions of his dreams; and Ron had other things on his mind. He was very busy training the Quidditch team.

The first match of the season was Ravenclaw against Slytherin, and Blaise talked Harry into watching although he had wanted to read more in Hagrid's book.

Harry, Ron and Hermione stood on the spectator's tower close to the Slytherin curve and cheered for the Ravenclaw team. It was a stormy, cloudy day, but it didn't rain. Harry really wanted to cheer Blaise on – after all the boy had been very friendly to them, and he wanted to pay him back with being a good friend himself, but knowing that it would raise suspicions if he cheered for a Slytherin he regretfully let it slide.

After the graduation of Flint and Montague, the Slytherin team was considered a bit fairer, but Crabbe and Goyle as Beaters were simply brutal. They smashed the Bludgers against the Ravenclaw Chasers, attacked the Seeker who was too inexperienced to avoid the blows, and thus the Slytherins won the game because there was only one Seeker left on the field. Draco Malfoy caught the Snitch after only twelve minutes, but looked a bit ill as he saw how Madam Pomfrey carried Johnny Hough from the field on a stretcher. Crabbe and Goyle let their muscles play and smirked malevolently.

"That's …," Hermione tried to say. "That's just … sick! They should be kicked off the team this instant! They have caused more fouls in one game than Flint in his whole career!" She whirled around to Ron. "You have to do something! Go to McGonagall and speak with her!"

Harry could see Blaise looking up to where he stood, and the worry radiated off his body.

"I think Blaise needs to talk," whispered Harry. "Let's meet him."

Ravenclaw had been crushed by Slytherin, but no one of the other three houses cared. Johnny was in the infirmary with broken arms and a heavy concussion. It had been an attack, not a Quidditch accident - that much was clear.

At lunch Dumbledore looked very grave. He talked with Professor Snape who looked equally troubled. Every now and then McGonagall would say something to both of them.

Harry tried to eat something, but he couldn't. Crabbe and Goyle's unfair attack was the gossip at all tables. At least, Harry noticed, the Slytherins weren't gloating about it. If anything the younger ones looked crestfallen and the older ones even more contemplative than usual.

Harry also noticed that Malfoy was still pale. He pushed his kidney pie away and stood up. He desperately needed to walk a little to release the tension. From the corner of his eye he saw Blaise talking to Malfoy.

He had barely reached the second floor when Blaise caught up with him.

"Let's go in there," he said quietly, pointing to a door that led to an old, unused classroom. "Come on …"

They slid in and closed and locked the door behind them.

"It was awful," Blaise suddenly blurted out, "I mean, I know that kid, it's my half sister's cousin on her mother's side or something like that … I don't understand it … How could they?"

Harry pulled Blaise to a desk and motioned him to sit down.

"Do they have the Dark Mark?" he asked softly.

"No," said the Slytherin distractedly, "Not yet. But they're planning to get it. They already get orders from their parents …" He looked at Harry, and his eyes became wet. "Harry, I really worry about you. I mean, it's probably not much, coming from me, but–"

"Don't say that," Harry interrupted him firmly. He had a lump in his throat. It hurt to see the one Slytherin that had befriended him suffer. "It means very much." He awkwardly petted Blaise's shoulder.

"I think they have orders to harm you during the Quidditch matches," said Blaise quietly. "Today might have been a practice for them … Please, you have to learn some shielding spells against physical attacks … something!"

"Calm down. I'll see what I can find. Thanks for your help, Blaise."

"There's something else," said Blaise quickly, lifting his head. "Draco might be interested. You saw how shaken he was. Please, try something, anything to win him over! I swear he's not interested in bowing down to Voldemort. Help him, they'll skin him alive if they find out …"

"Malfoy? Are you serious?" Harry asked sharply. "You do know that he hates me. Merlin, I hate him back twice as much!"

"I know," said Blaise fiercely. "But you didn't kick Smith out when he talked back to you the other day." He sighed wearily and pushed some strands of his long hair back. "I really fear for him, Harry."

Harry thought quickly. "Oh, very well. You can try and convince him, but I need to be sure that he's trustworthy, Blaise. I can't afford to lose the DA now."

"Thank you," Blaise whispered. He wiped his eyes and sighed again. ,,I'll be careful."

Blaise left first, and Harry wondered if he could slip in a few extra lessons with the Quidditch team for protection spells. But then again it didn't concern only the team. He thought it only fair to involve the whole DA.

He left the room and ran up to the seventh floor, frantically wishing for their DA room. As soon as the door appeared he yanked it open, ran through, locked it and then stormed to the bookshelves.

"I need a damn good book about protection spells," he muttered again and again. A book with an appropriate title came into sight. "Ha! Got you!" It was really convenient that the sixth years had to learn how to protect themselves with shields of all sorts anyway. But he had the feeling that the spell he was looking for wasn't on the curriculum.

He took the book "Protect and be protected" and flipped to the index. There were protection spells for the most varied of reasons, and he finally found one that served his purpose.

"The Protecto Corpus protects the body from severe physical damage and harm. The caster has to point his wand sharply at the attacker/attacking object and concentrate to build a magical wall. The caster has to think about his most strong moment to build the wall. If it is done properly the wall shimmers faintly violet and can even stop cannon heads from doing harm," Harry read out loud. He frowned and took his wand. "Dobby?"

Dobby popped in and looked at Harry. "Yes? What can Dobby do for Harry Potter?"

"Dobby, would you like to help me?"

------

Harry was a bit nervous at the next DA meeting. The students were still in an uproar because of that very first Quidditch match. He had to blow his whistle a few times before they were quiet enough to talk to them.

"Today I'm giving you an express lesson in protection spells," announced Harry. "I don't want to argue about it, just do it, okay? I want to prevent events like the one during the Quidditch match from happening. You all know how much damage a Bludger can do. Therefore I want to teach you the Protecto Corpus spell. It's not hard to learn, but you need to concentrate."

Some of the Quidditch players were downright relieved that Harry had come up with a possibility to protect them.

"Okay. Divide into pairs … good. Do you see these pillows? One partner will throw the pillows at the other, and you try to perform the spell. Neville, would you assist me, please?"

Neville walked up to Harry, took the pillow that lay in front of him and gazed at Harry questioningly.

"Now, you'll hold up your wand this way–," he jabbed hard in Neville's direction, "-and think about your strongest moment. It works almost like the Patronus Charm. You call Protecto Corpus while pointing at the attacker." He stared at Neville, then suddenly jabbed his wand in a swift and snakelike movement at him and yelled, "Protecto Corpus!" A shimmering wall of magic power appeared and shielded his body.

Faint oohs and ahhs were running through the room.

"The shield is supposed to look like that. Now I want everybody to concentrate on moments where you felt particularly strong or confident … As if nothing could harm you …" He gave them a few minutes and then blew the whistle.

The room was filled with laughing students who threw fluffy pillows at each other and yelled "Protecto Corpus!". Harry watched Cho with a bemused expression on his face. She was practicing with Luna, but she simply couldn't get her shield up. He finally decided to ask her what was wrong.

"Oh Harry! I just can't think of a time where I have been strong," she sniffled desperately. "Ever since … ever since … he died I haven't felt strong …"

"But you felt strong when you could call upon your Patronus for the first time, didn't you?" Harry asked. "Try that. Remember the feeling you got then and try it. Or try the memory of Umbridge running through the castle in fury, chasing fireworks."

"Okay," she said meekly.

Luna's big, misty eyes looked at him. "You're very good at this, Harry," she said with a faint smile. "How long did you practice for that spell?"

Harry grinned. "Not very long. When I found out what I needed to think about, it was remarkably easy. It's like the Patronus charm, really. That's why it is so good, too."

Luna nodded and proceeded to throw the pillow against Cho's head. "Do you really think you'll need it?"

"Yes," he said. Luna didn't seem to want to talk more about it, so he left her and Cho in favour of Hannah Abbott and Zacharias Smith.

At the end of the lesson everybody had at least managed to bring the shield up. Some didn't have the right colour or dissolved into thin air when the pillow hit them, but a lot of them were strong enough to hold the pillows and fluff balls. Harry had even practiced with baseballs and other, even heavier objects. His wall was invincible. Everybody hoped that it could shield him from a Bludger at full speed.

Suddenly Cho raised her hand. "Um, Harry? I have a question … The formula is rather long … What if the Bludger is too fast for you to say the spell in time?"

Harry, of course, had thought about that problem a while ago. But he thought he had found a suitable explanation.

"I suppose it's like … growing into your magic, you know? Did anyone of you see your parents doing magic? Daily chores, for example?"

"Yeah," said Ron. "Mom. Washing the dishes or peeling potatoes."

"And she never says a word, only waves her wand and it happens, right?" Everybody was stunned. Harry smiled and explained further. "It seems that the more often we use spells the easier they are to perform, and at some point we can even stop saying the words. We just have to let our magic work. It is quicker and more precise. Your mind is doing the work, not your mouth."

Even Hermione watched him with approval.

"Can you prove that?" Zacharias Smith asked in a bored voice.

"Yes. I tried it with several spells. Watch out." Harry dimmed the light with a swish of his wand, and then suddenly the tip of his wand ignited.

"You just did Lumos!" Ron roared. "Cool!"

"Very good," grinned Harry. He put the lights back on, then he waved his wand shortly and a fluffy pillow rushed into his arm. "That was Accio. It is funny, actually, how much you can do without speaking a word." His face became serious. "I think you all should try that in a spare minute. It could save your life one day."

His words were solemn, and so were the faces when the DA scattered. Harry and his friends dawdled, as always. Luna was roaming the room and occasionally picking things up, shrinking them and putting them away.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Ginny asked curiously.

Luna smiled lazily. "In a few days is New Year, of course. I have to prepare my ritual."

"How convenient for you, then," said Hermione, smiling.

Luna dreamily hummed and patted the pocket where she had put her purchases. "I found everything."

"What New Year?" Ron asked stupidly. "It's Halloween!"

"For Wiccans Halloween is the actual end of the old and the beginning of the new year. Did you ever wonder why it is said that ghosts are haunting the living that night?" said Hermione, miffed that Ron hadn't noticed the obvious implication.

"The shift between dying and living, death and rebirth leaves a rift between the dead and the living," said Luna happily. "That's our time to call upon loved ones and tell the others to bugger off."

Harry laughed. "Sounds good. Well, good luck then with your ritual," he said sincerely. "And greet your mother from me if you talk to her."

"Will do," she said simply and left, humming a merry tune.

--------

Halloween always had been the holiday at Hogwarts that Harry enjoyed the most. It had been the first holiday at his new school, and he still found himself awed at the sheer amount of sweets and food they were gifted with.

Of course, Professor Blackadder had her own ideas. After some utterly failed tests at banning common Fairies from a garden with Venus traps and other flesh eating plants, or getting rid of a Knarl plague with offerings of plum wine to the Goddess of the Earth, Hermione was so upset that she needed to leave the classroom to calm down.

Harry had to admit that Blackadder's lesson suspiciously looked like simple gardening tips, and he carefully pointed out that no one wanted to get rid of Fairies, and that Knarls hardly could be considered a plague. In fact, they were not even considered dark creatures which made the lesson senseless in the first place.

The twenty point loss hadn't been pretty.

Well, now, one day before the sacred Halloween, Professor Blackadder tried to make them sing blessed songs and burn herbs. Fortunately Lavender convinced her to tell tales about the night of the living dead, and the two periods' time was, if not used for better things, at least not spent in boredom and utter embarrassment.

The Friday was free and they had special permission to go to Hogsmeade, and there would, of course, be the usual feast in the evening.

It was very cold outside. Harry, Hermione and Ron trudged down the path to Hogsmeade. The air was crisp and clear, but the sky was covered with heavy clouds. The three of them were wrapped up in their cloaks, scarves and mittens. Their wands were carefully hidden in their sleeves. All members of the DA were frighteningly quick at drawing their wands since Harry's motto was "Better safe than sorry". Ron had joked that they could easily Apparate by now, but unfortunately the teachers kept track of those who were able to do so.

"Uh, Harry? How are your Occlumency lessons proceeding?" Hermione asked when they were in safe distance from the other students. "I mean, you keep having these dreams …"

"Yes, I do have them still. But you know what? I actually believe I'm getting better. The pull I feel is becoming stronger," said Harry, frowning. "It's kind of weird, really. Half of the time I'm spending in Voldemort's mind I could imagine at least ten places where I would rather be."

Now Hermione had a very thoughtful look on her face. "You know Harry, at first I actually thought you'd become paranoid, reading so much from Malfoy's words, but now I can almost see …"

"What? What can you see?" Ron demanded to know.

Harry wanted to know, too, but he knew better than to press Hermione for half thought ideas. She could be scary when being interrupted in her thinking. And it was easier to let Hermione put the pieces of the puzzle together. She was used to it, and Harry was already thinking and learning more than he ever had before.

Finally Ron let the topic slide. Well, that wasn't difficult. He was distracted by Parvati and Padma who were walking by in their best twin attire. Their long, ebony hair shimmered in the wan light and Ron craned his neck to see them.

Hermione just tutted and dragged him along. Harry hid his smile. It was a known fact that Ron and Hermione had a thing or two for each other, although neither of them ever acted on it.

Harry suddenly remembered Dean and Seamus' plan to give their teachers their respective hand readings on New Year's Eve.

"Did Colin manage to get a photo of Snape's hands yet?" he asked, completely startling his friends.

"Yes, yes," said Hermione distractedly. "I wanted to ask you to lend me your Divination book, anyway …"

Harry frowned. Hermione was rarely distracted like this. Well, even she needed a moment of peace sometimes – or a good night's rest for that matter. But he believed that she had learned her lesson after her escapade with the Time Turner and the ensuing symptoms.

Hogsmeade wasn't that interesting anymore. Harry caught himself wishing he had stayed in the castle to finish the book about summoning wild animals, or maybe fine-tuning his protection spell … Hermione also had a dazed expression and didn't even really enjoy the feeling of leather and paper between her hands as she perused the bookshelves in the bookstore. Only Ron was truly enjoying himself. He raided Honeyduke's, went all hyper in Zonko's and mooned over Madam Rosmerta in the Three Broomsticks.

Soon Ginny, her boyfriend Dean, and Seamus joined them. Neville was on his way through the maze of tables and chairs. When he was seated Harry ordered a round of Butterbeer.

"Friends, I have to discuss a very serious matter with you," he said in a solemn voice that made the mischief vanish more quickly than Snape could say, "Twenty points from Gryffindor". He took a great swig of his beer, and then cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Well, I know you all go along well with Blaise, and I consider him an important part of the DA now. My problem is now that he has asked me several times to scout Malfoy."

He didn't need to wait long for the explosion.

"What?!" shrieked Ron, spilling his Butterbeer in rage. "How can he even suggest such a thing?!"

Dean and Seamus looked slightly troubled, Neville had a look of hate on his round face. Only Ginny seemed unconcerned.

"Oh yes, Ron, people in Birmingham might not have heard you," said Hermione sarcastically. "Honestly, you're such an idiot sometimes!" She whipped her wand out and cast a silencing charm around the table.

Harry sighed. "Ron, calm down. I reacted quite like you did, but Blaise is deadly serious. He believes that Draco will be in trouble shortly. He doesn't want to take the Dark Mark. He has practically begged me to take Draco in and train him, so that he'll be able to defend himself."

"And can attack us," snapped Ron. "Think about it, Harry. There have been wolves in sheep's skins before."

"That's the point," agreed Harry. "I simply don't know if I should take him in. But I really hate it to see Blaise so worried. I mean, he's a Slytherin who actually cares about us, and he could be very valuable in the future."

"Harry's right," said Hermione, rational as always in such matters. "We need our own wolves in other sheep herds, so to speak. And Malfoy could be a powerful ally."

"Or the downfall of the DA," said Dean. "Sorry, but I'm against the idea."

Ginny looked Harry in the eyes and understood his predicament. "I say we wait a bit longer and see how things progress. Harry can tell Zabini that we're in no position to take Malfoy in, because we can't trust him. But I don't want to see him devastated either. So I suggest we propose a temporary guard for Malfoy until we can decide what to do."

"Sounds fair," admitted Dean. "And with a real task the DA will work even harder."

Harry was relieved. Now he at least had something he could tell Blaise. He still didn't trust Malfoy, not even as far as he could throw him, but serious things had to be going on in Slytherin house to make one of the snakes come to the lions for help.

Besides, he really, really hated it when Blaise's eyes were darkened in worry.

Hermione and Harry finally decided to leave Hogsmeade early and finish some reading. Harry had vowed to himself that he would read the whole book on summoning beasts first before he started to try summoning anything. He would also ask Hagrid for advice.

Ron was surprisingly not that mad at them for abandoning him. Harry suspected strongly that Parvati was the reason, but decided not to say it.

For once Hermione didn't question Harry, and the walk back to Hogwarts was surprisingly enjoyable. They went up to their respective dorms, took their books and met again in the common room and curled up on the sofa. She didn't even ask him what he was reading; she immediately disappeared behind her thick book about herbs and other things that could be used in potions. It might have been the newest edition of Thousand Herbs and Fungi.

The evening came quickly and with it the feast. Satisfied Harry finished the last page just in time. Now he could really try to see if all the reading would be good for something. Hermione made a little noise in her seat, and Harry needed a few seconds to comprehend that she had been yawning. Ron wasn't back yet, but both could imagine that he would head straight to the Gryffindor table and stuff himself with the delicacies the House Elves had cooked for them. Grinning, Harry took the book back to his dorm.

On their way down to the Great Hall, Harry and Hermione saw Lucius Malfoy stalk along the hallway and turn left at the end of it.

"I wonder what he's doing here …," Hermione thought out loud.

"I wonder all the time," said Harry dryly. "Come, let's eat, I'm really famished."

The Great Hall was merrily adorned with a flotilla of scarily glowing pumpkin faces, candles and lanterns floating high above, and the tables were groaning under the weight of all the delicious food. Students sat at their house tables and ate with a fervour that had never been seen in the classrooms for the dry things teachers tried to teach. Ghosts were carrying colourful garlands through the Hall and made a beautiful spectacle of it.

And truly, Ron already sat there, together with Dean, Ginny and Seamus and was laughing loudly. Neville bumped into Harry.

"Hey, Neville, there's enough for all of us," Lee Jordan joked.

"Sorry, Harry," said Neville. "I, uh, wanted to see you anyway. Zabini is waiting outside." He looked pleadingly at Harry. "He looks a bit off …"

"All right. I'll be right back, guys. Save me a seat, okay?"

They waved at him and Harry left.

Blaise stood hidden in a niche and looked worn out and even more sorrowful than in the weeks before.

"You talked with them, right?" the Slytherin asked without preamble.

Harry nodded. "But they are against it. They say that they can't trust Malfoy. They trust you, but not him. Sorry."

Blaise gave a quiet, choked sound. "It was to be expected … And I even understand you. But … but …"

Harry watched in horror as tears slowly made their way down Blaise's handsome face.

"Uh, but we found a compromise that might work," he hastened to say. He was always overwhelmed when people cried in his presence. He felt he really sucked at comforting. "They will look out for Malfoy and protect him should he get in trouble. Ginny suggested that we wait and see what happens …"

"That's something," sniffled Blaise. "I'm just so worried." He blinked and then he smiled softly. "I really need to thank you, Harry …"

He stepped away from the cold wall and neared Harry, his intent clear in his face.

"Wipe the tears away," said Harry quietly. "I don't like it when you cry."

Blaise complied and wiped his cheeks dry with a shaky hand. Harry sank back against the wall and just waited. Blaise looked him into the eyes, seemingly unsure and a little bit frightened himself. But then determination overtook his senses and he just leaned in and kissed Harry softly on the lips. It didn't last longer than a few seconds, but Blaise licked over Harry's lips lightly, as if to tease them open.

To be honest Harry would have let Blaise do what he wanted, despite knowing the feeling of being kissed, it was still very overwhelming to him, and he felt rather helpless. But Blaise didn't intend to take it any further. Instead he drew back, whispered another thank you and then disappeared into the Great Hall.

Harry took some deep breaths to regain his composure, but it didn't really help. As if in a dream he he returned to the Hall to try and enjoy the food and his friend's company. But after that kiss the feast wasn't more than a blur of colours and sounds and tastes.

His mind was reeling, and he was trying to understand that he had just been kissed by a boy. It had been too close to the one Cho had given him last Christmas. Blaise had cried, too, and he felt really bad that people always cried when they kissed him. And that Oh-god-I've-just-been-kissed-by-a-boy-problem was not the only one he had. He now wondered if he liked Blaise in that way or if he was just liking him because he was worth liking. It didn't made sense. All he knew was that Blaise was his friend now, and he had said thank you to him about Draco in an unconventional manner.

Grudgingly, Harry admitted that Blaise had beautiful sky blue eyes. And his lips had been soft, and the flash of tongue had been exciting.

When they were finished Hermione and Ron dragged his slightly stunned body back into Gryffindor Tower and simply took him to his bed. It was quite late, anyway. He didn't even notice that Hermione spelled his teeth clean (it was some kind of obsession, seeing that both her parents were dentists) and hexed his pyjama onto his body. Ron only watched and coughed in ominous amusement.

When both finally left him alone Harry sighed and burrowed himself into his blankets and covers and tried to shoo the image of Blaise out of his mind. He wasn't keen on thinking even more. And he was very tired.

Grunting, he curled up in his bed and closed his eyes. Since he hadn't noticed what or how much he had eaten he was comfortably lazy and easily fell asleep. He didn't even need to attempt to clear his mind. As soon as his consciousness slipped from him, all his jumbled thoughts were forgotten, and he found himself once again in a white, thin body. He looked at the rows of his Death Eaters, relishing the fact that something was done … Everything would be good … Their plan would work flawlessly …

No one heard Harry laughing softly in his sleep. If it hadn't been for Voldemort it could have been considered a pleasant dream …

-------

Harry was trying out all the sweet names he had ever heard, Muggle or wizard, and becoming more and more frustrated by the second when the gargoyle wouldn't open the winding staircase that led to Dumbledore's office.

Quiet footsteps made him whirl around, wand in hand. It pointed directly at Snape's heart.

"What a wonderful way to be greeted in the morning, Potter," sneered Snape. "Now put that wand down, foolish boy, before I take points."

Harry, who was, despite the questionable pleasantness of last night's dream, deeply aggravated and disturbed, put his wand away, but his glare could have melted ice.

"You're going to Dumbledore, aren't you?" he hissed.

"You're stating the obvious," retorted Snape, and his lips twitched in a sinister smirk. "And I can tell you right now that the headmaster only needs one of us. Seeing that I'm the more competent person it will be me. Go back to your dorm, Potter."

Harry ground his teeth together. "No," he said icily. "I want to know what's going on!"

Snape's glare became even more malicious. "Well, that particular trait you share with Black. Congratulations. And now step back."

Harry fumed with rage. He turned on his heel and stalked away, all the while cursing Snape in his mind with the most unpleasant profanities he could come up with. Right now he needed to talk to someone who would listen.

Well, the person he bumped into would not have been his first choice, but Luna was nice enough, and her quirky ways of thinking were quite funny at times.

"Good morning," she said airily.

"Morning," he replied distractedly and still fairly aggravated. He wasn't sure he wanted to talk to Luna of all people.

"You seem fairly angry," she stated. "My mom says hello, by the way."

Harry was at a loss for words for a moment, but then he smiled faintly. "Thanks."

Luna waved it off. The piercing lights of the November sun let her pale eyes shine, and her skin seemed to have a slightly unearthly glow. Harry shook his perception off as paranoia.

"My mom also told me that the Dark Lord visited you last night, again."

"How would she know that?" Harry asked, suddenly very tense.

"At New Year's eve the borders vanish for a few hours, and the roaming spirits have access to things that are hidden from everyone else." Luna's dreamy voice eventually calmed Harry and he started to get interested in the conversation. "Mom told me that Voldemort has a plan … a great plan that shall bring Hogwarts down … the last refuge of the Light."

Harry nodded. "I was in his head for the past two months, and all he and the Death Eaters did was talk. Last night he was summing up his great plan. He felt very happy and content. Confident that it would work … Scary."

"That's almost as strange as the sudden appearance of the French butter fairies in North Wales," said Luna earnestly, and Harry snorted in laughter.

It was almost time for breakfast, so Luna and Harry walked down to the Great Hall together. Harry didn't feel the need to express himself and the disturbing dream anymore – at least not now. He had written it down for further examination with the DA. He felt content with it now. He even knew the date.

Hermione and Ron joined him later, and he told them in hushed whispers that the DA meeting today had to do with his dream the night before. He refused to fill them in now, because if he did, they would hear it all later again, and he would have to tell it twice.

But before he could nod off and dream about his first summoning experiment, Hermione practically ordered him to stay awake. She wanted to do her homework for Potions, and Harry couldn't really blame her for tagging along after him. That way she could help him and not lose too much time. With the current workload they really had to learn to think practically.

His Prefect duties were also catching up on him. He had to go on patrolling shifts and lost even more time for homework and private studies. But at least he could practice his charms, hexes and the new protection spell when Peeves decided to throw ink bottles or chairs at him. He was far from surrendering to Peeves, and his fighting spirit had brought him the mean ghost's grudging respect. He could almost do the spell silently now, for which he was very grateful. The next Quidditch match was Gryffindor against Hufflepuff, and while he didn't expect an attack from the Hufflepuffs he still thought it necessary to be prepared.

The DADA meeting on that day was devoted to the Protecto Corpus spell, but Harry already experimented with a new attack spell while Hermione supervised the other students.

Blaise and he hedged around each other, and Harry felt himself unable to say anything to him. It was all the better for him that he could hide his discomfort behind new work.

He forgot to tell his friends about Voldemort's nightly activities, but couldn't bring himself to feel guilty about that. It wasn't as if Dumbledore wouldn't already know what was going on.

And later, when he was lying in his bed, he pondered the current situation a bit more. As Luna had said … It was strange that Voldemort wanted him to know about his plan. And Snape had to know that, too. Maybe it was all a great set-up … And maybe the plan was too good to be countered by the Order of the Phoenix and the other light forces. He didn't know, because no one ever fucking talked to him!

He was getting angry, and he had no desire to flounder again in the mind of his sick nemesis. Huffing, he turned around, calmed down and then fell asleep.

------

On Sunday Harry ran into Lucius Malfoy, again. He was slowly finding it funny that the man spent so much time at Hogwarts. In earlier years he had declared the school unworthy of his time, and that his son was only attending because of his wife's insistence. And yet, here he was again, only two days later. If Harry hadn't known better, he would have suspected that Malfoy bumped into him on purpose.

"My, Mr Potter again," Malfoy purred.

"You!" growled Harry. "It's really odd that you hang out here so often, Malfoy." He narrowed his eyes and watched the man suspiciously.

"I don't hang out as you like to put it Mr Potter." He shook his head in slight reprimand, then smiled benignly. "I'm here to visit my son for his birthday, if you must know."

"Isn't he a bit young for sixth year, then?" asked Harry snidely.

"Oh, you're absolutely right. But imagine, my son wanted to meet the famous Harry Potter on his first day of school and be in the same year as him," replied Lucius, much in the same tone. "I managed to get him enrolled early but I doubt that there is much left of his hero-worship."

Somehow, inexplicably, that stung. A lot. Harry was that kind of person who tried to get people to like him. He knew that his awful childhood was to blame, but still. To hear that he had disappointed someone who honestly had tried to meet him ... well, it left a bad taste in his mouth, even though Draco had been one spoiled, snooty little boy.

"My best regards, then," said Harry coolly, trying to keep his composure. "And if you should see Dumbledore by chance you can give him my regards, too. Tell him I find it strange that snakes are circling Hogwarts so much this year. Good day, Mr Malfoy."

He went on his way. His blood was thrumming with cold fury through his body. How dare this Death Eater swagger through the castle when Harry had witnessed him only two nights ago in Voldemort's circle?

Harry so hoped the blonde wizard had gotten the message.

He planned to tell the DA about Voldemort's plan the following weekend. It was eating him alive, and he felt he couldn't wait any longer. Gryffindor would play against Hufflepuff on Saturday. That meant the DA meeting had to take place on Sunday. And during the rest of their meeting time he wanted to practise the Patronus charm again. He had the foreboding that they would need it.

Fortunately, as Harry had discovered, the Room of Requirement could even provide them with all sorts of dark creatures, such as Kappas, Hinkypunks and Red Caps. And, of course, Boggarts.

Harry decided to turn their training to the defence against dark creatures. With this agenda in mind, he traipsed out of the castle and toward Hagrid's hut. He had his wand in his sleeve and Hagrid's book under the arm. The clouds were gone and it was cold. The frost covered grass crunched under the soles of his shoes. It was fortunate for him that no one else was around. He would have hated it if he had to cancel his first practice for some unimportant chitchat.

Sighing quietly, he knocked on Hagrid's door. If it hadn't been for the light that had been shining out of the tiny window Harry might have believed that Hagrid was out. Fang didn't bark as he usually did; that in itself was strange.

After a few seconds Hagrid opened the door.

"'Ullo 'Arry," he said a bit choked. "Come in."

Hesitantly Harry entered the cabin. Hagrid looked as if he had been worrying – and when he looked at Fang he understood why, or more precisely, what about. The huge, black dog lay in his doggy-bed, his eyes bleary, and the long tongue hanging out of his muzzle.

"He has the dog-flu," said Hagrid gravely, hanging a kettle with water over the fire. "He must've gott'n it from the Sandwolves in the forest … It's bad, an' I can only hope that he'll make it."

"Did you ask Madam Sprout for advice?" Harry asked carefully. "Or maybe Madam Pomfrey?"

"Yeah, an' they gave me all those 'lil potions and draughts … My poor Fang."

"He'll be okay," Harry said with all the conviction he could summon. "Er, actually I wanted to ask you if you have time for me … But you're occupied."

"Nonsense," said Hagrid firmly. "I know what yer want ter do." He ruffled Harry's hair carefully, so he didn't throw the boy down, again. "B'sides, Fang is sleeping almost all the time … Let's go outside a bit."

"Thank you," said Harry gratefully. He watched as Hagrid took the kettle out of the fire.

They wandered behind the hut so they wouldn't be seen by any roaming students. Harry put the book down on the frosty grass, then pulled his wand out.

"I wanted to try the Garden Gnomes first," he said. "The book said they are naturally curious. Calling them shouldn't be too difficult."

Hagrid grunted in agreement. "Sometimes it's easier ter call 'em with some sweets. If yer send magic they think yer' in danger."

Harry nodded in understanding. "I prepared for that. Dobby gave me a bit of sweet cream for them … Let's try it out …" He pulled a flask with some cream out of his pocket and poured it into a bowl. He then raised his wand just the slightest bit and waved it invitingly. "Lamaro Garden Gnome," he muttered softly.

"This is magic of intent," grumbled Hagrid softly. "In former times wizards an' witches in peril just sent out their magic, an' sometimes a magical animal came. That's how that book was developed."

Harry chuckled when the first, ugly Garden Gnome crept closer, sniffing the air cautiously. He and Hagrid stayed still and watched the frost bitten creature as it neared the bowl and then, greedily, started to slurp its contents. And not even three seconds later a rather large bunch of them fought for the cream, screaming and kicking and knocking each others over.

"How do I proceed from here?" whispered Harry.

"Jus' greet 'em," said Hagrid. "Say thank yer that they came when yer called."

Harry nodded and picked a Garden Gnome up that seemed to be slightly smaller than the rest of the bunch. He gave it the rest of the cream in the bottle. When it was finished and squeaked in a shrill voice to let it go, Harry said thank you politely and set it down on the grass. The small creatures eyed him for a few seconds and then scurried away.

"Tha' was the first step," said Hagrid proudly. "They're mean, but they can be good allies, yer know."

Harry thought that he indeed did know. He then picked his book up and followed Hagrid back into his cabin.

"Are there Hippogriffs living in the forest?" he asked when Hagrid had given him a huge mug, filled to the brim with hot, steamy tea.

"Yeah, but 'Arry, they're wild, very wild. Yer don't want ter have ter work with 'em."

"Not until later," he promised, grinning impishly. "But I would like to practice on your Thestrals. Is that okay?"

Hagrid knew that Harry would only pester him more if he refused, therefore he nodded his consent. These dragon-horses were tame at least, unlike some other creatures that lived in the Forbidden Forest.

Later Harry walked up to the castle, promising Hagrid he would visit him more often and practise together with him. Harry had ALWAYS wondered how on earth Hagrid could lay hands on all the dangerous beasts, but obviously he had a gift for attracting and calling them. And they trusted him enough to suffer the children.

Anyhow, he was in high spirits when he settled between Ron and Dean for lunch. He told Ron everything in hushed whispers, but the conversation quickly changed to their next Apparating lesson. Tomorrow Hooch would let them try to Apparate behind the castle where they would no longer see their red blanket destination.

"Chaos will ensue," said Dean jokingly. Together with Harry he was the best in the class, closely followed by Ron and Hermione.

"It's a pity that we can't train that for the DA, too," Hermione said to Ginny.

"And I can't start because I'm too young," sulked the red haired girl. "It can't be that hard when even Charlie managed to pass his test. And Charlie is a klutz."

"I would really like to teach the DA," said Harry roguishly, "But I can't desplinch if something goes wrong. All I can tell is that it is the will and intent that counts."

"As are so many other things in the wizarding world," Ron threw in wisely.

Everybody laughed.

Suddenly Harry remembered that Malfoy senior was skulking through the castle and that it was Draco Malfoy's birthday. He didn't know why he found it important all of a sudden, but it seemed important enough to mention.

"You know, Lucius Malfoy was here again," he said to his eating and laughing friends.

Dean snorted. "For a guy who says he hates Hogwarts he's in here awfully often. What a hypocrite."

"What for?" Seamus asked with mild interest.

"Malfoy junior turns sixteen today," supplied Harry eagerly. "And after everybody told me how important that age is I wondered what powers the git would get."

"More gitness," said Ron, chuckling.

"Sliminess," added Parvati.

"Maybe he'll sprout bat wings and fangs," Neville threw in. "Then he can live together with Snape in his slimy dungeon …"

Lee Jordan leaned over and prodded Neville. "Hey, was that your first jibe, Neville? Congratulations!"

Neville blushed hotly, and the whole table erupted into laughter again.

The afternoon was once more devoted to the never ceasing homework. Flitwick had assigned them a two foot long essay about conjuring spells as well as a practical test in at least two of those charms. Of course the DA was ahead of the others, but it was still enough to keep Harry occupied.

McGonagall wanted a demonstration on turning sand into sugar, which Harry found surprisingly easy because both were inanimate objects; and Blackadder even demanded a three foot long essay about the uses of garlic, parsley and honey mixed in a tea. It was so utterly pointless, but Harry needed to pass that blasted class, and since he had flunked the last test he had to pass this one in order to keep a modicum of points.

Hermione kept it that way, too, and it would probably be the first time ever that she had an Average or less on her report. She didn't care, though. She only had her NEWTs in mind.

"Ron, what are the main uses of that stuff again?" Harry asked tiredly.

Ron, who lay on the sofa in front of the fire and read the chapter while Harry wrote the essay, said: "It shall clean your body from bad Magic, free your magic channels and heighten your immune system."

Hermione snorted loudly without looking up from her Potions essay. "It's hardly a surprise," she said scathingly. "Garlic is known to have that effect; even Muggles who know nothing about the magical remedies discovered that long ago. Honey is good, too, and I suppose if you don't vomit from that disgusting stuff then you indeed have a strong immune system and an even stronger stomach."

Ron stared at her in bliss. "Oh ''Mione, I love your forthrightness."

Harry scribbled Hermione's comment about garlic down. "This is so boring and pointless. I want to go to bed and cry a little."

Ron laughed, and even Hermione's mouth twitched a bit in a smile.

"Shall we simply give out copies of your real DADA lessons to read in class?" Harry asked. "I mean, I'm doing that all the time, and it wouldn't be such a waste of time, then."

Hermione nodded absently, scribbling her last word on the parchment for Potions. She put it away, slammed the books shut and immediately started on her Arithmancy homework.

"I don't know how she's doing it," Ron said in amazement. "She never needs a break …"

Harry just shook his head and continued to write the facts down. The book told them everything they needed to find out for the essay, they didn't even have to go to the library. Harry and Ron weren't fans of research, but this was too much. Even their laziness knew boundaries.

"I think I'll go to Dumbledore this week," grumbled Harry. He pushed his glasses up his nose and growled. "I just can't stand this nonsense. I want Remus back."

Hermione just sighed. "Don't you think Snape has nagged Dumbledore because of that already?"

"Yes, but it is Snape," said Ron. "He has complained about every teacher so far. No surprise here, is it?"

"But this is different," argued Hermione. "Lockhart was a fraud, but Blackadder simply has no idea what she's doing wrong!"

"I don't see how this affects the outcome," said Ron stubbornly. "Both are useless."

Harry hid his grin. Ron was right, of course. But Hermione had a point, too.

"Okay, I won't go to Dumbledore," said Harry finally. "Saves me the trouble." With a frustrated sigh he bent back over his parchment and tried to make up some last sentences to fill the two feet. He already cringed at the thought of having to learn all that stupid stuff for the finals.

--------

On Monday the DA members from Gryffindor were pleasantly surprised. The usual owls swooped into the Great Hall, bringing cold air and snow with them. Pig fluttered in, hooting like mad and twirling above Ginny's head. Ron caught him and untied the letter on his tiny leg. He quickly read it, and then he laughed.

"Hey guys! Fred and George say that they want to meet us on the next Hogsmeade weekend." He scanned the short letter. "They want to conspire with us in person and see the DA again."

"Wonderful," said Harry happily. "The next free weekend is in three weeks. I'll work out a meeting point and tell you all at the next meeting, okay?"

Murmurs of agreement ran along the table, but the next surprise came swiftly. Errol flew through the Hall. A large packet was bound to his legs, and he looked ruffled and thin; too old to carry mail much longer.

Ron caught the poor bird before it crashed down into their plates and freed it from its burden. Hermione gave Errol her teacup and he gratefully gulped the lukewarm liquid down.

"Your present is finally here!" hissed Ron. "Brilliant." He put it away and continued to eat his breakfast.

Harry was beyond curious, but he knew that Ron wanted to give it to him when they were alone. He and Hermione ate considerably faster and soon they set off for the Gryffindor common room.

"I waited for ages," said Ron excitedly. "But they had to make absolutely sure that it isn't dangerous before I could give it to you."

He eagerly ripped the brown paper off and revealed a sealed box. Ron took his wand, tapped against it, and a faint glow indicated that the wards had accepted the receiver of the package. He then gave the box to Harry.

"Happy birthday again. I'm sorry that it took this long," he said sheepishly.

"Oh no, Ron, it's okay!" Harry hastened to say. In truth he had forgotten about Ron's other announced present.

The gloves from Krum had been the talk for days in the boys' dorm. Harry didn't even dare to use them. Instead they hung from one of his bed post in all their glory, and he admired them every morning.

Intrigued, Hermione scooted closer, and Harry opened the lid of the box. Inside was …

"A Pensieve?" Hermione asked. "Ron, these are awfully expensive and quite rare–"

"No, it's not a Pensieve," said Harry slowly. "I mean, it looks similar, but …" He stared at Ron, awaiting an explanation.

"It's a Dream Catcher," said Ron proudly. "Bill found it in a market in Egypt, and we all thought you could use it."

Hermione bit her lower lip. "And Bill and your parents made sure it is safe?"

"Exactly. We even had Dumbledore have a look at it." Ron grinned broadly. "Now, what can thisthing do? Well, it catches your dreams. While you sleep you dream, and once the Dream Catcher has absorbed your magical signature it will catch your dreams, and you can go and see them as often as you like."

"So it does work like a Pensieve," Hermione muttered. "Interesting." She turned to Harry, her eyes bright with excitement. "This is the opportunity to catch everything Voldemort is doing, and we can see what he's planning!"

"That was the idea," said Ron.

Harry awoke from his stupor. "Man, Ron … that's great! Thank you so much! Now I can show Dumbledore what I'm seeing when I sleep." He hugged his friend.

"And the DA," said Hermione in a demanding tone. "Or at least Ron and me."

"Of course," said Harry distractedly. "Wow, that's so cool …"

He and Ron beamed at each other, and then it was time to go to a double period of Charms with the ever cheerful Professor Flitwick.

The hours passed by slowly, and only in Care of Magical Creatures they woke up from their daze. Hagrid would work with Hippogriffs today, despite Malfoy's protests. Hagrid merely told him to stay out of the way if he was too much of a coward.

Harry felt strange, now that he got to practice with them again. It was not the same without Buckbeak whom he had trusted not to slice his neck open when he bowed. But when Hagrid called for a volunteer he stepped forward immediately. This time his Hippogriff was deep black with glowing, crimson red eyes.

"Okay 'Arry. Yer know what ter do …," said Hagrid slowly.

Harry stepped up to the Hippogriff and tried not to blink. Then he bowed, shortly but respectfully, and the creature immediately sank to its knees. Harry smiled at it and stepped forward to gently pet its beak and the soft feathers of his head.

"Are you up for a ride?" he asked softly.

The Hippogriff stayed down on its knees, so Harry climbed on its back.

The whole class watched with apprehension as the black creature rose, spread the large wings and took off after a short, galloping run.

This time Harry was more confident. He gripped the feathers tighter and somehow stuck his feet under the joints of the wings. It paid off to ride such beasts regularly; Harry almost preferred the wide, muscular backs of Hippogriffs to the thin and bony ones of Thestrals.

His Hippogriff rounded the pitch once and then landed in front of the class. When he was on the ground again Harry let out a huge breath. His knees shook, but otherwise he was very happy.

"Well done, Harry. Zephir seems ter like yer," boomed Hagrid. "Ten points ter Gryffindor. Who wants next?"

Malfoy wore a pained expression but he kept his mouth shut. The class divided into groups of three or four and shared a Hippogriff. At the end of the period everyone had managed to get their Hippogriff to bow.

Harry felt a flicker of pity as he watched the way Malfoy kept his distance, but only a little. After all it was his fault. Had he not been so insulting to Buckbeak he would not now find himself in this predicament. Now though he seemed to have a bigger problem; with Pansy clinging to his arm and talking non stop, it looked as if Malfoy might rather take his chances with the Hippogriff.

Then there was the Apparating lesson. Hooch hid herself somewhere behind the castle where the students couldn't see her. Their task was now to reach the unknown destination by will. First they were to concentrate on the red blanket, but then on her person.

It was more difficult than Harry would have thought. The eye contact with his destination point had been the catalyst before and now he had to orient himself otherwise. He tried it nonetheless; he concentrated on the well-known red piece of fabric and landed flawlessly on it. It now felt as if he was stepping through a barrier. It was nothing like using a Portkey, but more like passing through the hidden passage at the King's Cross station. He just had to think of where he wanted to go, and within a moment he was there. It came to him as naturally as flying.

Hooch had told him to think now of the place where he had landed, not of the red blanket. She was at the east tower, waiting for the students. He took a mouthful of icy air and willed himself to the spot.

"Oi!" Hooch caught him when he bumped into her. "You must have a very vivid imagination, Potter. Very good. Another five points to Gryffindor."

After him went Ron, and then Hermione. The witch was very glad to have overcome her initial fear of splinching. It became her favourite way of travelling, and when they sat in the Common Room, doing their assignments, she often said wistfully that she wanted to Apparate into the library and grab some books.

When Madam Hooch wasn't looking, Harry and Hermione practised Apparating while walking. They used an old sock of Harry as a focal point. Ron and Dean soon joined the fun. Harry always emphasised how important it could be to be able to Apparate from every situation possible. When he was walking it felt natural to just will himself away and step out at the other side of the lawn until he was as at ease as when he was Apparating from a standing position. He wondered if it was possible to Apparate away at high speed, while flying, for example. But most of the time they merely tried to Apparate to different points on the lawn without looking at them first.

He made a mental note to ask, though.

Advanced Potions on Wednesday was awkward. Harry and Blaise still tip toed around each other carefully, not really daring to look each other in the eyes. But Harry had made up his mind. He didn't like Blaise that way but cared for him as a friend and wanted to make this awful shyness between them vanish.

In the short break between periods he grabbed the boy and dragged him into a faraway corner.

"I need to talk to you," he said urgently. The Slytherin looked uneasy, and Harry decided to be bold. "It's about that kiss."

Blaise froze, and his blue eyes looked pleadingly at Harry.

"I think … I thought too much about it all," said Harry. "I mean, yeah, I like you, but not … that way. Let's be friends again?" he asked timidly. The huge breath of relief from Blaise relieved Harry as well.

"Damn, Harry," he whispered. "You almost had me there … Yes, let's be friends again." He looked apologetic at Harry. "I'm sorry I kissed you. But it was nice, really."

"Mmh. It's just disturbing that everybody is crying when they kiss me …"

"I'm sorry," said Blaise again. Then he smiled wickedly. "I have my eyes on someone, actually."

"One of the lions' pack?"

"Yes. What a scandal!" Blaise chuckled. "I'm so glad you're just … a friend."

"Almost a pity," said Harry teasingly. "I like your eyes."

"Molesting a student, Potter?" Snape's silky voice asked from behind. It held no edge of anger. It was almost … amused. "And a Slytherin, too?"

"No, Sir," said Blaise pleasantly. "We're just bonding. Uniting and all that."

Snape's left eyebrow rose, and Harry could see the suspicion and amusement glint in those black eyes. "Well then, Mr Zabini. It is certainly your decision whom to befriend. And seeing that you have to put up with Mr Potter, it might prove sufficient to form a … truce." He swept away, and Blaise shook with suppressed mirth.

"He can make anything sound dirty, even the instructions for preparing tea." Blaise giggled even more.

Malfoy, passing by, stared at Blaise as if he was mad. But since the blonde was the only not-member of the DA in this class Harry couldn't care less.

And then the lesson started and his concentration was needed elsewhere.

Later, in Divination, they started to revise crystal ball gazing, and the whole class was groaning. For Harry and Ron it meant going back to making up stories and hopefully sliding through the year unharmed by using subterfuge.

Unfortunately Professor Trelawney paired them up for the first period, and Harry ended up with Malfoy.

The old bat must be particularly bored today, thought Harry morosely while Malfoy eyed him with utmost contempt.

Sighing, Harry sat down and placed his book next to the crystal ball.

"Now, class. I want you to remember everything that you've learned about seeing the future in the crystal ball," Trelawney said softly.

"That would be nothing then," Harry muttered. Malfoy looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Try to see the future of your partner and make some notes. I'll collect them at the end."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You first, Malfoy," he said.

The blonde stared at him, but then he shrugged simply and leaned forward. The noise around them became louder as everybody started to talk with their partners.

Malfoy sniffed the air slightly. "Nice perfume, Potter," he sneered. "Did Granger give you something good for your birthday?" His silver eyes glinted maliciously, but Harry was confused.

"What do you mean, Malfoy? I don't use perfume. Jeez, am I a girl or something?"

The blonde stared at him for a moment, but his confused expression was quickly replaced with his usual scowl. "Whatever, Potter. Let's get this over with."

"Fine by me," replied Harry coolly.

Draco started to look into the crystal ball, but he didn't seem happy. "If that thing here is doing something right, then you'll have a very happy love life sometime in your future." He looked up again, disgruntled and dissatisfied. "But surely this stupid ball doesn't mean that Chang girl."

"I don't know why you care," said Harry coldly. "It's none of your business."

Malfoy just smirked. He stared back down into the crystal ball, then at the open book. "It also says that you'll meet this special someone soon, maybe in the next year or so."

"I have no time for love," said Harry curtly. "Now let me do this before you hurt yourself by talking so much about it."

Malfoy seemed relieved, actually, and pushed the crystal ball over to him.

"Okay, let's have a look at your future …" Harry squinted and rubbed his eyes. The smoke swirled around a bit, and his eyes were fixed on the movements. Slowly shadows built up and moved purposefully. "I can see that you won't marry a girl."

"What do you mean, Potter?" snapped Malfoy. "Of course I'll marry a girl!"

"No, you won't," said Harry stubbornly. "And now shut up." He concentrated again. "You will undergo a fight with something or someone, and you'll have a crisis next year."

Draco blanched. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Harry let him be and scribbled down what he had seen. It was not too unlikely, and considering the change in their magic it wasn't a lie either.

Of course, Professor Trelawney had to look into the crystal ball for him, too. She babbled some nonsense about danger and dark shadows. Harry considered it the usual package and dismissed it. Since it was a double period they had to change partners in the second period again, and Harry ended up with Pansy.

Harry was delighted to bring her some news.

"Your love interest won't love you back. The next year will be a disappointment for you in every aspect. And something will ensnare your senses badly, but you won't be able to reach it."

"Such rubbish, Potter!" she said loudly enough for everyone to hear. "When did you become good at Divination, anyway? I don't believe you!"

Ron and Seamus whinnied in a corner about a comment Ron had made, but Lavender and Parvati gave Pansy a dirty look. Sure enough Professor Trelawney glided over a second time, all her necklaces, trinkets and rings tinkering and twinkling in the weak light. She demanded to hear what Harry had seen for Pansy, and then took a look for herself. Her enlarged, wet eyes stared unblinkingly into the crystal ball.

"Well, Miss Parkinson," she said airily, "it seems Mr Potter said something important … The next year will be devastatingly disappointing for you …" She said something more, but Pansy didn't listen. She glared at Harry with hateful eyes, and Harry glared right back.

At least, Harry mused, they didn't get homework this time.

--------

DADA got more and more frustrating. If it hadn't been for the copies of real DADA stuff Harry probably would have hexed Morgan Blackadder immediately into next week, or, in her case, into the next moon cycle. Luna's frustration about the woman got stronger and stronger, and she seemed to reach new levels of clarity when she ranted about her. It was almost scary how, well, normal she sounded on those occasions.

The homework for Blackadder, however, became downright troublesome. They simply had no time to spare with the extra DA training and all the other classes which they had to take seriously. Harry was tired and grouchy enough without the irksome rubbish Professor Blackadder tried to teach them. He had barely time for sleep; he and his friends had started to do their DADA homework during lunch and dinner to save time for the serious homework, and they didn't practise as often for Quidditch as they would have liked. As much as they hated it, their days were full with school, school and school.

In fact, Harry could have done with a Time Turner, but he was tired enough as it was. The only thing that kept him interested was the DA. He had vowed to tell his friends about the dream, and he had yet to revise the Patronus charm.

On Saturday was the match against Hufflepuff. Ron was nervous because Ginny and Colin would play Chasers together with Katie Bell, and Dean and Seamus simply had to do their best as the new Beaters. They slipped in a last training on Friday, but that was more to calm Harry, Dean, Seamus and Ron's nerves than to aid the younger ones; they had had enough time to practise on and off as they liked.

Saturday found Harry nervous and sweating. He had had another Occlumency lesson the evening before, and he had fought long and hard with Snape. He still didn't manage to throw the man out of his mind without his magic, which resulted in the regular destruction of Snape's office.

Last night had been particularly draining, and Harry couldn't afford to practise his Eastern meditation through the day because he would fall asleep on the spot – simply impossible when one had that much work to do. And when he went to bed he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

-----------

And now, when the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff was about to start, he was tired, grumpy and felt positively vicious. His team mates hoped he would catch the Snitch quickly before someone died in the process.

They marched onto the pitch, brooms in hand, and the spectators howled and cheered. Harry noticed that the ranks of the faculty were completely seated – a security measure. Some Ravenclaws and Slytherins were also there, but the majority of them had remained in the castle, most likely for some studying.

Hooch yelled "Mount your brooms! Kick off!" and let the Bludgers and the Snitch loose. Then she threw the Quaffle in the air and let them play.

Harry quickly rose above the field. It was cold and a bit wet, and he was already freezing. The Hufflepuff Seeker, a third year girl named Nathalie Hofer circled the field a few feet below him.

Gryffindor had a disadvantage because the team wasn't a team, yet. But Dean and Seamus handled their bats well and hit the Bludgers over the field and towards the Hufflepuff Chasers. Ginny and Colin proved to be a good unit; they outflew their opponents and made the first goal.

"Gryffindor scores!" yelled Lee Jordan. "The new Chasers Weasley and Creevey just proved that they are worthy successors to Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson."

But the Hufflepuff Chasers scored two times after that, and Harry's mood was rapidly getting worse. He just wanted to get the game over with. Nathalie Hofer followed him now as he flew through the battle field and then searched on the ground. He was annoyed at her tactic, didn't she have her own ideas?

When he swooshed along the Gryffindor stands he could hear Neville and Hermione cheering for him, and in the Slytherin stands he spied Blaise who gave him the thumbs-up.

Finally Harry was tired of seeing his team slowly lose and started to intervene in the game. He blocked the path of the Hufflepuff Chasers, tricked Nathalie with the Wronski feint and other dangerous moves that left the spectators moaning in fear, and then he spotted his goal.

While he was at it his team mates scored three more times, and Seamus and Dean managed to throw a Hufflepuff Beater off his broom. Ron blocked the Quaffle with a vicious kick and sent it straight back into Dean's waiting arm.

The Snitch hovered near the teachers' stand, and Harry immediately took off after it.

Of course, he thought, even more annoyed, Hofer follows me and lets me do the work. Bitch.

He usually didn't think very badly of other people, but he was really tired and really angry at Snape, thus he projected his disturbing emotions at everyone else who dared to stand in his way.

The bonus of that game was that the Snitch hovered directly in front of Snape and Blackadder. Harry felt that the world was whole again.

He shot with high speed directly towards them, Hofer's Silver Rocket 140 was no match for his Firebolt … The cool air rushed in his ears, and the golden Snitch was so clear, so very clear in front of him … He flattened against the broomstick, noticed the tight face of Snape and the wide eyes of Blackadder …

With a spectacular braking move he whirled around the Snitch, grabbing it as he went. He dishevelled the hair of his two least liked teachers, and it felt good. McGonagall was grinning, grinning, and then the cheers … With a triumphant war cry he thrust his fist that held the Snitch in the air and flew a victory lap around the pitch.

He barely heard Lee's commenting, the announcement that Gryffindor had won the game. Blaise smiled broadly at him, Neville and Hermione, Angelina and Alicia were jumping up and down, and then he touched the ground and his team mates were smothering him with hugs and kisses.

Later in the common room his friends told him that they had never seen him fly so recklessly.

"I was in a bad mood, and then that Hofer girl followed me around–"

"But Harry, your moves!" interjected Seamus excitedly. "You should have seen yourself! I bet you would outdo Viktor Krum these days!"

Harry sipped on his Butterbeer and shrugged. "The only move I'm proud of is the one where I scared the shit out of Snape and Blackadder."

"I placed a camera on the stand," said Dennis proudly. "I altered it a bit so we should be able to watch the game, if you want."

"Really?" Harry asked with reawakened interest.

The boy nodded enthusiastically. "Give me five minutes, Harry." He ran with Colin into the dorm of the fifth years and came back a few minutes later. In his hands he held some kind of picture frame. "It works like a wizarding photo," explained Dennis proudly. "But we found out how to make movies out of them."

"Scary what they are capable of when it has to do with their obsession," Hermione whispered to Ron.

Colin tapped his wand against the glass of the frame and then handed it to Harry.

His friends crowded around the armchair he was sitting in. With slack jaw Harry watched himself chase around the field like the devil himself, dodging Bludgers, blocking Chasers, kicking the Quaffle occasionally, and generally leading Hofer from one trap into the next. He hadn't realised how dangerous it looked from the outside. But then again, he enjoyed that adventurous feeling, too.

"I honestly thought you would break your nose in this one," said Angelina when the screen showed his Wronski feint against a goal post. One couldn't hear it, but Hofer had screamed in terror as she narrowly missed the post and soared out of the field like a bullet.

"Hermione, you should send a copy to Vicky, maybe they'll be taking Harry into the team right away," teased Ron.

"And what would Viktor do then?" she teased back. "He's earning his living with that, after all."

"That's just too bad," said Seamus. "But Colin, would you be able to make a copy? I mean, you could earn yourself a ton of money by filming the games and preserving them."

Colin and Dennis grew pensive for a moment. Then they nodded slowly. "It would be an idea."

"Yeah, I want a copy of our game against Slytherin," said Dean quickly.

"Me, too," said Lavender. "My parents always wanted to see the most famous sport in the wizarding world."

Parvati nodded as well. "Me, too."

Hermione rolled her eyes and quickly conjured parchment and a quill to list the orders for the brothers.

Harry was glad that the attention was diverted away from him and leaned back in his armchair. He was tired and wanted to sleep. And it was only half past twelve in the afternoon! Well, considering the fact that neither he, Ron, Neville, Dean or Seamus had slept really well in the past week it was hardly a surprise. And with all the sweets in his stomach he could skip lunch for once.

"Guys," said Harry, "I think I'm going to bed. I need a nap."

Hermione nodded. "Okay, Harry. But set your clock for three, we need to get that DADA homework done before we can finish Snape's essay." She pursed her lips huffily.

Harry groaned, but nodded anyway. He popped a last ice mouse into his mouth, and then trudged up the stairs to the boys' dorm, took off his Quidditch robes, the clothes beneath, barely made it into his pyjama bottoms and finally simply fell into bed and was asleep before he could even think about setting his clock. His Dream Catcher stood on his night stand, gleaming and ready.

Of course it was far too late when he woke up. He felt relaxed and refreshed, and when Hermione told him that he obviously had needed his sleep and therefore had let him rest he was also relieved. She wasn't mad at him.

The hour before dinner was spent with homework, and dinner itself was a funny event. Colin's and Dennis' little movie had made it to all houses, and the match was the number one gossip at all tables. Those who had skipped it were glad, it seemed. The Slytherins were eyeing him with calculating glares, and students from the other three houses approached Harry and congratulated him for that wonderful match and his special moves.

"Maybe the Slytherins are fearing our match now," said Ron eagerly. "I bet Malfoy has never thought that the Seeker could actually help his team mates."

"That Chang girl is looking at you," Dean pointed out. He was feeding Ginny with chips and smiled lovingly at her.

Harry remembered that Cho had wanted to talk to him that day at King's Cross station. But he couldn't make himself feel guilty for avoiding herevery time when there had been time to talk after the DA meeting.

Hermione sighed audibly. "Sometimes I believe that you're just not made for girls, Harry," she said in a matter of fact voice. "Honestly, you don't understand them–"

"And then there was that thing with crying while kissing," Harry pointed out angrily. "It's not my fault that she was so twisted and thinking of Cedric while we were going out. She still is twisted, if you ask me."

Ron nodded. "It's an insult. Really 'Mione, guys don't feel all that good when they're compared to other guys." He sneered. "Especially when they're standing nearby and the guy in question is dead."

Hermione sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right." She looked at Harry strangely but then her food called to her and the topic was dropped.

Harry pushed his food around his plate. He was angry that Hermione had brought it up. She was right, he didn't understand girls, and Cho had proven to be particularly difficult. If all the girls were like that then he would rather be alone than in a relationship. He felt no desire to be pushed around and be unhappy. And besides, Madam Puddifoot's café had been simply horrible. Never did he want to set foot into that establishment again. Ever.

Sighing, Harry gave up on trying to eat more than two slices of toast. He settled for juice and hoped that he could satisfy his stomach later – be it with the help of the House Elves or the last of his chocolate.

After dinner the sixth year students sat around the fire in the common room and did their homework. Harry was immersed in Snape's essay when Hermione slammed her books shut.

"Where are you going?" Seamus asked a bit drowsily.

"I need to talk to Snape," said Hermione curtly. "It's about that essay. I suddenly remembered that I had a question about the slug juice." The others groaned. "Well!" snapped Hermione, "I want to know! And this stupid book doesn't tell me what I want to know."

"Count your limbs when you're coming back," said Ron.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and stalked out. Her friends shook their heads and concentrated once more.

Neville whispered: "She's really brave. I would never ask Snape of all people. I'd rather browse all the books in the library than go voluntarily into the dungeons."

"Well, she's in Gryffindor, isn't she?" commented Harry absently, scribbling down something about the use of boiled salamander skin. "You know, Gryffindor bravery and all."

The other boys shook their heads fondly, and then it was quiet again.

Harry finished his essay at half past eight. He breathed a sigh of relief, and then stood up and prepared for his patrol. Tomorrow was a DA meeting, but he would have enough time to finish the rest of his homework for the week before it started.

He left the common room, wand tucked into his sleeve, and went on his way. He wandered down the hallways, fully intending to go down to the dungeons and get Hermione. She had been down there really long. Had she argued with Snape about his precious ingredients? He wouldn't put it past her.

But he didn't need to go all the way, he met her halfway on his way down.

"There you are," said Harry. "We wondered if he had chopped you up or something like that."

She had the decency to look flustered. "Well," she said, "We lost track of time, because I said slug juice is a poor replacement for dragon spit, and he just had to tell me that slug juice has some qualities the dragon spit doesn't, and that it is easier to get, anyway. Not so illegal in some cases. Well, you can imagine our discussion."

"You're too brave for your own good. The others were this far from taking bets," joked Harry. "Well then, come on. We're on patrol shift tonight."

Hermione groaned. "I totally forgot. Sorry Harry."

"You should be, it's our shared shift with the Slytherins."

Hermione groaned again before she put her wand in her sleeve, straightened her robes and squared her shoulders. "Let's see how big mouthed they are tonight. I hope Parkinson is doing something stupid. She nicked two hundred points from us last week!"

"You could look through my Potions essay," said Harry hopefully. "I'm sure I did some good work, but still... "

"All right," agreed Hermione.

They patrolled the hallways and looked into empty classrooms. It was too early for the snogging couples, but they had to do a circuit of the castle until eleven, when Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson would take over. Hermione was beingplayful tonight; she threw some pillows at Harry in the deserted Charms classroom, and Harry blocked them all with his Protecto Corpus spell.

He had become so proficient at this that now he merely had to hiss a word to achieve results. And Hermione was really impressed which was a rare feat for her.

They went up to the seventh floor corridor, but the Room of Requirement was empty, as were the adjoining old classrooms.

When it was time to meet Malfoy and Pansy in the Great Hall, Harry and Hermione were deeply immersed in a conversation about Apparating. They had discussed the last lesson, guessed what they would do in the next and how they would possibly do on their test. Harry also mentioned that he would call Sirius tonight, and it was lucky that they always called him Snuffles in Hogwarts, because Malfoy and Pansy overheard the last statement.

"Who is Snuffles, Potter?" Pansy sneered. "Your secret girlfriend?"

Harry noticed that she had Malfoy's arm in a death grip and smirked. "That's none of your business, Parkinson. But at least I can be subtle, unlike you."

Pansy's cheeks tinged in a bright red, and Malfoy shook her hands off.

"Well, have fun on your shift, Malfoy," said Hermione loftily. "Maybe the Astronomy tower isn't occupied, yet."

She and Harry snickered, and then they turned around and went back to their common room. Harry, who had planned to talk to his godfather and Remus, invited Ron and Hermione, too. They all settled on his bed, Ron drew the curtains shut, Hermione put a silencing charm around the bed, and Harry called.

Sirius and Remus were overjoyed to talk to Harry again. He, Hermione and Ron all squeezed themselves together in front of the mirror and grinned in greeting. The three immediately started talking.

"And Apparating is really cool," said Harry excitedly. "Last week we Apparated for the first time without eye contact!"

"I told you it wouldn't be a problem for you," said Sirius proudly, "And Ron and Hermione, we're proud of you, too. I bet you'll need it soon. Is school interesting so far?"

Ron nodded vigorously. "Yeah, and we have so much homework, and that Blackadder is such a fraud–"

"-and we didn't have time to do as much as peek into the book about Animagi," said Hermione regretfully. "I would really like to learn how to become one, but with the DA and all the other classes, it is impossible."

Remus smiled. "Don't worry. You'll have to choose an animal first, anyway. Usually that'll be no problem because the wizard or witch will choose one that represents his or her character anyway, but if you're looking for something special then it might be tricky."

"What Remy wants to say is that you might have problems with transforming, let's say, into a giant squid, because it's not your animal in any way," explained Sirius. "That's why Peter the rat became a rat. It was simply perfect. He could have never become a wolf or something equally noble."

Remus elbowed Sirius. "So, choose your animal first, and then you can start. I know that Sirius was pondering forever what he should become. It was actually Snape who enlightened him." He laughed. "He called him a mutt or something like that, and Siri took to it."

"Let's honour Snape," said Sirius wryly. "But I bet he thought of me as a Chihuahua or some other pansy dog like that."

"Your Animagus form is fantastic," said Ron brightly. "I really would like to be a dragon, but Charlie told me that transformations into magical beasts are impossible. At least for common wizards."

"You have to think practically. It has to be an animal that's common enough not to be readily associated with yourself," said Hermione determinedly. "I think a lynx would be nice for me, even though I know that it is rare in England."

Remus nodded approvingly. "Suits you. And you, Harry?"

"I don't know," said Harry, squirming a bit. "I have a lot of ideas … Wolf, eagle, snake … But that is all so cliché …"

Sirius grinned. "You'll find something eventually. Don't drive yourself insane about that. Sometimes, when the wizard feels he's ready to shift shapes he's dreaming about his Real Shape. It's like a revelation."

"But only James had that revelation," said Remus. "Peter was simply too weak to transform into something big, and I guess it was really his magic that decided about his form."

"Yeah, without us he would never have done it," said Sirius scornfully. "Remy was a werewolf before, and the beast within wouldn't accept another shape. I just wanted to help him, therefore it was unimportant what I became, as long as it was big enough."

Remus smiled softly. "James was a difficult kid. He always had to annoy Snape or impress other people, but he was a natural in many things, like flying, Apparating, shifting shapes … He had a strong mind, and that's what makes the wizard, you know?" He looked at the three with fondness and even love. "You all have strong minds and wills, and it doesn't come as a surprise that you're fine wizards."

The three became flustered at the praise. Remus and Sirius watched them squirm for a while, then they grinned, looking very much like Fred and George. Then they decided to change the topic.

"We just hope that the DA is working very hard. Harry, send me your curriculum and the report about your meetings," said Remus finally. "I'm curious to see how you are teaching the others."

"The praise should go to Hermione. She made the lesson plans and taught the theoretical parts of the sixth year curriculum," said Harry immediately. "She worked the most of all."

"Not unlike a certain grouchy Potions Master," teased Sirius. "Snape always had his nose in some book, but I doubt that he'd have shared his knowledge with anyone. Moony, did he get ten or eleven OWLs?"

"Only nine, you dolt, but that was because he had only nine subjects. And seven of them were an O," said Remus playfully.

"Scary …," whispered Ron.

"Exactly," agreed Sirius. "But anyway, you'll make your right decision in time, and if you're ready, tell us everything about it."

The three agreed, and then Sirius and Remus bid them good night and the mirror became dark.

---

End of chapter 2