Disclaimer: Insert witty "I don't own anything you recognize and I make no money from posting my version of it" thingymajig here.
Revisions on 16/1/2018: Going to probably check if I have sentences that didn't quite finish the way they should have.
Note: You guys got a ridiculously long chapter when I last posted. It is ridiculous, because somehow, I've written roughly 11,000 words (aka two chapters, give or take) that occurs on the same day! And you know what? It's not even done! I'm nuts. That's all there is to it. Fair warning, I cannot promise that same length all the time. But thanks for reading so far, and hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I liked writing it. Oh and by the way? I have never posted this frequently before. I have another account somewhere. I am hiding from people I've been keeping on the wait for previous WIPs. But before anyone wants to lynch me, no they're not HP fics. (Sorry, my muse for those fics went AWOL!) Anyway... I went and mayhap manipulated timeline events again. Places are real, at least according to Google. If anyone wants to help me with terminology and accuracy, please hit me up!
I have to decided to answer a question to possibly warn a contingent of readers who will be strongly against Dramione anything. That question posed to me was, "Is this going to be one of those disgusting Dramione fics?" I have a longer answer which I posted on my profile but I thought I'd say the following: I am a Draco/Hermione fan. However they are not my focus in this fic. in the event that romantic feelings develop between those two particular characters happen, which I admittedly see could happen but do not quite foresee writing details about as of now, I guarantee that the chapters before it will warn you plenty before it happens. So, if you're enjoying the tale so far, that possible development is not happening in this chapter or the next ten. Or if you're like me, you can ignore that sub-sub-sub part of the plot. It's such a small thing against the core of my spin-off regarding HP and OoTP.
Listening to: various tracks from the Canadian TV drama, Backstage. (Shoutouts to you lovely northern neighbors!) Currently mouthing lyrics to Beating of The Drum alongside Aviva Mongillo's incredible voice.
Chapter Three: Boys Versus Girls
25 October, 1995
Hermione was not having the best day. In fact, she was having quite an odd one. And it wasn't over yet.
She sank down in a seat at the end of the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall with a barely inaudible but heavy sigh. She was just thinking that the highlights of her day so far included befriending Daphne Greengrass, and two positive instances that coincidentally happened around a certain Slytherin blond. Instances which threw her off but were small events that she'd feel similarly about all the same if Neville or even Ernie MacMillan had been the one involved with them instead. Though if Oliver Wood had been involved, she'd most likely melted against the wall.
That man might have been a huge Quidditch nut, but he was really good looking and actually quite smart for an athlete. Both qualities she adored. The latter of which she could not actually compute in relation to the Ferret.
Firstly, she learned something new. Something she never read about regarding Hogwarts history. Then just moments ago, he kept her from falling over as she misjudged her stride while power walking to the Great Hall! Granted, he left immediately before she could thank him and she was a little bit accident prone when she does anything remotely athletic while absolutely angry. Still... she could not deny that Malfoy saving her from falling on her arse absolutely cheered her up.
It was sad, in the way that said her life was slightly pathetic due to lack of noteworthy events except for frustration and a bit of heartbreak. And quite confusing. She hated the feeling.
'Lucifer and his subjects must be practicing triple axels in Hell,' she thought. There was no other explanation why that Slyther-Git would have been confusing her, by acting differently from how she knew him and actually being part of the upsides of her day.
Then she saw Harry sit across from her, blocking the Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables. She remembered there was another thing to add to the pros of her day. The DA meeting where she will definitely be blowing off a little steam. She noted how happy he looked. "How did the practice setup go?"
"Fantastic, Hermione." He reached towards a pile of napkins in the center. "I am really looking forward to you-know-what."
"You sound really excited." She tried to keep herself from bringing the mood down. It wasn't his fault she had a bad day.
He confessed, "I am very excited." Then he leaned over to lower his voice and quietly tell her, as the table started getting populated, "In fact, I am so excited that I am actually thinking that perhaps we should have invited some Slytherins tonight."
She looked at him gobsmacked. Did he know about the ones who signed the contract?
He chuckled at the expression on her face, "I was joking, Hermione. You should see your face. Although..." He looked off into the distance. "Would you be honest with me whether or not you think all of them will go and fight with Voldemort?"
Feeling parched (and quite discombobulated by the conversation), she grabbed a glass of water and held up a finger as she gulped it down. "Before I answer that, could you tell me what brought that on?"
He sighed. "I don't really know. It's not just one thing. Do you remember second year? When everyone basically turned against me? And even last year? What if... all of us are against the Slytherins for the same reason?"
She started to put the pieces together but wanted a bit more, "What are you getting at, Harry?" She served herself some of that night's fare.
He didn't speak for a short while as he mirrored her actions. "I'm not sure how to explain. I learned some things today, before and after I went to take care of things. I think it's just now hitting me, and it's making my head spin."
"This is why you need to learn Occlumency. From what I read of the texts about it, it helps you organize your thoughts and memories as well as keep them secure. But why don't you start after you left the Common Room?"
"Okay. That's actually when things began, happened as I got to know someone today. I spent the last two hours with Luna."
At this Hermione looked at Harry skeptically. She clarified lightly, "Luna Lovegood?"
"Yes. You weren't there. But Hermione, she's not a Looney. She said some things that made me think from a different perspective and it's like I am looking at things I thought I knew for certain but I'm now reassessing. I'll admit she can be a bit unique, yes. But she's far from being a sanitarium candidate."
"And because she's not cuckoo, then the Slytherins what? Should be invited to the DA?" She had to play Devil's Advocate at this point.
"Maybe. But after spending time with her today, like I said I have come to some epiphanies I never had before. Basically -"
But whatever he had to say was cut short. Ronald bloody Weasley showed his face and sat next to Hermione. "There you two are! I'm starving." He announced loudly enough that she heard a Hufflepuff from the DA behind them cough back a laughter while commenting, "Whenever isn't he?"
A Hufflepuff poked fun at Ron, and he missed it, so oblivious as he piled food on his plate. It wasn't the only thing he was oblivious about.
The redhead's arrival signaled the return of Hermione's bad mood. Aside from keeping Harry and her away from their topic of conversation, he basically comprised some of the worst parts of her day. Actually, he grated on her nerves since school started this semester! Though if she would be completely honest, her grievance with him could have started since First Year.
But listing his transgressions would take longer than she cared to waste time on for. Even inwardly. So she just mentally catalogued that day's as he monopolized Harry in a conversation about Quidditch, "Ballycastle Bats against Chudley Cannons tomorrow night!" The rest of the conversation flew over her head.
Instead she recalled how that morning, he forgot his quill and helped himself through her bag rather than ask to borrow one. She let that slide, since she figured "What are friends for?" And because he had his own inkwell.
Then during class, he would not pay attention properly. At least twice, she caught him exchanging whispers with Lavender Brown in Charms. While she would admit the thought of it made her a bit jealous, she was more annoyed that he was not conducting himself like a proper Prefect!
Which led to the main reason she refused to pay attention to him and focused on tuning him out.
For the next month, she and Ron were supposed to patrol together on Thursday nights. Although Prefect patrol pairs were not usually from the same house, the Head students this year thought that they would be trustworthy together. Their special grouping would keep her from being partnered with Draco Malfoy or any of the upper year Slytherin boys, according to the Head Girl. Inwardly, Hermione rejoiced that they would actually spend time alone together. She has been nursing a bit of tender feelings towards him since she can remember, after all.
But for some reason, bloody Ronald Bilius Weasley apparently didn't feel the same. She learned at lunch that he asked for a different patrol schedule. He asserted his preference to patrol on a Tuesday or Monday night to keep up with his schoolwork. Little did he know that his request would leave Hermione would have to patrol with a Slytherin. Possibly.
She thought darkly, 'At least if I get scheduled with Malfoy, it wouldn't be horrible.' She knew Urquhart and Pucey were far more dangerous and unpleasant to patrol with. She knew from Padma and Hannah that Urquhart tried to force them to snog him. It was just their luck that the Fat Friar and Bloody Baron showed up each time he got pushy. And Pucey? He tended to verbally harass them. Malfoy, they said, actually patrolled with them without complaint except when they walked too slow for his liking.
Still, Hermione was ready to lambaste Ron regarding his thoughtlessness regarding switching out of patrolling with her. But then realized she wouldn't say a thing about knowing about the switch. She was prepared to keep it quiet until he interrupted her discussion with Harry about the DA tonight.
She had initially focused on how rude he was being, for interrupting the conversation. That was when Harry made his exit quickly. Then the subject slowly but surely moved to how badly a Prefect he made.
She refrained from revealing the secret security measures the Head students attempted to place regarding patrol pairing her without one Slytherin partner. But she definitely laid out that she thought he was being unprofessional.
Though it was an ugly encounter, it didn't destroy their friendship. She supposed it was sort of a blessing that she had refrained from saying the worst things which couldn't be taken back. Such as how she thought Seamus made a better Prefect or how she thought that Harry should have gotten the badge. She kept her words milder than she felt. He didn't stay mad at her at the end, though he was still acting a bit cool towards her. He never apologized for his behavior. She ended up storming away from Gryffindor Tower and walking about the castle corridors until she realized it was dinner and hoped to run into Harry. She had let her mind wander, ready to pick up where their conversation left off or simply start a new one to discuss how tonight would go.
Which brought her to the moment when she almost tripped. And Draco Malfoy happened upon her, saving her from a pretty embarrassing fall before leaving her alone in the hall without further acknowledgement something happened. The blond who confused her. And regularly annoyed her and her friends.
She would have tried to figure it out if thinking about their most recent encounters didn't give her a headache.
She absentmindedly finished her dinner, and started on dessert. It was nice to see some dark chocolate bark alongside the Treacle Tart. She had some of each, which took the edge of her anger and confusion regarding two males.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and saw Sanna Swann, this year's Head Girl. She had a crown of black hair, with pale skin and dark eyes. From her introduction on the train ride, everyone learned she was half Asian and half British. The revelation kept the Slytherins from outwardly attacking her, in spite of her coming from the Hufflepuff house. Due to her dual-ethnicity and ICW familial ties, she could destroy them politically. But she was very quiet, and mild-mannered that no other Gryffindor sensed her come to the table and she spoke, "Hi Hermione, I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner." She handed her a small note. "I thought you might want this as soon as possible."
The bushy-haired brunette kept her face impassive. "Thank you, Sanna."
The older student gave her a nod in farewell. Hermione watched as she returned to the Hufflepuff table, and sat beside the only Seventh Year female from Hufflepuff in the DA. Both conversed a little before the two young women saw her starting. They gave her small smiles and a matching pair of encouraging nods regarding the note she held. So she turned back around and sit in her seat properly. With her back to the Hufflepuff table, yet feeling support from the Head Girl and her friend, she opened the note she partially dreaded to read. It said:
I'm sorry. Padraig and I tried everything. Your partner for Thursday night patrols is Draco Malfoy until next month. You start tomorrow, Weasley starts his new schedule for Tuesday nights next week.
She thought, 'Well, it could be worse.' Then she felt someone staring at her and looked up straight into the blank eyes of the Prefect she was supposed to be paired with. She noticed a similar note in his hand, which allowed her to conclude that he just received the news as well.
She tried analyzing his reaction but couldn't. So she pocketed the note then returned to her chocolate and ate. Each bite kept her calmer, feeling nicer than she would have been without the divine foodstuff. She felt his eyes still on her, but ignored it. She noted the stare had waned as she finished her last bite
"You done Hermione?" Harry asked as he stood up.
She drunk one last glass of water quickly before replying, "Yes."
"Great! Let's go!"
As usual, she, Harry and Ron walked to the Room first. Aside from opening the Room up to a certain specification, Harry would open up the Marauder's Map, and tell Hermione which routes the others should take. She would then send the others messages through the charmed Galleons they distributed.
As they walked, she wondered how she would resume her and Harry's topic while getting rid of Ron. She definitely could not bring it up right then and there.
It was pure luck that when they got to the seventh floor, Ron said, "Hey guys? Go ahead. I have to get my holster." He wasn't used to having one, which Sirius gifted him (as he gave every Hogwarts student who visited Grimmauld Place one as well) over the summer.
They split up at an intersection. After a few moments, Hermione took the chance to continue the conversation she and Harry were having, but quietly. "About our discussion earlier, what were you saying? And how does it connect to when the school overreacted last year and back in Second Year?"
She let him get his train of thought back. She noticed that Harry actually had a brilliant mind and could recall certain thought processes when given the chance. She hoped this was one of the times they could pick up a dropped conversation, so she could bring up Daphne and little Astoria. She didn't know how to bring up Blaise and Malfoy however.
She didn't have much time to think of that as he spoke, "I probably won't be able to say the entire original thing I wanted to say. But the gist is, I was saying that maybe a lot of us in the DA are not making an effort to get to include the Slytherins. We didn't even give them a proper chance to be part of our Umbridge resistance movement. I mean, I don't really know any of them beyond Draco and his ilk. And even then..." At this he hesitated more, "I don't know. We skipped right over giving them the benefit of doubt and straight into judging them. For example, Malfoy can't exactly become poster child for being a good kid like you or me. He can't be, what with his father being Lucius and being Pureblood."
She waited for him to continue, sensing that he had more to say, as he paused to think. She noted the furrow in his brow, one of his tells that he was thinking about something.
He resumed his monologue. "Like when I was younger and went to primary, I learned what not to do just because I can. I also learned who I shouldn't listen to, or to speak up when something bad is being done. Where is his exposure to different friend groups? Or sources where he could learn a Code of Ethics dissimilar from his father? Do they have schools before Hogwarts where they read about good and evil? For that matter, when Malfoy's and his friends' role models are their parents who serve someone like Voldemort, or Voldemort specifically; I don't think that they really get a chance to be anything than what they currently are! It's like Dudley growing up with Vernon and Aunt Petunia and being sheltered away from meeting better people."
"Harry, I get the point but you're deviating. What are you getting at? What do you want to do?"
They paused before the wall opposite Barnaby and the Dancing Trolls. He ran a hand through his hair as he turned to her, "Is there a way to possibly include them without upsetting everyone? At least to test them out, and see... I mean I can't be the only one who thinks that they could develop a conscience similar to ours when given the chance. Hermione, what do you think? Do you think I'm actually saying something that makes sense? Or I am wasting my time since all of them will fight alongside Voldemort because they believe his shite?"
At this Hermione gave him an answer. "No I don't think." Before his shoulders slumped, she continued, "I know that not all Slytherins would be fighting with Voldemort."
"Really?"
She nodded. "Daphne Greengrass, you know her?"
"Vaguely. Is she blonde? Not the one who didn't come back this year. I know that one is Sally-Anne Perks."
"No, the one you're talking about is Tracey Davis. How do you remember Perks? I didn't even know she went to Slytherin. Perks is not a Pureblood name."
"Cause I got called out after her during our Sorting. We're getting sidetracked a bit though, Hermione. Back to Daphne. What about her?"
Slowly, she replied, "Well, she already signed the contract. Luna and I planned on sneaking her in tonight with a Disillusionment Charm. I know that her little sister would be good to join, as well."
At this Harry gave her a face. "You were playing me earlier, weren't you? I thought you were going to be difficult to talk to about this! And really? She knows a spell and will infiltrate our meetings?"
"I wanted to make sure! She's not an infiltrator if she's invited, which I did. The charm's to keep others from panicking." She defended herself and Daphne, but did not tell him the charm was actually Luna's idea. "At things stand even if we can make the Room bigger, we need to have two different sessions. One for the current DA members and one for any Slytherins who join up. We'll just have to combine them later somehow."
"Are you okay with leading a session for the Slytherins then?" Harry asked her. She couldn't tell if he was serious or not, except he sounded quite earnest.
Before she could answer, she heard footsteps. She remained quiet but then she heard Ron Weasley loudly called out to them, interrupting their conversation once more. "You guys! What are you doing hanging outside?"
Hermione stifled a growl while Harry made a legit excuse. "I couldn't clear my mind properly. And, Ron, could you be any louder? I don't think Umbridge heard you!"
"Oops." Ron sheepishly replied. "Sorry, mate."
"No worries, but kindly hush. I need to concentrate." He waited a few beats before pacing and peeked in before turning to them. "Okay guys, got it!" He went in then Hermione followed.
The first thing she thought as she entered the Room was that: she must have walked into one of those indoor playgrounds with arcades, slides, bouncy castles and trampolines she was forced to go to as a child. The room could be quite comparable to it, if the Muggle inventions were laid about. As she spotted the slightly raised platform area in the center and saw what passed for seating sections spread throughout the huge expanse, it reminded her slightly of a place she went to when she was younger. More specifically, an ice rink combined with a sports stadium and an arcade in one room.
Of course, she knew Harry wouldn't have known what one looked like because of his upbringing. So his imagination was quite impressive. She complimented him, "This is most excellent, Harry."
Ron added, "I think you pulled this place straight from Fred and George's mind. Are you sure Snape is not teaching you Legilimency?"
Hermione laughed gaily, her mood lifting immensely. Sometimes Ron Weasley just knew the words to say. The Room did remind her of clowns, which she could easily picture the twins making a wonderful pair of due to their nature.
Harry said "Thanks." Then he brought the Map out, and said "So Hermione, shall we get down to business?"
"Right on."
"I'll be near the door," Ron volunteered. She refrained from scoffing. He probably wanted to laze about somehow rather than do work.
Which is such a shame because his ability to strategize could help them out.
"Good call, mate." Harry told him then led Hermione to a nearby sitting area near the entrance.
The duo worked together efficiently in ensuring that the DA members got to the Room. When they noted that Umbridge was safely ensconced in her accommodations, they began.
Harry started with the Hufflepuffs, since a good part of them would be coming from near their dormitory. "They should pass the library. Urquhart is roaming around the shorter route with his buddies."
"Typical." She concentrated and relayed the warning.
The Hufflepuffs who came from other parts of the castle arrived first. Nikki Everson, the female Seventh Year Prefect for the yellow and black House, led the mixed set of younger years who had actually waited at the Library with some of the younger Ravenclaws who tagged along. She nodded at them as they entered then promptly looked confused after her charges raced speedily to the closest indigo section.
They shed their robes and shoes, set them just beside the dark floor and leaped into it. Then the group looked incredibly disappointed when they landed. The floor they excitedly jumped towards did not launch them back up in the air like they originally thought.
Hermione controlled herself from laughing at their expressions.
Harry called out, "Sorry, if you guys could just wait in one of the sitting areas while everyone arrives, I'd appreciate it."
They all looked at him like he showed them something nice then took it away.
"Come on, squirts," Nikki called out, as she ushered them into the nearby seats in the booth separating indigo and blue. Hermione let out the laugh she held in.
"Oh, their faces!"
"That's mean, Hermione. They're sad! Why did they look at me like that for?"
"They thought there was a trampoline in here."
"What's that?"
"It's basically this thing made of a durable, stretchy and resilient fabric. It is often mounted a few feet up in the air with some poles and frame. You jump on it, and it sends you high up enough to do some tricks. The color's usually blue and black and is sometimes an actual floor space in a room. Which the indigo floor over there sort of looks like."
He winced, "That sounds like fun. No wonder they looked at me like they did."
The next to arrive were the Fifth Years except for Wayne Hopkins. She noticed Justin's stop walking as his jaw dropped in obvious admiration of the facilities. The rest of their year-mates looked shocked but kept walking towards Nikki and the younger students. Justin then closed his mouth and made his way to the Gryffindor duo and ask, "Are we in an arcade or something? Are the kids having a massive birthday party? It looks great! Takes me back so much."
Hermione laughed. "No. But I'm glad you thought so too. I thought I would be the only one to think of it like that."
"It reminds me of this sports complex near my cousins place, but I can't remember the name. The name sounds like Gilson something. But I recall that it's located southeast of Ascot near Wyatt's Art Gallery."
"You mean Guildford Spectrum?"
"Precisely!" Justin snapped his fingers in agreement. "That's the one. Went there a lot while my dad went to Ascot Racing and Mum dragged me to spend time with my cousins." He turned to Harry who looked a little lost. "You're just missing a few things to make the play area, like a ball pit and skeeball lanes since it looks like you have a trampoline."
"I actually don't. The color's to break everyone up later for a mini-game. All the floors and walls are just reinforced with cushion charms so we don't get hurt." Harry played off his lack of knowledge regarding the things Justin brought up. Then green-eyed Gryffindor chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind for next time, though. We definitely deserve a party for uniting against Umbridge."
He asked, "Do you think you could make Muggle electronics work in here? Wayne and I each have a Game Boy we've been wanting to bring and introduce to the others."
Hermione noted her friend's confusion and supplied an answer, "Actually, we haven't tested out if electronics could safely pass the wards and be used in here. We'll let you know when we do."
"Cool! Looking forward to the session! Should we just sit until everyone arrives then?"
Harry agreed. "Yes, please."
"Awesome. Oh I see Wayne..." He trailed off and shouted in warning a bit late. "WAIT, HOPKINS! THAT'S NOT A TRAMP!" He rushed to his group with a wince. Harry heard him mutter, "Damn, too late."
He and the entire Hufflepuff house (the rest arrived as Justin and the Gryffindor duo talked) watched the other Muggleborn Hufflepuff in Fifth Year sprint toward the indigo floor space, throw himself into a front tuck that he didn't quite get enough height to rotate into which resulted in a rather spectacular face plant. He had landed on his feet but lost his footing, and the momentum caused him to fall forward, sliding a bit when he hit the floor.
A muffled, "I'm okay," answered the sudden silence moments later as the boy remained on the floor to collect his bearings.
The Hufflepuff contingent, who basically commandeered the indigo stands and floor space, shrugged and went back to their conversations. Although a few of the younger years playfully heckled the downed Fifth Year. They, of course, completely forgot their earlier discovery.
"Ouch," Hermione muttered. "Maybe we should put a sign over- oh there. The magic in this room is just so handy."
Sure enough, the Room provided a flashy notice that proclaimed the two indigo areas "Not a trampoline!"
Harry shrugged as he looked back toward the Map to bring in the rest of the DA. "Or maybe, you show me a picture of a trampoline so we have one next time. It sounds like it would make every Hufflepuff happy. I hate to be the cause of such faces of disappointment." Hermione could tell that the wounded looks younger years from earlier sent him tugged at his heartstrings.
"Or injury," she told him, pointing out Wayne's red face as he got up from his prone position. "It doesn't look like he broke his nose or anything." Although she thought his face looked a little smushed combined with a lot of embarrassment. She resolved to owl her parents for a few Muggle books for Harry that she knew the library didn't have.
"The floor's padded for that reason. But you're right." He tapped the map. "The coast is actually clear for the others. It looks like the Head students are helping us out and the teachers are busy with themselves. I don't see any Gryffindors near Urquhart and his buds."
As she leaned over to see the map, Hermione sent, "G AND R ALL CLEAR" to the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. She saw that the Head students had both Professor McGonagall and Snape distracted. Professor Dumbledore was in his office with Professor Flitwick and Filch. And Professor Sprout was with Professors Vector, Babbling and Sinistra. She assumed Hagrid was in his hut, the half-giant's house was not included in the Map. Umbridge was of course in her quarters.
She further noted that Luna and Daphne were about to enter, just as the entryway admitted the former, crossing the open archway.
Harry waved at the blonde Ravenclaw to come over. "Hi!"
Hermione couldn't help but stick around and study the younger student. She was mindful of what she was told earlier about her.
The blonde smiled as she walked towards them. "Hello, Hermione, and Harry. Did you have a nice dinner?"
"I did. You had a question I couldn't answer earlier but Hermione's here."
"Oh yes. Do you know what this shield contraption is called?" She indicated the clear material that surrounded them.
Hermione tapped on it to doublecheck. "It's called fiberglass. Muggles use them for many things. I'm afraid I only know of one reason though. I encountered them when I was taking figure skating lessons. They are used as a barrier to protect the audience from this sport called ice hockey."
She tilted her head and said, "I see. What is figure skating? And ice hockey?"
Mindful of the time, she replied, "Basically they're Muggle sports both played on the ice. I can demonstrate the former when the weather sets one of the ponds near Hagrid's frozen." She wondered if she could transfigure a pair of skates properly, or have her parents owl her the ones they bought for her over the summer. They wanted her to keep up the training when she could. She didn't mind but she didn't exactly have the facilities to train. Belatedly, she realized she could use the Room to practice when she had time. "When I go back for the holidays, I can bring back a book regarding hockey, if you're interested."
"That sounds great. I look forward to both things."
At this, Harry interjected, "Speaking of things to look forward to, almost all of us are here. We're just waiting for the rest of the Gryffindors." He indicated the group of younger years, led by the Creevey brothers, Nigel and Weasley Twins who settled in the stands next to them in the orange and yellow zones.
Although they never did an outright headcount, the Hufflepuffs numbered twenty-nine attendees. They were second to Gryffindor attendees, who basically outnumbered the two houses in the DA. All fifty-two Gryffindors signed up. The Ravenclaws had twenty-three sign ups which was convenient and allowed everyone to pair out evenly.
Hermione shook her head. "We're technically the closest to the Room. How did everyone else beat us here?" She looked at the complete group of Ravenclaws who were spread out across the violet, indigo and blue areas as they mingled with the 'Puffs.
He shrugged, "Beats me. Then again, didn't you say we have the entire house in the DA?"
"What's that got to do with anything?"
Luna chimed in, "Wouldn't be harder to move about with a group of forty-nine?"
At this Hermione stopped and thought that Harry was right. The Ravenclaw was sharp and provided a different way to think regarding a situation. She was so absorbed with silently admiring the blonde that she almost missed Harry speaking to thin air as he started to fold the Map.
"Nice to have you here, Daphne."
A gasp that did not come from Luna responded.
He continued, "No worries. Hermione told me. I'll pretend that I am just talking to both her and Luna. I am not against you being here. But if you could stay behind later, I would like to talk with you."
Luna moved her mouth but no sound came out. Hermione could tell she was playing along as he heard Daphne talk, "Well, I'm glad to hear that. I'll stay after."
Again the Gryffindor female admired the younger Ravenclaw. Especially with her timing as the rest of the Gryffindors started arriving. Each entered the room slowly but surely. They passed by the red area, to join the others in the orange and yellow.
Harry nodded at them as he kept the conversation running, "Great! Also, I think it would be best if you just observe tonight. We're going to do something that might sort of leave you to be the odd man out."
"That's what I planned. So do I pick a specific spot to stay still in for the time being?"
"Nah. You can walk around as you see fit or even stay near one of us," he gestured to Luna and Hermione.
"Sounds fantastic."
Luna commented, "You don't sound enthusiastic."
"Just thought I'd actually get to use my wand."
Hermione and Harry chorused, "Oh you will. Just after everyone's gone!"
She continued, "Harry you better start." She said as she observed Ron walking with Lavender and Parvati who were the last to arrive. She kept herself from glaring at them.
"Showtime, I suppose." He placed the Map securely inside a pocket of his robes, which he took off before somehow making it disappear.
Hermione did not know that Dobby was there invisible, to attend to his master.
She followed his action regarding disrobing which signaled everyone else to do the same and keep silent as Harry made his way to the center.
"Hello everyone!" He greeted all. "Welcome back. Tonight, we're going to do something different. First, I am going to show you something that you can do yourselves on your own anytime you wish whenever we don't meet. And, prior to starting, I'd like to explain why we are going to do this, so I hope everyone bears with me," he gave a rueful grin as the Weasley Twins jokingly heckled him to get a move on.
He took a breath and spoke, "Before I came to Hogwarts, I went to a school where we had a class called Physical Education. For the sake of those who don't know, it's a class where we ran around and even played Muggle sports like football. I won't get into details, however it is a vigorous activity and if we are not careful it could be dangerous. So the teachers take precautions. Prior to letting us all free to go run around and go wild, we had to do a set of exercises called a warm up. This kept us from injuring ourselves. I'm applying a similar principle here. So everyone needs to spread apart a bit. Keep yourself in a safe distance from touching your neighbor..."
Hermione tuned him out as he explained a series of exercises and directed everyone. She noticed that the other Muggleborns and Muggle raised gamely split up and created space to move as they launched themselves into the activity as they mimicked him faithfully. The Half-bloods followed a bit less confidently while the Purebloods were guided into the motions by Harry's detailed direction.
For herself, she partially copied a few that Harry demonstrated but went through a series of different movements that increased intensity on her own. She was in the middle of holding a difficult position when she heard Daphne ask "What are you doing?"
With great concentration, she replied shortly, "A plank."
"That's nothing like Potter's doing." Indeed, Harry was doing knee circles, which she had finished a while ago.
Figuring she lasted a minute already, she dropped her lower half to the floor, and pushed her upper body upward. She answered, "He's showing everyone some basic movements. I know them as well, but need a bit more. So I did my own."
"I see. I am actually having a hard time breathing."
Harry had started doing some jumping jacks. She saw mostly the younger ones keeping up while the Wizarding-raised were shooting him death glares. She could hear Daphne's feet pounding near her as she got from her position and stretched her arms.
"Just five more! Four, three...". He cheered everyone on quite happily. She wondered if P.E. was his favorite class back in primary school. She felt guilty for not knowing. "Two and last. "Great job everyone. Last part, we do our arms."
Figuring it couldn't hurt, Hermione followed him and soon her muscles felt incredibly warmed. She had to give it to him. He pushed everyone to set a limit, but didn't go overboard.
Like the first session, she thought he was a natural instructor as he finished and told them, "Awesome, everyone. Take a moment, maybe go have a drink of water."
The students sighed in relief and made their way to separate water stations which appeared some time during the course of the session near their booths.
Daphne groaned, "Why do I hurt everywhere?"
Hermione laughed as quietly as she could. She didn't want to offend Daphne. She replied, "Too much to explain right now. If you want I could give you a book on it."
Luna chimed in, "I'm slightly sore but all in all feel good!"
"Says you! I had to climb all those bloody stairs and walk pass at least fifty classrooms to get here. I have never walked so much!"
Hermione remembered that Luna was petite while Daphne was not. If anything, the Slytherin was similarly built to Eloise Midgen, who was withdrawn from Hogwarts last year. Before she could comfort the Rubenesque young woman, Harry called for their attention, "Okay. So I know everyone is excited but we have to go over some basic wand movement. So if needed, grab your wand and I need everyone to go to a color!"
The group groaned but followed. Some were wearing holsters and easily held theirs ready.
As people obeyed his orders, Harry spoke, "I want everyone to spread apart when you get to your area. First Years in the red, Second Years in the orange." He waited for the littlest students to finish. "Third in the yellow, Fourth in the green, Fifth in the blue." They followed and the Sixth and Seventh went to the indigo and violet automatically.
Then he resumed, "Instead of doing one at a time, we'll be doing all of them in one smooth combination. It's going to look like this," He held his wand in front of him positioned his body accordingly. With deliberate speed, he started with a jab, followed by a flick, then a downward slash, followed by an upward slash into a swish. "You can add the footwork later if you want, but I'd like to focus on everyone staying up. Everybody needs to concentrate on accuracy." Then he repeated it a few more times.
With the footwork, Hermione thought it looked like a dance choreography, which she had suggested to Harry that day. She was smiling widely as he showed her that he listened to her idea about teaching them the same exact thing but in a different way. She saw his face clear, and thought the exercise benefited him in centering himself.
When he finished, he looked at her and smiled back, then gazed at everyone as he asked them, "You guys got it?"
He saw mostly nods so he asked, "So shall we all try it?" For the sake of the ones that looked lost, he said, "I'm going to go around, and see if anyone needs help. Ideally, everyone should do it at least fifteen times without error. The combination order is as follows: a jab, flick, downward slash, upward slash and finish with a swish." He demonstrated then hopped down from the platform to start with the First Years.
While everyone else stuck to same side facing the mini-platform Harry placed, Hermione motioned Daphne and Luna go to the opposite set of colored areas. This enabled her to carry a private conversation with both as she and the latter did the activity.
At one point Daphne asked, "Is Potter always like that? I don't see him as focused, confident or knowledgeable in class."
Turning to look at her friend, Hermione noted that he looked extremely patient with the younger years as he led them through the motions. They looked ready to mob him to have him attend them but he was firm regarding keeping everyone in line and professionally repeated one movement as he moved from one student to another. He also corrected a few minute details and made the group do over and over again until he was satisfied before moving to the next part.
Hermione chuckled at the sight, she knew from experience last year they would be hurting tomorrow. "In a way, he's always like this." she supplied. "Harry's problem with casting spells is not about the physical motion. It's his concentration. I believe he tends to overthink and loses focus in a classroom setting. But as you can see..." he caught Nigel who overextended his stance in the slash and nearly fell. "He has the knowledge. He might look confident because he knows that we are all basically here to learn from him. Even if he can't be everywhere at once."
They saw another Firstie fall down before he could get there. But the little one got up and tried again, to his approval.
Daphne said, "Duly noted. Nice one, Luna. You're getting more confident."
The blonde smiled, "Thank you. And I agree with Hermione. We signed up for the DA because we believe in him. Just for that, I don't think he wants to let us down. I believe if he was feeling differently, he doesn't show it."
Daphne whistled lowly, "Well. Looks like I won 100 Galleons. We have this outstanding bet in Slytherin that Potter has a brain not just brawn."
"Why so much?"
"Three participants other than me, and each year one of us put five Galleons in the pot."
Hermione and Luna chuckled in response. They got through ten minutes of the same exercise before Harry got to them. He said, "How's it going? Is Daphne around here? Is she bored?"
"Hardly, Potter. I'm actually enjoying myself. It's more colorful than is healthy in here, but I actually learned a few things. Although I am sort of wondering what you tell people when you correct their stances and such."
"Good to hear. Most of the errors I caught tonight were simple. They mistake a jab for a flick or point. Then they don't remember to match the hand movement with the rest of the body in anticipation to flow into the next position. Aside from not standing to match the movement properly, they don't move their wand wrist, which costs them problems moderating their magic flow. Things still happen like they want, but they expend power too quickly leading to quicker magic drain."
"Duly noted. I'll have to remember to bring parchment and quill next time. Things like these, I need to jot down to remember."
Hermione smiled, "I have notes. I'll duplicate them for you."
"I appreciate that."
Harry nodded at the duo before turning to the last student he had to check on, "How about you, Luna? Are you having trouble?"
The blonde was repeating both downward and upward slash multiple times. "Oh no. I'm just perfecting the way I shift my weight."
"Could you show me the entire combination first?"
They watched her go through the sequence. Hermione didn't see anything to fix.
However he nodded "I think I got it. Keep your shoulders down but hold your arms out like this," he showed her which she obeyed where he made a slight bit of adjustment by actually guiding her arms, "There. If it also helps you, breathe in on the way down but do not let your stomach expand. And keep everything steady on the way up then let the air out as you swish."
She tried it again, doing as he suggested. Hermione saw the immediate difference. Instead of simply going through the motions and hitting the points properly, she looked extremely relaxed and gracious. It was like she moved with purpose and little effort. The joy was obvious on Luna's face, "Precisely what I was missing. Thank you, Harry!"
"You're welcome." He smiled at her, but she already went back to repeating the exercise so she didn't see the proud look Harry shot her. "Glad to help."
Daphne muttered, "I can't wait till everybody leaves. I want to try it while visible and get some feedback. I feel like I wrote in my diary about an Arithmancy problem. Good for venting, not so much finding a solution." She continued a bit more, entertaining her companions.
"Time to move to the next part." Hermione waved Harry off, "I'll get your corrections later, Harry."
This broke through Daphne's soliloquy. "Oh way to pour Basilisk venom in my teacup. That's not fair. You're his best friend and have daily access!"
Harry chuckled. "Don't worry. I think I have something figured out that you're going to be alright with."
"Sounds like a promise for later. You better not forget to tell me."
"I won't. Okay, I'll see you later." He retook his position up on the platform. "Alright, everyone! This next part is just a treat for sticking with me. All six wand movements we practiced? They all correspond to the basic spells we have been practicing. However, I sense that just casting them at dummies is not giving you guys much of a chance to learn it and understand practical application. So we are having dueling matches tonight."
The Room exploded into noise.
"You're JOKING!" The Weasley Twins called out, their combined voices soaring over the others.
Harry motioned for everyone to quiet down. "I am not. I am even going to add that this will be a face off between our genders! Gents, please make your way to the proper booths. Ladies? If you could kindly come to the other side and do the same?"
He helped the younger girls get on the platform to switch sides. Hermione noticed that there were some years that had more quantity than others, but Harry carried on, "Alright! So, I will pick a random pair to come up to the center for each round." As he spoke, the platform he stood on became wider, as the colored floors decreased some space. "The only spells allowed are the following six: The Disarming Jinx, Shield Charm, Petrification Jinx, Stunning Jinx, Levitation Charm, and Slow Descent Charm!"
Daphne whispered tp Hermione, "You mentioned earlier he was covering basics. But, this is even more basic than I imagined! How are the Seventh Years taking this?"
She answered, "Very well. You'll see why."
"If anybody casts other spells, they will be running laps. I regret though that we might not get to everyone tonight. Still I hope you all have fun!" Harry seemed to sense Daphne's incredulity for he picked two Seventh Years to start, "First match, I'd like Nikki Everson and Kol Michaels up here."
Immediately, the Gryffindor chasers started cheering, "Let's go Nik, you got this!"
"Strike him down!"
"Make him eat the floor!"
In response the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan attempted to do the same as the two took their place and bowed. "Come on, mate."
"Yeah, Michaels. Show her how it's done!"
"Lift her up and drop her on her bum!"
By the time Harry sent the two the go signal, each was severely hungry for the win.
Nik quickly cast the Disarming Jinx, but Kol cast a strong enough Shield Charm to absorb the spell. He had to step side to side quickly as she went on the offensive, casting a series of jinxes without mercy. He was clearly on a dodging spree. He called out after he jumping over a Petrificus to his crotch area, "You're evil! That's aiming below the hips!"
She got him to trip over his feet but he kept rolling out of the way of her relentless spellfire. When it was clear he couldn't retaliate or get up, she retorted, "It's not against the rules!"
"But whatever did my... junk ever do to you?"
"Nothing! That's the point! Petrificus Totalus!"
Hermione laughed. She could tell what the argument was about, but there were kids who had to be left in the dark for another couple of years, at least.
"Get up, Michaels!" The guys started heckling the Ravenclaw.
There was a stray, "You can still beat her!"
He dodged another deadly aimed spell to his royal jewels, but then he saw she was nearer to him and made a wild grab for her legs. He got lucky and pulled on them to unbalance her.
However, her butt landed on his face which ended up being the last thing he remembered before being awakened. She won when she cast a Stupefy point blank on his stomach after falling into him.
Hermione could hear Daphne cheering with her for the Seventh Year Hufflepuff as she made her way back to her section, and received a heroine's welcome.
Harry happily applauded the participants, but winced as he announced, "1-0 to the girls." A scoreboard appeared. "Let's get it back, guys. Next pairing..."
He was careful to keep the opponents equally matched, and did his best to pit different houses together. By cheering on other girls, or (in Neville's case when he was pitted against Lisa Turpin) for friends, Hermione kept her body ready for her own turn.
Neville won with his Petrificus.
By the time Harry thought that everyone should return to their respective Houses before curfew, 16 matches have occurred. And the score was tied.
George won against Alicia, but Fred lost against his opponent from Hufflepuff. The match taught him to keep his mind in the moment. Cormac MacLaggen faced off against Cho Chang and won. Her friend, Marietta faced against Justin and lost. Some matches were shorter than the others and one was as entertaining as the first match of the night. The younger years had actually put on a pretty good show in each match, showing that they easily learned and shouldn't be underestimated.
Still, Harry thought about giving them one last bout before ending the night. "Alright, as a tie breaker, I'd like my best mates to come up."
Hermione got a quiet, "Go destroy him," from Daphne. It was more for support, than anything truly against the redhead.
She heard Luna actually yell out and start a chant the other girls picked up: "GO, FIGHT, WIN!"
Ginny alternated cheering with her teammates and cheering for her brother as Hermione walked out of the audience booth.
Ron was smirking when she got to the platform and faced towards him. He called out, "I'll go easy on you." Then he heard the girls' chant and slightly lose his smirk.
Her eyes narrowed and gave him an irritated look after giving him the customary bow, "Thanks Ron." She whipped around to face away. As if he didn't grate on her nerves enough. Then she smiled ruthlessly as she walked the length needed and sank into a dueling stance. She saw the The Twins collecting bets from their booth mates, and rush out to the other years from the boys side.
Her girls cheered for her, and the guys were practically split.
She focused. Harry just finished giving the go signal, when she jabbed quickly with a quiet "Expelliarmus".
She felt a certain kind of satisfaction to see the spell zoom at him quicker than he could shield. The bolt of magic struck his wand, immediately disarming him, but continued onward to lift him from the platform, launch him into the air and travel backward until he struck a wall. At the same time, she caught the wand and gave it to Harry.
"Good job, but I suppose he deserved that."
"Yes, he did."
The girls came swarming from their seats and mobbed her with congratulations, and overall happiness. As they all started dancing around her in celebration, she remembered that they won the night. Boys versus girls, and the girls won, in part due to her.
She left the Room hopping and skipping with the Gryffindor chasers, and went to bed that night in joyful spirits thinking her day wasn't so bad after all.