Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter.A/N: Yes, the fight was stupid and Harry was as well. Who doesn't say stupid, irrational, and thoughtless things when they're angry? I hope you enjoy! I did not edit it as well as normal.

Clubs (Slug and Defense)

Ron remained in a mood for a day until Harry approached him about his reasons to be mad. Ron Had claimed it was nothing. When Harry told him he would have been willing to get Ron whatever he'd wanted, Ron got angrier, stating he wasn't a charity case. Harry had told him how stupid he was being and Ron stormed off. However, after dinner that night Ron had muttered a quiet apology and Harry simply nodded his head in acceptance. Grimmauld Place was too small for anyone to be fighting for long periods of time. They were all getting stir crazy and counting down the days till they left.

The days before their trip to Hogwarts went by slowly and quickly at the same time. They found things to do. They found games to play and Hermione had convinced Harry and Ron to crack their school books open. Ron was much harder to convince and grumbled during the very short time he did work. Ginny chipped away at her summer work at these times and kept Arnold, her Pygmy Puff, with her at all times. She had decided it was a boy and Ron had been very upset about its name.

"Course you named it a normal name but you named my owl Pigwidgeon," Ron grumbled. Ginny just huffed and shrugged, ignoring him.

Her birthday had been a quiet but simple affair and she'd gotten a clean sweep for Quidditch from her parents. It had been a pleasant surprise and she was looking forward to not having to use the school brooms.

Harry had discussed Malfoy with Hermione for hours. She admitted it was suspicious and they should keep their eyes on him, but she refused to accuse him of being anything especially a Death Eater. Harry had been so convinced, but he did relent that Hermione was right about them not having any actual proof and they would have to look for that first. They summarized what they'd seen to Ron and he had been as quick to assumptions and accusations as Harry. They did all agree on one thing: Malfoy was different since his father was arrested. Harry was determined to find out what it was and he would use any means.

Finally, the day came to leave Grimmauld Place and go to Hogwarts. They had Ministry cars to escort them to Kings Cross. They said their goodbyes to Molly and the rest of the Order and clambered into the car with Arthur. A Kings Cross they had escorts and protection. However, to Harry's disappointment, it was Aurors and not Hagrid. An Auror had tried to physically escort him through the border and had been offended when he yanked his body away. He stayed as far away from them as they would allow and kept Hermione close to him so they could not get any closer.

"Can we find a compartment in the back?" Harry asked Hermione, noticing all the people staring at him and gawking. A few were even pointing. It was going to be a long trip and a long year. Now that he wasn't scorned or thought of as a liar he was a completely different spectacle. He didn't know which was better or worse.

"I'm sorry, Harry, Ron and I have to go to the Prefect carriage first and then we have to do a patrol shift. Save us seats though? We'll be as quick as possible." Hermione told him apologetically. Harry had forgotten about Prefect duties and what they entailed. He nodded and Hermione and Ron went ahead of him to meet with the Head boy and Girl and other Prefects. He quickly said goodbye to Arthur and the Aurors and turned to Ginny.

"Want to find an empty compartment to save?"

"I promised to find Dean. I haven't seen him all summer!" Ginny told him smiling very brightly at the idea. She practically skipped off and Harry was left alone. Somehow with his friends gone, it gave some girls the courage to approach him. He was very uncomfortable. Before he or they could say something, he heard someone call out his name. He sighed with relief and escaped, approaching Neville with a smile. Behind Neville was Luna. He was very relieved to have found friends. He greeted them and they went together to find an empty car. They found one towards the very back and Harry went in quickly, sick of all the eyes shamelessly staring at all three of them.

"They're staring at Luna and I just cause we're with you!" Nevile said in astonishment, peeking a quick glance through the window.

"It's cause you were at the Ministry too. They saw in the Daily Prophet. It has little to do with me."

"Oh… Gran's happy about it! She said I'm finally living up to my parents. She even got me a new wand look! It was Ollivander's last, I figure. He disappeared a day later." Neville explained, holding up his wand proudly. Harry wondered how much Neville would improve. Knowing from Ron's experience with his brother's wand, he knew to hand me down wands were not the best. That and Ollivander's belief that wands choose their wizards. He could imagine him being upset that he hadn't seen Neville in his store until then. But he was gone now…

"Harry, will we still be having D.A. meetings?" Luna asked suddenly. Harry, thankful for the distraction, launched into an explanation of his plans. Neville looked very pleased and excited. He told Harry that Defense had been one of his best OWLs. He had learned five-ish years worth of Defense in one year with Harry. Luna looked normal but she was smiling. She went back to her Quibbler. She was taking glasses out of them and had put them on. They were ridiculous looking and Harry held back a laugh, not at her but the atrocity she was now wearing. Suddenly a shadow came over their compartment and they were interrupted by girls talking and giggling in front of the window and door.

"Someone ask him!"

"Why don't you?"

"I'll go." A girl said confidently. The door opened and a Gryfinddor entered. She was pretty with large eyes and long thick black hair and a heart-shaped face. She looked young though. Harry smiled awkwardly.

"Hi, I'm Romilda Vane. I'm a fourth year. We were wondering… we have extra space if you want to join us. That way, you don't have to sit with them." Romilda said with a look of disdain toward Neville and Luna. Harry frowned.

"No thanks. I'd rather sit with my friends. Sorry." Harry said coldly with a scowl. Romilda looked very surprised and put out. She hrphmed and walked off with her friends following.

"That was nice to call us your friends." Luna said dreamily, "People expect you to hang out with cooler people."

"You are my friends and you are cool. Not many people are brave or cool enough to blindly follow me to the Ministry." Harry said. Luna looked very pleased. She said nothing and returned to her magazine.

"We didn't face You-Know-Who though. You did and have plenty of times. Gran talks about you all the time. I figure she'd rather have you as a grandson." Neville said almost reverently. As Nevile started, Hermione and Ron entered. Hermione heard part of what Neville said. She frowned and went over to Harry knowing he was thinking of the prophecy. Neville's Gran was very close to getting the Chosen One as her grandson. Neville and Harry could have been in each other's position. Harry wondered if that was the case if he would still have the same friends. He wondered how fate, the prophecy, or Voldemort had chosen him and why. He wondered if he hadn't been chosen, would his parents be alive and well? Or would they be like Neville's with a fate worse than death? Harry was pulled out of his thoughts by Hermione's touch. She had laid a hand over his and looked concerned. She knew his thoughts; he knew she did. She was the only one who could. He gave her a weak smile that came out more like a grimace and she reluctantly moved her hand away.

"You okay, Harry?" Neville asked concerned. Before Harry could reassure him, Luna looked up with her giant colored spectacle covering half her face.

"Did you get a Wrackspurt? I thought I saw a few come in," Luna asked concerned. She was swatting determinedly and the other four looked very confused.

"A what?" Ron asked.

"A Wrackspurt. They fly into people's ears and confuse and jumble the person's brains. They really are pests," Luna said matter-of-factly. Harry looked at Hermione and she simply shrugged. They quickly changed subjects, sharing OWL results and classes they were planning on taking. There was another knock on the door and an even younger girl than Romilda entered.

"I ugh… have letters for Neville Longbottom and Harry P-P-Potter," She stuttered shyly. She held out the scrolls and Harry and Neville took them with matching baffled looks. Who needed to send letters on a train? The girl quietly stumbles out a goodbye and left. Harry opened his seeing an invitation from Slughorn for lunch on the train with him.

"It's a lunch invitation from Slughorn. He's a new teacher. I figure he's our new Defense teacher." He explained to Neville and the others. He was supposed to get on the good man's side. Luckily, he would be teaching Harry's best and favorite subject so it shouldn't be too hard.

"Alright let's go. What does he want from me though?"" Neville asked nervously. Harry shrugged.

"Want to join, Hermione?" Harry asked. Slughorn was bound to love her after what he told the man about her. That and he liked collecting talented witches and wizards and Harry didn't know any as great or talented or smart as her.

"You go on. The invitation was for you. Tell me all about it though, alright?" Hermione said. He stood and left with Neville.

They entered and Slughorn greeted them energetically. As Slughorn began to address each person, Harry realized that everyone there, besides Ginny, were people who were related to famous wizards or witches. He figured Slughorn was already trying to collect people and was weeding through people, starting with people who had connections to those he'd already collected. Slughorn had been disappointed by quite a few of them such as Marcus Belby and Neville tentatively. He praised Ginny's bat-bogey hex which he had witnessed and got her the invitation. Slughorn turned to him and not only did Slughorn bring up his mother but also his own 'accomplishments'... or at least the ones Slughorn knew about, namely Halloween. He brought up the rumored prophecy and Neville and Ginny had come to Harry's defense. Slughorn had brightened at finding out they'd been at the Ministry that night as well. After lots of questions, speculation, and bragging of people Slughorn knew, the lunch was finally over. Harry saw Blaise Zabini and got an idea.

"Hey, Neville, you go on ahead without me. I've got something to do. Don't let Hermione worry about me. I'll be fine," Harry said. Neville nodded confused but headed back without Harry. Harry found a good spot and threw on his invisibility cloak. He practically ran to catch up with Zabini and slipped into the compartment.

"What'd Slughorn want?" Malfoy asked.

"He wanted to get to know well-connected people. There weren't many," Zabini responded. Malfoy smirked.

"Who?"

"McLaggen, Belby, Longbottom, Potter, and the Weasley girl," Zabini listed. Malfoy scowled and sneered. He dislodged himself from Pansy and leaned towards Zabini.

"He invited Longbottom?" Malfoy said both disgusted and amused like it was some kind of joke. Zabini shrugged.

"What about the Weasley girl? What's so great about her?"

"A lot of guys like her," Pansy answered. She didn't look happy about the statement. She was looking at Malfoy and gauging his reaction as well. Harry didn't like them talking about his friends the way they were, "Even you think she's attractive, Blaise."

"Doesn't mean I'd associate with a filthy blood-traitor like her!" Zabini scoffed. Harry seethed. He hated Slytherins.

"His choices were interesting. Not even people with really good connecting. He liked my father when my father was in school. He made my father a Prefect."

"He didn't invite Nott either. I don't think he likes Death Eaters too much."

"Oh well. What's it matter, he's just a teacher. I might not even come back to Hogwarts next year," Malfoy said. Pansy was hanging onto every word. Harry was too. This was proof. He'd leave school early and pledge complete loyalty to Voldemort.

"What do you mean? Where will you be?" Pansy asked. She started to stroke his hair and Harry wondered how anyone could be attracted to someone like Malfoy.

"Oh, you know, I might move on to bigger and better things than this dumb school."

"Do you mean Him?" Pansy asked. Harry wanted to know. This was it. Malfoy was done with school and he was going to join Voldemort if he hadn't already.

"Mother wants me to finish my Newts. I don't see the point. The Dark Lord is going to take over and they won't matter at that point," Malfoy explained. The Dark Lord. Maloy was calling Voldemort the Dark Lord, something only Death Eaters called the man.

"And what can you do for Him, you're sixteen and under-aged," Zabini scoffed, disbelieving.

"Maybe it isn't something I need to be of age or qualified for. Maybe my job from him is something anyone can do and I was chosen," Malfoy said cryptically. Pansy, Crabb, and Goyle looked amazed. They looked like they were looking and listening to more than a man and Harry rolled his eyes. Malfoy was given a job by Voldemort. Did he have to be branded as a Death Eater to do it? What did all of it mean? He needed Hermione. He needed to talk to her. He needed to get out, to escape.

"I can see Hogwarts. We ought to change into our robes. Pansy, you can go out and we'll change in here," Mafloy instructed. Harry took that as his cue and slipped out after Pansy carefully, quietly, and quickly. He went a ways away before throwing his cloak off. He went back to his compartment and was practically bombarded with questions.

"One second. I gotta change into my school robes," Harry said, quickly grabbing them and leaving. They were all dressed and Hogwarts was approaching fast. He reentered the compartment and Hermione attacked him with a string of questions and worries.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll tell you everything later. We should go. We're here," Harry said as they reached a halt. Hermione huffed and nodded, clearly unsatisfied. When they got off they were approached by a familiar person.

"Wotcher, guys," Tonks greeted quietly. Harry smiled. This was much better than a bunch of random Aurors. Tonks looked sad, but she seemed to be acting fine. Her hair was not it's normal bubble gum pink or any other crazy color though.

"Hey, Tonks! How'd you get this gig of escorting me?"

"I'm stationed at Hogsmeade. You'll be seeing a lot of me this year," Tonks said, looking a little brighter. Harry grinned and they headed for the carriages. Hermione glanced at him before quickening her pace and dragging Nevile, Ron, and Luna into a conversation. Harry lagged with Tonks and they walked a bit away from everyone else.

"How are you doing, Harry?"

I'm doing alright. What about you? Heard you've been having a hard time…" Harry said hesitantly. Tonks looked down and looked guilty.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry your godfather is gone. I should have done-"

"No. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's. Tons happened and maybe each thing did play a part in the setup, but in the end, Bellatrix hit the final blow, no one else. You're aunt's crazy. You're not and it's not your fault that she is. She wanted to do it and intended to. No one else did," Harry interrupted seriously. Tonks nodded slowly and smiled a little bit. Her hair turned a dark pale purple and Harry grinned. Maybe her main problem wasn't just her blaming herself, but Harry blaming her.

"Thank you, Harry. I'm glad you're not mad at me."

"Course not. Why would I be?" Harry replied. Tonks hesitated then kept her mouth shut. They came to the carriages and met back up with the rest of his friends. The thestrals weren't as shocking or terrifying this time. They were almost comforting, something he'd ridden on an important day, a terrible but important day. He patted one and went back and got onto the coach. He took a seat between Luna and Hermione and waved a goodbye to Tonks. The carriage ride was quick, but getting into the castle took time. There was heavy security and everything and everyone was checked. Once in the castle, Harry was looking towards the sorting and the fest.

They arrived and headed to the Great Hall. It was already bustling and they separated from Luna and headed to the Gryffindor tables. They squeezed in and as they did, the first years entered. The Sorting Hat sounded a lot like the year before, speaking briefly about the houses, then giving advice. They sorting went quick enough and Harry noted that very few had been sorted into Slytherin. It was an unusually low number and he didn't know if it was the first year's or the hat's doing. Dumbledore said a slur of words and food appeared at the tables. Harry loaded his plate and enjoyed his first meal at Hogwarts. The food was as good as ever and he couldn't help but take seconds. He did save room for treacle tart though, hoping to get his fill of his favorite dessert. He was enjoying a chicken leg when Neville interrupted the silence.

"What happened to Headmaster Dumbledore's hand?"

"It's been like that all summer. We don't really know what it is, but I checked plenty of books and can't find any disease or illness that matches it. Someone else must have inflicted it," Hermione explained. Neville nodded and the silence at their group resumed. They were all hungry and ate their fill. Ron had gotten his fourth helping when the food disappeared and dessert replaced it. Harry took a few slices of treacle tart with a large smile on his face. He was usually too full or not hungry enough to stomach more than one slice, but he finished all three slices he had taken. Hermione had taken a slice of trifle, her favorite he noticed. She liked the fruitier desserts, enjoying things with natural sugars probably learned from her parents. Dessert finished and Ron had managed to finish his helping and eat plenty of dessert during that time. At the conclusion of the feast, everyone turned to Dumbledore. The first years did so once they saw everyone else and had looks of curiosity. Many had noticed his hand. It had become more uncovered during the feast and was much more visible. The whispers and looks began until Dumbledore shook his sleeve over most his hand and gained their attention again.

"Now, now. It's nothing to worry about! Welcome students old and new as well as professors. First, Mr. Flitch, our caretaker, has told me to tell you that not only are the normal list of banned items not allowed but also every product from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He has also told me to remind you all that any form of magic in the hallways is forbidden" Dumbledore said clearly not very seriously. Harry looked at Hermione. They had a lot of the twins' product and Hermione was a Prefect. She also followed rules regardless of her status.

"It's fine. We'll get an exception if we get an affirmative for the club." Hermione whispered as Dumbledore went over more rules.

"Those wishing to join their house's Quidditch team may give their names to their Head of House as usual. We also need a new Quidditch commentator. I would now like to welcome a new old member of our staff. Professor Slughorn will be taking over Potions, his old post. He is an esteemed Potions Master and an old colleague."

"Potions? Harry, I thought you said he'd be our Defense teacher." Hermione whispered.

"I thought he was."

"As such, Professor Snape will be taking a position a Defense Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore concluded. Harry thought this was a bad idea. Dumbledore had not given it to Snape for all these years for a reason. How important was Slughorn? Harry knew he was supposed to get on the man's good side and that Dumbledore needed him but it seemed desperate. Snape got his way. He was defense teacher and Harry knew his grade would suffer. He glared at Snape, who had not stood. He simply raised a hand in response to the Slytherins, the only ones clapping. He did have a smug smile on his face and Harry wished he could hex it off him. Many were not silent in their disdain of Snape becoming Defense teacher and the room became even louder than when they had seen the headmaster's hand. Dumbledore silenced them and began to speak of Voldemort and taking precaution. Harry watched Draco who was not paying attention. He was playing with things on the table with his wand and Pansy was hanging on his arm watching him. At the end of his speech, he instructed him to bed and people were quick to obey. The talk of Voldemort and the use of his name had clearly made many squirmy and uncomfortable. Hermione jumped up and leaned down to Harry quickly.

"Go to Dumbledore's. I'll be there as soon as I get the first years settled. Come on, Ron" Hermione said. Ron huffed but stood and headed over to the first years.

"Alright, shrimps. Let's go. Pay attention. You'll get lost." Ron shouted. Harry suddenly heard a very loud giggle. It had been Lavender Brown. Ron looked very pleased that someone had found him funny and opened his mouth again.

"You can't call them shrimps, Ron. We talked about this already," Hermione huffed, clearly annoyed.

"No. I called them midgets last time, not shrimps. Plus look at them. They get smaller every year!" Ron argued. Lavender giggle harder and passed Ron smiling at him and blushing.

"Don't call them anything. First years, please follow me," Hermione said with an air of superiority and held her head up high. Harry grinned and headed to the headmaster's office. He didn't know the password and so he waited for someone to come out or a professor to pass. Harry did not have to wait long, but he was not lucky. Snape exited and sneered when he saw Harry.

"I believe the headmaster instructed everyone to go to bed. Is the 'Chosen One' above the rules now? I believe fifteen points from Gryffindor will do. Not even a day in and you have gotten your house negative point. I would not have thought that possible."

"I need to see Professor Dumbledore. He knows I was coming," Harry lied quickly. He glared at the man. Only Snape would be willing to remove points already for no reason and no warning. Snape said nothing but turned on his heel and muttered something to the gargoyle. He escorted Harry up and knocked on the door.

"Severus, what a surprise you are already back! Harry, yes. I believe you wanted to speak to me. Would you still like Professor McGonagall present? Severus, would you go get her?" Dumbledore said. Snape nodded curtly, turned, and stormed out with his robes billowing behind him, "What would you like to discuss?"

"Well, I would like to explain more when Professor McGonagall comes. Hermione's coming too. The main thing is that I'd like to continue the D.A. Actually, I'd like to make it an official club." Harry explained. He stumbled over his thoughts and was relieved when Dumbledore nodded and smiled. The door opened and Snape, Professor McGonagall, and Hermione entered.

"Harry had just started. Severus, would you stay? This may concern you." Dumbledore asked. Harry did not like the sound of that and was ready to bolt at the thought of Snape being involved in his plans. Hermione went over to him though and shook her head.

"Harry, would you continue?"

"Well, I'd like it to be official and available to all Newt students and fifth years taking their OWLs this year. I'd like to run it too and have the freedom to do so. I want it to be mandatory but it doesn't have to be!" Harry continued.

"We have tons of plans and we have some things for it as well. Actually. They're the Weasley twins'. We'd like permission to use them during meetings. The twins started a Defense line because of Harry. It's their contribution to the war they said. I think it would be good for people to know how to use them," Hermione said. She was a much better speaker than Harry. Snape was rolling his eyes and looked bored.

"I have nothing against it. However, to have a club run by a student, a professor is needed as an advisor and overseer," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. Harry knew where it was headed and he almost groaned out loud. Snape had also snapped to alertness, also realizing what was happening, "As Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, I think Professor Snape is the best fit for such a task," Dumbledore finished clearly satisfied. Harry was ready to refuse and retract his wish when he saw Hermione nod.

"Alright. Harry would have complete control though unless he asked Professor Snape for help directly right? Professor Snape would have class to do what he liked." Hermione bargained. Harry was very relieved she had come and know what to say. He would not have thought of that and would have retracted his request.

"That sounds reasonable. Is this amenable for you, Severus." Dumbledore asked. Snape nodded once. He knew he had no other choice. Harry looked at Hermione and an idea came to him.

"I'd like to be able to take and give points during the club too."

"What? Headmaster, you cannot allow this. Potter will clearly take advantage of this power. He will give his Gryffindor friends all the points and take all of my houses points," Snape said furiously. Harry hated Snape's assumption of him. He wouldn't become Snape and be unfair or a bully. He would be fair if not just to spite Snape.

"Now, Severus, Harry is not like that. If he is the power can be taken away. Now when would you like a meeting, where, and what will it be called."

"Wednesdays after Hufflepuff's Quidditch practice. Can we use the Defense classroom? I think we should keep the name. Most of the people joining will be used to D.A. already," Hermione said. She had planned everything, something Harry had not done. She'd even factored other house's Quidditch practice.

"All of that sounds fine. Now, what does D.A. stand for?" Dumbledore asked with mirth in his eyes. He clearly remembered the sheet from last year.

"Well, technically it's Dumbledore's Army, but officially it's Defense Association. I think the Defense Association is probably more appropriate for this though." Harry said. Dumbledore smiled and nodded. Professor McGonagall looked pleased. She was smiling proudly at Harry and Hermione.

"Alright, I believe fliers ought to go to all fifth through seventh years. Severus, I implore you to talk to you Snakes about attending, if not for you." Dumbledore said with a significant look. Snape seemed to understand and nodded gravely, "Alright, I believe it is almost curfew."

Harry and Hermione exited the office and as soon as they had gotten to the bottom of the stairs, Harry was attacked in a hug.

"Oh, Harry! You were brilliant! This will be so great. Imagine how much more we will be able to meet!" Hermione babbled happily. She was practically bouncing as they went back to Gryffindor tower.

"You were better. You had a better plan too…" Harry told her shyly.

"Harry, where did you go on the train today?" Hermione asked when they got close to the common room. Quietly, Harry recounted his discovery. Hermione was frowning and looked deep in thought.

"It does sound suspicious, but maybe he was just trying to look cool in front of his friends since he didn't get an invite from Slughorn.

"But, Hermione, he said the Dark Lord. He's using the name they do," Harry insisted. Hermione said noting until they got to the Fat Lady. She spoke the password and Harry committed it to memory. The common room was empty for once.

"I think we need a little more, Harry. It does make me wary though. We should go to bed though. Good night," Hermione said quietly. Harry wanted to continue discussing Malfoy with Hermione, but he said good night to her and headed to the boys' dormitory. He closed his curtains for privacy and went to sleep still wondering what Malfoy was up to.