Chapter 7:

It seemed like only seconds had passed from when Harry slipped beneath the sheets of his four-poster bed in the Fifth-Year Boys Dormitory to when he was shaken awake by a blur with very bushy hair.

"Harry," the blur hissed, clearly attempting not to awaken the other inhabitants of the room. "It's time to get up and continue to review for History of Magic. If we start now, we can finish before lunch and still have time to plan the DA meeting for this evening."

Harry groaned and blindly reached over to his bedside table. Finding his glasses and placing them onto his forehead, the blur quickly resolved into one of his closest friends, Hermione Granger.

"Hermione, what time is it?"

"It's almost seven," Hermione said briskly. "I thought we could grab a bit of breakfast before we get started. Ron's already waiting downstairs."

That got Harry's attention. "Ron is up and dressed already? He loves to have a lie in."

Hermione looked amused, "Well, I may have told him that there's a pickup Quidditch game on the pitch this morning."

Harry recalled a pertinent detail from the Order meeting last night. "No students will be allowed outside the castle without direct supervision for the duration of the year. The Professors can't afford to keep an eye on the grounds."

Hermione let out a brief chuckle. "Well, it worked, didn't it? Besides, we're hoping to have a word with Professor Dumbledore at breakfast."

Harry realized that Hermione and Ron wanted to join the Order too. He knew that if Dumbledore had intended to allow that, then they would have been present at the meeting last night. However, he decided to keep quiet and let them try. It would be nice to have his two closest friends there with him.

Realizing a reply was expected, Harry nodded to his friend. "I'll be down in a minute."

Hermione gave him a smile and retreated down the staircase to wait for him with Ron.

As Harry dressed, his eyes drifted over the closed curtains of Neville's bed. He hoped his friend was doing better after the debacle of last night. His chest tightened as he recalled Neville's panic and difficulty breathing. Madame Pomfrey will know what to do. He reassured himself. She must.

Twenty minutes later, the three friends entered the Great Hall. While Harry headed for the Gryffindor Table, Ron and Hermione made a beeline for the Head Table where Professor Dumbledore was already seated, along with Professors Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout.

Harry kept an eye on the conversation as he served himself some toast and pumpkin juice. It didn't appear to be going well. While Professor Dumbledore's face remained inscrutable, Professor Snape's face was growing more thunderous by the second. He watched as Hermione gesticulated, trying to make her point, and as Ron provided steadfast support. However, a very small shake of Professor Dumbledore's head made the final answer very clear, even from Harry's position halfway across the hall. Ron and Hermione would not be joining the Order of the Phoenix. Harry quickly refocused his attention on his juice as Ron and Hermione returned from the Head Table. Hermione looked disappointed and Ron looked furious.

"They won't let us fight with you, mate," Ron's outburst was expected, but Harry was pleased that he had toned his voice so that their conversation remained private. "Just because we aren't out of school doesn't mean we can't fight!"

Hermione looked resigned. "Professor Dumbledore's decision is final though. I don't see what we can do."

Harry looked at his friends and was overwhelmed by their loyalty. He knew that they didn't want to fight in a war for the excitement or for the glory, but rather because they wanted to help him. The emptiness that Harry had been feeling since the passing of Sirius receded slightly. He decided to point out something that Hermione had, quite surprisingly, overlooked. "Joining the Order isn't the only way to contribute to the war effort," Harry reminded his friends. "I have to be in the Order for reasons that I'm not ready to talk about yet, but you two can still learn to defend yourselves and make sure that you're prepared if we are attacked."

Ron seemed to seize on the idea. "That's true! We could expand the DA. If the adults have their Order, there's no reason that we can't have our own."

Hermione seemed to brighten as well. "We can be prepared for anything. After all, the Death Eaters aren't going to stop and ask us if we've graduated yet when they are attacking."

Harry's stomach dropped. He hadn't meant to suggest that they turn Dumbledore's Army into an actual army to defend the school. He realized that, although Ron and Hermione had stood by his side during his various exploits, they had been somewhat insulated from the consequences of those experiences. They hadn't lost anyone they loved or seen anyone die in front of them. They had never faced Voldemort alone.

But despite those reservations, Harry realized that the idea had some real merit. If they could prepare a group of students to defend the castle in the case of an attack, it would give the younger students time to evacuate and the teachers time to prepare a counterattack. He fell into a contemplative silence as he considered the point further.

His train of thought was disrupted several minutes later when Hermione tapped him on the shoulder. "Harry, are you done eating?" she asked, enthusiasm bleeding into her voice. "I want to get started on those History of Magic revisions right away!"

As Harry allowed himself to be led away, he realized that at least there was at least one constant in his life. Hermione would always love revising.

Six agonizing hours later, Harry was ready to give up on the idea of retaking his OWLs. He had completed his review of the first-year and second-year material for History of Magic and had begun looking at the third-year material. The only positive aspect of the experience was that he had begun to find a more efficient studying method. By only reviewing the questions that were on the exams given in those classes, Harry could significantly narrow his focus to the relevant material. Hermione was thrilled too. "Oh my," she exclaimed. "Imagine if I had known this during my initial revisions! I could have spent more time on Defense Against the Dark Arts! This will be so helpful when it comes time for NEWTs!" She closed the book she was holding. "I think that we're done for today, right Harry?"

"Absolutely," he agreed wholeheartedly. If Hermione was ready to stop for the day, he was certainly not going to argue with her. "We need to do some planning for the DA meeting tonight and check on Neville anyway."

Hermione's face crumpled at the reminder. "What happened last night? When you came upstairs it was too late to really talk."

Harry didn't know how to explain the terror that seemed to be haunting Neville. He settled on simply saying, "It really shook him up to learn that every prisoner in Azkaban was freed. After what happened at the Ministry, he was already pretty upset."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." The answer slipped out automatically.

"It's okay if you aren't, you know. I'm not sure how I would react if I had to see Dolohov again."

Harry looked up and met Hermione's eyes. He saw that it cost her a lot to share that.

"The entire night was an awful, awful mistake."

Hermione nodded. "It was the first time I'd ever realized how far they would go. Dolohov wanted to kill me. If he hadn't been silenced, he would have succeeded. Madame Pomfrey said that, as it was, it was really close."

Harry shivered despite the warmth of the sun shining in through the window of the Library. He'd learned what Voldemort and his followers would do on Halloween of 1981; but, the idea of Hermione being killed was devastating. She, of all his friends in the wizarding world, was the only one who understood what it was like to learn of the existence of a secret society and to discover the wonders that it held. She and Ron frequently argued, but Harry had always understood her burning desire to absorb all she could about magic.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione."

"Oh Harry, you don't have to apologize. None of this was your fault. We were tricked."

Harry knew that. But he also knew that he had to do better. If he didn't improve, people would continue to die.

"Oi, Harry!"

The voice from the doorway was loud enough that it caught the attention of Madam Pince.

"Shhh," she demanded with a scowl on her face. Ron's face colored to match his hair as he contritely made his way over to where Harry and Hermione were seated.

"Aren't you two finished yet? It's been hours. I'm going stir crazy trapped in the castle on such a beautiful day."

Hermione couldn't resist teasing her friend, "No pick-up Quidditch games to be had?"

Harry quickly disguised the laughter that bubbled up as a cough when Ron turned in his direction. "I would have gotten up on my own, you know! I don't have to be bribed with Quidditch to get up early."

Harry snickered at his bickering friends. It was good to know that some things would never change. "I know, Ron. We are done with revisions though. I'm glad you're here because really need to discuss what we are going to cover at the DA meeting tonight."

Ron, who had been enjoying the banter, quickly sobered and took a seat at the table with them. "Obviously, the first order of business has to be reviewing the Patronus charm. With all those Dementors loose, the students have to be able to protect their families over the Holidays."

Hermione agreed, "Being able to cast the charm is relatively rare. Some of the students may be the only ones in their family who know how. They may be able to hold off the Dementors until help arrives."

Harry had given the meeting some serious thought already. "It's settled then. We start the meeting with a review of the charm. But, at the Order meeting, Professor Dumbledore suggested that the Express may be a prime target for an attack. He's stationing Professors on board to protect the train, but we need to be prepared as well. Once we figure out which students can cast a corporeal Patronus, we should place them in compartments with younger students who won't have any defenses."

Both Ron and Hermione paled as they realized that the train may be threatened. "Why doesn't Professor Dumbledore just arrange for the students to Floo or Portkey home? Surely that would be safer?"

"That's what I thought to," said Harry, "But, according to Professor Dumbledore, the Floo and Portkeys are susceptible to tampering if advance notice of the departure and arrival points is given. Since the parents would have to be notified, it makes it a more dangerous choice."

Ron nodded. "Given the choice between being attacked by Dementors or being kidnapped by Death Eaters, I know what the better option is."

"So, we accept volunteers to protect the train and station them in cabins with the younger students. That's a good plan. Which Professors will be on the train?" Hermione looked like she hoped that Dumbledore himself would be present.

"Flitwick, Sprout, and McGonagall."

"What about Dumbledore?" asked Ron. "Surely he can cast a Patronus."

"He can," Harry explained, "but if he's on the train then he won't be available if another location is attacked. He's planning to monitor the Express and if its' speed changes, he will Apparate to it immediately."

"Sounds like they give you a lot of information in those Order meetings, mate." Ron couldn't contain the brief hint of jealousy that entered his voice.

Harry knew he had to be careful to avoid an argument with his oldest and closest friend. "Mostly the meeting was really boring. The information is useful, but there's no reason for all of us to sit through hours and hours of meetings."

Ron seemed to accept that explanation and moved on, "So, is there anything else we should do at the meeting tonight?"

Harry was mostly sure that they had covered everything but he looked to Hermione for confirmation.

"I think that's everything," she agreed. "I should probably head up to my dorm and start packing for the trip home. I don't want to have to rush."

Ron and Harry shared a grin. Both knew that they would be completing their packing the morning of departure. Ron stood as well, "Dean was looking for an Exploding Snap partner. Since Quidditch isn't an option, I figured that I would go hang out in the Great Hall with him until dinner. Want to join us, Harry?"

Harry was tempted but knew he needed to decline. "I should probably see how Neville's doing."

The three friends shared a look as they recalled what had occurred the previous night.

"His curtains were still shut when I popped up to look for the two of you a little while ago." Ron volunteered the information hesitantly, knowing how difficult a time it was for both of his friends.

Harry nodded and began to gather up the scattered books from the table. "I'll start there then. Thanks, Ron."

Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder. "It'll be okay, mate. We always get through this stuff."

Harry nodded on autopilot and walked ahead of his friends as Ron and Hermione continued to banter about Quidditch. He allowed a smile to ghost across his face. At least I have good friends to get through this with.

Walking into his dorm room, Harry was nervous again. What if his disruption caused Neville to panic again?

He entered the dimly lit room and noted that Ron was correct. Neville's curtains had not moved since he closed them as he went to bed late last night.

"Neville?" Harry called cautiously. "Are you awake?"

There was no immediate verbal reply, but Harry heard movement from behind the curtains.

He decided to try again. "I figure you haven't had a chance to eat yet. I missed lunch so I was about to head down to the kitchens to get a snack from the House Elves. Do you want to join me?"

Just as he finished the sentence, the curtains opened. Harry wasn't surprised to see that his friend didn't look healthy. There were large bags under his eyes and his face was paler than usual. His hair was mussed and it was clear that he hadn't gotten very much sleep.

"Hey, Harry." The voice was hoarser than normal.

"Hey, Neville," said Harry, cautious once again. He made sure to stay well away from Neville, not wanting to upset him by reaching out like he had the previous evening.

"I don't feel up to lunch right now, but I'll be up in time for the DA meeting this evening." Neville moved to shut the curtains again.

"Neville, wait!" Harry took a half-step forward as Neville met his eyes. "You don't look very well. Why don't I walk up to the Hospital Wing with you?"

"I'm fine." Neville said flatly, clearly intending to end the discussion.

Harry realized that he had to press. "I'm not sure if you are. You look even more tired than you did last night."

Neville sagged back against his pillows. "I'm just exhausted. I need sleep, not a stay in the Hospital Wing."

"Madame Pomfrey is good at helping with things like that. And she never asks to many questions." Harry paused as Neville considered the offer.

"Alright." His stubborn friend finally conceded and ducked into the bathroom to get dressed.

While he waited, Harry busied himself by organizing his schoolbooks. Perhaps Hermione has the right idea by packing early, he considered. It certainly would help me keep my trunk in order.

When Neville reemerged he and Harry wordlessly descended the spiral staircase and exited Gryffindor Tower. On the walk to the Hospital Wing they did not speak. It seemed to Harry that Neville was embarrassed and Harry didn't want to do anything to make things worse for his shy friend.

When they arrived at Madame Pomfrey's domain, her reaction was predictable. After a few cursory questions, Neville was hustled into a bed and Harry was asked to leave. He hovered in the doorway for a moment. "I'll see you later, Neville."

Neville nodded uncomfortably from his position in the bed. "See you."

As he exited, Harry couldn't contain his sigh of relief. He knew from personal experience that Madame Pomfrey wouldn't allow Neville to leave until she was certain that he was well.

After dropping Neville off in the infirmary, Harry wandered down to the Great Hall, where he took a great deal of enjoyment from watching Ron get trounced at Exploding Snap. Because Ron usually confined himself to chess it was rare to see him lose. His best friend certainly had a head for strategy, but Snap was, in many ways, a game of luck. Luck was not with Ron today. After having his eyebrows singed for the fourth time in a row, Ron decided to sit out the remainder of the competition. An eager third year Hufflepuff took his place in short order.

Eventually, the tables of the Hall reset themselves and dinner was served. Harry was preoccupied by considering the upcoming DA meeting and barely noticed his surroundings as he served himself potatoes, roast, and a glass of pumpkin juice. Ron was across from him enjoying a spirited conversation about the merits of Wizarding Chess with Dean and Seamus. Hermione and Ginny were chatting about their Holiday plans, and Neville was notable in his absence.

It was almost a surprise when Harry realized that dinner was over and it was time to head to the Room of Requirement and set up for the meeting. Ron and Hermione fell into step beside him and the other Gryffindors in the DA promised to meet them upstairs around eight.