A/N: Hello everyone, I know it's a bit later than I usually post, but I hope you'll like it anyway…

It may not be quite the chapter you all waited for, but my mind is a bit all over the place these days. Sorry. I do promise though, that the next chapter will be up to your expectations. Kisses everyone.

Chapter 10: DA meeting.

'Dodging every one of my spells won't help you in the battle Harry…'' Hermione roared before hurling another two stinging hexes, ''…fight back damn it. Just dodging and jumping out of the way won't help, you'll just exhaust yourself physically. If you want to win this you'll have to take down your opponents…''

Severus sat in amusement, in the far corner of the Room of Requirement, watching as Hermione was trying to teach Harry some basic maneuvers and curses. Acceptable wasn't even on the scale yet…it was clear that the boy had no experience or training whatsoever in proper dueling. For six years Albus Dumbledore had scratched his beard and ingested lemon drops, when the boy could have become a dangerous weapon. For Merlin's sake, before Hogwarts, the boy hadn't even had a proper diet, not that he did now mind, but at least he had proper, healthy meals.

When Harry, under Hermione's pressure, had confessed to Severus what kind of life he had at the Dursleys…the lack of food, necessary clothing, often violent treatment…Severus had been ready to storm out of the castle and kill every member of the Dursley household….Lucky for Hermione's binding spell.

Since day one at Hogwarts, Severus had always kept a discrete eye on the boy, but the last few weeks spent in his company proved to be most beneficiary…for both of them. Not that they would also admit it, but hey, who could blame them?

There had been two DA meetings until now. In the first, Severus had explained to them some of what they would be learning, how, and with whom, and the second he had somewhat tested their strength. After that though, there had been a discussion between himself, Harry and Hermione, debating if, or when, they were going to tell them of Dumbledore. They didn't know if there were any students that were truly loyal to the headmaster, although they doubted it, but if some of the students didn't agree, they couldn't risk them running to Dumbledore afterwards. That's why they were now half hour before their third DA meeting, speech memorized, spell ready and answers prepared for any question the students might have.

''Mione, I don't know how much I can take it. Can't we take a break?'' Harry asked panting.

''Oh, of course Harry…'' Hermione answered with a sweet smile on her lips, ''…because Voldemort is also going to give you a break every fifteen minutes, when you get tired…'' she continued by throwing and Expeliarmus and an Incarcerous at him…which, of course hit their target. ''Concentrate on the important damn it. You have to bring your opponent down. Imagine I'm…Bellatrix or your uncle Vernon…something. I could even glamour myself if it'll help. What are you going to do if he decides that tomorrow is just too beautiful a day and wants to ruin it for you by attacking Hogwarts?''

''Come on Hermione, he won't attack yet…''

''Of course he won't. You know it for sure. You're not his secretary for nothing, you must have his schedule memorized by now. '' Hermione growled, cuting him off. ''Ok, I'm going to let you rest for a bit, for now, the DA will be here in a few minutes anyway. But if I ever hear you request a break again, my answer will be a stunner. Got that? We don't have time for breaks and stupid things. At this stage even classes are pointless because if you're dead they won't matter. According to Dumbledore's 'prophecy' you're the one that will finish Voldemort. And you will be. Now, get your butt on a chair and don't you dare move.''

Harry looked at her bewildered. He blinked once…twice…sighed and did what as he was told. Of course Hermione was right. She always was. Well, he'd just have to sit back and do whatever she told him. She was afterall the expert here.

Severus watched as Hermione dropped to the floor, Indian stile, and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. He felt somehow disappointed with himself now, if Bellatrix hadn't caught him and Hermione that night in the forest, he could have had the necessary information by now. Well, sulking wasn't going to help him now, what was done was done, end of story. All he had to do now was follow Hermione's orders and help where he could.

Throwing a glance at his wrist watch, he closed his eyes and waited for the room to grant his 'wish'. Within seconds, the Room of Requirement was set as a conference room. A long table at the front with his, Hermione and Harry's chair, facing a sea of other thirty five or so chairs.

''You should place the charm now, before they enter, so we'll be sure they pass it if they leave.'' Severus said, glancing back at the girl…she was still sprawled on the stone floor.

Hermione didn't bother in getting up, she just lifted her right hand, flicked her wrist towards the door and gave Severus a mock soldier salute, he just shook his head and chuckled.

He couldn't help it, honestly, those were the reactions she got out of him. It was becoming damn hard to keep his eyes off of her, he also knew it was no use to even try either, no one paid attention to him anyway. Every time he caught her gaze in the Great Hall she would smile at him, every time he passed her in the corridors she would brush her arm against his, her presence made his class torture to teach. If he didn't know her any better, he would have suspected a healthy dose of Amortencia…but this was Hermione Granger, she would never do something so immoral. Was she doing it on purpose then? He mentally shook his head. Why would she? She had Potter right beside her…or any male she desired for that matter. Severus could understand if she didn't want a relationship now, it wasn't the appropriate time either, she had plans, Potter needed her. Hell, the wizarding world needed her. He needed her…but he was conscious of the fact that it would never happen. A man could dream though…

His thoughts were brought to an abrupt stop as the doors to the Room of Requirement opened suddenly, and students started pouring in. Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, Gryffindors…but not one Slytherin. Of course, why would they? Every single one of them wished they would follow in their parents footsteps. Foolish. No…idiots more likely. Either they didn't know what they were getting themselves into, or they would truly enjoy the torture, rapings, murders…he sighed. They thought they were doing the smart thing by joining a murderous psychopath and his band of mindless dogs that were good only to follow orders. Oh, how wrong they were.

When the students were all seated, Severus left his chair and stood in front of the crowd, which upon seeing him stand had refrained from whispering and gave him their outmost attention.

'No turning back' he thought to himself, 'It's now or never.'

''First of all…any of you that has one of Miss Granger's galleon should bring it here on the table. They will each receive some improvements.''

A couple of minutes later, and about thirty galleons gathered on the table behind him, Severus turned to speak once again.

''Dumbledore…'' he said simply. 'I'd like to hear your own opinions on him. Do not fear point loss, or detentions. As I've said in our first meeting, we are equals here. Your opinions are worth listening to as much as mine are.'' He stopped talking and waited. He could tell they were reluctant in sharing their true thoughts about the old goat, but he needed to know.

''I see…'' he said after a few minutes of complete silence. ''Well, if you won't share, I'll tell you mine. Liar. That's what I think he is. Do you agree?'' Severus knew the moment the word left his mouth that they would understand what he meant when he requested their opinions, he wasn't sure though that they understood why he had given his. A triumphant spark appeared in his eyes as Seamus Finnigan shot out of his chair.

''Well, I think he's a meddlesome old man. He's always where his presence isn't requested, and offers 'help', as he calls it, even if it isn't requested. Our house was attacked by Death Eaters last year, and he suggested to my mum that we move in the muggle world, for better protection. We are purebloods, how were we supposed to know how to act amongst muggles?His help was worthless.'' Seamus finished and sat back down.

''Thank you Mr. Finnegan. Honestly, I had no idea about this. Had I known, my personal wards would have been placed on your house.'' Seamus nodded in thanks.

Apparently, Seamus' statement was exactly what they needed. One by one the students started shouting.

''Deceiving…''

''Ignorant…''

''Barking mad…''

Twenty minutes later, each student had given the headmaster a name, and an explanation. Well, almost every student.

''Have you gone mad Harry? What did they do to you? How can you betray Dumbledore like that?'' Ron shouted suddenly.

''He's right Harry. Has Snape turned you to the dark side? It's only Granger's fault. I always knew she would betray us, but to drag you with her…'' Ginny continued.

Severus turned and smirked at Harry and Hermione. ''Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, could I speak with you outside for a moment?''

''Whatever you have to say to us, we're not interested Snape.'' Ron snarled. ''The headmaster is going to learn about this right now.'' Grabbing Ginny's hand he started towards the door. Of course, as they exited, they didn't see the slight shimmer of Hermione's charm, the others did though, but didn't ask.

''Anyone else with the same thoughts are more than welcome to follow them.''

Silence.

''Um…professor, shouldn't we leave? I mean, they'll be back with Dumbledore, won't he expel us?'' Hannah Abbot's timid voice broke the silence.

''That, Miss Abbot, is impossible. Once they stepped outside, they forgot everything they heard in here, thanks to our Miss Granger here.'' He smirked. ''Now…for the reason I've asked you of your thoughts. Albus Dumbledore is nothing but a fraud. Don't get me wrong and think of us as low as Mr. Weasley did. We are not here to draw you to the dark side. We are here to tell you the truth. Do any of you know anything about the battle that took place at the Ministry last year?''

''Only what we've read in the Daily Prophet.'' Dean Thomas answered. Everybody else nodded.

''Thought so. The reason for which even the Dark Lord showed himself is that there is a prophecy involving him and Harry Potter. Mr. Potter, if you please…''

Harry stood and started reciting the words that had haunted his nightmares for months. The worthless words that caused the death of his godfather. ''The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches.

Born to those who have trice defied him,

Born as the seventh month dies.

And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal,

But he will have power the Dark Lord knows not.

And either must die at the hand of the other,

For neither can live while the other survive.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.''

No one spoke.

''Do not panic though. It is a fake. Made by Dumbledore.''

''You mean to say we've put our lives in danger to retrieve some fake words Dumbledore manufactured?'' Neville asked angrily.

''Right you are Mr. Longbottom. It seems that Dumbledore is as power-hungry as the Dark Lord. Of course we won't imply that he is dark, but he isn't white either.'' Severus shrugged. ''That's the reason we've decided to reinstate the DA. Whoever decides to stay will be trained in combat. Voldemort…'' the students shuddered, ''…thinks Mr. Potter has to die so he could take over the wizarding world, even if we tell him the truth, he won't back down. Either we want it or not, we're going to have to fight for our freedom. In the hours you'll be spending here, you will be taught everything you need to know. Within these four walls you will become a force that both Voldemort and Dumbledore will find hard to break. Remember the speech you received on your first day at Hogwarts? The part that said your house will be like your family? Well, in here you won't be a Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor…in here you will be a family…brothers and sisters. Well…at least I hope you will be that way…if you know what I mean…'' Severus smirked at the students stunned faces.

Well, they will have to deal with it. He'd decided earlier that week that he wouldn't hide his true self in here. If they were willing to learn from him, they deserved honesty, they deserved to see beyond his mask. A family. That didn't mean he would go soft on them though…

Severus continued with his speech, and answered their question as best as he could, he explained what they would be learning more thoroughly, he explained why Harry and Hermione were seated where they were, the types of combat they would be subjected to…and of course their mental training. Occulmency would be the main 'class' starting the next session. And they were all willing. Severus felt…how did he feel? He was proud of them, proud of himself, relieved, but he also felt very smug. Dumbledore was in for a big one. Ha!

''Professor, I honestly don't think we should still be called Dumbledore's Army anymore.(casper22: thanks for reminding me.) I mean, we're not fighting for him anymore. Our goal hasn't changed, but considering what Dumbledore did, I think he doesn't deserve to claim us.''

Nods and shouts of agreement rumbled throughout the room.

''Well, Miss Patil…have any other ideas?''

''I have one…'' Colin Creevy offered, ''…how about DAMP?''

Severus quirked an eyebrow. ''Meaning?''

''Well, it's easy and I think it's quite suiting…Defense Against Moronic Purebloods.''

Laughter erupted from the students, even Severus had to let out a chuckle at that. ''Very…inventive…''

''Oh, I have another one…DARE, Defense Against Retarded Eunuchs.'' a boy from Hufflepuff said.

Without anything else to do, for the next half hour or so, different opinions, suggestions and names were shouted, but no one had managed to quite find a name that would please all of them…until Longbottom stood up that is.

''I have a suggestion…'' he said proudly, ''…I believe there are some amongst us that have lost some of their close ones to the dark side. The ones that today, we've decided to avenge. They call themselves Death Eaters, they're the ones that took our loved ones from us. We're training to become 'weapons', so to say. We're training to fight them, to stop them from ending the lives of innocent people, be they purebloods, half-bloods, muggle-borns or muggles. What do you say we remain the DA, but with other meaning. Death Avengers. Anyway, I…thought you might take it in consideration.'' Of course Neville had to finish in his own shy way, with blush and all.

Severus and Hermione exchanged a meaningful look. With so many Ravenclaws in the room, they certainly hadn't expected that answer from Neville Longbottom. They had discussed the option of name changing, and at one point Harry had said the same name, but had decided to leave it to the others. It seemed that their choice had been right.

Now all they needed was Hermione's schedule. Time, place, lesson. The students had decided to stay and fight. That was the most important. Now they could only hope that Voldemort would wait. Severus knew he would. He wanted glory and power. Fighting a sixth-year would only label him as a coward. The 'prophecy' said the Dark Lord would mark him as his equal. Voldemort was a power driven maniac, but even he knew that if he waited and he won, wizards around the world would recognize him as the most powerful amongst them. For once in his life, Severus had faith that he was doing the right thing. He had faith in the strength of others, himself included or not.

It was 3AM in the morning, and Albus Dumbledore was restless. About an hour ago some of the portraits had alerted him that a large group of students was descending from the seventh floor. Well, that would mean that Harry had reinstated Dumbledore's Army, he smirked. The problem was though that he hadn't been informed. Harry had swore he would tell him, and request that he would help…maybe he would?

Of course he would offer the minimum of the help Harry requested, it would be a pity if the boy ended up dueling Tom and finished dead within five minutes.

Maybe his plans weren't that screwed afteral. Maybe he could…Well, Albus Dumbledore was starting to hate the word 'maybe'. It just didn't fit in his vocabulary. Maybe wasn't an option. He needed facts.

Throwing a glance towards his familiar, he scowled. The moment the portraits informed him of the students out after curfew, he'd asked Fawks to take him to them, but the damn bird had refused. Why? He didn't know. It was the first time his phoenix familiar refused to do something for him. Either the bird was getting old and approached his burning day, or…well, he didn't quite have another thought on the matter, but he had to talk to Harry, and maybe have Severus follow the boy?

Anyway, the pacing was getting to him, and he needed his sleep. Contrary to popular belief, he did sleep, quite a lot actually. They didn't know it because he slept in his robes, and anytime his wards told him that someone approached the gargoyle, he would just take his place at his desk.

Yawning, he pulled a lemon drop out of his pocket and walked to his chambers. Nothing could distract him from his sweets. Not even sleep.

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Leave me your thoughts.