Harry Potter & the Child of Phoenix
Disclaimer: We've discussed this. I don't own anything! Except for the plot and the characters you've never heard of. They're mine. Mine.
Chapter Eleven: Not Easy Being Green
"…So what's the total number of Elite members we have?" Harry tiredly queried his best friends. He lay sprawled on a cherry armchair in the Room of Requirement, his legs hanging numbly off the back of the chair. He had been in for two long, long nights when he held the trials. He had never seen so many spells performed in such a short span of time. Turning to eye the mannequin sympathetically, Harry frowned at the pitiful heap of cloth and padding.
The test dummy was charred; clinging to its nonexistent life literally by threads, smoke still issuing from the burnt doll. If Harry cocked his head to the side and squinted his green eyes a bit, he could still make out the name burned into the smoldering chest.
Zacharias.
When it was new DA Elite member Ginny's turn to perform a Flagration Spell on Wednesday night, she singed the Hufflepuff's name into the unfortunate figure without regret. Of course, when it was Zacharias' turn, he had frozen at the sight of the dummy in his namesake and was asked to stand aside by Hermione for holding up the impending practical examinations. Ron, Harry and Kaltag got a great laugh at his expense.
Harry thought back to those nights' best wand wielders, the Celestials surprisingly among the best. Hermione had tough competition between Kaltag and top Voltaire, Tam Xu, all of which passing all five of their required spells with flawlessness. It was a mass of confusion for Harry, at how the Celestials even knew such spells, since they previously hadn't any wands to put them to good use with. Starbuck had explained to him that Professor Thetis' class, Early Wizarding Education, was basically Charms without the wands. The Gryffindor was impressed with the fact that Tam and Kaltag could both make Patronuses, Kaltag's winged horse stronger and more solid than the Asian Entity's. Though Tam's had form (a giant panda), it was fuzzier than it should have been. Nevertheless, the two, and naturally Hermione, had made the Elite class.
Ron also was in the level one class; his only difficulty was his Patronus, as it only came out as a strong wisp of smoke. To the astonishment of everyone, Neville made the Elite class, surprising even himself. It had been a productive, albeit strenuous two days. Curfew was fast approaching.
"Thirty-seven in Novice, forty-seven in Intermediate, and forty-three in Elite." Hermione summarized. "Didn't think we'd have that much." Ron agreed, stretching and yawning.
"We've even got Aves and Slytherins in Elite. Good night!" he exclaimed in disbelief, flopping into the couch like a heavy sack of grain. Harry scored his stomach sluggishly, remembering Monday and Tuesday before the scheduled days how Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott cornered him on the way to dinner in an inconspicuous alcove and asked if they could join the DA. Harry had explained what they had to do and the two went on their way, light Slytherin smiles playing on their faces. A few Aves and Slytherins had also joined the Novice, Elite and Intermediary groups, including Erik Hansen's younger brother, Uisdean, and the elder Nott's younger sister, Elisabeth. Many of the Celestials placed bets on how Androcles Xenik would react when he found out his youngest sibling, Emily Xenik, a Voltaire, joined the Novices. Starbuck confirmed with Harry that he read no ill wishes in their thoughts, so it was clear for them to join.
Nikola agreed to run the Intermediary division with Hermione, Harry, and Starbuck, forfeiting her spot in the Elite group. Harry's heart gave a great leap when Circe Balthazar volunteered to help Kenward and Jace with the level three group Novices, while Harry agreed to look in on them from time to time. He was glad he was sitting down when she had come to him, her long, dark hair glinting in the torchlight, her forest green eyes pulsing with power, making his heart pound. She held the male attention in the room without even commanding it, earning several glares from all house females. Hermione primly sat beside Ron, blinking the sleep fogging her mind. In her hand, she clutched the parchments with the list of where each member belonged. Her brown eyes were currently scanning the Elite list, her brows furrowing as she read the names to herself.
"This Ella Burton," she began. "Quite odd, isn't she?" Ron shrugged, and Harry felt too tired to comment.
"You tell us," Ron spoke. "She's in your dormitory." Scratching his head and yawning, Ron leaned tiredly on the arm of the chair. The Gryffindor witch bit her lip and narrowed her eyes at the list.
"I wouldn't know," she stated after a few minutes. "I haven't had much contact with her since she was revealed." Hermione tucked her legs beneath her on the burgundy sofa. "No one knows about her. She hasn't really spoken to anyone. I just want to know where she came from." Ron limply nodded and stifled a yawn.
"She knew spells well enough to land her in the Elite." He commented. Harry shifted his head a bit higher and more stable, as he felt dizzy from the blood rushing to his temples.
What was probably the surprise of the night, was Ella Burton, the enigma of a Gryffindor, also came out on Wednesday, and tested into the DA Elite. The only thing throwing her off was her opaque Patronus, but she had gotten farther than a lot of older members. The redhead barely spoke to anyone, or interacted with those her own age, keeping the mystery around her inclusive and obscure. Hermione lowered her brown brows thoughtfully at the Weasley's declaration.
"Exactly, how could she have known those spells well enough?" she queried.
"Probably transferred from another school," Harry offered, righting himself on the chair, shaking off the pull of slumber. "Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, America…."
"She hasn't got any of those accents. Pure English," Hermione pieced. "Hasn't spoken much either."
"No one seems to have a problem with her, Hermione," Ron admitted. "Let's leave it at that." The witch seemed reluctant to drop the topic of conversation, but conceded. Ron sent a mischievous smirk at Harry, who narrowed his eyes. "I see Cho's made it into the Elite." Harry's eyes widened.
"Wasn't expecting that to happen." Hermione scoffed and reviewed the list again.
"With how terrible she did before the test, I'm surprised." Hermione spoke. "She must be peeved Michael didn't make the cut." The black-haired Gryffindor frowned. Michael missed the last two spells completely, and couldn't even conjure a wisp of smoke for his Patronus. He was placed in the Intermediate class, with hopes he would progress quickly so he could make it into the higher level.
"Think Cho thinks you sabotaged his trials so you can separate them?" Ron suggested. Harry's green eyes widened as he looked at his best friend. He truly hadn't thought Cho would assume that. He hoped she didn't censure him for Michael's lack of skill. Hermione un-tucked her legs from under her and leaned forward.
"That's right! Oh, Harry, you don't think she'll take it out on you, do you?" she appeared very worried the Ravenclaw seeker would seek revenge on him. Harry ran his white hands through his hair and issued a rough sigh.
"It isn't my fault Corner couldn't do a proper Reductor Curse and Immobile Charm," he replied, standing up to stretch. "Maybe if he'd paid more attention last year. Besides, it isn't as if I'm going to rub it in. I'm hardly fond of either of them." Ron and Hermione followed suit as the Defense Association leader walked to the door.
"Maybe," Hermione responded vaguely, not entirely trustful of Cho and Michael. "But I'd keep both eyes on them to be safe." Harry and Ron both rolled their eyes skyward, heading out into the corridor. As Hermione shut the door behind them and polished her prefect badge with the fabric of her robe, the door to the Room of Requirement disappeared. Wandering down the hall to the next corridor, the trio fell into pensive silence, mulling over the last two days.
To Harry, the task of overseeing over one hundred and twenty students from both worlds was nerve wracking. He couldn't see how any of the defense professors could bear such a heavy burden. Being responsible for over one hundred futures was in no way alleviating his weary body. Having those lives, in his ashen, sweaty palms. Not comforting.
"We've got a Charms essay due, right?" Ron asked, visibly wiping the sleep from his brown eyes. "Monday?"
"Yes." Hermione answered. "I'm headed to the library to add some things to my revision tomorrow. But you two'll probably be busy with the schedule for tryouts on Saturday."
"Oh, right," Ron suddenly remembered with a subdued frown. "Did you get the nod from McGonagall, Harry?" At the Gryffindor's verification, the three continued their trek. McGonagall had gone to both boys and informed them she had booked the Quidditch pitch Saturday afternoon for team tryouts, at Harry's request. The bulletin had gone up Wednesday night after the scheduled exams, giving the Gryffindors a few days to prepare. Many Gryffindors displayed their excitement for trying out, with the exception of the sixth and seventh years. The N.E.W.T. testers collectively stated adding Quidditch practice to their all ready tight schedule would be risking over exhaustion, therefore, none would tryout.
"Brill," Ron answered buttoning his cloak. "And DA Elite Sunday, we've got that as well." Harry heaved the sigh specially crafted for the overburdened. Hermione pleated the parchments and placed them in the folds of her robes, glancing around the corridor.
"What've you got planned for our first meeting, Harry?" she questioned.
"D'you think we'll be studying the art of Animagi?" Ron popped out, enthusiasm written all over his rosy face. The intelligent witch alongside them huffed and scrunched her face in sarcasm.
"Oh, yes, Ron," she started mockingly. "Harry just wants to add more illegal proceedings to his already broad file now, doesn't he?" The young man in question considered the idea of touching upon Animagus forms with his classes, especially Elite. After all, his father had been one, and Sirius. Wasn't he always slated to follow in the footsteps of his father? Before he could answer, he caught a glint of white in the corner of his eye and turned to face the disturbance. The very last thing he needed on such a tiring night was him.
"Potter!" Malfoy's caustic voice spat, a light, barely noticeable spray of saliva shooting out from his enunciation. Harry was disappointed to note Androcles Xenik was also with him, his arms crossed and his hazel eyes hateful. Beside him, Ron and Hermione tensed, their hands instinctively hovering over their wands, but to Malfoy and Xenik, they appeared to be placing their hands jadedly on their hips. Malfoy's lips curled into a self-satisfied grin as he gave Harry a once over. "What's the Golden Hero doing out past curfew?" Xenik leered behind his cohort, constricting his grip on his arms. The Gryffindor male merely narrowed his eyes, fighting back a yawn.
"None of your business, Malfoy." He ground out, lacking the usual defiance in his voice. He was too tired to put up a fight with the Slytherin tonight. Fighting only made him more alert, and he did not want to be alert right now. He wanted to be asleep. Attentiveness was not a good thing when tired. Malfoy only narrowed his eyes and glared at Hermione and Ron.
"I see the King of Bins and his Mudblood queen are right beside their leader." He insulted. Ron's fist clenched over the robe where his wand was, but he made no move to strike Malfoy.
"Mind your mouth, snake." He hissed. Harry's green eyes were getting droopy. Draco raised a perfect, pale eyebrow at the redhead and smirked.
"Getting brave, are we? Learn that from your fearless leader, did you?" he taunted. If Harry weren't so tired now, he would have marveled at Ron's behavior; the young Weasley was strangely calm and collected, Malfoy's words seeming to have no reaction in him.
"Go about your business, Malfoy. You've got duties, remember?" Hermione condemned. The Slytherin's gray eyes slid over to her disdainfully, an angry frown carved in his face.
"I don't take orders from Mudbloods." he sneered.
"You will when she's Head Girl." Ron retorted. "Unless they're saving that position for you." Malfoy actually bristled, gaining a bit of color in his usually pallor cheeks. Next to him, Xenik's face contorted in contempt.
"You're not worthy of your prefect title, Big Brother Weasley," he judged, his accent thick with hate. Harry narrowed his eyes at the comment. What was the noxious-haired Slytherin playing at? Ron's eyes were thin slits as he slightly constricted his hand over his robe. "No Mudblood lover is."
"Stop calling her that, you prat," Harry was upset he was now more alert. "If anyone here isn't worthy, it's you two." Malfoy snorted elegantly and leered.
"I don't see you with a badge, Potter."
"And I don't see him with one, either." Harry pointed sarcastically to the badge-less Aves. Xenik was only a deputy, and he had borrowed the badge earlier from the real Aves prefects. Malfoy forced his eyes into slits.
"You know, Potter," he took a step forward. Harry impulsively slipped his hand on his wand. "You've been a thorn in my side for far too long."
"Likewise." Harry mustered enough loathing behind his voice to say such. Taking a challenging step forward, he glowered at the Slytherin.
"Just like your parents," he insulted, his voice dripping with venom. "Meddlers, and headstrong, too. The Dark Lord took care of them. He'll take care of you." Harry surprised himself with a highly amused snort. The opposing boys were taken aback slightly, but masked their expressions quickly. Even Ron and Hermione were stunned at the Gryffindor's response to the blonde boy's offense. Privately, the seeker seethed at Malfoy's scathing remark, but it wouldn't do well to be brash so early in the year.
"Malfoy, if that's the coldest thing you can come up with, you're really lousy." He shot back, raising his eyebrows. "I took care of your father, Malfoy. You're nothing but a pest, an insect, who can easily be the next stain on the back of the Daily Prophet." Hermione budged slowly beside Ron, her robes clattering noiselessly. Malfoy's only response was his redder face and heavier breaths. Xenik decided to make his presence known and jumped to Malfoy's defense.
"Mr. Malfoy got out," he replied. "Or have you not heard?" Harry's daring gaze flicked from the livid Slytherin to the smug Celestial. A light smirk played on the Boy-Who-Lived's lips and he eyed Xenik.
"On a technicality." He countered. "Only a matter of time before he's back in his favorite, grimy little cell. Hope he isn't getting used to being free Malfoy." Harry mock-gasped, and raised his hand to tap his chin. "Oh, but that's the ticket. He's never been free, what with serving Voldemort, and all." Ron and Draco both twitched slightly, Ron breaking his gaze between the cool Harry and the maddening Malfoy.
"How dare you, Potter?" he ground out between clenched teeth. Draco moved to whip his wand out, but Harry, being very nimble, flipped his out seconds before the Slytherin, a fleet of curses already racing across his mind. Both wand tips were pressed to the enemy's throat, neither boy moving to curse the other. Hermione's eyes widened at the sight, before sensibility took over.
"Malfoy, you're a prefect, and Harry, you can't attack him since he is such." She stated authoritatively. Both young men simply ignored her, their unblinking eyes glaring at each other. Harry vaguely believed he saw fear flit across the boy's silver eyes before it was quickly whisked away, leaving him to stare into the hard, icy orbs. The sixth years did not move from their position until voices and a sound was heard a few feet away in the next corridor, and Malfoy was the first to lower his wand, pressing slightly into Harry's jugular. The Gryffindor reluctantly did the same, keeping his eyes on the boy. Turning the corner, the five were met with bright periwinkle and white cloaks as Tam Xu, Icarus and Kaltag rounded the corner. Malfoy's face immediately fell into its usual sneer.
"What are you three doing here?" he demanded. Xenik puffed himself up a bit, glaring at the two Paraffins and ignoring Tam.
"Patrolling, genius, what do you think?" Icarus retorted, narrowing his eyes at the two. "What are you doing down here, so late?"
"He's obviously taking the dog for a walk," Kaltag taunted, glowering at Xenik. "Hasn't been trained, yet." The Aves' cheeks burned with unseen fire, and he unconsciously rubbed the palm of his right hand.
"Smythe." He hissed acerbically.
"Xenik." Kaltag matched.
"Potter." Malfoy spat.
"Malfoy." Hermione, Ron and Harry returned.
"Xu, Inigo, Weasley, Granger. There, we've all met." Icarus jokingly added. Xenik wasn't amused with the Black prefect's jokes, and his glare remained solely on Kaltagonus.
"We've some unfinished business." He reminded. Harry faintly spotted the flicker of silver across his hazel irises.
"We'll finish it on the field, Androcles," Kaltag replied. "It'll be one-sided, though." Just as Xenik was about to retort, and possibly, attack, Hermione jumped between the two groups and glared.
"Go back to your patrol, Malfoy." She ordered. "And you two." she rounded on Icarus and Kaltag, "continue with yours." She pulled out her wand and aimed it carefully between the two groups to show she meant business. With identical sneers, both Averins smartly took to the path from whence they came without conflict, turning down another corner. Ron and Harry let out sighs, one of relief, the other of annoyance. There was no way he'd be able to easily fall asleep now. Icarus broke the tense silence between the five by clearing his throat.
"I see what kept you guys." he began. Gesturing down the hallway, he smiled. "Shall we?" Quietly, the others agreed, heading back to Gryffindor tower, with Tam nervously behind them. Harry, now completely awake, was aware of the glares Hermione shot both him and Kaltag, her face crimson in anger.
"Can't believe you two," she hissed at both of them, whipping to glower at Kaltag. "And you're a prefect! Calling him a dog! Prefects don't insult others!"
"Well, this prefect does," he retorted. "And will continue to do so when he is threatened." Hermione scoffed loudly and huffed in anger.
"He never threatened you!"
"But he would have."
"You don't know that!"
"Well, he wasn't about to give me roses, Hermione."
"For all you know, he could have." She pointed out fiercely.
"Well, it didn't look like that when we happened upon the scene." Kaltag threw back. "The only way he'd give me flowers is if he's cursed them or put a Muggle explosive in it." Ron, who remained silent and contemplative throughout the entire argument, gave the two bemused looks. Harry mused it must have been strange for the keeper to see Hermione arguing with someone other than him.
"Why would he give him roses?" he asked. Hermione and Harry rolled their eyes, bending around to the next hallway.
"To kill him, Ron." Icarus replied good-naturedly and seriously. Harry rubbed at his eyes to sense for drowsiness. No such luck.
"He wouldn't really kill you. Besides, why does he have it in for you anyway?" the redhead inquired. Kaltag just shrugged, flinging a strand of hair from his robe.
"Dunno. He's had it in for me since first year. Before we even met, he hated me."
"Why?" Harry asked. He and Draco had only become enemies when Harry hadn't taken his hand in friendship. He couldn't tell if Malfoy had hated him before then. Kaltag sucked his teeth and rocked his shoulders upward.
"I suppose he's jealous. I'll never know his deal."
"It's obvious, isn't it?" the quiet Asian Voltaire prefect queried in statement. Icarus and Kaltag looked back at her waiting for an explanation. "Your status," she spoke. "What you are, what you'll become." Both boys appeared confused at the girl's clarification. Rolling her eyes, Tam adjusted her oval spectacles and huffed.
"Exactly what am I, Tam?" Kaltag asked, a cold bite hidden under his tone. The Gryffindors' interest was just as peaked.
"You're Kaltag Smythe, Paraffin hero, son of Athena and Spiridon." She replied tonelessly. "Grandson to Zeus and Hera, heir to the throne of Olympus. Xenik's envious, of course." Kaltag's face contorted in perplexity.
"But why would he be jealous of him?" Icarus asked. "Xenik is also Zeus grandson." Tam nodded, fiddling with her white satin cloak.
"He may be," she nodded, pointing to the redhead Paraffin prefect. "But Kaltag is the High Celestial's main concern." Hermione digested all the information and nodded jerkily.
"Perhaps Xenik is just misunderstood." All the males jeered at her remark and glowered.
"Misunderstood is nearly slicing my neck with a sword, Hermione?" Kaltag reminded. The Gryffindor witch colored at the statement, looking at her shoes with interest.
"She also thought Kreacher was misunderstood," Ron murmured in Harry's ear. "What's with her and vile humans and creatures?" Harry shrugged and crammed his hands in his pockets, his hand brushing his pointy wand.
"There's nothing to misunderstand with Aves House," Icarus began. "You understand they're all evil, though." Tam hmphed and lifted her brow.
"A common prejudicial misconception." She diagnosed. "Unless you've been in the shoes of one, you can't say they're all evil. It isn't exactly uncomplicated for them."
"And whose shoes have you nicked and worn, Tam?" Icarus countered, looking at the girl boldly. Tam gave the boy a belittling, knowledgeable stare and crossed her arms, fixing her eyes on the ginger-haired Paraffin.
"Skefteite. Kalinichta, Kaltag." She responded, inclined her head to the others, and turned the corner to head to the Ravenclaw dormitories. The Celestial didn't reply to Tam's words, but watched with a troubled expression as she left down the dark corridor. Ron stared after the prefect, and faced the others.
"What did she say?"
"'Think,' in Greek," Icarus answered. "And then 'good night.' Whatever she meant by that." The prefect set his gaze on his partner, as he answered, whose eyes didn't leave the spot facing forward. Walking the rest of the way in silence, the Paradors made it to the portrait of the Fat Lady, just as Endymion Magnus and her companion were coming around the corner. Harry sought Kaltag's expression and held back a laugh as the boy's face brightened red, and his gaze shifted everywhere but the grinning face of Endymion.
Her escort, who Harry recognized as new DA Elite member Selene Magnus, produced a lively smile Harry thought ought to be banned during such late nights. Unlike her sister, Selene was a fifth year with long, straight raven hair and darker hazel eyes, which were always vivid with delight.
"Hello." Endymion greeted them all with a small grin. Eyeing Kaltag furtively, she smiled widely as his azure eyes locked with her hazel ones, and a tiny smile spread across his lips. The Fat Lady wafted herself with a white feather-covered fan, fixing a loose tendril in her overly twisted hair.
"Endymion." He addressed. Breaking his gaze, he looked to the female Voltaire. "Selene." The girl beamed and tilted her head to the side.
"Kaltag. Haven't seen you in a while," she spoke. "What've you been up to? Avoiding me?"
"Like the plague." Icarus jumped in, earning an elbow to the ribs, courtesy of Kaltag. Hermione threw the prefect a reproachful look while Harry and Ron held their amusement at bay. The Gryffindor portrait's eyes narrowed and she made a low noise of protest at the prefect's actions. She went unnoticed.
"I only saw you yesterday, Selene." The Being of Elements confessed. The Voltaire frowned lightly, before adorning her hips with her fists.
"Not nearly enough as I'd like to see of you." she pouted. Endymion's smile waned and she looked between her sister and housemate. Harry detected a slight tone of roguishness in the fifth-year's voice, and her suggestive eyebrow raise sealed his suspicion. Endymion stood beside her younger sister, an annoyed expression seeping through her cheerful mask before she schooled her visage. Clearing her throat, she sent both parties a respectful grin before glaring daggers at her sibling.
"Don't you have to be inside now?" she asked in an undertone, though her voice held a certain hardness and blatancy, which didn't fool Harry in the least. Selene gave her older sister a look and pointed to the black and white badge on her alabaster robes glinting in the dim torchlight.
"Prefect, remember?" she harked back. Endymion was at a loss for words, but kept her glare firmly on her sister. Ignoring the female Paraffin, Selene swung her view back on the anxious Kaltag. "We're still on for tomorrow, right?" She asked the older prefect. Shaking himself out of his daze, Kaltag nodded.
"Uh, yes, we are. Five on the grounds?" he confirmed.
"A set date." She corroborated. Behind her, Endymion was looking more lost and confused through her failing glare. The Entity broke her gaze between the Voltaire and the top Paraffin, furthering her disoriented child image.
"What? Date?" she managed to speak as her sister walked away. Spinning on her heel, the younger year beamed, patting Kaltag on the shoulder affectionately.
"Kaltag's tutoring me in defense for Chiron's class," she explained, cocking her head to the side. "Thought you knew, Endy." The girl in question furiously shook her head and crossed her arms heatedly. Shrugging indifferently, Selene faced the Being, and giving him one last touch, succeeded in infuriating her sister with one last comment. "See you then, love." The girl intelligently sauntered down the corridor, whistling a merry tune. Though the Voltaire's comment was empty and without feeling, Harry suspected Endymion took it hard and as a reality. The poor girl looked like she'd been done over in the face. Her black lashes seemed to stand out more around her hazel eyes, burning with a flame of rage at her sister's retreating back.
"Ahem," the Fat Lady rudely interrupted. "Are you planning to state the password or will you be sleeping under my frame tonight?"
"Carpe occasus." Ron recited, and the portrait flew open to reveal the entrance to the common room. Hermione and a seething, yet silent Endymion walked in first, followed by the boys with Icarus bringing up the rear. The lounge was strangely void of many Gryffindors and Paraffins tonight, leaving only a few fourth, fifth and seventh years. The only sixth years awake were Starbuck and Nikola, who both appeared to be nodding off on the couch. As the six entered, Endymion went straight to the staircase for the girls' dormitory, barely storming up the stone steps. Icarus reluctantly followed her, throwing the others perplexed looks.
Nikola was shaken awake by Hermione plopping between her and Starbuck, leaving Ron and Harry to take the armchairs. Kaltag settled on the floor without complaint, absently staring off into the fire, a preoccupied façade locked on his countenance. Merely by his body language, Harry had a feeling Kaltag did not want to let his siblings in on his cryptic conversation with Tam. Harry lowered his brows thoughtfully as he watched the orange light dance across the teenager's eyes.
The prefect reminded him vaguely of someone. His face looked troubled, his brows furrowed in deep contemplation, a haunted guise flowing over his face, as if he'd struggled and toiled for years. As if he was wrestling inwardly at this very moment. With his thin hands drawn protectively over his knees, and his shimmering cloak wrapped around his body, the Being looked small and distressed, his face weary, his shoulders low with burden. Narrowing his green eyes, it finally came to Harry.
He saw himself in Kaltag.
The young Being reminded him so much of the other side of his persona, the other face everyone believed to see every day. The Boy-Who-Lived. The future savior of the wizarding world. Wrinkling his raven eye mustaches, Harry lifted his searching orbs off the student. Kaltag was filthy rich, with a decided future as ruler of all Celestials, and a loving family to support him. He even had Entities vying for his affections, if he could see with his own eyes.
The prefect had rivals that bore no worthy match to his powers and determination. Harry fought the intense desire to scoff cynically and fell back gruffly into his stuffy chair. What could the boy possibly have to worry about? His life was a far cry from Harry's, who had a prophecy hanging over his head and power-hungry Dark Lord chasing after him year after year. Looking over your shoulder, watching for enemies seen and unseen. Not knowing if ever confrontation could be your last. The Being really had no idea what it was like to be him. Therefore, he should not appear so troubled.
A thick-furred black cat cantered down the stairwell and nestled by Nikola's legs. The Entity stroked the cat affectionately for a few minutes; Harry didn't notice when Nikola went up to bed, shortly followed by Hermione and the feline. Ron and Starbuck watched carefully as the bushy-haired witch ascended the stairs and disappeared. Ron noticed the Being of Dreams and Fancies watching the witch warily, and tapered his brown eyes somewhat. What seemed like minutes later, Starbuck announced his longing for his bed and left the three alone. All the other students had long gone to their dormitories.
Ron remained motionless on the armchair, staring ahead at a blank space. Kaltag's orbs were blindly focused on the dying fire, unblinking and glassy. The Gryffindor seeker's arms were folded across his chest as he studied the window off to the side. The pitch-blackness outside was only broken by the few white dots of stars overhead. No moon tonight. Lupin must be thrilled. Lupin. Sirius. He had been completely neglectful in writing to them.
True, it was only the second week of school, but by last year, he had already written to his godfather. He made a mental note to find time to write him tomorrow or Saturday morning. Now that the Order had Celestials and various other members, he wondered if Sirius was enjoying the old place a bit more. The Animagus was probably on a mission as he pondered, risking his life again for him. Risking his life so people like Neville, Ginny, and Luna didn't have to if the war got out of hand. People like Kaltag.
The brooding student blinked as if he mentally responded, but his eyes remained on the fire. Perchance he was having fancies over Tam Xu's words of wisdom. 'Think.' About what? She couldn't possibly mean rethink their rivalries. Slytherin and Aves had some warped sense of morals they concentrate on achieving. True, not all were evil. Those like Nott, Zabini, and the Aves' Ogilvy Murdock, Sloanne Wynne, and Uisdean Hansen proved as such. But those like Malfoy, Xenik and Pansy all countered them, showing the life of the wicked was far more entertaining. But are there those willing to take a gamble with such a mirage? Obviously, as Voldemort still had and gained followers.
The hour continued to progress and the boys lingered in their unmoving, silent positions until the last embers of the fire smoldered portentously. Quite suddenly, Ron and Kaltag ceased their stream of thoughts and stood, as if the fire brought them well out of a trance. Standing, the boys headed for the stairwell.
"Coming, Harry?" Kaltag called, his throat somewhat hoarse. Blinking rapidly with exhausted eyes, Harry glanced at the clock in the last dregs of orange light, finding it was nearing the midnight hour. Had they really been thinking that long, and in silence? Standing up, the Gryffindor followed his mates tiredly up the stairs, glad to have the feeling of slumber tug at his conscious.
……………..
Dear Snuffles,
Everything all right over there? Things back at Hogwarts are a bit hectic this time around, what with an entire new school here. I've followed your advice and made new friends. You may have heard of them. The Smythes, along with some others. Awesome powers, these Celestials have.
Sorry I haven't written to you sooner. With Quidditch and the organization, along with piles of essays and homework, I'm lucky I can get a quill in edgewise. Ron and I have agreed to become co-captains for Quidditch, and the headmaster gave the go ahead to restart the club properly. The event that only seeks to plague burdened minds like mine (or at the moment, just me) occurred earlier that morning, so I informed him.
I haven't caught wind of any adventures yet, and I don't think I will so early in the year. I'm off to do some schoolwork now. Be sure to say hello to everyone for me, especially Moony.
Best, Harry
PS – Let Moony know my new defense teacher says he was the best and most proper instructor we ever had. The entire class (mostly all) agreed.
Harry reread the parchment over and folded it twice. Beside him, on the nearest perch was Hedwig, preening her wings before she took off. Walking over to her, Harry listened to the sickening crunch of rodents' bones beneath his shoes and the strident hooting of school and student owls overhead, in the rafters of the vaulted ceiling. Numbers of the birds doubled since Celestials now owned the magical messengers, despite their personal postman, Hermes. The glassless windows of the Owlery poured out bright yellow sunlight, glittering off Harry's round-rimmed glasses. Faithful Hedwig hooted happily, flapping her wings as he drew near.
"Hiya, Hedwig," he greeted, stroking her chest with his fingers. The owl released a low hoot and leaned into the touch, lovingly pinching his finger between her beak. "Letter for you to deliver. For Sirius." He bowed close to the bird and spoke the last statement, even though he was the only one present amongst the feathery messengers. A flash of glossy white caught his vigilant eyes and glancing upward, he spotted the silvery-white owl, Argentum circling overhead. Kaltag's owl soared effortlessly out of the windows and back in again, before settling on a rafter near Mercury, Starbuck's red owl. Looking back at his owl, Harry grinned as Hedwig blinked her large, amber eyes and hooted. He handed her the letter and she held it fast in her beak.
"Safe journey, all right?" The snowy owl brought her wings up and down to gain a strong gust, then took off out the window. The Gryffindor unconsciously watched as the reliable messenger flew off into the vast golden sky, until he could see her no more. Turning to walk out, Harry realized the déjà vu of the entire situation. Just last year around this time, Cho Chang kept him company in the Owlery, while sending a package off somewhere. They had a nice, civil conversation, before Filch rushed in and made false accusations of Harry sending off orders for Dungbombs. Cho, of course, leapt in to defend him, more or less shifting the blame further on him. That was past, when he couldn't even be around the girl without feeling his internal organs performing acrobatics. Walking out of the Owlery, Harry made his way back to Gryffindor tower to gather his things for his classes.
He hoped Sirius would respond soon. That was, if he was even in the UK.
………………..
"Eighteen inches on the Disillusionment Charm, two rolls of parchment on Cross-Elemental Switches, and three rolls on the Aging Potion." Ron seethed. "At least Jace got him to lower it to three, rather than the six he'd have us write." The others agreed, gripping their sacks tightly, as they trudged to Gryffindor Tower after their last class that day.
"And we've got the planet alignment chart due for Cosmo and Sinistra, we haven't done that yet, Ron," Harry reminded. "Anything else?"
"Your Charms essay," Hermione answered after muttering the password to the primly dressed Fat Lady, who was admiring herself in her compact. Entering, the six claimed the couches and tables by the fire, dumping their belongings on it. "And weren't you complaining about Divination homework?" The boys groaned at the prompt, sagging annoyingly in their seats. Ron threw his head back onto the chair, staring at the high ceiling.
"Oneiromancy and Botanomancy." Starbuck grumbled. Nikola playfully pat him sympathetically on the head, and turned to Hermione.
"We've got Runes work for Osgood," she stated. "And you have History of Celestiality and Magic homework for Einar and Binns." Kaltag lazily stood and slumped his bag on her shoulder, before Endymion walked in the common room and took a seat at the far table. She followed the boy with her eyes stealthily, but said nothing in greeting to any of them. Nikola and Hermione went up to their dormitories at separate times, Starbuck's eyes following them both.
"I've got to tutor Selene." Kaltag declared. "Later." He turned back to the portrait and exited. Hermione returned with another set of books, which she unsuccessfully tried to stuff into her already overfilled bag. She surrendered, carrying most of her books in her hand and faced Starbuck with a nervous smile.
"Ready?" she queried. Nodding, Starbuck stood and clutched his sack. Ron's head swiftly rose from the pillow and he stared bewilderedly between both Paradors. Across the room, Endymion Magnus lifted her knapsack to her shoulder and slipped out of the common room. Hermione and Starbuck headed to follow her.
"'Ready'? Where're you two going?" he questioned, irritation clearly shining in his vibrant, brown eyes. The clever witch turned to her prefect partner.
"The library. Starbuck and I are studying there." Ron spluttered, his ears glowing the familiar shade of crimson.
"Why can't you study here? In the common room?" he asked a bit fiercely. Rolling her russet eyes, Hermione grasped her books tighter. Starbuck looked edgily at Ron and Hermione, before he backed slowly to the door. Harry could feel the anger Ron was exuding.
"Because the common room doesn't have the books we need, Ron," she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "We'll be at dinner. You know where we are if you need us." Starbuck held the portrait open for Hermione, and they both disappeared down the hall. Harry hesitantly swung his attention back to his teed off co-captain, whose countenance was incensed with quite a shade of ruby. His brown eyes brimmed with such hostile anger, and Ron roughly grabbed his leather carrier, yanked the latch open and tossed the books on the table before the hearth. Harry couldn't find the words to soothe his friend, as he did not know why Ron was angry. Starbuck and Hermione were obviously heading to the library to study. Was he upset because they hadn't invited him? Hermione did say she was going to the library yesterday night. Why would the prefect be so irate with her?
The Weasley made much disturbance when he seized his parchment and quills and ink, throwing open his Potions book to start on his essay. Harry uneasily slid off his chair to his own bag on the floor, and took out his defense book. Ron said nothing to him, his face too purple to form words. His breathing was heavy, filled with unbridled anger, and every exhale of air seemed to make the common room overcast. If Harry didn't know any better, he'd say the redhead's anger was directed not at Hermione, but at their dorm mate.
"Krum dumps her, then she moves on to study." he snarled sarcastically, scribbling untidily on his parchment. Harry didn't answer, but kept to his task of unpacking parchment, ink, and quills. The flame-haired boy grumbled furiously to himself, taking his rage out on the parchment and quill. The Gryffindor seeker carefully closed his leather carrier and opened his defense book, his quill ready to work on the advantages and disadvantages of the Disillusionment Charm. After reading a few pages on the charm, Harry wrote over nine inches of explanation on the spell, nearing the end of the essay. Ten minutes later, he chanced a glance at the still fuming Gryffindor prefect, noting nervously the boy was still red in the face, but he was almost amazingly done with his first parchment in the potions essay. Perhaps Hermione and Starbuck should go to the library more often, if it gets Ron to work quickly.
…………………..
Two hours after Hermione and Starbuck left, Harry was pleased to note he had completed his work for Defense, Divination, Charms, and Astronomy, and was now writing his first sentence for the Potions essay. Transfiguration would be done later that night, to free up his weekend for Quidditch tryouts and defense. He surprised even himself, at how quickly he was doing his homework, since most were due by the middle or end of next week. Perhaps Hermione was rubbing off too much on him.
Ron, he noticed, kept glancing at the door an hour after the two left, expecting them to show up soon. Dinner was but over an hour away, and the redhead took to glaring at anyone entering the now full common room. The portrait swung open to admit Circe and Isabella, followed by a straight-faced Ella Burton. Hermione seemed very suspicious of the girl and the details of her arrival, and Harry could see where she was coming from. The girl rarely spoke to anyone, let alone her own dorm mates, and was as proficient in spells as a standard sixth year. He never heard her speak, but Hermione did say she was English. The portrait let in Thanos and Yorick, making Ron grunt in frustration. Slamming his fists on the table, the Weasley growled. Everyone in the lounge directed his or her glares at him, the first years shaking in the far corner.
"That's it!" he pronounced, rolling up his scrolls and shoving his books in his bag roughly. Harry's eyebrows were lost in his bangs, staring at his barmy mate. All eyes were on Ron as he violently slung his bag over his shoulder, and without a word, stormed out of the common room. Harry had the urge to get up and follow him, but something told him the prefect needed to be alone. Activities halted by Ron's outburst continued on, but others threw Harry questioning looks he couldn't answer.
Half an hour before dinner, Harry spotted a familiar mane of red hair descending the steps. Turning to greet the girl and only Gryffindor chaser, Harry paused, blinking as Ella Burton moved down the steps with a heavy book, and occupied the chair Ron had left thirty minutes ago. She gave Harry a courteous smile, which he returned, and opened the book. The cover looked old, worn, and weather beaten, but he didn't see the title. Ella's eyes focused on the book before her, her brows creasing in concentration. She habitually tucked a long red strand of hair behind a delicate ivory ear, and resumed her reading. Harry's emerald eyes narrowed faintly over the rim of his spectacles, as he studied the girl. His quill was suspended over his essay, the dark ink hanging precariously on the sharp edge of the utensil. He quickly returned to his essay, his jade eyes flitting every now and then over to the cagey girl.
Some noise was heard from the staircase, and Harry watched as Ginny came down with Colin, Dean, and Jack Sloper. The sixth year slit his eyes slightly, eyeing the boys around the youngest Weasley. Ginny was always surrounded by boys. Was she that much of an attention seeker, or did they just flock around her all the time? At the thought of who her 'boyfriend of the week' might be, Harry's eyes widened when the chaser's eyes caught his. Her smile made Harry grin dopily, and he mentally shook himself from his asinine behavior. Why was he acting this way? He never gave a second thought about Ginny's love life before.
The Gryffindor assumed all his previous actions were answered when Circe and Philo Balthazar emerged from behind the young Weasley. Dozens of slack-faced, silly-smiling boys and girls of various years followed the sibling Celestials of Love, and of the two, only Philo seemed bothered. Harry's eyes followed the striking Entity until she and her younger brother left the lounge. Ginny sat by herself at the table behind Ella's chair, dropping her heavy subject books on it. Gathering his things, Harry moved away from the hearth to sit by his chaser, and both shared smiles as he sat.
"Ready for tomorrow's try outs?" she asked him, scripting her name on top of the parchment. The golden rays of the setting sun cascaded from the window above their table, lighting the area well with warmth.
"Yeah," Harry answered. "How many do you think will turn out?"
"Lots of younger years, with the exception of first," Ginny responded, flipping a page in her Transfiguration book. "Colin and Dennis are trying out, too." Harry emitted an ill moan, and his face turned a bit green. Ginny giggled in amusement, shaking her head. "At least their hands will be occupied with brooms and not cameras." Harry nodded; this was true.
"Right." He answered. The same black cat from the previous night trotted down the stone steps and leapt into the armchair Harry had evacuated, curling into a tuft of black fur on the burgundy seat.
"Kenward was talking about Apparation tests at the end of next year for the sixth years," Ginny spoke. "Planning on taking it?" Harry was taken aback by the question, as he hadn't heard that from his defense instructor. The male shrugged.
"I guess. Haven't heard about that." The entrance swayed open letting the Entity Endymion Magnus in. Harry had to squint to look at her, since she looked nothing like she did before she left. Her white face was marred with small streaks of dirt, and her wavy black hair stuck out in strange directions, with bits of twigs and greenery in it. Ginny did her best to stifle her laughter as the girl passed to head up the stairs, and let loose as the Celestial disappeared.
"What was she doing?" she managed to say between cackles. Harry couldn't help but smile and returned to his essay.
"I think she was in the bushes, spying and all." He replied. His conjecture was validated when Kaltag Smythe walked slowly into the common room, wearing trainers, gray sweat pants, a white tank top, and clutching his bag. His Paraffin house robe hung out of the corner of the bag, wrinkled and covered with dirt. He wondered if the Paraffin and Selene Magnus had spotted Endymion, but by the look on his face, they hadn't. Sweat trailed down his fit arms, sliding into his loose shirt, and the prefect went up the stairwell, no doubt to take a shower.
Incessant tapping was heard on the window above Harry and Ginny's table, and a massive, blurry figure shadowed Harry's light. The seeker's eyes widened, before quickly creasing his eyebrows. Ginny stood to unlatch the window and let Hedwig flutter in, ruffling her feathers proudly.
"Hedwig?" he questioned. In her beak was a small scroll of parchment, and Harry swiftly took it from her. Ginny cocked her ginger head to the side and slanted her lips, petting Hedwig.
"You weren't expecting a letter?" she inquired by the look on his face. Hedwig flapped out the open window.
"Not so soon." He voiced, unraveling the letter.
Dear Harry,
Good to hear from you so soon.
"Likewise." He murmured to himself, making Ginny lower her brows.
Congratulations on making captain! Ron's parents and brothers are thrilled with the news. I expect you two'll be receiving a box as heavy as a hippogriff full of fudge and sweets from Molly. Things are fine at headquarters, with many coming and going. Glad to hear you've made friends, especially with the Smythes. I will be out of the country for a few weeks, but I will have the mirror. You know what to do. By the way, Moony is glad to have someone who isn't a complete dunderhead praise him on his work. That's put more of a spring in his step. He's out of town, also. And if you keep having those odd dreams, continue to tell the headmaster. Let me know when the next Hogsmeade weekend is. Keep at it.
Snuffles
The missive was short, but at least he had heard from his godfather. The girl across from him stopped her writing to eye the note. At her questioning glance, Harry folded the note.
"Snuffles." The young chaser nodded, returning to her work.
"Tell him I'm still awaiting ideas for pranks." She joked. "When did you send the letter?" Harry stuffed the scroll in his pants and folded his arms.
"This morning."
"Hmm," she hummed. "He must be close by." Inclining his head, Harry knotted his eyebrows. Sirius was on a mission of some sort. And judging by how quickly his response came, he was in close range to Hogwarts. Commotion ignited in the common room as many students got up and headed out of the portrait hole. Ginny snapped her book shut and put her things in her bag, followed by Harry. "Must be dinner, then." The raven feline on the chair awoke, and after stretching, took off up the stairs again. Ella remained reading on the chair, ignoring the racket her housemates caused by leaving and packing up. Ginny and Harry left with the others, not bothering to wait for any of their friends.
The two chatted all the way to the Great Hall, about everything from classes to Quidditch to the DA, which Ginny expressed her enthusiasm to begin. Off to the side, Harry spotted Michael and Cho with a few of their Ravenclaw friends, including last year's Defense Association saboteur, Marietta Edgecombe. 'SNEAK' was still clearly visible on her face, and Ginny smirked.
"Wonder how her life's been." She conversed. "Never knew Hermione's retribution could be so malevolent." Both Gryffindors chuckled loudly and entered the jam-packed hall. As Harry settled beside Ginny at the Parador table, he swore he saw the Ravenclaw seeker glower at the red-haired fifth year.
………………
"…. I think he's really good." Andrew Kirke commented while sitting in one of the top boxes on the Quidditch Pitch. "I mean, he knocked the bludger clear away from Ginny."
"He's right, Harry." Ron agreed, doodling on his parchment. "And he worked well with Andrew." Harry nodded, itching his chin. The four members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team sat in one of the teachers' stands on the field. The trials had been a great turn out and success, where Harry and Ron could easily spot the talent and determination out of the testers who had never even played the game before. Now, contrary to mere minutes before, the field was empty and the sun was setting over the hoops. Silence slithered below the group on the field, with only tiny chirps shattering the air. "I'd choose him."
"Ginny?" Harry turned to the girl. Nodding, Harry sighed and set his Firebolt by Ginny's Cleansweep. "Okay, Merrick Linwood is the new beater." Kirke smiled widely and rocked back and forth in his seat in celebration. "Chasers, Ginny?"
"Warner and Schmetterling." She reported. "I worked easily with them, and they can score goals. We need a bit more work as a unit, though." Harry nodded. He was beat from the four hours on the pitch they spent auditioning talent. Hermione and a few Celestials stuck around for the first hour, before they retreated inside. Luckily for them, they weren't exhausted and smelly.
"Ron?"
"I've no problem with them." He answered, just as dog-tired.
"Andrew?"
"I'm fine with them."
"Louise Schmetter-what's-it and Madeleine Warner are the new chasers." He announced to the team. "Reserves."
"Seeker."
"Standish." The all spoke simultaneously. "Powerful third year." Ginny remarked.
"Caught the snitch in just under forty." Harry added.
"It's decided then." Ron settled. "Keeper?"
"I'd say Colin," Kirke stated. He saved eight out of fifteen and handled well."
"But Gerard saved twelve out of fifteen," Harry reminded. "He could use work on maneuverability." Ron inclined his head and chewed on the end of his quill.
"My job. Right. Bingham it is." He confirmed. "Beaters?"
"Wyatt and Wallis were exceptionally good." Kirke voiced. "They handle oddly, but they could at least hit the ball, unlike some of them." Harry cringed when he remembered what Kirke referred to. Dennis Creevey had tried out for beater, which was a major mistake. Instead of hitting the ball, sometimes he would miss it. And if he did hit it, it was toward the crowd. None of them could risk the excitable boy on their team.
"Right." Ginny concurred, rubbing her leg tenderly. "Nearly took my legs off, they did. Therefore, I go with Hoffenhoch and Townsend."
"Agreed." Was the vote of the board.
"Chasers." Harry began. "Frobisher, Dugan, and Abercrombie. For a second year, Euan's pretty fast. I'd put him on the current team, but then I'd have to find a first year replacement for him. And nippers aren't allowed."
"Top," Ron exclaimed. "Abercrombie was wicked."
"Carleigh Dugan and Vicky Frobisher worked well," Andrew noted. "I could see them working well in the future."
"Andrew's right." Ginny backed up. "They were good." Harry covered his mouth from his yawn, standing to his feet.
"Well, that settles it," he concluded. "We'll post the list tomorrow. Let's get showered, eh?" The group collectively agreed and each individually grabbed their broom.
"I don't have much pleasure smelling like wet dog," Ginny scrunched her nose and drawled. She furtively sent a glance to Harry, an impish glint in her bright chocolate eyes. Mounting her broom, she smirked and glanced back at the seeker. "Or being around a few of them." Kicking off, the chaser dived to the ground, her red hair whipping behind her like fire. Ron grumbled behind Harry, as Kirke took off.
"I'll show that witch wet dog…." Ron mumbled, dropping after Kirke. As Ginny raced across the field to the locker rooms, a small smile lingered on Harry's lips. Ginny had a fiery spirit and mischievous nature. He wondered how he missed such an important thing as they spent five years of school and summers together.
……………….
Kaltag, Starbuck, Icarus, and six other Celestials entered the Room of Requirement Sunday evening, looking worn-out and worked. The only one with a cheerful, exuberant expression was Arthur Gilliam, the Paraffin Sliatyckx head captain and enthusiast. The upbeat boy walked with a sort of spring in his step and took a seat at the back of the room on a fluffy beige cushion. The sixth year Paraffin players gave Harry apologetic grins, taking their places throughout the room.
"Sorry, Harry," Kaltag apologized, ruffling his messy, soaked hair. "Practice ran through a bit later than expected." Harry, who was sitting on top of a short bookshelf, swinging his legs in bored fascination, waved the Being off, knowing firsthand that a late practice meant the captain was a bit to keen during the rehearsal.
"Don't worry about it." The noised level in the Come and Go Room was especially loud, since most of the DA Elite members were already present. Hermione was caught up in deep reading of a defense book, but greeted Starbuck with a tiny acknowledging smile as he sat next to her. Harry raised his eyebrow when Kaltag and Icarus sat with Selene, Tam and Raelin Maddox, a reserve Orber for the Paraffin team. Endymion's once bright face fell considerably as Isis and Etienne Flannery continued to chat in low tones beside her. She forlornly pushed aside a downy emerald cushion away, somewhat resentfully eyeing her younger sister.
Half of the self-proclaimed couple of the year, Cho Chang, sat in the back, engaging in dull conversation with Entity of Intelligence, Isabella Lancaster. Without her other half attached to her, she looked bare, and isolated. And a still prickling Ron chose to sit around the center of the room with spacey Luna, Ginny and Neville. Ella Burton was hidden between a few Voltaires and Brittlebores, glancing every now and then at her peers. Peeking at the clock, Harry lowered his eyebrows. None of the Slytherins and Aves had appeared. He was supposed to start the meeting minutes ago, but delayed it, hoping they would already be here.
Hermione snapped her book shut to indicate the meeting should start, but Harry hesitated. Nott and Zabini were thrilled to make it into the Elite. They wouldn't just fail to show up at the first one. He may not have know them well, but he knew they could not have falsified their reactions and feelings so well. At Hermione's insistent throat clearing (and Ron's menacing glower in her direction), Harry leapt off the shelf with reluctance, and immediately, all conversation ceased. Examining the eager faces of wizards and Celestials before him, the shining eyes, the excitement crackling in the air, Harry inhaled deeply, greeting them all with small smiles.
"Welcome to the first gathering of the Defense Association, Elite." He initiated. "You have all done well in your e-exams to be here," he kept glancing at the door. "And I congratulate, er, you on your achievement." A light applause broke out, somewhat stiff, but applause nonetheless. Zacharias Smith eyed the burnt mannequin in the corner behind Harry and paled. Looking back at the door, Harry let out an inaudible sigh. They weren't coming. Hermione and Ron, he noticed, gave him worried looks, but he ignored them. "Uh, today, we will review the Impediment Jinx, followed with a Hex-Deflection Charm," a few fourth years gasped in awe, brimming with excitement. "So, I'll teach you the theory and—"
The door squeaked open slowly, and a dark hand clasped around the frame. Attached to the hand was a shiny, violet cloak, and Ogilvy Murdock, a sixth year Aves student. Behind him, Sloanne Wynne of Aves, Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott appeared to be looking around the area, before throwing Harry a look. The Gryffindor—as well as everyone else in the DA—eyed the quartet in uncertainty, all but Harry mistrustful. Finally entering the room and closing the door behind them, the four boys clutched their carriers with them, before discarding them quickly by the door. The males were docile, and their shifty eyes flicked over the room and Harry. Nott rubbed his upper arm tenderly, anxiety carved in his countenance. His eyes were droopy, and he looked fatigued and hassled.
"Er, sorry." Sandy-haired Blaise spoke up. Ron's face contorted in disbelief and his eyebrow elevated as the four tiptoed through the crowd to find available seats in the back, Nott stroking his left arm gently. The Slytherins and Aves gave each other cautious looks as they settled in. Many of the students still looked at the boys with wariness, but turned their focus mainly on their silent leader. Hermione shuffled in a comfortable position on her cushion, bringing Harry from his daze. The Elite were still waiting for him to continue, despite the interruption.
"So, the incantation for the Hex-Deflection Charm is 'Parcomalum.' If you say it with enough feeling and concentrate hard, you can deflect the simplest spells." Harry lectured. Hermione was on the edge of her pillow, drinking every word. Harry tucked his hands in front of him and surveyed the group. "Every one, repeat the incantation after me, one two, three…."
………………….
As the last Paradors, Ravenaires and Hufflebores shut the door behind them, Harry, Ron, Kaltag and Thanos all stacked a few cushions along the wall, cleaning up after their meeting. A few students were still hanging around, getting a few more pointers from resident genius Hermione. Many of the students learned the deflection spell quickly, with the exception of a few fourth and fifth years. Sir Unfort, short for 'Unfortunate,' the mannequin lay in worse shambles than the last time, with half his stuffing seeping from its proclaimed abdomen. Endymion Magnus incanted her Impediment Jinx incorrectly (and pointed it in the wrong direction, too), ripping the poor dummy to shreds. The thing Harry found suspiciously odd, was the model was in one corner of the room near Selene and Kaltagonus' group, while Endymion was supposed to be facing the other way.
The Slytherins and Aves did surprisingly well, considering many of the skeptical glowers they were subject to. Harry was especially glad he didn't need to peel a Gryffindor off of any of them; and there were no skirmishes, save Zacharias and an irate Ron clashing about what Harry should teach from now on. Luckily, Hermione knew the countercurse for the Vanishing Mouth Curse ("Abeolabiae!") Ron flung over his shoulder at the Hufflepuff. Needless to say a few students were upset with the Gryffindor prefect from removing the well-deserved curse. Shoving the bolsters back into the corner, Harry clapped his hands together, watching as the Beings and Ron walk off to assist Hermione with stacking books. The inquisitive Gryffindor's bottle green eyes scanned the seemingly empty room as the fourth years exited. Curiously, he realized the Slytherins were still present.
Off to the side, the Slytherins and Aves were gathering their abandoned bags. Sloanne whispered something to Ogilvy, prompting the boy to check his watch and curse under his breath. Harry narrowed his eyes, and kneeled before the pillows, to pretend to stack them meticulously neatly. Swearing inwardly, Harry cursed himself for sending Starbuck ahead to make sure the hallway paths were free from traps and other things. Were he here at the moment, he would probably be able to tell the Gryffindor if they were planning something. Zabini and Nott eyed their Aves mates with confounded expressions; more words were exchanged, and after a few murmurs and nods, the Celestials departed. Odd.
Fluffing a particularly gaudy pillow, Harry scrutinized the remaining Slytherins out of the corner of his eye. As Nott lifted his sack to his shoulder, the boy faltered, dropping the bag to the ground, and gripping his arm. Ignoring his pointless clean up, Harry stood from his corner and took a few strides to get to the sixth years. Nott and Zabini glanced between each other before meeting the approaching Harry's gaze. Stuffing his hands in his pockets and grazing the smooth wood of his wand, Harry offered the boys respectful smiles.
"Potter." Zabini greeted. Nott inclined his head, massaging his arm through his dark robe.
"Ah, 'lo." Harry acknowledged, studying their expressions. Both seemed nervous. For what, he hadn't a clue. Better to get to the point and thwart any evil plans in the making. "Anything wrong?" The wiry boy Nott briefly met gazes with Harry before looking down.
"Nothing." Blaise easily lied. Harry had dealt with Slytherins for almost six years. He knew their lying habits by now. Theodore's eyes moved about the room, not bothering to settle on Harry. His arm was obviously still bugging him, as he continued to rub it. By the bookshelves, heavy clunks could be heard as the boys and Hermione fixed the tomes. Shifting from foot to foot, Nott attempted to pick up his carrier again. Gripping the arm of the bag, the Slytherin hesitated before letting it drop. He couldn't carry it with his bad arm. Harry raised an eyebrow. The boy seemed to be hurt.
"Something wrong?" he questioned.
"No," Blaise cut in quickly. "Nothing at all." Harry smirked mockingly.
"Right." He replied. "And I'm Umbridge's mother-in-law." Zabini threw the Gryffindor an annoyed look, pulling his bag higher on his shoulder. "Something's wrong." The sandy-haired boy sneered.
"Why do you assume so?" Harry tilted his head back and forth, before crossing his arms.
"For one, he can't even pick up his bag properly. And two, you all are beady-eyed and dodgy. Three, his arm's hurt." The last was pure speculation, but the way the Slytherin reacted gave it away. "Murdock and Wynne are a bit tetchy, too. Ergo, something is awry." The three were silent, only hearing Hermione and Ron fuss and bicker in the back about spell books. Blaise opened his mouth to retort, but Nott ceased further words.
"You're right." He had a deep voice, a bit coarse and weary. Harry loosened his folded arms and remained tacit for an explanation. "No one knows we've joined the DA." He admitted. Harry suspected as much, with their amateur security precautions, but it didn't explain the boy's behavior. "Malfoy wanted to know where we were headed, and I didn't tell him." The Gryffindor lowered his black eyebrows.
"You refused Malfoy?" Nott and Zabini looked scandalized.
"It's not like it's hard." Blaise drawled in disbelief. Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"If you're a Slytherin, that is." The seeker countered. Blaise glowered as his partner continued.
"I didn't answer, so he had Vince—er, Crabbe, try to threaten me." He gestured to his bruised body part. "Hence, the arm." Harry nodded, somewhat in doubt. Sighing, Nott hoisted the bag up with his good arm. "I didn't tell him. He thinks we're off at the library studying." The messy-haired teen vacantly nodded, taking in the new information.
"Sorry." He expressed regret. "For this causing all the trouble." Zabini folded his arms and quirked his lips to the side.
"It isn't trouble if it's going to help us with N.E.W.T.s," he retorted, before his hard countenance softened. "And the war." Watchful of the regretful visage of the Defense Association's leader, Nott itched his side.
"Don't worry about us, mate." He reassured. "Survival of the fittest in Slytherin house. We can take care of ourselves. See you next meeting, then?" At the Gryffindor's nod, both boys left, closing the door soundlessly behind them. Harry blankly stared at the door, voices of squabbling Ron, Hermione, with an occasional Kaltag and Thanos, breaking into his thoughts every now and then from the background.
So, the Slytherins bullied their own housemates. Giving it the preposterous title of 'survival of the fittest.'
Doing what they must, even if it's harming their own kind.
Tam was right.
It wasn't all roses and sweets for them. Turmoil and distrust within their own house.
Clearly, it wasn't easy being in Slytherin.
Harry was now more appreciative of the fact he was right. And was still so, for six years running.
The teenager was relieved he made the right selection in choosing Gryffindor.
………………………
A/N: Revised chapter.
A/N 2: Skefteite means 'think' in Greek. I roughly translated it. But I know kalinichta means 'good night.' And yes, I know, Tam Xu is Asian. But she's a pureblooded Celestial.
A/N 3: I made up the Hex-Deflection Spell, since there was no HP site with the incantation. Parco, Latin for 'to avoid,' and malum for 'damage,' or 'evil.' Much shorter than Cunctatiomalum….
Chapter Twelve Clues:
1). Fast forward into next month. We learn more about Kaltag.
2). We finally get to see Hagrid.
3). Harry in the spotlight.
Review and let me know which character you'd like to know more about (out of those I introduced, or those on the Yahoo Group list).