Chapter 11

Defence against the dark arts class

The next morning Kate accompanied Charlie down to breakfast, ahead of Erik who quickly followed them. Finn had already left to meet Tonks at the Gryffindor breakfast table, that was really the only time (except lunch) when the houses could intermingle at the tables in the great hall.

Finn had obviously filled Tonks in on the previous nights conversation as she got up and hugged Kate as she and Charlie entered the hall. Tonks shot a scowl at Erik who tried to walk with them to a table and Tonks took Kate's arm steering her to the table with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team- including the beaters- Charlie's two brothers ( the twins), the other chaser, Lee Jordan, who was in the twins year, and the keeper, Oliver Wood, who had already been nominated by Charlie to McGonnagall for the next captain after Charlie left.

McGonnagall was walking down the tables handing out timetables to her house. She stopped when she reached the Quidditch team. She handed out each of the timetables, including Erik's and all of the seventh years had Defence against the dark arts with Hufflepuff which made Tonks, Finn, Charlie and Kate very happy. Charlie also announced that the following week he would begin Quidditch training and tryouts for the reserves. McGonnagall was please about this and whispered to Charlie that he should, perhaps teach everyone captaincy skills so they didn't feel left out, whilst training Oliver up a bit for when his time came to fill Charlie's boots.

Erik liked Quidditch and thought he would attend the tryouts for the reserve team. Maybe he could injure one of the team in order to get on the team for a match? He sat and began plotting who he could isolate.

When breakfast was finished the group made their way to the DADA classroom for the first lesson of the term. Erik tagged along behind Kate, Finn, Tonks and Charlie, learning his way as he went.

Quirrell was waiting outside his classroom on the third floor for his class to assemble. Once all were there he invited them in and they all took their seats, Kate between Finn and Charlie in the middle row two desks from the front of the class. Tonks sat on Finn's other side, filling their table. Erik sat behind them, amongst some other seventh year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

"G..good morning, cl...class. To..today we will be st..studying the art of si...silent charms... And how useful they are ag...against the dark arts. W...wands out and f...find a partner." Quirrell said and the class divided. Kate went with Tonks and Finn with Charlie, Erik was paired off with another seventh year Gryffindor.

They did well until a out half way through the practise time. When Erik suddenly turned on Charlie, sending a powerful charm towards him. Kate saw it brewing in Erik's mind and she threw herself in front of Charlie and conjured a powerful shield charm, blocking the unforgivable curse as it was projected. The whole class stopped and silence fell, the crowds parted so that Erik was directly opposite Charlie and Kate. Quirrell stood shocked as his two best students faced off against the newcomer from Durmstrang. Erik sent another charm towards Kate and Charlie, which Charlie blocked. Their small duel went on for several minutes until at last, Erik got what he wanted, a cruciatus curse hit Kate (he'd been aiming for Charlie) square in the chest. She collapsed into Finn with a scream. Quirrell shielded Kate and Finn from the charm and Kate stopped screaming but breathed heavily. Quirrell then moved to stand in front of Erik.

"Mr Draconis, we do not use any of the unforgivable curses in my class, let alone on a fellow student. Fifty points from Gryffindor, Mr Darlington, Miss Tonks, Mr Weasley, might I encourage one of you to take Miss Carroway to the hospital wing? Someone else fetch Professor McGonagall and bring her here. Class dismissed, Mr Draconis, you are to stay until your head of house arrives. She shall deal you out a punishment." Quirrell said angrily, his class were stunned that when he was angry, Quirrell did not stutter.

Charlie scooped Kate up, his arms supporting her bsck and knees, Kate's arms went around his neck. She was still breathing heavily. Tonks grabbed their belongings and accompanied Charlie to the hospital wing with Kate, Finn ran off to find McGonagall.

"I'll kill him." Charlie muttered to Tonks and Kate, who was n the verge of passing out.

"Don't... Not worth it... Bastard." Kate hissed with pain as Charlie walked.

"Sorry," he whispered as she cursed him in pain. "Something needs to be done."

"McGonagall will come to the hospital wing after she's dealt with Draconis. I suggest you tell her everything, Katie." Tonks said to her best friend. Who nodded and grimaced in pain.

They reached the hospital Wing and Tonks opened the heavy oak door and Charlie carried Kate over to the nearest bed before calling for Madame Pomfrey. Tonks and Charlie explained what had happened and Kate was given something for the pain but she was to be on bed rest for the next few hours until she was able to manage. Charlie and Tonks sat with her for a while and then Finn and McGonagall appeared, McGonagall in a frightful rage.

"Carroway, are you alright?" She asked taking the seat Tonks had just vacated so she could stand with Finn.

"I will be. Give me a couple of hours. Merlin's left..." Kate hissed as she tried to sit up a bit, Charlie rushed to help her. "Sorry, professor. Hurts quite a bit."

"That's alright. Why would Mr Draconis single you out Katherine?" McGnagall asked.

"He was going after me, Professor." Charlie said quietly. "Kate protected me."

"But, why, Weasley?" McGonagall turned on Charlie, who shrugged.

"Because you're my boyfriend, sweetheart." Kate said quietly.

"I think you should explain everything, Katherine." McGonagall said.

Tonks and Finn made to leave. "Don't, go. You guys had better know too. You are my friends." Kate urged, so Tonks and Finn remained, pulling up chairs from neighbouring beds and sitting at the end of her bed. Finn drew the screens around them for privacy. Then Kate, after finding a comfortable position recounted her story and her links with Erik Draconis.