Disclaimer: All of the characters in this fanfiction belong to Ms. Rowling. I don't own them and am not making any money off of this story.

Time to Prepare

Chapter 20 – Wargames - The Announcement

Albus Dumbledore calmly brought order to the Hogwarts staff for their first meeting of the year.

"Thank you all for arriving on time," he said, glancing specifically at Fred and George Weasley. "I know there are quite a few issues we need to discuss today, so let's get started. Argus, I believe you wanted to speak first?"

"Yes sir. The use of magic in the halls between classes has gotten out of hand. Something needs to be done to put a stop to it."

Harry chimed in, "What exactly are they doing that needs to be stopped?"

"Magic! The use of magic in the halls between classes is forbidden."

"But why? I know it should be stopped if the students are attacking each other or dueling, but what is the problem with practicing spells or levitating a book bag, which is all I've seen the students doing."

"I agree with Professor Potter," McGonnagal interrupted. "I see no problem with the use of magic outside of class as long as it is done in a responsible manner. In fact, my classes this year are performing significantly better than any other class I can remember."

"I am inclined to agree, Minerva" Albus Dumbledore added. "I will ask the portraits to keep an eye on the situation and inform me of any misbehavior, but until the privilege is abused, I see no reason to stop the practice."

The staff went on to discuss various run-of-the-mill issues affecting the school before Albus eventually ended the meeting.

"Harry, would you mind staying behind for a few minutes."

"Sure, Albus. What is it?"

"I'd like to speak with you about some of the 'exercises' you've been doing in your classes."

Harry, sensing a scolding coming, replied "I'm sorry, do you think I should tone things down a bit?"

"Quite the opposite. I'd actually like to expand them. How would you feel about overseeing a school-wide version of your…what did you call it?...capture the flag?"

Monday morning started normally, as the students and staff of Hogwarts assembled in the Great Hall for breakfast. Part-way through the meal, Dumbledore stood and addressed the school's population.

"Welcome everyone. I'd like to announce that classes for the coming week have been cancelled." The announcement was interrupted by some gasps, some disappointed sighs (mostly from the Ravenclaws) and a few cheers from Gryffindor and Slytherin. Dumbledore continued, "I assure you that although classes have been cancelled, your education has not. Professor Potter will explain."

Harry stood, noticing that all eyes were on him and the room was completely silent. "For the next five days, the school will be your classroom and every other inhabitant of this castle will be your teacher. Everyone needs to go back to their dormitories and pack their belongings and meet back here at 11:30 for further instructions."

The hall burst into action as students frantically finished their breakfast and headed towards their dormitories, chatting nervously about what was in store while the faculty sat calmly eating their breakfasts and discussing the same topic. Harry sat down at his place and calmly said, "Shouldn't you all be packing? I don't want you to be late."

He was met with some shocked expressions, some sly smiles, and a couple giddy grins on two particular redheads as the faculty of Hogwarts quickly filed out of the Great Hall. Harry tucked into his breakfast, enjoying the silence of the Great Hall until he heard a slight cough from the Ravenclaw table.

"Oh, hi, Luna." Harry said, "I didn't see you there. Shouldn't you be packing."

"Oh no. I hate having to rush through breakfast, so I decided to pack last night instead." Luna replied, patting her pocket, where Harry assumed her shrunken trunk was located.

"Can I ask how you knew you needed to be packed this morning?"

Luna dreamily replied, "Of course you can, Harry," before taking a bite of toast and chewing while humming softly to herself.

Harry sat there in silence before asking, "Luna, how did you know you needed to be packed this morning?"

"I suppose I didn't need to be packed this morning." After a pause she continued, "But it wouldn't be very pleasant wearing the same clothes all week, would it?"

Harry responded "No, I suppose it wouldn't" before realizing she had completely dodged the question. "But Luna, how did you know you would be wearing the same clothes all week if you didn't pack?"

Luna looked utterly confused by the question. "What else would I wear?"

Harry smacked his forehead onto the table. "Luna, you are one of my best friends, but sometimes you can be very frustrating."

She looked saddened at that. "I'm sorry, Harry. I really don't understand what you're asking. Didn't you pack last night."

"Well of course, but I already knew I wouldn't be staying in my dormitory tonight."

Luna brightened up. "That's why I packed too! See, we're not so different."

"But Luna, HOW did you know you wouldn't be staying in your dormitory tonight? I didn't tell anyone but Dumbledore."

Luna, once again, looked very confused. After a moment of thought, she replied "What do you do when you are getting ready for bed, Harry?"

"I brush my teeth, wash my face, pick out clothes for the next day, put on my pajamas, and get into bed. Why?"

"Why do you pick out clothes for the next day?"

"Um…so I'll have something to wear."

"But who told you that you would need something to wear the next day?"

"Well nobody told me. I just know."

Luna brightened. "Ok. That's my answer too. I just know," she said, packing up her belongings, having finished her leisurely breakfast. "See you at 11:30, Harry."

Author's notes: I have to really apologize to all of my readers. I know it has been forever and a day since I updated. My computer crashed back in November and I lost all of my notes and outlines on the story. It also took me a while to save up enough money for a new computer. After finally getting a new computer, it took me a while to get motivated to continue this story. It is really hard to see all of my outlines go down the drain. I still know where the story is going, but a lot of the details were lost and I'm working from scratch. I'll try to update much more frequently from here on out. My sincerest apologies once again.