Dumbledore's Army

After the meet-up in the Common Room, Draco coded another message. This one a bit longer. Two and a half pages of random numbers went up in flame, and Draco went up to the owlery. It was a slow Saturday, though there would be Quiddich practice later that afternoon. Draco was pleased to see that the sky was clear, sun shining, as that wasn't happening very often since they started the new term.

"I wouldn't go that way, if I were you". Nearly Headless Nick drifted through the wall. "Peeves is planning a prank on the first person he sees passing that bust of Paracelsus".

"I see… This wouldn't involve making Paracelsus drop on the unfortunate mark's head".

"Actually, it does. Subtlety has never been Peeves' style".

He knew the bust well. "That could cause a serious injury".

"I know, that's why I'm on my way to see the Bloody Baron. He's the only one who has any influence over Peeves".

"Thanks for the warning".

This would mean taking the long way to the owlery, but it was worth it to avoid Peeves. He felt something brush past his ankles: it was Mrs Norris, Filch's cat. Mrs Norris turned those yellow, lamp-like eyes towards him as he was brushing off the cat hair.

"You know, you really should ask Filch for a good brushing. You need it".

Mrs Norris took off down the hall, intent on reporting to her master. He'd seen that look before when she witnessed youthful misbehaviours.

"Oi!", Draco called out, "I'm not doing anything wrong".

Up in the owlery the paneless windows let in thick silvery beams of sunlight criss-crossing the floor. Owls perched up in the rafters, some restless in the morning light, some returning from a night of hunting. Some belonging to students, some the school owls. The Malfoy eagle owl flew down at his call.

"Message for you", Draco said as he tied the letter to the owl's leg, "this goes to Owlery Holt and Lucius". He took the owl to the window and sent him on his way. "Safe flight".

He paused to look out over the Forbidden Forest where the tree tops were swaying gently in a light breeze. He took in the fresh air, thankful that at least Filch was taking better care of the owlery. The door opened, and startled him a bit.

It was Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Seeker, and boyfriend of Cedric Diggory. She had both a letter and a package.

"Oh hi", Draco said.

"Hi, yourself", she replied. "I almost forgot, my Mum's birthday is today", as she held up the package.

"Good thing you remembered. The 'rents wouldn't let you live that down".

"You know what they say, 'Out of sight, out of mind'… Is Slytherin ready to get their asses kicked?"

"You wish"

The next Quiddich match-up would be Team Slytherin v. Team Gryffindor. Team Ravenclaw, though, was doing unexpectedly well this year. No one wanted to say it, but they all knew: losing Cedric put Team Hufflepuff in the cellar.

Cho selected one of the school's barn owls, and began attaching her letter and package to its outstretched leg.

"You wouldn't happen to know if Gryffindor found a new Keeper yet?", Cho asked

"Yeah, they did: Ron Weasley".

"He any good?"

"No. I don't know what Angelina could've been thinking. Like everything else, Ron didn't inherit any of Bill's or Charles' Quiddich talent. Though Quiddich runs in the family".

Filch burst into the room, wheezing heavily, purple splotches on his sunken cheeks, jowls aquiver, thinning gray hair disheveled. Mrs Norris came trotting just behind him. The cat looked up hungrily at the owls, who fluttered wings, and sidestepped on the rafters at the presence of the predator. One barn owl snapped his beak threateningly at the cat. It was obvious Filch had run all the way up here. He took a flat-footed step forward.

"Aha! I have it on good authority, Malfoy, that you are sending off a large order for Dungbombs. Hand it over!"

"Who told you I was ordering Dungbombs?", he asked, arms crossed.

"I have my sources", he said with a self-satisfied hiss. "I'll ask just one more time, hand over what you were sending".

"Can't. Already sent it"

"Already sent it?!"

"That's what I said"

Filch stood there, looking and examining.

"How do I know you don't have it in a pocket?"

"Because", Cho said, "I saw him send it".

"You saw him?", Filch asked.

"Yes, maybe it was for Dungbombs, or maybe not. I don't know one way or another, but it's definitely gone".

"And you Missy…"

"Package for my mother's B-day, and, no, you can't see".

"Malfoy, if I catch so much as a whiff of a Dungbomb..."

Nothing more to be done, Filch turned to leave, Mrs Norris followed after one last, longing look at the owls.

"Thanks for covering for me", Draco said.

"No problem… You weren't ordering Dungbombs, were you?", she gave him a slightly suspicious look.

"Why would I want those? That's more Fred's and George's style. And, no, I wouldn't cover for them by ordering for them, and they know it".

"Then I wonder why he thought you were?"

"No idea".

Owlery Holt

"Latest from Hogwarts", Lucius informed Sirius, Harry, Amelia and Susan. He'd set up his desk top to decrypt the message:

Draco: need a spot of help with Arithmancy: (Sent in plain text in case anyone intercepted it.)

we aren't learning proper defense thanks to umbitch which presents problems with what we are to do once we leave the safe confines of hogwarts as well as how we will ever hope to pass our owls luna made an off hand comment about learning defense on our own even though she wasn't serious at first blaise zambini millicent bulstrode greg goyle and me think there is merit to this suggestion what we need is a proper tutor to teach us in the come and go room will discuss further on the next hogsmeade weekend.

"What do you think?"

"Sounds like a plan", Sirius said. "That's what James would have done".

"I have my doubts as to just how secure that room is", Lucius explained. "The house elves all know; I have good reason to believe Riddle knows, and since Umbridge graduated, who knows if she knows?"

"We have awhile", Lucius said. "I'll check it out".

"I'd be more than willing to teach them defense", Amelia offered. "I could use an assistant, if you wouldn't mind, Harry?"

"I can do that, learned a thing or two from Remus… I'm still on the run from the law, so it wouldn't be such a good idea, would it? Getting caught at Hogwarts".

"That would've made it that much more fun for James", Sirius reminded.

"I'm sure it would have, but I'm not James, yannow. I don't exactly fancy a stint in Azkaban…"

"It's not a problem", Lucius said, "I can supply you with an emergency portkey that'll send you back here in case there's a problem. Hogwarts wards don't block technomage portkeys, and the Ministry can't detect them either. I'll have another look around that Room of Requirement, see just how secure it is, and whether it's a viable alternative. I'd like to keep as many as far in the dark about Owlery Holt for as long as I can".

"May be some doggin' around Hogsmeade?", Sirius said. "Could use more of that Hogwarts chow".

"OK, Sirius, I'll make one for you too. I still think it's a bad idea, but I know that never stopped you before".

Hogwarts: Defense Against the Dark Arts

"Good afternoon, class", Umbridge greeted in that faux-pleasant manner, as though she actually believed her students liked her.

"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge", they said as a matter of course.

"Wands away", Umbridge ordered, though not a single student had their wand out. It was obvious that there would never be a need for them.

"I see Miss Weasley has decided to grace us with her presence today".

She looked down, away from Umbridge, so that she couldn't get a hint from her eyes what she was really thinking.

"Today, we have an examination on the first two chapters that I hope all of you have read and comprehended. We shall find out".

Umbridge handed the first student a stack of parchments: "Take one and pass the rest back".

After everyone had a test paper, their quills and ink pots ready: "Begin, you have the rest of the period to complete your exam. There will be no need for talk".

There was no sound other than the scratching of quills. Umbridge sat behind her desk, surveying her class for the slightest hint of unauthorized peeking at others' tests. Ginny knew that Umbridge was giving her extra scrutiny.

"Quills down", she ordered at the end of the period, "pass your papers forward".

Owlery Holt

"Let us hear from Lucius", Lutra started the meeting.

"Our pamphlet has set off a real shitstorm inside the Ministry", Malfoy explained, "as we figured. Fudge is most displeased with his High Inquisitor for using Blood Quills and corporal punishment. She definitely abused her authority, and he is not happy. He has made it clear that he doesn't want to see further incidents of abuse. As we predicted, the Prophet has tried to downplay and discredit us. It was a very transparent attempt that is not being believed, as Percy's office has received many letters, demanding the recall of Umbridge.

"Also, Dumbledore has received letters from nearly all the parents demanding that their children not be subjected to any form of corporal punishment, and Dumbledore is all too willing to prohibit it on the campus. It's only a question of time, however, before Fudge either overrules Dumbledore and/or Umbridge steps over the line again. I would not discount the possibility. We don't know what Umbridge may have on Cornelius. As you know, he has been using his First Secretary to do those kinds of jobs he can't be seen doing himself".

"How does this affect Dumbledore's position?", Lutra asked.

"It has strengthened it considerably. His support on the Board has increased, due partially to Madam Longbottom's lobbying the other members, and also due to his quick stand against corporal punishment. There are some around the Ministry who do not approve, as they claim he's giving in to what the Prophet claimed was a 'vocal minority of malcontents'. Naturally, Fudge is not pleased, as this makes it all the more difficult to find a pretext to remove him".

"I have heard from Arthur Weasley", Lutra announced. "Dumbledore knows about his connections with the Order; it was unavoidable, all things considered. He didn't tell anything more than that, citing the Life Debt the family owes for Ginny. Dumbledore said he wants a meet-up, to discuss the possibility that we work with his Order of the Phoenix".

"Still trying to get to me", Harry said.

"I would advise against it", Lucius said. "He's a conniving deceiver who can't be trusted".

"I would keep the possibility open to further consideration", Lutra said. "As for the Order of the Phoenix, Arthur told me he has the members on rotation to guard the Hall of Prophecies. They don't know the prophecy is long gone".

"I don't suppose they would", Amelia explained. "I didn't tell him after learning that myself, it never came up, and since I'm no longer with the Ministry, I don't see how".

"He knows", Harry said, "my damn scar has been acting up, and it tingles almost all the time…"

"Not unexpected, now that Voldemort's reincarnated", Sirius said.

"I also sense that he's growing more impatient and frustrated over something that's not happening fast enough to suit him. I can't see exactly what that is. I've had this recurring dream", Harry explained, "a long, dark corridor and a blank door. I get the impression he wants something…"

"Harry! You should block out those dreams!", Sirius called out.

"I agree…", Amelia started.

"That's up to Harry to decide", Lutra said, "however I would advise against that. If I can lock onto Voldemort, I can triangulate his hiding place. It's also to our benefit to have more information on him. If we can lure him in, we just might be able to put a stop to him".

"He can't die", Harry said.

"No, he can't", Lutra agreed. "He can be sent back to a nearly powerless, wraith-like state. It would take him a good long while to reincarnate again".

"Not this time", Sirius objected, "the last time, his followers didn't really believe he'd come back. This time, they've seen him do it, and will come looking right away".

"Still buy us valuable time", Lutra pointed out. "So far, all has been quiet on the Voldemort front. Nothing from the Prophet or the normie press about any strange occurrences that might be traced back to him".

"Still consolidating his forces", Amelia said.

"That's a reasonable assumption", Lutra agreed. "It would also seem he's become quite obsessed with this prophecy. The more distracted he is, the less harm he can do".

"If he doesn't know, can we fake it? Let him have a false prophecy?", Amelia asked.

"I'll look into it", Lutra said.

After the meeting, Harry wandered over to where Susan was drawing something.

"Watcha working on?", he asked.

"Oh, nothing, really… Just an idea I had".

"Kind'a creepy, if you ask me".

Hogwarts: Slytherin Dorms

Well after lights-out, Lucius apparated himself into the dorms, cast the Muffliato privacy charm, and leaped into Draco's bed.

"Uhhhhh…", Draco awakened to face licking. He sat up.

"Lucius?"

"I'm here to inspect that Room of Requirement to see how secure it really is. I have someone lined up to teach you defense on the sly".

"Who?"

"Amelia Bones, the x-auror: you can't do better than that. I also need another favour".

"And that would be?"

"Need to get into the kitchens. The house elves seem to know all about that Room, more than any students, even Dumbledore himself, and I'm hoping that Umbridge doesn't know about it".

"I'll have a word with Fred and George again. Need more chow for Sirius?"

"And Harry, and Amelia, and Susan".

"Have them meet me during the afternoon break".

"I'll take care of it".

Fred and George went to the kitchen after class.

"You down here, Fuzzball?"

Lucius slipped out from under Harry's invisibility cloak: "Right here".

"Shall we?", Fred tickled the pear, and the door appeared.

"Master Fred, Master George", Tippy greeted, "what can we do for you today?"

"Fill 'er up", as he handed over the food pack. "Loads of mouths to feed, anything but fish".

"More than your friend from before?"

"Yep, he and three others".

"Right away".

"Lucius is waiting for you outside, he needs a word".

"Surely, Masters"

While the other elves were getting the left-overs, Tippy slipped out.

"Lucius", he greeted, remembering to not address him as "Master".

"What can you tell me about the Come and Go Room?"

"You know…"

"That's not what I mean. How secure is it? How many know about it?"

"All we elves, of course. Master Dumbledore knows, he discovered it last December or November, if I recall".

"Sure took him long enough, if that's true. Dumbledore's knowing isn't so much of a problem. Anyone else? The rest of the faculty, the staff?"

"Tippy not know about the Professors, but Master Filch knows…"

"Fuck! Are you sure?"

"He thinks the Room is a self-replenishing closet. He goes up there when he runs out of cleaning supplies. Tippy pretty sure he don't suspect there's more to it. Seen him up there lots, but that's all he does, gather new supplies".

"OK, we can work around that. How about Umbridge?"

"Tippy not know. Never seen Mistress Umbridge on the seventh floor".

"She did graduate?"

"That was before Tippy's time here. No idea if she heard of it. She wouldn't hear about it from us".

"How do you know?"

"Mistress hates all half-breeds, mudbloods, sapient non-humans. She wouldn't ask, and we wouldn't tell unless Master Dumbledore said we must, and he has not ordered we elves to co-operate with her in any manner".

"How do you secure the Room?"

"Oh, that's easy: you say what you want…"

"If I didn't want Umbridge barging in there…"

"Then that is what you say, 'Don't let Umbridge in' then, the Room won't open for her".

"You're sure about that?"

"As sure as Tippy can be".

"How's Winky doing?"

"Some better, sometimes she still gets drunk, but only when she's off-duty. Still pines for her old master, still ashamed over being given clothes".

"Thanks for all your help".

"Any time, Lucius. Tippy not like what is happening at Hogwarts".

"Believe me, you're not alone".

0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

The Order of the Otter got out the second edition of A Tale of Two Toms. This one described the reincarnation of the Dark Lord, as best as Harry recalled his vision: the reincarnation in the grave yard outside Little Hangleton, the murder of Cedric Diggory and his interment in Tom Riddle Sr's grave. The conversation Fudge had with Dumbledore in Madam Pomphrey's infirmary, and the Minister's refusal to consider that Dumbledore might have been right that Voldemort made good on his promises to return.

"Here's the deal", Lucius was explaining to Harry and Amelia, "we can use the Come and Go Room. Dumbledore knows about it, but I think he'll be more than willing to look the other way. Filch also knows, but seeing how he's a squib, his knowledge is very limited. He would tell Umbridge if he thought there was something in it for himself.

"What we need is to make sure you ask the Room for exactly what you want, who you want to let in, and more critically, who you want to exclude. Got that from the house elves".

"That's all well and good, but what happens when Umbridge notices Draco and all his friends always heading for the seventh floor? Secrets don't stay secret for very long at Hogwarts", Amelia reminded.

"I've written Hermione, she might know something", Harry told her. "She knows quite a few jinxes".

"What about these house elves?"

"No need to worry about them: Umbridge won't ask as she holds them in utter contempt. She would never admit they know something she doesn't".

"What about this Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Padfoot will be keeping an eye out", Sirius explained.

"I do wish you'd reconsider", Harry complained.

"You worry too much".

0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

The morning of the Hogsmeade weekend dawned bright and warm, a miracle considering this was the first weekend of October in the Highlands. The timing just right, as Murphy seemed to be sleeping for once. After breakfast, everyone who was going lined up at the main entrance. They had to pass Filch's inspection to see that everyone had the proper parental approval to leave campus. When it was Draco's turn, Filch inhaled noisily and obviously. He then pulled Luna aside. She was wearing a flowery outfit with a high hemline. Filch made her stand up straight, arms at her sides. The hemline barely touched the ends of her fingertips, barely "legal". She was also wearing a butterbeer cap necklace, those radish earrings, and Flitterbloom flowers in her hair, feet bare. She looked like a flower child straight off the Height in 1967.

They proceeded down the steps, into the bright, unseasonably warm, day.

"What was Filch sniffing you for?", Millicent asked. "Looks pretty creepy, if you ask me. He looks enough like a perv as it is".

"I suppose he was trying to detect the scent of Dungbombs".

"Why would he do that?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you…"

He recounted what happened in the owlery, how Filch burst in as he finished sending off an owl, accusing him of ordering Dungbombs. Cho was there to vouch for him, as she was up there, sending off a birthday present for her Mum.

"Why would he think you were ordering Dungbombs?", Luna asked. She seemed a good deal more interested in the incident than he was.

"Said someone told him I was".

"Who would say that?"

"I dunnow, Weasle King, I suppose. He'd think it funny. Maybe covering his own ass if he was the one ordering the damn things".

They walked between the stone pillars topped with winged boars, turned left down the main drag to Hogsmeade.

"I… suppose", Luna said.

She remained quiet, seemingly with that "not all there" look all the way to the outskirts of the village.

"Where are we going anyway?", Draco asked. "The Three Broomsticks?"

"No", Luna said, "I told everyone who seemed interested to meet us at the Hog's Head. Less crowded, and since the Hog's Head has a dodgy reputation, there's not much chance of stumbling across any students".

They walked down the main drag, past Zonko's Joke Shop where they were not surprised to see Fred and George, and their friend and partner in crime: Lee Jordan. Probably looking for items to create mayhem for the High Inquisitor. If they were looking into getting even for Ginny, that would be the place to do it. Farther on was the post office, from which owls flew off as others returned.

Up a side street at the end of which stood a small inn. There was a weather beaten old wooden sign swinging from a rusty bracket that had no text, just a picture of a severed, wild boar's head on a platter that was overflowing and dripping blood onto the white table cloth underneath.

The Three Broomsticks had a large open space, brightly lit from sunshine and tall windows, an atmosphere of warmth, welcome, and friendliness. Rosemerta kept the place spotless.

The Hog's Head was one small room, filthy, that smelled of something that could have been goats. The bay windows so grimy that little daylight shone through, the illumination being candles stuck onto rough hewn tables. The floor, at first looking earthy, was actually stone but covered in the filth of decades, if not centuries.

"Well, c'mon", Luna prodded.

Millicent had a look of pure disgust. It dawned on them that the appearance of the room was by design. The windows being so filthy, allowed those inside to see who was coming through the door before anyone entering could see who was inside. Indeed, it looked like keeping your face covered was part of the dress code. One man, head wrapped in bandages, was knocking back glass after glass of some fiery, smoking cocktail through a mouth opening. Two others could have been taken for dementors were they not conversing in thick Yorkshire accents.

"I don't know about this", Draco whispered. "Umbitch could be under that", he pointed out a woman wearing a black, head-to-toe veil. She was sitting beside the fireplace.

"Don't be so paranoid", Luna said, "She's a good deal taller than Umbridge. Besides, even if it is her, nothing she can do about it. I checked, and rechecked, and there are no rules about coming here, so we're not out of bounds. I made sure to ask Flitwick, and he said there was no rules against it. He did advise me to not come at all, but if I did, to make sure I brought my own glasses. I've looked into the rules about study groups, and they're definitely allowed, encouraged even, so we're not doing anything against any rules. I just think it's a good idea if we don't announce what it is we're doing".

"Not exactly a study group, is it?", Millicent said. "It's a bit more rebellious than that".

"That's why I thought it best to come here instead of the Three Broomsticks. Here, we have privacy…"

"Seriously, Luna?"

"Do any of these people look like they're attending Hogwarts? Or that they'd care about what's happening up there? Grab those tables, and I'll get us butterbeers".

The barman appeared from a back room, a grumpy old man, tall, thin, with the same long silver beard. The main difference: a straight nose: Aberforth, Albus Dumbledore's younger brother.

"What?", he grunted.

"Five butterbeers", Luna said.

He bent down to fetch the dusty bottles from underneath the bar. It was obvious he didn't serve much butterbeer.

"Ten Sickles", he said.

He deposited the money in an ancient till whose drawer opened automatically.

Draco, Luna, Millicent, Blaise, and Greg occupied a table farthest from the bar. The bandaged man rapped the bar with his knuckles and was served another smoking cocktail.

"So how many are coming?", Draco asked.

"A few others", Luna said, "they should be coming along any minute now".

"Oh, that might be them now", she said as the door opened, letting in a shaft of light that split the room in two, then was blocked out by the arriving crowd.

"A few, Luna?", Draco asked.

There was: Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, followed closely by Padma and Parvati Patil, Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson, Cho Chang and one of her giggly girl friends, Katie Bell and Colin and Dennis Creevey, Earnie MacMillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbot and a Hufflepuff girl whose name he didn't know with a very long pony tail, three Ravenclaw boys he was pretty sure were Horace Sedgewick, Terry Boot, and Michael Corner, a tall blond boy with an upturned nose who was the new Hufflepuff Seeker: Zacharias Smith. Fred, George, and Lee Jordan and Ginny (who had to sneak out) brought up the rear.

There was a large, black dog woofing loudly just outside.

"Be off with ye", Aberforth said as he took a kick at the dog, who ducked and ran. "Ye mangy mutt".

He returned to the bar after closing the door. He didn't look too pleased, though he should have, as it was probably a good long while since the bar had been so busy.

"A few, Luna, a few?", Draco asked.

"Once I mentioned it, the idea seemed to catch on".

"I'll get us some drinks", Fred volunteered. He quickly counted how many at the bar. "Thirty butterbeers, please".

The barman ceased wiping down a glass with a battleship gray rag. He brought up as many bottles as he had below the counter, and that meant another trip to the backroom.

"C'mon, cough up", Fred called out. "I'm not carrying that much gold", he said while Aberforth was in the back room.

Everyone knew why: the large sack of items from Zonko's they brought with them. He collected the gold before Aberforth returned with another case of butterbeer. Fred, George, Lee, and Earnie took the bottles back to their tables.

"Taking a chance, Ginny?", Draco asked. "I thought Lupin was teaching you?"

"He gave me a few pointers after Wormtail nearly broke my neck. Mother wasn't too pleased with Mr. Lupin, but allowed a few lessons. I don't see how I can get any farther on Umbrdige's bad side, so what difference does it make?"

"We all know why we're here", Luna began, "we aren't getting proper instruction in defense all because Fudge doesn't want to admit Whatshisname is back…"

"I don't know about that", Zacharias objected.

"You heard what the Headmaster said at the close last year? How Hewhomustnotbenamed murdered Cedric?", Earnie MacMillan said.

Cho couldn't help a gasp at hearing that, as she was Cedric's girlfriend.

"And that's all we have to go on: Dumbledore's say-so, and he got it from a vision Potter had. I'd hardly call that conclusive", Zacharias explained his position.

"If you don't believe…"

"It doesn't matter, Luna, I still need to pass my OWL in defense, and I'm not gonna do that sitting on my ass in Umbridge's class reading that book! There are better texts, and if reading is all we do, we could do that anywhere, any time. We don't need to be sitting in a classroom for that".

"Doesn't matter", Draco said, "so long as you want to learn".

"And just what makes you think we can learn defense on our own, Looney?", Smith objected

"We have a special tutor lined up", she explained, "an x-auror… and I really don't like that nick".

"Who? Not Mad Eye again?", Dean asked. "I mean, he was half-nuts last year".

"No, not him: Amelia Bones".

"I thought she disappeared? Assassinated by someone looking for revenge?", Dean asked.

"She's quite all right", Draco said. Amelia and Susan – both alive, well, and willing to teach us proper defense. What Umbitch is doing isn't Defense Against the Dark Arts. Book learning isn't the same, even if it were a decent text, which it isn't".

"How often do we meet?"

"At least once a week, otherwise, why bother".

"We have Quiddich practice", Katie Bell, a Gryffindor Chaser, said.

"That's right", Cho, Team Ravenclaw Seeker agreed.

"I'm sure we can find a time that'll suit most of us, most of the time", Luna said. "Even if you're here just for your OWLs, defense is more important than Quiddich".

This was sacrilege for Fred and George: Gryffindor Beaters.

"Hear! Hear!", Earnie MacMillan called out. "Personally, I think this is more important than anything else we'll do this year, and that includes OWLs…"

He waited for the objections that didn't come.

"I have no idea what the Ministry could be thinking, foisting off on us a worthless class and call it 'Defense' taught by an even worse teacher. Obviously they're in denial that Youknowwho has returned, but why they would want to prevent us from learning defensive spells…"

"We have good reason to believe that Fudge doesn't want us learning defense, or any other spells that could be considered combat spells, because he has this crazy idea that Dumbledore is using DADA to raise a student army to overthrow him…", Draco announced.

This news left everyone but Luna stunned with surprise.

"Well, that does make sense", Luna said. "After all, Cornelius Fudge has his own private army".

"What're you talking about?", Draco asked. It was the first he, or anyone else at the table, heard about this.

"He has an army of meramon", Luna said.

"No, he doesn't", Ginny replied firmly.

"What are meramon?", Neville asked.

"Fire spirits, tall, flaming men with large blue eyes who burn everything in their way. They shoot Magma Bombs at their enemies…"

"They don't exist, Neville", Ginny insisted.

"Yes, they do!"

"Then where's the proof?"

"Proving is what you do in maths", Luna said, "this is about science: observation. They've been seen by lots of eye-witnesses. I can't help it if you're so closed-minded you have to have everything shoved right under your nose before you'll accept it".

"Now you sound like Trelawney", Ginny said. "She's always dodging when it's time to put up or shut up".

"I thought we were discussing when we'd meet", Goyle said to get the discussion back on track.

"Right, then, once a week", Millicent said.

"Quiddich…"

"I'm sure we can find a time so's you won't miss your precious Quiddich practices. Once a week, then? Although I'd be happier if we could do it twice a week".

"Then where?", someone called out.

"The library? Empty classrooms?", another speculated.

"Yeah, Miss Pince should be OK with us flinging spells and curses around her library", Fred said.

"We have that covered", Draco said. "We can't tell you more until our first lesson, then you'll see what arrangements we've made".

Luna pulled a quill and parchment from her hand bag: "I… I think everyone should write down their names so we know who's signing on".

Fred and George happily wrote their names at the top of the list.

"Everyone who signs agrees to not tell Umbridge or anyone else what we're doing", she explained.

"I… don't know about that", Earnie and Zacharias objected. "What if Umbridge gets her hands on that list?"

"I thought you were the one who just said this was more important than OWLs, Quiddich even? You think I'd just leave it lying around where she could see it?", Luna objected.

"I'd expect Hermione to be that officious", Alicia said.

"If it'll make you happy…", Earnie conceded, "I still don't get the point, we know who we all are".

They thought this was Luna's being looney again. She returned the roster to her handbag. They finished off their butterbeer, and left the Hog's Head by ones, twos, or threes. They couldn't help but feel as though they'd signed a contract.

"We have more shopping to do", Fred and George said, "items of a – sensitive nature – let's say".

Cho wanted to stick around, but her companion dragged her out of the Hog's Head as soon as possible.

"That Zacharias bloke is a wart", Greg Goyle said as he looked up the street to where Zacharias was well ahead.

"I don't much like him either", Luna confessed, "but he overheard when I was telling Hannah and Earnie all about it at the Hufflepuff table. He seemed interested, so what could I say? I mean, the more we have, the better".

"I hope you're right and that he doesn't turn out to be an asshole", Draco said. "Only takes one to ruin everything for everyone else".

"You heard what he said? Once we're into it, he won't. He still wants this for his OWL in defense, even if he doesn't believe".

"I suppose…"

"I have to stop in here", Luna said as they were passing Shrivenshaft's Quill Emporium. "Mine are wearing out".

There was a display of some very nice pheasant feather quills in the window.

"Normie pens are a lot better", Draco said, "Hogwarts could learn a thing or two from Beaux Batons".

"Oh well", Luna said, "SUX to be us".

They spent the rest of the day hitting the usual sites: Honeyduke's and the Three Broomsticks. Draco and Ginny headed for Madam Puddifoot's Tea Room.

The next day, the weather held, so nearly everyone headed for the lake to do their studying and homework to take advantage of what was one of the last days of good weather.

Monday morning, everyone awoke to a new notice tacked up on the message board that covered everything: advertisements for the sale of used text books, the Quiddich schedule, the dates of Hogsmeade weekends, lost and found notices, offers to trade Chocolate Frog cards, this week's password into the Common Room.

By Order of

The Office of High Inquisitor

All student organizations, clubs, groups, societies, and teams

are henceforth banned.

An organization, club, group, society or team is defined to

be any regular meeting of three or more students.

Permission to re-form organizations may be

sought by application to the High Inquisitor.

Any student found to have organized, or joined, an

unauthorized organization will be summarily expelled.

This is in accordance with Educational Decree Twenty Five.

Signed:

Dolores Jane Umbridge, High Inquisitor

"This mean the Gobstones Club?", one second year student crowded in front of the notice asked.

"She'll probably be OK with Gobstones", said another.

"She knows", Draco said, "Umbitch knows"

"Couldn't", said Luna.

"This can't be a coincidence", Draco objected. "The timing's way too convenient. That pub wasn't as private as you thought".

"What do Gobstones Clubs, or Quiddich teams, have to do with educational reforms?", Greg asked.

"Wait till Father hears about this!", Draco complained.

"I bet it was that Zacharias Smith asshole", Millicent said. "I never liked him".

"Or that Michael Corner, or that friend of Cho's: both looked pretty fishy", Blaise said.

"It wasn't any of them", Luna said.

"Just because you're so naive and trusting doesn't mean everyone else is".

"Couldn't have been. You see, there was a jinx on that paper everyone signed. If anyone ratted us out, believe me, we'd know, and they would regret it".

"What would happen?"

"You know Eloise Midgen?"

"Yeah… so…"

"Her zits would look like freckles in comparison", Luna explained.

"Who jinxed the paper? You?"

"It was Hermione: she sent it from Beaux Batons".

"I'm going to see Dumbledumbass about this", Draco said. "There is no excuse for this".

"So what do we do now?", Millicent asked.

"We make like we didn't see that", Luna said as she pointed to the sign, "and carry on like we planned. If anyone wants to drop, now's the time".

"I'm still in", Greg reassured. "What's the worse that can happen? We get caught and expelled. Better to be taking OWLs at Harebell's and know how to defend ourselves than be sitting ducks here at Hogwarts. We're not gonna be here forever".

In the Great Hall, the conspirators against Umbridge looked all around. They didn't see anyone who looked to be breaking out with a sudden case of acne, so they hadn't been betrayed by anyone who came to the Hog's Head.

Luna motioned and silently mouthed the words: "Later… We'll… See… You… Later" at the Hufflepuff table as she saw Zacharias Smith, Earnie MacMillan, and Hannah Abbot looking to stand and visit the Slytherins' table. She glanced sideways at the staff table, hoping no one up there noticed. It didn't look like they did. After all, the usual buzz around the hall was more intense, and students were running back and forth between the tables, seeking to know if the new decree had appeared in all the common rooms. Of course, it had.

Once the serving was over, Draco asked for a permission slip to see the Headmaster.

"I already know why you want to see the Headmaster, as you aren't the only one requesting to see him, and the answer's 'No'", said McGonagall.

"What do school clubs and extracurricular activities have to do with any sort of educational standards?", he asked. "Looks to me like the High Inquisitor is stepping out of bounds".

"Not if you consider, Mr. Malfoy, the distractions from study such activities entail. That's the reason for the decree".

That was a plausible excuse, and skated the thin edge of overstepping her bounds of authority. If that were the case, it would make more sense to ban anyone who didn't maintain an average of at least an 'A' from participating.

The Quiddich captains also gathered after serving.

"No big deal, we ask to reform the teams. Just a technicality", Angelina explained.

"So what do we do?", Luna asked while on their way to Magical History. "Tell… them?"

"I suppose", Draco replied.

"What if she chickens out?"

"They're gonna know soon enough, best to let them know in advance. If it happens, then it happens, then we worry about it. I sent the last one, your turn".

Owlery Holt

"The latest from Hogwarts", Lucius announced, "it would seem that Umbridge is onto our friends. There's been another decree: no clubs or other organizations that aren't Umbridge-approved. Luna and the others she brought in to the defense study group are willing to continue meeting".

"Doesn't surprise me", Sirius agreed. "Meeting in the Hog's Head wasn't such a good idea. Albus also knows all about it. I'm pretty sure he had Mundungus tailing them".

"Do you think he told?"

"I don't see how, unless he owled her. I believe he would report the meeting and what he heard to the Order of the Phoenix".

"Could Dumbledore have told her?", Harry asked.

"I don't know, but I'd highly doubt that. He'd gladly look the other way".

"Unless he thought it might help ingratiate himself to Umbridge, or even the Ministry?"

"Anything's possible, but that's improbable. Things have gone too far between Fudge and Dumbledore to patch up those differences. You can be sure he also resents that Fudge would send her to keep an eye on him".

"The next question: is the defense group still a 'Go'?", Harry asked.

"I'm willing", Amelia said, "if this Room of Requirement is really as secure, and if Harry is willing. I could do it alone, if he isn't, or if there's too great of a risk in going behind the Ministry's back".

"From everything I learned from the house elves, I would say it isn't free of all risk, but there's a very good chance that Umbridge doesn't know about it, and that there's little possibility of her finding out. If you ask the Room to exclude her and Filch, they will be excluded. Of course, better that they never learn of it in the first place. We've already seen how unhinged she really is.

"I will be speaking with Arthur, pretty soon, I imagine – as soon as he can get to Ottery St Catchpole, get a connection.

"Sirius, you never did say how it went in Hogsmeade?"

"Went just fine, except when Aberforth tried kicking me. For an old guy, he moves pretty quick. I tried barking at the kids, you know, warn them that Fletcher was probably in there, but how would they know? Just another woofing stray begging treats".

"No one suspected?"

"No, but why would they? Hard enough to detect an animagus even if you suspect one's around, and other than the folks here, no one knows I'm an amimagus, Moonie excepted, of course".

12 Grimmauld Pl

The Order of the Phoenix was having a regular meeting.

"We've heard Mundungus' report about the Hogsmeade weekend, and the plans of the kids to start their own defense study group. However, they aren't the only ones who noticed. The High Inquisitor has banned all student groups and even the Quiddich teams. She will consider allowing the reformation of the existing clubs, teams, and study groups, but I doubt a defense group will receive approval, not that they will seek it".

"I may have an answer", Arthur announced. "My department solved the mystery of who was behind pranking the toilets in muggle rest rooms. It Was Willie Widdershins. We recommended him for prosecution, but word around the Ministry is he cut some sort of a deal. Traded something he knew about Hogwarts for a fine and probation".

"So what are their intentions?", Molly asked.

"They'll go through with it, I'm sure", Dumbledore replied.

"And if they get caught?", she asked.

"There will be trouble, I have no doubt, but that won't stop them. I suspect they're having lots of help from the Order of the Otter… Speaking of that, any progress, Arthur?"

"None: I haven't heard a word so far", he replied.

"Can you do anything, Albus?"

"Oh yes: I plan to let them go ahead with their lessons. I hope they won't need it, but it is highly irresponsible to be denying them defense training, especially in these times".

Hogwarts: Room of Requirement

Draco had the Marauders Map to make certain that neither Filch nor Umbridge were in the area. So far, so good: Umbridge was in her office, Filch was on the second floor, and Peeves in the Astronomy Tower.

"So what do we do?", Millicent asked.

Draco walked back and forth before the wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Balmy.

"We need a place to practice defensive spells unnoticed. Don't let in Umbridge or Filch".

After the third incantation, the oak doors appeared. Inside, Harry and Amelia were waiting. By ones and twos, the rest of the defense study group arrived. Once everyone was there, Draco locked the door from the inside.

"Harry!", Fred and George greeted, "long time; no see!"

"Yeah", Neville agreed. "Didn't expect we'd be seeing you again".

"You didn't go back to Beaux Batons?", George asked.

"I've been put out of circulation for awhile. Fudge…"

"We heard all about it", Neville said. He didn't need to explain as it was known his grandmother was with the Ministry.

The Room had bookshelves with volumes on defense: The Dark Arts Outsmarted, Self Defense Spellwork, A Compendium of Common Curses and their Counter Actions, Jinxes for the Jinxed. The collection being filled with texts a lot more useful than Slinkhard's boring tome. The floor covered with soft cushions.

"May I have your attention, now that we're all here", Amelia Bones called out.

"If I may", Luna spoke up, "I think we need a name for ourselves", she explained. "You know, to give us an identity we can call our own, to cement our camaraderie".

"I know!", George called out, 'The Anti-Umbridge League'".

"How about 'The Ministry SUX Club'", Fred suggested.

"Nothing like that", Luna objected. "It should be something we can use in public, but not give away what we're doing. How about the Defense Alliance? We could use the initials only, the DA, when others can overhear".

"'DA' sounds good", Ginny agreed, "but let's make it stand for 'Dumbledore's Army'. If we get caught, that's what they'll think anyway".

There were no objections, so Luna wrote 'Dumbledore's Army at the head of the group's membership roster.

"Now that that's settled", Amelia proceeded, "I want to start with the disarming charm, the Expelliarmus. How many of you have seen it?"

Everyone raised their hands: "We saw it when Lockhart was here", Earnie explained.

Everyone remembered Lockhart's ill-fated Dueling Club and its first and last meet. Snape nearly knocked Lockhart unconscious with an Expelliarmus.

"Then you know how it works", Amelia continued explaining, "if done right, it will remove from any attacker their wands or other weapons they might think of using. This is one of the charms that will be included with the practical demonstration part of your Defense OWL.

"If you all would pair up", Amelia said.

Calls of "Expelliarmus!", filled the room as wands went flying. Being beginners, there was also lots of poorly aimed spells that missed their marks, sending books flying to the floor. Harry sent Neville's wand flying to the ceiling where it hit with a shower of sparks and landed on top of a book case. He used the Summoning Charm to retrieve it for him.

Others weren't having much luck, their partners simply pushed back a step or two at the feeble spell.

"Expelliarmus!", Neville called out and Harry felt his wand leave his hand.

"I DID IT! I FINALLY DID IT!", he crowed. "I never did it before".

"That was very good", Harry lied. He didn't explain that, in a real duel, the opponent would never have his back turned, wand at his side. Still, Neville's wand work left a lot to be desired, so he thought it best not to deflate his confidence. In the middle of the room, he noticed something strange: Zacharias Smith and Merissa Goldstein were partnered, but every time Zacharias lifted his wand to disarm Merissa, his wand would go flying. Was she casting silently? He soon figured it out as Fred and George were firing at Zacharias instead of each other.

"Would you two quit horsing around?", he reprimanded.

"Sorry, we couldn't help it", the Twins said.

"Problem?", he asked of Cho.

"I insisted Marietta come", she explained, "she didn't really want to, seeing how her parents told her to not do anything to upset Umbridge as her folks work for the Ministry. So did mine, telling me not to get on Umbridge's bad side, but if they think I won't fight after what he did to Cedric, they have another thing coming!"

"Father wouldn't mind", Luna was joining them, "he's always been very anti-Fudge. After all the goblins he's had assassinated, and how he's using the Department of Mysteries to develop new, untraceable poisons he slips to anyone who disagrees with him, not to mention his Umgubular Slashkilter…"

"Don't ask", Harry told Cho.

"You need to make up your own mind", he told Marietta, "do you want to do this or not? If you're really that uncomfortable, we'll understand, and you're always free to leave the group with no one's here thinking any the less of you for it".

"Thanks… I really should go", she turned to leave.

"Why, Harry…"

"Look, Cho, we don't need anyone whose heart really isn't into it. It's not fair to her and it's not fair to the rest of us. We all know Marietta follows you around like a faithful puppy, but you really need to let her go to make up her own mind".

Amelia blew a whistle to call everyone's attention for an announcement.

"So far, that wasn't half bad, better than I expected from first timers. There is still some spotty wand work. You there…"

"Earnie MacMillen, Ma'am".

"You're spending too much time flourishing your wand, giving your opponent too much time to slip his charm in before you can react. It may make for a good show, but that's not how it is in a real duel. Keep it short and sweet, and get the drop on him before he can get the drop on you".

"Yes, Ma'am".

"You two…"

"Colin Creevey"

"Denis Creevey"

"You have the opposite problem. You're rushing your casting, throwing off your aim".

This was true as the Creevey brothers were the ones mainly responsible for all the books scattered on the floor around the bookcases.

"You need to keep it fast and smooth. You can't disarm your opponent if you aren't aiming at your opponent. Slow it down a notch, and try to hit your target. Learn to aim first, then pick up the speed".

"Since we're coming up on curfew, let's call it a night", Amelia announced. "You've done fairly good for a first effort, so you can be proud of that. There's still more work to be done, and remember, accuracy first, and let speed come naturally. That's what I'd like for you to think about. So next week, same time?"

"We still need time for Quiddich", Cho reminded.

"Weekly lessons, or you might as well not bother. You'll need to get your priorities straight: Defense or Quiddich…"

"I don't think that's a good idea", Harry interrupted, "if there's sudden vacancies on the Quiddich teams, someone's going to notice".

"Good point. Decide on when's the best time for you within the next seven days. Luna or Draco will let me know when you can meet".

Draco saw to it that everyone's way was clear with the Map.

"There is one problem", Draco explained. "We need some way, some means of communicating, so all of us aren't going to other house tables, or being seen with a whole bunch of folks from different Houses".

"We'll work something out", Harry promised.