Project Management for Beginners

by snuffly22

Harry had never really properly planned anything before. The fact that his first ever plan was risky and filled with assorted dangers was not actually deterring him as much as it should. (This story explores how Harry's third year at Hogwarts might have played out differently if a little project management and an ambitious plan had been thrown into the mix.)

14. On the same page

All rights to the Harry Potter universe belong to JK Rowling. I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: Hi there. Thanks very much for all of the recent comments, and to everyone who's still reading this story.

- IIII - IIII - IIII - IIII -

Chapter 14 - On the same page

After key stages of a project are completed, it's helpful to take stock of the situation and consider next steps.

By the following day, the tempo of life at Hogwarts was starting to return to something more like normality. The Slytherin 'we're fine with the Charter, and that's our final word on the matter' policy was implemented immediately. This caused a considerable amount of amusement across the school, but it did help the issue to become much less 'us against them', and so the amount of taunting that the Slytherins were having to put up with dropped considerably. Most of the students were eager to learn whether the Teaching Charter was to be implemented or not. The Ravenclaws were particularly keen to see it go through, and by Tuesday lunchtime it was widely known that they'd already set up a student taskforce to look at ways in which the Charter could improve their experience of learning.

Although the Gryffindor protest had caught everyone's attention within the school, it didn't seem to have registered as news with the Daily Prophet, which had nothing in either the Monday or Tuesday editions about it. Hermione commented at breakfast on Tuesday that this was 'disconcerting'. Ron said she was probably right, but he wasn't totally sure because he didn't know exactly what disconcerting meant. Harry grinned, and didn't admit that he was a bit hazy on what it meant himself.

Harry took the chance after lunch on Tuesday to check in with Colin Creevey about progress with the second-year study group. Their first meeting was set up for the next day, although Colin had decided not to negotiate a deal to guarantee any Slytherin attendance. He had instead drafted a letter which he'd sent to each of the Slytherin second-years inviting them to the study group and telling them that even if they didn't choose to try it now, they could always change their minds later on. None of them had replied, which Harry thought was quite rude. However, Colin said he felt better for asking and was optimistic that they'd join the group eventually. Harry didn't share his sunny outlook on that particular matter, but he was pleased that Colin seemed to have come to terms with the probable lack of a Slytherin presence in his group. It was probably for the best anyway; he thought Colin Creevey and the average Slytherin probably wouldn't mix very well.

Although Harry was generally in a pretty good mood, he was conscious of the fact that he'd have to resolve the situation with Fred and George at some point. The twins had mostly stayed away from him since their early morning visit to the third-year dorm. They weren't ignoring him, exactly – they did say hello briefly if they passed him in the corridors or the common room – but they never hung around to chat as they used to. Harry didn't know how to mend fences with the twins, and he still felt a little guilty about their argument; he didn't regret what he'd said, but he felt bad about the way he'd said it. It felt too awkward a subject to bring up though and he had no idea what to say if he did. After some thought he decided to let the matter rest for a few more days, and maybe speak to the twins towards the end of the week.

While the quest entered a temporary lull, since there was little to do now but wait for the big decision, Ron's Danger Club activities were building up. As they were sitting in the common room on Tuesday evening, Ron gave Hermione and Harry a progress update.

"Yeah, so I'm glad to say the stupid flobberworms are going to be a thing of the past pretty soon!" Ron told them cheerfully. "Padma and the other Ravenclaws have finished the changes to Hagrid's lesson plans, so that we can all be properly supervised and avoid a painful death and so on. And that's a good thing by the way, because I've seen the paperwork for student deaths and it takes hours to fill in. We got loads of useful advice sent to us from Professor Kettleburn as well. Hagrid's already looking for sixth and seventh-years to help out in the third to fifth-year lessons. He's also signed up some bloke he knows from the Leaky Cauldron as his unpaid, part time assistant. What's his name… oh yes, Fletcher. He won't be on the books officially – Hagrid's going to pay him in drinks, or eggs from his chickens. And yes, I know how that sounds, but the school won't agree to hiring an assistant and I'm told this guy knows his way around a wand okay."

Hermione looked dubiously at him. "So we can rely on this man Fletcher, then?"

"Hagrid says so," Ron said. "They're mates. I'll keep an eye on him, though."

"Did Hagrid ever get a reply to his letter of apology to Lucius Malfoy?" Harry asked.

Ron grinned. "Mmm. He let me see it. Nice handwriting, but not a nice letter. Malfoy's Dad said he accepted the apology but he would still have to 'take whatever action was required to secure the safety of young witches and wizards, as no false sentimentality could be allowed to endanger them'. Or something like that."

Harry nodded. "So, do we know what Malfoy's planning? Could your Dad find anything out?"

"Well, it's good news and bad news. The good news is that we know what he's planning, the bad news is that we don't like it. Ginny got a letter from Dad this morning – sorry, forgot to mention it before. Apparently, Malfoy's been unable to get the Governors to agree to sacking Hagrid, so that's a relief. Dad explained that the work we've been doing with the Danger Club helped Dumbledore a lot with convincing the Governors that it was an isolated error and steps were being taken to fix things," he said with pride. "But the trouble is, Malfoy's now referred Buckbeak to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures for a hearing. Dad says that while he's really proud of me and Ginny for trying to help Hagrid and working with you on the Charter, he thinks that Malfoy's accelerated his actions because of it. He said that Malfoy's dad probably didn't take us seriously at first, but now with the quest being so successful, he's seen what student power can do and he wants to get rid of Buckbeak before we can stop him. I wish I'd listened to you when you told me to keep the Danger Club secret."

Hermione looked thoughtful. "You know, calling themselves the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures doesn't seem very impartial. The name rather tells you that they've already made their minds up, even before the hearing. I mean, surely some of the creatures they look at aren't that dangerous?"

Ron nodded eagerly. "You're right! Hagrid says those people on the committee are biased against creatures of all sorts. He's really worried that they're going to insist on Buckbeak being destroyed. He cried a bit when Ginny showed him Dad's letter."

"A bit?" Hermione said sceptically.

"Well, quite a lot," Ron admitted. "It was embarrassing. I promised him that we'd get to work on the planning for the hearing, though - we've got time, it won't be until the first or second week of December. I'll have to ask one of the Professors to go with Hagrid, like you suggested Harry, but we still might not win. I tried to reassure Hagrid about our chances, but I don't know anything about committees – maybe he's right, and they will execute Buckbeak no matter how good an argument we come up with. I'm not sure what to do. What do you guys think?"

"Have you spoken to Professor McGonagall yet?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, and a fat lot of good that was!" Ron said, pulling a face. "She said she couldn't tell me anything more than is already widely known and she was sure it would all get sorted out in the end."

"Oh," Hermione said dismally. "I'd hoped for something more positive than that."

"Me too. Harry, if you were in my place, what would you do?"

"Well, erm… I'm not sure. Sorry, that's not helpful I know."

"It's alright," Ron said. "Like I said, we've got some time yet to work on it. Padma, Justin and Ernie are all signed up to library duty – they're going to research past hearings and find out if there are any previous examples of creatures being let off by the committee."

"Well, I would have thought—"

"Harry! Hermione!" Percy had just come into the common room was striding towards them, looking excited. "The Headmaster just sent word that he'd like to see the three of us immediately."

"Oh, right. See you later, Ron."

"Yeah, okay. Good luck!"

The Headmaster, when they arrived, welcomed them pleasantly and invited them to sit down. "Well now," he said, "I have some good news for you and some… other news."

The three of them glanced at each other. "Perhaps we'd better have the good news first Sir," Hermione said.

"Indeed. So, I am happy to inform you that the Teaching Charter has been approved by the Board of Governors and will be implemented from the start of next term," Dumbledore said with a wide smile. "Well done, all of you, on a most remarkable accomplishment!"

"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed. "It's really happened! I mean, I know things were looking good but I wasn't sure…"

"Well done, Harry," Percy said with a broad smile. "You should be very proud."

"It was a team effort," Harry said modestly.

Hermione smiled in delight. "That's really good news, Headmaster. When will the rest of the school be told?"

"I will be announcing it tomorrow at breakfast. Until then, I must ask you to keep this to yourself – though you may tell Mr. Weasley junior, if you wish."

"Thanks," Harry said. "Ron knew we were coming here so he'll want to know what we talked about."

"Then you may satisfy his curiosity, by all means. So, perhaps we can turn to the other news which I mentioned. This concerns our Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Now, you may have noticed that no details of Sunday's protest have yet appeared in the Daily Prophet?"

"Yes, and I was surprised about that," Hermione said. "It might have been too late to make the Monday edition, but today's paper had nothing about it either."

"Hmm, well, that would be because the Minister has asked the Daily Prophet's editor not to make any reference to the Charter or the protest just yet."

Harry felt a spark of anger. "Is he trying to suppress the story? That won't work, surely? I mean, too many people know about it."

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Oh, he doesn't want to suppress the story, Harry - he wants to associate himself with it."

"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed. Harry glanced across at her; clearly she understood what Dumbledore meant, whereas he had no clue. Percy also looked a little puzzled.

"Will you come and stand next to me for a moment, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. He did so, still rather confused. The Headmaster drew out his wand and with a flick, a bright lamp appeared on the table next to them. "Now Harry, this lamp has been created by my own efforts entirely. You had no part in its production. However, as you are standing near me, the lamp shines upon us both, does it not? And anyone who might happen to walk into this room right now would see you clearly in the light of the lamp, just as much as they would me."

"And they might even assume that Harry had been the one to turn the lamp on in the first place," Hermione said slowly.

"Yes indeed, but not if we took the trouble to correct that misapprehension. Thank you, Harry, you may sit down again now."

Percy frowned. "Sir, you surely don't mean that the Minister intends to take credit for our achievements?"

"No, Mr. Weasley, I assure you that is not his intention. He is simply seeking to publicly declare his support for a change which will be highly popular once the news breaks. Like most politicians, basking in the limelight is his favourite hobby. Indeed, I suppose it could be called his day job."

Harry frowned. "Headmaster, I don't mean to be rude but if the Minister is planning to pull a Lockhart on us then the other Gryffindors are really not going to be happy about it."

Dumbledore looked a little pained, but managed a smile. "That is a very vivid turn of phrase, Harry. I assure you however that his intentions are considerably more mundane. He does not want to take the credit away from you all – he simply wishes to give your endeavours a very public endorsement."

"How will that work exactly?" Percy asked.

"Well, Cornelius will arrive for lunch tomorrow. He will bring a reporter with him, and a photographer. There will be ceremonial signing of the Teaching Charter next to the Gryffindor table. Some of the students may be asked for their opinions about these events, to quote in the paper. And then on Thursday, the whole story will appear in the Prophet. Mr. Weasley, how would you feel about having your picture taken while shaking hands with the Minister? He's asked if that would be acceptable."

Percy looked highly excited. "Well, I'd be delighted, of course! And Harry, you should be on the photo as well, really – but I suspect that wouldn't be your idea of a good time?"

"You're right there," Harry said firmly. "I'd really rather not end up in the Prophet. Your parents will be thrilled if you do though, Percy!"

"Yes, I suppose they would be," he mused happily.

"Headmaster, if you don't mind me asking – even if the Minister's intentions aren't bad, why are you allowing this?" Hermione enquired.

"Ah well, that is a good question," Dumbledore smiled. "Partly because it's harmless. There are times when I have to stand up to the Minister and refuse to give him what he wants. However, he would be most unhappy if I did that all of the time, so granting this quite benign request is something that I would prefer to do. I will make sure that he doesn't overstep the bounds of fairness and claim any credit for events which he was not a part of. And also, it's because I knew that Lucius Malfoy's influence with the Minister might hold some sway if I didn't allow this to exist as a counter-influence. Cornelius will back the Charter if I allow him to do it his way - and while he's not officially part of the decision-making process, it really is best to have him on side for something so important."

"Then we shouldn't be concerned?" Harry asked.

"No, I assure you that this is nothing to worry about. I just wanted to explain it to you in advance so that you were prepared. If you still have any worries about it then please do tell me."

"No, if you say it's fine then I'm okay with it," Harry said, a little reluctantly. Percy and Hermione nodded in agreement. "There is one thing though, Headmaster; I don't want the Slytherins to be criticised in this story at all. They're getting used to the idea of the Charter now and I wouldn't like to set that process back."

"Of course, that is only sensible; I will make sure that is done," Dumbledore said. "And now I suggest you all return to the Gryffindor common room – it's not too long until curfew."

They said goodnight to the Headmaster and left his office. Percy was visibly thrilled at the prospect of meeting the Minister, which Hermione seemed amused at. As for Harry, he certainly didn't begrudge Percy his moment of fame. Hopefully, Fudge's arrival tomorrow was a low-level annoyance, nothing more. He'd be at the school for an hour and then go, whereas the Teaching Charter… that was here to stay for years to come – maybe even for decades. Harry decided to allow himself to relax and savour his victory.

"We've won," he said, feeling jubilant. "We actually made it happen!"

Percy clapped him on the shoulder. "It makes me wonder what else we could accomplish, if we all worked together." Harry grinned at him.

"I've been thinking just the same thing!" Hermione said with a wide smile. "Oh but, I wish I'd remembered to ask the Headmaster what changes might be introduced next term to our lesson plans."

"They might still be working on the details," Harry said. "By the way, tomorrow let's all sit facing the Slytherin table at breakfast. I have to watch Malfoy's reaction to this!"

Having been forbidden from telling anyone other than Ron about the happy news, Harry had to put a lot of effort into not looking over-cheerful when they returned to the common room. He took Ron up to the dorm to give him an update. Ron was thrilled, and loved the idea of being able to watch the Slytherins hear about the Gryffindors' success at breakfast.

"I just wish I could tell Blaise and Theo though," Harry said. "I know they'll find out soon enough but it might help them to prepare if they know what's coming."

Ron sighed theatrically. "Again with the Slytherins! I never thought I'd see the day… honestly Harry, have I taught you nothing at all in the two years we've known each other?"

Harry grinned. "It's two people, Ron. Two, out of a whole House worth of students! I don't even know most of the Slytherins!"

"You don't know them yet, you mean. After all, you've already increased the number of your Slytherin pals from one to two. That's double the amount! Keep on like that and you'll be friends with most of our year by the end of the term!"

"If it makes you feel any better Ron, I wouldn't make friends with Malfoy if my life depended on it. Or yours."

"That's the spirit," Ron said approvingly. "Anyway, if you really want to let your snakey chums in on the secret, act like they do and be all cunning about it."

"What do you mean?"

Ron picked up a spare bit of paper and jotted down a sentence. "Send them that."

Harry looked at the paper and grinned. "Good one." He retrieved the memo from his bedside cabinet.

Blaise – Minister Fudge is coming to Hogwarts for lunch tomorrow.

YES!

- IIII - IIII - IIII - IIII -

As soon as Dumbledore announced that the Teaching Charter was approved the next morning, sustained and hearty applause, as well as loud cheering, broke out across the Great Hall. Harry shouted "WOOHOO!" at the top of his voice, which prompted a dozen others to do the same. Even the Slytherins managed to act out a reasonable level of enthusiasm, and clapped steadily.

"I am delighted to see that this news is so pleasing to you all," Dumbledore said, smiling brightly. "And to say thank you to the students whose idea this was, I award a hundred points to Gryffindor. It should be more really, but it would hardly be fair to make the House Cup a foregone conclusion so early in the school year!" The Gryffindors clapped again, pleased at the unexpected addition to their points score.

"There are a couple of other things to mention," Dumbledore added. "It has been decided to set up a working group of Professors who will oversee the introduction of the Charter. This group will consist of myself and Professors McGonagall, Lupin, Burbage, Sinistra, Snape, Flitwick and Sprout. Although we are not formally launching the Charter until next term, some Professors may choose to try out new measures this term as a form of early test, so to speak. Also, to assist with the administrative work which we expect to arise as a result of these changes, Professor Flitwick has been appointed as second Deputy Headmaster; he will provide most effective support to myself and Professor McGonagall, I am sure." There was a generous round of applause at this point, led by the delighted Ravenclaws. Professor Flitwick acknowledged this with a cheerful wave.

"I suppose they had to put Snape in the working group, with him being a Head of House," Ron commented in a low voice, "though it seems a bit funny to ask him to sort the problem out when he's the cause of it in the first place. I expect he'll have to give himself a stern talking to if he doesn't stick to the Charter from now on." Harry grinned and glanced over at Snape to check how he was taking these developments; he looked very serious, but nothing more.

"Additionally, it so happens that the Ministry of Magic have decided to set up a Ghost Liaison Office and are in need of a reliable ambassador to represent the large ghostly community that we have here at Hogwarts. Professor Binns, who has served the school faithfully for many years, has agreed to accept this important position. As a result, he will be spending much of his time at the Ministry from now on, and therefore will be resigning from his post as History of Magic teacher at the end of this term." There was a roar of amused laughter and applause at this, and Dumbledore allowed it to continue to the end with a tolerant smile. "As you may be aware, the syllabus for History of Magic has not been updated for some time. One of the first tasks which the working group will undertake is to revise the topics which are taught and modernise the teaching approach, focusing on next term in particular. I will be advertising for a new Professor to teach History of Magic, and they will need to have lesson plans already prepared when they arrive."

"I'll teach it if you like, Headmaster," Fred Weasley shouted out. "After all, I couldn't be worse than the last guy!" This drew a big laugh, with even some of the Slytherins smiling slightly, though they straightened their faces immediately afterwards.

"I think I must be a little hard of hearing at the moment, Mr. Weasley, since I missed most of what you just said," Dumbledore told him with an amused smile. "Anyway, to move on to the final item. Minister Fudge will be with us at lunch today, and will be signing a copy of the Charter next to the Gryffindor table. There will be photographs taken for inclusion in tomorrow's issue of Daily Prophet, which will cover the whole story in great detail. Some of you may also be interviewed." This prompted a flurry of quick conversations across the hall as students speculated about whether they would end up in the paper. "Thank you for listening to me, and now please do continue your breakfast." He sat down, smiling cheerfully.

"You know who I feel sorry for?" Ron said. "People like Dad, at the Ministry. I bet that when they left Hogwarts, they all said to themselves, 'thank goodness I'll never have to listen to Professor Binns again', and now he'll be haunting their place of work! Literally!"

Hermione grinned. "I think it's going to be brilliant here, though! Imagine what we might learn in a properly supervised History of Magic class! We might focus on really important modern-day events now."

"We could focus on Harry," Ron said, smirking at him. "You know, learn all about the Boy Who Lived. Even Lockhart wasn't as well-known as you, Harry. I know lots about you already, so I bet I'd get top marks."

The other two giggled as Harry put on an alarmingly accurate imitation of Lockhart's beaming gaze. "Of course, even though Witch Weekly did vote me Most Charming Boy Who Lived five times running, that didn't help me in the Chamber of Secrets! I didn't kill the terrifying Hogwarts basilisk just by smiling at it, you know!"

Ron snorted with laughter. "Yeah well, never mind all that rubbish, your smileyness. Let's think about lunchtime. We need to decide what our strategy is."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"Well, Fudge is going to be by our table with lots of happy students standing around when the photos get taken. If we're three of those happy students then we might end up in the paper. Or if we try to stay away, then we can avoid all the publicity." Ron finished the sentence with a note of doubt in his voice; it was clear which was his favoured option.

"Well, I certainly don't want to be centre stage," Hermione said, "and I know you don't, Harry."

"I'll do my best to avoid that," Harry agreed. "Ron, if you want to be in the picture then you can be. I'm sure the Minister wouldn't mind."

Ron grinned a touch self-consciously. "Well, it would be nice to see myself in the Prophet. I might do that."

"My strategy will probably either be to hide behind someone bigger, or disguise myself, or eat quickly and leave early - or maybe all three," Harry decided.

"I'll bet you a sickle that you end up on a photograph with the Minister anyway, strategy or not," Ron said smugly.

Harry smirked at him. "You're on."

It did cross Harry's mind during the course of the morning that he could avoid the risk of unwelcome publicity - which he'd had far too much of in the last couple of years - by not going into lunch at all. However, he decided that wouldn't be a sporting way to win a bet – and in any case, he was likely to be hungry. Ron came up with the idea of temporarily changing his hair colour, and was even able to suggest a suitable charm to do it; he said that his brother Bill had experimented with various looks in the past and he remembered some of the spells he'd used. Harry dismissed the idea reluctantly, as he thought it might draw more attention if he looked different to normal. In the end, he went for what Hermione referred to as 'strategic placement'. When lunch arrived, he carefully sat nowhere near Percy, who looked enormously excited about his role in events. He also kept his head down, and had a copy of the morning's Prophet propped up high in front of him. Hermione was next to him, but Ron had gone to sit by Percy; he'd even asked Percy if he could stand by him for the group photograph. Ron had claimed it was mostly in case he had the chance to talk to the Minister about the Danger Club, and Harry, being a good friend, had pretended to believe him.

Dumbledore, along with the Minister and the staff from the Daily Prophet, came into the room shortly before food was served and headed directly to the Gryffindor table. Minister Fudge went to shake hands with a delighted Percy, and they both posed self-consciously for pictures while everyone clapped politely.

"Now, everyone who would like to be on the main picture, please come over and stand behind the Minister!" the photographer shouted. "Doesn't have to be Gryffindors only, students from all Houses welcome!"

There was a short pause before various students from the other tables started wandering over to join them. Even a few of the Slytherins did so. Harry was delighted that his view of the Minister was now almost totally blocked by other people, which should make it much less likely for the man to notice him. He heard Professor McGonagall tell the Weasley twins sharply that if they wanted to be in any of the pictures then they should stop pulling those awful faces immediately. Fred then replied in a hurt voice that those were actually their normal faces, and it was upsetting to be criticised for their looks so publicly by their own Head of House. Harry chuckled when Professor McGonagall informed the twins that they could go into the matter more thoroughly during the detention they'd be serving with her that evening.

The Minister took out a copy of the Charter and smiled around. "Professors and students of Hogwarts! This is a historic day! In a moment, I will sign this copy of the new Hogwarts Teaching Charter to endorse this proposal for change and improvement. I congratulate the Gryffindor students on their great initiative and the commitment they have shown to our wonderful school in developing this Charter. And now, shall we?"

"Everyone, clap and look happy!" the photographer shouted. The students did as they were told, giggling with amusement to each other, as Minister Fudge signed the Charter with a flourish.

"I wonder if Ron's in the picture," Hermione said with a smile. "Rather him than me."

"Looks like I'm going to win the bet," Harry commented. "At least I hope so."

"It makes sense that you would; if the Minister's here just for publicity then he wouldn't choose to give some of it away to you. By the way Harry, now that we have the Charter in place, do you think your quest really is finished?"

"I've been thinking about that. It's mostly done, but not the personal bit. I'll have to do that on my own. Snape's had it in for me since day one, and all of that's still unresolved. I don't deserve what he's put me through, Hermione. I'm going to keep working on that, though I'm not sure how yet."

"Well, let me know if you need any help with it," she said. "You deserve some answers, Harry – and fairer treatment in Potions class!"

After what seemed like enough photographs to fill a couple of hundred albums were taken, the students were sent back to their tables and the Minister joined Dumbledore at the staff table for lunch. Ron returned to them as the food was served, grinning widely.

"The Minister shook my hand!" he exclaimed, "and I got my picture taken, though I don't know if it'll be in the paper since they got so many. You two are mad to have missed it!"

"I expect we'll come to terms with being left out eventually," Hermione said drily. "Oh, watch out, the reporter's heading our way!"

Harry groaned as he glanced around to see a short, middle-aged man carrying a large notebook striding towards him. Fortunately, the photographer wasn't following him. "Mr. Potter? Justin Thatcher, from the Prophet. Care to comment on what you think of the new Teaching Charter? Our readers are very interested in hearing from the Boy Who Lived!"

Harry glanced at him with distaste; why Ron liked the idea of this type of fame was beyond him. "I'm just an ordinary third-year student, Mr. Thatcher, so my opinion isn't worth any more than anyone else's. But if you want to know, I think it's a really positive change. I'm glad that students of all four Houses have come together to support it. Also, I'm grateful to the Headmaster and all of the Professors for the work that they'll be putting in to introduce it."

Mr. Thatcher looked at him with an unpleasantly sly expression. "Yes, but off the record… it hasn't been well received in some quarters, has it?"

There had been a discussion about the media last summer back at Privet Drive – he couldn't remember the details, but it had been to do with some form of minor political scandal. One sentence that Uncle Vernon had spoken that day came back to him then: "I tell you Petunia, there's no such thing as 'off the record' when it comes to those awful journalists." Harry didn't have much respect for Vernon Dursley's opinions as a rule, but judging by the furtive looking man stood in front of him, he suspected that on this occasion his uncle might be right.

"I wouldn't know anything about that," Harry replied innocently. "My understanding is that the Charter's been supported by an almost everyone. Maybe, since it's been so popular, you ought to think about following our lead at the Prophet and introducing a Journalism Charter as well. It could set out all the ways in which you intend to be fair and unbiased in your coverage of news stories. Why don't you put that in the article and see what people think? You can quote me on that!"

Mr. Thatcher's jaw dropped and he looked horrified. "Er yes, well, that's an interesting idea. I'd better be getting along now, and speak to some of the others." He nodded and quickly walked over to the Ravenclaw table.

"Good job, Harry," Ron said. "I've read a couple of that guy's stories and he's a bit of an idiot. Writes whatever Fudge tells him to, Dad says."

"I agree," Hermione said. "Thank goodness you were able to get rid of him! Of course, I don't imagine he'll make any reference in the story to a Charter for journalists too – though I think it would be a good idea, at that."

"I hope they don't mention me in the paper at all tomorrow," Harry said, "but I bet they will."

The next morning, students from all Houses showed up for breakfast in good time and many of them could barely keep their eyes away from the door. There were cries of excitement when the flurry of owls showed up. Hermione retrieved her copy of the Prophet eagerly, and Harry and Ron studied it with her.

"Percy, you're on the front page!" Ron yelled at his brother. And there he was, side by side with the Minister. The headline they'd gone with was: 'MINISTER SUPPORTS NEW HOGWARTS TEACHING CHARTER!'

"Well, that is a nice surprise," Percy exclaimed cheerfully.

"I liked your headline better," Harry said to Ron with a smile. "Well done Percy, it's a good picture."

There wasn't much detail on the front cover, so Hermione turned the page and they exclaimed with delight - for on the second and third pages there was an actual picture of last Sunday's protest itself. It had been taken towards the end, when the Gryffindors were marching back to their table. Harry's smile widened as he relived the memory of that day. It was all there, in that one image – the Gryffindors smiling brightly, Percy looking elated, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs roaring their support, copies of the Charter flying across the room; all of the emotion and high drama of the occasion.

"Someone was there!" Ron said. "With a camera, I mean, on the day!"

"From the angle, it must have been one of the Ravenclaws," Hermione said with interest. "I suppose they must have happened to have a camera with them that morning. That was lucky!"

"Or maybe someone casually happened to mention to his Ravenclaw girlfriend that it might be a good idea to bring a camera along to Sunday lunch," Ron said with a grin. Percy, who was across the table from them, smirked but said nothing.

"Hey Ron, you're on page eleven!" Seamus shouted from further down the table.

"Wow, let's see!" He grabbed the paper and turned the page. "It's me!" Ron was in a group of students clapping the Minister. Harry thought that Ron looked thoroughly silly, as he had a rather fatuous smile plastered on his face, but he just smiled and congratulated his friend.

The actual story was, to Harry's relief, not that bad. In fact, it could have been a lot worse. The Gryffindors were given credit for the whole idea clearly enough, there was no open criticism of either Snape or the Slytherins and Percy was praised for his role. The references to Minister Fudge were cleverly interwoven through the narrative. They stopped short of saying he'd been involved in the development of the Charter, but in some way gave him credit for… well, something. Without actually declaring as much, the impression was given that the Minister had in some way assisted with a brilliant new innovation. However, Harry's name wasn't even mentioned, which was a definite plus; perhaps his Journalism Charter idea had been so terrifying that they'd thought it best to leave him out entirely. Several other students were quoted, though. He laughed out loud when Hermione pointed to a paragraph on page 6: Draco Malfoy, son of leading pureblood wizard Lucius Malfoy of Wiltshire, told our reporter that: "The Teaching Charter will bring many positive changes to Hogwarts, and like all of the other Slytherins, I find that very pleasing."

"You know," Harry said with a sly smile, "he's really making it all too easy for me these days."

- IIII - IIII - IIII - IIII -

It was 11.50pm on Friday evening, and Albus Dumbledore was with Severus Snape in the Potion master's quarters, finishing the final preparations for the Volens Melius spell; the instructions specified that it should be cast as close to midnight as possible. Snape himself was seated on a wooden chair, surrounded by a circle of complex runes carved into the floor. Though he was resolved to allow this magic to proceed, he could not repress his nervousness.

"Now Severus, you remember the procedure for the final step?"

Snape nodded warily. "When the white circle forms, I close my eyes and think about the objective which I want to use Volens Melius to achieve."

"Yes, that's right. Now, that objective can be expressed in any way you wish, but don't forget to think 'and so it ends' when you have finished. The spell should then activate, as long as it accepts your aim as honourable, which I'm sure it will."

Snape hoped this was so, given the covert amendments he intended to make; the Headmaster still had no idea that he'd chosen a rather different goal to the one which Dumbledore had specified.

Dumbledore looked at him intently. "Are you quite sure that this is what you want, Severus? I know that I'm the one who has asked it of you, but you have to be certain yourself. You must commit to this entirely, with the whole of your mind and heart, or the spell will fail."

He glanced back at Dumbledore, his face an unreadable mask. But inside, he was thinking of the distant, endless promise of war and of the people who might depend on him to look after them when the time came - the Slytherins, the other students of Hogwarts and yes, even Potter. If this spell could guide him well, it might represent the difference between success and failure – and failure would probably be represented in lives lost. "I am sure," he said.

Dumbledore nodded, and began the final incantations. Severus could sense the magic building around him. His throat was dry and his heart raced, but he schooled himself to remain calm. And then, directly in front of him a shimmering ball of white light appeared. He closed his eyes and allowed the thoughts to flow.

There is a terrible dark wizard who I once made the mistake of following. There was a war, and a young boy called Harry Potter defeated this wizard. Since then our world has been peaceful and people think that the dark wizard is dead, but in fact he is a formless spirit who endlessly seeks a way back in. Eventually, he will find it. When that happens, he will seek out his old followers and go to war again. Our victory over him is by no means certain. In the last war, for part of the time I was a spy for Headmaster Dumbledore. He will ask the same of me again the next time; therefore, he wants to keep me close, here in Hogwarts. I wish for this also, but not for exactly the same reasons.

To the magic of Volens Melius, I ask this; show me how to comply with our new Teaching Charter, so that I may remain here and assist with the fight against the dark wizard. Help me to defend the school and its inhabitants against all enemies, now and in the future. Assist me to look after the Slytherin students - for when the dark wizard returns, he will want the Slytherins to follow him and I don't want to lose them to him. Help me to prepare for the war which I know is coming in any way that I can, and to take whatever role in the battle will serve our efforts best. And finally, assist me to protect Harry Potter, who is both the child of my dead friend and a person of significance in the coming conflict. In all of this, let me be as effective as possible. And so it ends.

He opened his eyes, just in time to see the white sphere rush towards him. He was within the light, and it was warm and bright and serene. Time passed, though he had no idea how much as he allowed the magic to wash over him… and then it was done, the light was gone and all of a sudden, he was back in the room. The runes had disappeared and all that remained was Dumbledore, who was watching him carefully.

"Are you well, Severus?"

He considered this for a moment and then nodded. He was still himself, but somehow he knew that a fundamental shift had happened. "I am fine. I believe the spell succeeded. I will—"

Don't use eye of newt, it makes the mixture unstable. Add two measures of leech juice as the last ingredient. Use three drops of your blood instead of three hairs.

He broke off and stared at Dumbledore in surprise. "I think… that I just experienced one of those unexpected thoughts that seem to come from elsewhere. A most startling experience. I have been working on the development of a particular potion for many years now without success, but I think I may finally know how to perfect it."

"Well, that sounds positive," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Will it be a useful potion, once you have finished it?"

Severus smiled. "It will be of no use to anyone but myself. There is a minor ailment which I have suffered from for years now which I believe it could cure, that is all."

"Then I hope it is of use to you," Dumbledore said, "and I am very glad that you have been successful with the spell. Perhaps I should leave you alone now to rest? I remember from my own casting that I was very tired afterwards."

Severus nodded. "I am tired, so yes. If you could spare some time tomorrow however, I think it would be useful for us to have a talk. I would like to be clear on the specific changes that will be required in my teaching approach from now on. Perhaps Minerva should join us."

"Of course," The Headmaster replied, looking pleased. "Goodnight then."

Severus wished him goodnight in return and saw him out of the room. He knew that the magic of Volens Melius was waiting to assist him, and would serve him well. There were a vast assortment of thoughts flowing in his mind but he allowed them to gently simmer while he retired to bed. There would be much for him to do in the coming days.

- IIII - IIII - IIII - IIII -

After what had seemed like a very long week, Saturday arrived and with it, the first Hogsmeade weekend of the term. Harry was disappointed at not being able to go with Ron and Hermione but there was also a part of him which felt relieved, because in truth he was nervous about the idea of going near to the ever-looming Dementors. Much to his surprise, Percy suggested that they spend the day together. He told Harry that Hogsmeade was very familiar to him after four years and in any case, he could go there on Sunday. Percy proposed that they take advantage of the absence of most of the other Gryffindors to spend some time with each other and work on their brotherly relationship. Ron thought this a hilarious notion when he heard of it, but Harry welcomed the idea – it was a thoughtful gesture, and it would give him something to do. Now that the quest was practically over, he was feeling at something of a loose end.

Once Harry had waved off his friends (not forgetting to give them some money to buy butterbeers for the other Gryffindors as he'd promised), he and Percy started the day by going for a walk around the lake. Conversationally, they stuck to fairly harmless topics. Percy was keen to ask him questions about his life and interests. Harry chatted about quidditch and the quest, his friendships with Blaise, Theo and Neville, and about how he felt his lessons were going. In return, Percy spoke of his hopes for a future Ministerial career and his aim to achieve all Os on his NEWTs.

After that, Percy offered to take Harry on a tour of the castle. When he pointed out with a grin that he wasn't a visitor and had in fact already lived at Hogwarts for over two years, Percy merely smiled and said, "Ah, but as Head Boy I have access to places in the castle which I guarantee you will not have seen before." This did pique Harry's interest so he said yes, and the tour didn't disappoint. Percy started them off at the kitchens, introducing Harry to several dozen chirpy house elves who were excessively thrilled to see them, and hardly stopped talking for the whole time they were there. Harry was astonished at the size of the kitchens and the number of elves who worked there. Percy seemed to know quite a few of the elves by name, and introduced Harry to several of them – including Nimka and Hufty, who had apparently prepared the extra food they'd had after the early morning protest rehearsal. Harry thanked them politely for this, which made the two elves chatter excitedly. Though it wasn't that long since breakfast, he readily allowed himself to be persuaded into eating some extra food, supplied willingly by the elves.

Percy then led him to the second floor and stopped in front of a small alcove. "This room is only open to the staff and the Head Boy and Head Girl," he told Harry as he touched the wall, which was then transfigured into a door. They stepped into the room, which was rounded, empty and composed of blank stone walls. Harry was just wondering how he was going to pretend to find this room interesting when Percy closed the door. As soon as he did so, the walls shimmered and changed; now they were showing a crystal-clear view of the landscape all around Hogwarts in every direction.

"This is called the Seeing room," Percy said. "It was originally created to allow the staff of Hogwarts to monitor the grounds, in case any threats ever arose from attacking armies."

"It's really cool," Harry said. "We can see for miles. Look, there's Hagrid!"

"You can take a closer look if you like," Percy said with a smile. "Just tap the wall."

Harry reached out and touched the landscape, zooming in to a closer view in various directions. "That's clever. I suppose I'd be able to see Ron and Hermione coming back if we were here later on."

"You might even be able to see them now," Percy told him. "Show me Hogsmeade!"

The images instantly changed, and there was the village of Hogsmeade. It looked very pretty. Harry could see lots of Hogwarts students milling around, though they never caught a glimpse of his two friends. Harry decided they'd probably gone into one of the shops.

Once finished with the Seeing room, Percy took him to see the prefects' bathroom – though it looked more like a miniature swimming pool than a bath, to Harry's mind – and then to a section of the library which was only accessible to NEWT students. This didn't look much different to the rest of the library to Harry, just on a smaller scale. He was very interested though when Percy led him through a secret passage; this took them to the other side of the castle and three floors up from where they'd started, even though the passage had sloped downwards all of the way.

"Now I'll show you what I call the abandoned room," Percy said. "I've always thought my father would love it, if he ever had the chance to visit."

"Why that room especially?" Harry asked.

"You'll see," Percy said with a smile.

The abandoned room took about ten minutes to walk to, but Harry thought it was well worth the trip. This really was a room filled with atmosphere. It was long and octagonal, and set up like a kind of social club with comfortable seats all around. It had tables covered with interesting objects of all kinds; most of them were muggle in origin.

"I believe that a group of muggleborn students set this room up as a meeting place, many years ago," Percy said. "They must have been homesick and brought some muggle objects back to school with them. I have no idea what most of things are!"

"This is really great," Harry said. He had never been in a room that made him want to explore it so much. "There are loads of board games here, just for a start; Cluedo, Monopoly, Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders. They look quite old but I bet they could still be played. Hey, here's a copy of the TV Times from 1972! Someone must have had that sent to them from home, which seems a bit pointless. It would have been really annoying if they saw anything that they'd like to watch on TV and couldn't! Would it be okay if I brought some of my friends to see this place? I think they might like it."

"Of course," Percy said. "Do you want to stay a while? I have some other parts of the castle to show you, but they can wait if you like."

"No, I'll come back another time, thanks Percy."

Next up, Percy showed him a hidden performing room, once used to stage music recitals and concerts. It had magical echoes which sung back when Harry tentatively tried a few lalala notes, and then he was startled when a dozen or more musical instruments sprung out from behind the curtains and started playing along. Harry didn't know many songs so he and Percy decided to sing the Hogwarts school song between them, which the instruments all played along to energetically. After that they went to visit a nearby tower, which had a roof garden with an ornamental frog pond, a floating gazebo with dancing decorations and a babbling stream.

"Ah, now the next place on my list is most unusual," Percy said. "It's called the random room." After a few minutes' walk, he led Harry into a large room with a high ceiling and huge windows.

"An ice rink!" Harry exclaimed. "And look, there are ice skates over there. Of all things, I'd never have guessed that Hogwarts had one of these! Shall we try it?"

"Well I suppose we can," Percy said doubtfully. "I'm a complete novice, however!"

"Me too," Harry said. "Well, let's see if we can teach ourselves to skate."

The ice rink was brilliant and Harry found it great fun. Percy cast balancing charms to keep them upright, but as a new skater Harry was still glad to cling to the rail at the edge of the rink for most of the time. He and Percy couldn't help laughing as they made their way slowly, and with no natural grace whatever, across the ice.

"I have to bring the others to see this!" Harry said as they changed back into their shoes at the end.

"Ah well, that probably won't be possible, I'm afraid," Percy said. "You see, the reason it's called the random room is that every time you come in, the room is completely different in shape and appearance. The last time I was here it looked like the stockroom of a hat shop, and the time before that it was a hippogriff stable, complete with dungheap."

"Oh, that's a shame," Harry said. "The abandoned room isn't like that though, is it?"

"Oh no, that's the same every time."

"That's good, because I was thinking – would it be alright if I, well… rediscovered it?"

Percy realised what he meant immediately. "You want to make it into a den for you and your friends."

"Yeah. I mean, I could invite Blaise and Theo as well. It'd be great. Do you think anyone would mind?"

"I don't think it would be a problem," Percy said thoughtfully. "I'll check with Professor McGonagall and if she has no objections, the room can be formally assigned to you."

"That would be excellent," Harry said. "I never imagined we'd see so many interesting things today."

"And we haven't finished yet!" Percy said. "How would you like to see the biggest room in Hogwarts?"

"What, even bigger than the Great Hall? Yes, definitely!"

Percy led him along numerous corridors and up quite a lot of stairs to the most massive room he'd ever seen. It was so enormous that he could barely see to the end of it. This space was filled right up to the ceiling with neatly organised furniture of all kinds, together with smaller objects designed for every kind of indoor location. "This is the Hogwarts furniture repository," Percy said. "All of the spare furnishings for the castle are kept here. The Hogwarts Professors come up here every now and again to choose new items for their offices or personal quarters."

"Could I pick something?" Harry asked excitedly. "For my dorm, I mean."

Percy looked surprised. "Well, perhaps a couple of the smaller items would be alright."

Harry smiled. "Let's look around then."

The two of them spent nearly an hour in the repository, wandering around and talking while Harry eagerly examined the furnishings. There were far too many items for him to look at, even if he'd spent all day there. The first thing he selected was a picture frame; he thought this would be exactly the right size for Neville's motivational poster. After that he chose some new curtains for his bed and a handsome table lamp. Percy summoned a house elf and instructed her to deliver the items to Harry's dorm.

"Well then Harry, are there were any parts of the castle which you'd like to see?"

He considered this for a moment. "It'd be nice to see inside the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common rooms, but I don't suppose we could do that, could we?"

"I don't see why not," Percy replied loftily. "Come along."

Percy took him first to the Ravenclaw common room. "There isn't a password - the Ravenclaws have to get the answer to a riddle correctly in order to enter," Percy told him. "Have a try!"

"I'm not that good at riddles," Harry said. "I'll give it a go, though."

"I'll ask you a really easy one, since you're just visiting," the door knocker said to him. "What has a head and a tail, but no body?"

"That's a really easy one?" Harry said doubtfully. Percy grinned at him. "Okay, well… is it a line?"

"Good try, but no! Have another guess," the knocker said.

"If I was a Ravenclaw, I'd find this really annoying if I was tired or in a hurry," he commented to Percy. "What happens if they don't know the answer?"

"Oh, they can have another riddle to try, or just wait until someone else comes along to help them," Percy said cheerfully. "Try again and see if you can get it this time."

Harry had to think hard about this. He decided that he really hated riddles. "Okay, I think I have it – is it the wind?"

"Oh, goodness me!" the door knocker exclaimed. "As it happens, the answer I was looking for was a coin, but I do declare that your solution is just as valid. In you go, then!" The door swung open as it spoke.

"That's a relief," Harry said. He took an interested look around him while Percy told the first Ravenclaw they came across that he was carrying out a random inspection, with Harry as his assistant. Thus primed with a cover story, they were able to make a tour of the Ravenclaw common room, library and study areas. After that they went along to the Hufflepuff common room – Harry was glad that this one was much easier to access – and used same approach there as well. Harry found it really interesting, and it occurred to him that he was now one of few students who had seen inside all four Houses, though of course he liked his own best.

By that time it was lunch, and they went to the Great Hall feeling very satisfied with their morning, if a little tired. Harry thanked Percy for the tour, which he'd really enjoyed. In the afternoon they stayed in the common room, working on homework and chatting. They also played a couple of games of chess, although Percy didn't have Ron's talent for the game and Harry was able to beat him comfortably. Towards the end of the afternoon, Percy went off to speak to Professor McGonagall about his Transfiguration classwork; he promised to ask about the abandoned room while he was there. Harry was lounging on a sofa in the common room while finishing off the last of his Charms homework when he got a message from Blaise.

Didn't see you anywhere in Hogsmeade, Harry. Weasley and Granger were around, but you were conspicuous by your absence the whole day.

That's because my signed permission slip was also conspicuous by its absence.

Did you forget to pack it?

No, I couldn't get it signed before I left for school at the start of term.

In which case you could have owled it home and asked your guardian to sign it and send it back. I can tell there's more of a story to this so you may as well explain. You're as bad at concealment and evasion as you are at lying.

Some people would see that as a good thing.

Don't make me get impatient, it's bad for me. WHAT HAPPENED?

Fine, I asked my Uncle to sign the slip over the summer but he said he wouldn't unless I behaved while my Aunt Marge was visiting. Well, she's horrible and she said some really rude things so I lost my temper and stormed out with all my stuff, and I didn't go back for the rest of the summer holidays. I won't see them again until next summer so I'll have to wait to ask again then.

Aren't you going home at Christmas or Easter?

No. I spend the minimum time possible back there and we all prefer it that way. They don't like me, okay? And they hate magic. And if you tell anyone this, I'll personally throw you off the Astronomy tower.

No need for sordid threats, dear Harry, especially when the solution to your difficulty with the permission slip is obvious. Surely you realised that?

No, can't say that I did. Tell me what you mean exactly.

I think not.

Well thanks, that's helpful.

I'm helping you by not helping you.

More the not helping than the helping, I'd say.

What I mean is, it's time that you learn to work this stuff out for yourself.

Why would I do that when I have you and Hermione to tell me the answers to everything?

For one thing, because we can't be there every moment of every day. And also, what if people ask you for help - are you going to tell them to go away because you're too lazy to work out the answer?

Harry frowned. Suddenly he was drawn back a few days, to the discussion with Ron about the Danger Club, and Ron's plaintive question about Buckbeak's hearing at the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures: "Harry, if you were in my place, what would you do?" And he'd had no solution to offer Ron; no clever suggestion, no spectacular plan. Surely he could do better for his friend than that?

Fine, you make a good point there. But if you think that, why did you just tell me a lot of the answers when I first asked you for help with the Hagrid issue?

Because I wanted to you see an example of creative thinking in action, so you could understand what can be achieved if you use your mind properly.

Okay, I guess that's fair enough. So, back to the Dursleys. You said the solution is obvious. Do you mean that I can get a signed permission slip from them before next summer? I don't see how.

Think it through.

Harry frowned. He thought. Then he thought some more. Nothing's coming to my mind.

I'm sighing with frustration. I mean, literally sighing. Theo's asking me why now.

Tell him I'm right and you're wrong.

Not likely. Hang on while I explain to Theo.

Okay, I've explained and he says that as you're a schemer in training, I should guide you through this one. Although Merlin knows, any five-year-old should be able to see the answer to the problem.

I'm a Gryffindor. We repel scheming with our shining courage.

Well, that's just ridiculous. So let's start from the beginning.

You would like a signed permission slip.

Your relatives wouldn't sign it last summer.

Your relatives don't expect to see you until next summer.

Tell me if those facts spark off any ideas in what you're pleased to call your mind. Don't reply right away. Think about it.

Harry sighed to himself. It wasn't much fun being told that the answer was obvious when it didn't seem to be obvious at all. His Uncle Vernon wasn't keen on signing the slip last summer, and that was before Harry blew up his sister, which he definitely would not have been forgiven for yet, if ever.

Do I need to lie to them? (If so, totally not a problem).

Keep going.

I need to tell them something that will make them sign the slip?

Are you asking me or telling me?

Telling you. Or if that's not the right answer, asking you.

Telling is right. Keep going.

I feel like it should be right there, but I'm still struggling.

Theo says that you should think about motivation.

Suddenly, Harry grinned; he could understand that. He means the Dursleys - their motivation, right? I have to motivate them to want to sign the form. Well, they don't want to see me until next summer, so if I was to write and say that I might need to come home at Christmas then it wouldn't make them happy at all.

Now we're making progress. So?

So, all I have to is send the permission slip to the Dursleys and ask them to sign it and send it back. I'd need a cover story. What if I said that I'm unexpectedly running out of school supplies and need to buy more?

Due to some reason for which they cannot reasonably blame you...

Right! I could say that this year's Hogwarts letter included an incorrect equipment list. As a result, I need to restock before the start of next term. I could get the supplies I need at the next Hogsmeade weekend before the end of term, but unless they make that possible by signing my permission slip, I'll have no choice but to come home for Christmas holidays so that I can get the things I need at Diagon Alley.

And we have a winner! Well done. It took a while, but you made it in the end.

Harry grinned with delight. I have to admit, Blaise, that's brilliant. Really clever!

We Slytherins are really clever, I think you'll find. And no, there's no need to mention the two elephants in the room.

Blaise certainly had a way with words, Harry reflected with amusement. Say thanks to Theo for me. I'll speak to you later, oh really clever one – I have a letter to write.

Ron and Hermione returned an hour or so afterwards, full of tales of the joys of Hogsmeade. Harry listened with great interest and asked a lot of questions about all of the things that his friends had seen and done. When Hermione commiserated with him for missing out, he was able to reassure her that thanks to Blaise's assistance, he had every hope of joining them at Hogsmeade next time around. The cunningly worded letter to the Dursleys asking for his permission slip to be signed was already on its way to Privet Drive. Ron and Hermione were extremely pleased for him, and even Ron had to admit that Blaise was proving to be a useful friend with ideas like that. Even better, thanks to Percy's fascinating tour of the castle, he had just as much interesting information to give them in return. They agreed to come and see the abandoned room with him the next day, which had easily been Harry's favourite place on the tour. Despite having seen it only the once, he already thought of it as 'his' room.

All in all, Harry had a much better day than he'd expected to have, thanks to Blaise and Percy. He was very cheerful at the Halloween feast and felt thoroughly content with life. Which, he thought afterwards, was practically inviting fate to ruin everything - because it was during the Halloween feast that Sirius Black broke into the castle, and Harry's world shifted unpleasantly once more.

- IIII - IIII - IIII - IIII -

A/N: Hagrid's new assistant is Mundungus Fletcher, as you probably guessed. Given his general shiftiness and lack of discernible courage then I'd say he's not the best choice for supervising student interactions with dangerous creatures. However, since Hagrid needs help that he can't pay for then I could see him getting it this way, and I figured that since Fletcher was allowed to be a member of the Order of the Phoenix then Dumbledore would probably permit it. Of course, it would all go wrong at some point, but that's another story!

Also, the scene where Harry and Blaise discuss the permission slip was written in response to the very fair comments I've had about Blaise being all-knowing and telling Harry all of the answers. I'm aiming for a Harry who thinks for himself a bit more from now on!