They had charms first thing, Hermione annoyed them all during breakfast by talking about what she thought Professor Flitwick would teach them.

"Hermione!" said Ron, accidentally spraying Dean with a bit of sausage. "You'll find out in …" he checked his watch. "Half an hour. Can we just forget about class while we eat?"

"But it's our Owl year!" Dudley.

Dudley ignored their bickering as he read the Daily Prophet. He was uncomfortable of the fact that he was 15 and yet had settled into his father's routine of reading the paper with breakfast. Was he becoming an old man? Still, the wizarding world was at war and he had to keep up to date with how that was going. As was usual, the front page was dominated by Lockhart.

Lockhart Touts Success of the Auror Initiative

After Aurors John Dawlish and Penelope Flint helped defend Hogwarts students during an attack by a group of Death Eaters and Dementors, as reported in yesterday's issue of the Daily Prophet, Minister Lockhart released a statement highlighting the success of the Auror Initiative.

"It's one of my best ideas yet," said Minister Lockhart. "And that's saying something! I'm the man who came up with the idea of using Occamy egg yolk in shampoo! I invented the method to trap ghouls using a tea strainer! But the Auror Initiative might be my greatest achievement yet! Oh yes, indeed—it even beats winning Witch Weekly's Most-Charming Smile Award for a record number of times!"

"My Initiative allowed a full complement of four Aurors to safeguard the Hogwarts Express while still allowing Aurors to carry out their other commitments elsewhere. The two trainees, Cedric Diggory and Marcus Flint, were instrumental in the success of the defensive operation and I'm sure learnt a lot from the two experienced Aurors they were paired with! Mark my words, the Auror Initiative will revolutionize wizarding law enforcement for years to come!"

The Auror Initiative still has its critics, however. An Auror who wished to remain anonymous highlighted the lowering of requirement criteria as a cause for concern. "The Aurors prided ourselves on being the best!" the source stated. "Now, our ranks will be watered down by recruits who, frankly, just aren't good enough. Is it better to have smaller numbers of elite operatives? Or higher numbers filled with operatives who just aren't capable?"

The story on the second page was about Professor Tonks' appointment. Dudley read it with interest.

Minister Lockhart Announces New Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor

The troubled Defence Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts received some new blood this year, when Minister Lockhart announced that he had placed active Auror Nymphadora Tonks in the role.

"It's a decision that the Minister and I came to together," said Head of Detention and Punishment Dolores Umbridge. "I thought, and the Minister agreed, that since Professor Dumbledore had failed to recruit a new teacher, then the Ministry should do so. Defence Against the Dark Arts is, arguably, the most important lesson our young witches and wizards will learn this year! And I can think of none better than one of our active Aurors who will not only ahre her experience and skills with students, but will also be able to monitor Hogwarts and report back to the Ministry on ongoings at the school so we can provide a better level of protection to our children!"

There were rumors that Dolores Umbridge had put herself forward for the role. "We discussed it," said Dolores Umbridge. "I believe I would have been an excellent hand to guide the Hogwarts students through their education, but Minister Lockhart believed I can do more good with my role at the Ministry."

Nymphadora Tonks was trained by the legendary Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody and has already took part in several Auror operations. She was part of Head Auror Shacklebolt's team on the successful raid to capture the alleged Death Eater Narcissa Malfoy and was part of the rapid response team that reinforced the recent Battle of the Hogwarts Express, where she led the efforts to successfully capture the attacking 20 Dementors.

"Have you seen this?" Dudley asked, handing Hermione the issue of the Daily Prophet. He felt she would be interested in it. "It's about Professor Tonks."

Hermione read it and, to Dudley's surprise, she frowned. "What's all this about reporting to the Ministry?" she muttered.

"Dunno," Dudley hadn't really cottoned on to what that meant. "Whether Hogwarts is good or not?"

"It's like they don't trust Dumbledore," said Hermione. "If Minister Lockhart is getting Professor Tonks to report back to him. I don't like it."

"To be fair," said Dean. "Things haven't gone smoothly for the past few years … first there was Quirrell, then the basilisk …" he trailed off.

"Yeah, things have gone south since you lot joined," Fred said, listening in. "It's almost like your year's jinxed."

"Oh how peaceful it was before we had Death Eaters and serpents attacking the school!" said George, wistfully.

"The days when all the students had to worry about was you too," said Dean.

"Better some itching powder in your briefs or a dungbomb under your desk than a great big snake sneaking up on you," George replied with a grin.

Professor Flitwick was waiting for them, looking bright and cheerful as they entered the charms classroom. "Come in, come in. Sit down, sit down!" he greeted. "Did you all have a nice summer?" there were murmured replies from the students.

Dudley enjoyed charms, it was one of his favorite classes because it was largely practical. Plus, he was quite good at it. He tended to get above average marks in all of his exams.

"Today, we are going to study the color-change charm," said Flitwich, waving his wand so the words "color-change charm" appeared on his blackboard. "Does anyone know the incantation?"

Hermione's arm shot into the air. "Colovaria," she said, quickly.

"Correct, three points to Gryffindor," said Flitwick. "And the wand movement?"

"A tight circle," Hermione said.

"Take another three points. Now, Remember—Colovaria, let's all practice."

"Colovaria!" the class chanted, moving their wands in a circle.

"Useful spell this," said Flitwick, "Handy in everyday use. We'll be starting with a pair of socks, Finnigan, hand everyone a pair. Now, when you cast the spell, I want you all to think hard on a color to change them to. Today, we will all turn them red."

Dudley quickly grabbed a pair of pink fluffy ones, thinking that pink might be easier to turn to red since they were both quite similar. Ron got a pair of big black woolly ones that looked like they came from someone the size of Hagrid. Dean got a pair of girls yellow ankle socks.

"Colovaria!" the class said, each focusing on their sock.

Dudley grinned, suddenly remembering a spell Ron had tried to cast during their first year. "Sunshine daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid pair of socks yellow!"

He, Ron and Dean snickered.

"I know better now," said Ron. "Absolutely no spells are like that. Gits."

"I've done it, Professor!" Hermione said, shooting her hand in the air. Sure enough, her blue socks were now red."

"Excellent work, Granger—five points," Flitwick said, looking up. He was helping Parvati with her spell.

"Just once I'd love to get five points first," said Ron. "Just to annoy Hermione."

"Well, you won't because you don't study beforehand!" said Hermione, grinning at him. "You're getting there, Dud—make your circle a bit smaller."

Dudley did as she said. "Colovaria!" his pink socks turned to a shade of light red. "Hey, not bad!" he said. He was the second in the class to get it.

After class, they all trooped back to the common room. They had an hour's free period before lunch. Hermione left them to go to the library. Ron rolled his eyes at his obsession with studying.

"Hi Dean!" a girl said, cheerfully in a loud, confident voice as they passed in the corridor. She had dark eyes and long, curly hair.

"New friend?" Dudley asked. He vaguely recognized her as being a third year Gryffindor.

"Dunno," said Dean, turning back to look at the girl. She was looking back too and grinned. Dean quickly looked around to face the other way.

Ron snickered. "It seems she's got her eye on Hogwarts most eligible bachelor," he said. "It's about time, Dud's got Luna, I've got Cho … you failed to woo Parvati."

"That wasn't my fault," Dean said quickly.

"Of course it wasn't," Ron said in a disbelieving voice. "But hey, maybe you'll have better look with thingy."

Dean glanced back over at where the girl had gone. "Maybe," he said. "She was pretty cute."

"I'll ask Ginny," said Ron. "She's got her nose in everything."

Ginny, it turned out, had a free period too. She was reading a novel while Luna was knitting a purse. Dudley stared at her for a few seconds. He had had no idea that Luna could knit. Maybe he could get her a knitting kit for Christmas? He thought.

Ron went over to speak to Ginny while Dudley and Dean sat down. He returned with his sister and Luna in tow.

"Who likes Romilda?" Ginny asked, brightly.

"Who?" Dudley frowned.

"Clearly Dean," said Ron. "Since he's the only single one here."

"You never know, you might be getting tired of Cho," said Ginny.

"Not likely, she's the best looking girl in school," Ron said.

"I still have no idea how you ended up with her," Ginny said, "Must have took one too many bludgers."

"Oi!" Ron gave her an annoyed nudge.

Ginny grinned, pleased at annoying her brother. "So, Romilda—year three, she used to have a crush on Fred and George."

"Huh?" Ron looked shocked that someone could find the twins an object of lust.

"But of course, the age difference, and of course, Fred is going out with Angelina. So now she likes Dean. She enjoys baking …"

"My mum does too," said Dean.

"… and is a supporter of the Tornadoes."

Ron snorted. "Fancying Fred and George and a Tornadoes fan. She has crap taste then."

"Not if she likes me," Dean retorted.

"She's not the only one," Ginny said. She rolled her eyes when they all looked surprised.

"Come on, Dean's handsome,"

"Thanks," said Dean, smiling.

"So am I," said Ron.

"Yes, but you're taken," Ginny rolled her eyes again.

"He also just got a Special Award for Services to the School, and, he's the tallest boy in the year."

"Cool," said Dean, looking pleased. "Who else likes me?"

"I'm not telling," said Ginny and, to Dudley's surprise, her cheeks turned a little bit red. Ron didn't notice, but then he didn't notice anything, and Dean still looked surprised that he had a host of admirers now.

Dudley caught Luna's eye and she smiled and gave a tiny nod at Ginny. Dudley grinned, suddenly realizing that he was right and that Ginny did like Dean. He was a little surprised then that she was giving Dean help in getting together with Romilda Vane.

Or at least he was until dinner when Luna explained it. "She's arranged to go with Michael Corner to Hogsmeade," Luna said.

"Oh," said Dudley, trying to think who Michael Corner was. He didn't have any classes with the Ravenclaws. He vaguely thought he was a friend of Anthony Goldstein, and thought he might have beaten him up once before. But then, during his first two years, he had beat a lot of people up so had lost track.

After lunch, they had Defence Against the Dark Arts. Dudley was looking forward to this. Last year, the class had been amazing under Mad-Eye Moody and they had learnt loads of interesting stuff. This year, with another Auror teaching them, Dudley hoped the classes would be just as interesting.

Professor Tonks wasn't in the classroom when they arrived. The class sat and waited with their books by their desks. Professor Tonks had assigned three books for the year. "Auror Tactics and Training" by Mortimer. M. Montgomery, "The Aurors Handbook" by Sanjay Scrubbins and "Magic in Conflict" by Sixtus Vermillion.

Professor Tonks arrived five minutes after class was supposed to be in, she hurried inside, shutting the door behind her. "Sorry I'm late," she said, cheerfully. "I got stuck in the vanishing staircase. It's been a while since I was at Hogwarts. I forgot how tricky getting around could be."

She stood behind her desk and smiled. Professor Tonks didn't look like the usual Hogwarts teachers. For one thing, her hair was short, spikey and bright pink. She was also wearing clothing that could pass for being worn at a muggle rock concert-leather boots, baggy jeans with rips in the knees and a t-shirt from the Weird Sisters.

"So, I've had a look at what you've been taught before-you've gone through dark creatures pretty throughly, Minister Lockhart said he taught you all there is to know about Hags, Ghouls, Yetis, Werewolves and Trolls ..."

They all exchanged glances at this. Professor Lockhart hadn't actually taught them much at all.

"... Professor Lupin took you through a number of dark creatures too, and Professor Moody taught you about curses, is that right?"

"Yes, Professor Tonks," the class said.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Please-it's just Tonks. Don't call me Professor, it's just Tonks," she said, giving them another grin. "Where as I ... that's it, this class. Anyway, Professor Moody says you're a good class, so I'm going to teach you all how to fight."

They exchanged eager looks at this. Ron leant forward a little in anticipation.

Tonks looked pleased at the reaction her statement received. "And by fight, I mean actual fight-not dueling. You won't duel Death Eaters. You will fight them. Do you know the difference?"

Much to Dudley's surprise, Ron raised his hand.

"Yes ... Weasley, isn't it?"

"Yes Prof ... yes Tonks," said Ron.

"I know your father, not well-but we work with his department sometimes. Anyway, go ahead ..."

"Well, in a duel there's rules, isn't there? Death Eaters don't follow the rules," said Ron.

"Exactly, five points to Gryffindor! And you won't believe how long I've wanted to say that!" she said, looking very pleased at getting to award points.

"As Ron said, Death Eaters don't follow the rules. So you need to learn how to fight-not to duel. Use anything you can to get an advantage-no matter how underhanded it seems. It's the way Aurors fight, and it's the way I'm going to teach you how to fight," said Tonks.

Dudley couldn't wait to get started. This sounded like it was going to be a very interesting class. He knew a lot of spells already and had practiced dueling with Ron, Dean and Hermione, but he could tell that Tonks would have a lot to teach him.

Seamus had raised his hand.

"Yes, erm, Seamus? Finnigan?" Tonks said.

"Yes Professor. I mean, yes Tonks. Will you teach us how to cast a patronus?" he asked.

Tonks regarded him for a few seconds and nodded. "It is something you will learn, eventually," she said. "But not yet. Today, we are going to start on something that all wizards should know but which often gets overlooked. Healing spells."

A few in the class looked disappointed. Tonks seemed to notice and frowned. "I know what you're thinking, you want to learn curses and countercurses, but healing is the first thing Aurors learn. Being able to heal yourself and your allies is possibly even more important than being able to hex your enemies. Healing saves lives. Even the Death Eaters use it-the Aurors have had difficulty as of late thanks to the Death Eaters knowledge of countercharms to spells such as the stunning curse. A good team of wizards with one as a designated healer is very formidable indeed."

"In fact, I better show you the schedule, so you have a better idea of what we will learn," said Tonks and waved her wand. "Basically, it's a condensed version of Auror training."

The words Auror Training appeared on the board.

"Cool," said Dean.

"Head Auror Shacklebolt and I drew it up, taking the parts of Auror training most appropriate to self defence, this includes ... healing,"

"Healing" appeared on the board.

"defensive magic, offensive magic, teamwork-a good fighter knows all of these and how to integrate each into his or her combat. Aurors always fight in pairs at least, sometimes more-teamwork is possibly the most important thing you will learn. But for now, we will make a start on healing. Who can tell me some common healing spells-one point for each. Let's start with, you, Granger," Tonks pointed at Hermione.

"Episkey," Hermione said immediately. "A spell to treat minor to moderate injuries including broken noses and small cuts."

"Good detail, but you still only get one point. Patil."

"Erm ... enervate?" Parvati said, uncertainly.

"Good, the reviving spell-useful countercharm against stunners. The Death Eaters use it a lot. One point. Next, Dursley."

"I ..." Dudley had only skimmed his text book. One spell popped into his mind though. The bandaging charm ... I forgot the incantation," he said.

"Ferula," said Tonks. "Useful spell. One point. Let's have ... Brown!"

"Brackium Amendo," said said.

"Close, Emendo-not Amendo, but good. One point," she said. "Now, time's getting on, so we're going to start today with episkey. A simple spell, but very useful. If you all finish it early, we can get started with the bandaging charm. It's a simple spell with a simple hand movement, simply point at the wound and flick up."

Tonks demonstrated with her wand. "And say, episkey!"

They all practiced.

"Good," she said. She waved her hand and a box filled with small bean bags appeared in the front of the class. Each had a gash in.

"This is what the Aurors use to practice," she said. "Enchanted to act just like human skin. Each of you grab a bean bag and practice. See if you can close up the gash. Remember-the incantation is Episkey."

Hermione had taught them about this spell before, so Dudley felt certain that he and his friends could manage it. Sure enough, Hermione healed her beanbag on the very first attempt, earning herself five points. Dean, Ron and Dudley soon followed.

Brown and Parvati managed it 10 minutes later and, finally, Seamus did.

"Very good," said Tonks, approvingly. "Let's see, I gave Hermione five points. So, I'll give each of you one point." She looked at the clock on the wall. "Twenty minutes to go, just enough time to go through the theory behind the bandaging spell I think-it's a bit trickier."

"Professor! Your hair-it's a different color!" Parvati said, suddenly. "It was pink before, now it's purple!"

Dudley looked at Tonks again, sure enough her hair was a different shade and was a touch longer.

"Oh, I'm a metamorphmagus," Tonks said. "I like to try different things, mix my hair up and stuff."

"A meta what?" Seamus asked.

Dudley was glad he wasn't the only one who didn't know what a metamorphmagus was. Hermione though looked impressed.

"Oh, it means I can change my appearance at will," Tonks said.

"Cool," said Dean.

"Thanks, it's dead useful, helped me get through some of my Auror training without any practice," she said.

"Do you have to learn it?" Lavender asked, eagerly.

"No ... well, there are spells to change your appearance. But I was born with it. Watch..." she screwed up her face and her eyes grew as wide as saucers. Then her nose changed, becoming Snape's hook-like nose before shrinking to a button. Her eyes then became small and beady before her appearance returned to normal.

The class laughed.

"That's so cool," said Parvati.

"Thanks," Tonks looked pleased at the affect her skills had had. "Now, we better return to the class?"

For the rest of the lesson, Tonks took them through the bandaging spell, it's incantation and uses. It was one whose success depended entirely on the subtlety of the caster. Poor casters would put the bandages on too loose or too tight.

"I think the chapter of the bandaging charm is chapter two?" Tonks said. "In your book ...The Auror's Handbook." Homework, have a read of it for next lesson," she said. "I guess that's class dismissed?" she said, a little uncertainly. "See you next class."

They said their goodbyes and trooped out.

"She seems like a very good teacher," Hermione said approvingly.

"Yeah, I can't wait until we actually start to learn how to fight though," said Ron. "We've got lots of practice. I bet we'll all be the best in the year."

"Healing spells are important too," said Hermione. "Tonks is right. It's something we all should know."

"Yeah, I reckon so," Ron admitted. He glanced back at the classroom. "It was a good call by whoever decided to have an Auror teach us, I reckon. I can't think of anyone better, perhaps except for Dumbledore, to teach us how to fight Death Eaters."

Shacklebolt

Kingsley had finished reading the report from Tonks about her first day as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. He had to admit, Lockhart's idea to assign an active Auror to the post had merit. There weren't many more capable of teaching students how to defend themselves than somebody who fought dark witches and wizards for a living.

He was a bit concerned that it was removing a skilled Auror from their already stretched ranks, but overall, it had actually been a good idea of Lockhart's. He had handpicked Nymphadora Tonks for the role. She was young, so she would connect with the kids more, and very talented with a lot to teach. She was also cheerful and friendly—people tended to like Tonks. He knew some of the Hogwarts staff may not be happy about the fact that the Ministry had selected the teacher, but he hoped that Tonks would win them over. She was a better pick that Lockhart's preferred choice, Dawlish. Dawlish was more experienced, but he wasn't a people person. He was a skilled Auror, but he couldn't teach.

Dumbledore

Dumbledore sat at his desk. He had just finished studying the memory he had retrieved from Morfin Gaunt again. Gaunt was innocent, Dumbledore was sure of it. It had been Tom Riddle Jr who had carried out the murders at the Riddle House. The fact that Morfin's ring had disappeared further confirmed Dumbledore's suspicions. Tom Riddle had been gathering historically important magical artifacts.

So, according to his research—Riddle had managed to obtain a cup belonging to Helga Hufflepuff, a locket belonging to Slytherin and Slytherins ring. He had seen the ring worn on Riddle's hand during the memory that belonged to Hokey, but he now had proof that Riddle had stolen it and where from. He suspected that Lord Voldemort was using these items to create Horcruxes, but how many? Had he really managed to create more than one? As far as he knew, no wizard had ever split their soul more than once. It was troubling.

So, from what he could tell, Riddle's first murder was that of his family. He was still at Hogwarts at the time. Now, did he know how to make a Horcrux then, or did that come after? Dumbledore didn't know. It was a missing piece of the puzzle.

He scratched at his beard. From what he knew about Lord Voldemort after years of study and delving into various memories, he was very proud. If he had made multiple horcruxes, they would be powerful or famous artifacts—that fit with his theft of Hufflepuff's Cup and Slytherin's Locket. But where would he hide them? Could one be at the Riddle House? The scene of his first murder? It would be brazen, but then, Lord Voldemort was a rather brazen individual.

He would have to visit the Riddle House and the Gaunt's Cottage at some point, Dumbledore decided. But not yet. This called for patience. Lord Voldemort was smart, he was sure the Horcrux's hiding place would be defended, and he didn't want to tip Lord Voldemort off that he was on the trail of the Horcruxes.

He waved his wand, creating his phoenix patronus to summon Snape. While he waited for his potions master to arrive, Dumbledore quickly cleared his desk. His research into Voldemort and the horcruxes he kept entirely to himself—even his closest allies didn't know. Nobody could know.

Snape arrived a few minutes later. "You called, Albus?" he asked.

"I did," said Dumbledore. "Forgive me, Severus, but I need to know—are any of Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters on guard duty?"

'All are accounted for … as far as I can tell," said Severus. "Travers and Macnair are trying to negotiate with the giants. Malfoy is little more than the Dark Lord's footman. Pyrites is carrying out research and supervising the care of Grimmauld Place … the others are awaiting orders."

Dumbledore nodded. "He will strike again, soon," he said.

"Yes, but for now, he is licking his wounds," Severus Snape smiled ever so slightly. "The loss of his werewolves, the loss of 20 Dementors and the capture of Rabastan Lestrange has been a heavy blow."

"More than that, he fears a spy in his ranks," said Dumbledore. "I believe he will be cautious about making large-scale plans so soon, not until he weeds out the spy. I expect he will instead focus on smaller activities—using only his most loyal Death Eaters."

"I need to get closer to him," said Snape.

"He is still fixated on the prophecy?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, Yaxley failed," said Snape. "Bole, who he imperiused, couldn't remove it."

"I knew he wouldn't, only those the prophecy is about can remove it," said Dumbledore.

"Meaning Dursley or the Dark Lord?" Snape asked.

"The prophecy doesn't refer to Dudley Dursley," Albus Dumbledore said. "Only Lord Voldemort can remove it."

"He still believes it refers to Dursley though," Snape said.

"Yes," said Dumbledore. "And we need him to continue to believe it does. While his eyes are set on a nonexistent threat, he won't notice the real danger."

Dumbledore stayed silent for a few long seconds, deep in thought. He had two priorities at the moment—get Severus Snape close to Lord Voldemort and find out more about what was guarding the Horcruxes. To achieve the second, he needed Snape in Voldemort's inner circle. He also had to keep the prophecy out of Lord Voldemort's hands—if Voldemort realized the prophecy didn't refer to Dudley at all, he would turn his eyes elsewhere. Plus, Dumbledore suspected Voldemort was leaving Dudley Dursley alone because of the chance the prophecy referred to him. It was protection for the boy, and Dumbledore didn't want to see him die.

"Return to Lord Voldemort," said Dumbledore, finally. "Tell him the prophecy can only be retrieved by those it is about."

"That will put Dudley Dursley at risk," Snape said.

"He is already at risk," said Dumbledore. "But he is safe here and will be safe at the Burrow. I don't believe Lord Voldemort can get him."

"It's a dangerous gamble, Albus," said Snape. "You can't know what Lord Voldemort will do."

"I know, but you can. Which is why it is imperative you join his inner circle once more," replied Dumbledore.