Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I am writing this fanfiction for my own amusement and make no profit, all recognizable characters in this story are the property of J.K Rowling, Scholastic, Warner Brothers, etc.
Hogsmeade, 10/31/1995, 23:18
Albus appeared in the middle of a pitched battle between two dozen or so figures dressed in black robes on one side, and a rag-tag assortment of aurors, order members and residents of Hogsmeade on the other.
Most of the village was burning and he could see wizards and witches in their night things trying desperately to extinguish the flames.
At the moment, the two sides were behind cover and in a bit of a stalemate as they fired spells at each other from opposite sides of the street. Dumbledore had to strain to see very far as the whole village was obscured by thick smoke from the burning buildings. He could make out bodies lying on the street and it saddened him to know that quite a few of them had already expired.
Dumbledore waved his wand and pushed the smoke towards the death eater side of the street giving his people some breathing room.
With a 'pop', Albus disapparated behind the group of death eaters and cast a rather obscure spell that caused a dozen arcs of electricity to fly from the tip of his wand. These bolts of electricity would seek out any living thing it found within fifty feet of the caster and... incapacitate them, rather painfully.
The effect was almost instantaneous as screams of agony echoed across the street, the smoke illuminated blue by the arcs of lightning as the pulse of electricity knocked every man it touched unconscious.
Albus released the spell and cast a powerful ventus spell over the death eaters, vanishing the thick cloud of smoke to reveal all but three of the men dressed in black robes slumped to the ground, their limbs twitching sporadically.
"Dumbledore, you ruined Bella's playtime," Bellatrix pouted as she kicked the unconscious Madam Rosmerta who seemed to have been hit by his spell as well.
"I think you've done quite enough damage here, Mrs LeStrange," Dumbledore said as he flicked a spell at her that she easily parried away, hitting one of the unconscious death eaters on the ground with it.
"Too slow Dumbledore," Bellatrix cackled.
"Then let's try this on for size," Dumbledore said as he cast a white beam of light at her.
Bellatrix barely brought up a shield in time, the spell still struck her shield with tremendous force, popping it like a soap bubble and forcing her to roll out of the path of the white beam of light.
"You may be good but I have fought much better than you," Dumbledore said as he sent a purple spell at her.
"Retreat!" Bellatrix screeched in fury a split-second before her portkey activated.
Albus watched as she disappeared before his spell could strike her, much to his disappointment.
Albus saw her two comrades trying desperately to hold back the order members. It seemed his people had started overwhelming the death eaters as soon as the smoke cleared and were seconds away from taking them down.
Albus saw the look in their eyes and cast the spell on instinct, his intuition was spot on, as they tried to follow Bellatrix's example.
Albus felt a sense of deep satisfaction when they were both wrapped in glowing blue ropes that bound them from head to toe. These ropes prevented their portkeys from activating and made them unable to raise any defence against the volley of spells headed their way.
Dumbledore actually smirked at the platinum blond-haired aristocrat before Lord Malfoy was struck with half a dozen stunning spells. Albus suspected there were a couple of bone-breaking hexes thrown in as well if the nasty cracking sound was anything to go by. Albus watched dispassionately as the two men crumpled to the ground very much incapacitated.
All over the village, the sounds of apparition could be heard as the death eaters retreated. Albus wished more could have been captured but they did catch one big fish.
In less than thirty seconds the sounds of fighting had stopped and the village was plunged into almost complete silence only broken by the crackling of burning timber.
Albus began to bind the fallen death eaters as more aurors started arriving in the street. They were soon heading towards him and the order, led by a very annoyed-looking Madam Bones.
"Put out these damn fires and get mediwizards here!" Madam Bones barked as she approached Dumbledore, a grave look on her features.
"How bad, Albus," Amelia demanded as Kingsley began searching the downed death eaters.
"From what I can tell, Hogsmeade is almost a complete loss," Dumbledore sighed.
"Shack, get those prisoners in a holding cell, no one is to talk to them, and I mean no one," Amelia instructed with a pointed look at her senior auror.
"Yea ma'am," Kingsley answered as Dumbledore quickly removed the magical ropes binding Lucius Malfoy and Thomas Avery.
"Thanks for your help, Headmaster Dumbledore. I think we can take things from here," Amelia said matter of factly
"If you must, I will assist in putting out these fires," Dumbledore offered.
"Very well but stay out of my people's way," Amelia agreed, looking very grateful for the offer.
"As you wish," Dumbledore nodded before moving toward the Three Broomsticks and raising his wand.
Dumbledore began the process of snuffing out the fire. He cast a simple bubble over the building and then cast a spell to vanish the oxygen from inside the bubble. The fire died almost instantly as even magical fire needed oxygen to burn.
Albus knew that most of the homes and businesses in Hogsmeade were beyond saving. There was a chance some of the buildings could still be salvaged if the fires were put out quickly.
'I just hope that there weren't too many lives lost tonight,' Dumbledore thought to himself as he repeated the process over the Bundle of Books across the street.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, 11/2/1995, 08:29
Harry sat at the table enjoying a plate of waffles, he had been up rather late last night escorting Hannah on prefect patrol. Their relationship was starting to progress past snogging now and Harry was amazed at how adventurous his new girlfriend was.
"Had another late night petting the badger, did we?" Hermione asked by way of greeting.
"You're just upset nobody is petting you," Harry quipped.
"Well I've had offers, Cormac McClaggen seems determined to get me to go to Hogsmeade with him," Hermione admitted.
"That would be a disaster, you would end up killing him the first time his hand drifted down to your bum," Harry pointed out.
"Agreed, maybe I should give poor Seamus a chance," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Yeah I don't think he would go for it, the boys have started calling him Lucky after you spread that rumour," Harry sniggered.
"Lucky?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"Like the Leprechaun on the cereal box. You know, they're after me Lucky Charms," Harry explained.
"Oh, that's unfortunate," Hermione muttered as the sound of the post owls arriving filled the hall.
Hermione paid for her copy of the paper as the brown barn owl arrive. Harry watched as she unfurled the paper, he knew it must be bad news by the way her face lost colour as soon as she looked at the front page.
"What is it?" Harry asked a tinge of worry creeping into his voice.
Hermione didn't say a word and quickly moved her plate out of the way, before laying the paper flat on the table.
Harry felt his heart drop into his stomach as he read the headlines, realizing why his friend had reacted the way she did.
Death Eaters Attack Hogsmeade, Thirty-Five Dead, Village Completely Destroyed!
Twelve Death Eaters Captured in Attack on Hogsmeade!
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named sighted in Ministry Atrium!
Defeater of Grindelwald Duels Dark Lord, injured Dark Lord Flees!
This is awful Hermione muttered as she pointed to the picture of Hogsmeade. Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing.
The picture was in black and white and moved as all magical photos did. Harry could make out that most of the buildings were on fire and the streets were littered with craters. There were large smears of black on the cobblestones that Harry assumed were blood stains.
Worse still, there were dozens of bodies covered in white sheets. They were all laying in a line on the street in front of The Three Broomsticks and some of them were unmistakably children.
Aurors were spread out trying to extinguish the flames while medi-witches were treating the injured who were also laid out in the street. Some of the villagers could be seen covered in thick grey burn paste, while others were bleeding profusely from wounds on their torsos or backs.
"How bad was it?" Harry asked as Hermione began to read, though he could tell from the picture it was a massacre.
"Bad, they say thirty-one villagers were killed but twice as many were injured and Madam Rosmerta was tortured," Hermione explained as she continued to read.
"I can't believe we didn't hear any of that happening last night," Harry muttered as he pushed his half-finished breakfast away, his appetite having vanished.
"Or see it, it looks like the whole village was on fire. It says here that the headmaster helped them put out the fires," Hermione nodded.
"It looks like Dumbledore is still lending a hand in the village," Harry pointed out as he noticed Dumbledore was absent from the head table.
"The only good news is that now everyone knows V-Voldemort has returned," Hermione said stuttering over the feared name.
"Yeah but they still killed thirty-one people," Harry said with a grimace.
"Yes, most of them were patrons of the two pubs. They ran into the fight, it says that four death eaters were killed as well," Hermione said, trying to put a positive spin on things.
"Anyone important?" Harry asked hopefully.
"No, most of the death eaters were a few years out of Hogwarts. The only real death eaters captured were Lucius Malfoy and Thomas Avery. They were both caught by Professor Dumbledore as they were trying to portkey away," Hermione explained.
"That's something, I guess," Harry muttered.
"Harry have you heard," Hannah asked as she took a seat beside him.
"Yeah, it's awful," Harry nodded, taking her hand in his.
"Susan said the ministry is in chaos," Hannah explained looking much more subdued this morning.
"This will probably be the end of Fudge," Neville cut in, a barely contained look of fury on his normally cheerful features.
"What's up with you?" Harry asked, a bit alarmed at the way the usually calm boy was glaring daggers at the paper in front of him.
"LeStrange led the attack last night," Neville scowled.
"She led the attack on my place this summer, though that one didn't go their way," Harry said giving Neville a look of understanding.
'You were attacked this summer?" Hannah asked in surprise.
"Yeah, that was where Dolohov was killed, the ministry silenced the details of the attack," Harry shrugged as he looked into his girlfriend's worried eyes.
"Did you see... her?" Neville asked in almost a whisper.
"Yeah, she looked awful. Andi and Tonks just about finished her off before she portkeyed away," Harry explained.
"She's the one who attacked my family," Neville muttered.
"I know, Tonks told me what happened," Harry admitted.
"I still can't believe the ministry let that bitch escape," Neville exclaimed, his hands balled into fists crumpling the paper he was holding.
"She'll get hers in the end," Harry assured him, not knowing what else he could say to that.
"We had better get to class, the bell just rang," Hermione said looking very uncomfortable.
"Yeah, but good luck concentrating on anything else today," Harry muttered.
"I had better get going too, we have Herbology first thing," Hannah muttered before giving Harry a chaste kiss on the lips and Hurrying to join the other Hufflepuffs who were already making their way out of the hall.
"Where is Ron?" Harry asked surprised he hadn't seen the boy at Breakfast.
"He's with Lavender," Hermione shrugged as they got up and began walking toward the door.
"Good maybe they can stay together in class," Harry snorted.
"Don't get jealous Harry, you'll still be friends with Ron," Hermione smirked.
"We need to talk when I can free Ron from Lavender's clutches," Harry said as they began walking out of the hall.
"Alright, how about tonight after you get done with whatever you and McDonald get up to," Hermione suggested.
"Alright," Harry nodded before they stepped out of the main doors and started making their way to Hagrid's hut.
'I wish we could just skive care of magical creatures,' Harry thought to himself as they followed behind a cluster of Slytherins being led by Draco Malfoy.
Room of Requirement, Hogwarts, 12/1/1995, 18:39
Harry arrived in the room, he was running a bit behind tonight due to getting held up by Hannah on his way out of the hall.
"You're late," Tonks huffed as soon as he stepped into the room.
"I got held up in the great hall," Harry shrugged as he slid off his outer robes.
"We are going to be stepping up our training from now on. As you saw in the paper, the death eaters are out in the open now," Tonks instructed, not acknowledging his excuse.
"Good, I am thinking about trying to get my friends caught up in my free time," Harry said.
"Fine by me, just don't slack off in your training with me," Tonks shrugged.
"I won't," Harry promised.
"Alright then, tonight I am going to teach you how to swat spells away," Tonks said in a brisk tone that kind of reminded him of McGonagall.
"How does it work?" Harry asked having seen her use this technique before in the sparring sessions.
"You have to use your wand to redirect an incoming spell, the goal is not to let your wand contact the incoming spell but use your magic to alter the spell's course," Tonks explained.
"So it's mostly about finesse?" Harry asked warily, finesse was never his forte.
"Yes, though the hardest part is getting your timing right," Tonks agreed.
"Figures, is there an incantation?" Harry asked already getting the feeling that this was going to be a frustrating skill to learn.
"No, you just have to will your magic to push the foreign magic away from you," Tonks answered as she drew her wand.
"This isn't going to be easy, is it?" Harry asked as he readied his own wand.
"No, but I will try to ease you into this," Tonks promised.
"Okay, let's give it a try," Harry nodded.
"Okay, I'll start out sending tickling charms at you," Tonks said.
"That'll be better than stinging charms," Harry nodded.
"If I used stinging charms you would be covered in welts by the end of the night," Tonks admitted.
"I'm not complaining," Harry assured her.
"Good, nobody likes a whiner," Tonks chuckled before sending a tickling hex at him.
This was the most difficult technique he had tried to learn so far, as he had a real problem getting his magic to cooperate. Tonks really was trying to ease him into this as she verbalized the spells and cast as slow as she could.
In the end, it didn't matter much as every one of her spells got through, sending him into fits of laughter until he could cancel the spell.
'This could take quite a while to master,' Harry thought in frustration as he was hit with the fifth tickling charm in just as many minutes.
Gryffindor Common Room, 11/1/1955, 21:39
Harry stepped into the common room wincing slightly as the muscles in his sides were quite sore from being continuously hit with tickling charms.
He felt bad for having to ditch Hannah tonight but he really did need to talk with Ron and Hermione.
Harry found his friends seated by the fire, though Lavender was snuggled on a love seat next to Ron, the blonde almost sitting in his lap. Every once in a while they would share a few kisses while Ron ran his hand over her stomach, trailing up towards her chest.
Hermione was already in her flannel pajamas and taking up the loveseat across from the amorous couple. She had her back resting against the armrest with her legs stretched across the seat as she read from a book on advanced charms.
Ron seemed oblivious to his arrival but Hermione looked up as soon as he neared the couch, smiling at him as she shut her book and dropped it into her open bag on the floor beside the couch.
"Well look at that, you made it back before midnight," Hermione said as she lifted her legs so he could sit down, before resting her feet in his lap.
"Like I said we need to talk," Harry said as he got comfortable, having to shift her bare feet around a bit so they weren't pressing into his crotch.
"Good luck getting anything out of him," Hermione sniggered as she gestured to Ron and Lavender who were talking quietly on the loveseat across from them.
"I'll give it another half hour and then I'm hitting her with a confundus charm," Harry whispered.
"Don't overpower it, I'm starting to like Lavender," Hermione said in the same whispered tone.
"Or you could just ask me for some privacy," Lavender said, shooting Harry a withering glare.
"Yeah, I guess we c-could do that," Harry stammered out, a bit surprised by the look she was giving him.
"I'll see you later, Ron," Lavender sighed before giving Ron one more kiss and getting up from her seat.
"Now why did you have to run her off for," Ron griped, still glancing at Lavender's bum as she crossed the common room to sit with Parvati.
"We need to talk, mate," Harry said as he drew his wand and cast a privacy charm over them, though not before Ginny darted over and took a seat beside her brother.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, shooting Ginny a curious look.
"You three are having a secret meeting, I want in," Ginny said bluntly.
"Fine, but keep your lips zipped about what we talk about, Carrot cake," Harry said as he slipped his wand back into his forearm holster.
"So what's up, mate?" Ron asked before Ginny could reply with an angry retort.
"You saw the paper this morning, shit is getting serious," Harry answered as if it were obvious.
"Yeah that was awful, From what Demelza said the residents of Hogsmeade are pretty much homeless," Ginny nodded, her annoyance with him quickly fading away.
"Well it will only get worse from here on out," Hermione said in a grave tone.
"I know and you three couldn't fight your way out of a paper sack," Harry pointed out.
"Oi, I learned all the spells you did for the third task," Ron protested sounding a bit indignant.
"There is a difference between knowing spells and being able to use them in a fight," Harry countered.
"So are you going to teach us or just make fun of us?" Ginny demanded hotly.
"Yeah, that was the plan. The only trouble is my evenings after dinner are booked, so we'll have to find time during the day," Harry explained.
"Or we could do it on the weekend," Hermione suggested.
"Yeah, that would be best though that will kill our social lives," Ron nodded.
"You will have plenty of time to snog that airhead in the evenings," Ginny snorted.
"I think we should invite others to train with us. I mean anyone we think that we can trust should have access to this," Hermione pointed out.
"Hermione, I don't think-
'Harry this isn't just about one of your adventures or you making it through an obstacle course. All of the other students are in danger now. If their homes are attacked, they should be able to defend themselves," Hermione said, cutting off his protest.
"Fine but if we go that route then you can figure out how to keep this secret. I don't want this getting back to the toad or the ministry," Harry said giving Hermione a pointed look.
"Not a problem," Hermione shrugged
"Does that mean I can invite Michael?" Ginny asked hopefully.
"Yeah, I suppose," Harry agreed unable to think of a reason she shouldn't.
"And Harry can get the word out to the puffs," Hermione said looking at Harry.
"So I guess I can tell Lavender?" Ron asked.
"Yes, but make sure you let her know this is top secret," Hermione stressed.
"Then we'll plan to meet Sunday after lunch down by the quidditch pitch," Harry said.
"Why not Saturday?" Hermione asked.
"The Gryffindor victory party," Ginny said as if it were obvious.
"Ginny's right, this will be the team's first victory of the season," Harry agreed.
"Fine but this training should be more important than quidditch," Hermione pointed out.
"It is but we have to keep morale up," Harry answered, having no wish to interfere with the quidditch after-party.
"And this will be me and Ron's first victory party as part of the team," Ginny beamed.
"Assuming you win," Hermione snorted.
"They'll win," Harry said confidently.
"Yeah, Harry said if I don't win then I have to be his personal slave," Ginny muttered.
"What?" Ron demanded.
"It was the condition for her using my broom," Harry smirked shooting Ginny a wink.
"Oi, he was just kidding," Ron exclaimed.
"No I wasn't, I even bought her an outfit just in case you guys lose," Harry said with a lecherous grin.
"You mean I get to wear clothes?" Ginny asked in faux surprise.
"Sort of, are you familiar with a French maid's uniform?" Harry asked curiously.
"Oui," Ginny said in a passable imitation of a French accent.
"It's like that, just a tad skimpier," Harry explained.
"Hell no, you two had better be messing with me!" Ron exclaimed, looking on the verge of an explosion.
"Of course they are messing with you, they're both in relationships," Hermione snorted, giving Ron a look of exasperation.
"We are, though that French accent was pretty sexy," Harry admitted having been reminded a bit of Fleur Delacour.
"Thanks, Michael seems to like it," Ginny smirked.
"Alright Ginny, get out of here," Ron huffed, having heard enough.
"Seriously though, good luck on Saturday, carrot cake," Harry said as he dropped the privacy wards.
"Don't push it, Harry. Bill taught me a really neat spell last year that I've been dying to try out," Ginny warned before she got up and wandered over to her group of friends.
"She's not kidding, that bat-bogey spell of hers is just plain vicious," Ron warned as soon as Ginny was out of earshot.
"Yeah I don't want to find that out first-hand," Harry agreed, shuddering slightly at the thought of bats coming out of his nostrils.
"The spell brings a whole new meaning to having a bat in the cave," Ron chuckled
"Alright, I'm going to bed. I will start looking into a way to keep this group hidden tomorrow," Hermione promised as she slid her legs to the floor and stood up.
"Thanks Hermione," Harry said as she started heading toward the girl's dormitory.
"You have got to quit flirting with my sister," Ron said, shooting Harry a look of annoyance.
"It's all your fault," Harry pointed out.
"How is it my fault?" Ron exclaimed.
"Because you go all to pieces when Ginny's love life is brought up and it amuses me," Harry explained.
"Keep it up and I'll let Abbott know what you two get up to," Ron warned.
"Empty threat," Harry smirked.
"To hell it is," Ron exclaimed.
"Well if you did that then I would have to let Lavender know about the stack of Play Wizards in your trunk," Harry pointed out.
"Dammit Potter, I can see why Snape doesn't like you. You're a right wanker," Ron scowled.
"I am not, but judging by that stack of smut, you are," Harry grinned.
"I don't know why I put up with this abuse," Ron muttered in annoyance.
"You think this is abuse, just wait until we start training," Harry said getting serious.
"Yeah, I didn't figure it would be a walk in the park. I've seen the welts you come back with after your evening with McDonald," Ron admitted as he stretched his arms over his head.
"Yeah, the dodging practice will be rough for all of you," Harry sniggered.
"Won-Won, are you done with your secret meeting?" Lavender asked coming over to them, she was now dressed in a pink nightgown and fluffy slippers.
"I'll leave you two to... whatever," Harry said as he made to get up.
"Harry?" Lavender said putting her hands on her hips and glaring at him.
"Ye-yeah?" Harry asked nervously, finding her thin nightgown a bit distracting.
"If you ever try and cast a confundus spell on me, I will remove your bits," Lavender said, a hard edge to her voice.
"I wasn't really going to-
"I'm just letting you know. I may seem all sweet and ditzy but I can get mean if I have to," Lavender said cutting Harry off.
"O-okay, I am very sorry," Harry hastily apologized, noticing the smirk Ron was giving him from behind her.
"You are forgiven. Now if you don't mind, Ron and I need some privacy," Lavender said, sounding much more like her old self.
"Alright, you two have a good night," Harry said as he got up, slightly impressed by Lavender's grit.
Harry wandered over to a deserted section of the common room and took a seat.
This morning was a wake-up call, he had hoped they had more time before the war kicked off but it seemed Voldemort was tired of waiting. The attack on Hogsmeade was a devastating blow, the village was a symbol of the British wizarding world and the death eater had left it in ruin. That wasn't even factoring in that thirty people were killed during the attack.
Technically this was the third attack since Voldemort had returned but the ministry had covered up the first two fairly well but they weren't able to hide this from the public. This meant the entire wizarding world had just gotten a very rude awakening this morning and the people were now in a state of terror.
'I hope he's stopped soon, I don't know if the wizarding world is ready for war,' Harry thought as he began thinking about how he would train his peers.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, 11/2/1995, 07:49
Harry sat at the Hufflepuff table with Hannah. He figured as often as she joined him at the Gryffindor table, he thought it only fair that he returned the favour.
"Decided to sit with us lowly badgers, Potter?" Susan asked in a teasing tone.
"He came to sit with me, Bones. He has to put up with you," Hannah corrected.
"If it's okay," Harry said looking at the puffs sitting around them.
"You're more than welcome here Potter, having you around might lift our image a bit," Justin said from his right.
"I have a feeling that sentiment will change after the Hufflepuff Gryffindor match," Harry chuckled as he shook the boy's offered hand, idly noticing the light scaring on the back of Justin's hand.
"Yeah, you'll probably be heartbroken after the badgers are victorious," Susan smirked
"I see you had detention with Umbridge," Harry said, giving Justin a pointed look.
"Yeah, in our first lesson I asked her about O.W.L exams after I heard about what Granger did in her first class," Justin admitted as he looked down at the faint scar spelling out, I must not question my betters etched into the index finger side of his right hand
"Well while we're on the subject of Umbridge's classes. We're having a meeting of sorts this Sunday and you're all welcome to come," Harry said quietly so only the people sitting around him could hear.
"A meeting?" Hannah asked curiously.
"Yeah, I thought we could start a defence club since we aren't learning squat in defence. As we saw yesterday, Dumbledore was right and Voldemort is back," Harry said, ignoring the flinch from the Hufflepuffs.
"That's a wonderful idea," Hannah smiled before kissing him on the cheek.
"Who would be teaching us?" Susan asked, rolling her eyes at her friend.
"You'll have to come to the meeting to find that out," Harry said not wanting to give too much away.
"Alright, I'll bite, where and when?" Susan asked her cheeks flushing when they locked eyes.
"Noon, down at the Quidditch pitch," Harry answered quietly.
"We can't train there, it's going to start snowing soon," Hannah pointed out.
"I already have us a room to train in but I need to know how many are interested," Harry said giving Hannah a meaningful look.
"We'll be there," Susan nodded and all the puffs sitting around her nodded in agreement.
"Great just try and keep this quiet, Umbridge would lose her mind if she knew about us forming this group," Harry said in a deadly serious tone.
"Umbridge is getting pulled from Hogwarts, according to Aunt Amelia. Dumbledore has made that a requirement for him to assist Fudge with what happened on Halloween," Susan explained.
"I'll believe that when I see it, but that doesn't change anything. I still don't want too many people getting wind of this," Harry shrugged as he saw Wendy sit down three seats away from them.
"Alright we're coming to the meeting," Hannah said as she fixed him a plate of French toast and a glass of juice.
"So what are your plans with our Hannah?" Susan asked with a curious look.
"Bones!" Hannah exclaimed irritably.
"What, I want to know if he's serious about you or if it's just a fling," Susan said innocently.
"Don't answer her," Hannah said her cheeks colouring in embarrassment.
"You two have been dating for going on two months," Susan pointed out.
"Well we're not talking to you about our relationship," Hannah said firmly.
"Justin?" Harry asked as Hannah and Susan started to bicker like siblings.
"Yeah?" Justin asked sounding amused.
"Does this happen a lot?" Harry asked.
"Quite a bit, yeah," Justin chuckled.
-don't you dare tell him that story!" Hannah exclaimed.
"What story?" Harry asked curiously, only catching the tail end of the argument.
"Well we went to Florida last summer and Hannah bought this blue two-piece muggle bikini. She didn't tie the top tight enough and-
"Alright from now on, we're going to sit at the Gryffindor table," Hannah huffed cutting Susan off before she could finish.
"I am curious now, what happened to the top?" Harry asked, getting a faraway look in his eye.
"It disappeared in the waves, some lucky muggle sunbathers got a real eyeful," Susan giggled.
"Sometimes, I really hate you Bones," Hannah muttered, her cheeks a cute shade of pink.
"That's just hurtful, if you ever get tired of her, send me an owl," Susan chuckled.
"Some friend you are," Hannah scowled.
"I am definitely not getting tired of her," Harry assured Susan before leaning in and giving Hannah a soft kiss n the lips.
It wasn't long after this that the bell rang signalling it was time for him to go to divination much to his annoyance
He would never admit it out loud, but he really wished he had followed Hermione's lead in third year and just walked out of that class.
'Oh well, I can drop it next year,' Harry thought as he fell in beside Nevile as they both headed up the stairs with Ron, Lavender, and Parvati walking in front of them.
Twelve Grimmauld Place, London, 11/4/1995, 22:29
Tonks was seated next to her cousin tonight, there was an undercurrent of worry around the table. Most of the occupants weren't talking amongst themselves like they usually would, they all sat in silence, anxiously watching the door, waiting for Dumbledore to arrive.
Harry had been pushing harder than ever after the attack on Hogsmeade. He was still struggling with spell swatting but that particular skill had taken her months to get down, so as far as she wasn't concerned. The progress he was making was pretty impressive as he had managed to swat a few tickling charms yesterday evening.
She was hoping that she could get removed from staying the school full time now that things were getting serious. She still wanted to train Harry daily but the other stuff had quickly lost its novelty.
"How've things at the school been since the attack?" Sirius whispered to her.
"Everyone is on edge," Tonks shrugged as McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Snape entered the kitchen, getting everyone's attention.
"Good evening, we all know why we're here tonight," Dumbledore began before he even made it to his seat.
"No shit Albus, they called me out of retirement because of that mess in Hogsmeade," Moody grunted.
"Kingsley, what is going on at the ministry," Dumbledore asked, ignoring Moody's comment, though the corners of his lips twitched.
"Fudge is going spare but it looks like he's managed to keep his position, for now. Whether that changes after Malfoy's interrogation becomes public, remains to be seen," Kingsley reported.
"And Dolores?" McGonagall pressed.
"She has been called back to her post on Fudge's staff but she is still trying to get herself a position on the Hogwarts board of governors," Kingsley replied.
"What about Madam Bones, how is she handling this?" Dedalus Diggle asked.
"She's accelerated the academy training and had Scrimgeour running the old drills. That's why they called me back, so I could organize the training," Moody answered looking pleased.
"If Umbridge goes, does that mean I can go back to my job?" Tonks asked.
"No, Bones wants you to stay at the school. She likes having an auror on call at the school. It doesn't hurt that you share a dorm with her niece," Kingsley smirked.
"Dammit!" Tonks muttered unhappily.
"Now Nymphadora, you are performing a valuable duty in training young Harry. I've heard rumours that Mr Potter is planning to start a group to train his peers," Dumbledore said with a note of pride in his voice.
"I don't mind training Potter, the part that is getting monotonous is going through the same classes I took six years ago. I was hoping I could go back to work and train Harry in the evenings," Tonks admitted.
"To hell with your whining Nymphadora, you need to stay where you are in case those little Slytherin death munchers try and pull something," Moody barked, clearly becoming impatient with the topic at hand.
"I highly doubt we have to worry about that, Alastor," Dumbledore cut in sounding alarmed at the idea.
"Six of the death eaters we captured in Hogsmeade graduated in the last two years, Albus," Alastor rebutted.
"I am aware," Dumbledore sighed.
"The four that were killed, graduated in ninety-two," Alastor continued.
"I still don't think we have to worry about our current students... just yet," Dumbledore protested.
"I don't think this is the time to have this conversation, Alastor," Minerva said in her usual brisk tone.
"Quite right, Severus what has been going on with Lord Voldemort's forces?" Dumbledore asked, sounding relieved at the change of topic.
"The dark lord is furious, the attack on Hogsmeade did not go as planned and he was badly injured during the duel at the ministry," Snape reported in an emotionless tone.
"They killed thirty-one people and destroyed the village!" Bill Weasley exclaimed angrily.
"Yes, but they were quickly overwhelmed and two inner circle members were captured in battle," Snape clarified.
"I hope someone got punished for that," Sirius muttered.
"Plenty of death eaters were punished for the failure, Black," Snape sneered.
"What is he planning next?" Dumbledore asked.
"He is currently undergoing a ritual to regrow the skin on his arm, the burns are not healing by any known means," Snape said shooting Dumbledore a look of approval.
"That was a bit of an accident, to be honest. The spell I used to counter his spell was made to absorb dark magic. I admit that I was quite surprised it had such a reaction when coming in contact with Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore explained.
"Well congratulations, you are now the dark lord's primary target of interest. He has completely forgotten about Potter for the time being," Snape replied.
"I am very pleased to hear this," Dumbledore admitted.
"So am I, we're the ones who should be fighting him, not my godson," Sirius cut in.
"How is Harry's training coming along, Tonks?" Arthur Weasley asked.
"Great, I've started teaching him to redirect incoming spells," Tonks answered, looking over at Arthur.
"What spells are you teaching him?" Molly asked warily.
"I'm not, I gave him my auror textbook but I've been teaching him techniques for duelling," Tonks admitted.
"I believe I will take him under my wing next school year and teach him some more advanced magic," Dumbledore cut in.
"He's just a boy, Albus," Molly said, somewhat disapprovingly.
"He is almost a man, dear," Arthur soothed putting Molly's hand on top of the table.
"I believe for the time being we should all practice Alastor's motto. It seems the duel at the ministry has brought us a reprieve until at least the winter solstice," Dumbledore.
"In other words, this is the calm before the storm," Remus said.
"Exactly, I fear that the new year will bring bad tidings for the wizarding world," Dumbledore sighed.
"Have you heard from Hagrid and Maxime yet?" Sirius asked.
"I have, Rubeus is making his return trip and should be back very soon. He is bringing an ally with him so it is crucial that we keep the students out of the forest this year," Dumbledore answered, giving Minerva a meaningful look.
"What ally?" Minerva asked sharply.
"His half-brother," Dumbledore answered.
"Albus this is getting ridiculous! The Forbidden Forest is not that man's personal playground. The centaurs are already fed up with the acromantula, this may very well push them over the edge," Minerva warned.
"Wait there actually are acromantula in the Forbidden Forest? I thought Ron was making that up!" Bill exclaimed looking alarmed.
"There are thousands of the overgrown eight-legged horrors in there, me and James stumbled on them in our fifth year," Sirius snorted.
"How would Ron have known about them?" Molly demanded as she looked at her oldest son.
"According to him, he and Harry stumbled into their nest during their second year," Bill explained.
"Just wait until I see Hagrid," Molly growled, her face reddening.
"Something has to be done about them, Albus. If no-nose finds a way to bring them to his side, the school is in serious trouble," Alastor exclaimed.
"I am ready looking into ways of getting them removed from the forest," Minerva assured the aged auror.
"Try and be discreet, the last thing we need is for the paper to get wind of this," Albus instructed looking slightly conflicted.
The meeting broke up not long after and Tonks slipped upstairs to find her parents in the drawing room, they were seated on the couch, snogging like teenagers!
"Oi, you're too old for that!" Tonks exclaimed in disgust.
"You're only as old as you feel, Dora," Ted beamed when he turned and saw his daughter standing in the doorway.
"Well, I could have done without seeing that," Tonks mumbled as Ted got up and engulfed her in a bear hug.
"Just count yourself lucky you arrived when you did," Andi smirked as she stood up and straightened her robes.
"Eww," Tonks scowled as her father released her and shot Andi an amused look.
"How are you, dear?" Andromeda asked as she looked her daughter over critically before embracing her as well.
"Bored out of my mind in that infernal school," Tonks sighed.
"Well at least you weren't caught in the middle of that disaster at Hogsmeade," Andi said, looking quite pleased about this.
"I wish I could have done my part in the village," Tonks admitted.
"So how is Harry?" Ted asked curiously.
"He's good, he started dating Hannah Abbott back in September," Tonks said fighting to keep a scowl off her face.
"Yes, Sirius told me," Ted beamed.
"Harry told her who I really am," Tonks continued and this time she couldn't stop herself from scowling.
"Why did he do that?" Andromeda asked as she guided her to the couch.
"She caught us coming out of the training room and she thought that he and I were messing around," Tonks snorted.
"Oh, I could see how that could cause a few problems with their relationship," Ted chuckled.
"So the house should be ready by the end of the month, the goblins have already started setting the wardstones," Andi said deciding to let the subject drop.
"Good, I can't wait to see it," Tonks exclaimed, shooting her mother a grateful smile.
"It would already be finished but I decided to redo the kitchen and have a gazebo for the hot tub built in the garden," Andi admitted.
"You're getting a hot tub?" Tonks asked.
"Well I saw one at the home improvement store and decided to get one while were fixing the house," Andi shrugged.
"I can't wait to try it out," Tonks said, her eyes lighting up.
"As long as you try it out alone," Andi said, giving her daughter a pointed look.
"Yes, we don't want you getting frisky with some boy in our hot tub," Ted agreed.
"No worries there, I have no prospects," Tonks said, shooting them both a glare.
"Not yet, Harry still isn't of age yet," Andi quipped.
"Better him than that Lupin bloke," Ted muttered.
"I have no interest in either of them," Tonks protested.
"Well good, the man is a complete downer," Andi said matter of factly.
"I have to get back before curfew, I just wanted to come a say hey," Tonks explained suddenly wanting to get away from their teasing.
"Yes, you got enough detention your first time in school, no reason to add to it," Ted sniggered.
"Exactly, I will see you all soon. Dumbledore will probably be having weekly meetings after Hogsmeade," Tonks said
"I hope I am here next time," Ted said as he hugged her again.
"I think you've lost weight, dad," Tonks muttered.
"Twenty-three pounds and it's a miracle he has lost that with all the fatty food Molly cooks," Andi giggled.
"It's torture smelling that and having to eat steamed chicken and rice," Ted agreed
"Well you look good," Tonks said as she got up and hugged her mother who had been standing by the fireplace
"He does, why do you think we were snogging," Andi said as she released her daughter.
"That's it, I'm out of here, I love you both," Tonks said before making her way out of the room, hearing them both calling after her.
"We love you too, Nymphadora."
"Love you, Dora, be careful."
Tonks made her way out of the house feeling quite pleased, she hadn't seen her father since September. It always made her feel good to spend some time with her parents even if they did like to tease her... a lot.
Tonks caught sight of Remus and Sirius having a whispered conversation in the hallway. She didn't feel the same attraction toward Remus she had felt this summer. Maybe it was spending so much time with teenagers but he seemed so old to her now.
Tonks quickly slipped out of the house and began walking down the pavement wanting to clear her head a bit before returning to Hogwarts.
The last week had been quite surreal, she knew that you-know-who had returned but she had still been caught by surprise the other morning when she read the headline of the paper.
She shouldn't be surprised, the attack on her parent's home had been the opening shot... technically. Still, she had allowed herself to be lulled into s false sense of security after the months of little activity from the other side. She wouldn't let that happen again, she had to be prepared.
She would have to increase her own training, hopefully, she wouldn't be held back in the school forever. When the time came that she did have to fight, she wanted to be on her A-game
Deciding she had walked far enough, Tonks turned on the spot apparating back to Hogwarts.
As she disappeared into the rubber tube-like feeling of apparition, Tonks hoped she wouldn't have to hear any fresh gossip about her student when she made it back to the dorms tonight.