Chapter Fifteen

Practical Application of Defense Against the Dark Arts

A/N: Thanks again to Hillary for all of her help! I couldn't do this with out you!

Harry and his friends soon found themselves in the front row of the huge empty room, which had once housed Fluffy the giant three headed dog. All that was in it was a bunch of empty chairs, now being filled by students. Most of the school had turned out for the class, with the exception of key Slitherins, which was fine with Harry. That was until the last minute before class began Malfoy and his gang slithered in at the last minute closely followed by Snape.

"Why did Malfoy come, we know he is on HIS side," Ron growled on one side of Harry's. Harry was about to respond when Professor Figg entered in the front of the room demanding everyone's attention.

"As all of you know the Dementors are no longer controlled on the island of Azkaban. They tried to attack us yesterday. This class was scheduled to prepare our students to face the dark times we are forced to live in. Professor Dumbledore has given me permission to train you in the way I see fit. This class will be a more hands on class than your regular Defense Classes. Tonight's class will be used to judge how powerful each of you are so that we can pair you with one another for practice. I will divide each of you by grade to make it faster. First years please see Professor Flickwit, Second years, Professor McGonagall, Third Years, Professor Snape, Fourth Years Professor Sprout, Fifth years Professor Lupin, Sixth years, Me, and Seventh Years Professor Dumbledore. Now please join your class and they will explain what they will be doing to test your power."

Before anyone could move to their corresponding teachers Professor Figg moved over to where Harry and his friend were standing. "Ginny, I think you will be paired with one of these three so just stay with them for this part of the class," Professor Figg explained.

The four looked at each other before moving to find Remus. "Ah, it's nice to see everyone again," Lupin said once everyone moved to surround him.

"This," he said pointing to a flat stick like object that was currently in his hand, "is a revealer. It reveals the magical strength of the person holding it. Everyone is able to see where on this bar the person's ability lands. I have a list of all the fifth year students, so when I call your name out please step forward and grip the revealer tightly like you would a wand. First Hannah Abbot."

Hannah stepped forward taking the revealer. Her mark was fairly high, which seemed to surprise everyone, including her. As Lupin went down the list students one by one took the stick.

Soon it was Hermione's turn, "Hermione Granger," Lupin said. Hermione stepped forward taking the revealer. Her power was the highest of any student so far. She grinned looking at the revealer. "Thank you Hermione," Lupin said taking the revealer from her and making a notation next to her name on his list.

"Wow 'mione, I knew you were powerful but that was really impressive," Ron stammered looking at his girlfriend.

"Ron, you know we all gained power from the order last night. That is likely why my power was so high," She explained in a whisper. "That's likely why Ginny was put with the fifth years, we are the only students in the school who's power rivals each other."

Harry had thought the same thing but Ron was apt to accept it coming from 'mione, as he now called her, more than hearing it from Harry's mouth.

"Draco Malfoy," Lupin said attracting their attention.

Draco stepped forward taking the stick, wearing a smug smile. When the light on the bar rested, it was barely above half.

"That was rigged! A mudblood can't be more powerful than me! I can trace my wizard blood back thousands of years," He demanded looking at Lupin.

"I can assure you that it wasn't rigged, this just shows you that blood isn't everything, Mr. Malfoy. If you are unhappy with the results I suggest taking it up with the headmaster or leave the class. You are not required to stay here."

Malfoy walked over to Crab and Goyle, who's power had barely shown on the revealer, where he was free to complain. Harry looked to his friends who seemed to feel the same way about Malfoy leaving. "Too bad he won't just leave," Harry muttered.

"Yeah, I almost wish I was against him to have the opportunity to shoot some more hexes at him," Ron agreed.

"I'm surprised he's still at school today, especially after last night," Ginny said trying to stay quiet.

"Harry Potter," Lupin said, calling Harry's attention to the front of the group of fifth years. He stepped forward taking the Revealer that Lupin offered him. When he took it the power bar shot up. It was by far the highest anyone had seen today, it was actually as high as it could go causing several people's jaws to drop, especially Malfoy who looked like Christmas had been canceled forever. Harry looked up at his former professor who didn't look surprised. "Thank you Harry," he said taking the revealer back into his own hands.

"Wow, Harry, I always knew you were powerful but that was amazing," Hermione whispered when he returned to where they were standing.

"Like you said the order increased our power, it's not that much more than you."

"Yeah, but that was off the charts, I wouldn't be surprised if it rivaled Dumbledore's power," She continued.

"Well, at least we know if it does Voldemort doesn't stand a chance against him next time they meet," Ginny added.

"'mione, remind me NEVER to get on Harry's bad side. I don't want to have some one with that kind of power against me, one dark wizard is enough," Ron asked.

It wasn't long before Lupin called out, "Ron Weasley." Ron took a deep breath before stepping forward and taking the revealer. The light jumped up to where Hermione's had landed. It was impressive, Harry thought looking at his friend. "Thank you Ron. Ginny Weasley."

Many people turned their heads to watch the youngest Weasley, most not having noticed that she was standing with the group of fifth years. Whispered rippled through the group as she took the stick.

The light, like for Harry, moved up all the way. She, obviously surprised, turned pink in the cheeks as Ron, Harry, and Hermione let out a congratulatory whoop. "Thank you Ginny," Lupin said giving her a large smile.

"You three are horrible," she declared once back in the comfort of their group.

"Don't look at me, that was really impressive," Hermione objected.

"Yeah Ginny, you're just growing up so much," Ron said faking a teary eyed expression. "I'm glad one of the Weasley's is giving Harry a run for his money as most powerful student."

"So, Harry, what do you bet we are going to be against each other," Ginny reckoned.

"Yeah, it seems that way," Harry agreed, trying to hide the smile that was threatening to escape his lips. He was glad that he would be likely paired against one of his friends, especially Ginny.

"My guess is the two of you," he pointed to Ron and Hermione, "are going to be against each other, while Gin and I are against each other," Harry predicted.

The fifth years were almost done and moments after they had quieted down Lupin was talking again, "All of you can return to your common room. Your heads of house will come into the common room this evening to post the pairings."

Knowing that they were done for the evening the group quickly left moving up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room. Harry, Ron and Ginny retrieved their brooms and left for the Quidditch pitch, this week they had practice for two hours every night until the match. Practice that evening went quickly everyone enjoying themselves immensely. Harry had been practicing the Wronski Feint, and had it perfected. He couldn't wait to try it against Malfoy; it should wipe that smug smile off his face.

When they returned to the common room, after a long hard practice, everyone was crowded around the list that Professor McGonagall had posted listing the pairing for Practical Application practice. Harry had to grin when he read his partner, Virginia Weasley.

"So, it looks like we were right, you and I are partners," He said grinning at her.

"Ooh, I can't wait for this class. It should be very useful, like Dumbledore said we need to be prepared for the battles that will come," Ginny said sounding like Hermione for a moment.

"Yeah, it should be fun, lets not let Hermione and Ron go off by themselves, I don't think Snogging will get rid of Voldmort."

Ginny began to laugh agreeing with Harry with a nod. The rest of the evening was quiet; everyone seemed to be talking about the sudden reappearance of Professor Lupin, and the happenings of the previous night. It seemed that Dumbledore had told everyone what had happened, even about the person who had been kissed. Harry wasn't eager to talk about all of it, so he Ron Hermione and Ginny passed the time playing games. Ron had convinced Hermione that since they had not had classes that day they didn't need to study. She had reluctantly given in.

The next morning the now familiar large screech owl delivered a copy of the Daily Prophet to Hermione. She quickly opened it and looked for information about the attacks. Sure enough it was mentioned … but that was all … it was mentioned. The ministry was quoted as saying, "A few of the dementors escaped Azkaban yesterday but they are now controlled. It was most unfortunate that Liz Russell was kissed, our condolences go out to her family. She was rushed to St. Mungo's where she will remain under the care of the Mediwitches."

That was it … there was nothing more about the attacks. "What? That's it," Hermione exclaimed.

"Where's Rita Skeeter when we need her," Ron asked.

"Ron, you know she wouldn't have helped the situation. She would find a way to link it all to Harry, saying it is his entire fault. She would likely play up the fact that his family was killed."

"Yeah, you're right."

"Hey look, listen to this," Harry said reading a quote from another page, "'As to the rumors that You-Know-Who is back Minister Fudge says, 'Nothing of the sort is happening. Everything is under control and fine. No need to panic.'"

"That Fool," Ginny exclaimed.

"Which one of us are you talking about," George asked taking an empty seat next to Ginny.

"I hope it was him," Fred added sitting across from George while gesturing towards his mirror image.

"No, we were talking about Fudge," Ron muttered.

"What about him?"

"Well, he still doesn't believe Harry," Ginny continued.

"Yeah, he is a fool," George agreed in a rare serious moment. The group was soon in deep conversation about the class that was to take place that evening.

No one wanted to be in class that day; all of the Gryffindors wanted to get to their Practical Applications class. It was soon dinnertime and before Harry knew it he was on his way down the corridor, with Ginny, Hermione and Ron, to the last class of the day.

Once everyone had found seats in the room Professor Figg addressed them, "Now that we all have partners I'm going to teach you the simple shield spell, Professor Lupin has agreed to help me demonstrate tonight. He will try to hex me with a simple hex, nothing damaging, I think jelly legs with suffice, and I will block him with a shield spell."

She went on to demonstrate the spell several times with Professor Lupin casting several different curses and hexes from different directions because, "dark wizards aren't going to stand right in front of you and give you fair warning; they will most likely attack when your back is turned or when you least expect it."

"Now, everyone pair up, you are going to try it on each other. The person who is attacking should shoot jelly legs hexes or full body binds. Something that everyone knows the counter curse to. After one-person practices the shield switch so that the other will have a chance to practice. Professor Lupin and I will be walking around making sure everyone is able to perform the charm." Mrs. Figg said.

"Ginny, do you want to try the shield first," Harry suggested.

"Sure," She said moving into position. Harry readied himself and began shooting the Jelly Leg's hex at her, moving silently in a circle around her. It was amazing how much she was able to block him. They did this for about ten minutes. This constant motion caused them to begin to sweat.

"Good, you two are doing a great job." Mrs. Figg observed as she stopped to watch the two move around each other.

"Thank you," They both muttered stopping their movements to speak to their teacher. "Harry, your turn." Ginny said.

They again moved in similar cat like prowling around each other. This time Harry was the prey and Ginny was giving him quite a work out. By the time they were told to stop both had beads of sweat trickling down their faces.

"That's enough for tonight. I will see all of you tomorrow night." Mrs. Figg said before everyone left.

The week actually passed quickly, Harry was kept busy with school work, quidditch and practice. Hermione had also convinced them to start studding for the O.W.L.'s Ginny was kind enough to help them study. They were studding for thirty minutes a night, every night, which Hermione felt was far too little.

Soon Harry, Ron and Ginny found themselves in the air flying around the quidditch pitch at practice Friday night. Hermione had agreed to come down and watch practice instead of studying for the O.W.L's for one night only this week. It amazed Harry how Hermione could begin studying in November for tests that were in June, with all of the dark things happening. He laughed shaking his head as he took his position above the game. Angelina had kept Oliver's plan when it came to Harry and his location during the game. Tonight they were playing a scrimmage against Ravenclaw. Angelina and Cho were good friends so they had arranged this friendly practice. It wasn't worth any real points and no one was commentating. It was just for practice. Angelina had Ginny in play for Katie Bell who was in the Hospital wing with a really bad case of the flu. She was actually doing better but Madam Pomfry refused to allow her to play Quidditch until she was well rested. So it seemed that Ginny would be playing in the game after all. She was amazing Harry thought while he circled around the Ravenclaw goals. Cho closely followed him. Its time, he decided, taking a steep dive toward the ground. Cho took the bait. She was following him at top speed, but her clean sweep was no match to Harry's Firebolt with his speed upgrade kit. Harry had not seen the snitch; he was just diving, practicing a Wronski Feint. When he was about ten feet from the ground he pulled up and climbed back to his former perch, way above the game. Cho was able to pull out barely missing the ground.

When she reached Harry's altitude she shouted at him, "Harry, that was amazing, I'm going to have to remember that! You almost had me hit the ground! I hope Malfoy does hit the ground tomorrow!"

Harry had to laugh, it wasn't like Cho, or any player, to congratulate each other on a good play, but she seemed sincere, especially in hoping Malfoy falls for it.

They had been in the sky for two hours, and Gryffindor was up over one hundred points when it happened, Harry saw the snitch. It was down almost on the ground in the very center of the field. He dove, never taking his eyes off the snitch. Cho dove following Harry hesitantly, obviously remembering Harry's Feint from earlier that evening. It was no contest Harry was the one to get the snitch. Cho really didn't have a chance; her broom just wasn't capable to compete with Harry's. Once his had closed over the cold golden snitch Harry landed. The game was done, and Gryffindor won.

"Too bad that wasn't the actual game." Fred exclaimed landing near Harry. He jumped and landed on top of one of the bludger, which had been following him closely, wrestling it to the ground. George soon landed further down the field and was on the ground with out a word holding down the second bludger, not letting it out of his grasp.

"Good game." Cho said extending her hand for Harry to shake. The rest of her team landed, following their seekers lead they too extended their hands and congratulated Gryffindor on their excellent win. Cho then moved to Angelina, the two quickly hugged saying, "Good game," before everyone was hurried back up to their common rooms.

"Ron, You did an AMAZING job!" Hermione squealed running on to the field to congratulate the team. She was as excited as if it were a real game. "You barely let them score! I'm so proud of you." She said giving him a quick peck on the cheek before her face reddened. "Harry, that first dive nearly killed me, I thought you would hit the ground! DON'T EVER do that to me again!"

"'mione, he was doing a wicked wronski feint! That's one of the hardest moves a seeker can perform. He's not going to stop, actually if he does one as good as that tomorrow, Malfoy might actually wind up in the hospital wing for a second time this term." Ron explained.

"Well, as long as I know you are all right. Ginny, I'm so proud of you too, don't think I forgot you! I was just saving you for last. You scored almost all of Gryffindor's points! I never knew you were so talented!"

"We did." Harry said grinning. "That's why she got the spot on the team. Just wait until tomorrow for a real game! Slitheryn doesn't stand a chance against us!"

"Well, it wasn't just me up there you know, all of us chasers work together. I just happened to be the one holding the ball when it came time to score. They really did all of the work." Ginny explained modestly as they made their way up the marble staircase headed toward the common room.