Chapter 6
The Order Of The Phoenix
Accepting the cup from Dumbledore, Harry was glad to relax into the Mint Tea, it had been a long day already, and after his advanced Dueling class the previous Wednesday, Harry knew it wasn't even close to being over, for Sirius, and Remus had decided that Martial Arts would be a good subject to cover, and the group of four were still sore from the two hour class they had the previous time.
"It is good to hear you four are enjoying yourselves so much" Dumbledore spoke, and Harry realized he had read his thoughts, "I assume the reason you wish to talk further is not about Advanced Dueling then" He finished taking the seat opposite Harry, and sipping his tea.
"No Albus, something different " Harry Answered, and by the tone in his voice, and the use of his proper name, Dumbledore became very serious. "What is it Harry" He asked, the lightness of the earlier conversation gone.
"Well" Harry begun timid. "Three things, first is my nightmares, and visions" he said rubbing the pressure points in his forehead, and scar. "I am receiving them daily now, and want to know if the death and destruction I see is truly happening" He asked remembering clearly the vision he had received in his Divinations class that morning.
"I am afraid that your visions are in fact true" Dumbledore answered honestly, "Voldermort has increased his strength tremendously over the past few months, and like his previous reign of terror, he is attacking both muggle, and magical villages almost nightly" He finished, and Harry could tell by both the mental connection to Dumbledore, and the lose of the twinkle in his eyes that it was effecting him greatly.
"And the ministry of magic" Harry asked, Dumbledore knowing it would be the next question. "They are working round the clock, but due to Fudges death, and the fact we just appointed the new minister last month, there is still much work to be done." He finished beginning to understand where this conversation was headed.
"Well then that brings me to my second item of business" Harry said setting down his cup, and looking pointedly back at the head master. "The Order" Dumbledore spoke again reading parts of Harry's stray thoughts.
"Yes sir, it is time we took action, and I believe the order can help" Harry answered.
By now Dumbledore was completely interested, and Harry went into what he wanted to propose. "First, I think it would be wise to step down as sole leader of the Order. Now I know it in my blood to run the Order, but I feel we would work better as a cohesive unit, other that a leader, and follower." This surprised Dumbledore
"What I suggest is to create divisions within the order. Right now we have ten members who make up the Orders inner circle, but I feel we need to add more people in order to fight back when Voldermort attacks. I want to make it into an order that not only protects me, but one that helps protect the wizarding world." Again Harry surprised Dumbledore.
"First we will need to recruit. We can test them by using Veritaserum, and once we have enough people helping us, we can separate them into three groups. You, Sirius, Remus, and me will charge up these divisions. The 1st group, which would be yours, will be responsible for recruiting, testing, and swearing in new members. Group 2, which would be much larger than the others, would be the fighters, and group three, under Sirius, would be our eyes and ears acting as spies."
"Harry, what you propose would be very difficult, and very dangerous." "I know Albus, but I am tired of running, I feel it is time to fight back. Will you help me?" Harry asked, and Dumbledore seemed to think about it for a long time only to head to his closet, pull out his order cloak, and toss it on.
"We must discuss this with everyone," He finally said, Harry noticed that the twinkle in his eye seemed to be burning with fire. Nodding his head, Harry watched as Dumbledore touched the emblem on his cloak, and with a gush of wind, He was sitting in his seat at what he had begun to think of as the war room.
When every member had arrived the meeting began. Dumbledore, who had called the group together, only spoke for a few minutes before turning the meeting over to Harry. "The reason Dumbledore called us here, is to answer the threat of Voldermort." Harry begun by standing up, and looking at each member at his table
"We must do something different" he continued going into a discussion of what he had proposed earlier to Dumbledore. "With these added forces, we will be able to hopefully fill the void lost in the weakness we have found in our Auror division." Harry finished putting the proposal to a vote. When all hand went up in unison, Harry was a bit surprised that every member agreed.
"Then I will meet with Albus, Sirius, and Remus to discuss in more detail what I think, as for the rest of you, thank you for coming." He finished watching as everyone disappeared from the chamber.
"Well Harry, I would have to say tonight was an unusual night" Dumbledore yawned, as he touched the phoenix on his cloak, transporting the two back to his office office. Moments later the door opened, and both Sirius and Remus entered.
"Harry, how long have you been considering this" Sirius asked taking a seat to Harry's right, and playing the father figure in Harry's life by showing concern. "Ever since the attack on us in Diagon Alley" Harry answered honestly watching as Dumbledore poured the three some tea.
"I do have a question though Harry, why did you choose me for the spying instead of fighting? I hope you aren't worried about my abilities" Sirius asked, It was evident to Harry that he was in fact worried about how he would answer that question.
"Sirius, don't be a git" Harry answered startling his godfather. "I know you can handle yourself, and that is why I asked you to do this for me. Besides, your ability to transform is unknown to most people in the wizarding world. Along with the time you spent hiding from the ministry when you were still an escaped convict.. " Harry paused as he could see the haunting in his godfathers eyes.
"Listen Sirius, I asked you because I trust no other man as much as you, and I know you can do this." He finished as he noticed a tear falling the length of Sirius's face.
"So, now that we cleared that up" Harry said trying to lighten the mood as both Remus and Dumbledore sat down. "Lets move on to more important things." He finished turning to Remus. "Are you all right with your new assignment, I know it will be dangerous" He asked. Remus was almost as close to a father as Sirius was, and the last thing Harry wanted was to put him in danger.
"It is quiet alright Harry, I accept your request, and in fact have a few ideas as to what I can do. Turning to Dumbledore Remus continued. I would like to take a few days off if it is all right, and meet up with some old friends. Also I think it would be wise to contact Fletcher, the Weasley boys, and if I'm not mistaking, I am sure Arthur may come in handy with choosing the right Aurors." He finished becoming excited, and standing to leave.
"Very well Remus, I can see how important this is to you. Take the needed days, but no more than A week, and please keep me updated on whom you have chosen to share this secret with." Dumbledore said smiling at his young teacher. "I will sir, and I am sure Snape will have some Veritaserum I can use. I will test each of them, and find where their loyalties lie" He finished leaving the room. Sirius took this as his queue to leave as well, and telling Harry not to stay up to late left him alone with Dumbledore.
"Well, I would have to say this all worked out better than I expected" Harry said tilting his head back against the chair, and looking across to the now smiling Professor. "I would have to agree Harry." Dumbledore answered, the twinkle back in his eyes, and to Harry it looked like a mischievous glint as well.
"Um sir, am I missing something" Harry asked picking up on the look, and questioning it. "Not at all Harry, you seemed to have picked up the pieces fine" Dumbledore answered laughing out loud, and startling Harry. "Now If I remember correctly, you said that there were three things you wanted to discuss, what would be the third" Dumbledore asked returning to the old conversation that the two were having earlier.
"The sword Albus, I would like to take possession of Godric's sword" Harry stated standing up.
"Very well Harry, It is yours as you are the heir to Gryffindor, but I must warn you to please keep it safe, and hidden. Here, take this" He said reaching into his drawer, and pulling out a leather chest strap. This will allow you to keep the sword attached to your back, and with the spells placed over it, it will also keep it hidden under your cloak."
"While we are at it," he continued walking over to a closet in the back. "Take theses as well. I meant to give them to you during Christmas as was requested by your father." he finished handing Harry a pair of dragon hide boots, and a small wooden box. Upon closer study of the boots, Harry noticed four small pockets, as well as strap that looked to have a place for an extra wand.
"They belonged to your father: Dumbledore said watching Harry set down the boots, and attach the belt with sheath to his back. "Go on, claim what belongs to you" Dumbledore laughed as Harry took the sword from its place on the wall, wilding it with grace and skill.
"I see you have been studying the art of swordsmanship." Dumbledore spoke up watching as Harry slid the sword into its sheath. "Very well. Voldermort is training his servants these skills as well, and I believe Sirius would be more than willing to add it to your training." He finished as Harry smiled back. "Thank you Albus" Harry said excusing himself, and picking up the boots, as well as small box.
Saying his goodbyes, Dumbledore smiled at the strength the boy carried, and looking up told James Potter how proud he would be.
Making his way to the third floor corridor, and to the common room, where Hermione, Cho, and Ron were waited for him, Harry walked straight up to Cho, and kissed her on the cheek. "I just can't sit by and watch it happen" he said to the three as they looked at him concerned. "Thank you for supporting me today" he finished walking around the couch to take a seat next to Cho.
"Alright there Harry" Ron asked sitting back down to his game of chess with Hermione. "Ya mate, just a bit tired" Harry finished kissing Cho on the cheek again, and resting his head against hers. Seconds later however Harry was jumping from the couch
"Oh for Merlin's sake, I almost forgot." He huffed rubbing his temples. "Ron, I forgot that I booked the pitch for first thing tomorrow morning." Harry said walking toward the fire. "Where you going" Ron asked jumping up as well.
"Tryouts tomorrow mate, need to make an announcement in the gryffindor common room." He sighed saying the password to temporarily open the traveling channel.
"I'll go with you mare." Ron shouted, he gave Hermione as quick kiss on the forehead, before joining Harry in the hearth.
When the two appeared in the gryffindor common room bye the fire, Harry heard a few gasps from the girls close by it.
"Sonorus" Harry said to himself pointing his wand at his throat. "Hey everyone, can we have your atten." he paused as he found himself floating in the air. Turning to Ron, Harry had to laugh as his friend had levitated him above the crowd so he could be seen as well as heard.
"Like I was saying, tomorrow morning we will be holding tryouts for the positions of chasers. As you may know our quidditch team is down to Ron, and I, so we are opening these tryouts to all students. Please report to the pitch at 7:00 no later. Once their Ron and I will explain the tryouts themselves, and then we will start" he finished removing the sonorous spell, and telling Ron to put him down. Moments later the two vanished through the fireplace, only to reappear in their common room.
"That was quick" Hermione said standing up and giving Ron an affectionate kiss. "Well, what can we say" Harry responded walking over to Cho, and giving her a hug. When Cho felt the hard sheath on Harry's back she let out a surprised gasp, and Harry had to hold back a laugh, he had forgotten already about the sword.
"Sorry about that" he said stepping back, and with a motion as quick as lightning he had pulled the sword. Again Harry had to hold back his laughs as the group gasped. "H-H-Harry, isn't that the same sword" "That I used to kill the basilisk" Harry finished for Ron, handing it over to him to examine. "It is one in the same, it belonged to Godric Gryffindor, and I asked Dumbledore tonight to take it." Harry finished looking at the shocked faces of his friends.
"You should see your faces" He laughed taking the sword back from Cho, and again with movements as quick as lightning he had it sheathed. "You would think I just announced that Voldermort was here." He finished waving his hands in front of the group to help them snap out of it.
"B-But" Hermione begun, only to stop as Harry held up his hand. "Over the past two weeks Hermione" Harry answered laughing out loud. "Don't worry so much you three, from what Dumbledore told me, it won't be long until you have one of your own." He finished kissing his girlfriend good night, and heading off to his room.
The next day came early for Harry as his alarm went off at 4:00. Getting up with a start, Harry quickly crossed the room mumbling something about sleeping in today, and set for six thirty. "I changed it" came the sound of someone in the room. Harry startled by the noise instantly shot a freezing charm from his hand knocking the intruder to the floor with a thud.
"Inferno" he shouted lighting the candles, in his room, and summoning his glasses, when he could finally see straight, Harry let out a gasp as Cho lay frozen to the floor only three feet in front of him. "Cho," Harry almost shouted waving his hand over her, and unfreezing her limbs. Grabbing his blanket from the bed, Harry quickly wrapped it around his girlfriend rubbing her arms in an attempt to warm her up.
"Nice to see you to" She laughed comforted in the warmth that Harry's body was giving her. Harry simply laughed, and kissing her frozen cheek. "You scared me." He chuckled as Cho suddenly became serious. "Harry, I know this is the time you wake up every morning. I hear you practicing in here, and wanted to join you." She answered turning to face him. Harry noticed for the first time that she was carrying something, and was surprised to see it was a sword of her own.
"Wow, that is beautiful" he said admiring the Chinese dragon that was engraved in the blade. "It belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw." Cho answered smiling at Harry, who suddenly looked dumb struck. "I am probably correct in assuming both Dumbledore and Voldermort have their own as well" he sighed walking over to his trunk, and pulling out some clean jeans and a shirt.
"Should I leave?" Cho asked blushing as Harry pulled off his shirt to place on a clean one. Harry went to answer, only to stop as Cho gasped at the sight that meet her eyes. "It's Okay Cho," Harry answered allowing Cho to touch the small scars that crossed his back. "Vernon would sometimes take out his business frustrations on me." Harry stated pulling on a clean white t-shirt.
Cho took this as a sign to drop it, and turning around Harry quickly changed out of his pajama bottoms, into a clean pair of jeans. "Alright, are you ready? " he asked grabbing his sword, and sheath, and throwing them on. "I think" Cho answered watching Harry pull on his new boots, and strap his father's wand to his calf. Harry smiled warmly at his girlfriend, it would be good to train with someone else, and taking her hand in his, the two walked toward the stairs leading to the advanced Dueling room. When they reached the large oak doors, they both stopped, beyond where they were standing, they could here what they thought was a battle.
"Ron, Hermione" Harry shouted as the two burst through the doors, wands in hand. Just then Harry had to laugh as Hermione sent Ron flying, it seems she had not reacted to them barging in, and Hit Ron when his defenses came down. "So, how long has this been going on?" Harry asked as he and Cho walked down to the blushing couple, Ron rubbing his backside as he had landed on the floor rather hard.
"This is our second morning" Ron answered pocketing his wand, and looking around. "Well, Lets make it a daily thing then" Harry replied walking over, and giving Hermione a hug, and Ron a friendly punch. "Thanks" he replied turning back to Cho, who was stretching.
The group spent the next hour and a half training, and by the time they were done, Harry had taught Ron the basics of swordsmanship, while Cho had done the same with Hermione. "Well, lets see it then" Ron stated handing Harry back his sword, while Hermione did the same to Cho. Harry smiled warmly, and turning to his partner. Wielding his sword with both hands in front of him, Harry bowed in respect. Cho, being a trained swordsman did the same, but moments later she was in sticking position with her left leg back, and her sword held high in her right.
With the clang of metal caused by the connection of the two swords the two begun to duel. Hermione, and Ron watched in amazement, as what looked to be a beautiful dance took place in front of them. The speed and sound of this amazing fight was almost intoxicating. Harry and Cho would jump back after every strike of the sword, only to lunge, twirl, and attack a second later. The two dueled for close to ten minutes until the distinct sound of metal on bone was heard, followed by the sound of a sword falling to the floor, and a gasp from Cho.
"Harry," Hermione shouted running over to him. Harry, bleeding from the right side of his eye simply held out a hand letting Hermione know he was all right.
"Wow, I didn't expect that" Harry said reaching up and touching the wound on his face. "Good thing I got a piece of it though, or you may have taken my head off" he laughed, only to stop and punch Ron as he touched the open wound. "Ouch you git." He shouted, the touch had caused a sharp pain shot through it. "It hurts that bad does it" Cho asked walking over, and placing her hand over the cut. The next thing anyone knew Cho's hand had begun to glow, and seconds later the cut was gone, and the only thing remaining was a small scar.
"Oh dear" Hermione said coming over, and inspecting the scar. "It left a scar" she finished looking back at Cho. "It's because this is a muggle weapon, and the cut was not created by magic" Harry replied rubbing the small scar, and raising the blade of his sword up to where he could see a reflection.
"You can barely see it, although it still hurts a bit." He laughed picking up Cho's sword from where she had dropped it, and handing it back. Just then the alarm on Ron's watch went off, and looking at his friend, Harry instantly understood what it meant.
Quickly saying goodbye to their girlfriends, Ron and Harry darted to their rooms. Gryffindor quidditch trials were about to begin, so throwing his quidditch gear together, and grabbing his broom, Harry meet Ron in the common room where they would transport to the great Hall.
Accepting the cup from Dumbledore, Harry was glad to relax into the Mint Tea, it had been a long day already, and after his advanced Dueling class the previous Wednesday, Harry knew it wasn't even close to being over, for Sirius, and Remus had decided that Martial Arts would be a good subject to cover, and the group of four were still sore from the two hour class they had the previous time.
"It is good to hear you four are enjoying yourselves so much" Dumbledore spoke, and Harry realized he had read his thoughts, "I assume the reason you wish to talk further is not about Advanced Dueling then" He finished taking the seat opposite Harry, and sipping his tea.
"No Albus, something different " Harry Answered, and by the tone in his voice, and the use of his proper name, Dumbledore became very serious. "What is it Harry" He asked, the lightness of the earlier conversation gone.
"Well" Harry begun timid. "Three things, first is my nightmares, and visions" he said rubbing the pressure points in his forehead, and scar. "I am receiving them daily now, and want to know if the death and destruction I see is truly happening" He asked remembering clearly the vision he had received in his Divinations class that morning.
"I am afraid that your visions are in fact true" Dumbledore answered honestly, "Voldermort has increased his strength tremendously over the past few months, and like his previous reign of terror, he is attacking both muggle, and magical villages almost nightly" He finished, and Harry could tell by both the mental connection to Dumbledore, and the lose of the twinkle in his eyes that it was effecting him greatly.
"And the ministry of magic" Harry asked, Dumbledore knowing it would be the next question. "They are working round the clock, but due to Fudges death, and the fact we just appointed the new minister last month, there is still much work to be done." He finished beginning to understand where this conversation was headed.
"Well then that brings me to my second item of business" Harry said setting down his cup, and looking pointedly back at the head master. "The Order" Dumbledore spoke again reading parts of Harry's stray thoughts.
"Yes sir, it is time we took action, and I believe the order can help" Harry answered.
By now Dumbledore was completely interested, and Harry went into what he wanted to propose. "First, I think it would be wise to step down as sole leader of the Order. Now I know it in my blood to run the Order, but I feel we would work better as a cohesive unit, other that a leader, and follower." This surprised Dumbledore
"What I suggest is to create divisions within the order. Right now we have ten members who make up the Orders inner circle, but I feel we need to add more people in order to fight back when Voldermort attacks. I want to make it into an order that not only protects me, but one that helps protect the wizarding world." Again Harry surprised Dumbledore.
"First we will need to recruit. We can test them by using Veritaserum, and once we have enough people helping us, we can separate them into three groups. You, Sirius, Remus, and me will charge up these divisions. The 1st group, which would be yours, will be responsible for recruiting, testing, and swearing in new members. Group 2, which would be much larger than the others, would be the fighters, and group three, under Sirius, would be our eyes and ears acting as spies."
"Harry, what you propose would be very difficult, and very dangerous." "I know Albus, but I am tired of running, I feel it is time to fight back. Will you help me?" Harry asked, and Dumbledore seemed to think about it for a long time only to head to his closet, pull out his order cloak, and toss it on.
"We must discuss this with everyone," He finally said, Harry noticed that the twinkle in his eye seemed to be burning with fire. Nodding his head, Harry watched as Dumbledore touched the emblem on his cloak, and with a gush of wind, He was sitting in his seat at what he had begun to think of as the war room.
When every member had arrived the meeting began. Dumbledore, who had called the group together, only spoke for a few minutes before turning the meeting over to Harry. "The reason Dumbledore called us here, is to answer the threat of Voldermort." Harry begun by standing up, and looking at each member at his table
"We must do something different" he continued going into a discussion of what he had proposed earlier to Dumbledore. "With these added forces, we will be able to hopefully fill the void lost in the weakness we have found in our Auror division." Harry finished putting the proposal to a vote. When all hand went up in unison, Harry was a bit surprised that every member agreed.
"Then I will meet with Albus, Sirius, and Remus to discuss in more detail what I think, as for the rest of you, thank you for coming." He finished watching as everyone disappeared from the chamber.
"Well Harry, I would have to say tonight was an unusual night" Dumbledore yawned, as he touched the phoenix on his cloak, transporting the two back to his office office. Moments later the door opened, and both Sirius and Remus entered.
"Harry, how long have you been considering this" Sirius asked taking a seat to Harry's right, and playing the father figure in Harry's life by showing concern. "Ever since the attack on us in Diagon Alley" Harry answered honestly watching as Dumbledore poured the three some tea.
"I do have a question though Harry, why did you choose me for the spying instead of fighting? I hope you aren't worried about my abilities" Sirius asked, It was evident to Harry that he was in fact worried about how he would answer that question.
"Sirius, don't be a git" Harry answered startling his godfather. "I know you can handle yourself, and that is why I asked you to do this for me. Besides, your ability to transform is unknown to most people in the wizarding world. Along with the time you spent hiding from the ministry when you were still an escaped convict.. " Harry paused as he could see the haunting in his godfathers eyes.
"Listen Sirius, I asked you because I trust no other man as much as you, and I know you can do this." He finished as he noticed a tear falling the length of Sirius's face.
"So, now that we cleared that up" Harry said trying to lighten the mood as both Remus and Dumbledore sat down. "Lets move on to more important things." He finished turning to Remus. "Are you all right with your new assignment, I know it will be dangerous" He asked. Remus was almost as close to a father as Sirius was, and the last thing Harry wanted was to put him in danger.
"It is quiet alright Harry, I accept your request, and in fact have a few ideas as to what I can do. Turning to Dumbledore Remus continued. I would like to take a few days off if it is all right, and meet up with some old friends. Also I think it would be wise to contact Fletcher, the Weasley boys, and if I'm not mistaking, I am sure Arthur may come in handy with choosing the right Aurors." He finished becoming excited, and standing to leave.
"Very well Remus, I can see how important this is to you. Take the needed days, but no more than A week, and please keep me updated on whom you have chosen to share this secret with." Dumbledore said smiling at his young teacher. "I will sir, and I am sure Snape will have some Veritaserum I can use. I will test each of them, and find where their loyalties lie" He finished leaving the room. Sirius took this as his queue to leave as well, and telling Harry not to stay up to late left him alone with Dumbledore.
"Well, I would have to say this all worked out better than I expected" Harry said tilting his head back against the chair, and looking across to the now smiling Professor. "I would have to agree Harry." Dumbledore answered, the twinkle back in his eyes, and to Harry it looked like a mischievous glint as well.
"Um sir, am I missing something" Harry asked picking up on the look, and questioning it. "Not at all Harry, you seemed to have picked up the pieces fine" Dumbledore answered laughing out loud, and startling Harry. "Now If I remember correctly, you said that there were three things you wanted to discuss, what would be the third" Dumbledore asked returning to the old conversation that the two were having earlier.
"The sword Albus, I would like to take possession of Godric's sword" Harry stated standing up.
"Very well Harry, It is yours as you are the heir to Gryffindor, but I must warn you to please keep it safe, and hidden. Here, take this" He said reaching into his drawer, and pulling out a leather chest strap. This will allow you to keep the sword attached to your back, and with the spells placed over it, it will also keep it hidden under your cloak."
"While we are at it," he continued walking over to a closet in the back. "Take theses as well. I meant to give them to you during Christmas as was requested by your father." he finished handing Harry a pair of dragon hide boots, and a small wooden box. Upon closer study of the boots, Harry noticed four small pockets, as well as strap that looked to have a place for an extra wand.
"They belonged to your father: Dumbledore said watching Harry set down the boots, and attach the belt with sheath to his back. "Go on, claim what belongs to you" Dumbledore laughed as Harry took the sword from its place on the wall, wilding it with grace and skill.
"I see you have been studying the art of swordsmanship." Dumbledore spoke up watching as Harry slid the sword into its sheath. "Very well. Voldermort is training his servants these skills as well, and I believe Sirius would be more than willing to add it to your training." He finished as Harry smiled back. "Thank you Albus" Harry said excusing himself, and picking up the boots, as well as small box.
Saying his goodbyes, Dumbledore smiled at the strength the boy carried, and looking up told James Potter how proud he would be.
Making his way to the third floor corridor, and to the common room, where Hermione, Cho, and Ron were waited for him, Harry walked straight up to Cho, and kissed her on the cheek. "I just can't sit by and watch it happen" he said to the three as they looked at him concerned. "Thank you for supporting me today" he finished walking around the couch to take a seat next to Cho.
"Alright there Harry" Ron asked sitting back down to his game of chess with Hermione. "Ya mate, just a bit tired" Harry finished kissing Cho on the cheek again, and resting his head against hers. Seconds later however Harry was jumping from the couch
"Oh for Merlin's sake, I almost forgot." He huffed rubbing his temples. "Ron, I forgot that I booked the pitch for first thing tomorrow morning." Harry said walking toward the fire. "Where you going" Ron asked jumping up as well.
"Tryouts tomorrow mate, need to make an announcement in the gryffindor common room." He sighed saying the password to temporarily open the traveling channel.
"I'll go with you mare." Ron shouted, he gave Hermione as quick kiss on the forehead, before joining Harry in the hearth.
When the two appeared in the gryffindor common room bye the fire, Harry heard a few gasps from the girls close by it.
"Sonorus" Harry said to himself pointing his wand at his throat. "Hey everyone, can we have your atten." he paused as he found himself floating in the air. Turning to Ron, Harry had to laugh as his friend had levitated him above the crowd so he could be seen as well as heard.
"Like I was saying, tomorrow morning we will be holding tryouts for the positions of chasers. As you may know our quidditch team is down to Ron, and I, so we are opening these tryouts to all students. Please report to the pitch at 7:00 no later. Once their Ron and I will explain the tryouts themselves, and then we will start" he finished removing the sonorous spell, and telling Ron to put him down. Moments later the two vanished through the fireplace, only to reappear in their common room.
"That was quick" Hermione said standing up and giving Ron an affectionate kiss. "Well, what can we say" Harry responded walking over to Cho, and giving her a hug. When Cho felt the hard sheath on Harry's back she let out a surprised gasp, and Harry had to hold back a laugh, he had forgotten already about the sword.
"Sorry about that" he said stepping back, and with a motion as quick as lightning he had pulled the sword. Again Harry had to hold back his laughs as the group gasped. "H-H-Harry, isn't that the same sword" "That I used to kill the basilisk" Harry finished for Ron, handing it over to him to examine. "It is one in the same, it belonged to Godric Gryffindor, and I asked Dumbledore tonight to take it." Harry finished looking at the shocked faces of his friends.
"You should see your faces" He laughed taking the sword back from Cho, and again with movements as quick as lightning he had it sheathed. "You would think I just announced that Voldermort was here." He finished waving his hands in front of the group to help them snap out of it.
"B-But" Hermione begun, only to stop as Harry held up his hand. "Over the past two weeks Hermione" Harry answered laughing out loud. "Don't worry so much you three, from what Dumbledore told me, it won't be long until you have one of your own." He finished kissing his girlfriend good night, and heading off to his room.
The next day came early for Harry as his alarm went off at 4:00. Getting up with a start, Harry quickly crossed the room mumbling something about sleeping in today, and set for six thirty. "I changed it" came the sound of someone in the room. Harry startled by the noise instantly shot a freezing charm from his hand knocking the intruder to the floor with a thud.
"Inferno" he shouted lighting the candles, in his room, and summoning his glasses, when he could finally see straight, Harry let out a gasp as Cho lay frozen to the floor only three feet in front of him. "Cho," Harry almost shouted waving his hand over her, and unfreezing her limbs. Grabbing his blanket from the bed, Harry quickly wrapped it around his girlfriend rubbing her arms in an attempt to warm her up.
"Nice to see you to" She laughed comforted in the warmth that Harry's body was giving her. Harry simply laughed, and kissing her frozen cheek. "You scared me." He chuckled as Cho suddenly became serious. "Harry, I know this is the time you wake up every morning. I hear you practicing in here, and wanted to join you." She answered turning to face him. Harry noticed for the first time that she was carrying something, and was surprised to see it was a sword of her own.
"Wow, that is beautiful" he said admiring the Chinese dragon that was engraved in the blade. "It belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw." Cho answered smiling at Harry, who suddenly looked dumb struck. "I am probably correct in assuming both Dumbledore and Voldermort have their own as well" he sighed walking over to his trunk, and pulling out some clean jeans and a shirt.
"Should I leave?" Cho asked blushing as Harry pulled off his shirt to place on a clean one. Harry went to answer, only to stop as Cho gasped at the sight that meet her eyes. "It's Okay Cho," Harry answered allowing Cho to touch the small scars that crossed his back. "Vernon would sometimes take out his business frustrations on me." Harry stated pulling on a clean white t-shirt.
Cho took this as a sign to drop it, and turning around Harry quickly changed out of his pajama bottoms, into a clean pair of jeans. "Alright, are you ready? " he asked grabbing his sword, and sheath, and throwing them on. "I think" Cho answered watching Harry pull on his new boots, and strap his father's wand to his calf. Harry smiled warmly at his girlfriend, it would be good to train with someone else, and taking her hand in his, the two walked toward the stairs leading to the advanced Dueling room. When they reached the large oak doors, they both stopped, beyond where they were standing, they could here what they thought was a battle.
"Ron, Hermione" Harry shouted as the two burst through the doors, wands in hand. Just then Harry had to laugh as Hermione sent Ron flying, it seems she had not reacted to them barging in, and Hit Ron when his defenses came down. "So, how long has this been going on?" Harry asked as he and Cho walked down to the blushing couple, Ron rubbing his backside as he had landed on the floor rather hard.
"This is our second morning" Ron answered pocketing his wand, and looking around. "Well, Lets make it a daily thing then" Harry replied walking over, and giving Hermione a hug, and Ron a friendly punch. "Thanks" he replied turning back to Cho, who was stretching.
The group spent the next hour and a half training, and by the time they were done, Harry had taught Ron the basics of swordsmanship, while Cho had done the same with Hermione. "Well, lets see it then" Ron stated handing Harry back his sword, while Hermione did the same to Cho. Harry smiled warmly, and turning to his partner. Wielding his sword with both hands in front of him, Harry bowed in respect. Cho, being a trained swordsman did the same, but moments later she was in sticking position with her left leg back, and her sword held high in her right.
With the clang of metal caused by the connection of the two swords the two begun to duel. Hermione, and Ron watched in amazement, as what looked to be a beautiful dance took place in front of them. The speed and sound of this amazing fight was almost intoxicating. Harry and Cho would jump back after every strike of the sword, only to lunge, twirl, and attack a second later. The two dueled for close to ten minutes until the distinct sound of metal on bone was heard, followed by the sound of a sword falling to the floor, and a gasp from Cho.
"Harry," Hermione shouted running over to him. Harry, bleeding from the right side of his eye simply held out a hand letting Hermione know he was all right.
"Wow, I didn't expect that" Harry said reaching up and touching the wound on his face. "Good thing I got a piece of it though, or you may have taken my head off" he laughed, only to stop and punch Ron as he touched the open wound. "Ouch you git." He shouted, the touch had caused a sharp pain shot through it. "It hurts that bad does it" Cho asked walking over, and placing her hand over the cut. The next thing anyone knew Cho's hand had begun to glow, and seconds later the cut was gone, and the only thing remaining was a small scar.
"Oh dear" Hermione said coming over, and inspecting the scar. "It left a scar" she finished looking back at Cho. "It's because this is a muggle weapon, and the cut was not created by magic" Harry replied rubbing the small scar, and raising the blade of his sword up to where he could see a reflection.
"You can barely see it, although it still hurts a bit." He laughed picking up Cho's sword from where she had dropped it, and handing it back. Just then the alarm on Ron's watch went off, and looking at his friend, Harry instantly understood what it meant.
Quickly saying goodbye to their girlfriends, Ron and Harry darted to their rooms. Gryffindor quidditch trials were about to begin, so throwing his quidditch gear together, and grabbing his broom, Harry meet Ron in the common room where they would transport to the great Hall.