Disclaimer - I do not own the Harry Potter stories. I'm just a fan that can't wait for the rest of the books.

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Chapter 6: Two Staff Members

Harry walked with Ron towards the carriages. Ron kept asking him, "What's with the map Harry?" as he played with the small compass. Harry just told him to watch what the map displays and follow it. They continued walking through the crowds, until they saw Hagrid standing in front of a bunch of frightened first years. "They're so tiny, and jumpy" Harry thought to himself.

"Hiya Hagrid" said Harry as he and Ron neared him.

"O' hi Harry it's great to see ya, and you too Ron. Sorry I didn't get to speak with you too much while you were here. A little busy you know." Hagrid said as he tried to keep all the first years together.

"That's alright Hagrid I was a little busy myself." Harry said as Ron pulled his arm trying to usher him towards the carriages. "Well I'll talk to you later Hagrid, I have to get to the carriage before it leaves without me."

"Bye Harry, Bye Ron." Said Hagrid before he turned back to the first years. As Harry walked away he could just hear Hagrid over the crowd. "That was Harry Potter, he's a sixth year. If ya have a problem an' ya can't find a prefect or a teacher he's the one you'll be wantin'." The crowd of first years instantly turned to see Harry walk away. Harry couldn't help feeling happy about this. He knew he wasn't a prefect but it was nice to know that people could count on him.

As they reached the thestral drawn carriages Harry walked up and patted one of them playfully on the head before getting in. Ron thought it was a little un-nerving, "You know how weird that looks, it's like you were petting the air. People are going to think you're mental, do you know that?" Harry decided to ignore Ron and stepped into the carriage. The thestral reacted and took off towards Hogwarts.

In the distance he saw Hogwarts appear in front of him. The magnificent castle stood perched on its cliff over looking the lake. Harry thought about how he didn't feel safe anywhere but here. The most secure place in the world, Wizarding and Muggle alike. It's strong stature stood against the surreal backgrounds as a beacon of light.

On the way towards the castle Harry could see someone with their head out of the side of the carriage looking back at him. He couldn't tell who it was at first, then the moonlight illuminated his hair, which shown pure white, it was Malfoy. Harry could now see his expression; it was nothing but loathing and hatred. He knew Malfoy was up to something. Just as Harry suspected, as soon as the carriage stopped Malfoy and his "friends" ran through the castle's entrance, no doubt looking for professor Snape.

A few minutes later Ron and Harry's carriage came to a halt at the front gates. Harry exited the carriage and went back to the thestral. He stroked its scaly head, and scratched beneath its strange ears before Ron pulled him away.

"I thought I made my point before. I guess I was wrong." Ron said as he moved Harry further away from the invisible creature. "Look, everyone's staring at you."

Harry looked around; there were a lot of people looking at him. He thought it was odd since Hagrid already taught them about thestrals in Care of Magical Creatures. Then he noticed the looks on all their faces. It wasn't that they thought he was crazy, they all looked sorry for him. They all knew how much death he has seen in his short life

Harry decided to get away from all the sorrow filled looks; he turned to Ron and said, "Yeah I guess you're right. Let's get to the great hall before the sorting starts."

"Alright come on." Ron replied looking back at Harry.

They moved passed the front gates when Professor Snape crossed their path. He had his usually look of repugnance as he set his dark eyes on Harry. "Potter, in my office now." His voice was cold and trembling. His whole body was shaking with barely-contained rage.

Harry looked up at him, he saw how angry he was and lowered his head and said, "Yes Professor"

Harry followed closely behind Snape with his head lowered. He was thinking about what he could tell him. He knew this was about Malfoy. He knew that Draco had invented a story portraying him as a horrible villain that struck- down him and his friends for the pure joy of it. He decided to just tell Snape his side of the story. That it was the staff that knocked Malfoy to the ground.

Just before the reached the dungeons Harry and Snape passed Draco and friends. They all had the same evil smirk on their faces. Harry knew Draco was proud of himself. He enjoyed getting Harry in trouble. Harry just raised his head looked straight and him and smiled. Malfoy was taken back, his smirk faded and his lip curled. Harry knew it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but he hated having Malfoy think he was one up on him.

Harry and Snape walked down into the dark dungeons. The torches flared to life lighting their path. Harry followed behind Snape as the potions master opened his office door and stood to the side to allow Harry to enter.

Harry walked into the room and stopped two feet short of Snape's desk. He looked around the dark, damp, cold room, examining the usual odd selection of bottled creatures. The room looked as it always did, creepy. Harry saw different potions simmering around him. He eyed one in the far corner suspiciously as it gave off an eerie green cloud that fell upon the floor. The whole atmosphere was made Harry nervous but there wasn't a potion, or green cloud that scared him more then the angry potions master at that moment.

Professor Snape walked around and stood at the other end of his desk. "Sit," Snape instructed. His voice wasn't as threatening as it was before, but it still held a slight tremble. "You probably already know why you're here, but let me explain just incase you are incompetent as I've always believed. Mr. Malfoy told me about the encounter he had with you on the train. He told me that you wiped his memory after hexing him. He said the last thing he remembered is you threatening him before Mrs. Granger covered him with water. Is there any truth to his story?"

"Yes, and no" Harry replied very quietly.

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying you did erase his memory?"

"No it wasn't me. I didn't attack him at all. It was the.." Said Harry but Snape cut him off before he could finish.

"Oh, so Mr. Malfoy just imagined it did he? Him and his witnesses just imagined you cursing him and then obliterating his memories?"

Harry hated hearing these accusations from someone that knew nothing of what really happened. "What witnesses? There was no one around except Crabbe and Goyle; they can't know anything more than Malfoy. That doesn't qualify them as competent witnesses. Not that I'd call them competent anyway."

"Hold your tongue Potter, you're in enough trouble as it is." Snape spat at Harry's last remark towards his fellow Slytherin. He paused for a moment before continuing. "So you're confessing to attac." but this time Harry interrupted him.

"I'm not confessing to anything. I didn't do anything wrong. It was Malfoy that touched what didn't belong to him. It wasn't my fault the staff reacted as it did." Harry said in monotone, not looking at Snape.

Snape stood in silence obviously thinking about what to say next. He still didn't want to believe the student he despised above all others. He wanted him expelled, away from him. He wanted this arrogant clone of his father as far away from him as possible, but he decided to go along with his story, for the moment.

"So your staff did this? All by itself, and you had nothing to do with it?"

"Yes. Malfoy reached for the sheathed staff, it unsheathed itself and stood in the middle of the compartment. He stared at it then tried to touch it. That's when it threw him, Crabbe, and Goyle into the other wall. I don't know why they couldn't remember anything." Harry said looking straight into Snape's dark eyes.

"That is the stupidest story I've ever heard. I have no doubt that you are lying." Snape responded with his eyes still focused on Harry's.

Harry decided he wasn't going to allow these acquisitions to go any further. He knew that Snape would only believe him if he saw it himself. Harry stood up unsheathed the staff and held it in front of Snape. "Do you need a demonstration, Sir?"

Snape looked at the staff for a moment before he responded. "Yes, I believe that would be prudent. Your story is very suspicious. You are telling me that an inanimate object performed actions that are grounds for expulsion. I believe a little proof is necessary at this point, Potter."

"Yes, sir." Harry stepped back and leaned the staff against the adjacent wall. As he stepped away he was hoping it would do what he thought it would. After Harry was three feet away the staff stood up on its own. The tables and desks around the staff began to move away from it. The emerald began to shine brightly as the spherical barrier went up around the staff, protecting it from anyone and anything.

Snape walked towards it apparently amazed. He stepped closer to it but being very careful not to touch the barrier. He examined the stone floor where the staff stood; the dust and dirt had been pushed away, leaving the dark stone perfectly clean. He turned back to Harry removing his look of surprise, and replaced it with his usual expression of loathing.

"Detention Mr. Potter, tomorrow night, in my office." Said Snape with a slight smirk upon his face.

Harry walked over to his staff and the barrier dropped. He picked it up and turned back to Snape, "May I ask why, sir?"

"For not being careful with your property and endangering your fellow students." Harry nodded not wanting to argue with Snape any longer and turned to walk out of the dungeons when Snape said, "Another thing Potter. Ten points from Gryffindor for questioning my authority."

Harry turned around to see Snape's horrible smirk before he continued out of the dungeons. Harry headed for the great hall knowing that he missed the sorting and Dumbledore's speech. He couldn't help but hate Snape; he did everything in his power to make his life miserable.

Harry opened the massive doors to the Great Hall and stepped in. He could see Malfoy and his gang glaring at him as he walked towards the Gryffindor table. Harry stared back at Malfoy as he sat down between Ron and Hermione. Harry began to pile food on his plate as he looked around the Great Hall. He looked over at Hermione who already finished eating and was deeply engaged in a very thick book. Harry decided not to bother her for the time being and turned to Ron.

"So, what did Snape do to you?" Ron asked.

"Oh, the usual. He gave me detention tomorrow night and took ten points from Gryffindor." Said Harry very quietly. "I even explained to him what happened, which he didn't believe, so I showed him. He still gave me detention, and when I asked why; he took house points."

Ron wasn't happy about this he started mumbling things about Snape. To say the least they weren't very nice. Actually they were so horrible that Hermione actually put down her book to stop him.

"Ron, that's enough we get the point. Snape can be a prat, but you are a prefect and you are not setting a good example." She said now looking at Ron instead of her book.

"Yeah I know, but that still doesn't give him the right to give detentions for nothing." He said taking a sip of pumpkin juice.

Hermione and Ron continued to argue about Ron's responsibilities as a prefect, while Harry looked up at the staff table. He noticed that two seats were empty. "I wonder who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" he thought. He couldn't help but wonder. Every year a new teacher came and every year the teacher left. He just hoped that it wasn't someone like Umbridge. Harry just wanted a competent teacher that would help him fight Voldemort when the time came.

Harry decided to change the subject, not wanting to hear about prefect responsibilities any more. "What are you reading Hermione?"

"Oh, It's a book about staffs. It's really interesting, I checked it out from the library the second we arrived." She said. The simple question, which could have been answered with an uncomplicated sentence, turned out to be a huge explanation. She told him everything about the wizards that made staffs to the wizards that used them. The rest of the dinner was spent listening to Hermione drone on about ever minute detail about staffs. Harry actually listened being interested, but everything she told him he already knew, so he just kept nodding and answering her with. "Yeah" and "Really."

Hermione finally finished her speech as Dumbledore dismissed the students. Everyone got up from the table and headed towards the exit Hermione; turned to Harry and said, "Harry the password is 'D.A.', we'll talk to you later." She hurried off to help the fifth year prefects assemble the first years. Harry looked over and got a glimpse of Ron holding the parchment and the Marauder's key as he left the Great Hall.

Harry turned to the staff table to see Dumbledore looking at him. Harry walked up to him and Dumbledore said, "How was your birthday Harry?"

"It was great sir, thank you."

"No, thank you Harry. Last year you did a great thing teaching those students what they weren't getting in the classroom. I just hope you accept my present and take the position as the Defense Club's captain." Dumbledore replied, looking down on Harry through his half moon spectacles.

"Yes sir, I'd like that very much. I was wondering about the details though."

"I would expect as much. Follow me Harry and we'll discuss this further." Dumbledore got up from his chair and walked down from the table to meet Harry. They walked together towards the defense against the dark arts corridor. They passed by the usual classroom and continued further down the hall. Harry found himself standing in front of two giant sized oak doors that he'd never seen before.

Dumbledore turned to Harry and said, "Do you have the key?"

Harry instinctively checked his pockets even though he knew that the key was still in his trunk. "Sorry professor, I must have left it in my trunk."

"Oh quite alright. There's more then one way to open a door." He said with a wink. Dumbledore drew his wand and muttered, "Alohomora." The large metal lock clicked and Dumbledore reached for the handle. He pushed the massive oak doors open to reveal the enormous room.

Harry was surprised to see how big the room was. It was at least double the size as the other rooms. The far left wall was lined with books on Defense Against the Dark Arts. Next to the bookshelves stood ten dueling platforms, each sufficiently padded for safety. In the middle of the classroom stood a large circular stone fireplace. On the right stood ten round tables each with a gas lamp in the center; the tables seat eight. Just in front of the tables there was a small platform just higher then the rest of the room. "It's perfect." Harry thought to himself, but something wasn't right. He didn't like special treatment; he wanted to be just like any other student, not the-boy-who-lived.

"This is great, sir, but I don't need all of this. The club would be fine in any of the other classrooms." He said looking at Dumbledore.

"I know that Harry. This room." Dumbledore said as he looked down at Harry, ".has not only been built for you. I have decided to make the Defense Against the Dark Arts Club permanent. Before you graduate I would like you to nominate the next captain. When that person graduates they will nominate another and so forth. What you, Ron, and Hermione created last year was astounding. Many students have formed clubs like yours before but none had been as nearly successful." Harry had a slight smile on his face. He knew that Dumbledore supported the D.A. last term, but he never actually heard him say it before. "The club will meet ever Wednesday night at seven. I have let Madame Pomfrey know about your club and that there will be some dueling involved. She will be sitting in on a few of your meetings. Every meeting a staff member will be present for supervision purposes. Professor Snape will be here at your first meeting, which will be in two weeks. Do you have any questions or comments about this Harry?" finished Dumbledore looking at a very shocked student.

Harry found his voice after a few seconds and said, "Yes I have one sir. Do you really think that there will be enough students attending to fill this room?"

Dumbledore's gaze never left Harry's as he spoke. His blue eyes twinkled with happiness as they usually did. "Yes Harry, I believe there will be more than enough students to fill this room. After the success of your previous club reaches the other students, I am sure they will flock to you for help and guidance."

Harry really didn't know what to say, so he just responded with, "Yes sir."

"Great; well if there isn't anything else, I suggest you get back to your dormitory to get settled. The club's sign-up sheet will be posted in every common room by morning. Sleep well Harry." Said Dumbledore.

"Yes sir, thank you."

Dumbledore escorted Harry to the main staircase that lead to the Gryffindor tower, then left Harry as he proceeded towards his office. Harry walked towards the tower alone with his thoughts. He couldn't get his mind off the Defense Club. He completely forgot everything that happened earlier that day: the train incident, detention with Snape, losing ten points for Gryffindor, and giving Ron the Marauder's Map. Nothing else seemed to matter, except the Defense Club.

He reached the portrait fairly quickly. He muttered "D.A." and the portrait hole opened. He walked into the Gryffindor common room, watching all his friends and classmates as they: talked, laughed, and played games with each other. He spotted Hermione in the far end of the room, still reading her book. He said "Hi" to her as he walked towards his dorm.

He reached the top landing and opened the door. He walked over to his four poster bed and started to unpack. As he looked around he noticed everyone else had already finished unpacking; except Ron. His trunk was still locked. "He must still be searching around the castle" Harry thought slightly amused. He remembered how frustrated he was after the map told him it was just messing with him. He hoped Ron would stick with it and not give up.

Harry finished unpacking his clothes and other miscellaneous items. It didn't take him long but it felt like an eternity. He needed to find something to occupy himself. He looked through his trunk again and found the Plush Snitch that Fred and George gave him. He felt a little bad about not using it before, but he was pretty busy with all his training.

Harry took the snitch out and threw it into the air. It spread its little wings and started to fly around the dormitory. Harry watched it for a while and when it got close enough he grabbed it. He continued to do this for a while getting quicker and quicker each time. Harry finally got bored of it after the twentieth time and decided to go down to the common room.

He found Hermione exactly where she was before, still immersed in her book. She really didn't notice Harry until he started to talk to her. "What are you reading now?"

She jumped and looked at Harry for a second, then continued to read as she spoke, "I found this book in the library. It's all about Occlumency. After Snape stopped giving you lessons I thought it would be a good idea for you to start practicing on your own."

Harry looked a little shocked but responded as calm as he could, "How would I be able to do that?"

"It's actually quite simple really. They have a lot of mind exercises that you practice on your own. It helps clear your mind. It says you should be able to do all of these exercises before someone tries to use the Legilimens spell."

"What? Snape used that the first meeting." Said Harry a little louder then he wanted to. The people around him stopped talking for a second and looked at him. He blushed slightly just before they started talking again.

"Really? It says here that you can teach Occlumency that way,. but it may take longer. It also says that the mind may become more susceptible if the person hasn't mastered these techniques."

Harry couldn't believe that Snape was using the more difficult method to teach him something he needed desperately. From that moment he was determined to become very skilled in Occlumency. "Can I see that?"

"Sure, you can borrow it if you like. I really checked it out for you."

"Thanks" Harry said as he began to flip through the pages.

"The mind exercises don't seem to be that difficult. It just looks like you need a secluded area to gather your thoughts. I tried a couple of they didn't seem too hard. It's a little like meditation." Said Hermione as she watched Harry flip through the pages.

"Thanks Hermione, this will help a lot."

"Oh it's nothing." She paused for a second and said, "I haven't seen Ron since we left the Great Hall do you know where he is?"
"Yeah I talked to him before the feast ended. He said he was taking a walk. I'm sure he'll be back soon." Harry knew that it was a lie but there was some truth to it. He didn't want to lie to Hermione but he couldn't tell her that Ron is out roaming the castle to help form new generation of the Marauders. Well not yet anyway.

Harry read through the book Hermione gave him for a while, but he was too excited to just sit there. He couldn't wait until Ron got back. He decided to do something a little more active. Harry pulled the little snitch out of his pocket and threw it in the air. It whizzed around the common room just above everyone's head. No one seemed to notice as it zoomed by. Harry watched it for a second slowly moving through the room. He saw it hovering just above Neville, who seemed unaware of the flying object. Harry walked up and with lightening fast reflex grabbed the snitch from behind Neville.

Neville turned around to see Harry holding the little snitch as it franticly tried to free itself from his grasp. "Wha.what's that?" said Neville pointing at the struggling snitch.

"It's something Fred and George made. It's going to be part of their newest line at their joke shop; they call it "The Plush Snitch". It's for seekers to train when they're not on the pitch." Said Harry as he stuffed the snitch back into his pocket.

"That's great Harry. Does it move just like a real one?"

"Yeah, but it's faster and harder to see. I've been playing with it for a while." Harry said, but before he could finish telling Neville all about the snitch Ron came bursting through the portrait hole.

He looked really excited and had a huge smile on his face. Harry couldn't help but smile, he knew that Ron found the room and was very happy about being a Marauder. Ron practically ran to Harry. He started to push him up the stairs towards their dormitory. "Well I'll talk to you later Neville."

"Okay Harry" Neville said before he turned back around.

Ron started passing back and forth, his hands frequently running through his hair. "This is for real. I mean it's not a joke right, because this wouldn't be funny Harry." His pacing ceased for a moment as he looked at Harry.

"No it's real, the whole thing, and you're the first person besides me to join. So do you think we could do it?"

"Of course we can do it. Are you mental? This is great. We'll be remembered forever. The teachers and students still remember the original Marauders. Fred and George used to tell me stories about them. They are their idols did you know that?" Ron said as he continued to pace.
"I could have only guessed." Harry laughed. He looked back at Ron as he paced back and forth again. "Could you please sit down? You're making me nervous with all the pacing."

"Oh yeah, right." Said Ron as he sat on his bed. Even though he stopped pacing he still looked a little twitchy.

"That's a little better. I've been thinking about this for a while. I thought you, Hermione, Ginny, and I could become the New Marauders. What do you think?" Said Harry.

"Yeah I guess that would work. I think Ginny would be great for it, she's the best prankster in the family. Well except for the twins. I don't know about Hermione though, she really doesn't like breaking the rules."

"I know, I was thinking about that earlier, but she is the best person for it. She's smart, creative, and always good at finding new things in the library. I think it's all in our approach." By the look on Ron's face Harry decided to continue. "I think we have to remind her how Fred and George always made everyone laugh, and that's definitely something everyone needs, especially with Voldemort gaining power. I think we should also remind her that if she helped us, she could keep us out of trouble too. She's always been good at that."

"I think you're right. It's not like the pranks have to hurt anyone. Fred and George never hurt anyone." Ron said and Harry gave him a questioning look. "Well they didn't hurt them on purpose." Harry's expression didn't change. "Okay fine, they didn't hurt anyone too badly, are you happy?"

Harry chuckled then replied, "Yeah I guess you're right. And it's not like anyone ever knew who the Marauder's really were. We would do the same. We wouldn't tell anyone about it, and when we left a sign or something saying who it was, we'll leave our nicknames. That reminds me, what is your nickname?"

Ron's face turned a little red with embarrassment as he started to talk. "Well the map said that I wasn't going to be an animagus so it couldn't give me an animal name. So it called me Red. It's stupid I know but that's what it says my name is."

Harry suppressed a laugh, "It's not bad, I mean you're whole family has red hair. It seems to fit doesn't it?"

"Yeah I guess you're right. I just wanted a better name than that. So, what name did it give you?

"Phoenix"

"Really so you're an animagus? That's great."

"No it said I wouldn't be one. I think it gave me that name because I can use the Phoenix Staff."

"Yeah I could see that. I mean it's very rare to use a staff, it only seems right to pick a name that uses that."

Ron handed Harry the map and key and they talked about the Marauders until their roommates came in. Neville told everyone about Harry's snitch and he showed it to them. Harry was the only one to catch it though. After Harry caught the snitch for the fifth time, they decided it would be a good time to get some sleep. As Harry laid his head down he made two promises to himself. First he would do everything he could to get the Marauders going. Secondly he would do everything he possibly could to become skilled at Occlumency, and he would start tomorrow morning. After making those promises Harry allowed himself to drift off to dreamland.

Harry awoke very early the next morning. He climbed out of bed, still very tired and got dressed. After he grabbed his cloak, the Defense Club key, and Occlumency book; he then headed towards the deserted common room. The fire was nearly out, Harry put his hands closer to the embers and a roaring fire came to life. When Harry backed away from the fire he noticed the Defense Club signup sheet and smiled as walked out the portrait hole. He made his way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts corridor.

Harry unlocked the doors and walked into the classroom. Since a fire wasn't going it was rather cold at first. Harry concentrated on the fireplace as he walked in and it flared to life. He looked towards the table lamps and they did the same.

Harry took a seat at one of the nearest tables. He read in silence trying to understand the techniques the book described. Everything it told him he already learned from Snape. The only difference was he actually had a thorough step-by-step analysis of each process. The book made everything Snape tried to teach him become clear.

Professor Snape told Harry that mind reading doesn't exist. You can't open a mind at leisure; the human mind can't be opened and read like a book. It's much more complicated than that. The book that Hermione checked out describes it in a much more logical way. It compared the human mind to a castle or fortress. It said, "You can see pieces of a castle but not the entire structure at once. There are hidden pathways, dungeons, and common areas. A mind works the same way: there are things you want to keep private, and what everyone already knows. Occlumency is designed to activate your mind's defenses, just like you would a castle's. The first thing you must do is to know your terrain. You must first realize your weaknesses and work on them. This is the first step towards defending yourself against a skilled Legilemens."

Harry continued to read and practice the mind exercises until it was time for breakfast. He extinguished all the lights with a wave of his hand and walked towards the Great Hall. Just before he reached the entrance Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle stopped him. Harry took a step back staying out of fighting distance. He noticed that the three of them had their hands wrapped around their wands.

"I don't know how you did it Potter." Malfoy said.

"Did what?"

"How are you still here? You should have been expelled for attacking us, but you weren't, and not only that, they gave you a club. I'll never know why they treat you so well. If it was anyone else they would have been on the train home last night."

"I didn't get expelled because it wasn't me who attacked you. As for the club I started that last year, and Dumbledore thought it would be better if he extended the club to all the houses."

Malfoy looked furious but he didn't raise his wand, "You're lying. Who else would have attacked me? Oh wait lets see, what did you say happened? That's right, we fainted, at the same time. You'll pay for your lies Potter, and you'll pay for sending my father to Azkaban."

Malfoy drew his wand, as did Crabbe and Goyle. Harry took a step back. He didn't know what to do. If he used his wand he might win but if he used his staff it would be over in a second. The only problem was he didn't really want to show that to Malfoy. Not yet anyway. Harry reached for his wand just when.

"Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, what do you think you're doing? Three on one is hardly fair." Said a man that Harry had never seen before. He was a tall man with grey hair. His robes were very dark green, almost black. He wore a wizard's cap of the same color. As he turned to Harry, his eyes were dark grey. The man gave Harry the same impression he had of Professor McGonagall; he was not someone to be trifled with.

The three Slytherin's sheathed their wands without hesitation and walked towards the Great Hall. The man watched them leave and turned back to Harry. "Well we meet at last. I'm Professor Griffin Mauser, I will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this term."

"It's nice to meet you Professor." Harry said without any pause.

"You too Mr. Potter." Said Professor Mauser, "If you don't mind me asking, what was that all about?"

Harry paused for a moment before he spoke. "Well sir, Malfoy and I have never gotten along. This is just one of those incidences. Thank you for stopping them or I would have had to defend myself against three very angry Slytherin."

The professor laughed and said, "Oh no problem Mr. Potter, I would hate to give detentions on my first day. I'll see you in class." Professor Mauser turned and walked into the Great Hall. Shortly after Harry followed.

He spotted Malfoy standing near the wall as he walked in. Harry turned and stared at him, Malfoy mouthed, "You're dead." Harry took a step towards him and without meaning to conjured a small amount of wind that thrust Malfoy against the wall. (Not nearly hard enough to hurt him, or for anyone to take notice) Malfoy looked a little shaken. Harry sent him a look of loathing and headed for his own table.

Harry sat down next to Ron, who still looked happy from the night before. Hermione sat across from them with a paper in her hands. Harry couldn't see what it was, "What is that Hermione?"

"This," she turned the paper around to reveal a long list of names, "is the signup sheet for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Club."

"There must be fifty names there."

"Yeah I know, and this is just for Gryffindor. Most of them are fifth years. I think word got around that none of the D.A. members scored lower then an E on the Defense Against the Dark Arts portion of their O.W.L. exams." Hermione said smiling profusely.

"Yeah that's great and all but fifty?" Harry said with his voice wavering. "I don't I can teach fifty at once. I'm not a teacher."

"You'll

Harry looked up at the staff table. He saw all the usual staff members including Professor Mauser, but there was another member. A young woman in her mid-twenties was seated next to Professor Mauser. She was dressed in navy blue robes. Her long blonde hair lay down across her shoulders. Her crystal clear blue eyes revealed her beauty from across the hall. Harry nudged Ron who turned to look as well.

Hermione took notice, "Honestly" she said, "You just saw her and you can't take your eyes off her. You'd think she's a veela the way the two of you are gawking at her."

"We weren't gawking." Ron said defensively.

"Yeah, we just where trying to figure out who she was." Harry added.

"I'm sure you were." Hermione said sarcastically, "and I guess all of them are just figuring out who she is too." She said motioning towards the other boys at the Gryffindor table, who also seemed to be entranced by the new teacher.

"She must be the Sensory Training teacher." Harry said suddenly.

"How do you know that?" Ron and Hermione asked together.

"Well the man sitting next to her is Professor Mauser and he's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; so she must be the Sensory teacher. There's only two positions open, so she must be the other." Harry said trying not to look at the new Professor, so he didn't have to hear anymore of Hermione's comments about it.

Before Ron and Hermione could ask Harry how he knew about the new teacher, Dumbledore began to speak. "This year there has been two changes made to the Hogwarts staff. Professor Mauser will be replacing Professor Umbridge as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I'm sure all of you will miss Professor Umbridge who disappeared at the end of term last year." A slight murmur of laughter spread through the student body. "Another change is the addition of a new subject, Sensory Training. This class will be taught by Professor Mitchell."

The rest of the day passed rather quickly. Their classes were just as they always had been. Just a little more difficult, Professor Snape was definitely going to drill the material into them. He didn't want anyone falling behind in his class. He said anyone that doesn't show improvement, would be dropped. Ron look really scared about this. The trio didn't have Defense Against the Dark Arts or Sensory Training until tomorrow so they didn't have much to talk about as they entered the Great Hall for dinner.

"Do you think Professor Mauser will be a good teacher?" Hermione asked Harry.

"Yeah I think he will be. I didn't talk to him that long but he seemed all right. I mean he did stop Malfoy and his goons from attacking me. Snape would have watched."

"No he wouldn't have." Hermione responded.

"Yeah I guess you're right." He paused for a moment. "He would have helped." Harry countered.

Ron laughed as Harry and Hermione argued, which didn't happen all that often. When the feast ended Harry stopped Hermione. He decided this would be the best time to give her the map and key.

"Hermione take this, touch the compass to the map and follow what appears. Do you understand?"

"Yeah I do, but I don't know what this means?"

"You will, just trust me. When you're finished give it back to me, okay?"

"Yeah sure Harry." She said. She gave him a strange look and continued towards the Gryffindor tower. While Harry walked to the dungeons where he had detention with professor Snape.

Harry reached the dungeon entrance and before he turned the knob to Snape's office the door opened. Professor Snape stood in front of him.

"Come with me Mr. Potter and leave your staff and wand here." Snape walked out of his office and turned towards the Slytherin common room. Harry followed closely after he placed his wand and staff near the wall. As he let go the staff's barrier went up. They walked down a corridor near Slytherin common room. "You will clean every stone, every portrait, and every statue in this hall. I will check on your progress shortly. Here's your mop, broom, and assorted brushes. Get to work."

Harry tried to hide his excitement until Snape left. Snape must have forgotten that Harry didn't need a wand or a staff to control the elements. Harry concentrated and a small breeze began to form around his ankles. The dirt and grim surrounding him seemed to be sweeping it self. All the dirt piled itself in the middle of the room. Harry walked over to it and focused his energy into the dust. The small pile burst into flames leaving nothing but a small burnt mark on the stone. Harry turned his attention to the bucket, moments later the water shot out of the top and covered the floor around him. Harry directed the water: down the corridor, up the walls, and across the ceiling, scrubbing everything in its wake. After running the water across the hall a few times Harry returned the now black water back into its bucket. Though most of the water had returned a small amount still sat on the floor. Harry knew Professor Snape wouldn't stand for that. He looked at one of the torches on the wall and it instantly flared. The flame grew and started to fall to the floor. It rippled across the ground like water drying the last bit of water. Harry commanded it back to the torch and sat down against the wall. He sat there in silence performing various Occlumency techniques.

Snape returned within the hour to find Harry sitting in the corner looking rather pleased. Snape examined the student's work and was shocked he had done it so fast. The entire hall was shining, as if it had been polished. He knew that Harry had used magic, but he didn't know how. None of the Slytherins would have helped him and no other student knew he was around.

Snape walked up to Harry and said, "Fallow me."

"Yes sir." Harry responded as he got to his feet. He followed Snape back into his office.

"Take your things," said Snape as he pointed towards Harry's staff and wand, "You're detention is over, but I expect to see you back here on Friday at seven.

"May I ask why, sir?"

Snape stared back at the student as if Harry didn't have the right to even look at him, "The Headmaster would like me to continue with your Occlumency training. He believes it is something that is very important."

"What? I thought you would never teach Occlumency to me after." but Harry decided not to finish his sentence and Snape didn't seem to care.

"The Headmaster still believes that I am the only one qualified to teach you, and trust me it is not what I want to be doing my Friday evenings either. Don't be late." The potions master answered.

"I won't be." Harry grabbed his staff and wand then left the dungeons without another word to Snape.

Harry wandered back to the common room thinking about how well that went. He really didn't want to sit with Snape every Friday night, but he did want to learn Occlumency. Then Harry remembered something. During those lessons Snape could access some of Harry's memories. Even though the memories he accessed seemed to be random, what if he accidentally found out about the Marauders. Everything would end right there. They wouldn't be able to continue with their plans.

Harry reached to portrait hole as he was trying to devise a solution. He saw Hermione and Ron sitting in the far corner talking animatedly. The common room was filled with talk about everyone's first lessons. No one seemed to notice or care what Ron and Hermione were talking about. Harry walked over to them filled with conflicting thoughts. He knew that the Marauders would be fun but he didn't want to accidentally betray his friends.

"Harry" Hermione yelled to get her voice over the crowded and noisy common room. "Come here."

Harry walked over still feeling strange but he knew the only thing he could do was to tell Ron and Hermione and see what they had to say about his problem. "Hi" said Harry as he sat down next to them.

"Hermione passed. She found the room Harry. Isn't that great?" Said Ron.

"Yeah that's great." He said rather quietly.

Hermione smile faded and her expression turned to concern. "What's wrong Harry?"

"It's nothing." He said sheepishly.

"Don't give me that. I know when something is wrong. I'm not Ron, I'm aware of other people." Said Hermione.

"Hey," Ron said defensively.

Hermione ignored Ron's comment and went back to Harry, "Come on Harry, tell us what's wrong."

"Fine but I know it's something you don't want to hear." Harry said.

"Just tell us already." Said Ron.

"Okay, fine. It was right after I finished my detention with Professor Snape. He told me that I would have to start Occlumency again. My next lesson is on Friday."

"What's wrong with that? I thought you wanted to learn Occlumency, especially after what You-Know-Who did to you in the Department of Mysteries." Ron said.

"No Ron, this is bad. When you teach someone Occlumency you have to use the mind reading spell. Snape will be able to see Harry's memories. More importantly the memories Harry will have about the Marauders. Am I right Harry?" Said Hermione with a look of realization upon her face.

"As always Hermione." Said Harry with his voice still quieter then normal.

"Well what are we going to do then? We need to keep this a secret, and if there's one person in this school who we don't want to know its Snape." Said Ron becoming a little panicked.

"Calm down." Hermione and Harry said at once.

"How am I supposed to calm down? I've always wanted to do something like this. We'll be legends you know? And now we can't because if we do anything Snape might see. What are we going to do?" Said Ron, who showed no sign of calming down.

"Ron this really isn't that big of a problem." Said Hermione. She saw Ron's anger rise and decided to stop him before he started shouting. "Just sit down and listen. I know how to fix this."

Ron complied and folded his arms. "How do we fix this Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Well its obvious isn't it?" She asked.

"No its not. Could you please tell us?" Said Ron in a snide tone.

"You have to learn Occlumency before Snape's lesson." She said.

"How is he supposed to do that Hermione? It's supposed to take years to become really good at Occlumency. How is Harry supposed to do it in under a week?"

"Harry's already had some training in Occlumency and I'm sure that he knows how to at least block someone from entering his mind. It's supposed to be pretty easy when you have a wand. It's only hard when you don't." She said then turned to Harry, "Is that right?"

"Yeah I know how to use my wand while under the spell but it's not easy." He said sounding a little sad about that.

"Well it's never been easy because you weren't really practicing the other techniques. That's the main part of Occlumency it's supposed to teach you how to function normally while under the spell." She looked over at Harry who looked extremely shocked. "You didn't know why you were doing the exercises?"

"No Snape would never told me why. All he said was to clear my mind each night before I went to sleep and if I didn't he would know. So these exercises will help me maintain control when he uses the spell on me?" Harry asked.

"Yeah you should do them whenever you can. Eventually you'll learn to block him without using your wand. We should start practicing that as soon as possible. If he thinks you progressed past the use of your wand, he'll move onto the next step." She said.

"So I can do this? I mean I'm not going tell all of our secrets to a Professor that would love to see us expelled?" Said Harry.

"No you won't. I really think you can so this. You just need to practice Harry. I will help you any time I can." She said.

"Thanks Hermione. I really felt awful after I realized I would be spilling my guts to Snape without even meaning to."

"It's alright mate, I wasn't worried at all." Said Ron who seemed to have regained his voice.

"Yeah sure you weren't." Harry paused for a second thinking about how panicky Ron got.". I thought you were going to cry." Harry said almost laughing.

"I was not."

"Yeah I think Harry's right, you did look pretty weepy." Commented Hermione.

"I DID NOT." Yelled Ron.

As he tried to look threatening Hermione and Harry nearly burst. They started laughing and soon after Ron joined in realizing he as never going to win. Harry and Ron played a game of chess while Hermione devised a study plan for Harry. She had him practicing Occlumency nearly every second of his free time. Harry looked it over and agreed with most of it.

They spent a while in the common room before heading off to bed. Ron was the first one up to the dormitories, closely followed by Harry. Harry realized he forgot something just as he reached his dormitory. He didn't ask what nickname the map gave Hermione. He rushed down stairs hoping to find Hermione collecting her books.

Like he expected she was there, stacking books to carry back up to her dorm. He walked over to her and grabbed a couple of the very large ones. "Thanks Harry, but you didn't need to come all the way down here to help me carry books."

"Oh it's not a problem, but truthfully I came down to ask you what nickname the map gave you."

She laughed a little before answering him, "It's Tailfeather."

"So, you're going to be an animagus?"

"Yeah the map said I'm going to be an owl. I'm a little scared about that though. I mean I never liked flying." She confessed.

"That's okay, I'm sure you'll learn to like it."

"Yeah I guess you're right. I mean it would be an awful gift to waste, but I did decide on one thing. I'm not going to do this illegally. I want to be registered and I want to learn how to do it from someone with experience. I might even wait until I'm out of school." Said Hermione.

"I think that's great. It would be different if we were all animagi but we're not. I'm really happy for you Hermione, and I think you have the best nickname so far."

"No I think Phoenix is better, but I like it. When are you going to give Ginny the map and key?" she said with a questioning look as she handed him the two items.

"Tomorrow morning. I think she would be great. Don't you?"

"Yeah I guess, but she does have a lot going on this year. The pressure from her O.W.L.'s should make her crazy. She thinks she has get better than Ron and she's doing everything she can to do that. I was thinking that Neville would be good for it."

"Neville?" he said in a slightly higher voice than normal. "He's a little.um."

"Clumsy" Hermione finished.

"Yeah"

"I know that but look how much he improved last year. Remember how well he did in the D.A. I know he wasn't the best person in there but he definitely tried the hardest.oh and he's really great in Herbology." She said.

"Yeah I guess you're right but Ron said that Ginny was always great with pranks, and that's what we'll be doing."

"Very true. You should give her a chance at it, but I don't know if she'll pass. She's been really impatient lately. If she doesn't, I think we should try to get Neville."

"Agreed, I just can't wait to see the Havoc Room when it reveals its true self. There must be some great things in there. The pranks they played are legend." He said sounding rather happy.

"That reminds me. I don't approve of this, for the record you know."

"Yeah I know. Did Ron give you the speech?"

She laughed a little, "Yeah when I first came back. I was ready to say that I wasn't going to have any part of it, but he convinced me other wise. Truthfully I really want to do this. I just want to get those Slytherins back for all the things they've done to us. Malfoy should be our first target."

Harry laughed, "There will be plenty of time for that. Our first prank should be huge, something everyone will notice you know. I was thinking about pulling it in the Great Hall just before everyone was dismissed. I just don't know what yet."

"That would be great Harry, and at the end of it we can leave a sign or something saying it was the New Marauders. Oh I got it.it could be a riddle or better yet a poem. Then we'll have our nicknames be the signature." Hermione said. Harry could tell she was enjoying this.

Harry laughed, as her excitement level began to rise. "I think you'll be great for this Hermione. Well it's getting late, I better head of to bed. See you at breakfast?" Harry asked.

"Yeah Harry, goodnight." Said Hermione as she gathered the last of her books and headed towards the girls dormitories.

Harry walked up to his Dormitory and got ready for bed. The second his head hit the pillow he was asleep.

Please read and review. If you don't have the time to leave a detailed review that's fine, but if you could, please leave something. I would really like to know how many people are actually reading this. Thank you. The next chapter should be posted in a day or two. I made a few changes to this one, so I had to fix the other. I can tell you this, the first prank will happen and the first Defense Against the Dark Arts Club will take place. (The meeting in which Snape will be attending)