Chapter 9: And So It Begins.

Harry woke with a start, clutching his scar, and unsuccessfully trying not to cry out. This hadn't happened in so long, and because Harry was so unused to the pain that it seemed worse than ever, or maybe it was just because Voldemort was so angry, no furious; Harry couldn't help but think about what could have made him irate. Whatever it was, it had to be good news for their side didn't it? Anything that upset Voldemort was some kind of victory for them, surely?

"Harry?" a sleepy voice drifted over from the next bed, it was Ron, "Are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah, I'm okay now, it was my scar, it really hurt, which it hasn't done in ages, but it's not so bad, he was angry, really angry, s'pose that's gotta be good news eh?"

"Yeah I guess, anything bad for him is likely to be good for us. You sure you're okay though?"

"Yeah, the pain didn't last long, he probably realised that I could feel it, the only thing bugging me now is what upset him so much."

"Hey! You know what it could be, "said Ron thoughtfully

"What?" asked Harry eagerly

"That spell, you know the one Professor" he paused trying to remember the name, "Danson was it? came up with? I mean it's not good for him if he doesn't have control!"

"I think you're right Ron, I mean from what we've heard about the last war, there were loads of people under the Imperius, or at least claimed to be, this time, when it's all over no-one will have that excuse, all the guilty ones can be caught!"

"Well, probably not all of them, but it'll be a hell of a lot better than it was!"

"Do you think I should tell Dumbledore that my scar hurt?" Harry had been considering this, and though it seemed a pretty small, trivial detail, it may prove important, after all, last year he wouldn't have bothered and look what happened then!

"I dunno, it doesn't seem that important does it? But maybe you should, just to be on the safe side."

Harry looked over at Ron, though he couldn't see much in the dark, and he understood that Ron really did want him to go to Dumbledore, just didn't want to say, in case Harry disagreed. "That's what I was thinking." He said reassuringly to Ron, "I'll talk to him at breakfast or something, it won't take long."

"Yeah," said Ron stifling a yawn, "Speaking of breakfast, I would like to get some sleep before I eat it, so if you don't mind?"

"'Course not," replied Harry, and realising that he too was tired he rolled over in his bed, pulling his covers round his head, "Night"

"Night"

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Ron was sitting opposite Hermione at breakfast the next morning, simply watching her as she ate her toast. He was amazed at how interesting he found the movement of her arm as she raised the slice to her mouth, and how much he appreciated the way her lips moved as she chewed.

"Ron?" she said, startling him, "Are you okay? Do I have something on my face?"

"I'm fine" he said smiling at her, "and no, you don't have anything on your face, it's just" he paused looking embarrassed "captivating"

Hermione blushed slightly, but smiled, "Didn't know you knew such big words Ron" she chided

"Must be your influence!" he said with a smile,

"I guess so" she said, and she reached out with her foot seeking his, she found it and playfully stroked his leg, and whispered "and this must be your influence on me,"

"It's all working out for the best then" he replied with a grin,

"What is?" asked a confused Harry, who had just appeared behind Ron, who was now blushing profusely, "Or do I not want to know?" he added with a smirk after seeing Ron's reaction,

"Probably not" said Ron, who was suddenly very interested in the plate of food before him.

"So what did Dumbledore have to say?" asked Hermione, deftly changing the topic, Harry and Ron had told her all about the pain in his scar that morning,

"Nothing much, he just said that it was good that I told him, and that I should keep up with the Occlumency, to tell you the truth he seemed kind of distracted."

"Well, he does have a lot on his mind, what with the Order and all" said Hermione sensibly

"Yeah I guess you're right" he replied with a smile "as always."

"Oh, that reminds me!" she exclaimed "the timetables arrived when you were away."

"Oh" said Harry nonchalantly, "What do you guys have first?"

"Defence Against the Dark Arts" replied Ron, "I take it you do too?"

"Yeah," replied Harry glancing up from his timetable, "Oh bloody hell," he cursed, after looking at it again, "after that I have Potions!"

"We all do" replied Hermione, looking indifferent,

"I don't know why I took that class" added Ron, screwing his face up with dislike,

"Because you are considering becoming an Auror, and that requires Potions, as do many other careers." Said Hermione without even looking up

"Yeah, yeah," Ron grumbled "doesn't mean I have to like it though, does it?"

"No" agreed Harry

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Breakfast finished uneventfully and Harry, Ron and Hermione left the hall hastily afterwards, eager to get to Defence Against The Dark Arts, it was one of the most interesting classes when it was being taught well, after all. Harry desperately hoped that Danson would be a good professor, though if that spell Ali did was anything to go by, she certainly knows what she's talking about. Looking round the class room Harry realised that they had not been alone in their enthusiasm to get to class, most of the seats were filled.

"Good morning class"

Everyone looked round the room, trying to figure out where the voice had come from, but there was no sign of Professor Danson anywhere. However, Harry realised that he couldn't quite focus on her desk and with an expression of confusion on his face he looked at his classmates, seeing a similar dubious look on a few other faces. He looked back to the desk and was startled to see the Professor materialize out of nowhere, like she had been under an invisibility cloak, but there was no cloak to be seen. She looked very young up close, and was breath-taking. She had long jet-black hair that curled loosely pulled back from her face, which only allowed her magnificent eyes to stand out more. They were a bright, sparkling violet, surrounded by thousands of thick, full eyelashes. Her mouth was pink and curved into a smile as she watched her student's reaction to her sudden appearance. The boys gaped open mouthed at their new professor clearly approving, while most of the girls glared enviously in her direction.

"Welcome to Defence Against The Dark Arts, I am Professor Danson."

"Professor!" It was Hermione, looking extremely perplexed, "How could you just appear out of nowhere like that?" A muttering of interest could be heard around the class, many people eager to hear the answer.

Danson smiled round at the class, "I am glad you asked that question, but I would hate to have to tell you. The best way to defend yourself is to explain the inexplicable."

Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged baffled glances, 'What was she talking about?'

The Professor noted the bewildered expressions of her students with pleasure; she liked to make an impact. "If I were an enemy, I could have killed every one of you, without you noticing I was there. Why?" She glanced round, most of the students still looked puzzled, some pensive, and others were just avoiding meeting her eyes in case she planned to ask them to answer. "Let me put it differently, "she continued, "When I spoke everyone looked around to find the source of the voice, and several of you came very close to seeing me. Do any of you remember seeing something odd?" she looked searchingly around the room again, "Mr.Potter?"

"Well," said Harry, looking slightly awkward, "When I looked at your desk, I felt like I wasn't seeing it right, like I couldn't quite focus, like I didn't have my glasses or something."

She smiled warmly in his direction, "Very good, did anyone else feel that way?"

Several hands rose around the room, Ron's, Dean's, Parvati's, and Malfoy's. When Malfoy raised his however, Crabbe thought he would look smarter and raised his too. As soon as Danson's gaze reached Crabbe her happy smile left her face. "Mr Crabbe, I do not advise lying to me." Her stunning eyes suddenly hardening. He looked scared. "I can tell when someone notices me if I'm using that charm, and I know that you did not. Unless you have a special talent for avoiding notice?" He shook his head in reply, looking incapable of words.

"Then if you don't mind I would like to know why you thought it acceptable to lie to me?" He mumbled something that no one other than himself could understand.

"Ten points from Slytherin I think, lying will not be tolerated in this class, we are going to be studying powerful magic, a lot of it dangerous, and we must be able to trust each other. " she was deadly serious when she said this, shocking many of the students in the room. "Now that we have that out of the way" she continued, brightening considerably, "The most effective method of defence is a shield. Now many of you will already know the shield charm 'Protego', there are other shields though, much better and more effective ones, which is what we are going to study first. Today I thought we would have a practical lesson, in which I will teach you about the only shield known to offer any protection against the killing curse. It is called The Trust Barrier; the incantation for it is 'Fiducia Protegge'. However saying the incantation is not enough, this shield works based on the fact that you trust it will. You must think of someone with whom you share a mutual trust when you say the incantation. Now divide yourself into groups - of how many I will leave up to you, though this will be easier with the people you trust - and give it a try, any problems or questions don't hesitate to ask."

Harry turned to Ron and Hermione, "want to go together?" he asked the question knowing the answer,

"Of course" replied Ron "Who wants to go first?"

"I will" said Hermione, she knew she had two people right here whom she would trust with her life, if all this needed to work was trust there shouldn't be a problem, she raised her wand, thinking of Harry, and the many times he had saved her, and chanted "Fiducia Protegge!" a faint wisp of something came from the tip of her wand and swirled around her, it vanished after a few seconds though.

"There seems to be a lack of trust there," said Professor Danson, appearing from behind Hermione,

Hermione blushed, 'how could that be? She did trust Harry, completely, without question!' "I don't think so." she replied, thoroughly baffled.

"Try with someone else" encouraged Professor Danson, so Hermione raised her wand again, this time thinking of how Ron had leapt in front of her when she had been attacked yesterday, and again chanted "Fiducia Protegge!" This time the result was magnificent, a mist shot from the end of her wand, glowing and shimmering every colour of the rainbow, it swirled around her for a few seconds and then settled. When it settled she could see through it perfectly, yet it was still visible to her.

"Well done!" cheered Danson, looking euphoric, "is it still there?"

"Yes" replied Hermione, "can't you see it?"

"No" explained Danson "once it has settled only you can see it, another advantage in a hostile situation. Might I add that you are very lucky?"

"Yes, but what do you mean?" said Hermione clearly confused

"Well, that shield was one of the most powerful I've ever seen, whomever you trust clearly trusts you just as much, if not more." The look Danson gave her then was almost resentful, "Would you mind if I tested it?"

"Um, no." Hermione looked concerned; she hoped it would be good enough.

"Hermione, you must trust the shield or it will fail" the Professor instructed, seeing the flicker of doubt cross her face,

"Ok"

"Impedimenta!" The shield easily absorbed the spell and Hermione didn't feel a thing, "Good, very good." Enthused the Professor as she moved onto the next group.

Ron was next to attempt a shield, and he successfully raised it first time, he knew he would, if he couldn't trust Hermione he couldn't trust anyone. His shield was also bright, shimmering and made up of every colour imaginable. He looked at the other two delightedly. They looked back at him proudly. Harry, encouraged by Ron and Hermione's success, enthusiastically picked up his wand and thinking of his two best friends chanted "Fiducia Protegge!" a thin wisp of mist escaped the tip of his wand. He tried again, with similar results. After a few more attempts he had a slightly more potent wisp but nothing spectacular. It was then that Danson called the class to a halt.

"Class, stop just now. That's enough for today, we'll continue with this next day. Now, homework, I would like you to research any shield enchantments you can find, and write about them. I will not set a specific length; I will trust you to put enough effort into it." She gave them all a piercing look, which made the students decide to ensure they did put enough effort into it. They liked Danson, she respected and trusted the students, which encouraged them to respect and trust her. Harry collected his things, still frustrated that he couldn't conjure the shield, followed his friends out of the room.

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After a cheery Defence Against The Dark Arts lesson, the dungeons seemed even more depressing than usual, and Snape even viler. He stood behind his desk glaring at them as they entered in the way that only he could. As soon as everyone was inside, he shut the door, and marched to the front of the class, looking extremely intimidating, no doubt what he was hoping to achieve.

"Welcome to N.E.W.T. potions" he began, looking searchingly round the class, as if to refresh his memory of which students would be there. "Normally I only accept students who got an 'O' in their O.W.L.'s but there have been a few exceptions this year" he said staring purposefully at Harry and Ron "due to interference by other staff members. However, you must all be warned that this year will not be easy, this will most likely be your most difficult class, and it will require a great deal of effort, much more than certain students in here," again he glared in Harry's direction "have invested in the past." Harry stared back at Snape defiantly, he was not going to let Snape succeed in intimidating him. "Now we are going to start studying some potions that you are quite likely to meet in the next few years, they are highly dangerous, and seeing as the country is almost at war, it would be best if you knew how to recognise and deal with them. Firstly we are going to look at Polyjuice Potion."

As soon as Snape said it Harry, Ron and Hermione all exchanged delighted glances, they were quick to get rid of them though - if Snape thought they were pleased with the choice he was sure to change it.

"Today we will discuss the potion, and you will research it, and the next time you are here we will begin to brew it. Now can anyone tell me what the Polyjuice Potion is used for?"

"Mr Malfoy?"

"It changes the drinkers appearance to that of another's for an hour."

"He would know, " whispered Harry to Ron "His dad probably uses it all the time"

"Correct, 10 points to Slytherin." Said Snape smirking evilly, "Can anyone tell me how you could recognise someone under the influence of it?" He glared round the room, as though daring someone to try and get the answer right, "Potter?" he sounded surprised to see Harry volunteer an answer and sent an accusing stare in his direction.

"Well, sir, the drinker's voice remains their own, as do characteristics like their walk or facial expressions."

"Correct." Said Snape grudgingly, "There is one potion that will remove the guise of the Polyjuice Potion called Delaever, but it is very complex, and only a few of the most advanced wizards would even attempt to brew it, therefore it is not readily available. No, the best way to recognise someone taking Polyjuice Potion, is to know as much as you can about people, so if you notice them behave out of character you can be on your guard. This is not ideal, but at least there is some kind of warning. I would advise you all to know the people closest to you as well as you possibly can, you never know what can happen if you are deceived."

Harry was sure Snape looked at him then, but Harry couldn't look him in the eye, he knew all too well what could happen if he was deceived and he didn't plan to let it happen again.

Snape continued, "I would like you all to research the Polyjuice Potion, take notes on it's creation, it's effects, and it's dangers etcetera, and compile a report about it for next day." With that he returned to his desk and busied himself in paperwork, leaving the students to get on with their research.

Ron turned round to Harry, "That was a bit of luck wasn't it?"

"Getting the Polyjuice Potion you mean?"

"Yeah, I mean we know we can make it, and we know all about the effects!"

"Keep it down, the last thing we need is to have Snape know that we know so much about it. He already suspects."

"Does he?!"

"Yeah, he kept glaring at me, and the look on his face just said, I know you made this, I just can't prove it."

Hermione interrupted, "I think you two, should put some effort into this, the more you do here, the less you have to do later!"

"You know, I think she has a point" said Ron, smiling

"I s'pose" replied Harry, opening his book and pulling out some parchment, 'where to start?'

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A few days passed, the workload only increased and Harry was beginning to realise just how much work this year would consist of. Quidditch was the only thing keeping him going, tryouts were tomorrow, and it would be the first team gathering with him as Captain. He couldn't wait. He loved the feeling he got when he flew, it was so separate form everything else, in the air he could forget all his troubles with Voldemort, forget about schoolwork, and just fly. It was the best feeling in the world. He was drawn out of that daydream, when he noticed Hermione looking pale, as she read something on the couch.

"Hermione? You okay? What is it?" she really didn't look good,

In reply she simply turned around what she was reading - it was the Daily Prophet - so Harry could see what had shocked her.

"VOLDEMORT STRIKES!" was the headline, Harry read further down the article "Last night several families across Britain were attacked by Voldemort and his Death Eaters, the Dark Mark residing in the sky above their homes, and though this alone is shocking enough, it's not all - every family that was attacked had one of it's members working as an Auror at the Ministry. It seems Voldemort is intent on war, and he has made the first strike, taking out our main resistance." Harry couldn't read any more. All those innocent people, dead, just because they tried to help, and as much as he didn't want to Harry felt guilty. If only he had done what he had to do, and killed Voldemort, that never would have happened. That wasn't all though, a sense of panic set itself into his stomach, if Voldemort was brave enough, and powerful enough to attack so many people in one night - what else was he ready to do? This war was going to get worse before it got better. Harry looked up at his two best friends, and he saw similar fears etched upon their faces, but that wasn't all, there was a silent determination there too, the same determination Harry felt. They knew it was down to him to end it, and they were going to be there to help.

"Bloody Hell," said Ron quietly, still staring at the paper in disbelief, the picture of the house with the dark mark over it was awful, he couldn't help but see his own house instead, and he thought how he would feel if it was his home, and his parents were dead, and he had to fight to hold back tears. Now he was beginning to understand what his dad had been talking about that night at the Quidditch World Cup, the thought of that thing, in the sky, over his house, it made him feel sick.

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School had been very quiet after the attacks announced in the Daily Prophet, no one could bear to enjoy themselves knowing what had happened to those people only a day ago. The Quidditch tryouts Harry had so been looking forward to were today, but somehow things just weren't the same. He and Ron made their way down to the pitch in relative silence; conversation had been difficult since yesterday, most people too far into their own thoughts to pay much attention to what was going on around them. When they reached the pitch Harry was shocked to see how many people were there, but the more he thought about it the more sense it made, flying was an escape from the rest of the world for him, why shouldn't it be the same for others? He looked round at the eager enthusiastic faces surrounding him, and all his worries, fears, and doubts dropped away. It was time to play Quidditch.

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A/N: I really meant for this to be up sooner, but at school the teacher's have all developed a homework fetish and I have been a little overwhelmed. Not to worry though, I should still be able to keep up the twice weekly updating, for the time being anyway. So what do you all think? I was going to write about Quidditch tryouts this chapter, but I am tired, it's long enough as it is - tryouts will take up a few pages - and thought you might want to read this now rather than in a few days.

As usual I will plead for reviews - they make me so happy! So please, please review, I need to know what you all think! Is the story moving fast enough or am I wasting time on insignificant details?? Your opinions are highly valued!! Please Review!

And I will reply to them: -

Hplova4eva - Thanks again for continuing to read and I'm so happy that you enjoy it!

Weasleygurl - Yay! A new reviewer! So happy! Keep reading - hope you like the rest! Oh and continue to review!

Anna L. Black - Thank you so much for reviewing all the time - it means a lot! I hope my story's worth it!