Chapter 22: Breakthroughs
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dean's workload was ever increasing, and the only one who was fully up to date with both coursework and homework was Hermione. Not that that was anything new. It turned out there was a lot more work involved in the NEWT's than any of them had dared to suspect. Ali and Ginny were also experiencing a bit of a shock from the amount of work that was required for the OWL's, and Harry and Dean's "study" sessions, though thoroughly enjoyable, were not much help. In fact they tended to serve as something more of a distraction seeing as more often than not, they ended up "studying" each other.
It seemed that all the teachers were of the opinion that the more homework they gave out, the more likely you were to pass. In Harry's opinion, if they kept up the present rate students would be more likely to suffer nervous breakdowns than pass exams. Except maybe Hermione, she seemed to thrive under the increased pressure, but she was a special case. 'Not special' he mused, 'more exceptional'. He would never understand how she did it.
That was what Harry had been doing before he allowed his mind to wander; homework. Potions homework to be precise. He had been working on the essay for several hours, and looking round he noted that the common room had significantly emptied whilst he had been engrossed. He glanced at his watch and was surprised to see that it was 11.30; he'd been there since 8 and the essay still wasn't finished. Though being honest with himself he had to admit that his focus had been distinctly lacking. Earlier it wasn't his fault, not really, what normal teenage boy could concentrate on an essay detailing plants' properties in potion brewing when his beautiful girlfriend was sitting but feet away, her eyes glowing in the firelight? None that Harry could think of. And then after that his thoughts, which apparently were content concentrating on anything other than Potions drifted to Quidditch.
It was the Hufflepuff game next weekend and Harry was scared that the team had become complacent. It wasn't that they weren't good, or that they weren't training, it was just…they all seemed to take victory as a given. Slytherin were, after all, their biggest rivals, and they had beaten them soundly, so it only followed that they should beat Hufflepuff, who were never taken very seriously. This, Harry figured, could be the downfall of the team. He had seen Hufflepuff play in their first game against Ravenclaw, and was at least a little worried about what he saw. They had re-vamped their team, and were looking to be a much tougher opposition than any of the Griffindor's were giving them credit for.
Harry started violently as he heard a thud on the other side of the - what he had thought to be empty - common room. He turned round quickly and much to his amusement saw that the thud he had heard had been the noise of Hermione hitting the floor after falling out of her chair. 'Probably because she fell asleep' Harry surmised as he made his way over there to check she was okay.
Hermione jumped when she saw Harry approach her as she picked herself up off the floor; obviously she'd been thinking she was alone.
"Alright there Hermione?" smirked Harry as he offered her his hand
She frowned slightly and gave him a warning glance before she gave up the pretence and broke out into a smile, blushing a little as she did so, "Oh shut up you" she muttered as she used his hand to haul herself off the floor, "What're you doing up anyway?"
"Potions essay" Harry muttered
"Haven't you done that yet?" began Hermione urgently, "but it's due in the day after tomorrow!"
"Exactly" replied Harry, "I still have tomorrow to finish it then"
"But Harry, tomorrow's Tuesday…you have Occlumency lessons…and we've scheduled the first DA meeting for tomorrow night…you hadn't forgotten had you?"
Harry's smile faltered for a second, he had forgotten, "of course not Hermione, I'm almost done, although if you'd just let me see yours…"
She looked at him appraisingly, "Harry copying my homework is not an option"
"I wouldn't copy it, not exactly, just get some ideas for the basic points" he pleaded, looking at her beseechingly with wide eyes that Ali said were impossible to resist, apparently Hermione was immune though,
"I thought you said you were almost finished?" she demanded
"Well, um, I might have exaggerated slightly" he admitted, a faint hint of red showing on his cheeks as she gazed sternly at him, "So…um…what're you doing up so late anyway?" he asked in a feeble attempt to change the subject, leaning over towards the books cluttering the desk Hermione had fallen from.
She blushed slightly and reached over to pick up the pile of books. Harry raised an eyebrow expectantly, still waiting on an answer, "I…I was looking for something to wear to the Yule Ball…my dress robes from 4th year don't really fit anymore after all. I don't know why I'm bothering though, it's not like Ron's asked me to go with him" She added slightly dismayed,
"Does he have to?" asked Harry, surprised,
"Well, yes," she replied, "How else am I to know if he wants to go with me?"
Harry looked at her exasperatedly, "he's going out with you! How much more do you really need to know? The only reason he hasn't asked you is that seeing as you're his girlfriend he doesn't think he has to"
Hermione looked slightly shocked, and as he noticed that, worries started to creep into Harry's own mind, what if Ali was thinking the same way, thinking that he didn't want to go with her because he hadn't asked?
"Really?" asked Hermione, clearly relieved,
"Uh-huh…did you really think that he didn't want to go with you?"
"Well not really…but I dunno…I couldn't help but worry about it…there are a lot of girls prettier than me around"
Harry looked at his friend supportively, he had no idea Hermione felt so insecure, she hid it really well. "Not to him" he said quietly, genuinely.
"I mean there's..." Hermione paused mid sentence, "what did you say?"
"Not to him" Harry repeated, smiling, knowing that she'd heard him the first time.
Hermione's attempts at holding back her grin failed miserably, and Harry laughed, glad to see she was no longer worried.
"Honestly, Ron thinks he's the luckiest guy in the world…because he has you…don't forget that again, okay?"
"I won't" she said, smiling warmly, slightly surprised that Harry had been so much help.
"Now" he began, reaching for the books in her arms, "What were you thinking of buying?"
"You really want to know?" she asked hopefully, Harry nodded surprised at such enthusiasm,
Hermione noticed his surprise and explained, "Oh it's just…well…I'd like to get a boy's opinion, but I'd rather not ask Ron, you know, make it a surprise."
"You can ask me anything Hermione…you know that don't you?"
"Yes, of course, it's just…" she trailed off, looking uncomfortable,
"What?" asked Harry, upset and worried,
"Oh Harry, it's not you…I just…I'm not used to talking so much about myself…I never had really close friends when I was young…I mean I had friends, but we were never that close, I just feel strange sharing so much about me. I feel like an idiot telling you about these stupid insecurities."
"I know Hermione, I'm the same, well kind of, I've never had anyone to tell things to before you and Ron either, but you can trust me,"
"Oh I know" she interrupted, "and I do, just sometimes I feel awkward telling you about problems between me and Ron"
"Don't" he said simply, "if it gets to the point where I don't want/need to know any more details then don't worry, I'll let you know" he said with a smirk, "and anyway, you helped me out with the whole Cho debacle last year…and that was embarrassing."
She grinned and gave him a quick hug, "Thank-you Harry…so…do you want to see which dress I was thinking of?"
"Yeah sure" he replied,
Her grin widened and she pulled out the catalogue open at the page and pointed to a deep scarlet floor length dress. It had a slashed neck and a matching scarlet shawl.
"That's uh, really nice Hermione" Harry said, smiling, "I'm sure Ron'll love it" he added with a knowing smirk, which caused Hermione to blush furiously.
]
"You know this makes me think…I'm going to need some new dress robes as well…I doubt my 4th year ones will fit me either…I have grown just a little since then."
Hermione giggled, spotting the concern on Harry's face. "What's wrong?" she asked,
"Well, um, I doubt there'll be another Hogsmede visit so where am I going to get any?" he muttered worriedly.
"Don't worry" she replied, "There's a men's section in this catalogue…you can see if there's anything there you like and I'll order them tomorrow when I send away for this" she looked at the dress, smiling fondly as she pictured Ron's reaction to it, Harry was right Ron would like it.
"I owe you one" he muttered as he flicked to the right section, "Now; you know more about this sort of thing than me…which ones should I get?"
The next day seemed to pass impossibly slowly, classes lasting for what seemed like days. It was always the same when there was something to look forward to. It probably didn't help that Harry's day was longer than everyone else's for he had an Occlumency lesson to fit in before dinner.
When he arrived at Caighlynne's office he pushed open the door and let himself in as he usually did – she had long since told him not to bother knocking. When he did though he was shocked to find a very frustrated looking Snape staring at him from the seat opposite Caighlynne. He instantly felt the dread building in his stomach, why was Snape here? To test him? Surely not.
"Potter don't you have any manners?" demanded Snape, his eyes boring into Harry,
"Severus, I have had to tell Harry several times not to bother knocking if that is what you are referring to" interjected Caighlynne after seeing the furious expression building on Harry's face, "Now if you don't mind me and Harry have a lesson scheduled for just now, we can continue this later"
He scowled at her, but conceded, "Yes, I suppose, Potter does need all the help he can get"
"Actually, I find Harry has a rare talent for such a difficult art, he has surpassed any expectations I had of him" Caighlynne retorted, defending Harry,
"Really?" sneered Snape, "His performance last year was pitiful, been practicing have you?"
"Yes Sir" replied Harry, with a fake courtesy that only served to infuriate Snape, "Practice is usually necessary to acquire a new skill is it not?"
"Would you be willing to let me see how much your practice has helped?" asked Snape menacingly,
Harry blanched slightly, he knew he was better than he had been last year, but that didn't make the idea of Snape prowling around his mind any more appealing than it had been then.
"Severus, you know full well that I am a competent enough Legillimens to make a fair assessment of Harry's ability." Caighlynne stated dangerously, and Harry thought he saw Snape lose his composure for a brief second.
"I was merely taking an interest in a former student, but if Potter would rather not…"
Harry knew full well that Snape was trying to bait him, but that didn't alter the effects, "if you would like a demonstration Professor, I would be perfectly willing to comply" Harry responded calmly, even as he spoke focusing on the room in his mind that he had to defend, securing the walls. And sure enough Snape went for the surprise attack, invading before he had even replied. But Harry was ready for him, he could feel the cold force throwing itself at the walls of his block, trying without success to gain access to his thoughts. Harry waited, following the pattern of the attacks, and eventually threw his walls forward expelling Snape from his mind almost effortlessly.
Snape – who Harry could now clearly focus on once again – was sitting staring at Harry, his mouth gaping. "I see you have indeed advanced Potter, good to see you haven't been wasting your time this year"
Harry fought back the urge to throw himself at Snape and simply moved over towards his usual seat.
"Now" interrupted Caighlynne, clearly irritated with Snape, "that you have your queries answered, could we get on with our lesson?"
"Of course" said Snape, choosing to ignore her tone, "I have things to be getting on with too, we can finish this some other time?"
"Yes," she replied, "I'll see you at dinner" and he swept out of the room.
"What was Snape doing here?" Harry asked impatiently,
"I, uh, he was…" Caighlynne looked slightly awkward,
"Let me guess, it's a secret?" Harry asked scowling,
"Well, no not exactly, oh I suppose it couldn't hurt to tell you…just, don't get your hopes up okay?"
Harry was confused but eager to know what was going on so he nodded earnestly,
She smiled, "okay, well, Severus and I are trying to find a way to destroy Voldemort, with his knowledge of Voldemort, and my knowledge of more obscure magic, like fairy magic, the Order thought we would stand the best chance of developing a spell that will not only kill him, but get rid of his spirit, so he can never come back"
Harry's eyes lit up excitedly, "and are you getting anywhere? What kind of thing are you trying to come up with? Will this be something that can be done from a distance? How soon will it be ready? Will…"
"Harry, stop" Caighlynne said firmly, "today was our first meeting, and we were only discussing ideas, we're nowhere near actually having something"
"Oh" his face fell,
"That doesn't mean we won't ever though" she added optimistically, "I did tell
you not to get your hopes up,"
"Yeah, I know" he said dejectedly, "it's just, even the faintest hope of getting rid of him, it's…"
"I know" she said simply, "Now, that was a nice piece of Occlumency you displayed with Snape there, he got quite a shock,"
Harry grinned, "I know"
They had a few more practices and Harry was delighted when Caighlynne announced that he wouldn't need any more lessons.
"That doesn't mean you stop practising though" she warned, "I'll test you every now and then, you have to work on keeping up the walls all the time"
He sighed; he struggled to concentrate on too many things at once.
"Trust me, the more you practice the easier it becomes, eventually you'll forget you even have the shields up, I know I do"
"I know, I know" he replied, "Practice makes perfect and all that"
She smiled at him, "Now, I have a preposition for you, how would you like to move on to studying Legillimancy?"
Harry nodded eagerly, "Yeah that would be great"
"It shouldn't be too difficult to pick up, not since you've mastered Occlumency" she continued,
"I wouldn't say mastered exactly," said Harry modestly,
"Well maybe not quite yet, but you'll be there soon. Now I think we'll leave it there for today…same time next week to start Legillimancy?"
"Yeah, okay, I'll see you then" said Harry, getting ready to leave,
"See you" Caighlynne called after him, chuckling softly to herself as she remembered the look on Snape's face when Harry bettered him.
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The DA had assembled itself in the Room of Requirement at 8pm as they had arranged earlier. Harry was feeling slightly nervous, but his excitement overthrew the nerves.
"Hi everyone, thank-you all for turning up, I'm glad to see so many of you here," he began, addressing the crowd, they all knew what he meant by that. Glad they were still allowed to be at school, glad they were still alive really.
"I think the best thing for us to be doing in this group is to practice duelling. We have to be good at that, not only remembering curses or hexes, but being good at sending them whilst defending ourselves. We're not only going to memorize ways to fight, but we're going to practice them. Like it or not there is a war going on around us, and like it or not we could easily be dragged into it. I for one want to be ready for that when it happens. Note I said when, not if, for I don't think there's any question about it, Voldemort wants to conquer the world, and unless you plan on letting him, or joining him, then you're going to have to fight at some stage. We can help each other get better. We are here for each other, because if you think about it, Voldemort won't expect us to be able to fight him, he's far too arrogant to consider school children a threat, we have to use that to our advantage. If we can train ourselves well enough, we could well be the additional edge that our side needs; we could sway the outcome that's delicately balancing at the moment. Even if we don't make that much of an impact as a group, we'll still make a difference, being part of this group could be the difference between living and dieing, if you take it seriously enough, pretty big difference huh?"
Harry paused letting the group take in his speech. He hadn't meant or expected to say all that, but when he was up there in front of them all, it kind of came to him, and it felt right, so he said it, and he was glad he did. He had meant every word. He noticed the crowd was looking at him expectantly, eyes wide and glittering, eager to begin.
"So firstly," he continued, "if there's anyone here who disagrees with what I
just said, or thinks I'm taking this too seriously, or doesn't plan on being
particularly committed then leave now, before you waste everyone's time."
No-one moved.
"No-one? Good. Now I think it would be best if we split into pairs and duelled each other. I know not everyone's had experience with this, but that's why we're here. If we do that, I can see how advanced everyone is, and exactly what we have to learn, and so I can have a better idea of what to do at the next few meetings."
Everyone looked enthusiastic and hurried to partner off, as it happened there was an even number of students – excluding Harry – so everyone had a partner. They began to fight on Harry's signal and he was quite surprised by how good a few of them were, especially considering that they'd never had any such lessons at school. Voldemort's return, he supposed, had led parents to teach their children to defend themselves. Harry was glad; it would make the DA a lot easier.
He wandered round the room, watching everyone and taking notes – Hermione's idea – writing down things like strengths, weaknesses, good ideas to teach, etc. There were occasional cries and shouts, which, of course, were to be expected, they were duelling after all, but cry was much more distinct and panic stricken than all the rest combined; and it came from Luna. Harry rushed over there and found Ali staring at the other girl, who was cowering on the floor, worried and scared.
"What happened?" he asked worriedly,
"I…I…it was only an expelliarmus that I sent…her eyes widened horribly, and she screamed…then she fell to the ground…I…I didn't mean it" Ali stammered anxiously,
"Of course you didn't" said Harry comfortingly, as he knelt down to speak to Luna, "Luna? Are you okay?"
She looked up at him, her round eyes, bigger and rounder than usual, staring at him, full of horror and despair, Harry had seen that look before. In Sirius'. Whenever he thought of the torture he experienced in Azkaban.
"You remembered something didn't you?" he asked softly, almost afraid to hear the answer,
Luna nodded meekly, and a tear rolled down her cheek. Harry looked to his friends who were at the front of the group gathered around them, and they nodded understanding his unspoken explanation.
"Don't worry Harry, we'll finish up here…you take her to see Dumbledore" said Hermione, glad to have something to do to keep her occupied, to stop her worrying about what Luna had remembered.
"Come on Luna," encouraged Harry gently, helping her up, "We'll go and see Dumbledore, he'll know what to do" 'at least I hope so' thought Harry as he steadied Luna and led her out of the room. The journey to Dumbledore's office was long, Luna wasn't really up to walking quickly, and just as Harry was debating how to get past the gargoyle he walked into Sirius. Literally.
"Harry! Hey, watch where you're going, will you?" Sirius chided cheerfully,
"How are you?"
"Erm, not so good, Luna, uh, 'remembered something' at the DA" Harry said carefully, "I'm taking her to see Dumbledore now,"
"Oh" said Sirius quietly,
"You wouldn't happen to know the password would you?" Harry asked hopefully,
"Actually I do, it's 'chocolate frog'"
"Thanks" muttered Harry as he walked up to the gargoyle and repeated it, "Sirius?"
"yeah?"
"You aren't doing anything just now are you?" Harry asked,
"Nah, not really, why? Want to stop by?"
"I was thinking about it, I've never seen you in ages,"
"Okay, I'll see you there in a bit then okay?"
"Yeah" replied Harry as he guided Luna into Dumbledore's office,
"Harry, Luna, what can I do for you?" asked Dumbledore, eyes twinkling from behind his glasses,
"Well Sir, we were having a DA meeting, and practicing duelling, when Luna screamed and fell to the floor…she remembered something"
"I see" said Dumbledore, suddenly serious, "Harry would you mind leaving me and Ms Lovegood?"
"Not at all, Sir" replied Harry turning to go,
"And Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for making sure she got here, it was the right thing to do"
"I thought so" replied Harry as he left the room, heading over to Sirius'.
"Hey kid," Sirius called affectionately from the couch as Harry walked in and took a seat, "So what's up? Anything in particular you wanted to see me about?"
"Not really" said Harry, "I haven't seen much of you though, what've you been up to?"
"Oh nothing out of the ordinary"
"No?" asked Harry, his curiosity getting the better of him,
"No" said Sirius shortly,
"Fine," said Harry, "don't tell what you've been doing"
"There's nothing to tell" Sirius continued defensively, "So what've you been up to?" he asked in an attempt to change the subject. Luckily for him it worked as Harry retold what had happened with Snape at his Occlumency lesson, how the DA meeting had gone, and what he had been doing with the team at Quidditch practice.
"Things are going well then?" asked Sirius, pleased,
"Yeah" said Harry smiling, something Sirius delighted in seeing as it didn't happen nearly often enough for his liking, "Except, well, there is one thing…"
"What?" asked Sirius, eager to help,
"Well, the Yule Ball…" Harry started, and Sirius smirked knowingly,
"I don't know if I should formally ask Ali to go…I mean I was talking to Hermione the other night and she was really upset because Ron hadn't asked her yet…" he trailed off, not sure what more to say
"Well it can't do any harm can it?" asked Sirius sensibly, "If you think she might want you to ask her then you should, because even is she's not bothered in the first place, she'll just think it's a really nice gesture and she'll still be happy, it's a win-win situation."
Harry smiled, "When you put it like that it does make a lot of sense"
"I know" said Sirius smugly,
"Oh shut up" retorted Harry, "right I'm going to ask her now then…unless you want to tell me where you've been disappearing to?"
"I haven't been disappearing!" exclaimed Sirius indignantly,
"Fine" said Harry, slightly frustrated as he headed for the door,
"Want some advice?" Sirius asked,
"Depends if it's good or not" Harry retorted turning back around,
"When you ask Ali, take her for a walk, under the invisibility cloak, which I have here for you" he got it from a shelf at the side of the room and handed it to Harry, "to the astronomy tower or something – that's what me and James always used to do, in fact that's how he got Lily to go out with him – least I think so, he never would tell me the whole story" Sirius grinned,
Harry blushed slightly, and said "Okay, I will," before he left cloak in hand,
"Good luck!" Sirius called after him,
Harry arrived back at Griffindor tower shortly, and after answering everyone's questions – though most of the time 'I don't know' was all he could say – he pulled Ali to one side and told her to meet him at the portrait hole in a few minutes. She looked slightly suspicious, but more curious and eagerly agreed.
Harry waited a minute or two until he saw Ali head to the portrait, then got up to go himself, only to be stopped by Ron.
"Where you off to?" he asked with a grin,
Harry considered lying, but knew he wouldn't be able to pull it off, "I'm going for a walk with Ali, to ask her to go to the Ball with me"
Ron looked confused, "ask her to go…but isn't it obvious that you'd go with her? I mean you are a couple"
"That's what I thought…actually I was meaning to tell you…I think you should ask Hermione"
"Why?"
"Because I was talking to her last night and she was upset that you ahdn't asked her, thought you didn't like her anymore" Harry explained,
"Bugger" cursed Ron, "How am I supposed to know she needs to be asked?!"
"Don't worry about it, I explained to her that you didn't think it was necessary…and told her most guys would feel the same way…she's not mad at you or anything"
The relief was evident on Ron's face," Why do I need to ask her then?"
"If you knew what the dress she's getting's like that wouldn't be a question" replied Harry grinning,
Ron looked at him completely baffled, "What are you talking about?"
"When I was talking to her last night, she asked me if I thought you'd like the dress she was thinking of getting"
"And I will?"
"Most defiantly" Harry confirmed,
Ron grinned and looked over to Hermione, "you think I should ask her then?"
"Yeah" said Harry softly, "but don't let her know I talked to you…she'll like it better if she thinks you did it by yourself"
"Good thinking" said Ron, "now weren't you off somewhere?"
"Right" said Harry, running off towards the portrait hole, "See you later"
"Bye" called Ron quietly, so as not to draw attention to him,
"Where've you been?" demanded Ali, when Harry finally got there,
"Got stopped by Ron, he was in need of some advice"
"Oh really? What advice?" she asked intrigued,
"I'm not at liberty to say" Harry replied smugly, "anyway it might give away my surprise"
The frustration that had been mounting on her face melted at the mention of a surprise, "what's the surprise?"
"It's no big deal really…I just thought we could go for a walk – under this" he
said pulling out the invisibility cloak, "to the Astronomy tower or something,
I hear it looks really nice at night"
"That is so sweet" she enthused as he wrapped the cloak around them both, pulling her closer to him than was really necessary, and giving her a quick kiss,
"Come on then, let's go"
They reached the Tower without any problem, and Harry had to admit the view was beautiful,
"This is amazing" she whispered into his ear,
"so are you" he replied, turning her round to face him, "Which is why I was wondering…" she was gazing at him intently, her fascinating violet eyes capturing his attention, "Uh, if you would like to go to the ball with me?" He looked away as soon as he finished speaking, trying to hide the rising blush,
"You idiot" she said fondly, "you didn't have to ask me like this"
"I know" he replied, "this just makes it even more special, and you deserve the best"
"I love you" she whispered drawing closer to him,
He froze for a second, panicking over what to say next, before he realised there was only one thing to say, "I love you too" and as he whispered it, pulling her to him for a long kiss, he realised it was true.
I thought that was a lovely place to end it…maybe a little soppy, but you know you love it really! This took a little longer than planned, but it was a teeny bit longer than usual – almost 5000 words, I'm proud! Anyways, I'm too tired to babble on for ages you'll be glad to know, so I'll reply to the reviews (I'm so sorry I think I missed some last time, but not to worry I'll reply now!) and then post this, as always I hope you enjoy it, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Lots and Lots of Love
Believe
Replies:-
Werewolf6225() – I looked through all of my books and I can't find a single mention of Sirius' eye colour! I like them blue so I'm going to keep them that way 'till I have proof otherwise. *folds arms and stares defiantly* seriously though, maybe they're blue, maybe brown, who knows? Not me!
szelij() – I know he was killed off for a reason, and I certainly don't expect to see him back in the actual books, but I'm just having some fun here, and my party's not complete without Sirius!
Kemenran – Your wish is my command!
Phoenix marauder() – Ooh…Sirius has a secret! Don't worry you find out in a chapter or two what it is and it's a good thing! But that's all I'm saying. And I'm working through the writers block slowly but surely! Thanks for the review!
Jbfritz – The Luna story will come out, but only little by little. Yes, there is a point to that before you ask. *sticks out tongue* so for now I'm the only one who gets to know *evil laugh*
Anna L.Black – Thank you for the encouragement – it's good to know someone's going through the same! Luna still has a part to play yet so stay tuned!
