Daphne: I forgot one very important detail in the last chapter, about the
ghosting technique. It is *highly* dangerous if it is done wrong, so they
only dare to teach it in America, and only to those select few who wish to
learn it and master it. Many have died trying, so it proves just how
powerful Rose is that she was able to master it at such a young age.
I'm sorry I didn't make that clearer! Please enjoy the rest of the story, and tell me if there's anything else you're confused about, k'?
~*~*~*~
The Phoenix's Prophesy
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 15.
~*~*~*~
It was the day of the first meeting, and Harry felt a trill of unease. He still had yet to tell Hermione, Ginny and Ron about the Slytherins that were to be there, though he had broken down and told Rose. But that didn't change the fact that he still had to tell the rest of the DA members.
"This is so exciting!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as they walked towards the Room of Requirement. Harry flinched, thinking about what her reaction might be if she knew the *whole* deal.
"Here we are." Neville called, beginning to pace even before the others finished walking. The door appeared and the group slipped inside, making sure that no one was watching.
"So this is where you practice." Shane murmured, gazing around the large room, that had rows of seats in the middle of it. Harry silently thanked Neville for thinking of this.
"We're the first ones here." Hermione commented, looking around. Shirah snorted and gave her a 'duh' look.
"So Harry, now will you tell us some of the new members?" Hermione asked eagerly, ignoring Shirah. Harry felt his heart speed up. Should he tell her about the Slytherins?
"Well, Matthew Lions is coming, plus some of the younger Gryffindors. Same from the other houses. I can't remember all the people." He finished. Ron gave a laugh.
"All the houses except Slytherin." He chuckled, causing Neville and Harry to wince.
"Actually, Ron..."
Harry never got to finish, because just then the doors swung open and Lavender Brown, Parvati and Padma Patil, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones came into the room, chatting eagerly. They were followed closely by Colin and Dennis Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie Macmillian, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Luna Lovegood. And finally, after them, came Anthony Goldstein, Zacharias Smith, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, and Cho Chang.
Everyone was chatting excitedly, as they waited for Harry to speak. He noticed that Michael and Cho seemed oblivious of the fact that there was anyone else in the room, but this didn't bother him at all.
"All right. I am sure that all of you remember the rules from last year, so I won't bore you with going over them again. But I would like to make some things clear." Harry paused in his speech, knowing that this was the moment of truth.
"This is a group that unites *every* house. Everyone has a right to learn to defend themselves against Voldemort, even if they are not people you would normally associate with." Harry stopped again, as Ron and Hermione shot him funny looks, and Ginny got a look of realization on her face, and stared at him in astonishment.
"As you know, we are accepting new members this year. They should be here soon, but before they come, I would like to caution you. Some of them are first years, others are very unsure of their talents. And still others, are facing the fact that some people in the DA may not approve of them being here." Harry was stopped again, this time by several loud arguments. He held up his hand and the room became silent.
"I have thought it over carefully, and talked about it thoroughly with Professor Dumbledore. We both agree that since this is a class that unites *every* house in defense, every house *must* have representation here. Therefore, some of our new members will be Slytherins."
At his words, everyone stared at Harry in silent disbelief. He smiled slightly.
"The Slytherins that are coming have agreed, and have been warned of our rules. They also are quite aware that they will be facing prejudice and even hatred. But they are willing to go through that, just so they can learn to defend themselves as well. That should be proof to you all that they are not, in some ways, approving of Voldemort's rise."
"You invited Slytherins?" Zacharias's voice was deadly. Harry looked at him nonchalantly.
"Yes."
"THEY COULD BE SPIES!!!" Ron shouted, completely forgetting himself. Harry shot him a stern look.
"If they were spies, Dumbledore would have known. I am quite aware of the risks I am taking, but I am positive that it will be worth it in the end." Harry murmured.
"I agree. I think we should give them a chance. Several of these students could have information on Voldemort, that could be helpful to us." Neville spoke up, while Rose nodded. Hermione had stayed silent this entire time, until now.
"Harry, if you trust them, then I do." She spoke slowly, as if trying to pick the right words. Beside her, Ron's face softened and he shrugged.
"I guess I can live with it." He muttered. Harry smiled, but his attention was directed to the back of the room, where the doors had opened again. Matthew Lions and Victoria Moore stood there, looking nervous but excited.
"Come on in." Harry called. The two shot him smiles and then Victoria quickly led Matthew up to where Raya and Neville were sitting. Not a minute later, several more young people entered, looking just as nervous. A tiny Slytherin first year was amongst them, and she quickly took a seat next to Victoria, who smiled at her. Soon after that, more students began to trickle in.
Harry noticed several backs go stiff as Gregory Goyle came into sight, looking stony but abiding. He took a seat at the very back, and nodded once to Harry, before looking away. Harry returned the nod and then met Ron, Ginny and Hermione's stunned and accusing looks.
"Trust me." He mouthed. They looked doubtful, but nodded. Harry's eyes then met Neville's, and they exchanged a look.
It was time for the moment of truth.
~*~*~*~
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DIDN'T TELL US!" Ron shouted, looking outraged. Harry winced.
"I couldn't, Ron. First of all, you would have flipped, like you're doing now. Second, you would have questioned my judgment..."
"No! I'm questioning your sanity!" Ron muttered. Harry snickered.
"I'm as sane as I always have been."
"That's not saying a whole lot, Harry." Ginny piped up, biting into a piece of chocolate that Rose had given her. Harry shot her a glare, while Jackson and Shane burst out laughing. The group was in the Gryffindor common room, which was empty, save for them.
"Look. Goyle is facing a lot of prejudice, and he is still willing to come. He may be a Slytherin, and Malfoy's henchman, but there is also a lot more that you don't know, and I have no leave to tell you." Harry murmured.
"He looked all right to me. Perhaps a bit grumpy..." Shane commented. Jackson grinned at this.
"Yeah, if you call a troll grumpy." He laughed. Surprisingly, it was Raya who slapped him over the head.
"He seemed nice. I talked to him, and he didn't seem that bad..." She trailed off thoughtfully. Rose nodded.
"He just needs a chance. And we have to be willing to give him one." She added. Shirah shrugged.
"Fine with me. About time we got someone with a little danger in him." She muttered. Everyone shot her disbelieving looks.
"You already know my feelings." Neville piped up.
"I guess. But if he says one thing about mudbl..."
"I AGREE." Hermione interrupted, shooting a glare at Ron.
"Fine. It's settled." Harry finished, with a satisfied sigh. Perhaps it wasn't all that 'settled', but it was a start.
~*~*~*~
A week later, Harry was about ready to pull his hair right out of his head.
None of the old DA members would pair up with Goyle, forcing Harry to pair up with him most of the time. And, more often than not, it was Raya who teamed up with him when Harry had to make his 'rounds', as Ron called them.
There was also the fact that none of the members wanted the Slytherins to be there in the first place. Most of them were ignored when partners were chosen, forcing them to work with each other. Young Victoria had, however, managed to make friends with the small Slytherin girl who had sat next to her at the first meeting (the girl's name was Sonya Winters), and she was doing much better than her house-mates.
Presently, the newer class of DA members were practicing a blocking spell, overseen by Hermione, Ron, Hannah, and Zachary. Harry was wandering around the room (trying to keep his cool), while he watched the progress of the pairs. Goyle had already managed to block all of Raya's attacks, and was now sending hexes at her, while she blocked. Both of them seemed oblivious to his gaze, and both seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"It seems that they are fighting against a lot more prejudice than you expected." Rose murmured, coming up to his side. Harry turned on her and smiled weakly.
"Surprise, surprise." He muttered, as she sent him a comforting smile.
"Well, it could be worse." She whispered lightly. He raised an eyebrow and shot her a 'do tell' look.
"He could be treating them horribly for the way they are treating him." She reminded him. Harry grimaced as he realized that this was true, and then smiled at her.
"Well, at least Raya's got a heart. She seems to be the only one willing to help him." He chuckled.
"Raya's like that. But...Harry, I think she genuinely sees something in him. Something that no one else can see. And I...I don't think he's that bad." She stated, shooting a sideways glance at the said boy. Harry smirked.
"What is it with girls and muscular men?" He teased. She hot him a glare and gently hit his arm. Then she skipped over to where Hermione was helping Victoria with a spell. Now it was Raya, who called for Harry's attention.
"Harry, Rose needs a partner, and I finished with Gregory...may I help her?" The girl asked, her eyes flickering over to Goyle, who was leaning up against the far wall, his face expressionless as he watched the other students practice. Harry nodded and then made his way back through the groups, until he ended up next to Goyle.
"You are learning fast." Harry finally muttered, after standing there for a while. Goyle looked at him through hooded eyes, and gave a short nod.
"I suppose."
"No, you are. Faster than most of the others." Harry tried to carry the conversation. To his surprise, Goyle gave a short laugh, though no smile came to his lips.
"I'm older than most of them, too." He reminded him. Harry chuckled as he realized that this was true.
"Well, Jackson and Shane are our age..."
"And they also tend to goof off instead of working." Goyle argued. Harry grinned.
"So true." They stood there in a comfortable silence, watching as Rose and Raya began to shoot hexes at one another. Then Goyle slowly turned, his face hard.
"Potter...would you accept new students...if they wanted to join and you knew they were trustworthy?" He asked slowly, as if thinking of his words carefully before he spoke. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Who do you have in mind?" He questioned. Goyle flexed his fist, his face registering almost worry.
"A...friend. She is from Durmstrang, but she is not like most of the students...she's different." Goyle finished helplessly, unable to explain himself better. Harry looked thoughtful.
"I want to meet her first."
"How about in here, at about twelve-thirty tonight?" Goyle suggested. Harry felt doubt enter him. That was after curfew, so he would have to sneak out...as would they...
"Why so late?"
"I don't think she would like it to be known that she is on our side...at least, not yet." Goyle finished. Harry sighed and then nodded slowly.
"Twelve-thirty it is. But don't get your hopes up."
"I won't."
~*~*~*~
"So you're really going?" Rose whispered, that night after all their friends had gone to bed. She and Harry were sitting together on one of the recliners, talking softly about what Goyle had brought up in class that night. Harry shrugged.
"I might as well. I don't have anything to lose, do I? He has proven himself more than willing to help us, even if it is a bit..."
"Unconventional?" Rose filled in, leaning closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled.
"Yeah."
They sat that way for some time, gazing out one of the huge windows. It was not yet midnight, but Harry did not feel like ruining the moment. It was the first time he had been alone with his sister for some time, and he was determined to enjoy it to the utmost of his abilities.
"Harry...if...if *your* parents were to look down on us right now...what do you think they would be thinking?" Rose asked softly, a strange mistiness, almost like tears, entering her voice. Harry froze at the sudden question.
"Well...I can't be sure. Would they be proud of a son who has a destiny like mine? Would they be proud of me for evading Voldemort this long? Would they be happy that I will probably hurt many people before this is all through?" He asked, his voice breaking slightly. Rose was about to answer, when another voice came softly through the dark.
"Oh, Harry." The voice was sorrowful and slightly distressed.
It was Ginny's.
Harry didn't have to turn around to see the pained look on her face, nor the mirror of it on Rose's. There was silence for a moment, then Harry felt a pair of arms hugging him gently from behind, and a warm body pressed up to his side.
"They *would* be proud, and they would support you through everything. They loved you more than anything in the world." Ginny whispered into his ear, as she sat down behind him, arms still around his waist. Rose nodded her head.
"That's the reason you're alive. And you are the reason we're alive." Rose breathed. Harry realized at that moment, that what she said was true. If Voldemort *had* conquered him, then the Wizarding World would have been lost to darkness long before this.
"You think so?" He asked hesitantly, trying to shake the threads of doubt from his mind.
"Yes." Both girls chorused firmly, smiling at each other afterwards.
"Ginny...what are you doing up?" Harry said after a long silence. Her arms had long since left his waist, and to his surprise and slight self-disgust, he realized that he missed them. He could almost feel her blushing, even though she was behind him.
"I...couldn't sleep anymore..."
"You had another dream, didn't you." It was a statement, not a question, and it left no room for her to deny it. Harry sighed and Rose slipped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Ginny, you really should tell someone about those dreams...other than me. Perhaps if you told enough people, they would go away." He suggested. Ginny violently shook her head, and Harry turned to see fear in her eyes.
"No, Harry. No! I can't expose anyone else to them. It would be horrible for them. You can stand it because you have the same types of dreams. But anyone else..." She trailed off tearfully. Rose looked thoughtful.
"Harry, you should go now. Ginny and I need to have a talk." She murmured. Ginny looked up, surprised.
"You're going somewhere?" She asked. Harry nodded.
"Just a late-night meeting. I'll be back soon." He promised, moving towards the door. Both girls sent him soft, 'hurry back's' as he exited the room.
~*~*~*~
Harry watched the clock in the room move towards, 'too late to wash your socks'. He looked tiredly at the doors, willing them to open and reveal the two awaited people.
And to his surprise and relief, about two minutes later, they did.
Goyle entered first, looking more like a bodyguard than he ever had before. There was an air of utmost protectiveness in the way his eyes flitted around the room, searching for invisible spies, before centering on Harry. He shot Harry a swift nod, and then moved out of the way, motioning someone inside.
The first impression Harry got of this potential DA member, was of a small, hooded figure, wrapped snugly in a long black cloak. The figure moved with surprising grace as she entered the room, almost seeming to take everything in, though Harry could see nothing of her face or her reaction towards him.
"Potter, this is my friend. I'll let her introduce herself." Goyle said calmly, stepping back a bit, as the figure moved closer to Harry. Somehow, she did not make Harry uncomfortable in any way, despite the concealing cloak she wore.
Then, a sweet, breathy voice spoke.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Harry Potter. I've heard so much about you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cassia. Cassia Malfoy."
As these words were spoken, a slim white hand rose to push down the hood of the cloak, and Harry caught his breath in utmost shock and trepidation. For there, in front of him, stood a girl who looked so much like Draco Malfoy, she could have passed as his female twin.
She had sleek blonde hair that reached to her shoulders in large ringlets. Her grey-blue eyes were an almost misty color, that entranced him. Her features were softer than those of Malfoy's, however, and she was quite a bit shorter, reaching no taller than five-two. She also looked a bit younger, perhaps fifteen or so.
At his stunned silence, she laughed brightly, her whole face lighting up in a way that made Harry forget that she had the same surname as his archenemy. She truly was a beautiful girl, and she had an aura of goodness to her that could not have possibly been feigned.
"I am sorry if I have shocked you beyond words, Mr. Potter. But I really had to meet you." Her voice was teasing. Harry snapped out of his thoughts and allowed a slight smile come to his lips. He could not bring himself to hate this girl. He put out his hand and lightly shook the delicate fingers she offered.
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Malfoy...er... any relation to *Draco* Malfoy?" He asked hesitantly. She stiffened slightly, a cool look entering her eyes.
"Unfortunately, yes. He's my brother."
Now if any news had shocked him tonight, this was the clincher.
"Your...brother?!" Harry exclaimed, looking her over once again. She laughed slightly.
"Yes. You see, father insisted that I be sent to Durmstrang when I showed no inclination or interest in the...dark arts. He sent me there to be 'molded'." Here, her voice turned slightly mocking, then she giggled.
"It didn't work, as you can see. When I heard about this class of yours and what it stood for, I simply had to find out more for myself. Gregory kindly offered to aquatint me with you, and here I am!" She laughed again, a bell- like laugh. Harry smiled at her carefree, yet undeniably refined manner of speaking.
"Well, at least one Malfoy has turned out right...no offense." He quickly added. Her eyes sparkled at him.
"None taken, trust me. I've spoken worse, and they are my family." She muttered. At this, even Goyle snickered a bit, behind his hand.
"So, you don't mind going against the grain and betraying your family?" Harry asked. Cassia smiled lightly.
"Not betraying, Harry. Breaking the mold, is more like it." At her words, Harry snorted slightly, trying not to laugh. She smiled eagerly.
"Now. Will you tell me more about this class?" She asked zealously.
"It would be my pleasure." He informed her, motioning for her to have a seat. It was going to be a long night...
But Harry got the feeling that he had just turned another from the side of darkness, and that was something that could keep him up all night, celebrating.
~*~*~*~
I'm sorry I didn't make that clearer! Please enjoy the rest of the story, and tell me if there's anything else you're confused about, k'?
~*~*~*~
The Phoenix's Prophesy
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 15.
~*~*~*~
It was the day of the first meeting, and Harry felt a trill of unease. He still had yet to tell Hermione, Ginny and Ron about the Slytherins that were to be there, though he had broken down and told Rose. But that didn't change the fact that he still had to tell the rest of the DA members.
"This is so exciting!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as they walked towards the Room of Requirement. Harry flinched, thinking about what her reaction might be if she knew the *whole* deal.
"Here we are." Neville called, beginning to pace even before the others finished walking. The door appeared and the group slipped inside, making sure that no one was watching.
"So this is where you practice." Shane murmured, gazing around the large room, that had rows of seats in the middle of it. Harry silently thanked Neville for thinking of this.
"We're the first ones here." Hermione commented, looking around. Shirah snorted and gave her a 'duh' look.
"So Harry, now will you tell us some of the new members?" Hermione asked eagerly, ignoring Shirah. Harry felt his heart speed up. Should he tell her about the Slytherins?
"Well, Matthew Lions is coming, plus some of the younger Gryffindors. Same from the other houses. I can't remember all the people." He finished. Ron gave a laugh.
"All the houses except Slytherin." He chuckled, causing Neville and Harry to wince.
"Actually, Ron..."
Harry never got to finish, because just then the doors swung open and Lavender Brown, Parvati and Padma Patil, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones came into the room, chatting eagerly. They were followed closely by Colin and Dennis Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie Macmillian, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Luna Lovegood. And finally, after them, came Anthony Goldstein, Zacharias Smith, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, and Cho Chang.
Everyone was chatting excitedly, as they waited for Harry to speak. He noticed that Michael and Cho seemed oblivious of the fact that there was anyone else in the room, but this didn't bother him at all.
"All right. I am sure that all of you remember the rules from last year, so I won't bore you with going over them again. But I would like to make some things clear." Harry paused in his speech, knowing that this was the moment of truth.
"This is a group that unites *every* house. Everyone has a right to learn to defend themselves against Voldemort, even if they are not people you would normally associate with." Harry stopped again, as Ron and Hermione shot him funny looks, and Ginny got a look of realization on her face, and stared at him in astonishment.
"As you know, we are accepting new members this year. They should be here soon, but before they come, I would like to caution you. Some of them are first years, others are very unsure of their talents. And still others, are facing the fact that some people in the DA may not approve of them being here." Harry was stopped again, this time by several loud arguments. He held up his hand and the room became silent.
"I have thought it over carefully, and talked about it thoroughly with Professor Dumbledore. We both agree that since this is a class that unites *every* house in defense, every house *must* have representation here. Therefore, some of our new members will be Slytherins."
At his words, everyone stared at Harry in silent disbelief. He smiled slightly.
"The Slytherins that are coming have agreed, and have been warned of our rules. They also are quite aware that they will be facing prejudice and even hatred. But they are willing to go through that, just so they can learn to defend themselves as well. That should be proof to you all that they are not, in some ways, approving of Voldemort's rise."
"You invited Slytherins?" Zacharias's voice was deadly. Harry looked at him nonchalantly.
"Yes."
"THEY COULD BE SPIES!!!" Ron shouted, completely forgetting himself. Harry shot him a stern look.
"If they were spies, Dumbledore would have known. I am quite aware of the risks I am taking, but I am positive that it will be worth it in the end." Harry murmured.
"I agree. I think we should give them a chance. Several of these students could have information on Voldemort, that could be helpful to us." Neville spoke up, while Rose nodded. Hermione had stayed silent this entire time, until now.
"Harry, if you trust them, then I do." She spoke slowly, as if trying to pick the right words. Beside her, Ron's face softened and he shrugged.
"I guess I can live with it." He muttered. Harry smiled, but his attention was directed to the back of the room, where the doors had opened again. Matthew Lions and Victoria Moore stood there, looking nervous but excited.
"Come on in." Harry called. The two shot him smiles and then Victoria quickly led Matthew up to where Raya and Neville were sitting. Not a minute later, several more young people entered, looking just as nervous. A tiny Slytherin first year was amongst them, and she quickly took a seat next to Victoria, who smiled at her. Soon after that, more students began to trickle in.
Harry noticed several backs go stiff as Gregory Goyle came into sight, looking stony but abiding. He took a seat at the very back, and nodded once to Harry, before looking away. Harry returned the nod and then met Ron, Ginny and Hermione's stunned and accusing looks.
"Trust me." He mouthed. They looked doubtful, but nodded. Harry's eyes then met Neville's, and they exchanged a look.
It was time for the moment of truth.
~*~*~*~
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DIDN'T TELL US!" Ron shouted, looking outraged. Harry winced.
"I couldn't, Ron. First of all, you would have flipped, like you're doing now. Second, you would have questioned my judgment..."
"No! I'm questioning your sanity!" Ron muttered. Harry snickered.
"I'm as sane as I always have been."
"That's not saying a whole lot, Harry." Ginny piped up, biting into a piece of chocolate that Rose had given her. Harry shot her a glare, while Jackson and Shane burst out laughing. The group was in the Gryffindor common room, which was empty, save for them.
"Look. Goyle is facing a lot of prejudice, and he is still willing to come. He may be a Slytherin, and Malfoy's henchman, but there is also a lot more that you don't know, and I have no leave to tell you." Harry murmured.
"He looked all right to me. Perhaps a bit grumpy..." Shane commented. Jackson grinned at this.
"Yeah, if you call a troll grumpy." He laughed. Surprisingly, it was Raya who slapped him over the head.
"He seemed nice. I talked to him, and he didn't seem that bad..." She trailed off thoughtfully. Rose nodded.
"He just needs a chance. And we have to be willing to give him one." She added. Shirah shrugged.
"Fine with me. About time we got someone with a little danger in him." She muttered. Everyone shot her disbelieving looks.
"You already know my feelings." Neville piped up.
"I guess. But if he says one thing about mudbl..."
"I AGREE." Hermione interrupted, shooting a glare at Ron.
"Fine. It's settled." Harry finished, with a satisfied sigh. Perhaps it wasn't all that 'settled', but it was a start.
~*~*~*~
A week later, Harry was about ready to pull his hair right out of his head.
None of the old DA members would pair up with Goyle, forcing Harry to pair up with him most of the time. And, more often than not, it was Raya who teamed up with him when Harry had to make his 'rounds', as Ron called them.
There was also the fact that none of the members wanted the Slytherins to be there in the first place. Most of them were ignored when partners were chosen, forcing them to work with each other. Young Victoria had, however, managed to make friends with the small Slytherin girl who had sat next to her at the first meeting (the girl's name was Sonya Winters), and she was doing much better than her house-mates.
Presently, the newer class of DA members were practicing a blocking spell, overseen by Hermione, Ron, Hannah, and Zachary. Harry was wandering around the room (trying to keep his cool), while he watched the progress of the pairs. Goyle had already managed to block all of Raya's attacks, and was now sending hexes at her, while she blocked. Both of them seemed oblivious to his gaze, and both seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"It seems that they are fighting against a lot more prejudice than you expected." Rose murmured, coming up to his side. Harry turned on her and smiled weakly.
"Surprise, surprise." He muttered, as she sent him a comforting smile.
"Well, it could be worse." She whispered lightly. He raised an eyebrow and shot her a 'do tell' look.
"He could be treating them horribly for the way they are treating him." She reminded him. Harry grimaced as he realized that this was true, and then smiled at her.
"Well, at least Raya's got a heart. She seems to be the only one willing to help him." He chuckled.
"Raya's like that. But...Harry, I think she genuinely sees something in him. Something that no one else can see. And I...I don't think he's that bad." She stated, shooting a sideways glance at the said boy. Harry smirked.
"What is it with girls and muscular men?" He teased. She hot him a glare and gently hit his arm. Then she skipped over to where Hermione was helping Victoria with a spell. Now it was Raya, who called for Harry's attention.
"Harry, Rose needs a partner, and I finished with Gregory...may I help her?" The girl asked, her eyes flickering over to Goyle, who was leaning up against the far wall, his face expressionless as he watched the other students practice. Harry nodded and then made his way back through the groups, until he ended up next to Goyle.
"You are learning fast." Harry finally muttered, after standing there for a while. Goyle looked at him through hooded eyes, and gave a short nod.
"I suppose."
"No, you are. Faster than most of the others." Harry tried to carry the conversation. To his surprise, Goyle gave a short laugh, though no smile came to his lips.
"I'm older than most of them, too." He reminded him. Harry chuckled as he realized that this was true.
"Well, Jackson and Shane are our age..."
"And they also tend to goof off instead of working." Goyle argued. Harry grinned.
"So true." They stood there in a comfortable silence, watching as Rose and Raya began to shoot hexes at one another. Then Goyle slowly turned, his face hard.
"Potter...would you accept new students...if they wanted to join and you knew they were trustworthy?" He asked slowly, as if thinking of his words carefully before he spoke. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Who do you have in mind?" He questioned. Goyle flexed his fist, his face registering almost worry.
"A...friend. She is from Durmstrang, but she is not like most of the students...she's different." Goyle finished helplessly, unable to explain himself better. Harry looked thoughtful.
"I want to meet her first."
"How about in here, at about twelve-thirty tonight?" Goyle suggested. Harry felt doubt enter him. That was after curfew, so he would have to sneak out...as would they...
"Why so late?"
"I don't think she would like it to be known that she is on our side...at least, not yet." Goyle finished. Harry sighed and then nodded slowly.
"Twelve-thirty it is. But don't get your hopes up."
"I won't."
~*~*~*~
"So you're really going?" Rose whispered, that night after all their friends had gone to bed. She and Harry were sitting together on one of the recliners, talking softly about what Goyle had brought up in class that night. Harry shrugged.
"I might as well. I don't have anything to lose, do I? He has proven himself more than willing to help us, even if it is a bit..."
"Unconventional?" Rose filled in, leaning closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled.
"Yeah."
They sat that way for some time, gazing out one of the huge windows. It was not yet midnight, but Harry did not feel like ruining the moment. It was the first time he had been alone with his sister for some time, and he was determined to enjoy it to the utmost of his abilities.
"Harry...if...if *your* parents were to look down on us right now...what do you think they would be thinking?" Rose asked softly, a strange mistiness, almost like tears, entering her voice. Harry froze at the sudden question.
"Well...I can't be sure. Would they be proud of a son who has a destiny like mine? Would they be proud of me for evading Voldemort this long? Would they be happy that I will probably hurt many people before this is all through?" He asked, his voice breaking slightly. Rose was about to answer, when another voice came softly through the dark.
"Oh, Harry." The voice was sorrowful and slightly distressed.
It was Ginny's.
Harry didn't have to turn around to see the pained look on her face, nor the mirror of it on Rose's. There was silence for a moment, then Harry felt a pair of arms hugging him gently from behind, and a warm body pressed up to his side.
"They *would* be proud, and they would support you through everything. They loved you more than anything in the world." Ginny whispered into his ear, as she sat down behind him, arms still around his waist. Rose nodded her head.
"That's the reason you're alive. And you are the reason we're alive." Rose breathed. Harry realized at that moment, that what she said was true. If Voldemort *had* conquered him, then the Wizarding World would have been lost to darkness long before this.
"You think so?" He asked hesitantly, trying to shake the threads of doubt from his mind.
"Yes." Both girls chorused firmly, smiling at each other afterwards.
"Ginny...what are you doing up?" Harry said after a long silence. Her arms had long since left his waist, and to his surprise and slight self-disgust, he realized that he missed them. He could almost feel her blushing, even though she was behind him.
"I...couldn't sleep anymore..."
"You had another dream, didn't you." It was a statement, not a question, and it left no room for her to deny it. Harry sighed and Rose slipped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Ginny, you really should tell someone about those dreams...other than me. Perhaps if you told enough people, they would go away." He suggested. Ginny violently shook her head, and Harry turned to see fear in her eyes.
"No, Harry. No! I can't expose anyone else to them. It would be horrible for them. You can stand it because you have the same types of dreams. But anyone else..." She trailed off tearfully. Rose looked thoughtful.
"Harry, you should go now. Ginny and I need to have a talk." She murmured. Ginny looked up, surprised.
"You're going somewhere?" She asked. Harry nodded.
"Just a late-night meeting. I'll be back soon." He promised, moving towards the door. Both girls sent him soft, 'hurry back's' as he exited the room.
~*~*~*~
Harry watched the clock in the room move towards, 'too late to wash your socks'. He looked tiredly at the doors, willing them to open and reveal the two awaited people.
And to his surprise and relief, about two minutes later, they did.
Goyle entered first, looking more like a bodyguard than he ever had before. There was an air of utmost protectiveness in the way his eyes flitted around the room, searching for invisible spies, before centering on Harry. He shot Harry a swift nod, and then moved out of the way, motioning someone inside.
The first impression Harry got of this potential DA member, was of a small, hooded figure, wrapped snugly in a long black cloak. The figure moved with surprising grace as she entered the room, almost seeming to take everything in, though Harry could see nothing of her face or her reaction towards him.
"Potter, this is my friend. I'll let her introduce herself." Goyle said calmly, stepping back a bit, as the figure moved closer to Harry. Somehow, she did not make Harry uncomfortable in any way, despite the concealing cloak she wore.
Then, a sweet, breathy voice spoke.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Harry Potter. I've heard so much about you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cassia. Cassia Malfoy."
As these words were spoken, a slim white hand rose to push down the hood of the cloak, and Harry caught his breath in utmost shock and trepidation. For there, in front of him, stood a girl who looked so much like Draco Malfoy, she could have passed as his female twin.
She had sleek blonde hair that reached to her shoulders in large ringlets. Her grey-blue eyes were an almost misty color, that entranced him. Her features were softer than those of Malfoy's, however, and she was quite a bit shorter, reaching no taller than five-two. She also looked a bit younger, perhaps fifteen or so.
At his stunned silence, she laughed brightly, her whole face lighting up in a way that made Harry forget that she had the same surname as his archenemy. She truly was a beautiful girl, and she had an aura of goodness to her that could not have possibly been feigned.
"I am sorry if I have shocked you beyond words, Mr. Potter. But I really had to meet you." Her voice was teasing. Harry snapped out of his thoughts and allowed a slight smile come to his lips. He could not bring himself to hate this girl. He put out his hand and lightly shook the delicate fingers she offered.
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Malfoy...er... any relation to *Draco* Malfoy?" He asked hesitantly. She stiffened slightly, a cool look entering her eyes.
"Unfortunately, yes. He's my brother."
Now if any news had shocked him tonight, this was the clincher.
"Your...brother?!" Harry exclaimed, looking her over once again. She laughed slightly.
"Yes. You see, father insisted that I be sent to Durmstrang when I showed no inclination or interest in the...dark arts. He sent me there to be 'molded'." Here, her voice turned slightly mocking, then she giggled.
"It didn't work, as you can see. When I heard about this class of yours and what it stood for, I simply had to find out more for myself. Gregory kindly offered to aquatint me with you, and here I am!" She laughed again, a bell- like laugh. Harry smiled at her carefree, yet undeniably refined manner of speaking.
"Well, at least one Malfoy has turned out right...no offense." He quickly added. Her eyes sparkled at him.
"None taken, trust me. I've spoken worse, and they are my family." She muttered. At this, even Goyle snickered a bit, behind his hand.
"So, you don't mind going against the grain and betraying your family?" Harry asked. Cassia smiled lightly.
"Not betraying, Harry. Breaking the mold, is more like it." At her words, Harry snorted slightly, trying not to laugh. She smiled eagerly.
"Now. Will you tell me more about this class?" She asked zealously.
"It would be my pleasure." He informed her, motioning for her to have a seat. It was going to be a long night...
But Harry got the feeling that he had just turned another from the side of darkness, and that was something that could keep him up all night, celebrating.
~*~*~*~