Harry felt the sun pelting his weary eyes as it burned though his thin crack in his bed curtains.

"Damn it," he swore viciously, dreading the day ahead of him. He yanked his curtain back and examined his dormitory. He could hear Neville snoring loudly from the far corner of the room and it appeared Seamus and Dean were also still asleep.

Harry glanced at his clock to see what time it was, the large six told him it was way too early to face the day.

"Hey Ron, are you awake?" Harry whispered over towards Ron's bed, but he received no response.

Harry shook is head and put on his glasses.

"Ron," he whispered a little louder, peeking his head into Ron's curtains, but there was no Ron. Harry narrowed his eyes trying to imagine where on Earth he could be at this hour in the morning.

"No point in worrying about it now," Harry said to himself before changing into his school uniform. He glanced at his untidy appearance in the mirror. He wasn't an attractive boy, fairly thin with the most unruly hair imaginable. His face was narrow with a pointy nose that was a tad to long. The one feature on his face he had grown to hate was the lighting shaped scar on his forehead. Which was ironic since he had once been fond of it.

The feature he thought was mildly attractive was his powerful green eyes, his mother's eyes. He tried his best to comb his messy raven hair, but it was pointless. After he struggled with it for several minutes he placed the comb back onto his nightstand and pulled on his school robes. He glanced back towards Ron's empty bed one last time before pulling his dormitory door shut.

The Gryffindor house had not yet woken to face the day, so the common room was quite. Harry was thankful, the last thing he wanted were people coming up to him asking about the DA meeting that evening, or worse, Parvati Patil asking him out on a date again.

Just the thought of the DA made Harry cringe with anger. He couldn't wait to confront Hermione about the meeting. What had she been thinking? Then he thought of Ginny pushing him into another date with Cho. He still hadn't given that little Weasley a piece of his mind. He stormed out of the common room feeling a bit of anxiety and anger building in his stomach.

Harry's stomach gave an uncomfortable grumble, making him decide to skip breakfast in the Great Hall. The last thing he needed today was to face Cho, which he would certainly do if he went to breakfast.

Harry suddenly had a horrible thought cross his mind, "What if Cho comes to the DA meeting?"

"Hello Harry, seen Ronald around?" asked a dreamy voice walking noticeably close behind him.

"Err, no I haven't seen him this morning Luna," Harry replied, wishing he could be alone to dwell on his anger.

Luna looked around the corridor in such a way that Harry began to wonder if she had even heard him, "So your you'regoing out with Cho, again."

"You heard?" Harry asked amazed at how fast news traveled.

Luna gave a dazed smile, "I am a Ravenclaw Harry, and Cho is in my house."

"So, how has your year been so far? I haven't seen you around much," Harry asked trying to turn the conversation away from his doomed love life.

Luna gave a confused grin, "Well, my father is planning to take me to Bulgaria this Christmas, we're going in search of Fire Spirits."

"That's nice," Harry forced out, wondering if Luna realized how crazy she sounded sometimes.

"So, have you talked to him lately?" Luna asked suddenly, catching Harry off guard.

"Who, Ron?" Harry asked.

Luna gave one of her over exaggerated laughs, "No silly, your Godfather?"

"Luna, my Godfather is dead!" Harry exclaimed, feeling insulted she'd be so insensitive.

"So is my mother, and I still talk to her, occasionally," Luna announced in her unserious tone.

Harry threw up his hands, "This is ridiculous, I'm not having this conversation with you."

He turned and began to walk away fighting back the urge to slam his fist into the stone wall.

"You heard them, I know you did," she called after him.

Her words seem to push Harry over the edge; "No I didn't!" he yelled angrily.

"Behind the veil," Luna dreamy voice pierced Harry's mind.

He could still envision Sirius shocked expression as his body fell in slow motion back behind the tattered curtain. Harry still felt the anger of the moment inside him, why didn't he jump back out! Why had be made him worry? He knew the answer, because he was gone, DEAD! His body quivered slight at the memory, but it wasn't because of anger.

Harry felt a few tears sting his eyes, Great I'm a crier just like Cho now, he thought bitterly to himself.

"You'll find me when you're ready," Luna smiled and turned and disappeared as she turned a corner.

Harry didn't know if was angry or sadden by Luna causing him to drudge up Sirius's memory. True, he as never far from his mind, but he didn't want to believe in something that could never be. He knew he'd never talk to his Godfather again.

It was fortunate for Hermione that Luna had softened Harry up a bit before their first class, because Harry was only half as angry as he could have been.

"Morning Harry," Hermione said quickly staring at him nervously.

Ron took a seat on the opposite side of Harry, Hermione had finally convinced him to ask Professor McGonagall to take him in her class.

"So, hear about the DA meeting tonight?" Harry asked sarcastically.

Hermione took a deep breath, "Are you mad at me?"

"Yes," Harry spat.

Harry closed his eyes and counted to ten, trying to hold back his temper, "I told you I didn't want to do the DA again!"

"Oh Harry, I know you don't mean that," Hermione started.

"You do? I'm so glad you know exactly what I want. In fact, WHY DON'T YOU JUST LIVE MY LIFE FOR ME, SINCE YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME SO WELL!" Harry screamed causing everyone in the room to look in their direction.

"Mr. Potter, that is quite enough," said the stern voice of Professor McGonagall, "Report to the Headmaster, now Mr. Potter."

Harry slammed his books back into his back, and gave Hermione a cold glare. He didn't even care that she had big tears falling down her cheeks. Ron looked at Harry with an equal cold glare as he walked out of the room, and placed his arm around Hermione trying to comfort her sobs.

"That's right Ron, pat your girlfriend on the back! I don't need you either," Harry said quietly to himself as he walked down the empty corridors toward Dumbledore's office.

"DAMN IT OPEN UP!" Harry screamed at the statue guarding Dumbledore's office.

"I don't believe that is the password Harry," he heard a voice from behind him reply in a grandfatherly tone.

"I'm sorry, sir," Harry forced an apology.

"Grawp," Dumbledore muttered, causing Harry to eye him with suspicion. "I think it is a lovely name, for a giant," Dumbledore said with a wink.

Harry followed the old Headmaster up the spiraling stair well. He cringed when he reached the spectacular office. Dumbeldore had repaired most of the objects Harry had shattered during his last visit.

"So, what seems to be the matter?" Dumbledore asked as he took his seat behind his desk.

Harry walked over and stroked Fawkes who nodded in appreciation.

"Hemione wants me to reinstate the DA," Harry said bluntly letting his fingers fondle Fawkes soft feathers, instantly feeling some of the empty inside him disappear.

"An excellent idea," Dumbledore entertained.

Harry walked over and pulled up a chair, "But sir, you remember how much trouble it caused last year."

"Ah yes, I remember it quite well. But things have changed," Dumbledore said happily. "Perhaps you can ask Professor O'Riley to be your faculty advisor."

Harry felt the anger swarming inside his head, "I hate Professor O'Riley."

"Harry, that is a very strong word, I thought more highly of you than to think so darkly. Perhaps if you knew more about December O'Riley you wouldn't feel such, hate?"

"Who cares? She knew my father and Remus," Harry stopped and took a deep breath, "and Sirius."

A twinkle appeared in Dumbledore's eyes, "Yes, she did. How that group drove my staff crazy."

"Group?" Harry asked wondering what Dumbledore was playing at.

"Yes Harry, December O'Riley was one of your mother's closest friends."

Harry felt his skin go pasty, why hadn't he deduced this already, "Why didn't she tell me?"

"Because like you, she had been dealing with her losses alone. She's not sure how to let anyone in anymore," Dumbledore explained.

"How does she know Remus and Sirius?" Harry asked, hoping to finally get some straight answers.

Dumbledore smiled, "I'm afraid it is not my place to explain that particular situation."

Harry felt deserted again, loathing Dumbledore for refusing to disclose information he wanted to know.

"I think it is time for you to return to class, and offer an apology to a certain young lady," Dumbledore suggested staring over his half moon shaped spectacles.

"Which one?" Harry asked aloud to himself.

"Ah yes, the typical adolescent problem with the birds bees, I'm afraid I can be of no help in the area, being I was never very good at it myself," Dumbledore chuckled.

"I bet Sirius could have helped me," Harry muttered feeling a twinge of pain in his chest at the mention of his late Godfather's name.

Dumbledore nodded his head, "Sirius had his fair share of heartbreak and love in his youth, I fear he left many strings still left untied," Dumbledore said softly.

Harry narrowed his eyes, he knew Dumbledore liked to talk in riddles, but he had yet to figure out how to solve them.

He left his Headmaster's feeling no better, but slightly less angry. Harry still wasn't sure DA was something he wanted to be part of any longer, all he wanted to do was play Quidditch at his moment.

"Hey Harry!" he heard another female he wasn't happy wave happily to him across the hall.

"So, I hear your social calendar is filling up!" Ginny joked nudging Harry in the side.

Harry took another deep breath, "Ginny, if you don't want me to be mad at you, I think you better leave."

"What? Your mad at me?" Ginny asked inquisitively.

Harry sighed loudly "I didn't want to go to Hogsmeade with Cho."

"Oh Harry, a little social carousing will do you some good. You don't have to live your life like it's some great Greek tragedy," Ginny retaliated.

Harry felt his anger starting to rise in his chest, nobody understood what it was like to be Harry Potter.

"Look it's the scarhead and his little red headed worshipper. What Weasley, begging Potter for a date?' Malfoy spat as he passed him in the hall.

"Sod off Malfoy, unless you want to experience another one of my Bat Boogey hexes" Ginny spat back.

"What did you say to me? Your so bloody poor you aren't good enough to lick the mud off the bottom of my shoe," he laughed looking back at his goonies Goyle and Crabb.

"Let me guess, I'm a disgrace to the name of wizard," Ginny mocked.

"Filthy mudblood lover" Malfoy hissed.

Harry watch Malfoy, carefully gripping his wand tightly beneath his robes.

"Hey Draco, how does it feel to sell your soul to evil? You realize he'd kill you without thinking twice about it?"

"Shut-up scarhead, your day is coming!" Malfoy snapped.

"What, the truth scares you? I've seen his servants, has your father ever told you how he tortures his followers, makes them beg for life? Great path you've chosen," Harry hissed.

"You don't know a damn thing about the path I've chosen!" Malfoy said, drawing his wand.

Harry drew his wand in reaction, "I know you're nothing, and your short pathetic excuse of an existence won't be remembered as anymore than a traitor, a disgrace on your kind."

Malfoy narrowed his eyes, but didn't shout any hexes or curses. The two just stared at each other, trying to peer into each other minds.

"Lets go," Malfoy finally reared around to his two sidekicks and pulled away his wand.

Ginny seized Harry's arm, "That was brilliant! You should have hexed the little ferret though."

"He's not worth it," Harry said coldly.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight at DA, I've got to go meet Dean right now," Ginny said cheerfully, "I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"Tonight," Harry affirmed.

He knew he should try to find Hermione and apologize, but he didn't. He was suppose to be in a Charms lesson at the moment, but the thought of paying Hagrid a little visit seemed more entertaining.

He let his feet carry him over the grassy courtyard in the general direction of Hagrid's hut, but he never made it to his intended destination. Instead he wound up right near the Whomping Willow.

Harry sat a safe distance away eyeing the enchanted tree, pulling grass up with his hands as he stared. He reflected back to the first time he actually met the real Sirius Black, dragging his best mate Ron though that tiny passageway into the Shrieking Shack.

He tried to imagine what his father's time at Hogwarts must have been like, and he couldn't help but envy it.

"Mr. Potter, shouldn't you be in class?" asked a monotone voice behind him.

"Sorry, Professor," Harry said swiftly, coming to the realization of what being caught skipping class would mean.

"No need to apologize to me Mr. Potter, it isn't my class you're ditching," Professor O'Riley said.

Harry watched her eyes az they deliberately avoided the Whomping Willow.

"Professor Dumbledore told me about this little club of yours," she started.

Harry bit his tongue, "I know, you don't approve."

"Quite the contrary, I think it is a wonderful idea and I would be honored to assist you in your organization. I've been though quite a bit more training than you, and maybe I could offer you some assistance," she said softly.

"Err, thanks," Harry said puzzled by why Professor O'Riley seemed so nice.

December O'Riley let a shadow of a smile creep across her face, "You'll have to help me find this Room of Requirement. I'm afraid although I had some mischievous friends during my time at Hogwarts, I never knew of such a room."

"Oh course," Harry said feeling more comfortable with the idea now. He went into details about how she should go about finding it.

"Clever, your father would be impressed," she offered, "of course your mother wouldn't be."

"You knew my mother then?" Harry asked as she brought her up.

December O'Riley nodded her head, "She was one of my closest friends, but Professor Dumbledore has already told you about that."

Harry suddenly felt guilty, he knew so much about his father, but had never questioned much about his mother. He didn't know anything about her.

"Well, you'd best be getting to class. I'd hate to have to argue you out of another detention if Snape catches you out here," she winked.

Harry watched her walk away back towards the castle, sudden understanding who she could have fit into his father's group of friends. She wasn't the tyrant he had pinned her to be.

He didn't go to class though; he didn't go to lunch or dinner. He spent his entire day reflecting, wandering aimlessly in his thoughts around the ground, and he was thankful to finally get some time to himself.

Harry didn't realize how much time had passed until he noticed the sun had disappeared from the sky. He decided he'd go to the room of requirements a few minutes early to make sure Dobby hadn't done any decorating.

He walked passed the statue willing a room to let them practice and that magical door suddenly appeared. He entered the room remembering how much DA had meant to him last year, what they had sacrificed. How could he ever think he didn't want to reinstate it?

"Harry, you came?" Hermione said slightly shocked as she entered the room.

Harry lowered his head, feeling a bit guilty for making her cry earlier, "I'm sorry Hermione, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that earlier."

"Well, I'm getting rather used to it," Hermione said bluntly.

"Do you forgive me?" Harry asked nervously.

"Oh Harry, you have to learn to control that temper of yours!" Hermione exclaimed as she pulled him into a hug.

It didn't take long for the DA to reassemble. All the old members anxiously looked at Harry for some guidance.

"Harry, it looks like everyone is here," Hermione said looking around the room.

"No, we're missing one person," Harry said with a grin.

The door opened as if summoned and Professor O'Riley entered to a group of startled students.

"Hello, Professor," Harry greeted, "Welcome to the DA."