Chapter 8:

Classes Begin

The next morning Harry awoke at dawn. He had a message lying on the counter beside him. It said, "The password to Gryffindor Tower is Phoenix Fire." Harry smiled and began to change back into his clothes. When he was finished, Madam Pomfrey came over and informed him that he could leave to return to the tower. Harry walked through the castle. In the early morning hours it was practically deserted. Most of the paintings were asleep. Harry arrived at the painting of the Fat Lady and gave the password, "Phoenix Fire." The portrait opened and Harry entered the common room. He walked up the stairs to the sixth year boys dormitory. None of the others were awake, yet. So, Harry rummaged in his trunk, and pulled out his robes. He then went to the bathroom and showered and then changed into his school robes. He grabbed a book on day to day charms that he had bought in Flourish and Blott's and walked down to the common room. He sat on a couch in front of the fireplace and opened the book and began looking for a charm of some kind that would help him learn how to dance. He found a Dancing Charm that would train your feet how to move. "I'll just have to find an empty room to practice in. I want this to be a surprise." Harry muttered to himself.

"You want what to be a surprise?" inquired Hermione.

Harry jumped and quickly shut the book so that she wouldn't see what he had been reading. "Nothing."

She smirked, "Don't give me that nothing line, Harry Potter. What are you hiding?"

Harry bit his lower lip, "If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

Hermione nodded, "Okay, I promise."

Harry shifted nervously, "Er, I decided that I was going to learn how to dance for the ball."

"Why?"

"Well, I looked stupid last time. Besides I saw who the girl I want to ask went with last time. He stepped on her toes constantly, and I don't want to do that." Harry said.

"You wouldn't happen to be talking about Ginny Weasley?" Hermione asked innocently.

Harry flushed slightly, "Er, well, I don't know."

"I thought you just said that you knew which girl you wanted to take." Hermione persisted.

"I do, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to tell you." Harry muttered.

He was saved from any further questioning by Ron and Neville walking into the common room. "So, are the two of you ready for breakfast?" asked Ron.

Hermione shook her head, "Trust you to be worried about food."

Ron replied, "I'm a growing boy."

Harry said, "Hold on, I've got to go throw my book in my room, and I'll be back down." Harry ran up the stairs and then back down. When he walked back into the common room Ginny was waiting with the other three. She blushed faintly when she saw Harry. He smiled at her, "Let's go to breakfast."

The four of them walked down to the Great Hall, and sat down at the Gryffindor table. While they were serving themselves bacon and eggs, McGonagall walked down the length of the table and began handing out schedules. Harry opened his and a note fell out. He picked it up and opened it.

Harry,

Come up to my office this evening at eight o'clock. Professor Mcgonagall and I need to speak with you. The password is Acid Pops.

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

"What's the note for, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"It's from Dumbledore. He wants to meet with me in his office tonight." responded Harry.

"Why?" asked Ron.

"Doesn't say. I'd bet it has something to do with Tom's response to the attack on Platform 9 ¾."

The others nodded. Hermione changed the subject, "So, Ginny, what do you think about the ball?"

Ginny smiled, "Well, at least this time I don't have to wait on a boy to ask me. I already know I can go. I'm going to have to do a lot of altering to my dress robes. They don't quite fit anymore."

Hermione turned to Harry, "How about you?"

Harry shrugged, "I guess I'll have to get new robes. I've grown at least six inches since I wore the ones I have. At least this time I don't intend to make the same mistakes I did for the Yule Ball."

"What mistakes were those, mate?" asked Ron.

Harry paused as if considering how to answer, "First, I waited way to late to finally ask. Second, I asked the wrong girl. I have no intention of doing either of those things this time. I'm going to ask early, and I'm going to ask the right girl."

Neville asked nervously, "How soon are you going to ask? I don't know when I should ask someone. I don't want to ask too soon, but I don't want to ask too late either."

Harry grinned, "I think I'm going to ask the girl I want to go with, today." He turned to Ginny, "So, Ginny, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the ball?"

Ron fell off the bench into the floor. Hermione and Neville gaped at Harry. Ginny flushed a very deep red and nodded shyly. Then, she bolted from the Great Hall. Harry shook his head in exasperation, "She has got to stop doing that."

Hermione smiled, "You keep embarrassing her."

"How does me asking her to the dance embarrass her?" asked Harry in bewilderment.

Ron got back into his seat, "Everything about you embarrasses her, mate."

Harry leaned back over his plate of food, "Well we're going to have to change that. To change the subject, how is everyone's morning on classes?"

Ron smirked, "I'm off first period. The only thing I have on Mondays is Double Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon."

Hermione said, "Well, I have Transfiguration at nine. How about you, Harry?"

"The same, then I have Double Potions this afternoon with Snape. How about you, Neville?"

"I've got Ancient Runes at nine, then I'll be with Ron in Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon."

Hermione turned, "I can't believe I didn't ask. Neville, How did you do on your O.W.L.'s?"

Neville smiled, "Pretty good actually. I got an O in Herbology and DADA. I got an E in Ancient Runes and Charms. A in Transfiguration, Divination, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures. and History of Magic. I got a P in Potions."

Harry jumped in, "That's great, Neville. Which N.E.W.T.'s are you doing?"
"Care of Magical Creature, Charms, Herbology, Ancient Runes, and Defense Against the Dark Arts." replied Neville.

Hermione nodded, "Good class schedule."

Harry looked at his watch, "Well, Mione, we had better get going. I don't think McGonagall would appreciate us being late on the first day of class." Harry got up. "I guess we'll see you guys at dinner. Let's hurry." The other two boys nodded as Harry and Hermione headed for Transfiguration.

The two hurried up to Gryffindor tower to get their books for Transfiguration. Then, they rushed to McGonagall's room to get seats in the front. McGonagall swept into the room a few minutes later as the class settled themselves into their seats. "I would like to congratulate all of you on your O.W.L. results. I only accept those students who receive an E or O into my N.E.W.T. Transfiguration course. The main objective of the course this year will focus on various kinds of human transfiguration. We will begin small as this is exceedingly difficult. In deference to my animagus form, I would like all of you to try and transform your off hand into a cat paw." She went on to describe the incantation and wand movements necessary for human transfiguration.

All of the students began attempting the transfiguration. There were some catastrophic effects. Harry waited until McGonagall's attention was focused on Parvati, who had managed freeze her hand into a fist. Then, he waved his wand and pretended to perform the incantation, while merely transforming his hand into his animagus panther paw. Hermione happened to glance over from her work to notice Harry. "Harry, how did you do that?"

Professor McGonagall turned to see what Hermione was talking about. "Mr. Potter, I believe that is a panther paw."

Harry nodded, "I believe you are right, Professor. Panthers are cats."

The enormity of what Harry had just stated was not wasted on McGonagall. She gave him one of her rare smiles, "Twenty points to Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. Excellent work." She moved off to begin helping the other students.

Hermione rounded on Harry, "Twenty points, Harry. That's amazing to get that many in one shot from Professor McGonagall."

He snorted, "Don't act happy, yet. We have double Potions this afternoon. Snape can take twenty points away from me in a matter of minutes. I'll just be happy to break even for the day."

Hermione's face fell, "Yeah, I guess you're right. We can hope, though."

Harry shrugged, "I suppose, but we had better get to work before McGonagall takes the points back herself."

Hermione smiled and set back to work attempting the transfiguration. Harry made a mental note to practice the transfiguration in private to make sure he could do it without cheating. He waited until no one was looking and then reverted his hand. Soon enough the bell rang to signal the end of class. The students packed up their books to leave. "Mr. Potter, might I have a word with you?"

Harry looked at Hermione, "Library?" She nodded. "I'll catch up with you there." Harry walked up to Professor McGonagall's desk, "Yes, Professor?" he inquired.

"Was that your first attempt at human transfiguration?" asked McGonagall.

"In a manner of speaking. It was my first attempt today." said Harry meekly.

"How many times have you attempted human transfiguration?"

Harry shrugged, "Four, maybe five times."

"Are you sure that is all?"
Harry nodded, "Yes, I'm sure. It was just a few times that I attempted it."

"Well, Mr. Potter, I believe that will be all. I will speak with you again when you come to meet the Headmaster this evening." said McGonagall.

Harry smiled, "I look forward to it, Professor." Then, he turned and picked up his books and walked out of the room. A few minutes later, he caught up with Hermione in the library.

"So, what did Professor McGonagall want?" asked Hermione.

Harry grinned, "She wanted to talk about my transfiguration, and tell me that she would see me tonight in Dumbledore's office."

"What do you think.." began Hermione but Harry cut her off.

"Don't bother to ask. I still have no idea what Dumbledore wants to talk to me about. I will find out tonight, and if it isn't terribly confidential, then I will tell all of you about it later."

"Well, let's just study until lunch, then." said Hermione.

Harry sat down beside Hermione and pulled out his Transfiguration textbook. He proceeded to begin reading about the theory behind human transfiguration, so that he could make sure that he could perform all kinds. Hermione buried herself in some obscure text that she had found on the shelf concerning human to animal transfiguration. They had been sitting there for about half an hour when Ron and Neville walked in. "Here you are. We've been looking all over the place for you." moaned Ron.

Harry shook his head, "Considering I just had a class with Hermione, this should have been the first place you looked."

Hermione socked Harry in the arm, "Hey."

Harry shrugged, "You know its true. This is your sanctuary." He turned to the other two, "Hermione's motto, When in doubt, go to the library and read a book about it." All three boys laughed at this. Hermione looked on disapprovingly.

Ron grinned, "Harry, you better watch out. Hermione looks ready to attack."

"So. The worst she can do is hex me. I'm not the one trying to date her. I don't have to worry about her being mad. You're the one that's going to suffer for it." Harry looked pointedly at Ron, who flushed red at this statement.

Neville and Hermione laughed at Ron. Harry grinned, "See, she doesn't stay upset. She knows that I'm just teasing her."

Ron just shook his head, "Let's go back up to the tower."

Harry jumped up, "Yeah, I want a game of chess before lunch. Come on, Hermione. We can study after Potions. I'm sure Snape will give us plenty of homework."

Hermione smiled ruefully, and got up to follow the boys up to Gryffindor tower. They walked upstairs to the Fat Lady, and gave her the password, "Phoenix Fire." Then, they walked into the common room to find Ginny sitting in front of the fire. She looked up and saw Harry. She immediately began to blush furiously. Harry smiled and shook his head, "Hi, Ginny."

She smiled, "Hi, Harry." Then, she giggled. Hermione smiled at the obvious flirtation. Ron just rolled his eyes.

"Come on, Harry. Let's play chess." said Ron as he pulled out the chess set.

Harry said, "Alright. Ginny, do you want to watch me lose horribly?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, but I'd love to help you win."

Harry grinned, "I could get used to that idea. God knows you're better than me."

Ron looked up, "How do you know Ginny is better than you?"

Harry chuckled, "She beat me easily enough when we played this summer."

Ron's eyes widened, "You played chess with my sister this summer."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, is there something wrong with that?"

Ron shook his head, "No, but I didn't know that the two of you played games together."

Ginny spoke up, "Harry and I did a lot of stuff together this summer." Then, she blushed profusely as she realized the implication of what she had just said.

Hermione looked at Ginny coyly, "Oh really. Exactly what did the two of you do together this summer?"

Harry looked at Hermione, "From what I've heard, Ginny and I have done a great deal less than you and Ron."

Ron asked quickly, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Harry looked exasperated, "Ron, how many times do we have to go over the fact that we all know that you and Hermione were caught snogging on more than one occasion at my house this summer?"

Ron and Hermione blushed. "So, Ron, have you asked her to be your girlfriend?"

Ron shook his head. Harry pulled out his wand, "Do I have to hex you to make you do it?"

Hermione jumped up, "What is this? Do you think that I need you to force him to ask me out? I don't need charity."

Harry laughed at her, "I know you don't need any charity, Hermione. Its not like I'm trying to get him to do something he doesn't want to do already. I think I need to change tactics."

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Hermione hotly.

Harry grinned, "Maybe instead of trying to talk the boy wonder over here into asking you out, maybe I should be threatening to hex you if you don't ask him out."

Hermione stopped and stared at Harry with her mouth open in astonishment. Ginny and Neville laughed at her and Ron. Harry just shook his head, "The two of you are entirely too easy to wind up. Come on, Ron, let's just play a game."

The five students sat around and joked as Ron and Harry played a game of wizard's chess. Ginny occasionally gave Harry advice about what moves to make. Harry unconsciously reached out and took Ginny's hand. She flushed with pleasure and looked for one minute as if she was going to bolt again, but Hermione gave her a knowing smile and she relaxed. After Harry had managed to lose the game, he stood up, "Alright, then, its time to go eat lunch. I've been humiliated enough for the day already, and I still have to deal with Snape in double potions this afternoon."

Ginny got up beside him, "Harry, Snape can't be that horrible to you, can he?"

Harry smirked, "Are you kidding me? He already hated me before. After what happened the last time we spoke to each other, he's going to be even worse."

Ginny nodded, "Good point." The two of them began walking to the portrait hole still holding hands. The other three exchanged bemused glances at their expense and then grinned and followed the two of them down to the Great Hall.

On the way down the stairs in the main corridor they all heard a voice ring out, "You've got to be kidding me, Potter. You've taken to the weasel's little sister. Did you buy her or something?"

"Malfoy." growled Harry. He let go of Ginny's hand and took two running steps and vaulted the banister and seemingly flew through the air to land beside Malfoy. Somewhere in the jump he had drawn his wand, and now had it leveled at the bridge of Malfoy's nose. "Now, I want you to notice how easy it was for me to get to you. The next time I come after you, Madam Pomfrey will be mopping up what is left of you. Do I make myself clear, Malfoy?"

Malfoy made a motion as if he was going to go for his wand, but Harry was quicker. His left hand shot out and grabbed Malfoy's arm and bent it around backwards. He leaned closer to Malfoy and whispered menacingly, "I've warned you, Malfoy. The next time you cross me, I will treat you as a Death Eater. There will be no mercy. Remember my words " He pushed Malfoy away and pocketed his wand, and walked back to his friends. He smiled down at Ginny, "Let's go get lunch." The other four followed him into the Great Hall, each one of them smirking at Malfoy as they passed.

Lunch was a lighthearted affair of banter being exchanged between the five. However, all too soon it was time to return to class. Harry stood up wearily, "Come on, Mione. Its time for us to go and grab our potions stuff, and prepare for the torture."

Hermione grinned as she stood up, "Maybe it won't be that bad."

Harry looked at her skeptically. She shrugged, "Okay, maybe it will."

He turned and looked down at Ginny, "You have any homework yet?" She nodded. "Do you want to meet in the common room later and work on it together?" She nodded again. "Okay, I'll see you after class." She smiled as he turned to walk away.

Harry and Hermione made their way to Gryffindor tower. They retrieved their cauldrons and potion kits and then headed towards the dungeons. They arrived outside of the Potions classroom to discover only four other students. Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff, Draco Malfoy, and Blaise Zabini from Slytherin, and Padma Patil from Ravenclaw. Harry looked around, "Is this all of us?"

Padma nodded, "There were only seven O's on the Potions O.W.L."

Harry looked around bewildered, "Who was the other one?"

Padma answered, "Terry Boot, but he wants to be a Charm Breaker. He doesn't need potions."

At this moment the door to the dungeon burst open and Snape swept into the hallway and ordered them into the classroom. He strode to the front of the class and spun around to glare malevolently at the four non-Slytherin's in the room. "Since you are present in this class, you have obviously managed an O on the Potions O.W.L. This will not help you in my N.E.W.T. course on Potions. We will be doing very advanced potions in this class. I expect anyone that takes this class to perform admirably on the Potions N.E.W.T. that you will take at the end of your seventh year. Anyone that I do not feel is performing up to standard will be removed from my roll. There will be no playing around in this class. Is this understood?"

The class chorused, "Yes, Professor Snape."

"Now, that I have your attention, we will be brewing a potion known as the Polyjuice Potion. This potion allows the drinker to assume the form of another person. What is the most important ingredient of Polyjuice Potion, Mr. Potter?"

"You must have a part of the person that you wish to transform into, Professor." answered Harry.

Snape looked surprised but recovered quickly. "You will be working in groups of two this term. You will use one of the two cauldrons in your group for the Polyjuice Potion. You will use the other one for the other potions that we will be brewing this term. The Polyjuice Potion takes almost a month to brew, so we will be preparing the ingredients today and setting the lacewings to stew." He turned and began writing the ingredients on the board. Harry and Hermione grinned at each other and began unpacking the ingredients they needed. Two hours later the bell rang to end class. Harry and Hermione were packing up their things when Snape called out, "I want three rolls of parchment on the magically induced effects of boomslang skin on potions. Due Friday. Dismissed."

Harry and Hermione quickly left class, and headed up to Gryffindor Tower. The two of them walked in to the tower to find Ginny sitting at a table in the corner with her charms book out. Harry leaned over her and asked, "What are you doing?"

"My homework."

"I can see that. What is the assignment on?" asked Harry impatiently.

"Charms."

"Are you trying to be a pain?"

She nodded enthusiastically, "Yes."

Harry laughed, "You're very good at it."

She smacked his arm playfully, "Hey, that's not fair."

Harry held up his hands in mock surrender, "I only speak the truth as I see it."

Hermione laughed at Ginny and Harry. While she was laughing at them Neville and Ron came in through the portrait hole. "What's so funny?" they asked simultaneously.

Hermione nodded at Harry and Ginny, "Those two arguing about Ginny's homework."

Ron raised his eyebrows, "What's funny about that?"

Hermione waved him off, "You had to be here. It's time to start our homework, though."

Ron grinned hugely, "I don't have any."

Harry looked at him, "Like that's something to brag about. You've only had one class. How about you, Neville?"

He replied, "I've got a short translation for Ancient Runes. How much work did Snape give you?"

Harry moaned, "Three rolls of parchment on boomslang skin. I have to lay down for a few minutes before I even think about starting that." Harry laid down on the floor beside the table and happened to turn his head towards Ginny and saw a very familiar pair of mismatched socks on her feet. One of them was red with a pattern of broomsticks, while the other was green with a pattern of Snitches. "Ginny."

"Yes, Harry."

"Why are you wearing my socks?" asked Harry.

Ginny blushed, "I found them in your trunk and I thought they were cute."

"When?"

"Over the summer."

"Why were you going through my trunk?" persisted Harry.

"Well," stammered Ginny. "I was looking for some of your socks."

"Why?"

"Ummm.."

Ron cut her off, "Don't worry about it, mate. She steals everyone's socks. She has some of mine, Bill's, Charlie's, Percy's, Fred's, and George's. I don't think that I have ever seen her wear a pair of her own socks."

Harry snorted with suppressed laughter, "Well, Ginny, if you want my socks that bad, you just have to ask. However, I do want that pair back at some point. They were a Christmas present from Dobby two years ago. He'd be highly upset if he knew that I had given them away. So, I'm afraid you're going to have to choose a different pair of my socks to take unless you want a very excitable house elf calling you My Wheazy."

Hermione looked at Harry, "Your what?"

Harry laughed, "My Wheazy. That's what he called Ron during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. Dobby was the one that told me what they had taken."

Ron looked disgusted, "He called me your Wheazy?"

Harry really began to laugh at the expression on Ron's face, "Yes, he did. Several times actually." The others joined Harry in his laughter. Harry finally got up off the floor and pulled out his potions homework and set to work. All of the others but Ron did the same.

Ron stood up and said, "I'm going to go for a walk." Everyone waved and set back to work. He headed out the portrait hole. The others continued with their homework, occasionally making comments. Ginny and Neville finished first and went upstairs to the dormitories. Harry and Hermione continued working diligently. They had just finished when Ron came back in. "Hey, guys, you know its about time for dinner."

Harry stood and stretched, "Yes, Ron, we're done. I'm going to go chunk my stuff in the dorm room. I'll be back in a sec." He rushed upstairs to get rid of his books, and then hurried back down the stairs. Ron and Neville were standing waiting for him. He looked around, "Where are the girls?"

Ron shrugged, "Hermione went upstairs and said she'd be back in a bit. She told us not to wait. She said her and Ginny would meet us in the Great Hall."

Harry nodded, "Alright, then. Let's head to dinner." After that the three boys left the tower to make their way down to the Great Hall.

Hermione had walked upstairs to her dorm room, and heard a hiss from the fifth year girls dorm. "Hermione." She turned and looked to see Ginny motioning for her to come.

"What is it, Ginny?" asked Hermione in amusement.

"Am I crazy, Hermione?" Ginny moaned.

"What are you talking about?" asked Hermione in bewilderment.

Ginny squirmed, "Am I imagining things or has Harry been flirting with me?"

Hermione smiled, "Well, Ginny, I'm no expert, but I would have to say that he has been. He did tell you that you were beautiful."

Ginny flushed, "Oh, I'm sure he just said all that in the hospital wing to get me to stop yelling at him."

Hermione shook her head, "No, he said that was just a bonus."

"What was just a bonus?"

Hermione laughed, "He said after you ran out, that he meant every word of what he said. Then, he said the fact that you stopped yelling at him was just a bonus side effect of the compliment. He asked you to go to the Ball. He said you were the right girl. It all sounds like flirting with me."

Ginny sighed, "Then, why hasn't he asked me to be his girlfriend or something?"

Hermione shrugged, "I ask myself the same question about Ron."

"At least he's kissed you." Ginny complained.

Hermione looked surprised, "You mean that the two of you haven't kissed yet?"

Ginny shook her head. "He hasn't even tried to kiss me."

"Don't take it the wrong way. The only girl that Harry has really liked before you was Cho, and that was somewhat of a disaster. I think he's just trying to take it slow. Be patient. He'll come around."

"I'm tired of being patient. I've been waiting for Harry to notice me for five years now. Its getting tiring." complained Ginny some more.

Hermione shrugged, "Well, you know what to do about that."

Ginny shook her head, "What?"

"Make the first move."

Ginny looked almost scared, "I couldn't. I can barely speak in front of him. There's no way I could actually make a move on him."

"Then, just wait on him then. Let's go down to eat." The two girls followed the same route that the boys had taken just minutes before on their way to the Great Hall.

Dinner passed by in a blur as Harry began to wonder more and more about what Dumbledore wished to speak with him about. After they had finished eating the five teenagers left the Great Hall. Harry stopped in the corridor and said, "I'll catch up with all of you in the common room. I'm going to go ahead and go to Dumbledore's office. Its almost eight o'clock. See ya later."

They waved as Harry took off in the opposite direction. They then finished making their way through the castle to Gryffindor tower. Harry came to a halt in front of the gargoyle that marked the entrance to Dumbledore's office. "Acid Pops." The gargoyle sprang to one side and Harry made his way up the revolving staircase to the door of Dumbledore's office. He knocked on the door.

"Come in, Harry." rang out the voice of the Headmaster. Harry walked into the office and looked around. The office was basically the same as it had always been. Knickknacks galore abounded through the room. Fawkes was on his customary perch. Harry took the seat that Dumbledore pointed to. "I presume you are wondering why I have asked you here this evening, Harry."

"Yes, sir." Professor McGonagall bustled in just then.

"Ah, Minerva, you are just in time." said Dumbledore. "I was just about to explain to young Mr. Potter, why I have called him here this evening." McGonagall nodded and sat down. Dumbledore turned back to Harry. "Harry, I wish to ask you about the D.A."

"What about it, sir?" inquired Harry.

"Would you like to continue the club?" continued Dumbledore.

Harry shrugged, "It was a lot of fun doing the D.A. meetings, but I don't really see that we need it anymore, now that we have a decent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I'm sure Professor Tonks is going to be able to handle it."

Albus smiled, "Yes, I'm sure she can. However, I was thinking of transforming the D.A. into a Dueling Club under your leadership, Harry."

"If you think that I can handle it, sir, I would love to do it." answered Harry.

"Excellent. Now speaking of transforming, Minerva has given me to understand that you have demonstrated an innate ability at human transfiguration."

Harry shrugged, "I suppose."

"She believes, as I do, that you would benefit from Animagus training. Unfortunately, if you were to take up this training, it would mean certain sacrifices on your part." said Dumbledore.

Harry's face fell, "You want me to give up Quidditch."

McGonagall interrupted, "Not entirely, Mr. Potter. It had been my intent to offer you the captaincy of the team this evening. In light of your natural ability, I believe that your time would be better spent on Animagus training than captain's duties. You would still be able to remain on the team, though."

Harry smiled, "How long would it take to complete the training?"

McGonagall answered, "If you pressed hard, I believe that you could achieve the full transformation by the end of May."

Harry shook his head, "I would like to be Quidditch captain, Professor. I don't think that I need to worry about Animagus training. It isn't that difficult to accomplish."

McGonagall replied sternly, "I am somewhat disappointed in you, Mr. Potter. I expected better. I assure you that the transformation is most difficult."

"I beg to differ, Professor. I worked it out in a single afternoon." responded Harry.

Dumbledore started, "What was that, Harry?"

"I said that I worked out how to do the transformation in a single afternoon." repeated Harry.

McGonagall shook her head, "Are you saying that you are already an Animagus?"

Harry nodded as Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle. She continued, "I find that difficult to believe, Mr. Potter."

Harry stood up and transformed into a black panther. McGonagall leaped back in shock, but Dumbledore merely chuckled appreciatively. Harry reverted to human form as Fawkes trilled *Impressive, young one.*

Harry turned and smiled, "Why thank you, Fawkes."

Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged glances, but didn't say anything. Dumbledore spoke up, "Harry, how long have you been able to do this?"

"About three or four weeks." responded Harry.

"Why haven't you already told us about it?" inquired Dumbledore.

Harry looked sheepish, "Sorry, Professor, but you always seem to know everything that is going on in the castle. I couldn't resist finally getting a chance to surprise you. I don't know many people that can say they have done so."

Fawkes trilled again *Even I don't know many people that have done so*

Harry laughed, "That's good, Fawkes."

*You understand me, young one*

Harry nodded, "Of course I do."

McGonagall interrupted, "Harry, are you speaking to Fawkes?"

"Yes, Professor."

"Harry, that is impossible. No witch or wizard has ever had the ability to understand phoenix song." protested McGonagall.

Harry smiled, "Then, I am proud to say that I am the first."

Dumbledore shook his head, "You don't understand, Harry. Its not an ability that has ever been recorded in wizarding history."

Harry ran his hand through his hair, "There's a reason for that. I've looked through the Animagus lists in the library. Only one person has ever had an Animagus form that was a magical creature."

McGonagall interrupted, "Godric Gryffindor could transform into a Griffin. This is known to us, Potter."

"I realize that, Professor. One of the byproducts of transforming into a magical creature is that you learn their language. My animagus form is a phoenix." stated Harry.

McGonagall protested yet again, "Harry, you have already shown us that your animagus form is a panther. How can it be a phoenix?"

Harry smiled, "I have shown you one of my Animagus forms." Harry paused to let the enormity of that statement sink in.

McGonagall paled, and the twinkle disappeared from Dumbledore's eyes as his mouth fell open in shock. McGonagall finally found her voice and muttered. "Impossible."

Harry smiled again, "I assure you, Professor, that it is not." Harry then proceeded to transform into a magnificent golden phoenix. He trilled at Fawkes, and then Fawkes trilled back. Harry then reverted to human state.

Dumbledore leaned forward and swallowed carefully, "Harry, you do realize that what you just did has never been done before?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, Professor Dumbledore, I do realize that. I'm not the Child of the Prophecy for nothing."

McGonagall asked, "Do you have any more forms?"

Harry shook his head, "Not yet. I'm working on it though. It gets harder with each transformation that I add."

Her eyes widened, "You mean that you think that you can add another form."

Harry nodded, "Give me another two or three weeks, and I should have it."

Dumbledore smiled weakly, "Minerva, I believe this answers the question about Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain."

She nodded, "Yes, I believe it does."

Dumbledore turned back to Harry, "Harry, what nights would you like to run the dueling club?"

Harry pondered for a moment, "I think that twice a week should be plenty. How about Mondays and Thursdays. We could meet at 5:30 in the dueling chamber. That would give us plenty of time before dinner. We can put notices up in the common rooms, and start this Thursday."

Dumbledore nodded, "I will see that the notices are drafted and posted. Unless you have something else with which to shock myself and Professor McGonagall with, you may return to your common room."

Harry shook his head, "I'm sure there are other things that I could tell you, but I believe that you have bitten off as much as you need for the day. I'll see you both at breakfast in the morning. Night."

Harry made his way back to Gryffindor tower, deep in thought. He had just had a lot of new responsibility thrust upon him. Although, if he was honest with himself, he rather liked the idea of being in charge of the dueling club. He climbed through the portrait hole to find the others waiting for him.

Hermione and Ron jumped up, "Well, what did he want?" they chorused.

Harry shrugged, "I'm not really ready to talk about it right now. I promise I will tell you about it tomorrow."

Ginny looked concerned, "Harry, are you okay?"

Harry smiled at her and winked, "Yeah, I'm alright. I just have a lot to think about. I'm going to go to bed."

Ginny asked, "Is it bad?"

Harry shook his head, "No, its good, but just a slight bit overwhelming. Good night." Harry walked up the stairs to the boys dormitory.

The other four exchanged glances, and then sat back down to chat for a while longer before bed.

Later that night Harry awoke to the sounds of the other four boys sleeping. He got up quietly and pulled on his dressing gown and walked down to the common room. He sat down in front of the fire and began to muse out loud, "I have to teach a dueling club. I need to know some things that would help me. I guess its time to see what I can find in Tom's head." He settled and relaxed his own consciousness to tap into Voldemort's brain. As he searched through looking for information, he came across something interesting. Voldemort was apparently an excellent swordsman. Harry figured that this would be something interesting for the dueling club at some point, so he began to process the different forms and exercises that went along with sword fighting.

While Harry was occupied downstairs, Ginny lay in bed restless. She had been completely unable to sleep. All the events of the last two days kept replaying in her mind. Yesterday, filled with worry that Harry had been hurt. The enormous relief she felt when she discovered that he was alright. The amazement and embarrassment, not to mention pure joy that overwhelmed her when she had actually heard Harry speak the words proclaiming that she was beautiful. Her utter disbelief when Harry had asked her to go to the ball this morning. She spent the entire day expecting to wake up and discover it was a dream. Now, she was loathe to go to sleep for fear that when she woke up in the morning that it would have been just that. She sighed, "I need to go for a walk. Maybe that will help me sleep." So, she got up and slid into her dressing gown, and headed down to the common room. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Harry floating again. "Harry," she said gently.

Before she could have even blinked, Harry had leaped forward and then tucked himself into a roll that brought him up right in front of her with his wand held at her throat. He stopped as Ginny's face came into focus. He quickly put away his wand, and then reached out to draw Ginny into a hug. "I'm so sorry, Ginny. You startled me."

Ginny pulled back from his arms and looked him in the face, "Why are you so jumpy, Harry?"

Harry grinned sheepishly, "I'm usually not that bad, but when I'm rifling through Voldemort's brain, I tend to be on edge."

Ginny nodded, "I guess that's understandable. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course. I'm just not promising that I'll answer it."

"What would have happened just now if I had been a threat."

Harry shifted nervously and removed his arms from around Ginny completely, "I would have been hurling hexes before I had even completed getting up from the roll."

Ginny walked over and sat down on the couch heavily, "Oh."

Harry sat down beside her, "Don't worry, Ginny. I've got really good reflexes. I might scare you now and again when you startle me from meditating, but I would never hurt you. You know that."

Ginny turned and smiled, "I do. Why were you down here? Couldn't sleep?"

Harry shrugged, "Basically, I had a lot on my mind from what Dumbledore told me earlier. I just wanted to sit and think about it. I decided as long as I was awake, I might as well pilfer Tom's mind for anything useful to help me."

Ginny stood up, "Oh, well, if you want to be alone, I will go back to bed."

Harry reached out quickly and snatched Ginny's hand, "Don't go."

Ginny turned back around and said, "Okay, if you want me to stay, I will." She sat back down on the couch beside Harry. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Harry smiled, "If you don't mind. Do you remember, back in your first year, the dueling club that Lockhart started?"

Ginny nodded, "Of course."

"Dumbledore wants to start it up again to replace the D.A." continued Harry.

Ginny nodded enthusiastically, "That would be great as long as someone good is teaching it. Is Tonks going to be running it?" Harry shook his head. Ginny moaned, "Tell me its not Snape!"

Harry grinned, "No, its not Snape."

"Then who is it?" squealed Ginny.

"You're sitting next to him on the couch." Harry commented dryly.

Ginny looked confused for a moment, then comprehension dawned on her face. "That's amazing, Harry. You'll be the best teacher ever."

Harry snorted, "Don't you think that you are just a little bit biased considering you're my date to the ball?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, I'm biased because I'm in love with you." Ginny froze as she realized what had just come out of her mouth. She attempted to run from the room, but Harry was too fast for her. He caught her by the waist and pulled her back down onto the couch. He pinned her arms down so that she couldn't get away.

"That's enough, Ginny. I'm tired of you running away from me all the time. Everyone in this school basically knows that you have feelings for me. Its nothing for you to be embarrassed about. Instead of running for a change, why don't you actually try talking about it with me?" Harry said. Then, he let go of her and waited to see if she would try to run again. She didn't.

"Harry, its hard to try to talk about something like this to someone who doesn't feel the same way.." she broke off as Harry grabbed her and pulled her into his lap. He ran one of his hands back along her cheek and then into her hair. He smiled and then leaned in towards Ginny and planted a kiss right on her mouth. She almost jumped up in surprise, but then wrapped her arms around Harry's shoulder and kissed him right back.

A moment later the two of them broke apart. Harry looked into Ginny's chocolate brown eyes and smiled, "Ginny, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" Ginny asked confused.

Harry leaned in towards her again and whispered, "For not doing this a long time ago." Then, he kissed her again.

A/N: Vampire Story Hunter: Don't worry. I'm actually a few chapters ahead of this, so I should keep posting regularly. You'll keep getting the story.

Potter Reader and Jaquelyne: Thanks for your reviews. I hope that you continue to enjoy the story.

Dragonstorm316: If you like the flirting between Harry and Ginny, you should have really enjoyed this one. Thanks for the review.