Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. All rights are owned by either J. K. Rowling or various others. I am in no way trying to claim them as my own.
A/N Sorry this has taken so long. I had written most of this chapter a while ago; but somehow it was lost. I'm not too sad about it actually; because I wasn't very fond of it anyway. I would also like to give a great big thank you to yosis (very funny btw) for being my first reviewer. I urge everyone to review. I take my reviews very seriously. Sometimes a review could influence the story in some way. Ok well enough of that. I hope you enjoy. Please feel free to read my other stories as well.
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DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Chapter 4
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Several weeks had passed. Harry almost felt like a normal student. He spent time with his friends. He practiced for Quidditch and was happier than he had been for a long time. This weekend there was a scheduled Hogsmeade visit. Everyone was looking forward to it. The weekend also was to be the first meeting of the Junior Order. They were told to meet with George and Fred Weasley to impart any information they had gathered. They were also going to receive their new individual assignments.
Harry Ron and Hermione had left shortly after breakfast to go to Hogsmeade. Ginny and Althea declined to join them and said they would meet up with the Golden Trio at the prearranged time. The three had just entered Hogsmeade when they had run into Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. It seems that they had become a couple in the short time they had been back to school. Since last year's debacle at the Ministry of Magic, people had been surprised at the change in both of them. Neville was more self assured. He had taken up advanced potions and was doing remarkably well. He hadn't blown up any cauldrons and didn't flinch every time Snape looked at him. Luna had stopped losing stuff after she stood up to the 5th years at the beginning of the term. She had told them in no certain terms that if her stuff came up missing one more time, she would hex them all. She even put a charm on her stuff that made the object glow purple when she wasn't in possession of it. Harry was impressed with them both.
The group of five made their way towards Honeydukes. Ron needed to stock up on his Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. It soon became apparent to Harry that he was the proverbial fifth wheel. He made his excuses to the two couples and told Ron and Hermione that he would meet them at the Three Broomsticks at their prearranged time. Harry made his way thru town not really paying attention to where he was going. He saw the 3rd years and had a good laugh at their antics. He remembered his first time in Hogsmeade. He may have gone without permission and hiding under his invisibility cloak; but that didn't make it any less fun. He narrowly avoided being run over by them and then noticed that he was standing outside Madame Puddifoots. He groaned remembering the one time he had been in there. He went with Cho Chang on Valentines Day in his fifth year. What a mistake that had been. She wanted to talk about Cedric; but Harry wasn't comfortable talking about that. Then she became jealous when Harry had told her that he was going to meet with Hermione. He had told her she could come along; but she accused him of wanting to be with Hermione and not her. He started to walk away; but stopped when he saw the unmistakable flash of Weasley red hair. He looked closer and saw that it was Ginny. He went in to say hi and was surprised to see she wasn't alone. He was about to confront Ginny about her little guest; but he ran into someone on his way towards her.
"Oh hello, Harry," said Althea. "What brings you in here?"
"I was going to say hi to Ginny; but changed my mind when I saw who she is keeping company with. Did you know about this? Did you know that Ginny was seeing Draco Malfoy?"
When he saw Althea redden he had his answer.
"How could you do this? What would Ron say? I can't believe you kept this from us. No wonder she hasn't had much to contribute in the way of the Order. She was probably too busy snogging him to actually talk."
"That's enough Harry Potter," Althea cut him off.
She was barely whispering now; but Harry could tell she was seething with anger.
"Who do you think you are? Ginny is a big girl Harry, she knows what she is doing. She doesn't answer to her big brother or you for that matter. She is her own person who makes her own decisions. What's the big deal? Unless…..of course that's it. You're jealous. You want Ginny for yourself. That's it isn't it?"
Harry was dumbfounded. 'She couldn't really think that could she?' he thought. 'Didn't she know…..?'
"No Althea I don't want Gin…"
Althea didn't let him finish. "Of course you don't. She just a little sister to you, right?" she said sarcastically.
"Look Althea," he said. "I don't like Ginny. There is someone else that I like."
"Who?" she asked.
"I don't want to say."
"Who?"
"Damn it Althea, I like..." Harry was about to lie. He had the perfect name right on the tip of his tongue. Then his mouth betrayed him, "you."
Harry let out a quiet moan. Why couldn't he lie? It just wasn't possible when he faced her.
Althea had the grace to look embarrassed. She didn't even stop Harry as he made his way out of the shop and towards the Three Broomsticks. He noted the time and went to the Shrieking Shack first. He sat down out front of it and just remembered. This place always reminded him of Sirius. He smiled as he thought of his Godfather.
'Sirius would have got a laugh about this situation,' he thought. 'I bet the man thought Althea and I would become like brother and sister. Little did he know.'
* * * * * *
Harry didn't know how long he had been sitting there; until he saw Althea walking towards him. He looked at his watch and realized that he was late for their meeting. He stood up and met her half way.
"What is this place?" she asked.
Harry could see by the way she was looking at the place that she didn't know why anyone would want to spend anytime there. The windows were all boarded up and there was a dark overgrown garden in front. Rumor had it that not even the Hogwarts ghosts would go near the place.
"This is the Shrieking Shack." He told her.
"Oh I know of this place. My father told me all about it. Can we get in?"
"Not from this way and even if we could we don't have the time."
Althea had forgotten that she was sent to fetch Harry so they could begin the meeting. She nodded reluctant to admit he was right and followed him back to the Three Broomsticks. While they were walking Althea took Harry's hand into her own.
"Harry," she said. "I want you to know that I didn't realize how you felt about me. I am not sure how I feel about you; but I would like to find out. Would you be willing to try?"
Harry didn't answer in words. Instead he squeezed her hand tightly and smiled down at her.
They soon arrived in front of the Three Broomsticks. Harry wasn't looking forward to seeing Ginny. He wasn't sure if he could keep what he knew a secret. He didn't really want to be the one to tell Ron anyway. He always remembered the old saying 'Don't shoot the messenger.' Obviously the saying was around for a reason. He looked at Althea and saw the question in her eyes. She wanted to know if he was going to say something or not. He told her he wasn't; but didn't add that the whole school would know by nightfall anyway. She was seen in public by at least 20 students; and he knew for a fact that Lavender had been in Madame Puddifoots too.
They walked into the pub hand in hand. Harry noticed that Ginny was doing her best not to look at him. He told himself he would talk to her later. George and Fred were already there and so were Ron and Hermione. They immediately had gotten down to business. Fred and George had needed to get back to their shop in Diagon Alley. Harry was the first to report.
"I really couldn't get much information. People don't want to talk to me that much especially the Slytherins. What I can tell you though is that I have seen some strange relationships popping up. The most notable is Blaise Zambini and Hannah Abbot. I don't know what to think."
Althea went next. "Because of my closeness with Draco, I am included in a lot more than most of you. The problem is though; Draco is not included in much anymore. Sure he still hangs out with Crabbe and Goyle; but it seems as if they are keeping an eye on him. Does any of this make sense?"
Ginny nodded. "I am on patrol with Draco every other night." She glared at Harry when he snorted; but continued. "If he knows anything he is not opening up to me. He doesn't seem to hang around with many Slytherins anymore; and Althea is right, the ones he does associate with seem to be watching him, like they are waiting for him to do something."
"Well I have something relevant to offer to this meeting," Ron said. "I am on patrol with a 6th yr. Ravenclaw, Marissa Joyce. She told me that she was surprised at the attitude of the Slytherins this year. She said they are more outgoing and are actually polite. I think that the Slytherins might be trying to recruit other students."
"I agree with Ron," interrupted Hermione. "I patrol with a Hufflepuff named Marc Fulshin. He was a little hesitant to patrol with me. He was told by the Slytherins that I was not a nice person and would do whatever it took to keep Harry safe. He said that they implied that I would sleep with anyone to advance myself in this school too. I am telling you, the Slytherins are trying to turn the school against us Gryffindors."
Everyone nodded and then looked to Fred and George.
"Ok this is good information," said George. "Now my next request is going to sound silly but I want you to ask no questions and just do as you are told."
He explained to them that he wanted them to go to the shrieking shack and there will be a port key waiting for them. They were to use it and would meet back with the twins at their shop. They were full of questions; but were to slow to ask them. The twins had apparated before another word was spoken.
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The group settled the bill with Madame Rosmerta. They moved to the Shrieking Shack and found the port key sitting exactly where they were told it would be. Hermione picked up the portkey which looked like a teapot and waited for everyone to place their hands on it. She then said the trigger word, "Wheezes," and everyone was transported to Diagon Alley.
They fell as group to the floor when they arrived and Ginny scowled at the boys when they began laughing.
Harry spoke up first. "Ok guys what is the meaning of this?"
George explained that Dumbledore asked for them all to meet here; because he was going to introduce them to the newest members of the Junior Order.
The group speculated for a few minutes on who the new members would be. They didn't need to wait long though. Dumbledore walked through the doors with 3 new members. The first two were not a surprise but the third person had everyone in the room shocked.
"Hello children," Dumbledore said with that same old twinkle in his eye. "I would like to introduce the three new members of the Junior Order. First we have Luna Lovegood." Dumbledore pushed her to the front of the group. She smiled and took her place next to everyone. "Next I would like to introduce, Neville Longbottom." Neville reddened a little and also moved to stand next to the group.
Before Dumbledore could introduce the last new member, pandemonium broke out. Ron and Harry were holding their wands and Hermione and Althea were trying to keep Ginny from rushing forward. "Boys, Boys," said Dumbledore. "Put your wands away. There will be no fighting amongst Order Members."
Harry didn't put his wand away; but instead kept advancing. He was very upset at Dumbledore and made his feelings known.
"No way, Professor. I will not work with a Malfoy. I will not work with this worthless piece of devils spawn. We all know that anything he learns will be taken right back to Voldermort via his father."
Harry was still advancing on Draco when he heard someone shout Expelliarmus. He felt his wand leave his hand and felt himself flying backward. When looked to see who had cast the spell against him, he saw Ginny holding his wand. Everyone was looking at her with a mixture of awe and confusion on their faces. After all this little girl just took down Harry Potter. Harry started towards Ginny with murder in his eyes. He was only able to move a few steps when Draco stood in front of him, his wand pointed at Harry's chest.
"I wouldn't do that Potter," Draco said. "If you even think about hurting her, I will kill you." The look in Malfoys steely grey eyes confirmed that fact.
Draco then moved to stand beside Ginny pulling her into a hug.
"What in the hell…?" This came from Ron; but the rest of the Weasley siblings were echoing his sentiments. Ron moved towards Draco to tear him away from his little sister, when Althea grabbed his arm, holding him back.
Ron glared at Althea, clearly blaming her for this predicament. "You," he said. "This is all your fault. If you hadn't been friends with this low-life…." Ron stopped when he heard someone clearing their throat.
Every one looked to Professor Dumbledore. "I realize that you all have issues concerning one another; but this is not the time to deal with them," he said. It seemed that there would be no arguing with the good professor today. "These three have already been inducted by me. For obvious reasons we could not have Mr. Malfoy join you all in Hogsmeade. However there will be times when you all must meet in school. I suggest that you use the Room of Requirement. Both Mr. Malfoy and Potter are in possession of Invisibility cloaks. Use those as well. That will be all for now. I suggest you all acquaint yourselves and then return to school."
Dumbledore disappeared in a cloud of blue smoke. "Show off," Fred mumbled.
* * * * * *
Ron eyed Draco warily as he stood close to Ginny. Harry came over and stood next to him. "Look at that Harry," said Ron. "My own sister. How could she even think of associating with that scum?"
Harry nodded. "I agree with you Ron; but what can we do about it? Ginny is your sister, and he is now under Dumbledore's protection. There nothing to do."
"Damn it," cried Ron. "This just isn't right. Doesn't Dumbledore realize that we are fighting a war? He just invited the enemy into our camp. Why not just wave the white flag right now. Let's just rustle up all the muggle born and present them to Vol… Vol…"
"For heavens sake Ron, just say the name. There is nothing to be scared of. Saying his name does not give him power over you, instead it gives you power over him," interrupted Hermione.
"Voldemort," whispered Ron. He then turned to Hermione and said, "Happy now?"
"Yes," she said. "Oh, and would you quit being sarcastic. I don't like him much either; but Dumbledore obviously trusts him. I might add your sister does too. She has a good head on her shoulders. It will be fine."
Ron continued to glare at Draco, despite Hermione's words. He definitely was not happy with this situation and was not going to pretend he was.
George cleared his throat once again bringing attention to himself.
"I would like to hand out your assignments if I may?" George wasn't too happy either; but there wasn't much he could do about it. He no longer attended Hogwarts and was very much immersed in making sure his shop was a complete success. He was sure that he could trust his little brother to deal with this problem. The look he gave Ron conveyed as much. He could see him visibly swallow hard as he understood the repercussions should he fail in that assignment.
"Ok," George said. Clearing his throat once again he began, "Ginny your job will be to…"
* * * * * *
After the assignments were passed out the group not including Malfoy, took the two-way portkey back to the shrieking shack. No one said much of anything while they made their way back to the castle.
Harry was speechless. He wondered what Dumbledore was thinking. He knew the Malfoys. There was no way one of them could turn Voldemort. He was going to have to keep a close eye on Draco.
It seemed as if everyone's mind was on Draco. Ron was wondering what the penalty for killing someone with your bare hands was. Hermione was analyzing the situation and trying to figure out how to use this information to their advantage. Ginny was hoping she would be able to see him soon, and Althea was working on a plan to keep her friend safe.
The only two who didn't have the little ferret on their minds were Neville and Luna. They were too interested in each other. Harry noticed this and shook his head. He really hadn't been surprised that they had been inducted into the Order. They would actually be a great addition. Who would suspect these two of being spies? A lot of people saw them as the Klutz and Loon. Perfect covers if you ask Harry.
Back at the castle, Harry and Ron turned to confront Ginny. She, however, had conveniently slipped away. They looked to each other and could read the unspoken agreement in the others eyes. Ginny would be confronted later, and there was no way she was getting out of this one.
Neville and Luna made their way to the library. Their main assignment was to research various curses and counter curses that might be able to help during the final conflict.
Hermione looked longingly at the two. Research was her forte. She had wondered why Dumbledore assigned it to them and not her. Instead she was assigned to help Professor Snape create a potion that would weaken the Dark Lord sufficiently enough for Harry to be able to take him down.
Ron and Harry were to use the Marauders map every night to see if anyone suspicious was trying to sneak into or out of Hogwarts. They also were commissioned as the leaders of the DA. They needed to step up the efforts of the students. They would be needed in the end. There just weren't enough people fighting on the side of good to keep Hogwarts population out of the foray.
Malfoys job was to recruit Slytherins. He had a pretty vast knowledge on his housemates and would be able to discern who could and would fight on the side of the light. Harry supposed that if Malfoy was truly turning over a new leaf, that he just put himself in a precarious position. Basically it was like he was playing Russian roulette without the gun. If he approached the wrong person it could very well mean his life.
Ginny's job was the easiest. She was well liked around the school and was able to mix in with other houses well. She was going to find new members for the DA and collect any information she could. There were sure to be a few people who would unknowingly give up valuable information.
Their next meeting was scheduled in a week and a half and was going to be held in the Room of Requirement. In the meantime, they would all be hard at work, not only in their studies; but in their various assignments as well.
Harry wasn't sure how he was going to be able to play Quidditch this year; but he sure was going to try. He wasn't going to let Malfoy beat him out of anything this year.
He also was going to be very busy trying to convince Althea that they should be together.