The Problems of Percy

 

 

    Harry could tell, the moment he woke up, that it was not going to be a good day. He had fallen asleep three hours previously after he had heard Sirius's voice, only to be woken up by Seamus Finnigan shaking him furiously. 'Oi! Classes start in half an hour!'

 

    Harry groaned, but got up anyway. Seamus handed him a slip of paper. 'What's this?' he asked.

 

    'Sixth year timetable,' said Seamus. Harry inspected it.

 

    'Oh, no,' he groaned. 'Defense Against the Dark Arts is first period,'

 

    'What's wrong with that?' Seamus asked. 'That's your best subject, mate,'

 

    'Remember Professor Umbridge?' Harry reminded darkly. 'This is her boss. Chances are, Fudge will make us read another book about how to stand as still as possible while someone's about to hex you with a Killing Curse, just like Umbridge did,'

 

    'Yes, but things are different now,' said Seamus. 'Everyone knows that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back,'

 

    Harry remembered painfully how Seamus had accused him of being a lunatic, a year ago, and didn't comment, instead grabbing his clothes and his robes. He dashed into the showers and sighed as the warm water splayed over his naked body. After soaping and rinsing, he dried off and pulled on his uniform and robes and ran down to the Great Hall.  Ron and Hermione were just getting up when Harry sped into the Hall. 'There you are!' Hermione exclaimed. 'Did Seamus give you your timetable?'

 

    'Yes,' panted Harry, clutching a stitch at his side. 'Defense—first—period,'

 

    'Followed by Double Potions,' said Ron. 'Oh, and McGonagall passed the sixth-years these notes…' he fumbled as he pulled out a somewhat wrinkled piece of paper out of his pocket. 'Here,' he pushed it into Harry's hand.

 

    'All sixth-years are to be reminded to attend every class on their schedule for the first week. At the end of classes on Friday, students are to find their Head of House to tell them which classes they intend to take, and which classes they intend to drop,' Harry read. 'Perfect, now I can drop Care of Magical Creatures without seeming biased,'

 

    'Do you think that it would be a good idea?' Hermione asked, as they headed to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. 'I mean, you plan on being an Auror, don't you? Suppose that you have to investigate some creature, and you don't have the proper training?'

 

    'Nah,' Ron shook his head. 'The Ministry of Magic has the Department of Regulation of Magical Creatures to take care of that. And if worse come to worse, they'll call the Department of Mysteries in on it too,'

 

    'Don't talk about the Department of Mysteries,' Harry ordered.

 

    'Sorry,' Ron apologized. They went in, and saw Fudge, in his lime-green suit, and matching bowler hat, sitting at the teacher's table. The Gryffindors ambled in, and Fudge smiled at them.

 

    'Ah, yes. The Hufflepuffs—'

 

    'Actually, sir, we're Gryffindors,' said Lavender Brown.

 

    Fudge caught sight of Harry, and hastened to correct his mistake. 'Oh, yes, of course, my mistake. The Gryffindors. I've heard so many…lovely stories about you. Ms. Umbridge told me about how two of you turned a corridor in the school into a swamp,'

 

    'Actually,' interrupted Ron, 'those were my brothers, Fred and George. They graduated last year.' At his words, the Gryffindors grinned. Fred and George had never actually bothered to hang around Hogwarts long enough to graduate, having escaped on their brooms during their final term. The Gryffindors took their seats, and Fudge went to the board.

 

    'Today,' he announced, 'we shall study Hinkypunks—'

 

    'Please, sir,' Hermione's hand shot into the air, 'we've already covered Hinkypunks in our third year with Professor Lupin,'

 

    'Of course you have,' Fudge said with an insincere smile. 'I meant to say that we would be covering the … er Flame Hex—'

 

    Hermione's hand, which had gone almost completely down, shot straight back up into the air again. 'We've already covered that in our fourth year with Professor Moody,' she informed.

 

    'What about…' Fudge consulted his handbook, 'werewolves?'

 

    'Done,' the class chorused.

 

    'Fine!' Fudge snapped. 'Would anyone care to tell me what exactly this class has covered,'

 

    'Nothing much in our first year,' Hermione said at once. 'And we studied a lot during our second, but we only did a practical course of Cornish pixies. In our third year, we covered Hinkypunks, Kappas, vampires, Boggarts, Grindylows, and werewolves, among others. In our fourth year, we were taught the Flame Hex, and most importantly, the Unforgivable Curses,'

 

    Fudge appeared stunned.

 

    'I see,' he cleared his throat. 'Well…' he shifted through his book, 'what about the Kronirus Demon? No, no, that's too hard. And The Onirus is out … ah, here's a good one: The Centaurs!'

 

    Dead silence greeted this. 'How are Centaurs Dark Creatures?' asked  Dean Thomas. The students personally knew a centaur by the name of Firenze. Firenze had been kicked out of his herd last year when he agreed to take up the post of Divination after Professor Trelawney had been sacked by Professor Umbridge. He currently resided in the castle.

 

    'Don't be fooled, Mr … er …'

 

    'Thomas,' said Dean coldly.

 

    'Mr. Thomas. Centaurs can be very dangerous creatures. They consider themselves above the law, and have been a constant menace to society. They believe that they can see the future or some codswallop—'

 

    'Only because they can!' Parvati Patil interrupted angrily. 'We have a centaur as a Divination teacher!'

 

    Fudge looked taken aback, but composed himself quite quickly. 'Oho! And how long has this been going on?'

 

    'He joined the staff last year,' said Neville Longbottom.

 

    'The nerve of Dumbledore! Hiring a centaur without consulting the Ministry. They are dangerous half-breeds, and he should have notified the Department of the Regulation of Magical Creatures, at the very least,' Fudge raged.

 

    And so the rest of the class continued in this fashion. Fudge seized every opportunity he had to drag Dumbledore's name into the dirt, although Harry couldn't understand why. Dumbledore had already shown Fudge proof that Voldemort was back, and had proven that he had no desire to become the next Minister for Magic. 'He's the worst one we've had yet!' roared Ron when they walked out of class. Everyone was complaining indignantly about Fudge.

 

    'What's our next class?' asked Harry.

 

    Ron checked his schedule and groaned. 'Double Potions,' he said.

 

    They headed for the dungeons, and lined up. The Slytherins joined them shortly afterward, and they were laughing unpleasantly about something. Harry heard them mention Flitwick, the Charms teacher, and wondered what had happened in class that was so humorous. 'Settle down, settle down,' came the cold voice of Professor Snape, as he came up to them. He opened the door to the Potions classroom, and they went in. 'Well, well, here we all are again,' he sneered. 'I notice that this class is considerably smaller than it was last year,'

 

    Harry saw that Snape was taking a grim satisfaction in the absence of Neville and Lavender and Dean. There were a few Slytherins gone too, most noticeably Crabbe and Goyle. 'Now, this sudden change is—hard—on everyone, and I think a new set of partners would be appropriate. I will now call out your names and pair you with your new partner for the rest of the year.

 

    'Potter, Malfoy. Weasley, Nott, Granger, Parkinson, Patil, Bulstrode…' and he continued to pair them up this way. In the end, every Slytherin was paired with a Gryffindor, but there were slightly more Slytherins than Gryffindors, so the remainders were paired with each other.

 

    'Potter, I notice you didn't bring your pet puppy to the train station this year,' Malfoy said quietly. 'What's the matter. Did you lose him?' he let out a nasty laugh. 'Or did he die of old age?'

 

    'Shut up, Malfoy,' Harry muttered, careful not to let Snape hear him or see his lips moving. Draco, however, took no notice. Throughout the class, he kept making snide remarks about Sirius as Harry chopped up his dead octopus for the potions.  Finally, he could take no more, and flung the octopi head at Malfoy.

 

    'POTTER!' roared Snape. 'What is going on?'

 

    'He hit me with this, sir,' Malfoy said at once.

 

    'No one asked you, Malfoy!' Harry snapped. Malfoy was about to retort, when Snape interrupted.

 

    'Ten points from Gryffindor, Potter, and if you do anything of this nature again, it will be fifty,' he said, turning back to the front of the class. Malfoy smirked. Harry glared at his arch-enemy, and without a second though, flung another head at him.

 

    'PROFESSOR SNAPE!'

 

    'POTTER!' hollered Snape. 'DO YOU HAVE SOME CONDITION THAT PREVENTS YOUR COMPREHENSION OF MY WORDS? You are to stay back after class so I decide your punishment!'

 

    So Harry was forced to endure the rest of the class in silence when Malfoy taunted him. As soon as class ended, everyone rushed out, and Harry noticed Malfoy walking extra-slowly, clearly hoping to hear what would happen. 'So,' said Snape in a dangerously low voice, 'disobeying my orders, are you?'

 

    'He insulted Sirius!' said Harry heatedly.

 

    'A worthy way to pass the time,' said Snape coolly, 'but that is not the point,'

 

    'Yes, it is!' said Harry.

 

    'Don't talk back to me, Potter,' Snape ordered. 'Black is gone, and you have to accept that sooner or later,'

 

    'Sirius saved the Order,' Harry said in gritted teeth. 'If Voldemort—'

 

    'I will tell you one last time, Potter, don't say the Dark Lord's name,' hissed Snape.

 

    'I will say whatever I damn like,' Harry spat. 'You can fail me in every exam if you like, but you're not going to stop me from protecting Sirius, or from saying Voldemort's name.' Snape stared at him in shock, and Harry stomped out of the room.

 

    'Potter!' he called. 'Come back right now. We still have to discuss your punishment!' But Harry didn't stay back.

*

 

    'A moment please, Potter,' Professor McGonagall said after Transfiguration class that morning. 'I'd like to talk to you about something,'

 

    'Listen, Professor, I know you think that I was out of line with Professor Snape …'

 

    'This isn't about Professor Snape, this is about the Defense Association,' said Professor McGonagall.

 

    'Oh,'

 

    'Yes. Now, look Potter, I know that there is some competition going on between the houses, but I want you to put your rivalry aside for this. As the Sorting Hat said, nothing is more important than school unity now,'

 

    'What exactly are you getting at, Professor?' inquired Harry. She silently handed him a sheet of paper. Harry took it and saw immediately that it was a list of Slytherin students who had joined up for the class. He also saw that Draco Malfoy's name was at the top of the list.

 

    'Professor, I can't,' he protested. 'With Voldemort back, you know that the Slytherin's are destined to become Death Eaters, and this would only give them ammunition to use against us and probably the Ministry in the future,'

 

    'Potter, you aren't teaching the students anything they wont learn in due time anyway,' said McGonagall. 'Unity. That's what is most important. If you feel that you can't teach the DA anymore, then we shall have to assign a proper teacher to lead the class,'

 

    'No!' Harry exclaimed. 'No, I'll do it,'

 

    'I thought so,' McGonagall smiled.

 

    'But Professor, you cant ignore the fact that the former Slytherins have joined Voldemort,' said Harry. 'That's why the world is in such a panic in the first place. If Voldemort was on his own, he couldn't do much. Everyone knows that the Slytherins are evil,'

 

    McGonagall took in a deep breath. 'At such times of danger,' she said, 'we have to look beyond stereotypical bonds and the events of the past. Professor Dumbledore is convinced that the Slytherins, if given the chance, are able to change. And I haven't been present on an occasion when Dumbledore made a mistake,'

 

    'I have,' said Harry softly, but he didn't think that McGonagall heard.

 

    'One lesson,' she said. 'If you still feel uncomfortable about teaching the Slytherins, then I shall talk to Dumbledore,'

 

    'Fine,' Harry agreed. 'One lesson.' He turned to go.

 

    'One more thing, Potter,' called McGonagall, 'I have scheduled your first of two Career Advice for this Thursday, and I expect a list of what you're thinking of becoming in the future then. After I guide you through it, I want you to hand me a list of the subjects you're taking,'

 

    'Yes, Professor,' Harry nodded.

 

    'You may go,'

 

*

 

    'I'm free after lunch,' Harry consulted his timetable. 'What about you two?'

 

    'I expect I am,' said Ron. 'I asked Parvati, and she said that we have Divination after lunch, and I got a Dreadful on it for my OWLs,'

 

    'I have Rune Studies with the Ravenclaws,' informed Hermione. 'I hear Lorena Nott is in that class,'

 

    'Never thought I'd see the day a Nott wasn't in Slytherin,' said Ron. 'Do you think her father is a Death Eater?'

 

    'As far as I know, there's only one Nott in Voldemort's league, and that's the father of the one in Slytherin,' said Harry.

 

    'Well, I'm sure Lorena is going to be a step up from Luna Lovegood,' Hermione sniffed. 'Honestly, that girl is going to sit for her OWLs this year, and she's still going on about Devil-Horned Potpourri—'

 

    'Devil-Tailed Poru-Poru,' corrected Ron.

 

    'Whatever,' said Hermione crossly. 'My point is, she needs to shape up, and quick,'

 

    She turned to Harry.

 

    'What did Professor Snape say?'

 

    Harry took a drink of his pumpkin juice. 'Sirius,' he said vaguely.

 

    'Did he really? He didn't give you a detention? Or I would have thought that he wanted to talk to you in private about Occlumency,'

 

    'He swore to never teach it to me ever again last year,' Harry reminded.

 

    'Is he still angry about that?' asked Ron. 'You would have thought that he would have gotten over it by now,'

 

    'Well, he hasn't,' Harry sighed heavily. 'Good riddance,'

 

    'You mustn't talk that way,' chastised Hermione. 'Occlumency is an invaluable experience for you. You do want to block out Voldemort—oh, come off it, Ron—don't you?'

 

    'Not really,' said Harry. 'Without Sirius, I really don't have anything else to lose, anyway,'

 

    He didn't see the hurt looks on Ron and Hermione's faces.

 

    'Anyway,' he continued, 'Dumbledore practically gave license to stop. Last term, he said my heart protected me or something like that,'

 

    'Harry,' said Hermione severely, 'it's not a good idea to stop now. Voldemort knows that you can see him, and he could use it to control you. I read up on Legilimency this summer, and it's very dangerous to the victim. If used too long, he could suffer severe brain damage,'

 

    'Yes, well, I'm not too concerned,' Harry said to her. 'Voldemort knows what the risk is, and he wouldn't dare make me insane, not if the prophecy says—' he stopped short. Ron and Hermione turned to stare at him.

 

    'Harry,' said Ron in an amazed voice. 'You know what the prophecy says? How? I thought you broke it in the Department of Mysteries,'

 

    'I did,' Harry said. He had never told Ron and Hermione the contents of the prophecy, and he didn't intend to now. 'I don't know what the prophecy says. Said.'

 

    'Oh, come off it,' said Hermione. 'You were just about to tell us. Why have you been keeping this a secret from us?'

 

    'Because,' said Harry, knowing that the game was up, 'it's not a … it's not something you want to hear,'

 

    'We're not children,' Ron said quietly.

 

    'This doesn't concern you!' Harry said, feeling anger take control of him. 'And you should feel pretty lucky that it doesn't. But no, you want to get involved. Of course, this means that you can be a part of all the aspects of my life, without any consideration about how I feel about it!'

 

    There was a tense silence, and Harry felt relieved he hadn't started screaming at them. The last thing he needed was to have the school, especially Malfoy, alerted about what he was going through. 'Sorry,' Hermione said finally in a small voice. She checked her watch. 'I have to go now,' and she got up and left the Great Hall.

 

    Ron didn't seem to know where to look, so he settled for the enchanted ceiling. 'I think I'll use this time to practice on my Quidditch,'

 

    'I'll come with you,' said Harry, remembering suddenly about telling Ron that he was going to dedicate all his free time to catching up. Ron nodded, and hurried out, not bothering to wait for Harry. Well, that suited him just fine. Hoisting his bag onto his shoulder, he went out the Hall, amidst the laughter and chatter around him.

 

*

 

    Madam Hooch had probably been asked to oversee all activity on the Quidditch pitch. 'You'll have to clear off after an hour, though,' she had warned. 'The First-Years have Broom-Flying next,' Harry remembered all too well his Broom-Flying class in the first year, when he had proven to McGonagall just what a talented flier he was, and agreed to make it quick.

 

    After flying for a while and throwing Quaffles at Ron, who seemed to have improved a bit, Harry had agreed to have the Snitch let out. After tossing the Quaffle two more times and giving the Snitch a two-minute head start, Harry raced after it on his Firebolt. Accelerating, he caught it in his hand within seconds. 'Yes!' Ron cheered. Harry patted his loyal broom, and felt a jolt of displeasure remembering who had sent it to him. No more of that, he told himself. He couldn't think of Sirius. He wouldn't think of Sirius. He refused to.

 

    After a few more practices, Madam Hooch ordered them to stop. 'The First-Years will be here in five minutes,' she called.

 

    'Right, Madam Hooch,' said Harry, the Firebolt taking him down to the ground. Ron did the same.

 

    They spied the First-Years making their way to the Quidditch pitch, and hastened to leave, but as they passed a shrub, Harry paused, seeing something move. 'Wait,' he whispered to Ron. Ron stopped.

 

    'What's up?'

 

    'That bush,' Harry pointed to it. Ron's eyes trained on it.

 

    'Yeah …' he said uncertainly, drawing his wand out. It moved again.

 

    'Don't you see it moving?' asked Harry. Ron stared at him, then back at the bush. It moved again.

 

    'I don't see anything, Harry,' Ron said after a minute. Harry gaped at him.

 

    Pointing his own wand, he said, 'Reducto!'

 

    The shrub burned a wide hole, but there was nothing hiding there. 'Is it a Thestral?' asked Ron tentatively. 'Is it close?'

 

    'No, it's not a Thestral,' Harry shook his head. 'There's nothing there.' He looked at Ron, feeling scared. 'Ron … am I going crazy?'

 

    'No!' Ron exclaimed. 'Of course you're not, Harry!'

 

    Harry felt on the verge of tears, although he would never tell Ron that. However, when he spoke, his voice had a desperate edge to it. 'Then what's wrong with me? I keep having dreams and visions, and I keep hearing Sirius,'

 

    'What?' Ron asked in a surprised tone. 'You—you hear Sirius?'

 

    Harry nodded. 'In the past, and now. He's calling out to me, Ron. I think he wants me to help him, but I don't know how,'

 

    Ron looked as though he wanted to say something, but didn't.

 

*

 

    The next day was much better than the previous. Harry and Ron had discovered that they had their first Care of Magical Creatures with Professor Grubbly-Plank. Though she was fair, she tended to side with the girls more than the boys, and Harry couldn't bear to go to class and not have it taught by Hagrid. The Slytherins, however, were beside themselves with glee. 'I hear that the Ministry told Dumbledore to make sure that that oaf didn't teach the NEWT Course,' Malfoy said loudly to Pansy Parkinson when the class started. 'They seemed to think that it was too important to let him mess around with it,'

 

    'Ignore them,' Hermione said quietly to Harry and Ron. 'Just ignore them,'

 

    'Granger! Parkinson!' Grubbly-Plank called. 'What are you still hanging around there for? Hurry up,' and Hermione and Pansy had gone to inspect the Licosa that she had brought from the Forbidden Forest. The boys were due to see them after the girls had, and Malfoy took the opportunity to taunt them without Hermione around.

 

    'Better watch out, Malfoy,' Ron had ended up threatening. 'I see that Crabbe and Goyle are nowhere around. An even easier chance for us to hex you. Not that we don't do it every year,'

 

    'Yes, Malfoy,' Harry added. 'Where are your two goons? Couldn't their parents find a way to reverse the jinxes we hit them with on the train?'

 

    'I don't think the Malfoys' were too successful either, Harry,' said Ron. 'I still see a bit of slug in his face,'

 

    'Really, Ron?' Harry's eyes were trained maliciously on Malfoy's. 'I see a bit of ferret,'

 

    Malfoy didn't seem to know how to answer to this, and his hand slithered down to grip his wand tightly. Harry and Ron did the same. 'Boys!' Grubbly-Plank called suddenly. 'It's your turn,'

 

    Harry and Ron, along with Seamus and Neville, marched to the Licosa, talking. 'Why aren't Crabbe and Goyle in Hogwarts anymore, though?' Ron asked Harry quietly. 'They weren't on the train either, remember?'

 

    'Yeah,' Harry whispered. 'You think they were expelled?'

 

    'We can only hope,' Seamus joined in the conversation. 'But what if they were taken out to become Death Eaters?'

 

    'No way,' Harry and Ron said at once. 'Malfoy would have been the first to go, if that were the case,' Harry explained. 'Lucius Malfoy is hard-up to impress Voldemort—' the three boys winced, 'and he would have definitely taken his son first,'

 

    'Hw do we know the Slytherins haven't already been made into Death Eaters?' Neville asked. 'Gran says that they have the Dark Mark imprinted somewhere hidden,'

 

    'It's on their arm,' Harry informed. 'I should know. But there's no way to tell unless the sleeves of Malfoy's robes slip down a little,' They reached the Licosa, little green colored insects, they flew around in circles.

 

    'Now, can anyone tell me what the Licosas are mainly used for?' asked Grubbly-Plank. No one answered, as the girls had moved back after their observation, and Hermione wasn't around to answer for them. Grubbly-Plank sighed. 'Take out your notebooks and quills,' she ordered, 'and listen to me. The Licosa Insecta—or Licosas for short—are used to take away burns. Their wings are extremely precious and are used as potion-making ingredients. From Licosa wings, you can make the Drought of Sleeping Death, and the Counter-Burn Potion. It is also used for Confusion Potions. Naturally, Confusion Potions are much stronger than Confusion Charms, but it takes three days to make. Are you getting all of this?'

 

    'Yes,' chorused the boys, as they wrote down her words.

 

    'Good. Does anyone know what Licosas metamorphose into?' There was no answer. 'Very well, copy it down. Licosas metamorph into Lycosas, which we will be seeing next lesson. Licosas are born underwater, but when they gain use of their wings, they can no longer survive there, so they surface. This is why Lycosas die after giving birth, as they have to go underwater to lay their eggs,' After the scribbling had finished, Grubbly-Plank checked her watch. 'Very well, time is up. You may go to your next class. Tell the girls that they may leave too,'

 

    'Well, that wasn't too bad, now was it?' asked Hermione brightly, as she trudged back to the castle along with Harry and Ron. 'I learned loads. Licosas are really useful, don't you think?'

 

    'I suppose,' said Harry. 'But I'm still going to drop the class,' They had Charms next, and thankfully, they did not share the class with the Slytherins. Professor Flitwick greeted them with open arms.

 

    'Welcome back to your sixth year. I don't think I have to tell you that during the next two years in Hogwarts, you're going to have to work, work, work! Now, we're going to start of today with Minimal Charms. And after Christmas, we shall proceed on to Patronus Charms. Though I daresay that some of you have already mastered the art, thanks to Mr. Potter here,' he winked at Harry. 'Now, the Patronus is a very complicated charm, and not everyone will be able to do them. Many wizards out of school today still have trouble achieving a corporeal Patronus, so keep practicing. Patronus-training, due to recent events, will continue straight until your seventh year, and may I just add, that it is a definite topic that will come out for your NEWTs. So, let's get cracking!

 

    'Everybody take your wand, and copy me,' he took his wand, and did a complicated bit of twirling. 'Parvus!'

 

    The students took their wands and did the same complicated twirl, and everyone except for Neville, for he had dropped his wand, cried, 'Parvus!'

 

    'Excellent!' Flitwick squeaked. 'Mr. Finnigan, please hand out these apples to all the students,' Seamus did so, and Fitwick continued, 'Now everyone, do what you just did,'

 

    They spent the hour trying to do so. Hermione had completed her task within five minutes, and was watching Harry and Ron try theirs with an amused expression. 'Parus!' Ron shouted on his fourth try. 'I—I mean Parvus!' Harry kept doing the twirl, and saying the spell, but nothing happened.

 

    'You're twirling it wrong,' said Hermione. 'And Ron, you're saying the wrong word,'

 

    'I know,' Ron snarled as Flitwick passed them to see how they were doing. He immediately seized Hermione's apple, which was a fifth of the size it originally was.

 

    'Ah,' he said. 'Class, may I have your attention. This is what your apple should look like. It's been—Miss Kolaris, I saw that. Don't think that eating your apple is the same as minimizing it—minimized. Mr. Potter, you're not doing the twirl correctly, let me show you. Mr. Thomas, if you try to throw that apple to Mr. Finnigan again, I shall give you a detention. Here, Potter, it goes like this,' and he took Harry's wand and twirled it. 'Now you go,'

 

    Harry twirled it just the way Flitwick did. 'Parvus!'

 

    The apple shrunk down to the size of Hermione's.

 

    'Excellent,' Professor Flitwick clapped his hands. 'Mr. Weasley, it's Parvus, not Porous. Try again,' When Ron, after two more tries, managed to accomplish it, Flitwick patted him on the back and moved on. Seamus Finnigan was so angry that his apple hadn't shrunk, he accidentally set it on fire.

'I swear I don't know how that happened,' he was telling Professor Flitwick over and over, as the flames enveloped the apple. 'I didn't even use my wand, I don't know how …'

'Now, now, Mr. Finnigan,' said Flitwick reassuringly. 'These things happen. We must have a grip on our emotions in the future, however,'

'Yes, sir,' Seamus replied.

After that, they were to head down to the dungeons for Potions again for class with the Slytherins. Professor Snape seemed to have taken Harry's words about failing him to heart. No matter how hard Harry tried, Snape would always find something wrong with the potion, giving him an excuse to mark a zero. 'A word of advice, Potter,' he said during class that day. 'If you still cannot thicken a simple potion by now, I suggest that you drop the class at the end of the week and save all of us the humiliation. Zero marks,'

'Git,' Ron had said after class. 'Blaise Zabini's potion was much thinner than yours, and Snape didn't deduct any marks,'

'Don't you worry, Harry,' Hermione consoled. 'Snape won't be marking the NEWTs, and your grades for classes wont be checked for your job. Only the NEWT results,'

'You're not going to drop it, are you?' asked Ron.

'And give Snape the satisfaction of knowing that I wont be an Auror if I do? No way,' said Harry vehemently.

After lunch, they were to go for their first Herbology class. 'Now,' said Professor Sprout, 'we're heading over to Greenhouse Five today, and I have to warn you to be very careful. Today, we're going to observe the Illumine Cactus. Can anyone tell me where it can be found?'

Neville and Hermione's hand shot up at once. 'Mr. Longbottom?' Sprout addressed her favorite Gryffindor.

'The Illumine Cactus is the only cactus in the world that can live underwater,' said Neville. 'It lives very deep down, where light can't penetrate. Because of this, it needs to produce its own light,'

'Exactly right,' Sprout nodded. 'Five points to Gryffindor. Now, what does the Illumine Cactus look like?'

Again, Neville and Hermione raced to answer. 'When exposed to light, it's white in color,' Neville said when Professor Sprout allowed him to answer. 'Underwater, though, it's golden, because of the light it illuminates,'

'Five more points to Gryffindor,' Sprout nodded. 'So, if we want to see the Illumine Cactus in gold, what is the apparatus we need to use, as we can't go underwater?'

This time, only Hermione raised her hand. 'Well, to start off, we'll need a tank filed with water to contain the cactus,' she said. 'And to produce darkness, we could wrap black paper around it, causing it to illuminate,'

'Five points to Gryffindor,' said Professor Sprout. 'So, lets go in, and mind that you don't touch the Mercury Fly-Traps. They're beginning to teeth,'

'Doesn't she mean Venus Fly-Traps?' Harry asked.

'Oh, no,' Hermione shook her head. 'Mercury Fly-Traps are much more dangerous. The teeth close down on the fly, and it kills it with heat before eating it. Since Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, wizards name it after that,' Greenhouse Five was the most interesting greenhouse Harry had entered. It hung with evil-looking plants. Harry got the chance to see a Mercury Fly-Trap in action when a dragonfly flew into it's mouth. When the teeth snapped shut, Harry could see steam escaping from the corners of it's mouth. He turned his attention back to Professor Sprout. They were before a big tank filled with water, and the students could see five big white cacti in there.

'Here you see what they look like exposed to light,' Sprout was saying. 'Illumine Cacti can't live for when there is sunlight. This is due to the sudden change in light, and it shocks the system. That's why we have to darken it quickly.' With a flick of her wand, the black paper next to the tank flew and wrapped itself neatly around the tank. Within seconds, they could see the cacti again, but it was glowing gold.

They spent the rest of the lesson discussing the uses of the Illumine Cacti.

'Well, it's not too bad,' said Ron, as they trudged back up to the castle for Transfiguration. 'We didn't have to go around in the dirt or anything. I reckon they're going easy on us because it's the first week,'

'Easy?' asked Harry incredulously. 'Do you realize that in just two days, we've learned about Licosas, Weakening Solutions, Minimizing Charms, and Illumine Cacti? I was just shocked that McGonagall didn't start anything,'

'Yes, well, you don't really expect them to go easy on us, do you?' asked Hermione. 'Especially you, Harry. You really need to buck up. You got through Herbology by the skin of your teeth. You're lucky that Professor Sprout accepts people with a Poor and higher,'

'You'll have to forgive me. I was distracted by the though of losing Hagrid, meeting his half-brother, the other OWLs and wondering what Voldemort was up to,' said Harry darkly. Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but stopped when Ron shot her a drop-it look.

*

'Today, class, we shall be studying Marble Transformations,' said McGonagall. 'Now, be warned, Marble Transformations is one of the hardest branches of Transfigurations there is. However, as it is bound to come out for your NEWTs, I am eager to give you as much practice as I possibly can,'

Hermione's hand shot up. 'Exactly how hard is it? How is it different from the other topics?'

'Well, for one, Miss Granger, it is not the flick of the wand that matters so much in this topic. It depends more on the emphasis of the word. The pronunciation needs to be exact. Therefore, I don't expect all you to get it on your first try. As a matter of fact, I don't expect anyone to get it during this lesson. Even Professor Dumbledore, when he was your age, had trouble with it. True, he managed to complete it by his second Transfiguration class, but that it besides the point.

'Now, raise you wands, flick it gently—gently, now—and say Marmor!'

'Marmor!' the class shouted, flicking their wands.

'No, no, you are not saying it correctly. Emphasize on the "r" in "Mar",' she instructed.

'Marrrrrrmor!' they said again.

'Better, but not quite correct,' McGonagall shook her head. 'Let us try again. As I said, pronunciation is extremely relevant. You're saying the "r" a little too much now. Emphasize deeply on it, but make it quick. Now, once again, and remember to flick,'

By the end of the lesson, she had given them an assignment. 'Take your quills, and practice the Marble Transformation on it. By Friday, I will see what you have accomplished. Those of you who have a scheduled Career Advice with me today, don't forget. You will find me in my office. Dismissed.'

Never had Harry been given such a hard task as homework before, but at least it was only Transfiguration. Defense Against the Dark Arts was next, a growing feeling of dread was in the pit of Harry's stomach. 'Oh, Harry,' called Fudge when they came in. Harry turned around, surprised that Fudge was on a first-name basis with him after all he had done to him last year. 'Just a quick reminder for you. Your Defense Association class is on Thursday at five,'

'Yes, sir, I know,' said Harry coldly. 'Although I would prefer seven. The students should have their stomachs full before coming to class,'

'Well, that isn't exactly up for you to decide,' said Fudge, rather uncomfortably. 'I think it would be safer. Before dark and all that,' It struck Harry how a man who spent a year of his life denying Voldemort's return, could become such a coward within the hallowed walls of Hogwarts. He went to his seat without a word, and Fudge started the lesson. 'Today, we shall learn about Hinkypunks,' he said.

Hermione's hand went into the air at once. 'But sir—'

'Today, we shall learn about Hinkypunks,' Fudge repeated in a firm voice. Hermione's hand went slowly down. As Fudge droned on and on, Harry started to tune out. It was going to be a long week.

*

Thursday came, and Harry found himself that afternoon before dinner in Professor McGonagall's private office. 'So, Potter,' she said, fingertips placed together, 'what have you decided on?'

'An Auror,' said Harry. 'I mean, during the summer, I wasn't quite sure, but I am now. I really like Defense Against the Dark Arts … or rather, I liked Defense Against the Dark Arts, until Fudge and that Umbridge woman came,'

'I understand how you feel, Potter,' McGonagall nodded. 'And while I don't like to speak ill of the Minister—' her lips seemed to thin, '—I'm afraid Hogwarts has seen better days, and unless the Ministry stops trying to force their representatives through, we may never see a decent Defense teacher again. And that could pose some very serious threats to your ambition,'

'I don't see why they're doing it,' said Harry angrily. 'I would have thought that with Voldemort back, the Ministry would need more Aurors on their side, but that's not going to happen unless they give us someone competent,'

'The Minister for Magic is … a very paranoid man,' said McGonagall. 'Even now, with dark times ahead, he's afraid of losing his position, unaware that the higher in position in politics, the more vulnerable he is. If the Dark Lord were to seize control of the Ministry, he could use Fudge as a pawn, maybe to start a civil war, or a war between other countries in effort to kill all the half-bloods and Muggle-borns. I am afraid that he still, and maybe always will, see Dumbledore as a threat to his beloved throne. He knows that there are far better wizards out there, who have more brains and knowledge of magic than he does. I wouldn't be surprised if one day, the townspeople demanded that he give up his seat. Cornelius Fudge has obviously not thought that far,'

'How did he get the job then?' asked Harry. 'I know Crouch was up for it until he sent his son to Azkaban, and I know Dumbledore turned it down, but weren't there better wizards?'

'There were,' McGonagall nodded. 'But it was a very hard time, Potter. Before you came along, many witches and wizards tried to take on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. There were those who didn't know about the Order of the Phoenix, and had organized their own group to invade his territory. They were killed immediately. The Dark Lord went after the best wizards, and many of them turned to his side, and those who didn't were killed. Lucius Malfoy was working in the Ministry, and tried to be the next Minister—a move that the Dark Lord approved of—but was shot down when the Daily Prophet accused him of being a Death Eater. It was, of course, unfounded.

'As wizard-kind slowly went down, Cornelius was slowly going up. He was very dedicated to his job. He worked hard to become Junior Assistant to the Minister. I don't suppose you knew that the Minister for Magic at the time was killed by You-Know-Who when he refused to hand over the Ministry?'

'No,' said Harry in surprise.

'Very resistant to the Imperius Curse, he was,' McGonagall nodded. 'Well, the Dark Lord could see that it was no use, and had him killed, even without trying the Cruciatus Curse. After his death, Crouch went after the position, even though he wasn't at such a high position as Fudge. He had many connections, and many people supported him. But then you came and everything changed. Crouch made the mistake of sending his only child to Azkaban, and the people who worked for the Dark Lord had to redeem themselves, even though they were cleared of all charges. Dumbledore was offered the position, but turned it down, saying that his loyalty lay with Hogwarts. So Cornelius was given the position instead. There was no one else to turn to who hadn't been killed or imprisoned,'

There was a tense silence in the room after she completed her story. 'Well, back to business, Potter. As I told you last year, you will need Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts under your belt, and you seem to have gotten this far. Congratulations,'

'Thanks,' Harry nodded. 'Um, Professor, I was wondering … does this mean that I can drop Care of Magical Creatures?'

McGonagall looked surprised. 'Well, of course, Potter. But I thought it was one of your favorite subjects?'

'It is,' said Harry uncomfortably. 'It's just that, if I'm going to be an Auror, there's really no use for that, is there? And Astronomy too, I suppose,'

'This doesn't have anything to do with Hagrid not teaching the NEWT Course, does it?' questioned McGonagall.

'No!' Harry lied. 'Professor Grubbly-Plank is good. It's just that I need to concentrate on what's really going to help me in the future, and this class is getting in the way,'

'Well, of course, Potter,' McGonagall nodded. 'You have my permission to drop Care of Magical Creatures. And Astronomy too, if you wish,'

'Thanks, Professor,' said Harry with a rush of gratitude.

'Now, I must warn you Potter, being an Auror is a very hard job. You need to get top marks for your NEWTs, and as I told you last year, you need to take tests after Hogwarts too. It's good had work, and probably the only thing harder than being an Auror is being a Healer,'

'I'm not interested in being a Healer,' said Harry. 'I've only thought about being an Auror or a professional Quidditch player, but that's out of the question,'

'Yes, I wouldn't place too much faith on such things. You're good, Potter, but never forget that there could be someone better out there. And the entertainment industry is very limited. I'd stick to Auror if I were you, but I'd also have a back-up, just in case,'

'Like what? I don't know how to do anything else,' said Harry despairingly.

'Well, I'm afraid to say that with your grades, trying out for the Ministry of Magic is already out. Especially if you're planning to give up even more subjects, such as Care of Magical Creatures. Have you ever thought about going into teaching?'

'No,' said Harry. It was an interesting idea, though. 'But I'm open to options,'

'Well, with the Defense Association under your belt, you already have a vague idea of what it would be like to mold minds. And Defense Against the Dark Arts is your best subject too. And with this continuous pattern of teachers dropping out after a year, you may very well have a chance to work back here in Hogwarts. Who knows, maybe you'll make history and stay to teach for two years or more,' she smiled. 'I think that teaching would be a good backup, but if you don't feel comfortable with that, there are such companies as Gringotts Bank and Bertie Botts Empire, or something. Of course, you could become an entrepreneur and create a new kind of sweet, but it is highly unlikely.'

Harry had to admit, being a Defense teacher did sound good. And he would be back in Hogwarts. Maybe Professor Dumbledore would still be headmaster … 'Professor,' said Harry, 'Professor Dumbledore was a Transfiguration teacher before becoming the Headmaster. And I know that you're Deputy Headmistress … is that a pattern?'

Professor McGonagall smiled. 'No, Potter. Teachers are evaluated each year, and Dumbledore was the best. When Armando Dippet retired as Headmaster, Dumbledore was given the position. The same goes for me. Of course, when I become Headmistress, Professor Snape would be the next in line, so if you plan on beating us to it, you'd have to work hard,'

'Yes, Professor,'

Professor checked her file on Harry. 'Well, Potter. I think that should be about it. I think that if you fail to be an Auror, you would make an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Now, I think that the students should be making their way to the Great Hall for dinner, so you may go. Please tell Mr. Weasley that he's next for his Career Advice, and to meet me directly after dinner,'

'Yes, ma'am,' said Harry, getting up.

'So what did she say?' asked Ron during dinner.

'She thinks that I should be a Defense teacher for Hogwarts if I don't make it as an Auror,' Harry informed. 'And I think it's a good idea,'

'You'll make it as an Auror,' said Ron supportingly.

'She wants to see you next, after dinner,' Harry informed.

'Right. What about you?' Ron turned to Hermione. 'What did she tell you?'

'She said that I had good grades, but I have to pick myself up for the NEWTs, if I plan on entering the Ministry,' said Hermione, putting some mashed potatoes on her plate. 'She said they don't accept anything less than 'Outstanding' for every subject I take, so if I feel that I can't pick myself up, I can drop a few subjects. So I may do that, or I may just not go to the Ministry in the future,'

'Did she give you a backup?' asked Harry.

'Loads,' Hermione answered. 'Banker, teacher, Auror …'

'I hope she doesn't tell me that I won't be fit to do anything after she sees my grades,' said Ron in a nervous tone.

'Is it that bad?' asked Hermione, watching him.

'Well, better than Fred and George,' said Ron, placing some scallops on his plate. 'But then again, they became entrepreneurs and invented their joke shop. It's definitely not better than Percy's, of course. Or Charlie's. Or Bill's. Or Mum's. Or Dad's …' he trailed off, looking rather sick.

'Calm down,' said Hermione. 'Professor McGonagall told me that it's really good that I'm a Prefect. It counts for a lot, because the position goes into our permanent records. She'll say the same for you,'

'Yeah, but it was a fluke that I became a Prefect. It should have been Harry. I'm rubbish,' said Ron, glancing at Harry.

'Don't be stupid,' said Harry. 'Even if it wasn't me, Dumbledore could have picked anyone else if you were really rubbish. Obviously, you were the best—pass me the pumpkin juice, Hermione—and besides that, I'm sure people know what you did during the Philosopher's Stone episode. Saving the world will definitely go into your permanent record,'

'Yes, playing giant chess, that counts for a lot,' Ron said sarcastically. Then, Seamus came up to them.

'Hey, Harry,' he greeted. 'When's the DA meeting?'

'At seven,' said Harry. Fudge would have to accept that. He had met with Professor McGonagall before dinner, and couldn't meet the class. Besides, this was his class, and he wanted it held at seven. Seamus nodded and went back to a group of Gryffindor seventh-years and told them the time.

*

'… so she was said that if I'm half as good as dad is, I can take up Muggle Studies and if I work hard at it, I can get into the Ministry in the Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts,' Ron was saying as the three of them made their way to the Room of Requirement. 'But that's my last resort. That Department is seriously undermined, and I don't want to have to suffer more taunts, and not earn a lot of money,'

'I wonder why she didn't tell that to me,' Hermione said. 'I'm Muggle-born, after all,'

'Probably because she thought you could amount to much more,' said Ron gloomily. 'You probably don't know this, but in the Ministry, blood counts. I could drop in dad's name to get ahead, but I would go further if I used Percy's. She also said that I should consider a job with animals, like Charlie. But that means that I would need an Outstanding in Care of Magical Creatures,'

'I thought you needed really high marks to enter the Ministry of Magic,' said Harry.

'You do. For a high-profiled job, like the Department of International Magical Co-operation, or the Department of Mysteries, or to be a member of the Hit Squad—that's the squad that takes on serious things that are too trivial for Aurors to be bothered with—and especially the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. But as I said, the Department of Magical Artifacts is very undermined,'

'So are you going to take up Muggle Studies?' asked Hermione.

'I suppose I'll have to. But this means that I'll probably have to drop something, but I don't know what. I can't drop Defense, nor can I drop Herbology, because I might have to handle bewitched plants. And this is only backup. Most probably I'll take on Animal Regulation, like Charlie, so I can't drop out of Care of Magical Creatures either,'

'Why not drop Transfiguration?' suggested Harry. 'You don't have to transform anything for Animal Regulation of Muiggle Artifacts, do you? And what about Potions?'

Ron immediately brightened up. 'But Transfiguration and Potions are two of the most important subjects in Hogwarts, though,' reminded Hermione. They arrived at the Room of Requirement, and went in. The class was already assembled before them.

'About time,' Malfoy sneered. He was standing next to Matthew Avery, a Slytherin sixth year. Behind them, Harry could see Cho Chang talking to a girl he didn't know. Luna Lovegood was staring at the space of wall beside Harry, and Colin and Dennis Creevey were chattering eagerly to an annoyed-looking Lorena Nott. They fell silent when they realized that Harry was in the room. Neville gave him a supporting sort of smile, and Seamus looked impatient to start.

'Okay, well,' Harry said as Ron and Hermione took their places. 'Today we're just going to go through what some of you did last year, because we have new students.' There were a few groans at this, and Zacharias Smith raised his hand.

'If we're not doing anything new today, can I leave?' he asked.

'By all means,' Ron snapped.

'Well, you can leave if you want,' Harry shrugged unconcernedly. 'I would have thought, however, that since Voldemort—' the class gasped, except for Hermione, '—is back, you would have relished the chance to brush up.' Zacharias looked sulky, but didn't leave. Remembering Ginny's idea about teaching the real class useless things, and the non-Slytherins useful spells, he decided to start with a simple Stunning spell. 'Partner up,' he commanded, 'and raised your wand and say Stupefy!'

There was rush, as everyone tried to avoid the people they didn't like. Harry saw Colin offer to practice with Lorena, but she breezed past and seized Hermione's hand. Malfoy and Avery paired off together, Dean and Seamus, Cho and her friend, Ron and Ginny, leaving Neville and Luna together, amongst other couples. 'On the count of three, say the spell. One … two … three!'

'Stupefy!'

It was chaos. Some students fell to the floor, the spell performed correctly, but most of them said it at the same time, and the spells bounced off each other and ricocheted of the walls, hitting books and Foe-Glasses and other things, occasionally hitting a student in the back and stupefying him. Harry ducked as a beam of red light headed straight for him, and missed him, ricocheting and hitting Avery between the eyes. 'Okay, next time, only one person in the group gets to say it at a time,' said Harry.

'What is this, Potter?' Malfoy called. 'Can't you even teach a simple Stunning spell? What have you been doing all of last year?'

Harry ignored him. 'Everybody take your wands, and try again. This time, awaken your partners. Simply point the wand at him and say Ennervate!'

'Ennervate!' the class chorused. The room was filled with groans as the students woke up from the hard stone floor. The door burst open and Harry turned around, and was shocked to see Percy Weasley glaring at him.

'So, this is where the Defense Association is being held, is it?' he said. 'Professor Fudge asked me to find out why the class wasn't held at five, like he was promised,'

'First of all, I didn't promise him anything,' Harry said, his voice filled with indignation. 'I was at having Career Advice with Professor McGonagall, and couldn't meet with the DA,'

'Very well,' Percy nodded. 'I shall inform Professor Fudge of that when he returns. Class dismissed,'

There were confused murmurs, and some of the students made for the door. 'Stay where you are!' Harry commanded. They stopped. 'This is my class, and you don't have the right to dismiss it. We're suppose to hold it for an hour, and fifteen minutes haven't even passed yet,'

'Well, Potter,' said Percy coldly, 'the Minister has had to return to the Ministry, and until then, he's placed me as his replacement, until his business is sorted out. I'm now an official teacher here, whereas you are not, so I do have the power to dismiss your class. The students need their rest,' he glanced around the room, where the books and instruments lay strewn on the floor, 'and it doesn't seem like you're doing too well on your own, does it? Maybe you should hand over the class to me. I'm sure I can whip it to shape, along with my new Defense Against the Dark Arts duties,'

'You joking, Weasley,' Malfoy laughed. 'The most dangerous thing you've ever encountered is your run-down home!'

Percy glared at Malfoy. 'Detention, Mr. Malfoy,' he said. 'Tomorrow night, my office. Now, class dismissed!' and he was gone. The students looked to Harry, who was still shooting daggers at the door.

'Class dismissed,' he said in gritted teeth. 'Previous members of the Defense Association, please stay back. The rest of you may return to your dorms.' The class filed out, leaving Harry with the members of Dumbledore's Army. After checking to make sure that there was no one listening outside, Harry turned back to the students. 'Look, I know the Sorting Hat and the teachers are all worried about school unity, but to make it short, I don't trust the Slytherins, and I don't think any of you should either. So this is my plan. Hermione is going to make more gold Galleons, unless you lot still have yours. We'll hold official DA meetings this time every week, but I'll only teach the most useless things I can think of. But then, we'll meet up without the Slytherins and have real meetings. What do you say?'

Cheers and whistles met this, and Harry grinned. 'Now, I couldn't say "everyone who isn't a Slytherin, stay back" without making it too suspicious, so when the Galleons are made, I want you to pass it on to your friends who were in today's lesson,'

'Can we call our DA Dumbledore's Army instead of the Defense Association?' asked Ginny.

Harry nodded, and for a moment, caught Cho's eye. 'All right then, dismissed,'

*

'That was ruddy brilliant,' said Ron.

'I want to meet Percy,' Harry said vehemently. 'He can't get away with controlling my class.'

They made their way to Fudge's office, and opened the door, but there was no one there. 'Hello?' Harry called, stepping inside, Ron and Hermione following him. 'Percy?'

'He's not here,' said Hermione at last. 'Let's go,'

'I suppose we have to,' Harry sighed. 'Come on, Ron.'

'Hold up!' Ron said. He was reading a letter on Percy's table with wide eyes. 'Come and look at this!'

They rushed to his side and read over his shoulder.

D ear Percy—

I tried but I couldn't get the Weird Sisters to perform for the ceremony. I called the caterers however, and they promised to deliver, and the I picked roses for the centerpieces just like we decided. I'm sorry to have to write such a short letter, but I still have to finish my report on the Illegal Shipment of Brooms. I still can't believe we've lasted this long, and I can't believe you proposed to me. Our wedding will be a night to remember, I promise.

Love,

Penelope

'Blimey,' Ron whispered. 'Percy's getting married!'

A/N: I hope you like it. It's my longest chapter yet, and things are heating up. Please Review!

Disclaimer: All the characters belong to JK Rowling, except for Lorena Nott and Kalina Kolaris. The plot is also mine, but the story is hers.