Chapter 9
The First Society
Harry entered and sat by Ron, who was opposite Hermione. He looked down the table at Ginny, who was with her friends and when he caught her eye, asked her to come over. The youngest Weasley excused herself from her friends and came to join the trio sitting down next to Hermione. Harry removed some shepherds pie from the serving dish and placed it on his plate and not looking up, said to no one in particular. "So spill it."
"Spill what Harry." Asked the red head opposite him.
"What's happened to Gryffindor while I was detained? Why are perfects are getting detentions and how come Gryffindor house starts at a disadvantage in the house cup?" Only at the end did he look up as he put a mouthful of minced lamb and mashed potato in his mouth, looking at the three of them in turn, each one going red. Then when they remained silent Harry swallowed his food and continued. "And who are these miscreants that the Headmaster has to ask me to look into it? When my three best friends are prefects."
"T-t-the Headmaster." Stuttered Hermione.
"Yep, almost the first thing he said to me." Harry replied.
Ron looked down at his empty plate. "Sorry Harry, it was us."
"You!" Said Harry loudly in mock surprise. "Oh it's a shame I wasn't awake, I'd have told you about a new rule. Now you better tell me what you did."
"Harry." Said Ginny "We just didn't want to leave you."
"So you out right disobeyed a Professor?" Asked Harry.
"It was only Snape..." Started Ron.
"Professor Snape." Interrupted Harry, secretly enjoying himself, but keeping completely straight faced.
"Yeah... And when we didn't leave the infirmary he gave us all detentions." Finished his best friend.
"You knew I was alright though, it was just broken bones." Said Harry. "And what's the point situation about?"
"That was me Harry." Said the blushing Ginny Weasley. "I got Hermione to switch a patrol shift with me and I tried to sneak back in, but Snape..."
"Professor Snape." interrupted Harry.
"Professor Snape, caught me again and took thirty points from Gryffindor."
"What's this about new rules Harry?" Asked Hermione timidly.
"Oh, it's just that any Gryffindor, who is in DA and receives a detention or has points taken from our house, has to do a house punishment as well as any punishment which occurred at the time."
"What!" Said Ron indignantly. "Why would I want to do that, you can't make me."
"Do you want to stay in DA?" Questioned Harry.
Ron shut his mouth, the society was probably not going to be as active as the previous school year, but exclusion might mean exclusion from future plans and this was unacceptable to all of them.
"So what do we have to do Harry?" Asked Ginny.
"Well you all hurt the house, so I think you should try and make up for it. Find a student in the year below, who is struggling at a task, in a subject you are good at, and you are to help them excel at that task."
"Will you be joining us Harry, you just had potions, are you saying PROFESSOR Snape didn't take points from you." Asked Hermione.
"Well actually he awarded me two points."
Ron spat mashed potato from his mouth onto the table. "What? He awarded Gryffindor points? What question did you answer?"
"I just explained the specific effects of the ingredient 'bezoar' in poison antidotes."
"I read the NEWTs text book last year and its not in there Harry! What are its effects and how did you know?"
"It has none it's a catalyst and it's not in the NEWT course, you are right, but it is in the book you bought me for my birthday."
His three friends stared at him, and he continued quietly. "You all know I had some training over summer, well some of it was in potions and I had a lot of time to read. While I was training someone told me that Tom Riddle was a great student, but he was a loner and so he didn't get the most from Hogwarts, last year we learnt more as a group helping each other, than in all the DADA classes studying from books. It just started me thinking to get the most from Hogwarts we have to use family and friends and you have to help them too. Well you are my friends and Gryffindor is my family and we are going to get the most out of Hogwarts because we have to."
This was too much for his friends; they had their mouths open staring at him. Harry finally added swallowing his last piece of potato and downing the glass of pumpkin juice. "Right I expect a report from you next week, telling me who you helped, what you helped them with, and how successful it was. Oh and Hermione you should have known better than to let Ginny break into the Infirmary, so you get the additional burden of explaining to me what I missed in classes over the last two days." He stood and waited for Hermione to gather herself, when she did he turned to the other two and smile cheerfully, amused at the two Weasleys who where still shell shocked and added. "See you at dinner, enjoy your afternoon."
As they walked do the corridor, Harry was smiling and saying 'hello' to the students he passed, Hermione turned to her friend and asked him. "Harry what's happened to you? You're different."
"I don't know, I think I'm a bit more focused and I think I'm just trying to be in charge of my own life. I'm tired of this destiny cr*p, any destiny that can just let Sirius die is pretty useless as far as I'm concerned, so I think I'm just going to do as well as I can and see what happens. I worked really hard over the summer and I feel better for it, so I'm hoping I can continue at school."
"Oh." Hermione was a bit thrown by Harry at the moment, he wasn't the same as he was earlier in the year, but then she didn't expect him to be. She had to admit she liked that he was answering her honestly and openly, but it was a bit of a shock. They turned the corner and passed through the portrait to the common room, were Harry led her to a quiet corner.
"Right. So what do you want to do first charms or transfiguration." Asked Harry smiling at her.
"Well I was having a bit of trouble with the charms myself, so what about transfiguration?" She replied honestly, she was finding it infectious.
"Nope, if you're having trouble we'll work together, till we've both got it right!"
"Well, Professor Flitwick was trying to teach us the Festino charm; it's supposed to be the opposite of the Impedemant jinx. Making you speed up so everyone else looks slow, but I just don't understands how it works."
Harry smiled. "Can I ask you something?"
The petite girl with bushy hair smiled and replied. "Of course."
"Do you know why fire is hot, or water wet?" Asked Harry.
"Err no, they just are."
"So why do you have to know how a charm works to use it?" He paused examining her confused expression. "What I'm getting at is something Professor Flitwick told me, Charms is a practical subject, you have to know how to do a charm, to do it, not why the charm works. He told me Arithmancy is the theory behind charms and it takes longer. So while I know you will understand it sooner or later, because your doing Arithmancy too and your the smartest witch Hogwarts has ever seen. For now, you can just do the charm."
"How do you know, you can do it without understanding it?"
"Because I can do it, and to be honest I have no idea how it works. I learnt it over the summer..." He smiled at her again. "Its not too difficult, the hardest part is the wand movement, and I know you're the smartest witch because everyone knows."
Hermione surprised Harry by stepping forward and giving him a hug, then breaking it she smiled at him and blushing said, "Show me how you do the charm, Harry."
Harry cast a 'Designo charm', so his wand movements would leave a glowing trace and stepped so he was stood at his friend's side. He went through the series of wand movements ending with the wand pointing at his chest and said the incantation 'Festino Harry'. The world around him slowed down and he jogged over to a pitcher of pumpkin juice, at the side of the common room, filled it and returned to next to his friend and said 'Finite Incantatem' ending the spell, he offered Hermione the glass. "Thirsty work, thought you might like a drink."
The girl looked at the glass and laughed, taking a sip, and putting it down, "Show off." She stated without a touch of malice.
"Your turn, just follow the traces and think about moving quickly."
Hermione was a quick study, she always had been and as much as this was against her principles, not understanding something completely before doing it. She followed Harry's instruction and said the incantation. Harry saw her body become a blur and a few seconds later he felt a quick kiss on his cheek and saw she had returned to her normal speed next to him. "I saw you didn't have any dessert at lunch." And she offered him a chocolate frog.
"Show off." Said the boy and laughing and took the gift, unwrapped it, and biting its head off. "From what I read about that charm it uses quite a lot of magic, so you can't cast any other spells while it is active."
"Thanks Harry, you know I like this new you, so you ready to do the transfiguration, a good subject where you have to know lots of theory." She smiled as Harry groaned. Hermione was a good teacher, she knew the limits of Harry's theoretical knowledge and spent most of the afternoon making him write notes and explaining why transfigurations work in terms of matter, energy, and magic transfers. Her knowledge of this was astounding and more remarkable was the obvious passion she had for it. By the time it was time for tea, Harry's stomach was already rumbling but he felt satisfied he understood more, he was still light years behind his friend, but it was progress.
"I guess I should hope you get more detentions, so I get more help." Said Harry smiling.
Hermione smiled back. "If you like, you can help with me with the practical stuff and I'll help you with the theory."
"I'd like that Hermi; I'd like to go see McGonagall before dinner you mind if I see you down there."
"No you go ahead, see you later Harry."
*****
Harry walked the corridors to the transfiguration classroom, and was only a corridor away, when he heard a scuffle round the corner. Picking up the pace, he rounded the corner to see Neville, back against the wall squaring up to Draco Malfoy, who had his goons flanking him. "She is." said the Gryffindor boy, he had grown, but was still a good six inches small than Harry, but he was definitely losing the chubbiness around his face.
"Liar, she might be a disgrace to the name of pureblood wizards everywhere, but even she couldn't stoop that low."
Harry drew his wand and folded his arms so his wand still in his hand, but was hidden behind his left arm. Striding down the corridor he called to Neville "Hi Neville, everything okay?"
Four head turns and Draco's face soured.
"Hi Harry." Said Neville, a relieved look on his face.
"Potter... This is none of your business." Spat the blonde haired boy.
"Really? Looks to me like you are picking on a member of Gryffindor and DA, who is also my friend and helped Dumbledore get the better of Voldemort earlier in the year. Why exactly is it not my business?"
The three Slytherins flinched at the name of the Dark Lord but Neville seemed to double in size.
It was Vincent Crabb who spoke next "Heard the liar talking to someone and says he's seeing Gingy Weasel."
"That's Ginny Weasley and he is. So now that's settled, Neville, everyone's at dinner wondering where you are." And nodding at Neville he said "Go on."
Neville nodded and ran down the corridor past Harry the Slytherins too stunned to intervene.
"The Heroic Harry Potter to the rescue again, but now there are three of us and only one of you." Stated Draco, the with a quick glance at his dim witted underlings said. "Get him!"
Goyle lunged towards Harry, who couldn't help smiling at the leisurely speed of Malfoy's goon. Harry side stepping to the right, easily avoiding the attack and stepping past him, lightly nudging the large boy in the back with his left elbow. The move, cleverly sent the off-balance attacker toppling forward towards the wall. Crabb then swung a right cross at Harry who leaned back as the punch swung harmlessly in front of him and as the left straight came towards him, he stepped past the second attacker turning as he did, making his robes bellowed out and Harry pushed the second attacker in the back with his with his left hand. Crabb fell head first towards the wall followed Goyle to the floor, the Slytherin thug landing awkwardly on top of housemate. Harry's turn left him standing no more than twelve inches from Malfoy who was going for his wand, but Harry's was already in his hand and he moved it quickly to Malfoy's throat.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you and remember the only disgrace to wizards at this school are in this corridor. Right now!" His voice was barely a whisper but more effective because of it.
Malfoy paled further, making it look like it would take several weeks in sun, to make him tan to white.
Harry walked forward into the shoulder of the smaller Slytherin, knocking him sideways. Harry used the time while the attackers where stunned, to walk to the Deputy Headmistress's classroom and knocked on the door, hoping she answered quickly or he would most likely be cursed in the back. Fortunately on the second knock the door opened, the every alert teacher, obviously having heard the scuffle in the corridor stood at the door. Professor McGonagall then took a step past Harry and looked down corridor, seeing Draco Malfoy brandishing his wand and Crabb and Goyle trying to untangle themselves from each other on the floor.The stern Professor looked at Harry then back at the corridor as Draco put his wand away and his goons got to their feet, "What happened here?"
"There was some water on the floor and Mr Crabb and Mr Goyle fell over, Mr Malfoy was clearing it up."
"Really?" Asked the Professor to the boys in the corridor who all nodded, Draco looking murderous but knowing they would be in trouble if the real story was known. "Well I'm glad you are here Mr Potter, I was hoping to talk to you, come in."
Harry followed McGonagall, who walked into her classroom, then through into her office taking a seat and inviting Harry to sit. She conjured a plate of sandwiches and a pitcher of pumpkin juice saying. "I know your due in dinner, but this may take a while."
"Okay professor." And Harry took a small plate and a couple of rounds of sandwiches and poured him self a glass of juice as McGonagall did the same.
"What really happened in the corridor, Harry?"
Harry retold the events as they had happened, apologising when he finished. The stern professor surprised him slightly, when she waved her hand and stated 'she saw nothing wrong with his actions'. She then changed the subject. "Have you had time to catch up the notes from the lessons you missed? I was tempted to make you exempt from the assignment, especially after a rather marvellous piece of transfiguration at Kings Cross, but I thought it better not to single you out."
"Its okay, Hermione has gone through the notes with me already, and I think the transfiguration was just instinct, I had to protect the train."
"Well I am quite pleased you did, both myself and Miss Weasley where present in the first carriage." Replied the Professor smiling, "I also wanted to express my concern at the behaviour of your friends after the incident, I have never known three prefects get detention within the first days of school and all from Gryffindor."
"I'm sorry about that I think they are too, they all have extra punishments on top of those of Professor Snape and they will be working extra hard to get the points back."
"How have they obtained extra punishment, Mr Potter?"
"I gave them to them, they are to find a student in a lower year who is struggling with something they are confident with and are to tutor them till they have overcome the problem."
"While I think it is an excellent punishment, under what authority have you set the punishment, and what makes you think they will comply ?" Asked the Professor somewhat bemused.
"Err, well you see Professor I am still in charge of DA, and I kind of made it a rule that any Gryffindor member who cost the House points or got a detention, had to make it up to the house."
"I see and do you intend to continue the other activities of this society?"
"I hope so Professor, it is no longer a secret, but I think it may still be useful. I have not discussed it with the other members but I thought, well the only reason we passed DADA was from what teachers in the previous years had taught us and helping each other. I was kind of hoping to make the group a sort of practical study group, in a three subjects."
"Let me guess, Defence, Charms and Transfiguration, the duelling subjects. Tell me Harry what is criteria for admittance into DA?"
"There are only three things, It would only be available to the forth year and above, they would have to take an Oath of Loyalty to the Headmaster, and that they would have to sign the register." Harry added with smile.
McGonagall had been in the room when Marietta Edgecombe had tried to betray the Society, and almost smiling she responded. "There are a few things I would like to clear up, you would except any member of the school providing they where above the forth year?"
"Yes, we already have members of every house."
"I am willing to grant you permission to start this society officially, I would like to add this is the first society to be allowed to start officially in the history of Hogwarts. However, I would like some additional security, in particular regarding the register. I would like it keep it here so it could not fall into the wrong hands and possibly some extra charms to make it a more binding magical contract."
"I agree with binding magical contract Professor, but I think the Headmaster should keep the register he is ultimately in control of it."
The Professor's lips twitched a little at the sides. "Agreed, I would also like to create a set of rules so the Society would continue to run after you have left the school and think it would be appropriate to vote for the leader every year."
"Sounds perfect Professor, who should I ask about the security on the register?"
"You can leave that to me, I will provide you with two books, one will be the register and will be protected so it can only be written in once a year and it will be a complete magically binding contract, meaning no one can talk about the Society with anyone other than Society members and the Headmaster. The second will be the rule book and that will be enchanted so it can only be written in by a secretary who must be voted in every year, and can only be read by members whose names are in the registry book. I will leave the rest of it up to you Mr Potter and remember I expect a vote for leadership and secretary to happen at the first meeting."
"Thank you Professor."
"You're welcome Mr Potter, now onto the other business, I believe we have to arrange your extra lessons. The time table has been arranged so you have Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings free, you will report to the 'Room of Requirement' at both of these times. I have examined the room and found it most suitable, however some extra safeguards have been put in place. There are now only three people in the school who will be able to open the room, the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmistress and the Leader of the DA."
"What if I am not elected this year?"
"Mr Potter after the DADA OWL results of the students in DA, if you are not elected this year, I plan to resign my post and live life as a muggle. Now I believe that just about covers everything, so I will see you tomorrow morning." The Professor smiled as he stood up.
Then Harry remembered. "Professor, I was wondering if I might have permission to visit Godric this evening when Ron goes to feed him." He said.
The Professor opened the top draw of her desk and removed a slip, quickly filling it in the signing it before handing it to Harry.
"Thank you professor." He said taking the slip and walking to the door. Harry made his way to the Great Hall, if he was quick he could catch dessert, and be able to tell the others, or better yet tell DA.
Harry half ran to the main hall and did just manage to catch dessert, the hall was still full of students eating and discussing their days happily. Harry walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat next to Hermione, who was reading a book as the other students chatted around her. "Sorry I'm late, loads of news, you still got your coin Hermi?"
"Of course Harry." Replied his friend taking it from her pocket. "Everyone still carries them. I deactivate the ones of the people who left last year though, but I can reactivate them at anytime. It's just you can't get into the room anymore, I tried at the start of the year it's been sealed."
"Don't worry about it; can you set a meeting for right after dinner?"
"Sure no problem, care to tell me what's going on?"
"You'll see at the meeting it's a surprise..." And seeing Ron had broken from a conversation with Neville and was listening, Harry acknowledged him saying. "And don't worry, it will not take too long and then you have to take me to see the lion, I got a permission slip so I could go too."
"Nice one Harry." Said his friend "Who did you get that off."
"Professor McGonagall. Anyway that's not important, what I have to tell you at the meeting is!"
They both tried to get the information out of him, but gave up when he grabbed a piece of treacle tart with custard and tucked in. Harry saw several people from DA reach in their pockets the subtly look over to Harry and nod. As soon as Harry finished his tart he got up and went to the 'Room of Requirement' opening it in the usual way. Today it was just full of chairs as this was just a meeting not a practice, so Harry sat in a chair at the front and waited. Within half an hour every member from the previous year who had not left the school arrived and they all seated themselves in the room. Harry got up walked to the door, closed it, and put a looking charm on it.
Harry then walked to the front again and began to relay what he and Professor McGonagall had arranged. He added, that anyone who didn't want to sign the new registration book was quite entitled to do so and should leave now, as it would be a proper magically binding contract. Then he finished explaining about the election of a Leader and a Secretary and the creation of a rule book, after he had finished, he sat down and waited for any questions, there were none. Hermione stood and said she thought the best way to vote would be if each person wrote two names on a piece of parchment, the first for leader, the second for secretary and then someone would collect and tally up the votes.
Everyone scrambled for quills and parchment and wrote two names, ripping the parchment off and folding it in half, Neville volunteered to collect the votes and count them which he accomplished in about five minutes, before he read out the votes.
"Well all but one person voted for Harry Potter, as leader and one voted for Ronald Weasley." Ron looked at Harry who shrugged and said he couldn't vote for himself. Neville continued. "And everyone voted for Hermione Granger as secretary." Hermione blushed, obviously she had voted for herself, but no one minded, she was the obvious choice.
Harry got up again and thanked everyone and told them they would be putting a notice up in each common room, telling everyone in the fourth year and above, they could join, if they would agree to the three criteria and as soon as he got the books he would be in touch. Harry thanked them all and told them the meeting was over.
Harry and his friends walked back to the common room they were all excited, mainly due to the news of DA becoming an Official Society. Hermione was particularly pleased as she said that 'this was a big event and the founding members would probably all end up with their names in Hogwarts a History'. Harry asked Ron what was the procedure for feeding the lion and was told that at 20:00 they where to go to the entrance hall and wait for Hagrid to collect them. It was 19:35 already so Harry went and collected his potions books, fresh parchment, a quill and his warmest cloak, hoping he could spend the night outside and work on his potions assignment and the notice for the common rooms, so he put everything in his bag and went to meet Ron at the portrait.
*****
The First Society
Harry entered and sat by Ron, who was opposite Hermione. He looked down the table at Ginny, who was with her friends and when he caught her eye, asked her to come over. The youngest Weasley excused herself from her friends and came to join the trio sitting down next to Hermione. Harry removed some shepherds pie from the serving dish and placed it on his plate and not looking up, said to no one in particular. "So spill it."
"Spill what Harry." Asked the red head opposite him.
"What's happened to Gryffindor while I was detained? Why are perfects are getting detentions and how come Gryffindor house starts at a disadvantage in the house cup?" Only at the end did he look up as he put a mouthful of minced lamb and mashed potato in his mouth, looking at the three of them in turn, each one going red. Then when they remained silent Harry swallowed his food and continued. "And who are these miscreants that the Headmaster has to ask me to look into it? When my three best friends are prefects."
"T-t-the Headmaster." Stuttered Hermione.
"Yep, almost the first thing he said to me." Harry replied.
Ron looked down at his empty plate. "Sorry Harry, it was us."
"You!" Said Harry loudly in mock surprise. "Oh it's a shame I wasn't awake, I'd have told you about a new rule. Now you better tell me what you did."
"Harry." Said Ginny "We just didn't want to leave you."
"So you out right disobeyed a Professor?" Asked Harry.
"It was only Snape..." Started Ron.
"Professor Snape." Interrupted Harry, secretly enjoying himself, but keeping completely straight faced.
"Yeah... And when we didn't leave the infirmary he gave us all detentions." Finished his best friend.
"You knew I was alright though, it was just broken bones." Said Harry. "And what's the point situation about?"
"That was me Harry." Said the blushing Ginny Weasley. "I got Hermione to switch a patrol shift with me and I tried to sneak back in, but Snape..."
"Professor Snape." interrupted Harry.
"Professor Snape, caught me again and took thirty points from Gryffindor."
"What's this about new rules Harry?" Asked Hermione timidly.
"Oh, it's just that any Gryffindor, who is in DA and receives a detention or has points taken from our house, has to do a house punishment as well as any punishment which occurred at the time."
"What!" Said Ron indignantly. "Why would I want to do that, you can't make me."
"Do you want to stay in DA?" Questioned Harry.
Ron shut his mouth, the society was probably not going to be as active as the previous school year, but exclusion might mean exclusion from future plans and this was unacceptable to all of them.
"So what do we have to do Harry?" Asked Ginny.
"Well you all hurt the house, so I think you should try and make up for it. Find a student in the year below, who is struggling at a task, in a subject you are good at, and you are to help them excel at that task."
"Will you be joining us Harry, you just had potions, are you saying PROFESSOR Snape didn't take points from you." Asked Hermione.
"Well actually he awarded me two points."
Ron spat mashed potato from his mouth onto the table. "What? He awarded Gryffindor points? What question did you answer?"
"I just explained the specific effects of the ingredient 'bezoar' in poison antidotes."
"I read the NEWTs text book last year and its not in there Harry! What are its effects and how did you know?"
"It has none it's a catalyst and it's not in the NEWT course, you are right, but it is in the book you bought me for my birthday."
His three friends stared at him, and he continued quietly. "You all know I had some training over summer, well some of it was in potions and I had a lot of time to read. While I was training someone told me that Tom Riddle was a great student, but he was a loner and so he didn't get the most from Hogwarts, last year we learnt more as a group helping each other, than in all the DADA classes studying from books. It just started me thinking to get the most from Hogwarts we have to use family and friends and you have to help them too. Well you are my friends and Gryffindor is my family and we are going to get the most out of Hogwarts because we have to."
This was too much for his friends; they had their mouths open staring at him. Harry finally added swallowing his last piece of potato and downing the glass of pumpkin juice. "Right I expect a report from you next week, telling me who you helped, what you helped them with, and how successful it was. Oh and Hermione you should have known better than to let Ginny break into the Infirmary, so you get the additional burden of explaining to me what I missed in classes over the last two days." He stood and waited for Hermione to gather herself, when she did he turned to the other two and smile cheerfully, amused at the two Weasleys who where still shell shocked and added. "See you at dinner, enjoy your afternoon."
As they walked do the corridor, Harry was smiling and saying 'hello' to the students he passed, Hermione turned to her friend and asked him. "Harry what's happened to you? You're different."
"I don't know, I think I'm a bit more focused and I think I'm just trying to be in charge of my own life. I'm tired of this destiny cr*p, any destiny that can just let Sirius die is pretty useless as far as I'm concerned, so I think I'm just going to do as well as I can and see what happens. I worked really hard over the summer and I feel better for it, so I'm hoping I can continue at school."
"Oh." Hermione was a bit thrown by Harry at the moment, he wasn't the same as he was earlier in the year, but then she didn't expect him to be. She had to admit she liked that he was answering her honestly and openly, but it was a bit of a shock. They turned the corner and passed through the portrait to the common room, were Harry led her to a quiet corner.
"Right. So what do you want to do first charms or transfiguration." Asked Harry smiling at her.
"Well I was having a bit of trouble with the charms myself, so what about transfiguration?" She replied honestly, she was finding it infectious.
"Nope, if you're having trouble we'll work together, till we've both got it right!"
"Well, Professor Flitwick was trying to teach us the Festino charm; it's supposed to be the opposite of the Impedemant jinx. Making you speed up so everyone else looks slow, but I just don't understands how it works."
Harry smiled. "Can I ask you something?"
The petite girl with bushy hair smiled and replied. "Of course."
"Do you know why fire is hot, or water wet?" Asked Harry.
"Err no, they just are."
"So why do you have to know how a charm works to use it?" He paused examining her confused expression. "What I'm getting at is something Professor Flitwick told me, Charms is a practical subject, you have to know how to do a charm, to do it, not why the charm works. He told me Arithmancy is the theory behind charms and it takes longer. So while I know you will understand it sooner or later, because your doing Arithmancy too and your the smartest witch Hogwarts has ever seen. For now, you can just do the charm."
"How do you know, you can do it without understanding it?"
"Because I can do it, and to be honest I have no idea how it works. I learnt it over the summer..." He smiled at her again. "Its not too difficult, the hardest part is the wand movement, and I know you're the smartest witch because everyone knows."
Hermione surprised Harry by stepping forward and giving him a hug, then breaking it she smiled at him and blushing said, "Show me how you do the charm, Harry."
Harry cast a 'Designo charm', so his wand movements would leave a glowing trace and stepped so he was stood at his friend's side. He went through the series of wand movements ending with the wand pointing at his chest and said the incantation 'Festino Harry'. The world around him slowed down and he jogged over to a pitcher of pumpkin juice, at the side of the common room, filled it and returned to next to his friend and said 'Finite Incantatem' ending the spell, he offered Hermione the glass. "Thirsty work, thought you might like a drink."
The girl looked at the glass and laughed, taking a sip, and putting it down, "Show off." She stated without a touch of malice.
"Your turn, just follow the traces and think about moving quickly."
Hermione was a quick study, she always had been and as much as this was against her principles, not understanding something completely before doing it. She followed Harry's instruction and said the incantation. Harry saw her body become a blur and a few seconds later he felt a quick kiss on his cheek and saw she had returned to her normal speed next to him. "I saw you didn't have any dessert at lunch." And she offered him a chocolate frog.
"Show off." Said the boy and laughing and took the gift, unwrapped it, and biting its head off. "From what I read about that charm it uses quite a lot of magic, so you can't cast any other spells while it is active."
"Thanks Harry, you know I like this new you, so you ready to do the transfiguration, a good subject where you have to know lots of theory." She smiled as Harry groaned. Hermione was a good teacher, she knew the limits of Harry's theoretical knowledge and spent most of the afternoon making him write notes and explaining why transfigurations work in terms of matter, energy, and magic transfers. Her knowledge of this was astounding and more remarkable was the obvious passion she had for it. By the time it was time for tea, Harry's stomach was already rumbling but he felt satisfied he understood more, he was still light years behind his friend, but it was progress.
"I guess I should hope you get more detentions, so I get more help." Said Harry smiling.
Hermione smiled back. "If you like, you can help with me with the practical stuff and I'll help you with the theory."
"I'd like that Hermi; I'd like to go see McGonagall before dinner you mind if I see you down there."
"No you go ahead, see you later Harry."
*****
Harry walked the corridors to the transfiguration classroom, and was only a corridor away, when he heard a scuffle round the corner. Picking up the pace, he rounded the corner to see Neville, back against the wall squaring up to Draco Malfoy, who had his goons flanking him. "She is." said the Gryffindor boy, he had grown, but was still a good six inches small than Harry, but he was definitely losing the chubbiness around his face.
"Liar, she might be a disgrace to the name of pureblood wizards everywhere, but even she couldn't stoop that low."
Harry drew his wand and folded his arms so his wand still in his hand, but was hidden behind his left arm. Striding down the corridor he called to Neville "Hi Neville, everything okay?"
Four head turns and Draco's face soured.
"Hi Harry." Said Neville, a relieved look on his face.
"Potter... This is none of your business." Spat the blonde haired boy.
"Really? Looks to me like you are picking on a member of Gryffindor and DA, who is also my friend and helped Dumbledore get the better of Voldemort earlier in the year. Why exactly is it not my business?"
The three Slytherins flinched at the name of the Dark Lord but Neville seemed to double in size.
It was Vincent Crabb who spoke next "Heard the liar talking to someone and says he's seeing Gingy Weasel."
"That's Ginny Weasley and he is. So now that's settled, Neville, everyone's at dinner wondering where you are." And nodding at Neville he said "Go on."
Neville nodded and ran down the corridor past Harry the Slytherins too stunned to intervene.
"The Heroic Harry Potter to the rescue again, but now there are three of us and only one of you." Stated Draco, the with a quick glance at his dim witted underlings said. "Get him!"
Goyle lunged towards Harry, who couldn't help smiling at the leisurely speed of Malfoy's goon. Harry side stepping to the right, easily avoiding the attack and stepping past him, lightly nudging the large boy in the back with his left elbow. The move, cleverly sent the off-balance attacker toppling forward towards the wall. Crabb then swung a right cross at Harry who leaned back as the punch swung harmlessly in front of him and as the left straight came towards him, he stepped past the second attacker turning as he did, making his robes bellowed out and Harry pushed the second attacker in the back with his with his left hand. Crabb fell head first towards the wall followed Goyle to the floor, the Slytherin thug landing awkwardly on top of housemate. Harry's turn left him standing no more than twelve inches from Malfoy who was going for his wand, but Harry's was already in his hand and he moved it quickly to Malfoy's throat.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you and remember the only disgrace to wizards at this school are in this corridor. Right now!" His voice was barely a whisper but more effective because of it.
Malfoy paled further, making it look like it would take several weeks in sun, to make him tan to white.
Harry walked forward into the shoulder of the smaller Slytherin, knocking him sideways. Harry used the time while the attackers where stunned, to walk to the Deputy Headmistress's classroom and knocked on the door, hoping she answered quickly or he would most likely be cursed in the back. Fortunately on the second knock the door opened, the every alert teacher, obviously having heard the scuffle in the corridor stood at the door. Professor McGonagall then took a step past Harry and looked down corridor, seeing Draco Malfoy brandishing his wand and Crabb and Goyle trying to untangle themselves from each other on the floor.The stern Professor looked at Harry then back at the corridor as Draco put his wand away and his goons got to their feet, "What happened here?"
"There was some water on the floor and Mr Crabb and Mr Goyle fell over, Mr Malfoy was clearing it up."
"Really?" Asked the Professor to the boys in the corridor who all nodded, Draco looking murderous but knowing they would be in trouble if the real story was known. "Well I'm glad you are here Mr Potter, I was hoping to talk to you, come in."
Harry followed McGonagall, who walked into her classroom, then through into her office taking a seat and inviting Harry to sit. She conjured a plate of sandwiches and a pitcher of pumpkin juice saying. "I know your due in dinner, but this may take a while."
"Okay professor." And Harry took a small plate and a couple of rounds of sandwiches and poured him self a glass of juice as McGonagall did the same.
"What really happened in the corridor, Harry?"
Harry retold the events as they had happened, apologising when he finished. The stern professor surprised him slightly, when she waved her hand and stated 'she saw nothing wrong with his actions'. She then changed the subject. "Have you had time to catch up the notes from the lessons you missed? I was tempted to make you exempt from the assignment, especially after a rather marvellous piece of transfiguration at Kings Cross, but I thought it better not to single you out."
"Its okay, Hermione has gone through the notes with me already, and I think the transfiguration was just instinct, I had to protect the train."
"Well I am quite pleased you did, both myself and Miss Weasley where present in the first carriage." Replied the Professor smiling, "I also wanted to express my concern at the behaviour of your friends after the incident, I have never known three prefects get detention within the first days of school and all from Gryffindor."
"I'm sorry about that I think they are too, they all have extra punishments on top of those of Professor Snape and they will be working extra hard to get the points back."
"How have they obtained extra punishment, Mr Potter?"
"I gave them to them, they are to find a student in a lower year who is struggling with something they are confident with and are to tutor them till they have overcome the problem."
"While I think it is an excellent punishment, under what authority have you set the punishment, and what makes you think they will comply ?" Asked the Professor somewhat bemused.
"Err, well you see Professor I am still in charge of DA, and I kind of made it a rule that any Gryffindor member who cost the House points or got a detention, had to make it up to the house."
"I see and do you intend to continue the other activities of this society?"
"I hope so Professor, it is no longer a secret, but I think it may still be useful. I have not discussed it with the other members but I thought, well the only reason we passed DADA was from what teachers in the previous years had taught us and helping each other. I was kind of hoping to make the group a sort of practical study group, in a three subjects."
"Let me guess, Defence, Charms and Transfiguration, the duelling subjects. Tell me Harry what is criteria for admittance into DA?"
"There are only three things, It would only be available to the forth year and above, they would have to take an Oath of Loyalty to the Headmaster, and that they would have to sign the register." Harry added with smile.
McGonagall had been in the room when Marietta Edgecombe had tried to betray the Society, and almost smiling she responded. "There are a few things I would like to clear up, you would except any member of the school providing they where above the forth year?"
"Yes, we already have members of every house."
"I am willing to grant you permission to start this society officially, I would like to add this is the first society to be allowed to start officially in the history of Hogwarts. However, I would like some additional security, in particular regarding the register. I would like it keep it here so it could not fall into the wrong hands and possibly some extra charms to make it a more binding magical contract."
"I agree with binding magical contract Professor, but I think the Headmaster should keep the register he is ultimately in control of it."
The Professor's lips twitched a little at the sides. "Agreed, I would also like to create a set of rules so the Society would continue to run after you have left the school and think it would be appropriate to vote for the leader every year."
"Sounds perfect Professor, who should I ask about the security on the register?"
"You can leave that to me, I will provide you with two books, one will be the register and will be protected so it can only be written in once a year and it will be a complete magically binding contract, meaning no one can talk about the Society with anyone other than Society members and the Headmaster. The second will be the rule book and that will be enchanted so it can only be written in by a secretary who must be voted in every year, and can only be read by members whose names are in the registry book. I will leave the rest of it up to you Mr Potter and remember I expect a vote for leadership and secretary to happen at the first meeting."
"Thank you Professor."
"You're welcome Mr Potter, now onto the other business, I believe we have to arrange your extra lessons. The time table has been arranged so you have Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings free, you will report to the 'Room of Requirement' at both of these times. I have examined the room and found it most suitable, however some extra safeguards have been put in place. There are now only three people in the school who will be able to open the room, the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmistress and the Leader of the DA."
"What if I am not elected this year?"
"Mr Potter after the DADA OWL results of the students in DA, if you are not elected this year, I plan to resign my post and live life as a muggle. Now I believe that just about covers everything, so I will see you tomorrow morning." The Professor smiled as he stood up.
Then Harry remembered. "Professor, I was wondering if I might have permission to visit Godric this evening when Ron goes to feed him." He said.
The Professor opened the top draw of her desk and removed a slip, quickly filling it in the signing it before handing it to Harry.
"Thank you professor." He said taking the slip and walking to the door. Harry made his way to the Great Hall, if he was quick he could catch dessert, and be able to tell the others, or better yet tell DA.
Harry half ran to the main hall and did just manage to catch dessert, the hall was still full of students eating and discussing their days happily. Harry walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat next to Hermione, who was reading a book as the other students chatted around her. "Sorry I'm late, loads of news, you still got your coin Hermi?"
"Of course Harry." Replied his friend taking it from her pocket. "Everyone still carries them. I deactivate the ones of the people who left last year though, but I can reactivate them at anytime. It's just you can't get into the room anymore, I tried at the start of the year it's been sealed."
"Don't worry about it; can you set a meeting for right after dinner?"
"Sure no problem, care to tell me what's going on?"
"You'll see at the meeting it's a surprise..." And seeing Ron had broken from a conversation with Neville and was listening, Harry acknowledged him saying. "And don't worry, it will not take too long and then you have to take me to see the lion, I got a permission slip so I could go too."
"Nice one Harry." Said his friend "Who did you get that off."
"Professor McGonagall. Anyway that's not important, what I have to tell you at the meeting is!"
They both tried to get the information out of him, but gave up when he grabbed a piece of treacle tart with custard and tucked in. Harry saw several people from DA reach in their pockets the subtly look over to Harry and nod. As soon as Harry finished his tart he got up and went to the 'Room of Requirement' opening it in the usual way. Today it was just full of chairs as this was just a meeting not a practice, so Harry sat in a chair at the front and waited. Within half an hour every member from the previous year who had not left the school arrived and they all seated themselves in the room. Harry got up walked to the door, closed it, and put a looking charm on it.
Harry then walked to the front again and began to relay what he and Professor McGonagall had arranged. He added, that anyone who didn't want to sign the new registration book was quite entitled to do so and should leave now, as it would be a proper magically binding contract. Then he finished explaining about the election of a Leader and a Secretary and the creation of a rule book, after he had finished, he sat down and waited for any questions, there were none. Hermione stood and said she thought the best way to vote would be if each person wrote two names on a piece of parchment, the first for leader, the second for secretary and then someone would collect and tally up the votes.
Everyone scrambled for quills and parchment and wrote two names, ripping the parchment off and folding it in half, Neville volunteered to collect the votes and count them which he accomplished in about five minutes, before he read out the votes.
"Well all but one person voted for Harry Potter, as leader and one voted for Ronald Weasley." Ron looked at Harry who shrugged and said he couldn't vote for himself. Neville continued. "And everyone voted for Hermione Granger as secretary." Hermione blushed, obviously she had voted for herself, but no one minded, she was the obvious choice.
Harry got up again and thanked everyone and told them they would be putting a notice up in each common room, telling everyone in the fourth year and above, they could join, if they would agree to the three criteria and as soon as he got the books he would be in touch. Harry thanked them all and told them the meeting was over.
Harry and his friends walked back to the common room they were all excited, mainly due to the news of DA becoming an Official Society. Hermione was particularly pleased as she said that 'this was a big event and the founding members would probably all end up with their names in Hogwarts a History'. Harry asked Ron what was the procedure for feeding the lion and was told that at 20:00 they where to go to the entrance hall and wait for Hagrid to collect them. It was 19:35 already so Harry went and collected his potions books, fresh parchment, a quill and his warmest cloak, hoping he could spend the night outside and work on his potions assignment and the notice for the common rooms, so he put everything in his bag and went to meet Ron at the portrait.
*****