Chapter 23
It was a month later when Harry and his friends went down to breakfast, and found a totally silent Great Hall. Even the Slytherins were silent, all though most of them had looks of triumph on their faces. Before his friends could even try and hide the Prophet, Harry grabbed it and started reading.
Azkaban Gone
Late yesterday afternoon You-Know-Who took
over the wizarding jail Azkaban. The twenty Aurors,
who had been guarding Azkaban since last summer,
were all killed. In an interview with Minister of Magic
Cornelious Fudge earlier today, Fudge said that it
seems that the second war truly has started. For
more about Fudge turn to pages 7-10.
Harry immediately looked up at the staff tables. Harry noticed that everyone was watching him even more closely then usual. With Azkaban gone all the Death Eaters have been released. A sinking sensation landed in the pit of Harry's stomach.
"Harry are you al-" Hermione started but was cut off by a glare from Harry.
Harry left the Great Hall and headed back to his dormitory. He didn't think he could go to lessons today. This was an opportune excuse for Snape to fail Harry, but Harry found he really didn't care. With every murder and now with all the Death Eaters released, Harry started to doubt that he was going to survive this war.
It was evening and Harry was waiting in the Room of Requirements for the rest of the D.A. to arrive. He had decided that tonight would be devoted to learning how to create a shield out of any natural object, such as a rock or a tree stump. About fifteen minutes later everyone had arrived.
"As you all now know the second war has officially begun. Wether directly or indirectly this war will affect all of us. Tonight I will try to teach you a charm that will create a shield out of anything natural." Harry said.
Harry taught them the incantation and wand movement. Then he showed them what would happen if they were successful. Harry hadn't expected anyone to get it right away, it had taken him a week, but he hadn't expected what he saw.
After thirty minutes of practicing most of the D.A. had given up. The only people still working were Neville, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Katie, Luna and Susan Bones. Harry was furious. After the loss of Azkaban most of these people didn't want to even try. Harry grabbed a whistle and blew hard. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at him.
"What is going on?" Harry demanded.
"Harry this spell is just to hard." Cho Chang pouted while most of the group nodded their agreement.
"Is that how all of you feel? That this spell is to hard? Do you think that fighting Voldemort is easy?" Harry asked his temper rising. Nobody answered. "I can't believe this! I never thought I'd see Ravenclaws' back down from a challenge! Isn't your house supposed to be known for having the brightest students?" Harry said.
"Well yes, but we weren't the only ones not working." Padma Patil said. Harry ignored her.
"I really would have thought the fact that Cedric was murdered would have been enough to make you Hufflepuffs' try your hardest! I didn't know Cedric very well but I do know that if he were still alive he wouldn't have given up just because it was to hard!" Harry said as the Hufflepuffs' looked ashamed of themselves. "And I am ashamed of my house right now! Gryffindors' are supposed to be strong and brave! Yet most of you are not even trying!" Harry glared around the room one last time before leaving.
The room sat in silence for a few minutes. Most of the people feeling ashamed of themselves. Zacharias Smith was the first to speak.
"How dare he act like we owe him something. All of us have given up one thing or another to be in this club. Sure the second war has started but as long as we're at Hogwarts we're safe. I want to know what he's had to give up." Zacharias said rudely.
"Don't talk about Harry like that." Neville said quietly.
"What? Do you think he did the right thing?" Zacharias said.
"As a matter of fact we do!" Hermione and Ron said together as Ginny, Neville and Luna nodded their agreement.
"Harry has had to give up more then you know." Ginny said as the room started to divide into Gryffindors', Hufflepuffs' and Ravenclaws'.
"Like what?" Zacharias said as the Hufflepuffs' showed their support. All the Gryffindors' and one Ravenclaw took their place behind Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville ready to defend Harry.
"Do you really want to know?" Ron asked threateningly.
"Obviously he does or he wouldn't have asked." Hannah Abbot said while the rest of the Ravenclaws' joined the Hufflepuffs'.
"Harry has given up his parents, his godfather, any chance of a normal life and had to endure a horrible childhood just so all of us could stay safe!" Hermione said as her friends and most of the Gryffindors' were now shaking with rage. "Now if you'll excuse us we need to make sure that Harry is alright!" Hermione finished as she and the rest of the Gryffindors' left.
Harry wasn't in the Common Room when they returned though. In fact nobody saw him until the next the day.
When Harry left the Room of Requirements he headed straight to Dumbledores' office. When he entered the office he found that Lupin was already there.
"That was a short meeting Harry." Dumbledore said. Harry didn't even bother to ask how the Headmaster knew how long the meeting lasted.
"They don't understand how important it is to learn to defend themselves. They won't until Voldemort attacks them or their families." Harry said angrily. Lupin could tell that Harry was about to break down.
"Harry it's going to be alright. Albus and I were just discussing more ways to keep you safe." Lupin said.
"You don't understand, Remus. I want to believe more then anyone else that I can kill Voldemort but I can't. He's already killed much more powerful wizards then myself. I don't need more people to protect me, I need to kill Voldemort." Harry said trying to keep the tears back.
"There is no doubt in my mind that you can and will defeat him, Harry." Dumbledore said.
"Then maybe you can find a way to lend me your confidence. Until then I've got to work harder. The whole world rest in my hands and I intend to at least try and save it. Professor can you please give me more private lessons?" Harry asked. Dumbledore and Lupin looked at each other.
"Let's get started." Dumbledore said taking out his wand.