In case you didn't notice, I replaced chapter 12 form my note to the real
chapter. It's rather important you read that before this.
Chapter Thirteen*~~
Ginny could never remember when she had gone insane. Or that was what she and her quill pal called it. Ever since the summer before her second year, Ginny had been in a quill pal program. Her quill pal was a girl her age in the US. She lived in Wicca, Missouri. She had been adopted when born- her mother being a young mother and all.
Ginny and Tori were great friends. They'd never met before, though they had planned a trip for Tori to come and visit Ginny that summer. The only thing left was to convince Tori's dad, which wouldn't be too hard. He had stopped drinking so much since Tori ran away for a full month, but he still drank quite a bit, even if he had begun to get better since his wife's death.
Ginny had confided in Tori many times, knowing it was safe from the rest of her school. She'd even begun writing letters with Tori's friends at Shinta's- one of the two schools for witchcraft and wizardry in the US. Tori thought that Ginny was either really brave or really crazy to keep a journal after everything that had happened with Tom Riddle. Ginny thought it was solely stupidity. But she had to write everything down somewhere.
Ginny had been very cautious of where she kept her journal. It held her life. She'd even transferred old diary entries form her head into the journal. She never expected Harry Potter to find it. She never expected he wouldn't tell her he'd read it.
But most importantly, she never expected her fate was tied to him doing exactly that.
******************
Harry awoke the morning after the quidditch trials with much effort. He had no desire to go practice. However, he dragged himself from his bed and moved sluggishly around. Ron had returned from the shower just as Harry was picking out his robes.
"Geeze, how long ago did you get up? You look like hell, mate. I'd go shower," Ron said. He opened his trunk and pulled out a muggle book.
"You're so nice," Harry said irritably. "What's gotten into you? Reading muggle books! Honestly, one might think you were Hermione."
"I wouldn't mind too much," Ron said devilishly. "Not only would I get to be hot, I'd have the best boyfriend you can get." Harry rolled his eyes.
"I'm too tired to contradict," Harry said. He walked to the showers. There, he welcomed the cold water into waking him up. After a few minutes he was done and back in the dorm room, dressed for training.
"Ready?" asked Ginny room the door. He turned to see she was wearing sweatpants and a large red sweatshirt that had an Elvish symbol graffiti in the center.
"A gift from Tone?" Harry asked, eyebrows raised.
"So?" she asked. Ron and Hermione held hands and moved ahead of their friends as they made for the pitch.
"Nothing," he said.
"There's something." 'Yeah, there is. Something about you. Maybe it's your wit and charm or maybe your eyes and little nose or-' "You okay, Lightning?"
"Yeah," he said after a moment.
"What took you so long?" asked Sala. She was already sparring. Three pairs of eyes turned to Harry. He rolled his own.
"Sure, blame ME!"
"Let's get a move on! Thirty-eight laps!" called Atonics. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny groaned and took off. "Three hundred from you, Jistone, and I want them at their pace." He pointed to Harry's friends. He gave them a dirty look before heading off.
By the time Harry was done, Ginny had gone through all of her exercises. He came over. "Are you up to me?" she smirked. Harry glared.
"You bet," he said. "I want to start you on different blades, but first, you have master the basic one. I'm starting with muggle. After that I'll give you the standard elf blade. I think you'll be best at a double edged Elvin blade."
"You've got me excited, let's move!" she cried.
"I taught you a few stances, correct?" She nodded. "Well, forget them, okay? Your legs have to be quick and strong. You need to be fast to be good at sword fighting. I want you to learn to run like you'd never believe possible."
"Like you, in other words?" she teased.
"No," he said seriously. "Like Ricu. That's why he's going to be teaching you. Migra wants to work with me on formal battles in particular fields. I'm horrible at obeying each field's rules and regulations. Lately, all I've been fighting have been battles in war."
"The War of Royal Blood?" she asked quietly. Harry nodded. Migra bounced over and did a silly bow to Harry. His eyes narrowed in warning.
"Come on, Your-" but Harry clapped hand to her mouth.
"Shut it," he growled. Migra bit his hand.
'You have to tell them sometime!' she thought loudly enough that he had no choice but to hear.
'I will. when I have to..'
'Just remember they care.'
'I know, Mig, I know.'
"Now then, let's see if you remember how to do things on Hullingro's Field."
"Hullingro's Field is a field used only for staff. He was the master of staff and invented the Daggerended Staff, which later he named the Ridge Staff. Hullingro's Field is used for formal death trials and death sentences. One may die on his field, but if it was a pure elf, they must be covered with blue silk bearing Hullingro's symbol and then burned at his altar in the Hall of Gods, Battle Division."
"I'd be impressed, but you left out something," Migra said. Harry groaned. "You forgot to mention that Hullingro's Field is also used for Intecrio tournaments. Now, please enlighten me on what those are."
"Intecrio tournaments are tournaments that are set up by someone or something with incredible abilities. If they wish to pass this ability on, they usually do it through this type of tournament. You can kill your opponent if you wish. It's a ruthless battle for the victory. Whoever wins- regardless of whom they are- they will receive the training offered," Harry recited.
"Very good. Now."
And so went their morning training.
Harry plunked down heavily at Gryffindor table. Ginny was already seated next to him and across from Hermione. Ron had just sat down next to Hermione after giving her a peck on the cheek. Harry looked around and did a slight jump.
Luna Lovegood rolled her eyes. "Hello to you too," she said. Harry gaped. Luna's normally stringy hair was brushed smooth and flowing. It seemed to float like an angels. Her powder blue eyes, previously enhanced by her large spectacles, were quite visible with what Harry suspected were muggle contacts replacing the glasses. Her wand was still tucked in her ear, and she donned a paper clip choker, but instead of the usual magazine with her, she held one with the name Cosmopolitan.
"Bloody hell, Luna," Harry said. She smiled, showing her pearly white teeth.
"I told you," Ginny said as she picked up a piece of bacon.
"What?" asked Harry. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Luna was picked as Ravenclaw's new Keeper. The old one decided to quit. She decided she wanted to change her looks a bit," Hermione said helpfully, grinning wickedly. "That's why Atonics let me and Gin go early. We worked on it last night, but there were a few finishing touches needed."
"You mean to tell me," Ron said. "That YOU did this?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"I thought we'd established the fact that I was a girl," she said. Ron sighed heavily.
"Calm down, Quill! I simply meant you did a very good job," said Ron.
"Are you saying I was hideous before?" asked Luna calmly from across the table. Ron sputtered.
"Nice one, mate," Harry said before snatching Ginny's bacon.
"Hey!" she cried.
"NO!" defended Ron. "I-I just meant that. that.."
"It's all right," Luna said with a shrug. "You're a guy." Ginny and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"That doesn't explain why you're sitting here," Harry mentioned.
"I like you guys better than Ravenclaws," Luna said casually.
"Hullo," Neville said, sitting down across from Luna. Harry noticed that his weight seemed to be vanishing as the days went by.
"Hey, Nev," Luna said, her eyes fixed on her food. Harry gently touched her emotions and found a strong wave of liking headed straight for Neville.
"What've we got first?" asked Neville. "Because I'm skiving it off no matter what."
"Well, I guess that means you wish to skive off nonexistent classes," Ginny said.
"What are you on about?" asked Neville.
"It's Sunday," Luna said.
"Oh, yes, our DA lesson," Neville said, whacking his head. They all pulled out their coins. The date on them had been changed last night.
"Speaking of armies, I have to see Atonics about something," Harry said, standing up. "I'll meet you in the library." That day, Harry, Ron. Hermione, and Neville were going to meet with Dean, Justin, Pavarti, Lavender, Seamus, Padma, and Hannah. Together, they were going to start preparing a group of fifth years for the antagonizing O.W.L.s a little early. They'd be meeting once a month.
"Right," the rest said together, grabbing a bunch of food and heading off to the library.
Harry walked up to Atonics and sat down in the seat Sala usually occupied. "Where's Sala?"
"She and Poppy went to Hogsmeade to get some healing potion ingredients," said Ricu.
"What do you want?" asked Migra.
"I wanted you to read this." Harry pulled out copies of the Sorting Hat's song. "I don't get it. I think that it has something to do with elves though."
"We'll research it," Atonics said.
"If nothing else," said Kilala. "We can send it to an Interpreter back home."
"No," Harry said quickly. "You can't. I don't want anyone else to read this. They may start coming here. Too many elves without a reason will arise suspicion. Especially since no one here knows."
"Is that an order?" asked Ricatone. Harry sighed heavily.
"If it must be, than yes," he said. He stood up sharply. "I'll see you later."
When he arrived in the library Harry immediately entered a hidden room that they had decided to use.
Sitting in the various furniture that the large room held, Harry saw the mentioned sixth years. Ginny and Luna were eating chocolates on the floor with Hermione, Colin Creevey, Grace Hopkins (R), Lanette Redwood (H), Trisana Pipkin (G), Avari Summersea (G), Michael Corner (R), Marcus Glassfire (H), Lucas Glassfire (R), Martin Glassfire (G), and Karl and Katrina Grail (G).
"About time," Hermione said lazily. She tossed him a chocolate frog.
"Thanks," he said. After he ate it, he sat in the big red chair about three yards in front of the hidden door. "Now, we're all here to get you little ones" glares from the fifth years "ready for the painful OWLs. Once a month we will meet here and help you. Now, what do you want to start with?"
"Potions."
"Herbology."
"Arithmancy."
"Astrology."
"Transfiguration."
"Charms."
"Ancient Runes."
"Muggle Studies."
"Okay," Harry dribbled off.
"Alright, whoever wants potions go over there with Dean. Arithmancy with Terry and Pavarti. Herbology to Neville. Astrology with Lavender and Padma. Charms go with Ron and Hannah. Transfiguration to Seamus and Justin. Ancient Runes to me and Muggle Studies to Harry. Later we'll alternate," Hermione commanded.
Harry found his group consisted of Luke and Katrina. "Right then," he said. "We'll be starting with electricity."
By the end of the meeting, everyone was having a lot of fun. "Wait!" Harry called before they left. "I want Kat, Luke, Martin, Mark, Karl, and Avari to stay after."
"What?" asked Martin.
"You probably haven't heard, but I teach a defense group called Dumbledore's Army. I was hoping that you may like to join." He pulled out seven DA coins with holes through them and a leather strap through that.
"Really?" asked Avari.
"I've decided to offer it to a few more people this year," Harry said. "You guys, the rest of Gryffindor's quidditch team, four first years, a few Hufflepuffs, three Slytherins, and a few Ravencalws."
"Wicked," Trisana said. "I'm in." The others nodded. Harry tossed them each a coin.
"I'll see you tonight."
"Okay."
"Nice job," complimented Ginny as the six remaining left and headed to lunch.
"I've gotten those two Ravenclaws taken care of," Luna said.
"The Hufflepuffs are in- save Mary Dodgers, but I expected that," Neville reported.
"And obviously our three favorite first years said yes," Ron put in. Harry rolled his eyes, remembering the twins and Sandra's reactions.
"And Rob from Ravenclaw said yes," Ginny put in, mentioning the last first year.
"Our quidditch team was quite happy to join," Hermione said.
"And now, all you have to do is get the nerve to ask Malfoy and Goyle," Ginny finished. Harry ran a hand through his hair.
"First I have to warn Padfoot and Moony." He left them at the Gryffindor Table and went to talk to his godparents and friend.
"Yes Lightning?" asked Remus looking up.
"What do you want?" asked Sirius. Harry grinned.
"I thought I'd give you fair warning," he said simply.
"On?" asked Mel.
"I'm hoping to make alliance with Malfoy and Goyle." Remus spit out his pumpkin juice all over Harry. Mel cracked up. Sirius dropped his goblet, which proceeded to spill all over Harry, making Mel laugh harder.
"WHAT?!" cried Sirius and Remus together. Harry sighed.
"You spilled on me." He quickly used Elvin magic to clean himself off. "And I said I wanted to make alliance with Malfoy and Goyle. I don't know what happened to Goyle, but I do know what happened to Malfoy. They've changed."
"I think I have a hearing problem," muttered Remus.
"I cannot believe this," Sirius choked out. Harry shrugged.
"Then see it." He walked over towards the Slytheirns. Malfoy looked up, confused. He and Goyle sat alone at the end of the table, nearest the doors.
"Potter?" asked Goyle. Harry was surprised to find that he talked.
"Hullo Goyle, Malfoy."
"What do you want?" asked Malfoy dully.
"That's no way to great an arch rival," Harry said. He sat down next to Goyle. He felt the whole hall watching them.
"What is it?" asked Goyle.
"I was just hoping we could talk. You know, away from thousands of eyes?" Malfoy looked and Goyle and shrugged. They stood up and followed Harry from the hall. Silently he led them up the stairs and to an empty corridor.
"What do you from us?" asked Malfoy distantly. Harry had noticed that morning the change instantly. Malfoy had given up. He was done fighting depression. He let it engulf him.
"What happened?" Harry asked softly. "Something changed. This morning. You gave up, why?" Malfoy looked away. Goyle shifted uneasily. Suddenly, Malfoy looked back at Harry. He sensed it, the pain and sadness. It was amplified by the fact a tear was streaking down his cheek.
"Twenty-four hours. They've given her that long. After that, they say she'll die," he choked out. His throat was tight, feeling as if it were coated in dust.
"Healers aren't always right," Harry said. "I've known a good number to be wrong."
"I. I know that they're right. I can feel it," he croaked. Harry sighed.
"It's not easy," Harry said. "Watching someone you love die. No matter it's slow or it takes only an instant, it hurts."
"What did you want?" asked Malfoy, whipping his face quickly.
"You remember the DA?" Harry asked after a moment. "The group you tried to stop last year?"
"Yes," Malfoy said.
"I'm not sure what happened with Goyle but-"
"It was my father," Goyle said. "I found out that years ago, when I was two, he had raped a half veela. He had gotten her pregnant. She managed to hide long enough to have the baby and put her up for adoption, but then my father found her and killed her. I met her. Their daughter. My little sister. She's here now. The fourth-year Gryffindor Keiko. Her mother gave her that name because it means blessing. She thought it might give her luck."
"Goyle-" Harry began.
"No, don't call me that."
"Alright. It's Gregory, right?"
"No, I'm changing my name. Keiko told me to use her last name- Orchid. My first name is Raanan. It means new. So I can start a new life."
"Alright then, Raanan Orchid," Harry said, smiling. "I was hoping you two may consider being part of the DA." Malfoy and Raanan gaped.
"After everything we've done to you?" asked Malfoy eventually.
"Look, Malfoy, I'm not saying what you did before was wrong but you aren't the same anymore. I know that people change. I've seen it happen- both for good and for bad."
Malfoy and Raanan looked at each other. Harry couldn't help it. He gently went into their minds to see what they were thinking. They were on the brink of accepting. "Please, you could be a great deal of help."
"Alright," Malfoy said quietly. "I'll do it."
"Me too."
"I'm going to warn you," Harry said, handing them each a coin. "It won't be easy. You'll be the only Slytherins there. And no many people like you. Also, Ron's got you, Malfoy, on his slaughter list for telling Ginny she grew up well. First meeting of the year is tonight. The numbers on the coin show the date of the meetings."
"Potter!" called Malfoy. Harry turned.
"Yeah, Malfoy?"
"I. you might find it easier to call me. Draco." Malfoy looked away. Raanan shrugged at Harry.
"See you tonight, G-Raanan, Draco." Harry walked away, back to Gryffindor.
"So?" asked Ginny.
"They agreed. Also, Goyle is now Raanan Orchid. You may want to refrain from killing Draco," Harry said.
"It seems so weird, you saying his name," Ron said with a shudder. "And I'll leave him be. He'll have enough hell with the rest of the DA."
"Come on, we need to go to the Layer," Harry said. The four said good- bye to Luna and Neville and then headed to the Layer.
"What is it?" asked Hermione. Quickly Harry told them the story that Raanan had told him.
"Wow," Ginny breathed, leaning back in the bowl tipped sideways chair. There were four in the room- one in each of their colors with their names in silver lettering on the back. There was a black one and a dark grey one in the store room for Sirius and Remus.
"The rest of the DA won't be too happy about this," Hermione said.
"I know. Draco and Raanan are going to be here about half an hour early. We're going to hide them. That way we can tell everyone about things BEFORE they know that they're there," Harry said. "And we have to make sure that no one attacks anyone. Also, only we should be their partners. And well, Luna and Neville. They'll understand. They're coming early too."
"Let's just hope that plan works," Ron muttered as they went to get dinner for the DA for later.
*******************
Promptly at six thirty, Harry heard the door open to the DA room and Draco Malfoy entered with Raanan Orchid at his side. Luna and Neville had com even earlier than that and were flicking paper at everyone. Suddenly movement in the room stopped. Luna got his with the appear Neville had sent moment earlier. Draco and Raanan both shifted uneasily.
"Hi," muttered Raanan.
"Here's our plan," Harry said, launching himself to his feet. "You two are going to hide in the shadows until I signal you out. That way, we can explain things first. It's up to you how much the DA knows."
"You don't waist any time," Draco commented emotionlessly.
"Sorry, war habit. You don't have time when people are dying left and right. You say what your point is or you don't bother with saying it," Harry said with a shrug.
"So you really did fight in the War of Royal Blood?" asked Raanan. Harry swallowed.
"Yes." No one in the room questioned it further.
"Now, the only people you'll be pairing up with for a while are those of us in this room," Ginny said. "You'll need to work with an old member for today at the very least, actually two of us."
"As long as no one tries to remove my nether regions, I can get by," Draco said, smiling the ghost of a smile. Harry grinned.
"I believe," Harry announced, "That Draco Malfoy may have a humor somewhere within himself." Ginny rolled her eyes and lazily through a hex at him. Instantly Harry threw up a reflecting shield, causing Ginny to use an absorbent shield.
Draco and Raanan seemed very interested. "Did you learn that hear?" asked Raanan, gesturing around the room.
"I did," Ginny said proudly. Ron smiled at his sister.
"I learned that shield from Re- Professor Lupin over the summer," Harry said distantly. Ron and Hermione suddenly looked worried. Ginny sighed deeply.
"Harry, get your head out of the past," she said softly. "It won't help to obsess over something. I learned that the hard way. It took me three long years; don't make the same mistake I did."
Harry looked at her thoughtfully. The Slytherins in the room seemed confused. Luna was staring blankly at the fire and Neville had an understanding look in his eyes. "Sorry," he said hoarsely, "Some habits die hard."
He looked up at the two Slytherins. It came to his attention they were standing rather close. Also, he noted that Raanan's robes were loose. He was smaller. Harry burrowed his brows and touched their minds. He leapt into the air almost immediately.
"Don't stuff your robes, Raanan. People will still be afraid to tango with Dracky," Harry informed him. "And you two are very adorable together. While you are waiting in the shadows, please do no snog."
For a moment everyone believed Harry was kidding. But Raanan was looking at his robes and Draco was going redder by the second. "How-?"
"You knew he'd find out somehow," Raanan said, tossing it away with his hand. He shrunk his robes so they fit properly. "Approved?" he asked Draco. Draco nodded, smiling slightly at the snugness of the muggle jeans. Harry shuddered; the feeling of appeal that radiated from Draco was unnerving.
"Please do not feel so loud," he snapped irritably. "I need not know how much you like your boyfriend's pants!"
"Are you saying that Draco's gay?" asked Ron, baffled.
"Aren't we observant," muttered Hermione. Ron sent his girlfriend a glare.
"Yes, Ron, he is," Luna said lazily.
"And so is G-Raanan," Ginny added like she was talking to a thrre- year-old.
"They're to-geth-er," finished Neville. Ron glared at them all.
"Your fathers are going to LVOE that!" Ron stated.
"Look, get ready, I sense Hannah and Justin," Harry said. Draco and Raanan retreated to the shadows with locked hands. Harry rolled his eyes. "Emotions!" He could feel the glares sent at him from the dark corner of the room. Just then the door opened and Hannah and Justin walked in, hand locked.
"Off snogging?" asked Ginny as she casually sent a hex at Neville. Just as lazily, Neville threw a shield up. Both of the Hufflepuffs in the room were red. They were saved however by the door opening again and Kigali, Mitra, and Sandra barging in. Immediately the elves launched themselves into a hug with Harry. He laughed.
"Calm down," he said softly.
"We haven't seen you in so long we thought you must have been assassinated," Kigali cried.
"But I'm right here," Harry said smiling.
"Yes, but we were SUPPOSED to be watching out for you!" Mitra yelled.
"If I were dead, every elf in existence would know," Harry stated firmly, a hint of darkness in his eyes. The twins sighed and hugged him again. "Hey, Sandra." The young witch smiled shyly. Harry returned it with a warm smile of his own.
Michael, Cho, Susan, and Zach trooped in. "Cheers, Harry," Zach said brightly. Harry looked at him for a long time. Next to him the twins broke off their conversation with Hannah and looked at him. They gasped, eyes bugging out.
"Zacharias Minario fa Smitarionali?" questioned Mitra softly. Zach gave her an odd look.
"Yeah, that's my full name. My mum and dad used a shortened version of our last name- Smith," Zach said slowly, still eyeing up the twins.
"You're the elves, right?" asked Michael pleasantly. Harry noticed his furtive glances towards Ron and his apologetic looks to Ginny.
"Uh, yeah, they are," Harry said when they didn't answer. "Zach, why are you so friendly with me?"
"Blunt, aren't we?" he said nervously.
"You never liked me much," Harry persisted.
"I- I don't do well with people who are famed. They unnerve me. All I can do is scorn them. but I really didn't like you.."
"And you called him blunt?" asked Luna, eyebrows raised. Harry smiled.
"Trust us, he's used to it," Kigali said. Harry glared at her. She smiled sweetly.
"That was a very lame excuse," Hermione told Zach. "The real reason was-?"
"I didn't like him because I knew that Michael liked Cho and so did Harry. Is that good enough? I didn't like him because of my best friend and his crush! I'm a prat, what more can I say?" Zach snapped heatedly. He was red and then plunked on a couch.
"Well, now that he's done," Cho said, "How are you all?" There was scattered responses as the door opened to admit another group. Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, Padma, Anthony, Colin, and Dennis entered.
"What's up, mates?" asked Colin brightly, plopping down next to Ginny.
"No, Kat has it," Ginny said lazily. Colin stuck out his tongue.
"Get it back!" he whined.
"She's sick of you trying to photograph her when she's bathing. You're a bloody perv!" said a girl from the door. Harry remembered their names in a burst. It was Karl and Katrina Grail, Avari Summersea, and Luke, Martin, and Mark Glassfire.
"Where's Melanie?" he asked, naming the last Hufflepuff and first year admission.
"Ember had a bad headache. She dotted off to Pomfrey's before she'll be here," Avari said.
"Here comes the last of us," Harry announced. The doors opened and there stood Eaun, Andrew, Ernie, Susan, Terry, Raina, and Enya Toren (she's a Slytherin). "Now, in a moment the rest of our members will be Floo-" as he was speaking people tumbled out of the fire in rapid succession.
"Hello, all!" cried Fred. George stood next to him. They wore their jackets again. Lee was with them, in a blue shirt reading WWW- showing he had just gotten off shift. Alicia, Angelina, and Katie were standing there as well.
"Now then, everyone sit," Harry ordered. "Last year we had exactly twenty-eight people in the DA including myself. Hermione, the parchment?" Hermione stood up and handed him the parchment with their listing. Harry made it longer with a flick of his wand.
There was a creak as the door opened. There was Marietta. She was pale and looked rather frightened. "I-" Harry was too distracted by the hasty emotions filling the room by old members to notice Marietta looked about to faint. Behind her, Melanie Ember closed the door and sat down, watching her intently.
"All of you calm down," Harry ordered agitatedly. "What do you wish to say, Marietta?"
"I," she took a deep steadying breath. "I want to join again. I want to be part of this. I-I know you probably don't want me to, but after everything that I did last year, I want to do something. I want to help defeat dark forces. I want to train for an auror next year. Please, I have to do this."
"Than sit, and everyone leave her alone," Harry said sternly. He rubbed his temples. "Right then, there are officially-" The door opened again. "Oh, bloody fucking hell!"
"Harry!" Sirius mock scolded. He, Remus, and Mel stood in the door. Harry sighed again.
"What?!"
"We're here to watch," Remus said in his soothing voice. A few people shifted uncomfortably. The three adults took seats in the corner that currently hid Draco and Raanan. They said nothing of the boys.
"As I've been TRYING to say, there is now, officially, forty-six members of Dumbledore's Army- counting myself." (I know that's a lot.)
"That means there are 17 new members," called Ernie. "I only see 15." (I'm counting Seamus as old.)
"That's because I have to tell you not to be hostile with the other two. They've changed a lot and I want you all to give them a chance. The same with Marietta. People change, times change," Harry said. "There are three Slytheirn members now. Enya who is a second year. Please do NOT hold it against her."
"Thanks," Enya said softly. "I don't know exactly why I was put in Slytherin. I'd been hoping for Hufflepuff."
"You are there to change people," Harry said indisputably. "You want prejudices to stop-like ones placed on your family. It's that ambition that landed you in the serpent's house. And you can change people's views on Slytherins if you try hard enough."
"Where are the other two?" asked Cho. Harry sighed.
"They're Raanan Orchid and. Draco Malfoy," he said slowly. "Except, Raanan used to be Goyle."
"Engiateer," Hermione cast. The spell lit the corner. Remus gently prodded the two Slytherins out.
"Bloody hell!" cried Terry. Harry sighed. He noticed how tightly the two boys held hands.
"Are you two in love?" asked Kigali calmly as she, Mitra, and Sandra did a few hand slaps in a game form.
"Y-yes," stuttered Draco, taken by surprise. Gasps and whispers filled the room. Raanan grinned.
"Alright, all new members pair up with old ones," Harry called, shutting them up. "When all the new members have partners, the old ones can pair up with each other." Luna popped up and stood at Raanan's side. Neville sighed and nodded to Sandra. Ginny took Mitra and Hermione, Kigali. Ron stood slowly and went to stand by Draco. Draco smiled at him in thanks.
Soon everyone but Terry Boot had a partner. "Oy, you," Harry called to his godfather. "Get off your arse and partner with Terry. And NO goofing off!" Sirius glared. He was about to retort when he glowed pale yellow. He floated next to Terry and then the color vanished.
"What was that?" asked Sirius.
"Me," Mitra said swwetly.
"Thanks, Mit. And don't even try it, Kig," Harry said. The gold fire in Kigali's hands vanished. "Start with disarming. Were only reviewing today. GO!"
Harry walked among his friends. He paused to correct new members and to compliment old ones. He felt a swell of pride as he saw every old member was doing it almost perfectly. They would stop and help new members. Sirius was obviously enjoying himself with Terry. Remus and Mel stood up eventually and joined in.
With one hour left they were on Patronuses. Moony pulled a box from his robes and handed it to Harry. He smiled thankfully. "This is a boggart spelled to stay in the form of my worst fear. The spell has never been tested before. Hopefully it will work, meaning it will stay in the form of a dementor. That way, you'll all be learning this spell in real circumstances."
The box was set on the floor. A dementor emerged. Harry thought quickly of when he found out Sirius may be alive. He chanted the usual words and a stag emerged. With a pop the boggart was smoke for a moment while the stag returned to Harry's wand.
When it first reformed it was a dementor. But it suddenly changed. Harry's eyes grew wide. The twins gasped. Standing in front of them was two elves. One looked a lot like Ricu- save the red eyes. The other was Migra.
The male elf held Migra roughly with one hand. The other clutched a dagger. He was covered with weapons. The arrows from his quiver were almost gone with only two remaining. "Laohan," he sneered.
"Ukigol," Harry breathed.
"Some Jistone you have proved to be!" he yelled nastily. "Give it to me or I swear I will kill her!" Migra looked sorrowfully at the elf.
"No, no, no, no," Harry repeated over and over. Remus was staring puzzled at what was happening. Mitra and Kigali looked very worried.
"Your call. Five, four, three, two. one." In a flash he sunk the dagger into the body of Migra. She cried in pain. Harry fell to his knees.
"Damn!" cried Ginny. She rushed to him. The male elf vanished. Harry reached his hand to touch Migra. "Harry?"
"For what has come has come," he said softly.
"And what could have happened was what COULD have happened," finished Ginny in a trance. Suddenly she jerked out and looked shocked. "Harry? We can't save her.."
"No, she is already saved. This. this is what a dementor would make me see. Somehow the spell didn't work right.."
"I think I've fixed it," Remus said a few moments later as the dead and bleeding body of Migra transformed into a dementor.
"Ron, you first." Ron stepped up quickly at Harry's words and summoned his Patronus of a giant spider.
Harry sighed and rubbed his head. His phoenix Edana appeared with a burst of flame. She flew to Harry's shoulder. He stroked her softly.
'They're coming soon. and starting tomorrow we're getting ready for Bill's wedding. Why now? Why at all? Why is it me?!'
A/N I know, more questions. But they'll be answered soon enough. I'll update soon- I hope. This was completely DA and kinda short but I really need to put it up and mummy dearest needs the computer. More soon.
TNIW,
**Flaming*Waters**
PS/ TNIW= Till Next I Write
Chapter Thirteen*~~
Ginny could never remember when she had gone insane. Or that was what she and her quill pal called it. Ever since the summer before her second year, Ginny had been in a quill pal program. Her quill pal was a girl her age in the US. She lived in Wicca, Missouri. She had been adopted when born- her mother being a young mother and all.
Ginny and Tori were great friends. They'd never met before, though they had planned a trip for Tori to come and visit Ginny that summer. The only thing left was to convince Tori's dad, which wouldn't be too hard. He had stopped drinking so much since Tori ran away for a full month, but he still drank quite a bit, even if he had begun to get better since his wife's death.
Ginny had confided in Tori many times, knowing it was safe from the rest of her school. She'd even begun writing letters with Tori's friends at Shinta's- one of the two schools for witchcraft and wizardry in the US. Tori thought that Ginny was either really brave or really crazy to keep a journal after everything that had happened with Tom Riddle. Ginny thought it was solely stupidity. But she had to write everything down somewhere.
Ginny had been very cautious of where she kept her journal. It held her life. She'd even transferred old diary entries form her head into the journal. She never expected Harry Potter to find it. She never expected he wouldn't tell her he'd read it.
But most importantly, she never expected her fate was tied to him doing exactly that.
******************
Harry awoke the morning after the quidditch trials with much effort. He had no desire to go practice. However, he dragged himself from his bed and moved sluggishly around. Ron had returned from the shower just as Harry was picking out his robes.
"Geeze, how long ago did you get up? You look like hell, mate. I'd go shower," Ron said. He opened his trunk and pulled out a muggle book.
"You're so nice," Harry said irritably. "What's gotten into you? Reading muggle books! Honestly, one might think you were Hermione."
"I wouldn't mind too much," Ron said devilishly. "Not only would I get to be hot, I'd have the best boyfriend you can get." Harry rolled his eyes.
"I'm too tired to contradict," Harry said. He walked to the showers. There, he welcomed the cold water into waking him up. After a few minutes he was done and back in the dorm room, dressed for training.
"Ready?" asked Ginny room the door. He turned to see she was wearing sweatpants and a large red sweatshirt that had an Elvish symbol graffiti in the center.
"A gift from Tone?" Harry asked, eyebrows raised.
"So?" she asked. Ron and Hermione held hands and moved ahead of their friends as they made for the pitch.
"Nothing," he said.
"There's something." 'Yeah, there is. Something about you. Maybe it's your wit and charm or maybe your eyes and little nose or-' "You okay, Lightning?"
"Yeah," he said after a moment.
"What took you so long?" asked Sala. She was already sparring. Three pairs of eyes turned to Harry. He rolled his own.
"Sure, blame ME!"
"Let's get a move on! Thirty-eight laps!" called Atonics. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny groaned and took off. "Three hundred from you, Jistone, and I want them at their pace." He pointed to Harry's friends. He gave them a dirty look before heading off.
By the time Harry was done, Ginny had gone through all of her exercises. He came over. "Are you up to me?" she smirked. Harry glared.
"You bet," he said. "I want to start you on different blades, but first, you have master the basic one. I'm starting with muggle. After that I'll give you the standard elf blade. I think you'll be best at a double edged Elvin blade."
"You've got me excited, let's move!" she cried.
"I taught you a few stances, correct?" She nodded. "Well, forget them, okay? Your legs have to be quick and strong. You need to be fast to be good at sword fighting. I want you to learn to run like you'd never believe possible."
"Like you, in other words?" she teased.
"No," he said seriously. "Like Ricu. That's why he's going to be teaching you. Migra wants to work with me on formal battles in particular fields. I'm horrible at obeying each field's rules and regulations. Lately, all I've been fighting have been battles in war."
"The War of Royal Blood?" she asked quietly. Harry nodded. Migra bounced over and did a silly bow to Harry. His eyes narrowed in warning.
"Come on, Your-" but Harry clapped hand to her mouth.
"Shut it," he growled. Migra bit his hand.
'You have to tell them sometime!' she thought loudly enough that he had no choice but to hear.
'I will. when I have to..'
'Just remember they care.'
'I know, Mig, I know.'
"Now then, let's see if you remember how to do things on Hullingro's Field."
"Hullingro's Field is a field used only for staff. He was the master of staff and invented the Daggerended Staff, which later he named the Ridge Staff. Hullingro's Field is used for formal death trials and death sentences. One may die on his field, but if it was a pure elf, they must be covered with blue silk bearing Hullingro's symbol and then burned at his altar in the Hall of Gods, Battle Division."
"I'd be impressed, but you left out something," Migra said. Harry groaned. "You forgot to mention that Hullingro's Field is also used for Intecrio tournaments. Now, please enlighten me on what those are."
"Intecrio tournaments are tournaments that are set up by someone or something with incredible abilities. If they wish to pass this ability on, they usually do it through this type of tournament. You can kill your opponent if you wish. It's a ruthless battle for the victory. Whoever wins- regardless of whom they are- they will receive the training offered," Harry recited.
"Very good. Now."
And so went their morning training.
Harry plunked down heavily at Gryffindor table. Ginny was already seated next to him and across from Hermione. Ron had just sat down next to Hermione after giving her a peck on the cheek. Harry looked around and did a slight jump.
Luna Lovegood rolled her eyes. "Hello to you too," she said. Harry gaped. Luna's normally stringy hair was brushed smooth and flowing. It seemed to float like an angels. Her powder blue eyes, previously enhanced by her large spectacles, were quite visible with what Harry suspected were muggle contacts replacing the glasses. Her wand was still tucked in her ear, and she donned a paper clip choker, but instead of the usual magazine with her, she held one with the name Cosmopolitan.
"Bloody hell, Luna," Harry said. She smiled, showing her pearly white teeth.
"I told you," Ginny said as she picked up a piece of bacon.
"What?" asked Harry. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Luna was picked as Ravenclaw's new Keeper. The old one decided to quit. She decided she wanted to change her looks a bit," Hermione said helpfully, grinning wickedly. "That's why Atonics let me and Gin go early. We worked on it last night, but there were a few finishing touches needed."
"You mean to tell me," Ron said. "That YOU did this?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"I thought we'd established the fact that I was a girl," she said. Ron sighed heavily.
"Calm down, Quill! I simply meant you did a very good job," said Ron.
"Are you saying I was hideous before?" asked Luna calmly from across the table. Ron sputtered.
"Nice one, mate," Harry said before snatching Ginny's bacon.
"Hey!" she cried.
"NO!" defended Ron. "I-I just meant that. that.."
"It's all right," Luna said with a shrug. "You're a guy." Ginny and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"That doesn't explain why you're sitting here," Harry mentioned.
"I like you guys better than Ravenclaws," Luna said casually.
"Hullo," Neville said, sitting down across from Luna. Harry noticed that his weight seemed to be vanishing as the days went by.
"Hey, Nev," Luna said, her eyes fixed on her food. Harry gently touched her emotions and found a strong wave of liking headed straight for Neville.
"What've we got first?" asked Neville. "Because I'm skiving it off no matter what."
"Well, I guess that means you wish to skive off nonexistent classes," Ginny said.
"What are you on about?" asked Neville.
"It's Sunday," Luna said.
"Oh, yes, our DA lesson," Neville said, whacking his head. They all pulled out their coins. The date on them had been changed last night.
"Speaking of armies, I have to see Atonics about something," Harry said, standing up. "I'll meet you in the library." That day, Harry, Ron. Hermione, and Neville were going to meet with Dean, Justin, Pavarti, Lavender, Seamus, Padma, and Hannah. Together, they were going to start preparing a group of fifth years for the antagonizing O.W.L.s a little early. They'd be meeting once a month.
"Right," the rest said together, grabbing a bunch of food and heading off to the library.
Harry walked up to Atonics and sat down in the seat Sala usually occupied. "Where's Sala?"
"She and Poppy went to Hogsmeade to get some healing potion ingredients," said Ricu.
"What do you want?" asked Migra.
"I wanted you to read this." Harry pulled out copies of the Sorting Hat's song. "I don't get it. I think that it has something to do with elves though."
"We'll research it," Atonics said.
"If nothing else," said Kilala. "We can send it to an Interpreter back home."
"No," Harry said quickly. "You can't. I don't want anyone else to read this. They may start coming here. Too many elves without a reason will arise suspicion. Especially since no one here knows."
"Is that an order?" asked Ricatone. Harry sighed heavily.
"If it must be, than yes," he said. He stood up sharply. "I'll see you later."
When he arrived in the library Harry immediately entered a hidden room that they had decided to use.
Sitting in the various furniture that the large room held, Harry saw the mentioned sixth years. Ginny and Luna were eating chocolates on the floor with Hermione, Colin Creevey, Grace Hopkins (R), Lanette Redwood (H), Trisana Pipkin (G), Avari Summersea (G), Michael Corner (R), Marcus Glassfire (H), Lucas Glassfire (R), Martin Glassfire (G), and Karl and Katrina Grail (G).
"About time," Hermione said lazily. She tossed him a chocolate frog.
"Thanks," he said. After he ate it, he sat in the big red chair about three yards in front of the hidden door. "Now, we're all here to get you little ones" glares from the fifth years "ready for the painful OWLs. Once a month we will meet here and help you. Now, what do you want to start with?"
"Potions."
"Herbology."
"Arithmancy."
"Astrology."
"Transfiguration."
"Charms."
"Ancient Runes."
"Muggle Studies."
"Okay," Harry dribbled off.
"Alright, whoever wants potions go over there with Dean. Arithmancy with Terry and Pavarti. Herbology to Neville. Astrology with Lavender and Padma. Charms go with Ron and Hannah. Transfiguration to Seamus and Justin. Ancient Runes to me and Muggle Studies to Harry. Later we'll alternate," Hermione commanded.
Harry found his group consisted of Luke and Katrina. "Right then," he said. "We'll be starting with electricity."
By the end of the meeting, everyone was having a lot of fun. "Wait!" Harry called before they left. "I want Kat, Luke, Martin, Mark, Karl, and Avari to stay after."
"What?" asked Martin.
"You probably haven't heard, but I teach a defense group called Dumbledore's Army. I was hoping that you may like to join." He pulled out seven DA coins with holes through them and a leather strap through that.
"Really?" asked Avari.
"I've decided to offer it to a few more people this year," Harry said. "You guys, the rest of Gryffindor's quidditch team, four first years, a few Hufflepuffs, three Slytherins, and a few Ravencalws."
"Wicked," Trisana said. "I'm in." The others nodded. Harry tossed them each a coin.
"I'll see you tonight."
"Okay."
"Nice job," complimented Ginny as the six remaining left and headed to lunch.
"I've gotten those two Ravenclaws taken care of," Luna said.
"The Hufflepuffs are in- save Mary Dodgers, but I expected that," Neville reported.
"And obviously our three favorite first years said yes," Ron put in. Harry rolled his eyes, remembering the twins and Sandra's reactions.
"And Rob from Ravenclaw said yes," Ginny put in, mentioning the last first year.
"Our quidditch team was quite happy to join," Hermione said.
"And now, all you have to do is get the nerve to ask Malfoy and Goyle," Ginny finished. Harry ran a hand through his hair.
"First I have to warn Padfoot and Moony." He left them at the Gryffindor Table and went to talk to his godparents and friend.
"Yes Lightning?" asked Remus looking up.
"What do you want?" asked Sirius. Harry grinned.
"I thought I'd give you fair warning," he said simply.
"On?" asked Mel.
"I'm hoping to make alliance with Malfoy and Goyle." Remus spit out his pumpkin juice all over Harry. Mel cracked up. Sirius dropped his goblet, which proceeded to spill all over Harry, making Mel laugh harder.
"WHAT?!" cried Sirius and Remus together. Harry sighed.
"You spilled on me." He quickly used Elvin magic to clean himself off. "And I said I wanted to make alliance with Malfoy and Goyle. I don't know what happened to Goyle, but I do know what happened to Malfoy. They've changed."
"I think I have a hearing problem," muttered Remus.
"I cannot believe this," Sirius choked out. Harry shrugged.
"Then see it." He walked over towards the Slytheirns. Malfoy looked up, confused. He and Goyle sat alone at the end of the table, nearest the doors.
"Potter?" asked Goyle. Harry was surprised to find that he talked.
"Hullo Goyle, Malfoy."
"What do you want?" asked Malfoy dully.
"That's no way to great an arch rival," Harry said. He sat down next to Goyle. He felt the whole hall watching them.
"What is it?" asked Goyle.
"I was just hoping we could talk. You know, away from thousands of eyes?" Malfoy looked and Goyle and shrugged. They stood up and followed Harry from the hall. Silently he led them up the stairs and to an empty corridor.
"What do you from us?" asked Malfoy distantly. Harry had noticed that morning the change instantly. Malfoy had given up. He was done fighting depression. He let it engulf him.
"What happened?" Harry asked softly. "Something changed. This morning. You gave up, why?" Malfoy looked away. Goyle shifted uneasily. Suddenly, Malfoy looked back at Harry. He sensed it, the pain and sadness. It was amplified by the fact a tear was streaking down his cheek.
"Twenty-four hours. They've given her that long. After that, they say she'll die," he choked out. His throat was tight, feeling as if it were coated in dust.
"Healers aren't always right," Harry said. "I've known a good number to be wrong."
"I. I know that they're right. I can feel it," he croaked. Harry sighed.
"It's not easy," Harry said. "Watching someone you love die. No matter it's slow or it takes only an instant, it hurts."
"What did you want?" asked Malfoy, whipping his face quickly.
"You remember the DA?" Harry asked after a moment. "The group you tried to stop last year?"
"Yes," Malfoy said.
"I'm not sure what happened with Goyle but-"
"It was my father," Goyle said. "I found out that years ago, when I was two, he had raped a half veela. He had gotten her pregnant. She managed to hide long enough to have the baby and put her up for adoption, but then my father found her and killed her. I met her. Their daughter. My little sister. She's here now. The fourth-year Gryffindor Keiko. Her mother gave her that name because it means blessing. She thought it might give her luck."
"Goyle-" Harry began.
"No, don't call me that."
"Alright. It's Gregory, right?"
"No, I'm changing my name. Keiko told me to use her last name- Orchid. My first name is Raanan. It means new. So I can start a new life."
"Alright then, Raanan Orchid," Harry said, smiling. "I was hoping you two may consider being part of the DA." Malfoy and Raanan gaped.
"After everything we've done to you?" asked Malfoy eventually.
"Look, Malfoy, I'm not saying what you did before was wrong but you aren't the same anymore. I know that people change. I've seen it happen- both for good and for bad."
Malfoy and Raanan looked at each other. Harry couldn't help it. He gently went into their minds to see what they were thinking. They were on the brink of accepting. "Please, you could be a great deal of help."
"Alright," Malfoy said quietly. "I'll do it."
"Me too."
"I'm going to warn you," Harry said, handing them each a coin. "It won't be easy. You'll be the only Slytherins there. And no many people like you. Also, Ron's got you, Malfoy, on his slaughter list for telling Ginny she grew up well. First meeting of the year is tonight. The numbers on the coin show the date of the meetings."
"Potter!" called Malfoy. Harry turned.
"Yeah, Malfoy?"
"I. you might find it easier to call me. Draco." Malfoy looked away. Raanan shrugged at Harry.
"See you tonight, G-Raanan, Draco." Harry walked away, back to Gryffindor.
"So?" asked Ginny.
"They agreed. Also, Goyle is now Raanan Orchid. You may want to refrain from killing Draco," Harry said.
"It seems so weird, you saying his name," Ron said with a shudder. "And I'll leave him be. He'll have enough hell with the rest of the DA."
"Come on, we need to go to the Layer," Harry said. The four said good- bye to Luna and Neville and then headed to the Layer.
"What is it?" asked Hermione. Quickly Harry told them the story that Raanan had told him.
"Wow," Ginny breathed, leaning back in the bowl tipped sideways chair. There were four in the room- one in each of their colors with their names in silver lettering on the back. There was a black one and a dark grey one in the store room for Sirius and Remus.
"The rest of the DA won't be too happy about this," Hermione said.
"I know. Draco and Raanan are going to be here about half an hour early. We're going to hide them. That way we can tell everyone about things BEFORE they know that they're there," Harry said. "And we have to make sure that no one attacks anyone. Also, only we should be their partners. And well, Luna and Neville. They'll understand. They're coming early too."
"Let's just hope that plan works," Ron muttered as they went to get dinner for the DA for later.
*******************
Promptly at six thirty, Harry heard the door open to the DA room and Draco Malfoy entered with Raanan Orchid at his side. Luna and Neville had com even earlier than that and were flicking paper at everyone. Suddenly movement in the room stopped. Luna got his with the appear Neville had sent moment earlier. Draco and Raanan both shifted uneasily.
"Hi," muttered Raanan.
"Here's our plan," Harry said, launching himself to his feet. "You two are going to hide in the shadows until I signal you out. That way, we can explain things first. It's up to you how much the DA knows."
"You don't waist any time," Draco commented emotionlessly.
"Sorry, war habit. You don't have time when people are dying left and right. You say what your point is or you don't bother with saying it," Harry said with a shrug.
"So you really did fight in the War of Royal Blood?" asked Raanan. Harry swallowed.
"Yes." No one in the room questioned it further.
"Now, the only people you'll be pairing up with for a while are those of us in this room," Ginny said. "You'll need to work with an old member for today at the very least, actually two of us."
"As long as no one tries to remove my nether regions, I can get by," Draco said, smiling the ghost of a smile. Harry grinned.
"I believe," Harry announced, "That Draco Malfoy may have a humor somewhere within himself." Ginny rolled her eyes and lazily through a hex at him. Instantly Harry threw up a reflecting shield, causing Ginny to use an absorbent shield.
Draco and Raanan seemed very interested. "Did you learn that hear?" asked Raanan, gesturing around the room.
"I did," Ginny said proudly. Ron smiled at his sister.
"I learned that shield from Re- Professor Lupin over the summer," Harry said distantly. Ron and Hermione suddenly looked worried. Ginny sighed deeply.
"Harry, get your head out of the past," she said softly. "It won't help to obsess over something. I learned that the hard way. It took me three long years; don't make the same mistake I did."
Harry looked at her thoughtfully. The Slytherins in the room seemed confused. Luna was staring blankly at the fire and Neville had an understanding look in his eyes. "Sorry," he said hoarsely, "Some habits die hard."
He looked up at the two Slytherins. It came to his attention they were standing rather close. Also, he noted that Raanan's robes were loose. He was smaller. Harry burrowed his brows and touched their minds. He leapt into the air almost immediately.
"Don't stuff your robes, Raanan. People will still be afraid to tango with Dracky," Harry informed him. "And you two are very adorable together. While you are waiting in the shadows, please do no snog."
For a moment everyone believed Harry was kidding. But Raanan was looking at his robes and Draco was going redder by the second. "How-?"
"You knew he'd find out somehow," Raanan said, tossing it away with his hand. He shrunk his robes so they fit properly. "Approved?" he asked Draco. Draco nodded, smiling slightly at the snugness of the muggle jeans. Harry shuddered; the feeling of appeal that radiated from Draco was unnerving.
"Please do not feel so loud," he snapped irritably. "I need not know how much you like your boyfriend's pants!"
"Are you saying that Draco's gay?" asked Ron, baffled.
"Aren't we observant," muttered Hermione. Ron sent his girlfriend a glare.
"Yes, Ron, he is," Luna said lazily.
"And so is G-Raanan," Ginny added like she was talking to a thrre- year-old.
"They're to-geth-er," finished Neville. Ron glared at them all.
"Your fathers are going to LVOE that!" Ron stated.
"Look, get ready, I sense Hannah and Justin," Harry said. Draco and Raanan retreated to the shadows with locked hands. Harry rolled his eyes. "Emotions!" He could feel the glares sent at him from the dark corner of the room. Just then the door opened and Hannah and Justin walked in, hand locked.
"Off snogging?" asked Ginny as she casually sent a hex at Neville. Just as lazily, Neville threw a shield up. Both of the Hufflepuffs in the room were red. They were saved however by the door opening again and Kigali, Mitra, and Sandra barging in. Immediately the elves launched themselves into a hug with Harry. He laughed.
"Calm down," he said softly.
"We haven't seen you in so long we thought you must have been assassinated," Kigali cried.
"But I'm right here," Harry said smiling.
"Yes, but we were SUPPOSED to be watching out for you!" Mitra yelled.
"If I were dead, every elf in existence would know," Harry stated firmly, a hint of darkness in his eyes. The twins sighed and hugged him again. "Hey, Sandra." The young witch smiled shyly. Harry returned it with a warm smile of his own.
Michael, Cho, Susan, and Zach trooped in. "Cheers, Harry," Zach said brightly. Harry looked at him for a long time. Next to him the twins broke off their conversation with Hannah and looked at him. They gasped, eyes bugging out.
"Zacharias Minario fa Smitarionali?" questioned Mitra softly. Zach gave her an odd look.
"Yeah, that's my full name. My mum and dad used a shortened version of our last name- Smith," Zach said slowly, still eyeing up the twins.
"You're the elves, right?" asked Michael pleasantly. Harry noticed his furtive glances towards Ron and his apologetic looks to Ginny.
"Uh, yeah, they are," Harry said when they didn't answer. "Zach, why are you so friendly with me?"
"Blunt, aren't we?" he said nervously.
"You never liked me much," Harry persisted.
"I- I don't do well with people who are famed. They unnerve me. All I can do is scorn them. but I really didn't like you.."
"And you called him blunt?" asked Luna, eyebrows raised. Harry smiled.
"Trust us, he's used to it," Kigali said. Harry glared at her. She smiled sweetly.
"That was a very lame excuse," Hermione told Zach. "The real reason was-?"
"I didn't like him because I knew that Michael liked Cho and so did Harry. Is that good enough? I didn't like him because of my best friend and his crush! I'm a prat, what more can I say?" Zach snapped heatedly. He was red and then plunked on a couch.
"Well, now that he's done," Cho said, "How are you all?" There was scattered responses as the door opened to admit another group. Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, Padma, Anthony, Colin, and Dennis entered.
"What's up, mates?" asked Colin brightly, plopping down next to Ginny.
"No, Kat has it," Ginny said lazily. Colin stuck out his tongue.
"Get it back!" he whined.
"She's sick of you trying to photograph her when she's bathing. You're a bloody perv!" said a girl from the door. Harry remembered their names in a burst. It was Karl and Katrina Grail, Avari Summersea, and Luke, Martin, and Mark Glassfire.
"Where's Melanie?" he asked, naming the last Hufflepuff and first year admission.
"Ember had a bad headache. She dotted off to Pomfrey's before she'll be here," Avari said.
"Here comes the last of us," Harry announced. The doors opened and there stood Eaun, Andrew, Ernie, Susan, Terry, Raina, and Enya Toren (she's a Slytherin). "Now, in a moment the rest of our members will be Floo-" as he was speaking people tumbled out of the fire in rapid succession.
"Hello, all!" cried Fred. George stood next to him. They wore their jackets again. Lee was with them, in a blue shirt reading WWW- showing he had just gotten off shift. Alicia, Angelina, and Katie were standing there as well.
"Now then, everyone sit," Harry ordered. "Last year we had exactly twenty-eight people in the DA including myself. Hermione, the parchment?" Hermione stood up and handed him the parchment with their listing. Harry made it longer with a flick of his wand.
There was a creak as the door opened. There was Marietta. She was pale and looked rather frightened. "I-" Harry was too distracted by the hasty emotions filling the room by old members to notice Marietta looked about to faint. Behind her, Melanie Ember closed the door and sat down, watching her intently.
"All of you calm down," Harry ordered agitatedly. "What do you wish to say, Marietta?"
"I," she took a deep steadying breath. "I want to join again. I want to be part of this. I-I know you probably don't want me to, but after everything that I did last year, I want to do something. I want to help defeat dark forces. I want to train for an auror next year. Please, I have to do this."
"Than sit, and everyone leave her alone," Harry said sternly. He rubbed his temples. "Right then, there are officially-" The door opened again. "Oh, bloody fucking hell!"
"Harry!" Sirius mock scolded. He, Remus, and Mel stood in the door. Harry sighed again.
"What?!"
"We're here to watch," Remus said in his soothing voice. A few people shifted uncomfortably. The three adults took seats in the corner that currently hid Draco and Raanan. They said nothing of the boys.
"As I've been TRYING to say, there is now, officially, forty-six members of Dumbledore's Army- counting myself." (I know that's a lot.)
"That means there are 17 new members," called Ernie. "I only see 15." (I'm counting Seamus as old.)
"That's because I have to tell you not to be hostile with the other two. They've changed a lot and I want you all to give them a chance. The same with Marietta. People change, times change," Harry said. "There are three Slytheirn members now. Enya who is a second year. Please do NOT hold it against her."
"Thanks," Enya said softly. "I don't know exactly why I was put in Slytherin. I'd been hoping for Hufflepuff."
"You are there to change people," Harry said indisputably. "You want prejudices to stop-like ones placed on your family. It's that ambition that landed you in the serpent's house. And you can change people's views on Slytherins if you try hard enough."
"Where are the other two?" asked Cho. Harry sighed.
"They're Raanan Orchid and. Draco Malfoy," he said slowly. "Except, Raanan used to be Goyle."
"Engiateer," Hermione cast. The spell lit the corner. Remus gently prodded the two Slytherins out.
"Bloody hell!" cried Terry. Harry sighed. He noticed how tightly the two boys held hands.
"Are you two in love?" asked Kigali calmly as she, Mitra, and Sandra did a few hand slaps in a game form.
"Y-yes," stuttered Draco, taken by surprise. Gasps and whispers filled the room. Raanan grinned.
"Alright, all new members pair up with old ones," Harry called, shutting them up. "When all the new members have partners, the old ones can pair up with each other." Luna popped up and stood at Raanan's side. Neville sighed and nodded to Sandra. Ginny took Mitra and Hermione, Kigali. Ron stood slowly and went to stand by Draco. Draco smiled at him in thanks.
Soon everyone but Terry Boot had a partner. "Oy, you," Harry called to his godfather. "Get off your arse and partner with Terry. And NO goofing off!" Sirius glared. He was about to retort when he glowed pale yellow. He floated next to Terry and then the color vanished.
"What was that?" asked Sirius.
"Me," Mitra said swwetly.
"Thanks, Mit. And don't even try it, Kig," Harry said. The gold fire in Kigali's hands vanished. "Start with disarming. Were only reviewing today. GO!"
Harry walked among his friends. He paused to correct new members and to compliment old ones. He felt a swell of pride as he saw every old member was doing it almost perfectly. They would stop and help new members. Sirius was obviously enjoying himself with Terry. Remus and Mel stood up eventually and joined in.
With one hour left they were on Patronuses. Moony pulled a box from his robes and handed it to Harry. He smiled thankfully. "This is a boggart spelled to stay in the form of my worst fear. The spell has never been tested before. Hopefully it will work, meaning it will stay in the form of a dementor. That way, you'll all be learning this spell in real circumstances."
The box was set on the floor. A dementor emerged. Harry thought quickly of when he found out Sirius may be alive. He chanted the usual words and a stag emerged. With a pop the boggart was smoke for a moment while the stag returned to Harry's wand.
When it first reformed it was a dementor. But it suddenly changed. Harry's eyes grew wide. The twins gasped. Standing in front of them was two elves. One looked a lot like Ricu- save the red eyes. The other was Migra.
The male elf held Migra roughly with one hand. The other clutched a dagger. He was covered with weapons. The arrows from his quiver were almost gone with only two remaining. "Laohan," he sneered.
"Ukigol," Harry breathed.
"Some Jistone you have proved to be!" he yelled nastily. "Give it to me or I swear I will kill her!" Migra looked sorrowfully at the elf.
"No, no, no, no," Harry repeated over and over. Remus was staring puzzled at what was happening. Mitra and Kigali looked very worried.
"Your call. Five, four, three, two. one." In a flash he sunk the dagger into the body of Migra. She cried in pain. Harry fell to his knees.
"Damn!" cried Ginny. She rushed to him. The male elf vanished. Harry reached his hand to touch Migra. "Harry?"
"For what has come has come," he said softly.
"And what could have happened was what COULD have happened," finished Ginny in a trance. Suddenly she jerked out and looked shocked. "Harry? We can't save her.."
"No, she is already saved. This. this is what a dementor would make me see. Somehow the spell didn't work right.."
"I think I've fixed it," Remus said a few moments later as the dead and bleeding body of Migra transformed into a dementor.
"Ron, you first." Ron stepped up quickly at Harry's words and summoned his Patronus of a giant spider.
Harry sighed and rubbed his head. His phoenix Edana appeared with a burst of flame. She flew to Harry's shoulder. He stroked her softly.
'They're coming soon. and starting tomorrow we're getting ready for Bill's wedding. Why now? Why at all? Why is it me?!'
A/N I know, more questions. But they'll be answered soon enough. I'll update soon- I hope. This was completely DA and kinda short but I really need to put it up and mummy dearest needs the computer. More soon.
TNIW,
**Flaming*Waters**
PS/ TNIW= Till Next I Write