Chapter 6 – And Classes Begin
"Harry, Harry. Get up or we're going to be late" Ron shook Harry trying to wake him. Sherman seemed to take this action as an aggressive move and moved up to Ron to stop him. Ron backed off very quickly as Harry sat up robing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Come on mate" Ron said from a distance "get up or we will miss breakfast. Meet you in the common room" he said as he departed.
"Ok. Coming" Harry said quickly as he pulled off his sheets and stretched. Harry dressed quickly, collected Sherman, placing him in a pocket and made his way to meet Ron. Together they made their way down to breakfast in the Great Hall. Hermione was already sitting at the Gryffindor table reading The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6. Harry looked up at the enchanted ceiling which was bewitched to look like the sky. It was a beautiful day with white fluffy clouds dotting the bright blue sky. Harry's attention return to the Gryffindor table as he reached it and heard his name being called "All right Harry?" Colin Creevey and his brother were waiving at Harry frantically from the other end of the table. Ron and Harry took seats opposite to Hermione and Harry returned a small waived to the Creevey brothers.
"Morning Hermione" Harry and Ron said as they took their seats. Hermione peeked over her book at their greeting.
"I was being to think you two were going to be late" Hermione returned as Professor McGonagall began moving down the table handing out student timetables. Harry and Ron loaded their plates and commenced eating hurriedly. Harry was pouring himself some juice as McGonagall reached them.
"Mr Weasley I want to see you in my office in ten minutes" McGonagall said as Ron reached for his timetable. Ron looked completely stunned.
"Yes, Professor" Ron replied and McGonagall continued down the table after handing Hermione her timetable. "What have I done?" Ron's face showed his confusion. Suddenly Ron started to eat at a record breaking pace.
"Why are you eating so quickly?" Hermione asked giving Ron a puzzled expression.
"Well, I don't want to get into more trouble by being late do I?" Ron concluded by stuffing close to a full sausage in his mouth at once. Hermione simply shook her head as she disappeared back behind her book. Ron quickly completed his breakfast and after a good bye made his way out of the hall heading towards McGonagall's office. Hermione reappeared back over her book and looked at Harry.
"What was all that about?" Hermione asked. Harry shrugged and filled his mouth quickly to avoid further conversation regarding Ron's unexpected departure. Suddenly Harry and Hermione found themselves being surrounded by a number of members of the Gryffindor house. The Creevey brothers took the spot that Ron had vacated and Seamus and Dean sat on the other side of Harry. Ginny and Lavender took a seat on the either side of Hermione and all looked expectantly at Harry. Neville moved up the table so that he was now next to Ginny.
"What?" Harry asked the group gathered around him hesitantly.
"When is the first meeting?" Colin said in the hushed voice of a conspirator.
"First meeting of what?" Harry returned completely confused. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Of the DA of course!" she answered in an exasperated tone. Harry didn't know how to respond to that. He honestly hadn't given the DA any thought in a long time. Now that there was a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry didn't see a point to continuing the DA.
"But we don't have Umbridge anymore" Harry answered and noticed the faces around him drop "we don't need to".
"But the DA wasn't just because of Umbridge. I thought it was to help us learn to fight against He Who Must Not Be Named" Neville said quietly and the group nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Yeh, now that everyone knows he's back shouldn't we be training harder?" Ginny said reasonably.
"They have a point Harry" Hermione stated closing her book. The bell rang to signify the start of the first class.
"I'll let you know" Harry said quickly to the group collecting his bag and standing up. With that the group dispersed heading towards their individual classes and Hermione fell into step next to Harry as they both had double Charms first up.
"Well Harry?"
"I don't know" Harry replied knowing what Hermione was talking about. Harry didn't know what else he could teach the members of the DA. They had covered spell work and many of the more difficult spells he knew. 'What's left?' Harry thought to himself. When Harry informed Hermione of this her response surprised him.
"Didn't you once tell Ron and I that defeating Voldermort was more then just memorising a bunch of spells and throwing them at him? I was with you at the Ministry Harry and you were right. The battle is more then knowing spells. You can teach the group more. Not just the spells but how to use them to survive the battle. They were right Harry. Now that Voldermort is back in full force we have to be prepared." Harry never ceased to be amazed at Hermione's ability to remember just about everything ever said to her. He knew she was right but still was not sure how he would do what she was asking him.
"I don't think I will have the time" Harry said in a last ditch attempt to get out of it.
"How much extra study are you doing exactly?" Hermione obviously felt this was a lame excuse by her tone.
"I have extra classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday plus Sunday afternoon" truth be told Harry only actually had two hours each session between 8-10pm on weeknights and 2-4pm on Sunday, but he figured these extra classes plus his usual work load would not allow him the time he would need for the DA. After all he had given up the Captain position on the quidditch team due to this extensive work load. Now Hermione and the other members of the DA expected him to plan and organise meetings. 'How?' Harry thought to himself.
"I guess you will just have to find the time!" Hermione's response came as a shook to Harry though not as much as the snide tone she used. Hermione suddenly speed up her walking pace leaving Harry struggling to keep up. He fell further and further behind and despite his requests for her to slow down the distance between them extended with every step. By the time Harry reached the Charms classroom Hermione was already seated at the standard desk that they and Ron normally shared.
"What have I done?" Harry asked Hermione as he took the seat next to her confused by her actions.
"Nothing, I don't know what you are talking about" Hermione replied though did not look at him but maintained a fixed stare at the front of the classroom. Harry was just about to pursue the matter further when Ron arrived and sat next to him smiling from ear to ear.
"Guess what!" Ron voice was full of excitement. Both Hermione and Harry turned to look at Ron. He looked like he would explode if he didn't tell them his news immediately. Professor Flitwick entered the room and took his customary place behind his desk to start the class. Ron ignored the Professors presence and continued.
"McGonagall has made me" he emphasised the 'me' "the Gryffindor team captain. Can you believe it?" Harry was happy for Ron and glad that the Professor had decided to give Ron the opportunity he had turned down. Hermione however looked to be in complete shock.
"Congratulations Ron, that's great" Harry said happy for his friend.
"Yes, that's great Ron" Hermione said after a silent pause. Hermione seemed to have been unsure what to say at Ron's declaration. Ron continued to talk about the Gryffindor team and his new role as captain throughout the class and completely ignored Flitwick as he tried to teach the class a Confusion Charm. Hermione kept trying to shush Ron so she could listen to Flitwick's instructions and take notes but he completely ignored her as well.
"McGonagall said you were back on the team as well so that means that we only need to hold try outs for three chasers" Ron said as he ticked off the team members using his fingers to keep count.
"Two" Harry corrected Ron absently as he had started to become bored with Ron's endless talk of the team.
"Two? Who am I forgetting?" Ron turned to Harry seeming confused and recounted the team members on his fingers.
"Ginny. She said to me last year that she wanted to be a chaser once I was back on the team" Harry replied.
"Well" Ron said as he puffed out his chest in a manor Harry felt was reminiscent of Percy "she will have to try out like everyone else". Harry tried to ignore the feeling he was suddenly getting in the pit of his stomach that by giving Ron the captaincy he had created a monster. Hermione shot Ron dirty looks as he continued to talk through the session. Harry even found himself tuning out to Ron no stop monolog about how he was going to make this years team the best ever. The bell eventually rang signalling the end of Charms and the trio, with Ron's dialog not missing a beat, made their way down to Herbology. As they left Neville fell in along side them and for the first time Ron fell silent.
"Neville" Hermione said with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "Ron has been made the Gryffindor Quidditch team captain" Harry was stunned. Ron had finally gone silent and Hermione was opening the door for his to start up again.
"Oh, congratulations Ron" Neville said earnestly to Ron.
"Thanks Neville" Ron replied again puffing his chest out in pride. Ron then began to explain to Neville all of the plans he had for the team. Hermione smiled to herself and then moved forward creating a space between herself and Ron. To Harry's surprise Ron didn't even seem to notice. As Harry had already heard Ron's plan multiple times already he decided to join Hermione. Ron didn't seem to mind, in fact, much like with Hermione, Ron didn't even seem to notice.
"Clever" Harry said to Hermione as he joined her realising that she had planned to divert Ron's attention to Neville. Hermione's smile widen in response. They walked together for a while enjoying the new found silence and it wasn't until they were outside that Hermione spoke.
"Harry" she said scarcely above a whisper.
"Yes"
"I am sorry for my behaviour before" Harry had completely forgotten about her behaviour towards him at the start of charms and was not sure what Hermione was talking about.
"I think Ron won't notice" Harry replied assuming that she was talking about their artful escape from Ron.
"Not that! How rude I was to you about your extra studies. I think it's great that McGonagall will be giving you assistance to become an Auror, I really do." Hermione's and Harry's eyes meet as she finished sentence and Harry knew that she was telling the truth. "I just wish I could do them to."
"I don't think that I will actually be learning any thing new so much and being assisted to your current standard" Harry knew that what he had just told Hermione was not the truth but from the smile that spread across her face he knew that it was what she wanted to hear. The tension that had been between them since the end of breakfast disappeared and their conversation relaxed as they crossed the lawn to the greenhouses where Professor Sprout was waiting for them all to arrive. As the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff sixth years gathered in front of the greenhouses Harry noticed that not all students who had been in his fifth year class had decided to continue it into their sixth year.
"We will be working in greenhouse number four today" Professor Sprout called to the group. Greenhouse two was meant to house plants that were considered extremely difficult to grow as well as plants that were predominately used for healing. Once everyone had taken a seat in the greenhouse Professor Sprout began explaining that they would be learning about in the coming year. Harry sent a quick glance in the direction of Neville and Ron and he noticed a definite glazed effect in Neville's eyes. Harry recognised these as signs that Neville was no longer focused on Ron's conversation topic. The session went quickly and, as they had been identifying plants rather then potting them, Harry walked away the cleanest he had ever been from a Herbology when the bell rang to signal lunch. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville entered the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table. Hermione seemed to eat as quickly as possible and when Ron enquired as to the reason for the rush Hermione was direct with her reply.
"Because I was unable to hear anything that Professor Flitwick said in Charms this morning" Hermione said sending a meaningful look at Ron "now I have to go to the library and catch up" with that she turned and left. Harry tried hard to suppress a laugh as Ron call "What did I do?" to Hermione's retreating back. After lunch they started one of the new subjects Harry was taking, Medical Magic. The classroom for the session was located a few doors down from the Hospital Wing and the room itself looked like a cross between a standard classroom, like the room they had for Transfiguration and the Potions classroom. There were long bench like tables for the students and the walls were covered with shelves that contained jars of different coloured liquids that had assorted items that Harry could not identify floating in them. The room however was sunny and bright and did not emit the same gloomy atmosphere the Potions room did. Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the room and chose a table at the rear of the class while the remaining students filed in. Susan Bones from Ravenclaw waved hello to the trio from the front of the room. They waved back as an unfamiliar women, with long blond hair in deep green robes entered the room. The woman was tall, nicely figured and had a kindly, soft looking face with eyes that matched her robes.
"Good afternoon everyone" she said as she reached the front of the room and looked around the class at the students "my name is Remy Curatio, Healer Curatio actually. I am not a professor like your other teachers. I am a Healer at St Mungo's Hospital. I have been instructing the sixth and seventh year students in Medical Magic here for the last five years and have been a Healer at St Mungo's for the last ten years. Unlike your other teachers I am only at Hogwarts two days a week when I am teaching the rest of the week I am at St Mungo's. Well, now that I have introduced myself" she smiled as she rested against the desk "it's your turn." She pointed to Hannah Abbott.
"I think we will start with you and go around the room." Each member of the class introduced themselves and when it was Harry's turn he was surprised by the mild reaction he received.
"Excellent to meet you Harry" Healer Curatiosaid before moving onto Hermione. Once everyone had introduced themselves the class was asked to take out their course book, 'Basic Medical Magic', and open to page 7.
"Before we commence healing people we have to know basic human anatomy. Once everyone is clear on what is were in the body then we will look at healing scratches, cuts and bruises. After Christmas we will start on minor ailments like colds and flue. I am hoping to get to dealing with minor curses and hexes by the end of the year. So, lets get started shall we?" Harry noticed that for the first time since classes had started Ron was actually quiet. In fact Ron seemed to be giving their new teacher his undivided attention.At the end of the class, as Harry, Hermione and Ron made their way to Transfiguration Ron's voice seemed to return.
"Well she was definitely nice" Ron said happily and Harry tried hard to disguise his surfacing laugh as an attempt to clear his throat. "Yes, I bet she has an excellent bed side manor" Ron continued as a far away expression crossed his face. Hermione shook her head slightly and rolled her eyes as they approached the door to Transfiguration. They proceeded to their usual seats while Professor McGonagall waited at the front of the class for all students to be seated.
"This year we will be commencing human transfiguration" there was an excited buzz around the room at McGonagall's announcement "this is one of the hardest types of transfiguration and will take some time to learn. Before we move onto human Transfiguration I want to be sure that the process of animal transfiguration has not been forgotten over the summer break. Lavender would you come here and hand a beetle to each person. Once everyone has proved they can change their beetle into a button then we will move onto other animals. By the end of this double period I want to have covered most of the different animal transfigurations we have covered over the last three years." Harry was surprised by how much he remembered and found that he was successful on almost all of his first attempts to transfigure the animals he was given. Hermione even complimented Harry on his success while both of them tried hard to assist Ron who seemed to still be having problems with almost every animal they were given.
"Well done Miss Granger, Mr Potter. I think you will have to do some revision Mr Weasley. I want you to have mastered this before next session" McGonagall said as she past their table to check their success at the end of the session pointing to Ron's last attempt to transfigure a kitteninto a jewellery box. Unfortunately his box had remained furry and would meow whenever anyone touched it.
"Great" Ron's said in a dispirited tone "now I have a foot long essay on the human body, the misuse of the Confusion charm on muggles and what are the most difficult magic plants to grow and why, and now I also have revise three years worth of Transfiguration. And it's only the first day back"
"We have to the essays as well" Ron's mood did not improve at Harry's statement. They made their way down the main stair case and were stopped by a human barricade of three Slytherins.
"Have I heard correctly Potter? Have you been passed over for Weasley again?" Malfoy looked positively beside himself with glee.
"What are you talking about Malfoy?" Harry was tired of Malfoy's love of cryptic word games and he decided to be direct. Harry's pocket suddenly squirmed slightly.
"The Gryffindor Quidditich team captaincy!" though Harry had not thought it possible Mafloy's look of pleasure seemed to increase. "Well that insures my teams victory if this buffoon" he nodded in Ron's direction "is in charge of the competition. By the way, I am the Slytherin Team Captain" Malfoy added offhandedly.
"Did you buy the captaincy the same way you brought your way onto the team?" Hermione returned. Malfoy's look of self satisfaction slipped at Hermione's question and his permanent body guards took a menacing step towards her. Malfoy realised that their current location was not the place for a battle and with a last nasty look directed at Hermione Malfoy lead his accompanying thugs into the Great hall for dinner.
"Our team has to win" Ron stressed to Harry "I am not losing to that prat. We have to have tryout straight away. I'm going to see McGonagall about booking the pitch for them. I will see you later" Ron turned and hurried back up the stairs towards McGonagall's office. Harry and Hermione continued in for dinner and Ron did not reappear until they were starting on desert.
"It's all set. Tryouts are on Thursday night. You have to be there Harry" It was a statement not a request. There was a note of nervousness in his voice.
"Of course I will be there" Harry replied in an attempt to calm Ron. Harry and Hermione decided to wait until Ron had finished dinner before heading back to the common room to get started on their homework. While they were waiting Neville joined them.
"So Harry, have you made a decision about the DA?" Neville asked in a hushed voice that didn't go beyond Harry, Hermione or Ron's ears. Harry still had not actually made a decision about the DA due to how hectic the first day back had been. Hermione gave Harry a look that spoke volumes. He knew that she thought he should continue instructing the DA.
"I will let you know the date of the first meeting in the usual way" Harry gave in after a moments pause. What Hermione had said earlier made cense. Though he still was not sure exactly sure what he could teach the group he decided he would give it a go. Hermione gave Harry a please look as did Neville. Ron finally finished eating and the trio made their way up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room. Harry, Ron and Hermione unpacked their bags after sitting down in their favourite comfy chairs by the fire. They decided to start with the Medical Magic essay first. Harry and Hermione commenced working while Ron did not seem to be able to focus. He fidgeted about for about an hour and then decided it was no use.
"I'm going to bed. I will do it in the morning" Both Harry and Hermione gave him a questioning look. "I am not taking as may classes as both of you" Ron explained "I have free periods until after lunch". Ron packed up his books and made his way to the dormitory. Harry was determined not to fall behind in his school work and he and Hermione worked on until they had completed the work they had been given that day. This worked out well for Harry as Hermione helped him with his charms essay as well as giving him some information on the charm that Flitwick had tried to teach him earlier that day but had been unable to hear due to Ron. They turned in at around midnight and as the other members of Harry's dormitory were already in bed Harry let Sherman out of his pocket and allowed him to look around.
"Who was that one that was aggressive towards you?" Sherman asked Harry after he was done exploring.
"Which one?" Harry asked not sure what Sherman was talking about.
"The one that upset the red top" Sherman nodded his head toward Ron's bed and Harry suddenly remembered the incident with he and Malfoy earlier that day. Harry gave Sherman an abridge version of his and Malfoy's encounters since first year. Sherman listened carefully to Harry's story and when he finished Sherman seemed to be considering something.
"Watch that one master. He didn't smell right" Sherman said before moving to his usual place at the end of Harry's bed for the night. Harry was not exactly sure what Sherman meant by didn't smell right but he had to agree that he needed to watch Malfoy, especially now that Voldermort was back to full strength.
Ron slept in the next morning while Harry and Hermione went down to breakfast. Harry was not looking forward to their first class, double Potions. The post arrived as he finished the last of his bacon and as usual he did not receive any mail. Hermione received her copy of the daily prophet which she commenced reading immediately. Harry ate his toast and finished his juice waiting for Hermione.
"Anything I should know about?" Harry asked as she folded up her paper.
"No" Hermione replied as the bell rang. They made their way down to the dungeon and when they reached the door waited with the rest of their house for Snape to arrive. Harry noted that the class had shrunk considerably from fifth year. In fact it looked as though less then half had continued the class. Unfortunately Malfoy had decided that Potions was a course that he would continue. Crabbe and Goyle however were not present. Snape opened the door and the class proceeded in. Harry and Hermione took their usual seats towards the back of the room and when Snape's eyes fell on Harry an unpleasant sneer crossed his lips.
"Are you sure you are in the right room Potter?" Snape said in the usual nasty tone he used when addressing Harry.
"Yes sir" Harry replied meeting Snape's eyes. Harry was determined not to let Snape get to him this year.
"How unfortunate" the Slytherins in the room sniggered. "Well, I don't know who you bribed to get the required marks but let me assure you if you don't meet the standards expected for this class you will no longer be welcome." Harry could not remember a time when he had ever felt welcome in Snape's class.
"Today we will be starting a Paralysing Potion. This potion is designed to completely paralyse a person except for the mouth and eyes for one hour. It is an extremely potent potion as it does not require ingestion to be effective. All a person has to do is touch it and they will suffer from its effects. It is a complicated potion and will take at least a month to complete. We will start it today and will need to check on it each class until it is complete. Ingredients" Snape waved his wand and the list of ingredients and instructions appeared on the board "get started. I would suggest that you take great care with this potion. I will be testing them randomly" Snape gave Harry a meaningful look "and if you get it wrong it can paralyse permanently, among other things." Harry read through the instructions twice before he started. Snape made snide comments throughout the class and Harry used every ounce of his strength to stay focused on the task at hand. Hermione made comments under her breath attempting to assist Harry though Harry found this more distracting then helpful. Though he was exhausted by the end of class he was at least happy that his potion looked the same as Hermione's. Snape looked at Harry's potion before it was placed in the storage cabinet for next lesson.
"Congratulation Hermione" Snape sneered "I have never seen a student make two potions in one class before" he turned andwalked back to his desk. Harry couldn't believe it. As soon as they left Harry felt the self restrain he had worked so hard to maintain all class fall and he commenced a monolog on Snape's continued nasty attitude towards himin which he used many words that made Hermione scold him for use of such language. They made their way to a new class room that Harry had not been to before. Located in the West tower it took them quiet a while to arrive and they found that they were the last to arrive. It was their first Alchemy lesson and as they were last the only seats that remained where at the front. Harry and Hermione took their seats just in time for the arrival of the teacher, Professor Vector. A big smile came over Hermione's face. Harry had never had Vector before but Hermione also had him for Arithmancy.
"Good morning everyone. My name is Professor Vector for those of you who have not attended a class of mine before. I see a few new faces" Vectorsmiled at the students as he looked around. "I welcome you all to Alchemy. Many people are under the misconception that Alchemy is only the ability to change lead to gold. In fact Alchemy is much more then that. It is the ability to transmute basic metals into more precious metals and to cure medical conditions with a single elixir. By the end of next year you will not be able to change to gold but you will understand the principles of Alchemy. I am sorry to disappoint you." Vector said to the fallen faces around the room "please take out your course book and we will begin." The class went quickly and it was time for lunch before Harry knew it. He and Hermione made their way down to the Great Hall for lunch and meet Ron who looked tired. Hermione enquired as to the reason for his state.
"I have been practicing my transfiguration all morning and trying to get those essays done" Ron replied sourly.
"Well at least there done now" Hermione said brightly. Ron replied with a grunt and Harry got the distinct impression that Ron had not completed all of the homework he had to do. After lunch the trio proceeded to their first Defence Against Dark Arts with the new Professor, Professor Dodge.
"Hello everyone" Dodge said once everyone was settled in his wheezing voice. "This will be a full year as we have a lot to cover. I think you will all agree that now that He Who Must Not Be Named has returned defence will be the most important thing you can learn. When I talk about defence I am not just talking about hexes and curses or even shields. I am talking everything that you can use to protect yourself. This will include protective objects and dark detectors. But we will also learn new spells to use for defence and protection. You will not need your wands for this session" this was met with a look of disappointment from many in the group and Dodge gave a small smile. "Don't worry everyone. You will use your wands this year in class but today we will be looking at protective objects and their uses." The mood of the class improved considerably at this as they realised they were not facing another year with a male Umbridge.
"Can anyone give me an example of a protective object?" Harry felt rather then saw Hermione raise her hand at lightening speed though he noticed that she was not alone. A number of people seemed to know of objects that could be used for protection. "Yes, Mr Longbottom I believe" Dodge said pointing to Neville. Neville gave a weak smile.
"Amulets" Neville said nervously.
"Correct! Five point to Gryffindor" Dodge said happily "The amulet has to be one of the most diverse types of protective items. There a many types that will protect against different things. If you will open your course book to page fifteen you will see a number of pictures of different types of amulets and a description of its use." Harry opened his book and saw ten different amulets pictured including his own phoenix amulet. The description read 'This amulet is designed to absorb minor curses and hexes thereby reducing the impact to the owner. These are particularly strong amulets and have been know to absorb the entire curses/hexes depending on the age of the amulet. The older the amulet is the stronger it will become. These items are near impossible to destroy'. Harry suddenly felt that he should carry his amulet on him at all times, just in case. The class continued to discuss a number of different items that could be used for protection and Hermione managed to get her chance to answer a number of questions earning the Gryffindor house an additional twenty points. To complete the day the trio made their way down to Hagrid's cabin for their first Care of Magical Creatures lesson. Hagrid was standing outside waiting for the class to arrive.
"Hi ya you three" Hagrid boomed as they approached. He appeared to be standing next to several logs of dead wood. The class gathered around and Harry noted that the numbers of Slytherin members to the class had dropped to two and neither of them were Malfoy.
"Gather around everyone" Hagrid gestured for the members of the class to come closer. The group was hesitant due to past experience. "Can anyone tell me the creature we have 'ere?" Most of the class looked confused and searched the area for the apparent creature they were supposed to be studying. Hermione however raised her hand confidently.
"Yer, Hermione?"
"Their Dugbog's" Hermione answered. Ron turned to Harry.
"What are?" he asked looking around, Harry shrugged.
"Correct Hermione. Everyone come and take one for closer examination" some members of the class began moving in "just watch your hands as they have very sharp teeth". Those that had moved forward sudden stopped. Hermione however carefully moved forward and picked up a piece of what looked like wood until a paw reached out from the side of it.
"Oh, that's a Dugbog" Ron said casually as Hermione brought the one she had picked up over to them. The rest of the class followed her example and collected one Dugbog between two to three of them. After they had examined theirs Harry had to admit that he was surprised by how passive it was especially considering how excited Hagrid had been a few days before. When Harry mentioned this to Hermione and Ron they both agreed. At the end of the session the trio lagged behind the rest of the class heading up to dinner to talk to Hagrid.
"Yer, I am going to need a little more time on it. I thought I had it organised but there was a delay" Hagrid replied when they questioned him about the creatures. Harry, Hermione and Ron exchanged concerned looks.
"What, exactly, has been delayed?" Hermione's voice matched her expression.
"Don't wan' ter spoil it" Hagrid said evasively. "How's Sherman Harry?" Hagrid changed the subject.
"Really good" Harry replied and felt Sherman squirm in his pocket. Sherman pocked his head out of his pocket and Hagrid smiled broadly stretching his hand out to pat Sherman.
"Oh he is a beautiful snake" Hagrid's expression softened. Ron on the other hand seemed to back himself away from the newly exposed snake.
"I didn't know you were carrying him around" Ron said in a slightly disturbed tone.
"Well I can't just leave him alone in the dormitory" Harry replied reasonably though Ron's expression showed he was less then convinced. "How is your little brother Hagrid?" Harry said trying to change the subject.
"Oh fine, fine. We spent most of the summer together. Gettin' really good with his English" Hagrid answered with a big smile. "Well ya three had better get ter dinner. Come visit me when ya get a free period Harry, bring Sherman."
"I will. Bye Hagrid" Harry said. Hermione and Ron also said their good byes before heading to dinner.
"He could have invited us" Ron said slightly disgruntled as they made their way back to the castle. Harry was surprised that Hagrid had not invited Hermione and Ron as well but decided not to speculate as to why. Hermione saved him by changing the subject to their homework assignments. The evening was spent working on the homework they had been given that day. Hermione also helped Ron with his Transfiguration as he still had not mastered all of the spells that McGonagall wanted him to. Harry watched Ron's progress and Hermione's growing frustration with amusement while he quietly thanked Lupin for making him do so much revision over the holidays or he would have been in the same predicament as Ron.
Wednesday went quickly as Harry had double Herbology, Charms and double Alchemy. Though class wise it was a short day for Harry as he had a free period he still ended up with an enormous amount of homework as he was given two essays to complete for Alchemy. Harry had taken a break out of his studies to lose a game of chess to Ron as Hermione had Arithmancy during the free period he and Ron shared and she was not there to disapprove. Thursday started with double Medical Magic, the only class Ron remained completely focused in on what the teacher was saying, Transfiguration, Charms and Astrology. Astrology was done in two parts over the day with the second part of the class starting at 11pm. This year they were focusing on comets and their effects. Due to their late star gazing the trio had a free first period with their first class, double Care of Magic Creatures starting before lunch.
Between the class Ron and Harry made their way down to the quid ditch for the Gryffindor team tryouts. Ron had decided, after some persuading by Harry, that he would give Ginny a chaser position so it meant that they only required two additional players. Tryouts seemed to go on for ever and Ron never seemed to be satisfied. Harry was beginning to think that being the Gryffindor team captain meant inheriting a new, obsessive, personality. By 9.45pm Harry was exhausted and Ron had finally made a decision. The new additions to the team were Natalie McDonald and Peter Simmons both from second year. Ron complained to Harry after that there new additions were not all he had hoped for and there would have to be extra practices to get them up to speed. Harry felt Ron's comments about their new team mates were reminiscent of the comments Angelina had made to him the year before about Ron's skills. There late finish gave them just enough time to shower before the second half of their Astronomy class were they meet up with Hermione and Ron found a new person to complain to. After a late breakfast the next day the trio proceeded to Hagrid hut for class and they continued work on the Dugbog. Hagrid moved around the class supervising the groups and answering questions. When he reached Harry, Hermione and Ron he talked quietly to Harry.
"I believe that yeh have an early finish terday with a free period this afternoon" Harry nodded. After lunch he had a Potions torture session with Snape and then he was free. "Com' an see me?" Hagrid asked and Harry agreed. Potions was as expected, Snape pushed Harry's self restrain until Harry was at bursting point and he had to keep reminding himself that it was only one class and at least he had Hagrid to visit after. When it finally concluded Harry bid farewell to Hermione and made his way back to Hagrid's cabin. When Hagrid opened the door his big boarhound, Fang, leapt up and commenced licking Harry's face affectionately.
"Get down Fang!" Hagrid said as he pulled Fang off of Harry. "Thanks fer comin' down Harry" Hagrid gestured to Harry to take a seat at the table.
"Of course" Harry responded immediately "though I was unsure why you asked to see me alone". Hagrid took a seat opposite Harry.
"Well I wanted ter give yeh somethin' and I thought that yeh might want to see it on yer own first before yer show Ron and Hermione." Harry was confused "we will have ter go for a walk up ter the castle". Harry was a bit tired from his all of his walks back and forth from the castle that day but could see by the look on Hagrid's face that he really wanted to give, whatever this thing was, to Harry so he agreed. When they reached the castle Hagrid headed down towards Harry's Potion class and for a frantic moment Harry though that Hagrid was taking him to Snape until he realised that was stupid. In fact they were heading further down then that. Hagrid lead Harry down a passage he had not been down before and it seemed to run in a spiral underneath the building. There were no stairs, just a continuous downward slop. Harry was about to ask Hagrid how much further when a number of doors began to appear on the left and right of him. Each door had a label though most were too dusty to read. Hagrid stopped so suddenly in front of a particularly dirty wooden door and Harry collided with him.
"Ere' we are" Hagrid pronounced catching Harry before he fell. Hagrid pulled out a huge key ring which seemed to contain hundreds of keys of varying shapes, sizes and designs. To Harry's surprise Hagrid found the key he was looking for almost immediately and opened the door. When they entered the torches in the room instantly erupted into light and the room, which did not look like it had been disturbed for over a decade, came into focus. The room was quiet large and was filled with numerous objects that were all covered with what Harry assumed were once white sheets now covered in two inch thick dust. Hagrid moved purposefully to a particularly large object and removed the sheet in one swift movement. The dust swirled and momentarily obscured Harry's view. Once it had cleared Harry saw Hagrid standing beside a huge black motorcycle. It was the motorcycle Sirius had left him. Harry had been so busy in his first week back he had not even thought about the letter Sirius had left him. He felt suddenly guilty for not having thought about Sirius in so long.
"Remus Lupin told me that Sirius left this ter yeh and I thought you would like to see it before yeh showed Ron and Hermione" Hagrid said. Harry thought it was one of the most beautiful things he had every seen. It was huge, jet black and though it had been in storage for years it still shined as if it had been brought yesterday. Harry walked over to the bike and sat on it. It was surprisingly comfortable. Hagrid gave Harry a small simile though Harry noticed tears forming in his eyes.
"I'll be happy to show yeh how to ride it" Hagrid said in a subdued voice wiping away the tears and he paused. "Not until yeh of age mind" Hagrid's voice returned to normal. They talked for a while and Hagrid showed Harry the different parts of the bike and even allowed him to start it. It roared to life as though it was used every day. As they left Hagrid locked the door and gave the key to Harry.
"In case you want to come and look at it from time to time" Hagrid grinned and they walked together to the entrance where they said their goodbyes. By the time Harry got to the Gryffindor common room Hermione was back from her last class and she and Ron were bickering about a piece of Ron's homework.
"No Ron do it yourself, how else will you learn" Hermione said sternly.
"Come on Hermione I'm not asking you to write it just give me the bits I am missing" Ron pleaded. Hermione suddenly noticed Harry.
"How was Hagrid?" Hermione asked. Ron gave the essay he was working on one last disgusted look and then turned to Harry.
"He's fine" Harry replied as he approached them taking a seat at the table they were working at. He proceeded quickly telling them all about the letter Sirius had left him bequeathing the Estate and motorcycle to him and that that was why Hagrid had wanted to see him alone to give him the motorcycle. Ron looked stunned.
"You inherit an entire Estate and motorcycle and don't even tell us!" Ron seemed quiet put out by the whole thing.
"Sorry" Harry said apologetically to his best friend. "I have just been so busy lately that I haven't given it much thought. I don't even know what I am going to do with the Estate yet. This first week has been so busy with school work, quidditich and the DA members wanting the group to restart that it completely slipped my mind." Harry replied earnestly, though he had the impression that if it had been Ron, it would not have slipped his mind. The trio decided to hold off on further homework until after dinner. After they ate Harry felt the need to get cleaned up after being in such a dusty room for so long that afternoon. By the time he returned to the common room he was exhausted and the though of homework was not an appealing one. Harry bid the others a goodnight and proceeded to his room and went to bed. He fell asleep almost instantly.
"Are you sure this information is correct? They are definitely members of Dumbledore's order?" He asked the cloaked figure bowed before him.
"Yes" it replied.
"Well Peter it looks like we have an opportunity to start taking down some of their numbers. Arrange it." He stared at the cloaked figure suddenly feeling annoyed. "This is not what you promised me, but it will do for now. I want Harry Potter"
"I will get him for you my Lord. I just thought you would like to remove members of the order as well." It snivelled.
"I will send Bellatrix, it will amuse her. Peter" the rat like man Peter Pettigrew came before him. "Tell Bellatrix to kill Hestia Jones" He said almost lazily. Harry couldn't believe that he had just ordered someone to kill a person. He had to stop them. "No don't!" Harry yelled. Suddenly he found himself in his four poster bed covered in sweetand his forehead burned as if it was on fire while an awful feeling of nausea swept over him. Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus were standing over him looking scared.
"Are you alright Harry?" Ron asked concerned.
"I have to speak to McGonagall" Harry said as he struggled to tangle himself from his sheets.
"What's wrong Harry?" Ron asked "we heard you yelling"
"I think Voldermort is planning to kill someone. I need to speak to McGonagall!" Harry repeated finally freeing himself. Ron followed Harry down to the common room out the porthole and to McGonagall's office. Luckily it wasn't too late and they found that McGonagall was still at her desk working when they arrived.
"Is something wro.." Before McGonagall could finish her sentence Harry told her all about the dream he had had. If McGonagall was concerned by the information she did not show it. She promised to pass the information on to Dumbledore and told them to return to the dormitory. Harry was disappointed by McGonagall's apparent lack of concern though at the same time could understand it after he had been so wrong about Sirius being captured. Maybe it was another trap set by Voldermort. With this though running around and around in his head he proceeded back to his four poster bed. Ron kept repeating "don't worry Harry, Dumbledore will take care of it" though his tone was less then convincing. Harry's head still hurt as he lay back down in his bed. Sherman came and laid next to Harry's head and though Sherman didn't say it Harry knew it was a sign of support and Harry appreciated it. It took Harry hours to get back to sleep that night and he woke late the next day. Hermione and Ron were already working on their homework when Harry got up and when Hermione saw Harry concern was immediately evident on her face. Harry knew immediately that Ron had told her what had happened.
"Are you ok Harry?" Hermione's voice matched her expression.
"Yes, I'm fine, just tired"
"Well I think you did the right thing telling McGonagall straight away, and Ron is right. Dumbledore will handle it" Harry had the felling that Ron and Hermione had discussed it at great length while he had been sleeping. "Have you had any other dreams?" Harry felt there was no point in concealing the other dream that he had had so he told them about the dream he had during summer break. Hermione's expression did not improve.
"Did you tell Dumbledore?" she asked
"Yes I did"
"Was that the only other dream you have had?" Hermione probed
"Yes"
"Has your scar been hurting much?"
"Actually no, it hasn't. At least not as much as it used to" Now that Harry thought about it his head had not hurt that much and he was suddenly curious about it.
"I wonder who it is?" Ron said suddenly changing the subject.
"Who?" Hermione asked slightly confused.
"He Who Must Not Be Named latest follower, I wonder who it is?" The conversation went around in circles from that point until lunch as they considered who it could be. Ron seemed convinced that it was Snape though Hermione was unconvinced by his argument. The rest of the weekend was spent with the trio concentrating on homework. By Sunday afternoon however, Ron had finally convinced Harry to show them the motorcycle he had inherited. Upon site Hermione seemed to feel the item was not exactly safe while Ron was already asking to brow it once they were out of school. Harry agreed as he was not entirely sure he was going to finish seventh year and he figured that if he didn't he could leave it to Ron.