Authors Note: I just wanted to say a quick thank you for staying with the story.
Chapter 7 – The Gift
Monday was a full day for Harry with the start of his first extra studies that night. After dinner he proceeded to Professor Flitwick's classroom were he found the Professor waiting for him. The classroom had been modified for him as the desks had been pushed to the sides of the room creating a large open area in the middle.
"Good evening Harry, right on time" Professor Flitwick squeaked. "Come in and take a seat" Harry noticed that a seat had been placed beside the Professors' desk at the front of the classroom. Harry did as instructed. As he was not sure what the professor would be teaching he waited for Flitwick to continue.
"I was pleased when Professor Dumbledore asked me to help you prepare to participate in the Duelling Competitions once you leave school. I agreed to teach you in private sessions over the next two years to prepare you as it will take some work to get you to competition level. Most wizards or witches don't enter into competition for several years after they finish school but Professor Dumbledore believes and I agree that you, Harry, could do very well at a young age if given the right instruction. Now I haven't been in a competition for some time but I still feel that I can show some tricks of the trade, so to speak, to get you started. It will take a while to get you to competitive standards but with hard work I think you could make Campion one day." Harry was completely astounded by everything Flitwick's had just said and decided it would be best to just nod and play along as though he had been aware of everything all along.
"Lets get started shall we" Harry nodded again. He felt the less he said at this point the better. "Ok Harry, lets start with the basics" Flitwick placed a book onto the table. "Please levitate the book for me"
"Wingardium Leviosa" Harry said moving his wand in the swish and flick motion he had been taught in his first year at Hogwarts. The book rose and levitated about a foot of the table.
"Excellent. Please release it" Harry did as he was instructed and the book dropped with a loud bang that echoed through the room as it landed back on the table. "Ok Harry now do the same thing but this time don't say the words only do the wand movement" Harry looked at Professor Flitwick baffled. 'How was he meant to do a spell without the words?' he thought. His confusion must have been plain on his face because Flitwick explained.
"You see Harry not all spells needs to have the words said. Some merely require will, correct wand movement and confidence. Please try." Harry tried just as Flitwick requested and the book actually levitated about an inch and a half off the table.
"Excellent" Flitwick said again. Harry, however, though surprised that it worked initially, wasn't sure why the book had levitated lower when he did not use the words.
"Why didn't it rise as high?" Harry asked.
"Because you were not as confident the second time that it would work as you were the first time. Many wizards and witches begin to master this skill over time. The longer one has been using magic the strong and more focused it becomes. You may notice that many adult wizards and witches don't always require words to perform the more minor spells because they are confident in their abilities. You would have acquired the same skills over time. I am merely asking you to obtain them a little earlier. The more confident you become the better your spells will work. Try it again" Harry did as he was asked and found that the book rosed higher the second time he did it. They continued to work on the levitation spell for the rest of the session and by the end he was able to have the book levitate at the same hight without words as he was with words. Harry left Flitwick's office very pleased with his progress. He made his way to the common room and when he arrived he found Ron and Hermione sitting in the trio's favourite comfy chairs by the fire. Hermione was reading her latest Arithmancy book while Ron was working on one of the several essays they had been given that day as homework.
"How was your extra class?" Hermione asked as Harry basically fell into the armchair across from her.
"Good" Harry replied. He was tried after his extra session because of the high levels of concentration he had to maintain but knew that if he didn't get started on his homework it would never get finished and so he began pulling his books, quills and inks from his bag.
"What did you do?" Hermione asked trying to sound casual.
"Just basic spell revision is all" Harry returned keeping the tone casual. It was plain by the look that crossed Hermione's face that she was not convinced that his extra classes were purely revision and for some reason this seemed to still be a sore point for her. Harry was grateful when Ron entered the conversation wanting to discuss a completely different topic.
"Don't forget Harry that we have the teams first quidditch practice tomorrow night. Everyone has to be there!" Ron stressed.
"I will be there Ron" Harry replied. This was about the tenth time that Ron had reminded Harry about the teams practice. Harry was looking forward to practice though Ron's anxious attitude was being to weigh on Harry. On Tuesday evening Harry and Ron collected their brooms to go to practice and Harry was almost out of the porthole when he realised he still had Sherman in his pocket. 'I can't take him to practice with me' Harry thought but was at a loss at what to do with him. He considered putting Sherman in his cloak pocket in his dormitory until he returned but had reservations about leaving Sherman alone. 'I could get someone to watch him' Harry thought 'but who?' Harry decided he would ask Hermione and if she said no he would take Sherman to Hagrid's. Harry was surprised by how easy it was to persuade Hermione to look after Sherman.
"Are you mad?" Ron asked in a strangled whisper when Hermione agreed. Hermione looked at Harry.
"Will he bite me?" she asked in an exceptionally calm tone.
"No, of course not!" Harry declared.
"Well then I don't see a problem" Hermione's replied was directed a Ron. Harry, Hermione and Ron proceeded out of the porthole and Harry carefully removed Sherman from his pocket telling him he to remain with Hermione while he was gone. Harry gave him strict instructions not to bite anyone, especially Hermione, while she was looking after him. Hermione held out her arm and Sherman slithered along it moving into a pocket located near her waist. Hermione giggled a couple of times during this process, while Ron looked on with an expression that Harry could only describe as horrified.
Practice did not go as well as Harry had hoped for Ron's sake. The weather had not been in their favour as it had been raining quite heavily all day and it had not lightened at all while they were out there. Harry had not been able to fly on his Firebolt for such a long time that on take off the exhilaration he felt was just like the first time he had ever flown. Harry took his practice snitch with him and caught it every time even with the weather. The rest of the team worked on ball handling skills and on more then one occasion Harry could hear Ron yelling at his team mates. Overall, from what Harry had seen, he thought the new additions to the team would work out well as they only dropped the ball once each and both seemed quite capable on a broom, though Ron was less then impressed.
"I am going to book the pitch again for later this week. I want this team to be the best ever and based I what I saw tonight, its going to take a lot of work" Ron said as he and Harry trudged back to the castle in the rain.
"I thought it went well. Remember that this is the first practice Nicole and Peter have ever been to. Give them some time, it will all come together" Harry returned bracingly. Ron's expression did not improve. Harry was quietly hoping that Ron would not be able to arrange another training session as he was already behind in his homework with extra studies and practice that he was already looking at very late nights for the rest of the week to get it done. They proceeded to the Great Hall for dinner and found Hermione waiting for them.
"How was practice?" Hermione asked putting down the book she had been reading. Ron grunted in response taking a seat opposite her and pulling all remaining dishes toward him. Harry decided that with Ron's mood he would put some distance between them and sat next to Hermione. He waited for Ron to finish serving himself before Harry began.
"How was practice?" Hermione asked again directing the question to Harry only.
"Ok, though I concentrated on practice with the snitch so I didn't join it with the rest of the team for most of the practice" Harry responded carefully not wanting to upset Ron further. "What about Sherman? Did he behave?"
"Yes, no problem at all, I don't think he has moved since you left" Hermione replied.
"I will take him back" Harry's hand began moving to the pocket he knew Sherman was in when Hermione stopped him.
"Not in the Great Hall!" Hermione whispered "I will meet you in the common room after you have washed up and give him back there. Less eyes." Hermione shoot a glace toward the Slytherin table where Harry sudden noticed that Malfoy and his friends were sending regular looks his way. Harry nodded in agreement.
After they had finished dinner Harry and Ron got cleaned up and then proceeded to the common room to work on their homework. Hermione was sitting with Ginny and they seemed to be deep in discussion. Harry and Ron took seats by the fireplace and took out their homework.
"Why don't we do this tomorrow during our free period?" Ron suggested to Harry after he had pulled out one book "I'm too tired". Harry was tired as well but Snape had been particularly vicious that day in potions and Harry had ended up with two essays to complete instead of just one like the rest of the class. After a particularly nasty comment Snape had made at him Harry had been unable to restrain him self and snapped back resulting in extra work. Snape's mission this year seemed to be to remove Harry from his class as soon as possible, so punishment was extra work rather then the usual detention. If Snape was able to prove that Harry could not meet the class requirements then Snape would be able to throw him out and Harry was determined not to let that happen. Harry also had to complete work for Alchemy, Transfiguration, Medical Magic and Herbology. After his session with Flitwick on Monday he had only started work on his Charms homework. If he left it any longer he would never get it done.
"I can't leave it Ron. I have too much to do. I am going to work on for a while." Ron nodded and bid Harry a goodnight as he packed up and went up the stairs. Ginny was not far behind Ron and Hermione joined Harry when she left. The common room was very quiet now as many had gone to bed. Hermione gave Sherman back to Harry and Harry suddenly realised that he had not seen Hermione knitting any little cloths for the house elves this year.
"Aren't you knitting anymore?" Harry asked once Sherman was settled. Hermione gave a weak smile.
"After I saw Dobby last year when he warned us about Umbridge's trap I stopped. He was wearing everything I had ever made. Did you see?" Harry nodded though he didn't have to see, he already knew Dobby had collected everything Hermione had made.
"So I decided that I would have to come up with a new way of freeing the house elves."
"Oh" Harry replied carefully "and what would that be?"
"I'm still working on it" Hermione replied with a sly smile and Harry was sure it was not a plan he would like to be a part of. "What are you working on?" Hermione changed the subject and Harry showed her his half completed charms essay.
"Need any help?" Hermione asked. Harry was surprised as Hermione was not known for offering assistance with homework he was not about to refuse it. By the time they went to bed Harry had completed a substantial amount of his homework and felt more confident that he would get it all done by the time they were due then he had been.
Wednesday was his first evening session with Professor McGonagall. He arrived on time to and found Professor McGonagall waiting for him.
"Hello Harry, how are you this evening?"
"Fine, thank you Professor" Harry replied.
"How are you coping with your work load so far?"
"Ok I guess" Harry had only just started his extra classes and he knew things would get worse before they got better.
"Good. Tonight we will be looking at animating inanimate objects" the professor said. "Bringing it to life, so to speak, to perform tasks for you. You have done something similar before on small items so this will not be completely new to you. Now the spell that you will be using is 'Victum'. Say it with me 'Victum'" Harry did as he was requested and McGonagall had him repeat it a number of times to ensure he had the pronunciation right. Once she was satisfied that he had it she continued.
"Along with the spell, you need the correct wand movement. It consists of five short, controlled straight up and down movements. I will demonstrate" As Harry watched McGonagall's movement he thought it looked like she was trying to tap her wand on an invisible table. Harry copied Professor McGonagall's movements until she was satisfied and she told him to put them both together. Harry did so and was disappointed to find that nothing happened. When he mentioned this to the Professor she explained.
"Of course not Harry. That was the easy part. It is not enough to say the words and do the wand movement; you need to also have a clear picture in your mind of the item you want to animate and exactly what you want it to do. Let's start with the chair" McGonagall pointed to a chair that had been strategically placed opposite them. "I want you look carefully at it and picture it in your mind walking to my desk and then back to where it is." Harry did his best to imagine the chairs legs moving like a four legged animal to walk to the Professors desk and back.
"Ready?" McGonagall asked and Harry simply nodded determined not to lose the image he had in his head. Harry attempted the spell just as McGonagall had told him though the results were not all he had hoped. The chair took two small steps in the wrong direction and then stopped.
"Harry, the important thing to remember about this particular spell is that it requires concentration for the entire spell. You had the image initially but once you cast the spell you let it go. You must maintain it for the entire life of the spell. This means you have to keep the image until the animated object has completed what you want it to do. Try again." Harry's next attempt was better. Though the chair only moved a short distance more then it had on his initial attempt it at least moved in the right direction. By the time the session was over Harry was able to get the chair to McGonagall's desk but was still having trouble getting it to return to its original position.
"Here Harry" McGonagall said as she passed him a thick book "I want you to have read the first two chapters for next week." Harry looked at the book he had just received unenthusiastically. It was titled, 'Animating the Inanimate'.
"Yes Professor" Harry replied in a tone that matched his expression. McGonagall gave him a small smile.
"You are doing well Harry. I will see you in class tomorrow. Goodnight"
"Goodnight Professor" Harry said before leaving for the Gryffindor common room. When Harry arrived he found both Ron and Hermione were still up. Hermione was reading what looked to be a book from the library while Ron seemed engrossed in something on a large piece of parchment. After saying a brief hello Harry had to enquire.
"What's that?" Harry asked Ron.
"I am working on some team strategies for us to practice on Saturday" Ron replied without looking up.
"Saturday?" This was the first Harry had heard of the weekend practice.
"Yes, practice on Saturday. I got approval from McGonagall this afternoon. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier but I went looking for the other team members and then you went to your extra class before I had a chance to find you." Harry had wondered were Ron had been after his Alchemy class and during dinner. Ron suddenly looked up at Harry "you will be there". Harry knew by the tone that it was a statement not a question. Harry decided it was easier to agree then to try to explain to Ron that his work load was reaching alarming levels again.
"What did you do in your extra class?" Hermione asked suddenly. Harry had the feeling that this was going to become a ritual. Hermione simply would not believe that his required explanation of just revising old information. Though Harry knew she would not believe him he gave her his standard response.
"Have you decided on a date for the first DA meeting?" Hermione had changed subjects so quickly that Harry was caught completely off guard.
"Um, no actually I haven't, maybe next week" Harry replied. In truth he had not though about the DA meeting in a week. Hermione gave him a look that spoke volumes. "Ok" Harry gave into the look "definitely next week." Hermione look changed to an expression of approval. Harry had found the session with McGonagall to be as tiring as his team practice the night before so he said a quick "Goodnight" to Ron and Hermione before heading up the stairs to his bed for his first early night that week.
Thursday flew by as Harry spent all of his available time working on his mound of homework that seemed too flowed like a steady stream at him. Even during his lunch break he had been reading though his Medical Magic text book so that he would be able to complete his latest assignment, 'best remedies for naturally occurring cuts and their differences to remedies for magically sustain cuts', later that evening between his Astrology class. Ron made a number of comments implying that Harry was turning into Hermione and Ron would always end with it being his duty to save Harry from a fate that Ron seemed to believe was worse then death. Luckily Hermione had not been in attendance during Ron's claims as she had gone to the library to do research for Arithmancy. Harry felt like he was being consumed by homework believing that this years workload made last years seem easily achievable. Even though Friday he had Potions he was at least happy to see that on all of the essays he had done so far for Snape had come back with an A (acceptable). Harry felt this was a huge improvement from the normal D (dreadful) that he had received the year before. Snape on the other hand had looked less then impressed by Harry's improvement.
"I watching you Potter" Snape snapped as he returned Harry's latest homework. "If I find out you have been cheating by getting Hermione to do your work for you, you will removed from this class." Harry was about to comment on Snape's remark when Hermione gave her head a small shake attempting to warn him against that course of action. Harry realised what she meant and held his tongue with great difficulty. Harry's last period on Friday was free and Harry decided that he had best use it to complete as much work as he could before dinner and his extra class that night. Harry left for his evening class just before 8pm. He was to go to McGonagall's room again and he assumed McGonagall would be teaching him. When he arrived he found the room empty so he sat down to wait for McGonagall to arrive. The minutes past slowly and by the time he finally heard someone approach he figured he had been waiting for at least fifteen minutes. Harry heard a clunking noise moving towards the door and was about to go and investigate when a familiar disfigured face appeared. To Harry's surprise Professor Moody entered the room.
"Professor Moody" Harry said a little bewildered.
"That's right boy, now we are running late so lets get started" Professor Moody replied as he moved across the room to take the seat at McGonagall's desk. Before he sat down his hand reached inside his travelling cloak and pulled out a huge book. Harry groaned inwardly 'Not another book' he thought to himself. His displeasure must have shown on his face as an unpleasant smile crossed Moody's face.
"This session will be a little easier then the others Potter" Moody said in an attempt to be consoling.
"Oh?"
"Yes, no spell work. This will all be theory." Amazingly this did not have the uplifting effect on Harry mood that Moody was expecting.
"What is the theory on?" Harry asked
"The power of different types of Ancient Magic" Moody replied in an almost enthusiastic tone. Harry had heard before that certain ancient magic's were powerful though he never really understood how it worked. His interest was suddenly peaked.
"You see Harry many wizards these days take little notice of the Ancient Magic's because they are not the type that requires a wand. It is usually created by will and deed. Many feel it is out dated and irrelevant in this day and age but the truth is Harry that Ancient Magic's have not lost their power or are less powerful then the types of magic we use today, they just work differently. If you study it carefully you will see just how powerful it can be. I can give you an example right off of a powerful effect" Harry had a feeling he knew the example Moody was about to use.
"Voldermort entered your parents' home to kill you. Your mother offered her self instead, but Voldermort wanted you and when your mother would not move she sacrificed her self to protect you. Your mother's deeds of sacrifice protected you. It was her will to have you live and her deed was to give her life. The point is Harry that Ancient Magic's can be incredibly powerful. However, its results can also be unpredictable. That is why you need to learn a little more about it. If you invoke any Ancient Magic you want to be sure the results will go in your favour. So to start you will have to do some research. The book I am handing you Harry is what I want you to start on. I want you to have read at least half of it by Friday week." Harry was a little confused.
"What about for next Friday?" Harry asked.
"I am afraid that with my external commitments do not permit me to get here every week. This class will be on every fortnight. What I want you to do is read about half of the book you have there and we will discuss it Friday week." Harry nodded confirming he understood Moody's instruction.
"Ok" Moody said "well I think that is it for now. I will see you in a fortnight Potter" Moody got up and moved towards the door. Harry sat stunned as he watch Moody depart. Harry packed his new book into his bag and headed back to the common room.
"Done already?" Hermione asked looking at her watch when Harry appeared at the end of the table she and Ron were working at. Harry simply nodded in response felling a little lost for words and took the available seat next to Ron. Harry felt very confused by his session with Moody. Harry wondered why Moody had travelled all the way to Hogwarts to spend ten minutes with him. He was just about to ask Ron and Hermione their opinion when he stopped himself. If he asked them they would know that he was not just doing revision and McGonagall had told him that he was to keep what he was learning a secret even from his best friends.
"So Harry" Hermione said raising Harry from his internal ponderings "have you decided when the first meeting of the DA will be?" Hermione had lowered her voice so much for this question that Harry had to physically lean towards her to make it out. Harry honestly had not made a decision on it since she had asked him on Wednesday with everything else that was occupying so much of his time he just hadn't gotten around to it.
"Um well" Harry began noticing a look that almost shouted at Harry to decide on the date there and then "I guess Thursday next week" he finished nervously.
"Excellent" Hermione smiled and with that returned to the homework she had been doing when he arrived.
"Don't for get about practice tomorrow" Ron reminded Harry without looking up from the piece of parchment that he was furiously writing on. Harry got the distinct impress that Ron was working on quidditch moves rather then homework.
Saturday's practice seemed to go on forever for Harry as Ron had ensured that everyone was up early so they could get as much practice in as possible before they had to hand the pitch over to the Slytherin team at lunch. Malfoy decided to arrive early with his team and they sat howling with laughter every time Ron attempted to instruct a member of the Gryffindor team. It took Ron most of the afternoon to calm down and his angry ranting about the incident prevented Harry from doing the homework he desperately needed to finish. Harry was grateful when Ron decided to sleep in on Sunday morning and Hermione went to the Library as she had agreed to help Ginny and Luna so he had the full morning to get work done. He was happy with his progress by lunch after which he proceeded to Hagrid's hut for his Sunday afternoon lesson. He knocked on the door and was greeted by the familiar sound of Fang's bark and Hagrid's loud footsteps approaching the door. Hagrid opened the door and Harry was perplexed when he noticed Dumbledore sitting at Hagrid's table drinking from a large tea cup.
"Good afternoon Harry" Dumbledore said rising from his seat as Harry entered "right on time". Harry was expecting Dumbledore continue out of the door but he did not. "Ready to go Hagrid? Harry?" Hagrid nodded enthusiastically while Harry's nodded was far more reserved. Harry was beginning to think he was going to be confused for his entire sixth year. Dumbledore lead the way and Harry began to be concerned about where they were heading when Hagrid stopped at the door to collect his crossbow and Dumbledore turned towards the Forbidden Forest.
"Um, Professor, where are we going exactly?" Harry asked uncertainly as the three of them continued towards the forest.
"Well Harry, what I will be attempting to teach you this year will require some assistance, and that assistance lies in the Forest. " Dumbledore gave Harry a reassuring smile "Not to worry." Harry had to admit that having Dumbledore beside him did alleviate his fears of the Forest itself though he was baffled by the Professors statement. 'What could possibly be the assistance they required in the forest?' Harry thought remembering all of the creatures he had encountered in the forest over the years feeling less then reassured. Dumbledore lead the way and after a while Harry realised that he had taken the path they were travelling on before. They walked for over twenty minutes until they came to a familiar clearing bordered by tree trunks and Harry saw a large mound that moved rhythmically up and down.
"Harry I believe you have already met Grawp" Dumbledore pointed over to the mound. Hagrid moved through the clearing to Grawp with a large stick and gave him a firm poke to wake him up. While Hagrid woke his little brother Dumbledore decided to explain what was going on.
"Harry I have asked Hagrid and Grawp to help me teach you a very complicated spell. As you may or may not know" Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled mysteriously "I have not had very much success rallying the giants to our cause against Voldermort. It is more likely at this point in time that Voldermort will encourage the giants to attack both the muggle and wizard community. There may come a time when you may have to contend with giants and I want to be sure that you are ready." Harry noticed that Grawp had awoken and was rubbing his eyes while Hagrid pointed at Harry and Dumbledore obviously telling him something.
"I thought that giants were immune to most magic, like dragons" Harry said remembering when Umbridge and her group of followers had attacked Hagrid with stunning spells during his Astronomy exam.
"That's true Harry" Dumbledore replied "Most forms of magic will just bounce off a giant. You can attack their weak areas like their eyes, but I have always felt that having a blind giant stumbling around in a battle can be just as dangerous as one with full sight. What I will be showing you is a way to stop them completely without actually harming them." Harry was intrigued. Hagrid and Grawp walked over to Dumbledore and Harry.
"Ellow 'Arry, Umbleore" Grawp said. Harry had to admit, Grawp's English had improved over the summer.
"Good afternoon Grawp" Dumbledore replied pleasantly and then turned back to Harry. "I will be teaching you what is called a Fire Cage."
"Fire Cage?" Harry repeated unsure what Dumbledore meant.
"Yes. It is a basically a cube made from magical fire that is unbreakable by giants. If done properly it will hold a giant preventing them from attacking you or anyone else.' Though Harry nodded the fact he was still confused must have been plain.
"Let me demonstrate" Dumbledore raised his wand and drew a small square with it in the air voicing the spell "Cremo Carceris". As Dumbledore had said a cage of bright yellow fire took shape around Grawp. The flames looked like bars to a bird cage with four sides around him and bars that covered the top of Grawp head and at the base underneath his feet. It looked like Dumbledore had placed Grawp into a huge flaming box. "Grawp" Dumbledore called pleasantly up to the caged giant "would you please push on the yellow bars for me?" Grawp did as requested and Harry noticed that Grawp's attempts to push on the bars were ineffectual no matter how hard he tried. "Grawp" Dumbledore called again "can you please try to exit the cage" After Grawp had made a number of attempts to leave the cage unsuccessfully, Dumbledore seemed satisfied that Harry had the idea of what he needed to do and released the cage around Grawp. Dumbledore thanked Grawp for his assistance and then turned to Harry.
"If the cage is created correctly a giant will not be able to break the spell that binds him. If the fire is too weak the giant will be able to over power it and it will break. If one of the sides is missing the giant will be able to walk or climb out of it. You will know if the flame is at strength if it burns at the right colour. If it is red or blue, it will not be powerful enough. This is a very difficult spell to master Harry and it could take a while for you to perfect it. Don't be disheartened if you are not successful on the first try." Dumbledore went through the wand movements a number of times until he seemed satisfied that Harry had it correct. They then proceeded to the words. Harry repeated the spell about a dozen times before he felt comfortable with the pronunciation. Hagrid watched on though he did seem to be more focused on the forest surrounding, as if something was going to launch an attack on the group at any second. Harry felt his first attempt was less then successful, though by the way Dumbledore and Hagrid praised him anyone looking on would have thought he achieved it perfectly. Harry's first attempt did produce a flaming yellow cage as it was supposed to, however, his cage would have only been big enough to house a small mouse. They continued practicing and though Harry's cages were getting bigger, one almost reached his knee cap, other problems emerged. He found that sometimes a wall of the cage would be missing or that the top part was too small for the sides. By the time Dumbledore called an end to practice Harry was exhausted and the flames on his last two cages had changed from yellow to red.
"You are getting tired Harry. I think that will do us for today. This spell takes a lot out of any wizard while they are trying to prefect it. Thank you for your assistance Grawp" Dumbledore called and Harry waved goodbye. Dumbledore and Harry began to leave but were slowed down by Hagrid who had stayed behind to have a quick word with Grawp before they headed back. After the long walk back to Hagrid's cabin Hagrid invited them in for tea. Dumbledore was unable to stop but Harry decided to stay for awhile. He was so tired he wasn't sure he had the strength to walk to the castle right then anyway. Harry sat at Hagrid's table while Hagrid prepared the tea. Hagrid was talking to Harry while he worked but Harry was so worn out that he was only able to catch snippets of what Hagrid was saying to him. Harry rested his head in his right hand and let his eyes close thinking if he rested them for a few moments he would get a second wind.
"Harry, time to get up you will be late for class" Ron called through the curtains of Harry's four poster bed. It took Harry a moment to realise where he was.
"Ron?" Harry called back pulling away his curtains perplexed by how he managed to get to his bed.
"Yeh Harry?" Ron stopped mid dress to turn to Harry.
"What do you mean late for class?"
"Its Monday morning Harry! Are you feeling ok? Hagrid said you were just tired when he carried you in last night, but if you are not well I will go with you to the Hospital Wing." Things started to fall into place for Harry and he shook his head signalling a no.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeh, I'm fine, just tired"
"Ok" Ron said though there was a definite look of concern on his face as he finished getting dressed.
The week moved quickly and Harry found himself feeling strained by the pressure of his normal classes, extra studies and Ron's almost constant badgering about quidditch practice. Hermione did not help matters by send looks of concern his way continually, though Harry knew she meant well. Harry's nights that week had not seen him get to bed before 2.30am and it was really starting to take its toll. On Wednesday night his exhaustion caught up with him again while he was working on an essay for Snape.
"Harry wake up" Hermione said quietly while gently tapping Harry on the shoulder. Harry woke with a start and found that he was in the Common Room. It was obviously late as the lights were dim, the room was empty except for them and Hermione was in her pyjamas and night gown.
"What time is it?" Harry said groggily rubbing his eyes in an attempt to focus them.
"It's three in the morning Harry. Are you ok?" Hermione asked her voice filled with the concern he had seen in her face since Monday morning.
"Yes I am ok I think all this work is just wearing me out a bit. I'll get used to it" Harry said trying to reassure her.
"Look Harry I think maybe you have taken on to much this year. Maybe you should ask Professor McGonagall to lighten your work load?" Hermione suggested.
"No, I can't" Harry replied knowing that what he was learning was too important to stop. It was to help him defeat Voldermort but as he had not told either of his best friends about the prophecy yet he knew he had to come up with another reason he could not lighten up. "I won't be able to become an Auror if I don't" Harry tried to sound convincing.
"Well at least let me help you Harry. Maybe I can make it a little easier for you?"
"Thanks Hermione, I would really appreciate it." Something suddenly dawned on Harry "what did you say the time was?"
"Three am" Hermione replied
"Wait here" Harry said quickly before racing up to his dorm room. As the lights were out he lit the tip of the wand to help him while he found his Auror's cloak and retrieved a small black velvet bag containing his birthday present for Hermione. When he arrived back in the common room he found Hermione in the chair that he had left reading his half finished essay. Hermione's head rose as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I wanted to give you this before in case I don't have time later today" Harry said as he held out the small bag for her to take. A puzzled expression crossed her face as she slowly stretched out her hand to take it. "It's your birthday present, it is now Thursday" Harry said trying to reassure her "Happy Birthday Hermione". The look on her face changed instantly as a wide smile that crossed her face.
"Thank you Harry" Hermione retuned as she took the bag and carefully opened it, emptying its contents out into the palm of her hand. The gold necklace with the triangle sapphire pendent seemed to reflect the dim light making it appear as though it was glowing. "Oh Harry" Hermione's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes examining the necklace from different angles "it's beautiful". Hermione immediately undid the clasp and went to put it on. She had difficulty doing it back up and requested Harry to assist her.
"Do you really like it?" Harry asked as he did up the clasp while Hermione held up her hair.
"Yes, Harry I really do. It is the loveliest gift anyone has ever given me" Hermione said excitedly as her eyes remained focused on the pendent that now hung around her neck. Harry's smile broadened at her replied remembering the extensive search he had conducted trying to find her the perfect gift. Finally she let it fall and it fell underneath her pyjamas to rest against her skin below the neckline of her cloths. She gave a small yelp and Harry shot her a questioning look. "It was cold" she explained quickly meeting his eyes. For a moment, in the dim light Harry was sure he had seen her eyes change colour just for a moment from their normal brown to dark blue. He blinked and when his gaze returned to meet her eyes they were again brown. 'I must be seeing things' he thought to himself blaming what he had seen on a lack of a decent nights rest. Unexpectantly Hermione reached forward and planted a sound kiss on his cheek. "Thank you again Harry. Well it's late. I' m going back to bed."
"Why were you up anyway?" Harry asked as Hermione started up the stairs.
"Oh, um" Hermione blushed slightly "I don't know why but I woke up and I couldn't find Crookshanks so I came down to see if he was here, but I didn't see him. He must be out hunting" Harry noted that Hermione seemed to be talking faster then usual and Harry had the distinct feeling that Hermione was not being completely honest with him. "Well goodnight" she finished before turning and heading up to her room. Harry decided that she was right and it was time for bed. As he was packing up his unfinished homework he felt something rubbing against his leg. Harry looked down and immediately saw the culprit.
"Goodnight Crookshanks" Harry said smiling to himself as he made his way up to his own bed.
The first meeting of the DA was held that evening in its usual location, the Room of Requirements. The group was substantially smaller this year as many of the members had finished their seventh year at Hogwarts. Harry was surprised however when Cho showed up.
"Hi Harry" she said as she approached. Harry noted that she was alone.
"Hi Cho"
"I have something for you" Harry was baffled and Cho pulled a gold coin from her pocket and handed it to him. "It was Marietta's. I took it back from her after she turned informant for Umbridge."
"Thanks" Harry said.
"I figured that she wouldn't be welcome back if the DA met again" Harry simply nodded in agreement.
"Harry, I think we are ready to start" Hermione called from the front of the room. Harry moved to the front of the group and everyone became quiet.
"Hello everyone" Harry began "when I was asked to continue the DA I was not sure what I had left to teach the group. You all know most of the spells I do. So I gave it some thought and I realised that it is not enough to know the spells, you need to know when to use them. It time to test what you have learnt in real battles" The members of the group looked both confused and a little scared by Harry's statement. "I don't mean that I will take you into a battle against Voldermort" Harry said attempting to calm the nerves of the group though a number of people gasped and a small scream was emitted from at least one persons lips at the voicing of Vodermort's name. "What I want to do is put you into groups and have you attempt to defeat each other. Practice battles against one another, if you like" Harry noticed a number of people in the group obviously relaxed at the knowledge that they would not be facing real Death Eaters or Voldermort directly. There was an excited buzz through the group at Harry's idea which was interrupted when the door was suddenly opened. Harry was about to tell the group to run when a familiar though unexpected face appeared followed by several others.
"Sorry we are late everyone" Fred said "it took a while to get through the castle without anyone noticing us". Fred was followed by George, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet. Harry was astonished.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.
"We are still members of the DA aren't we?" George countered as the new arrivals took a seat.
"Of course you are" Harry said quickly "I just wasn't expecting the four of you to attend since you have all left Hogwarts."
"Well, when we got the message that the meeting was on we got together and decided to come" Angelina chimed in. As surprised as Harry was to see them, he was also happy that they had made the effort. For the remainder of the meeting Harry had the whole group divide into pairs and review what they had learned in their previous meeting so that they would be prepared for the next meeting when he would have them competing against each other in mock battles. Neville again had trouble getting a partner until Luna stepped forward and said that she would do it. Judging by the look on Ron and Hermione's faces, they were very grateful to Luna for volunteering. At nine o'clock the meeting ended and most of the group departed while Harry, Ron and Hermione remained to talk to Fred, George, Angelina, Katie and Alicia. Ron said a quick hello to his brothers, who congratulated him on his captaincy post, and then cornered Angelina for advice on the subject. Fred and George took the opportunity to take Harry aside and speak to him privately.
"Harry have you still got the portable projectile we gave you when you came to Diagon Alley?" George asked.
"Yes, it's all in my cloak" Harry replied not sure were it was leading. Fred pulled a small red bag from his pocket.
"These are new one we have created to go with it" Fred replied handing the bag to Harry.
"What do these ones do?" Harry asked as he opened the bag and pulled out a little red ball the size of a marble.
"These will set fire to what ever they hit" George said seriously.
"Fire!" Harry was shocked at the idea of setting anything alive on fire.
"Yes fire" Fred said seriously. "This is a war Harry, not a tea party. The people attacking you would happily see you dead. As the old expression goes 'you have to fight fire with fire'." Harry knew Fred was right though he still was not enthusiastic about the idea.
"Well we had better be off" George said loudly.
"How did you get here?" Harry asked suddenly curious.
"We came by Floo powder to the Hog's Head and then used the tunnel from Honeydukes into the castle" Fred explained. The visiting quartet left and Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way back to the common room.
"How are you going to create a battle location Harry?" Hermione asked as they walked.
"I have given it some thought and I think I have it figured out" Harry replied mysteriously. Once Harry had decided on what the DA would be doing that year he used the time before he fell asleep at night, the only time he had available, to formulate a plan on how he was going to do it. Hermione gave him a questioning expression. "Wait and see, like everyone else Hermione."