Chapter 13
Decisions To Be Made
"Well, as you all might have read the notice today, we're starting up D.A again," said Harry. "But, well, some of us want to keep this club a private one."
"But how will we do that?" interrupted Terry.
"With you guys of course," replied Harry. "You guys will be our screening process. So that way if a Slytherin, for example, Malfoy. I have no doubt that he would become a Death Eater this year or the next. Basically, a private society to thwart Voldemort (murmuring went around the room, some flinched). Oh for crying out loud, Hermione said that not saying the name increases the fear itself. If you start using his name, then you won't have so much to fear."
"I guess we can start with that, using his name, how else will you be able to defend yourself from Death Eaters and dark creatures, or even Voldemort himself? (Still more whispers and flinches) You just need to think on that, there is not much to fear about him anyways. I am more afraid of Dementors than I do of Voldemort. My boggart shows that."
"Really?" asked Cho surprised.
"Yes," said Harry coolly. "Anyways, whoever shows up tomorrow, you will have your own sheet of paper, not signed of course. You will conduct as a ballot of sorts. But before we do that, I will explain few things before we do that. Then you will discreetly count anyone out at the meeting tomorrow. Same thing will happen next week on Thursday."
"Now, I know we all hate Slytherins, but before anyone argues. Let me give you a background story for the reason I am about to state. When my dad, Sirius, Remus Lupin (some of the kids perked up at the last two familiar names) attended here at Hogwarts. There was also another kid, named Peter Pettigrew, I know all of you heard he was murdered by Sirius. But he was not, he is the traitor, by betraying my parents to Voldemort (more flinches). And he is still alive to this day. Know what's the two most sickening part is?"
Everyone looked at each other, wondering what Harry was about to say, except for Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Harry sighed, and spoke again.
"He was a Gryffindor here at Hogwarts, and he was Scabbers in our first three years of school. Remember Ron's rat" Some of the older kids paled at what Harry said. "Yeah, he's an Unregistered Animagus. So, this brings back to the original point, any person of any house can be a Death Eater, so, that means someone in Slytherin might be innocent. So, I ask you to please consider any of worthy Slytherins. It would be a great asset if we have one so we can sort of spy on them."
"Yeah, that would make sense Harry," said Collin shakily. None of them knew that a person from Gryffindor could betray Harry's parent to Voldemort. Harry noted that some of them were eyeing other students with suspicion.
"Guys, I don't think we will have a traitor in this group. However," his voice grew cold. "If there is one then that person will wish that he/she was never born once I find out. And believe me, I will find out, I have my… resources." Harry knew he wasn't about to tell about his 'visions' and his Legillimency lessons. Some of them gulped visibly, while others paled slightly.
"I guess that is all I have to say really, so, don't forget to put aside any prejudice toward Slytherins, we'll deal with that later. That will be all, good night," Harry dismissed the group, and the four of them remained, which included Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. "How'd you think that went?"
"I think it went great Harry," replied Hermione, smiling. "Though, you didn't really have to threat them… That just scares them even more."
"How else am I supposed to warn them, now that I'm learning Legillimency and sometimes, my rare visions as well. So I had to warn them somehow so they would not even think about it. So, anyone up for some more Animagus study?"
"Sorry, but I think I'll do my homework," said Hermione, taking her books out on the table that appeared next to her.
"Fine, let's all work on our homework," said Harry rudely, but Hermione ignored his tone of voice and instead replied with something else.
"I am glad you agree," said Hermione coolly, finally getting tired of Harry's new attitude. The others looked at each other confused and a little afraid and reluctantly pull out their own homework as well. Apparently, the room was serving quite well for the Gryffindor group for their homework and research.
The next day, the trio went to Hog's head, Harry felt bad for leaving Mark behind for this trip. But he vowed that he would bring him here sometime this year and not wait until he was a third year. Harry knew that by then, he would have graduated from Hogwarts. If he even lives to see the graduation day.
"Hello sir?" said Hermione, walking up to the barkeeper at Hog's head.
"Yeah?" replied barkeeper gruffly.
"We reserved the upstairs for the meeting today, can you keep anyone else from going up except for Hogwarts students?"
"Yeah, I'll do that," said the barkeeper crudely while washing the bar with his dirty rag. The two went up the stairs, but Harry remained behind, staring at the barkeeper. Last year, he had thought this man was familiar, and couldn't pinpoint what it was.
"Excuse me sir, what's your name if you don't mind me asking?" He looked up at Harry harshly and sighed.
"Name's Aberforth, I'm a brother of Albus," replied the old man. Then his memory clicked, the photograph that Mad-Eye had shown him and the short mention of him at the Yule ball from Dumbledore.
"Oh, yeah no wonder why you look so familiar last year, well, thank you sir," said Harry, turning around. But he stopped him by speaking as to why he looked familiar.
"How am I familiar to you?" Harry turned around again and leaned into his left ear.
"You were in the Order at the last war, I saw the picture that Mad-Eye showed me two summers ago."
"Ah… yes, that, well you can safely say that I'm still in the Order, not very active mind you but I keep my look on people here. Well, your friends are waiting for you upstairs. Go on," said Aberforth harshly.
"Oh, thanks for the info sir," with that, he finally went up the stairs and found Ron and Hermione setting the room up with their wands.
"Where were you?" asked Ron, putting the tables in a semi circle.
"Just talking to the barkeeper, listen, he's -"
Before he could finish the sentence he started, he heard many footsteps coming up the stairs and Harry sighed.
"I'll tell you later," with that Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the three chairs in front of the semi-circle. In the next ten minutes, more students filed into the room above Hog's Head and Hermione had to draw up more chairs to accommodate the kids that came. When the door finally closed with a soft click and Harry took the cue.
"Hello everyone, I know you are all here to know more about the D.A. and whether you are or not able to join the club. I do not mean to exclude anyone from this opportunity to learn more about defensive charms and hexes. But that's not what the club is all about, it's something deeper than that," he looked over to Malfoy, and he glared back at him. "I have informed the original members of fairness of who to include and who not to."
"Hey Potter, how will they choose the new members?" asked Malfoy, clearly getting the message.
"It depends on trustworthy of a student as well as ambitions to improve in D.A. Also, we will be basing on what the person's true intentions are," he said while glaring at Malfoy. "But don't worry Malfoy, you have equal fairness as everyone is in the room. I have specially told the members not to… automatically exclude any Slytherins out of the club," he said this while looking at his members of the D.A. He could see some of the parchment and quills out.
"First, I will pass around this to you, fill out your name, year and what the intentions are for this club," he gave the paper to the first student on the left side of the semi-circle. Dennis had received the paper, filled out the parchment, and passed that on to the next person. He also discreetly looked at each and one of the members to start the elimination process. When everyone caught his cue and did so, writing down names and looking around the room.
"While you are doing that, if you do get eliminated, but for whatever reason, I apologize for the inconvenience. If you think that we were unfair to you, you can come up to me or these two here," he pointed to Ron and Hermione. "But please, don't be a spoil sport about being eliminated, perhaps you may get included later in the year. If I catch anyone hexing a member of the D.A, old or new, I will make it so that you will regret that you hexed the person."
Harry felt odd in a good way, talking in front of everyone. He supposed that this would be a good practice because he knew he would be bugged by the interviewers and fans. He mentally shook his head and waited for the last person to fill out the name and intentions of joining the club. He had spoken to Hermione earlier about the parchment and she confided in him
Flashback
In Entrance Hall, Hermione showed Harry the parchment when he came out of Great Hall from breakfast and she looked around quickly and spoke.
"Harry, this piece of parchment is for everyone to fill out their names, and I was thinking if we could have the person fill what the true intentions of joining the club."
"But Hermione, what if they lie?"
"Don't worry, I got a complicated charm on this so that the writer can't tell lies on the paper," explained Hermione.
Flashforward
'Ah the good old Hermione,' thought Harry, grinning to himself. Harry walked to the end of the table and picked up the parchment that was charmed to keep the writer tell the truth but discreetly so that no one would complain. He was particularly surprised when Malfoy did not raise objection when he wrote his down. He supposed that it would be interesting to read Malfoy's intentions.
"Well, guys, I think that is pretty much it, any questions?" said Harry, rolling up the parchment.
"That's all?" one asked in wonderment. Harry nodded, and the boy frowned. "I thought that you would tell us more."
"Well, I would if you ask me the right questions," said Harry. He looked up at him again and smiled.
"Well, I was wondering what sort of hexes and defense charms you would teach us."
"Oh, various of things, I've been reading two books, one from the Knockturn Alley and another from the restricted section. There are many hexes like those that you wouldn't believe. There are also plenty of different kinds of defensive charms. This is what I will be teaching most of the time. The last lesson I had taught last year," then he looked to Malfoy specially, remembering the incident when they were almost caught by Umbridge. "It was on Patronus charm, and we were interrupted because of a certain woman and her squad," he spat the words a little, glaring daggers at him who glowered back at him and sneered.
"Patronus charm Potter? I'm sure all of them failed," he said. Harry shook his head in answer.
"No, in fact, some of them made a corporeal Patronus last year, Cho, Hermione, Collin, Dennis, and anyone else who can conjure the charm, pleas prove Malfoy wrong by conjuring it." He said with a grin, and they grinned happily back at him and stood up, taking their wands out. One moment of silence, then . . . .
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" cried the students and their Patronus took form in front of them, and they all petted their own animal.
"See?" said Harry, feeling immensely proud for teaching the complicated charm. "As you can see, I can teach fairly well."
"Are you kidding me? You're a real great teacher Harry!" exclaimed Dennis, and several of the members nodded anxiously. Harry flustered little red in the face.
"Right, well, you will have the results tomorrow by owl post, stating if you joined or not. Now, I suggest you all go out if you want to enjoy last two hours of Hogsmeade," the room slowly filed out. But the last group of people that went down was the D.A. members. They gave Harry the parchments and with that, he beckoned Ron and Hermione, left the room, and went downstairs. "Thanks sir, for allowing the privacy of the room upstairs."
"Not a problem, a few were keen on trying to get in though, well I'll see you later Harry," said Aberforth, washing the cups. The trio left Hog's Head and headed straight for the Three Broomsticks. When they got inside and found themselves surrounded by people.
"I'll get us some butterbeer," said Harry, "grab a table for us." He went to buy three butterbeers, paid the money, and went to the table they had found.
"Thanks Harry," said Hermione, accepting the drink.
"Cheers mate," said Ron, lifting the drink to Harry and drank some of the contents. "Ahh, so what was it you want to tell us about that barkeeper?"
"Oh, that, he said he's a brother of Dumbledore, I seen him in a photograph Mad-Eye's shown me. His name is Aberforth and he's in the Order."
"Whoa, mate, slow down, he's in the Order? He's Dumbledore's brother? I didn't know he has a relative."
"I've known that since fourth year though," said Harry.
"What? How come you didn't tell us?" asked Hermione.
"It didn't seem important at the time," said Harry dully, drinking the butterbeer. "Anyways, let's see, I want to know what Malfoy wrote down for his intentions…."
"Oh, I want to know too!" exclaimed Ron, turning a little red from the Butterbeer. Harry dug in for the parchment from his bag and took it out. He unrolled to the part where Malfoy wrote his answer.
Draco Malfoy: Intentions- To learn more magic, even if it is from the famous Potter boy. Perhaps more chances of hexing him as well.
Harry scoffed at the answer and gave it to Ron. Who shook his head at the first sentence and paled slightly at the second one. Then he gave it to Hermione who read what Draco Malfoy wrote.
"Well, that's certainly different that what we expected," said Hermione.
"You're right, I didn't expect the first sentence, the second is not surprising," said Harry, finishing his drink. "So, should we get heading back? I think Mark's bored without us," he grinned slyly.
"I guess you are right," said Hermione, finishing her drink.
"Yeah, I agree, let's go back," said Ron, putting the bottle down on the table. The three came back to Hogwarts and into the common room. Harry found Mark reading and re-reading the books on coyotes, looking bored.
"Hey Mark, we got some stuff from you from Zonko's, and Honeydukes," said Harry, interrupting Mark. He looked up eagerly and stood up, putting the book aside.
"Really? You got me something?" asked Mark, and Harry replied with putting two medium-sized bags on the table next to Mark. "Hey, thanks! So, I have to wait until I'm in third year to go?" asked Mark sadly, eating one of the candy.
"Looks that way," said Ron, helping himself to chocolate frogs. Then Harry filled in of what had happened at the Hog's Head and Hogsmeade itself.
"Here, this is what Malfoy wrote," said Harry, giving him the parchment. After a moment reading, he heard a soft chuckle.
"Sounded like a truce and a threat at the same time."
"Truce? This? Ha," said Ron.
"It does, he says that he would learn anything even if it were from Harry. I see that way as a truce Ron," said Hermione, agreeing with Mark.
"Well, I suppose it is," said Ron slowly. "But we're still not going to invite him in our club are we?"
"I don't think we will, well, let's go over who is joining and who's not," said Hermione, taking the stack of paper that the D.A. member filled out.
After two hours of organizing data and counting. Hermione had concluded that out of the people who showed up, only eight of them were eliminated. This, of course, included Malfoy, Goyle, Crabbe, Nott and Pansy.
"At least they did eliminate students from other houses too," said Hermione. "That way, Malfoy can't complain that only Slytherins were eliminated. And I see that Blaise Zabini isn't eliminated. Perhaps she can be of use . . . ."
"Zabini? Ugh," said Mark, shaking his head. "Keep her sister away from me if she joins."
"Well Mark, you might because of partnering up to practice, and I tend to put partners together with about the same strength and power."
"Oh, then I hope she's weaker than me," said Mark.
"Well, we'll have to wait and see, now I need help duplicating the letters stating who joined and eliminated," said Hermione, finished writing two different type of letters. She also included the special gold coin into the envelope for the ones who were joining.
"So that way we won't have to keep spreading the word and all. I've also included the directions to the Room of Requirement for them as well."
"Good thinking Hermione, I'll help send them out," said Harry. "Ron, you coming?"
"Yeah mate," replied Ron, picking up the stack of envelopes. On the way there, Hermione spoke up.
"I can't believe how many showed up today, besides us and the members, there were almost 120 kids at Hog's Head. Harry nodded in agreement, and he knew he already had too much to take on for the D.A. lessons. He supposed he would have to divide the group into equal parts as well as accommodating the Quidditch players, including himself.
"How am I supposed to teach that many?" Asked Harry out loud.
"Well, we do know that the room can be expanded for miles around. Perhaps you can use a podium, a board to show how it's being cast and so on."
"Hey, you're right, I can try that," said Harry, new ideas rolling in. They arrived at the owlery and called several owls to deliver the mail. When they took care of that, the headed back to the common room.
Thursday after Dinner finally came and Harry stood in front of Great Hall, looking around, feeling nervous and sick to his stomach. There were much more kids here than it had at the Hog's Head. How on earth was he supposed to teach them all? He knew he should have had told the D.A. members to pick certain amount of people. Then again, he remembered Hermione's suggestion and how important everyone had to protect themselves from Voldemort. He nodded to himself and waited for everyone to be quiet.
When they did not, Harry raised his hand for them to be quiet. Then when they did, Harry smiled, and looked at each table, observing.
"I know you all want to be in the D.A. club, and let me tell you a bit more about it. I know most of you know what I have said in Hog's Head from the others," while he said this, he looked at each of the D.A. members to start the elimination process.
"Unfortunately, not everyone can be in the club, one, there are a lot of people, and two, I think it's quite unnerving for me to teach such large numbers of people. I know that some people are on Quidditch team, as I am myself. So I will try not to clash the club with any of the teams. Here's the parchment for everyone to write down your names and your intentions for joining the club."
He handed the paper to a first year Slytherin who also got the quill from Harry as well as ink. When Harry watched the first year pass on to the next person and felt satisfied.
"Anyways, any questions?"
"Is it true that you're using people's grades to determine who joins and who doesn't?" one asked.
"No, that is not true at all, even the top student can have problems with Defense," he looked at Hermione. "And even someone with the worst grades can be excellent at defense. What really matter is the trust, ambitions and your intentions. That is what the elimination is based on. Does that answer your question?'
"Yeah, thanks," replied the one who asked earlier.
"Anyone else?"
"Is it true that you will teach us the Unforgivables?" a girl asked. Harry blanched at the question.
'Really! Geez, I hate these rumors, they twist it so much . . . '
"No, definitely not. What I will be teaching are hexes, charms and curses that will defend yourself from people who wish to harm you. Other than that, like intentionally hurting people, I do not approve that at all. Anybody else?"
"Is it true that you formed this club because of Professor Umbridge last year? Were you really trying to thwart her?" asked a first year boy whom Harry recognized as Durand.
"Yes and no, it is true that we formed the club because that woman wouldn't exactly teach us about Defense. But no, we were not trying to thwart her; we were trying to annoy her. Okay, not really, everyone here at Hogwarts last year did try to thwart her. Except, of course, for the Insquistorial Squad of hers. It was quite funny to be frank," he chuckled and some of the kids laughed. "At any rate, we were quite successful."
"Harry, is it true that you taught the D.A. last year, the last lesson you taught. Was it Patronus Charm?"
"Yes, that is true," replied Harry. 'At last, a rumor remains untwisted.'
"Wow, will you teach us that?"
"Once you get better at other ones that I will be teaching, Patronus charm is actually pretty difficult to learn. So, any other questions?" Then the silence fell on the room as they looked at each other. "No? Anything at all, even a moment of doubt…."
"Are you going to signal us out?" asked a Slytherin.
"No, everyone is equal. After all, the sorting hat said that we have to stand together. So I thought we had better work on our Inter-house relations. Which will be, of course, incorporated in the club. So, if I see anyone hexing each other, you will regret once you deal with me. inside or outside of the club. That goes for anyone who will be eliminated. I will apologize in advance for whoever could not make it. As the notice said, it is a private club and we can't exactly invite everyone to the club. There's already a lot of people as it is."
"So, please, if you think you have a problem with it, talk to me okay? I do not want to cause any problems with it right now, especially with the Professors. I think that's everything that's needed to be talked over." He looked around the room, "Oh, who has the parchment that you needed to fill out - oh there you are," he spotted the paper at midway in Gryffindor table. "Okay, for anyone who hasn't signed please stay, and the rest of you leave." He turned to Hermione, and exhaled. "I need to stop standing in front of people…."
"Harry, you hardly did much of that, and well, you're still young . . ." Harry groaned. "Sorry Harry, but it might be of a good practice."
"That's what I'm hoping for. I know what I will do; I'll just not do a lot of these 'speeches'. He looked over to Gryffindors who are filing out of the Great Hall slowly along with everyone else. "Right, they're almost finished."
When they did, Hermione went to collect the long scroll of names and of their aims. The trio and Mark, who stayed behind, headed to the Room of Requirement to organize the data. Ginny was also there waiting for them.
"So many people," said Harry, sitting on the chair, feeling exhausted. "I need to find a way to teach them all," no sooner, than Harry said the word, one shelf of books appeared. Ranging from speeches to lectures-how-to's. " . . . Well, that answers my problem then. Do you all think you can organize these kids and send the letters out to them? I'm gonna read on how to manage . . . a lot of people in our club."
"Of course," replied Hermione, the group nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," said Harry, walking over to the shelf, and randomly picked out a book. Then he sat down, turning to the page one on 'Giving Speeches to People and Not Faint' Sure he didn't exactly need to read about how not to faint, but it was still a good reading.
At ten to Eleven, the group decided to head back to the Gryffindor common room and they all retired for the night. Harry's mind was buzzing with information he acquired and from the 'meeting' he had with mostly first and second years. He was still uncomfortable by the thought of being a role model for other people. 'Then again, I was always a role model since age of one . . .' thought Harry, closing his curtains and cleared his mind, which Harry noticed, was harder to do, but succeeded. He was still troubled by the fact he was unable to clear his mind for awhile. Eventually, he got his mind protected by invasions before falling asleep.
Next day, after Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Srycry had asked Harry to hold back. Harry nodded, packing his things slower that of his classmates.
"I'll catch you up in Great Hall," said Harry to Ron and Hermione. They left the classroom, and Harry walked up to his professor. "Ma'am?"
"I wish to talk to you about your club Potter," said Professor Srycry. He nodded slowly, prompting his teacher to continue. "Yes, well, I saw the scores of students who joined your club last year, they did exceptionally well. Especially who did their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts; all of them have gotten Outstanding on them. So, Potter, if you like, I can provide information that you are unable to receive. I'm not asking you to let me in your meetings, though it would be interesting to watch."
"Oh, thanks Professor," said Harry. He relaxed a little now he knows what his professor wanted to talk about. "Of course, you can attend some of them, though not the first meeting because I'm sure it'll be really hectic for me. Imagine… teaching some two-three hundred kids," he sighed.
"Oh, I feel for you kid, but why are you doing this?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, with the war and all, and they say I have hero-complex," he exhaled in annoyance.
"Ah, I see, well, that is all I wanted to talk about. Thank you Potter, good day," she dismissed him.
"Bye professor," he left the classroom to eat dinner. When he sat down next to his friends, Hermione gave him a questioning look. "What?"
"What did she want to talk about?" she replied as if it was obvious.
"Oh, just about D.A. She's willing to give me some information that I might be having problems with. And among other . . . things."
"What other things?" asked Ginny, sipping her Pumpkin juice.
"Oh, like how well I'm teaching them, and she wants to come to the meetings once awhile," replied Harry, eating baked beans.
"Really? Did she say how well you taught the kids last year?"
"Yeah, everyone in our club got Outstanding on their exams," said Harry indifferently.
"What? Really? Oh that's amazing Harry! You should feel proud," said Hermione, grinning.
"Oh I am, believe me, but I hate all of this flattery really . . .."
"You know, you should be a Professor one day," said Hermione, thinking.
"What? Me, teach?" said Harry, sputtering slightly. "Ah no, no thanks."
"Oh Harry, at least think about it," said Hermione, groaning slightly.
"Right, so it's either be an Auror, Minister or a Professor," said Harry sarcastically.
"It is possible to do them all you know. After all, you cannot exactly be a Minister right after Hogwarts. You'd need to be of twenty-five years old. So, you could be working to be an Auror then Minister and then a Professor. See?"
" . . ." Harry slowly brought his face to the table, banging loudly. "I was only . . ."
"Only what Harry?"
"I don't know if I will be able to live after Hogwarts," said Harry.
"Oh stop being so melodramatic about it!" said Hermione harshly.
"Whatever you say Hermione, whatever you say . . ." said Harry, getting out of his seat. "I'll be at the Astronomy tower, don't let anyone come until nine," with that, he left the Great Hall. 'Now really, who am I kidding? I might be able to live after all.' Thought Harry, walking to the top of the tower and stared out to the grounds of Hogwarts. The sun was still high up in the sky but slowly going down to the horizon. He thought about Sirius, his would-be guardian, then Remus, he thought it was very cute of them to be together. He wondered how they had gotten together in the first place.
He supposed that it formed at Hogwarts and then broke off when Sirius was sent to Azkaban. He knew that Remus must have suffered some sort of emotions for twelve years. After all, he had lost James, Lily, and thought Peter to be dead. Along with Sirius betraying them all, and supposed that the bond between them renewed sometime in his fifth year.
He sighed, wondering what to do next; he could plan lessons now. Or do his homework, but it's the weekend, thought Harry, scolding himself. 'Oh, I could talk to Sirius or Remus,' then Harry stopped himself. He needed this time alone and watched Forbidden forest stirring with the wind. He saw birds flying out of the treetops as if it was suddenly disturbed. He remembered that he met Grawp last year. 'What a disaster . . .' But Harry saw more birds flying out of the trees, and it was closer than previously did.
He found this to be odd, and observed for a little while longer, and found even more birds flying. Catching his breath, something or someone like Grawp was coming this way, and fast. He watched the edge of the forest and found Hagrid running straight for the school. Now extremely alarmed, he tore down the stairs to the Great Hall for some news of what is going on. Two minutes later, he banged the doors open and was now breathing fast. He didn't find Hagrid here yet and everyone looked at him curiously. He thought that Hagrid had ran to the Headmistress office, but no sooner he thought that, Hagrid came running into the room.
"Go ter yer dormi'orties NOW!" bellowed Hagrid.
"Hagrid what's -?" began Harry.
"No 'Arry, no time! Grawpy's coming!" said Hagrid, eyes bulging. Harry looked to the room and found that no one moved a single inch.
"What're you waiting for!? GO!" said Harry, and everyone immediately ran to the dormitories of their respective houses. Only Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Mark stayed behind. "No Mark, you better go too."
"Who's Grawpy?" asked Mark, not moving.
"Get. Going." Gritted Harry. "I'll explain once I know what's going on. Please!"
"You too 'Arry!" yelled Hagrid.
"But Hagrid, what will happen to you!?" said Harry, holding his ground.
"I jus' hav' ter hold Grawpy back. The En'rance doors might hold him out. I don' want ter take chances!"
"But Hagrid - Augh, I'm going down to your hut tomorrow to find what is going on," with that, the all went to the Gryffindor Tower. Feeling helpless, he had snapped at everyone who tried to ask him what was going on.
"I don't know! Leave me alone!" said Harry, getting up to walk to his dormitory.
"But Harry, when you came, you were out of breath. You do know what's going on!" demanded a fifth year boy.
"Fine, I only saw something was stirring in Forbidden Forest, and something wasn't right. So I naturally came to Great Hall for some news. That's all there is to it!"
"Who's Grawpy?" asked a second year girl.
"He's Hagrid's brother," replied Hermione timidly.
"He has a brother?" blanched a seventh year girl.
"Yes, we were all surprised by that last year, well, half-brother. You see, he's a full-giant . . ."
"That's enough Hermione," said Harry, sitting back down.
"A. A . . . full GIANT? In our Forbidden Forest?! I'm never going near there again!" said Seamus fearfully.
"What's Hagrid thinking!?" asked Pavarti.
'He's a family, he's never known family since he was twelve," said Harry. "How would you feel if you never had known family and found out you do have a brother or sister, or even a cousin?" He looked over to Mark. "I found a cousin last summer. Never mind my relatives. They are hardly considered family. He's like a brother I never had," he looked to Ron, "No offense meant Ron, but really.
"None taken mate," replied Ron grinning.
So, family is important. We all make sacrifices, and this war is going to tear apart families," with that, he stood up. "I say you think about that before you open your mouth about Giants, or relatives and families." He went to the dormitory and sat down.
'So, what's up with Grawp then?' thought Harry. 'Did Hagrid do something to royally piss him off?' Then he felt agitated, how could he just sit there and do nothing to help Hagrid? He stood up again and grabbed his invisbility cloak and headed out of the common room. He was going to help, whether they like it or not.
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Sorry, but the updates in chapters will slow down as I have to write more of them. ; So, expect one every two days okay? Thanks!
Decisions To Be Made
"Well, as you all might have read the notice today, we're starting up D.A again," said Harry. "But, well, some of us want to keep this club a private one."
"But how will we do that?" interrupted Terry.
"With you guys of course," replied Harry. "You guys will be our screening process. So that way if a Slytherin, for example, Malfoy. I have no doubt that he would become a Death Eater this year or the next. Basically, a private society to thwart Voldemort (murmuring went around the room, some flinched). Oh for crying out loud, Hermione said that not saying the name increases the fear itself. If you start using his name, then you won't have so much to fear."
"I guess we can start with that, using his name, how else will you be able to defend yourself from Death Eaters and dark creatures, or even Voldemort himself? (Still more whispers and flinches) You just need to think on that, there is not much to fear about him anyways. I am more afraid of Dementors than I do of Voldemort. My boggart shows that."
"Really?" asked Cho surprised.
"Yes," said Harry coolly. "Anyways, whoever shows up tomorrow, you will have your own sheet of paper, not signed of course. You will conduct as a ballot of sorts. But before we do that, I will explain few things before we do that. Then you will discreetly count anyone out at the meeting tomorrow. Same thing will happen next week on Thursday."
"Now, I know we all hate Slytherins, but before anyone argues. Let me give you a background story for the reason I am about to state. When my dad, Sirius, Remus Lupin (some of the kids perked up at the last two familiar names) attended here at Hogwarts. There was also another kid, named Peter Pettigrew, I know all of you heard he was murdered by Sirius. But he was not, he is the traitor, by betraying my parents to Voldemort (more flinches). And he is still alive to this day. Know what's the two most sickening part is?"
Everyone looked at each other, wondering what Harry was about to say, except for Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Harry sighed, and spoke again.
"He was a Gryffindor here at Hogwarts, and he was Scabbers in our first three years of school. Remember Ron's rat" Some of the older kids paled at what Harry said. "Yeah, he's an Unregistered Animagus. So, this brings back to the original point, any person of any house can be a Death Eater, so, that means someone in Slytherin might be innocent. So, I ask you to please consider any of worthy Slytherins. It would be a great asset if we have one so we can sort of spy on them."
"Yeah, that would make sense Harry," said Collin shakily. None of them knew that a person from Gryffindor could betray Harry's parent to Voldemort. Harry noted that some of them were eyeing other students with suspicion.
"Guys, I don't think we will have a traitor in this group. However," his voice grew cold. "If there is one then that person will wish that he/she was never born once I find out. And believe me, I will find out, I have my… resources." Harry knew he wasn't about to tell about his 'visions' and his Legillimency lessons. Some of them gulped visibly, while others paled slightly.
"I guess that is all I have to say really, so, don't forget to put aside any prejudice toward Slytherins, we'll deal with that later. That will be all, good night," Harry dismissed the group, and the four of them remained, which included Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. "How'd you think that went?"
"I think it went great Harry," replied Hermione, smiling. "Though, you didn't really have to threat them… That just scares them even more."
"How else am I supposed to warn them, now that I'm learning Legillimency and sometimes, my rare visions as well. So I had to warn them somehow so they would not even think about it. So, anyone up for some more Animagus study?"
"Sorry, but I think I'll do my homework," said Hermione, taking her books out on the table that appeared next to her.
"Fine, let's all work on our homework," said Harry rudely, but Hermione ignored his tone of voice and instead replied with something else.
"I am glad you agree," said Hermione coolly, finally getting tired of Harry's new attitude. The others looked at each other confused and a little afraid and reluctantly pull out their own homework as well. Apparently, the room was serving quite well for the Gryffindor group for their homework and research.
The next day, the trio went to Hog's head, Harry felt bad for leaving Mark behind for this trip. But he vowed that he would bring him here sometime this year and not wait until he was a third year. Harry knew that by then, he would have graduated from Hogwarts. If he even lives to see the graduation day.
"Hello sir?" said Hermione, walking up to the barkeeper at Hog's head.
"Yeah?" replied barkeeper gruffly.
"We reserved the upstairs for the meeting today, can you keep anyone else from going up except for Hogwarts students?"
"Yeah, I'll do that," said the barkeeper crudely while washing the bar with his dirty rag. The two went up the stairs, but Harry remained behind, staring at the barkeeper. Last year, he had thought this man was familiar, and couldn't pinpoint what it was.
"Excuse me sir, what's your name if you don't mind me asking?" He looked up at Harry harshly and sighed.
"Name's Aberforth, I'm a brother of Albus," replied the old man. Then his memory clicked, the photograph that Mad-Eye had shown him and the short mention of him at the Yule ball from Dumbledore.
"Oh, yeah no wonder why you look so familiar last year, well, thank you sir," said Harry, turning around. But he stopped him by speaking as to why he looked familiar.
"How am I familiar to you?" Harry turned around again and leaned into his left ear.
"You were in the Order at the last war, I saw the picture that Mad-Eye showed me two summers ago."
"Ah… yes, that, well you can safely say that I'm still in the Order, not very active mind you but I keep my look on people here. Well, your friends are waiting for you upstairs. Go on," said Aberforth harshly.
"Oh, thanks for the info sir," with that, he finally went up the stairs and found Ron and Hermione setting the room up with their wands.
"Where were you?" asked Ron, putting the tables in a semi circle.
"Just talking to the barkeeper, listen, he's -"
Before he could finish the sentence he started, he heard many footsteps coming up the stairs and Harry sighed.
"I'll tell you later," with that Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the three chairs in front of the semi-circle. In the next ten minutes, more students filed into the room above Hog's Head and Hermione had to draw up more chairs to accommodate the kids that came. When the door finally closed with a soft click and Harry took the cue.
"Hello everyone, I know you are all here to know more about the D.A. and whether you are or not able to join the club. I do not mean to exclude anyone from this opportunity to learn more about defensive charms and hexes. But that's not what the club is all about, it's something deeper than that," he looked over to Malfoy, and he glared back at him. "I have informed the original members of fairness of who to include and who not to."
"Hey Potter, how will they choose the new members?" asked Malfoy, clearly getting the message.
"It depends on trustworthy of a student as well as ambitions to improve in D.A. Also, we will be basing on what the person's true intentions are," he said while glaring at Malfoy. "But don't worry Malfoy, you have equal fairness as everyone is in the room. I have specially told the members not to… automatically exclude any Slytherins out of the club," he said this while looking at his members of the D.A. He could see some of the parchment and quills out.
"First, I will pass around this to you, fill out your name, year and what the intentions are for this club," he gave the paper to the first student on the left side of the semi-circle. Dennis had received the paper, filled out the parchment, and passed that on to the next person. He also discreetly looked at each and one of the members to start the elimination process. When everyone caught his cue and did so, writing down names and looking around the room.
"While you are doing that, if you do get eliminated, but for whatever reason, I apologize for the inconvenience. If you think that we were unfair to you, you can come up to me or these two here," he pointed to Ron and Hermione. "But please, don't be a spoil sport about being eliminated, perhaps you may get included later in the year. If I catch anyone hexing a member of the D.A, old or new, I will make it so that you will regret that you hexed the person."
Harry felt odd in a good way, talking in front of everyone. He supposed that this would be a good practice because he knew he would be bugged by the interviewers and fans. He mentally shook his head and waited for the last person to fill out the name and intentions of joining the club. He had spoken to Hermione earlier about the parchment and she confided in him
Flashback
In Entrance Hall, Hermione showed Harry the parchment when he came out of Great Hall from breakfast and she looked around quickly and spoke.
"Harry, this piece of parchment is for everyone to fill out their names, and I was thinking if we could have the person fill what the true intentions of joining the club."
"But Hermione, what if they lie?"
"Don't worry, I got a complicated charm on this so that the writer can't tell lies on the paper," explained Hermione.
Flashforward
'Ah the good old Hermione,' thought Harry, grinning to himself. Harry walked to the end of the table and picked up the parchment that was charmed to keep the writer tell the truth but discreetly so that no one would complain. He was particularly surprised when Malfoy did not raise objection when he wrote his down. He supposed that it would be interesting to read Malfoy's intentions.
"Well, guys, I think that is pretty much it, any questions?" said Harry, rolling up the parchment.
"That's all?" one asked in wonderment. Harry nodded, and the boy frowned. "I thought that you would tell us more."
"Well, I would if you ask me the right questions," said Harry. He looked up at him again and smiled.
"Well, I was wondering what sort of hexes and defense charms you would teach us."
"Oh, various of things, I've been reading two books, one from the Knockturn Alley and another from the restricted section. There are many hexes like those that you wouldn't believe. There are also plenty of different kinds of defensive charms. This is what I will be teaching most of the time. The last lesson I had taught last year," then he looked to Malfoy specially, remembering the incident when they were almost caught by Umbridge. "It was on Patronus charm, and we were interrupted because of a certain woman and her squad," he spat the words a little, glaring daggers at him who glowered back at him and sneered.
"Patronus charm Potter? I'm sure all of them failed," he said. Harry shook his head in answer.
"No, in fact, some of them made a corporeal Patronus last year, Cho, Hermione, Collin, Dennis, and anyone else who can conjure the charm, pleas prove Malfoy wrong by conjuring it." He said with a grin, and they grinned happily back at him and stood up, taking their wands out. One moment of silence, then . . . .
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" cried the students and their Patronus took form in front of them, and they all petted their own animal.
"See?" said Harry, feeling immensely proud for teaching the complicated charm. "As you can see, I can teach fairly well."
"Are you kidding me? You're a real great teacher Harry!" exclaimed Dennis, and several of the members nodded anxiously. Harry flustered little red in the face.
"Right, well, you will have the results tomorrow by owl post, stating if you joined or not. Now, I suggest you all go out if you want to enjoy last two hours of Hogsmeade," the room slowly filed out. But the last group of people that went down was the D.A. members. They gave Harry the parchments and with that, he beckoned Ron and Hermione, left the room, and went downstairs. "Thanks sir, for allowing the privacy of the room upstairs."
"Not a problem, a few were keen on trying to get in though, well I'll see you later Harry," said Aberforth, washing the cups. The trio left Hog's Head and headed straight for the Three Broomsticks. When they got inside and found themselves surrounded by people.
"I'll get us some butterbeer," said Harry, "grab a table for us." He went to buy three butterbeers, paid the money, and went to the table they had found.
"Thanks Harry," said Hermione, accepting the drink.
"Cheers mate," said Ron, lifting the drink to Harry and drank some of the contents. "Ahh, so what was it you want to tell us about that barkeeper?"
"Oh, that, he said he's a brother of Dumbledore, I seen him in a photograph Mad-Eye's shown me. His name is Aberforth and he's in the Order."
"Whoa, mate, slow down, he's in the Order? He's Dumbledore's brother? I didn't know he has a relative."
"I've known that since fourth year though," said Harry.
"What? How come you didn't tell us?" asked Hermione.
"It didn't seem important at the time," said Harry dully, drinking the butterbeer. "Anyways, let's see, I want to know what Malfoy wrote down for his intentions…."
"Oh, I want to know too!" exclaimed Ron, turning a little red from the Butterbeer. Harry dug in for the parchment from his bag and took it out. He unrolled to the part where Malfoy wrote his answer.
Draco Malfoy: Intentions- To learn more magic, even if it is from the famous Potter boy. Perhaps more chances of hexing him as well.
Harry scoffed at the answer and gave it to Ron. Who shook his head at the first sentence and paled slightly at the second one. Then he gave it to Hermione who read what Draco Malfoy wrote.
"Well, that's certainly different that what we expected," said Hermione.
"You're right, I didn't expect the first sentence, the second is not surprising," said Harry, finishing his drink. "So, should we get heading back? I think Mark's bored without us," he grinned slyly.
"I guess you are right," said Hermione, finishing her drink.
"Yeah, I agree, let's go back," said Ron, putting the bottle down on the table. The three came back to Hogwarts and into the common room. Harry found Mark reading and re-reading the books on coyotes, looking bored.
"Hey Mark, we got some stuff from you from Zonko's, and Honeydukes," said Harry, interrupting Mark. He looked up eagerly and stood up, putting the book aside.
"Really? You got me something?" asked Mark, and Harry replied with putting two medium-sized bags on the table next to Mark. "Hey, thanks! So, I have to wait until I'm in third year to go?" asked Mark sadly, eating one of the candy.
"Looks that way," said Ron, helping himself to chocolate frogs. Then Harry filled in of what had happened at the Hog's Head and Hogsmeade itself.
"Here, this is what Malfoy wrote," said Harry, giving him the parchment. After a moment reading, he heard a soft chuckle.
"Sounded like a truce and a threat at the same time."
"Truce? This? Ha," said Ron.
"It does, he says that he would learn anything even if it were from Harry. I see that way as a truce Ron," said Hermione, agreeing with Mark.
"Well, I suppose it is," said Ron slowly. "But we're still not going to invite him in our club are we?"
"I don't think we will, well, let's go over who is joining and who's not," said Hermione, taking the stack of paper that the D.A. member filled out.
After two hours of organizing data and counting. Hermione had concluded that out of the people who showed up, only eight of them were eliminated. This, of course, included Malfoy, Goyle, Crabbe, Nott and Pansy.
"At least they did eliminate students from other houses too," said Hermione. "That way, Malfoy can't complain that only Slytherins were eliminated. And I see that Blaise Zabini isn't eliminated. Perhaps she can be of use . . . ."
"Zabini? Ugh," said Mark, shaking his head. "Keep her sister away from me if she joins."
"Well Mark, you might because of partnering up to practice, and I tend to put partners together with about the same strength and power."
"Oh, then I hope she's weaker than me," said Mark.
"Well, we'll have to wait and see, now I need help duplicating the letters stating who joined and eliminated," said Hermione, finished writing two different type of letters. She also included the special gold coin into the envelope for the ones who were joining.
"So that way we won't have to keep spreading the word and all. I've also included the directions to the Room of Requirement for them as well."
"Good thinking Hermione, I'll help send them out," said Harry. "Ron, you coming?"
"Yeah mate," replied Ron, picking up the stack of envelopes. On the way there, Hermione spoke up.
"I can't believe how many showed up today, besides us and the members, there were almost 120 kids at Hog's Head. Harry nodded in agreement, and he knew he already had too much to take on for the D.A. lessons. He supposed he would have to divide the group into equal parts as well as accommodating the Quidditch players, including himself.
"How am I supposed to teach that many?" Asked Harry out loud.
"Well, we do know that the room can be expanded for miles around. Perhaps you can use a podium, a board to show how it's being cast and so on."
"Hey, you're right, I can try that," said Harry, new ideas rolling in. They arrived at the owlery and called several owls to deliver the mail. When they took care of that, the headed back to the common room.
Thursday after Dinner finally came and Harry stood in front of Great Hall, looking around, feeling nervous and sick to his stomach. There were much more kids here than it had at the Hog's Head. How on earth was he supposed to teach them all? He knew he should have had told the D.A. members to pick certain amount of people. Then again, he remembered Hermione's suggestion and how important everyone had to protect themselves from Voldemort. He nodded to himself and waited for everyone to be quiet.
When they did not, Harry raised his hand for them to be quiet. Then when they did, Harry smiled, and looked at each table, observing.
"I know you all want to be in the D.A. club, and let me tell you a bit more about it. I know most of you know what I have said in Hog's Head from the others," while he said this, he looked at each of the D.A. members to start the elimination process.
"Unfortunately, not everyone can be in the club, one, there are a lot of people, and two, I think it's quite unnerving for me to teach such large numbers of people. I know that some people are on Quidditch team, as I am myself. So I will try not to clash the club with any of the teams. Here's the parchment for everyone to write down your names and your intentions for joining the club."
He handed the paper to a first year Slytherin who also got the quill from Harry as well as ink. When Harry watched the first year pass on to the next person and felt satisfied.
"Anyways, any questions?"
"Is it true that you're using people's grades to determine who joins and who doesn't?" one asked.
"No, that is not true at all, even the top student can have problems with Defense," he looked at Hermione. "And even someone with the worst grades can be excellent at defense. What really matter is the trust, ambitions and your intentions. That is what the elimination is based on. Does that answer your question?'
"Yeah, thanks," replied the one who asked earlier.
"Anyone else?"
"Is it true that you will teach us the Unforgivables?" a girl asked. Harry blanched at the question.
'Really! Geez, I hate these rumors, they twist it so much . . . '
"No, definitely not. What I will be teaching are hexes, charms and curses that will defend yourself from people who wish to harm you. Other than that, like intentionally hurting people, I do not approve that at all. Anybody else?"
"Is it true that you formed this club because of Professor Umbridge last year? Were you really trying to thwart her?" asked a first year boy whom Harry recognized as Durand.
"Yes and no, it is true that we formed the club because that woman wouldn't exactly teach us about Defense. But no, we were not trying to thwart her; we were trying to annoy her. Okay, not really, everyone here at Hogwarts last year did try to thwart her. Except, of course, for the Insquistorial Squad of hers. It was quite funny to be frank," he chuckled and some of the kids laughed. "At any rate, we were quite successful."
"Harry, is it true that you taught the D.A. last year, the last lesson you taught. Was it Patronus Charm?"
"Yes, that is true," replied Harry. 'At last, a rumor remains untwisted.'
"Wow, will you teach us that?"
"Once you get better at other ones that I will be teaching, Patronus charm is actually pretty difficult to learn. So, any other questions?" Then the silence fell on the room as they looked at each other. "No? Anything at all, even a moment of doubt…."
"Are you going to signal us out?" asked a Slytherin.
"No, everyone is equal. After all, the sorting hat said that we have to stand together. So I thought we had better work on our Inter-house relations. Which will be, of course, incorporated in the club. So, if I see anyone hexing each other, you will regret once you deal with me. inside or outside of the club. That goes for anyone who will be eliminated. I will apologize in advance for whoever could not make it. As the notice said, it is a private club and we can't exactly invite everyone to the club. There's already a lot of people as it is."
"So, please, if you think you have a problem with it, talk to me okay? I do not want to cause any problems with it right now, especially with the Professors. I think that's everything that's needed to be talked over." He looked around the room, "Oh, who has the parchment that you needed to fill out - oh there you are," he spotted the paper at midway in Gryffindor table. "Okay, for anyone who hasn't signed please stay, and the rest of you leave." He turned to Hermione, and exhaled. "I need to stop standing in front of people…."
"Harry, you hardly did much of that, and well, you're still young . . ." Harry groaned. "Sorry Harry, but it might be of a good practice."
"That's what I'm hoping for. I know what I will do; I'll just not do a lot of these 'speeches'. He looked over to Gryffindors who are filing out of the Great Hall slowly along with everyone else. "Right, they're almost finished."
When they did, Hermione went to collect the long scroll of names and of their aims. The trio and Mark, who stayed behind, headed to the Room of Requirement to organize the data. Ginny was also there waiting for them.
"So many people," said Harry, sitting on the chair, feeling exhausted. "I need to find a way to teach them all," no sooner, than Harry said the word, one shelf of books appeared. Ranging from speeches to lectures-how-to's. " . . . Well, that answers my problem then. Do you all think you can organize these kids and send the letters out to them? I'm gonna read on how to manage . . . a lot of people in our club."
"Of course," replied Hermione, the group nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," said Harry, walking over to the shelf, and randomly picked out a book. Then he sat down, turning to the page one on 'Giving Speeches to People and Not Faint' Sure he didn't exactly need to read about how not to faint, but it was still a good reading.
At ten to Eleven, the group decided to head back to the Gryffindor common room and they all retired for the night. Harry's mind was buzzing with information he acquired and from the 'meeting' he had with mostly first and second years. He was still uncomfortable by the thought of being a role model for other people. 'Then again, I was always a role model since age of one . . .' thought Harry, closing his curtains and cleared his mind, which Harry noticed, was harder to do, but succeeded. He was still troubled by the fact he was unable to clear his mind for awhile. Eventually, he got his mind protected by invasions before falling asleep.
Next day, after Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Srycry had asked Harry to hold back. Harry nodded, packing his things slower that of his classmates.
"I'll catch you up in Great Hall," said Harry to Ron and Hermione. They left the classroom, and Harry walked up to his professor. "Ma'am?"
"I wish to talk to you about your club Potter," said Professor Srycry. He nodded slowly, prompting his teacher to continue. "Yes, well, I saw the scores of students who joined your club last year, they did exceptionally well. Especially who did their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts; all of them have gotten Outstanding on them. So, Potter, if you like, I can provide information that you are unable to receive. I'm not asking you to let me in your meetings, though it would be interesting to watch."
"Oh, thanks Professor," said Harry. He relaxed a little now he knows what his professor wanted to talk about. "Of course, you can attend some of them, though not the first meeting because I'm sure it'll be really hectic for me. Imagine… teaching some two-three hundred kids," he sighed.
"Oh, I feel for you kid, but why are you doing this?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, with the war and all, and they say I have hero-complex," he exhaled in annoyance.
"Ah, I see, well, that is all I wanted to talk about. Thank you Potter, good day," she dismissed him.
"Bye professor," he left the classroom to eat dinner. When he sat down next to his friends, Hermione gave him a questioning look. "What?"
"What did she want to talk about?" she replied as if it was obvious.
"Oh, just about D.A. She's willing to give me some information that I might be having problems with. And among other . . . things."
"What other things?" asked Ginny, sipping her Pumpkin juice.
"Oh, like how well I'm teaching them, and she wants to come to the meetings once awhile," replied Harry, eating baked beans.
"Really? Did she say how well you taught the kids last year?"
"Yeah, everyone in our club got Outstanding on their exams," said Harry indifferently.
"What? Really? Oh that's amazing Harry! You should feel proud," said Hermione, grinning.
"Oh I am, believe me, but I hate all of this flattery really . . .."
"You know, you should be a Professor one day," said Hermione, thinking.
"What? Me, teach?" said Harry, sputtering slightly. "Ah no, no thanks."
"Oh Harry, at least think about it," said Hermione, groaning slightly.
"Right, so it's either be an Auror, Minister or a Professor," said Harry sarcastically.
"It is possible to do them all you know. After all, you cannot exactly be a Minister right after Hogwarts. You'd need to be of twenty-five years old. So, you could be working to be an Auror then Minister and then a Professor. See?"
" . . ." Harry slowly brought his face to the table, banging loudly. "I was only . . ."
"Only what Harry?"
"I don't know if I will be able to live after Hogwarts," said Harry.
"Oh stop being so melodramatic about it!" said Hermione harshly.
"Whatever you say Hermione, whatever you say . . ." said Harry, getting out of his seat. "I'll be at the Astronomy tower, don't let anyone come until nine," with that, he left the Great Hall. 'Now really, who am I kidding? I might be able to live after all.' Thought Harry, walking to the top of the tower and stared out to the grounds of Hogwarts. The sun was still high up in the sky but slowly going down to the horizon. He thought about Sirius, his would-be guardian, then Remus, he thought it was very cute of them to be together. He wondered how they had gotten together in the first place.
He supposed that it formed at Hogwarts and then broke off when Sirius was sent to Azkaban. He knew that Remus must have suffered some sort of emotions for twelve years. After all, he had lost James, Lily, and thought Peter to be dead. Along with Sirius betraying them all, and supposed that the bond between them renewed sometime in his fifth year.
He sighed, wondering what to do next; he could plan lessons now. Or do his homework, but it's the weekend, thought Harry, scolding himself. 'Oh, I could talk to Sirius or Remus,' then Harry stopped himself. He needed this time alone and watched Forbidden forest stirring with the wind. He saw birds flying out of the treetops as if it was suddenly disturbed. He remembered that he met Grawp last year. 'What a disaster . . .' But Harry saw more birds flying out of the trees, and it was closer than previously did.
He found this to be odd, and observed for a little while longer, and found even more birds flying. Catching his breath, something or someone like Grawp was coming this way, and fast. He watched the edge of the forest and found Hagrid running straight for the school. Now extremely alarmed, he tore down the stairs to the Great Hall for some news of what is going on. Two minutes later, he banged the doors open and was now breathing fast. He didn't find Hagrid here yet and everyone looked at him curiously. He thought that Hagrid had ran to the Headmistress office, but no sooner he thought that, Hagrid came running into the room.
"Go ter yer dormi'orties NOW!" bellowed Hagrid.
"Hagrid what's -?" began Harry.
"No 'Arry, no time! Grawpy's coming!" said Hagrid, eyes bulging. Harry looked to the room and found that no one moved a single inch.
"What're you waiting for!? GO!" said Harry, and everyone immediately ran to the dormitories of their respective houses. Only Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Mark stayed behind. "No Mark, you better go too."
"Who's Grawpy?" asked Mark, not moving.
"Get. Going." Gritted Harry. "I'll explain once I know what's going on. Please!"
"You too 'Arry!" yelled Hagrid.
"But Hagrid, what will happen to you!?" said Harry, holding his ground.
"I jus' hav' ter hold Grawpy back. The En'rance doors might hold him out. I don' want ter take chances!"
"But Hagrid - Augh, I'm going down to your hut tomorrow to find what is going on," with that, the all went to the Gryffindor Tower. Feeling helpless, he had snapped at everyone who tried to ask him what was going on.
"I don't know! Leave me alone!" said Harry, getting up to walk to his dormitory.
"But Harry, when you came, you were out of breath. You do know what's going on!" demanded a fifth year boy.
"Fine, I only saw something was stirring in Forbidden Forest, and something wasn't right. So I naturally came to Great Hall for some news. That's all there is to it!"
"Who's Grawpy?" asked a second year girl.
"He's Hagrid's brother," replied Hermione timidly.
"He has a brother?" blanched a seventh year girl.
"Yes, we were all surprised by that last year, well, half-brother. You see, he's a full-giant . . ."
"That's enough Hermione," said Harry, sitting back down.
"A. A . . . full GIANT? In our Forbidden Forest?! I'm never going near there again!" said Seamus fearfully.
"What's Hagrid thinking!?" asked Pavarti.
'He's a family, he's never known family since he was twelve," said Harry. "How would you feel if you never had known family and found out you do have a brother or sister, or even a cousin?" He looked over to Mark. "I found a cousin last summer. Never mind my relatives. They are hardly considered family. He's like a brother I never had," he looked to Ron, "No offense meant Ron, but really.
"None taken mate," replied Ron grinning.
So, family is important. We all make sacrifices, and this war is going to tear apart families," with that, he stood up. "I say you think about that before you open your mouth about Giants, or relatives and families." He went to the dormitory and sat down.
'So, what's up with Grawp then?' thought Harry. 'Did Hagrid do something to royally piss him off?' Then he felt agitated, how could he just sit there and do nothing to help Hagrid? He stood up again and grabbed his invisbility cloak and headed out of the common room. He was going to help, whether they like it or not.
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Sorry, but the updates in chapters will slow down as I have to write more of them. ; So, expect one every two days okay? Thanks!