Chapter 15
Black Feathers
After he was allowed to leave the hospital the next morning, since Madam Pomfrey insisted on keeping him. Harry went down to the Great Hall, since it was Saturday, he didn't need to worry about lessons. "Morning you guys," greeted Harry t the others. The entire Gryffindor table looked to him, but Harry tried his best to ignore the attention he was getting.
"Morning mate, you okay?" asked Ron, eating the oatmeal.
"Yeah, it just caught me off guard last night," replied Harry, sitting down to eat his breakfast. The table returned to their own conversation while Harry's group was discussing about Animagus training.
"We should asked Sirius and Remus to see if we can move on, I mean, I think we all know our animal's skin type. Right?" asked Hermione.
"Well, we will find out after breakfast. First, I think we ought to check if any of us have homework. He looked to Ginny, he remembered last year only too well now that he has his full memory back. Professors were literally pouring the fifth years with homework. Ginny frowned and sighed, she nodded albeit reluctantly.
"How much do you have?" asked Hermione.
"I have to do a Potions' essay, some Herbology reading, practice my transfiguration charm we were working on yesterday, and writing a dream journal.
"You can fake your dream journal," piped Ron.
"Ron! She can't fake that!" scolded Hermione and turned back to Ginny.
"Really? Can I fake my dream journals?" asked Ginny hopefully.
"Yeah, Divination is that lax, you can make up anything. But I got hand this to you, the more horrible predictions you make, the happier Trelawney gets," said Ron.
"Ron! She shouldn't be doing that," frowned Hermione.
"You should be talking Hermione, you walked out of her class in our third year," defended Ron. Harry sighed, knowing that this is going to be another debate between Ron and Hermione.
'Oh when will they realize that they need to figure that they actually like each other?' thought Harry dully. He looked down the Gryffindor table and saw that Pavarti was staring at him but looked away when she saw him looking. Harry shook his head slightly, 'Girls! When will they stop bothering me . . . ?' thought Harry, wondering. 'Well, there's another Hogsmeade coming . . . ' pondered Harry, but then shook his head again.
'What am I thinking?' wondered Harry, standing up from his seat. He wasn't very hungry anymore. "Well I think we should get on the training. Ginny, you can do your homework in the afternoon, meet me at you-know-where," with that, he left Great Hall but bumped into someone else.
"What it Potty!" said Malfoy. Harry heaved a sigh and stared at Malfoy in the eye.
"If you really want to join our club, I suggest you to be kinder, I do know that you received the letter that you are unable to join," said Harry.
" . . . Fine, get out of the way," snarled Malfoy, shoving Harry to the side and resumed his entrance to Great Hall. Harry continued his way to the Room of Requirement, or as Dobby called it, 'The Come and Go Room.' When he arrived there and stopped himself. He needed the mirror, but he wondered if the room could have such device as well and decided to experiment.
'I need a room for my friends and I to train for our Animagus training . . . I need the device that allows me to speak to Remus and Sirius . . . Need something for our Animagus training . . . ' Then the door appeared in the wall and Harry went and opened with the brass door knob. He entered the room and on his right side, he saw the exact replicate of the mirror he had back in his dormitory and grinned. 'There really isn't any limit to this room, first the expansion of space, then the animals, and now the mirror.' He half wondered if this room could do anything when one person needed something. Then he also wondered if Voldemort knew about this room. 'Well, perhaps not when he was here . . . but if he finds out through my mind . . . ' thought Harry.
He picked a book out of the shelve, needing to read something on Cougars' sleeping habits. Then he read the book, while waiting for his friends, and he did not wait for long. The door opened some ten minutes later and came Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. But Mark wasn't with them, but Harry knew better. They won't let Mark do the training with them. At least , not yet, as they said.
"Hey Harry," greeted Ron, and Harry nodded in their welcome. "Well, should we talk to them now?" Harry nodded again, though with affirmative. He shut the book and set it on the table, he stood up to walk over to the table with the mirror. Harry picked the mirror and spoke Sirius' name into it.
"Hey Harry," came Sirius face not more than five seconds later.
"Hey Sirius, Hermione wanted to know if we could move on. I mean, how do you know when you did the fur/feather type really well? We've been memorizing for past few weeks. What else is there to know?"
"Well, have you guys been studying I just /I the fur type?" Harry looked at the others who all shook their head yes. "Not to the toenails or their teeth?"
"I have, but it doesn't look like the others went that far," said Harry, looking at his friends.
"Ah, well that's what you need to do, observe their toes, teeth, see if there are whiskers, all the important details. As for you Harry, have you really studied every single inch of your animal form?"
"Yes Sirius, I even went as far as looking in the cougar's eyes to see what kind of irises they have. They don't have slits, they never do," replied Harry.
"Well, you certainly studied your animal then Harry. I suggest you to start breathing with cougar. Their tensed and relaxed breathing. Though don't do that for more than one minute otherwise you'll pass out," he grinned slyly.
"Did something happen to you?" asked Harry, curious.
"Oh no, not me, Wormtail. See, rats have small er lungs, so they tend to breath very fast," Harry saw from the corner of his eye and saw the worried expression look on Ginny and Hermione's face. "So, I repeat, do not breathe their way for more than one minute if possible. You are only working on their physical aspects right now. Emotional part will come later, so it is important to know their breathing habits."
"Thanks Sirius, so how do I know that I would be finished with the breathing process?"
"When you observe all of their feelings when they breath, like stalking prey, eating while breathing or not, when something occurs and so on," replied Sirius.
"Okay, well, I think that's all?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, I smell brunch being made, so I think I'll go get something to eat," replied Sirius.
"Bye then Sirius," said Harry and set the mirror on the table. "Well, let's get to training now."
For the next three hours, with his cougar by his side, Harry had mastered a third of how cougars breathe in different situations. Ron,, Hermione, and Ginny studied further on their own, as Hermione scribbled away on details of the tawny owl. She even included of how the bone structure in the wings felt like. Harry sighed, standing up from his cougar and walked t his friends.
"Guys, do you think we should finish up for today? I think I'm getting sort of light headed," admitted Harry. True, the breathing process of cougars can be tiring. But for three consecutive hours can be really draining. Hermione looked away from her tawny owl to Harry, looking concerned.
"Well, I think you would need a bit of a lie down Harry," said Hermione. Harry chuckled quietly at her words, he could tell by the tone of her voice. She was trying to catch up to Harry.
"Hermione, I just want to eat food," a table appeared with food on top. "With Mark that is," The food and the table disappeared from sight. Hermione sighed, as her owl disappeared. Ron and Ginny saw the cue and stood up as their animals disappeared too. "So, we leave now?" The three nodded, and the four of them left the Room of Requirement and down to Great Hall for lunch. Harry immediately found Mark chatting to other first and second years at the Gryffindor table. He felt a pang, he should have let Mark be with his own age for them to hang out sometime. But the feeling went away when Mark called him over.
"Hey Harry, how was it? What did you do?" asked Mark, curious.
"Oh, I just began on breathing process now. They're still studying the animal fur type along details of the nails, toes, eyes and things like that," replied Harry, helping himself to sub sandwiches with pumpkin juice.
On Monday, after checking with Hermione he took his gold coin out. To anyone who sees the coin may think it's just a galleon. But Harry knew better than that, he touched the time on the clock, so that it will be set to six P.M.
Hermione had all ready gave the gold coins to the new members along with the direction of how to get there. To be honest, Harry felt very nervous and he felt butterflies in his stomach whenever he thought of the meeting that night. After his dinner, the trio, Ginny and Mark went up to the room that they are all going to meet.
"Okay," said Harry, "let me do the thinking…" 'I need a room that will handle three hundred people or more . . . I need a room that can handle the practice of Defense Against the Dark Arts . . . I need a room with podium and that will reach to everyone when I teach them . . .' thought Harry and the brass door knob appeared.
"Well, let's get going in," said Harry, and opened the door. Once again, the room of Requirement never cease to amaze. The room was so large and housing many of pillows for cushioning. In the middle was a podium on raised stone steps. "This room just keeps surprising us . . ." said Harry, pleased with the podium. "Ron, go to the edge of the room, I want you to tell me if you can hear me when I'm up there," he said pointing to the podium.
"Okay mate," replied Ron and went to the furthermost part of the room as Harry walked up to the platform. Ron gave him the signal and Harry nodded.
"Can you hear me Ron?" asked Harry in his normal voice, "if you can, then try talking to me."
"Wow mate, it sounds like you were right next to me!" exclaimed Ron in his normal but excited voice.
"I guess this does work, thanks Ron, come back here," requested Harry and Ron came back. "Okay, that'll work," said Harry. Then he frowned in thought.
"What is it Harry?" asked Hermione.
"I'm just thinking how I am supposed to correct everyone's when I go around the room like I did last year . . . .."
"Well, you could ask us, the D.A. from last year. I'm sure we would like to help," said Hermione.
"Do you think so? Hmm, perhaps that will work," said Harry, nodding in thoughtful way. "Okay, that's problem solved two. Actually, that just solved all our problems."
Then the door opened, and the room began to fill quickly. When at six o'clock came, Harry cleared his throat at the platform. The kids turned their attention to Harry, anxious to begin.
"Good evening, well, I'm sure you all would like to know what D.A. means? First off, this is a private club. So, nothing should escape outside of this room. We gave the initials to the title of our club for a reason. Everyone got that? Okay, well, welcome to Dumbledore's Army," said Harry, grinning.
"Okay, can I have all the D.A. members from last year, come up to the front row?" asked Harry. For next thirty seconds, there had been some stirring in the crowd and Harry recognized all of them when they came. "Thanks, I will just be practicing the easy spells with all of the others. Well, as you know, there are a lot of people and I can't go around the room that quickly. So, I'm asking if you can help me to help the others?"
"Of course Harry, we'd love to," said Cho brightly.
"Yeah, you can count on us," said Terry, and the rest of the D.A. original members nodded in affirmation.
"Thanks guys, I really appreciate that. Okay, these club meetings will usually be about three hours, two for all first and second years because of the curfew. This is why I've put this meeting at six instead of the usual seven or eight P.M. Right now, we will be practicing the Expilliarmus charm. The incantation is 'Expilliarmus'. If you think you already know how to do the spell or that it is very easy to do."
"I'll tell you right now, it's saved our lives at the Ministry last year and my own life against Voldemort (winces, yelps and nervousness went around the students in the room) in my fourth year. Expilliarmus charm is very useful in battles as they usually come up frequently. Especially against Death Eaters, so I better not here anyone complaining, all set? Okay, those pillows around you are there for a reason. It's to protect you if you fall. So find a partner to practice with, got one? Okay, begin," said Harry and the air immediately filled the air with Expilliarmus charm, flying wands and people. Harry and the original members began gong around the room to help the others.
For the next hour, Harry had asked everyone to stop with the whistle, which pierced the noise in the room. "Okay, excellent work! Now we will be doing Impedimenta hex, which makes so that the victim will slow their actions drastically. They wear off after a time. The incantation for it is 'Impedimenta'. So either you do with the same partner for last hour or use a different one. I suggest that you pair off with someone that you can trust and not whom you have fights with."
He had seen for the past hour that some kids have paired off with people that they have feuds with or fighting now. Harry had made a note to himself to talk about inter-house relations and feuds. He didn't need anyone to be sent off to the hospital on the first night of D.A. of the year. He waved his hand, allowing the students to start practicing the Impedimenta hex. After that, the first and second years had to go and left to their respective houses.
"Aw Harry, can't I stay here with you?" asked Mark, pleadingly.
"I'm sorry Mark, but just for today, you will go back okay?" said Harry, Mark sighed in resignation.
"Okay Harry, I'll talk to you later then," said Mark, leaving with the group of other first and second years. When the last one left through the door, Harry turned to everyone else and nodded to himself, thinking.
"Okay, for the next hour, we will be practicing the stunning curse, which will promptly knock a person out unconscious. Which, again, is what the pillows are for. I ask you to please aim so that they will fall onto the pillow, not over the pillow. I don't really need anyone going to the Wing tonight okay. Okay, well the incantation is 'stupefy' and this is how you wave your wand for the hex," he said waving his wand and suddenly saw a projection above his head for waving his wand. Some of the kids gasped in surprise. Harry grinned and continued waving the wand. "Okay, everyone got that? All right, you can start now," said Harry and the room filled up with loud STUPEFY's and falling people onto the pillows. For the next hour, he knew that everyone would be tired out by now. He blew the whistle again and the room fell quiet.
"Excellent work you guys, I think our first meeting is a successful one. I know most of us are pretty worn out by now and well, it's our curfew now and I think we all should get going back to our houses," said Harry. Some of the students groaned, but they were short-lived because Harry gave a cold look. "I don't want anyone to complain because this is the longest meeting for D.A. yet so I suggest you to all keep your mouths shut. Well, good night everyone, I'll inform you of the next meeting later on," said Harry, dismissing everyone. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were the last ones to go. Some of the original members had congratulated Harry for the success and that everyone had a lot of work to do. Harry nodded and gave them thanks back to them and headed back to the Gryffindor tower.
Before Hogwarts even knew, Halloween was upon the school of witchcraft and wizardry again. Mark had enjoyed the feast with bats flying around in Great Hall. Jack o' lanterns replaced the floating candles, some of the students dressed up as zombies, trees, were-animals such as were-rabbits, Ron had dressed up in a tropical fish, called clownfish. Professor Snape had avoided the feast like the plaque that night, or so the students thought. But Harry had known better than that, he felt a tingle in his scar when he saw Professor Snape walking down the Grand Staircase to the front doors.
Later that night, there had been something strange happening that not even the Professors knew what to make of it. Nor did Harry could make understand of what had just happened. At twenty-three to ten, what had been a clear sky became troubled clouds, thundering and cackling of bright lights above them. The enchanted ceiling was showing many lightning, and cackling of loud booms. But as soon as it came, it vanished into clear crystal night again. Students looked around at their friends worried and fearfully. Harry had known that this was the anniversary of his parents' deaths and Voldemort first fall in wizarding world. This had been the night when everything in his life changed.
But he wasn't sure what had just occurred in the skies that evening. He thought it could have been a coincidence, Deep down, Harry knew it could not be, because the 'storm' had been excessively unnatural for that to happen. He hoped that nothing horrible had happened. Or he would have another thing to deal with in his life. He then realized that the feast went back to normal, as if forgetting there was ever a storm happened. He told his friends that he was retiring for the night, but on his way out, he found Malfoy standing by the doors.
"Hey Potter, leaving so soon?" sneered Malfoy.
"Yes, and it's none of your business, so why are you standing there? Afraid that something will happen here tonight?"
"Shut up Potter, I just want a chat with you."
Harry stared at him skeptically, let out a shallow sigh, and nodded, allowing him to continue. He wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about, but if he was willing to speak in everyone else, then nothing bad should happen. Right?
"Have you thought about letting me in the club yet?" asked Malfoy. Harry sighed, remembering his intentions on the paper and stared him in the eye. Malfoy didn't blink, or flinch, instead he stared straight back at him. Then Harry exhaled deeply, closing his eyes, thinking.
"On some nights, yeah," admitted Harry.
"Well, when will I join?" asked Malfoy coolly.
"If you keep this attitude up, I'm not letting you in at all," said Harry, getting annoyed by his demeanor.
"Oh, right, so this club is for goody-goody two shoes?"
"No Malfoy, there had been little fights breaking out between kids, but that's none of your business."
"Oh, others get to fight, but we don't? That's one hell of an irony you know," said Malfoy conversationally.
"Yes, I'm sure it is," said Harry coolly. "Fine, I'll give you an answer in a week's time." With that, Harry left Great Hall and returned to Gryffindor tower. He climbed through the portrait hole, walked over to a plush chair, and sank down into it. Then he grew restless and stood up again. He paced the common room, thinking of what to do with Malfoy.
'Well, he would try to sabotage the meetings, but then again he seemed so… sincere. What other reason can't we invite him? He'd be a great asset to the club because of his father in the ring with Voldemort.,' thought Harry. He sighed and would have to call another meeting very soon about these matters. Harry then decided to retire for the night and to avoid any questions from his friends. He went up to the dormitory, dressed into his striped blue PJs, and opened the curtain to his bed. He pulled away the covers and tucked himself into bed and drew the curtains close. He focused on Occulemency and slowly fell asleep.
Next day at breakfast, a Daily Prophet was delivered to Hermione and she paid the owl a knut. She then opened the newspaper and devoured herself into the news while eating breakfast. From what it sounds, there is no major news as of yet. Or anything worth mentioning, and continued eating his breakfast, thinking of when to call a special meeting for D.A. abut Malfoy. He hasn't voiced this to Ron or Hermione, he knew that Ron would say no while Hermione may be reluctant.
"Mmm, interesting," said Hermione softly, before turning the page.
"What is Hermione?" asked Harry, as his curiosity rose.
"Oh, this article here, remember the sudden lightning storm last night? This happened right around that time Harry," said Hermione, giving him the front page. Harry read the front page to himself as it read:
Fifteen Murdered at the same time!
Last night,, on Halloween night, at about 20 to 10 P.M. A murderer has committed manslaughter on 15 wizards and witches at a private party in Godric's Hallow. Investigators have said there are no connections to You-know-who or it's followers (Death Eaters). However, some of us are led to believe that they may some how connected one another. The way they were killed is mysterious to us all. The murderer who wishes to go by as Tengu, have used the Black-Essence cursed and left on the victim's bodies. Tengu have also left behind black feathers. This, as far as we have learned, are raven feathers.
How Tengu managed to kill all fifteen wizards and witches in one go may remain a mystery. I trust that the Ministry will not let this one go unresolved. "It's a terrible thing, we have lost some valuable friends in that attack last night," said Minister Weasley after appearing at the scene last night. "I will not let this go away until it is solved, or catch this murderer. I advise everyone to watch out for any suspicious activities along with You-Know-Who and it's followers." For anyone who wishes to contact for information on who has died that could be your loved ones. Or if you have any information on whereabouts of Tengu, I urge you to use the fastest owl possible to the Ministry, or report there yourself. - Rogers Fettig
Harry looked up, mildly intrigued. This wizard or witch must be very powerful to perform such a feat. As Malfoy could not perform one himself in his first DADA lesson. Black-Essence curse, it's something interesting about the power that wields the curse on a victim, let alone, fifteen! Hermione then frowned as she took the paper back from Harry, as though she was thinking.
"Where did I know this Tengu? Why is it so familiar . . ?" asked Hermione to no one in particular. Harry stared at her, loss for words.
"Maybe it's a word from another language," joked Ron as he ate his hashbrowns. Hermione and Harry looked at him as though he said something valuable and looked at each other. "What? I wasn't serious," said Ron.
"Mate, well, let's just say you just opened up more possibilities, anyways, we have our classes today so I suggest we get going or we'll be late," said Harry. Hermione sighed and followed, grabbing her books, Daily Prophet and waited for Ron to finish eating. When he did, he also complied and the tri went down to the dungeons, as Potions was the first thing they had to do today.
After they had finished their classes for the day, Hermione had left to the library for some researching as Ron would say. Mark and Ginny were playing Wizarding chess, which Mark was still relatively new to the whole process of the game.
"No Mark, you can't move your knight that way," said Ginny politely and Mark frowned slightly, trying to drown out the voices from the chess pieces. Such as 'Hey, you've got to move me to there, so we can take the bishop!' 'No, no, he should move Rook to take the queen.' 'But we need to sacrifice this pawn here in order to make a check!'
Mark sighed and decided to move Rook to take the queen, as he knew, queen was quite powerful in chess. Harry grinned at his success as Ginny looked mortified. He had a feeling that Ginny didn't expect Mark to take the queen.
"Ginny, don't ever underestimate your opponents. Imagine this as a real life war that we are all having," said Harry.
"Oh really good comparison! I don't take the game that seriously as Ron does."
"Well, it makes you a better thinking person, if I had to choose who to plan for war. I'd choose Ron to help me," Ron flustered his ears bright red as Harry said the words. He sighed and slumped into one of the comfortable chairs. "You know, I wish we didn't have to have this war because it creates all kinds of tension."
"Like what?" asked Mark.
"Like Malfoy," replied Harry, leaning forward. It was now or never. "You know, remember that Hermione said it would be a great asset if we have someone from Slytherin for our club?"
"What are you getting at?" asked Ron, not getting the point.
"What I'm trying to say is, Malfoy is looking for a truce of sorts. Not that I'd let him in our club in a heartbeat."
"Wait, are you thinking about letting Malfoy, of all people, into D.A?" asked Ron incredulously. Harry nodded in answer, fully aware of what his actions would be.
"Mate, I think you've gone mad," said Ron.
"No I have not Ron," defended Harry. "All I'm saying is keep your mind open. As far as I know, he is not a Death Eater right now. Maybe he could even be salvaged from his father's grasp. I mean, he's barely treating me horribly ever since he heard about his father in Azkaban."
Ron, Mark, and Ginny fell quiet, thinking about the new angle of perspective in regarding to Malfoy. Ginny seem to have a recognizing look dawning on her face, Mark had an indifferent look, unsure what to say. Ron was still holding the furious look on his face but apparently thinking.
"Harry, what about the others? I don't think they will be very happy to see Malfoy there."
"I know Ron, that's exactly why I'm going to call a meeting tomorrow evening," said Harry. The portrait opened suddenly and a fast figure ran across the room towards the four certain Gryffindors. Harry realized that it was Hermione with several books in her arms.
"Harry! I know what Tengu is!" exclaimed Hermione, setting the book down. She licked her forefinger and thumb and began flipping the pages quickly. Harry, confused, looked over her shoulders. It was the ancient Japanese wizards/witches again. But why would a tengu be originated from Japan? Then his answers were immediately answered as Hermione stopped the page at a picture of what looked like, person with black wings but at a closer inspection. This creature had beak, wings, and claws of a bird, but has the body of a human being, a male.. He read what it is at below the picture.
Tengus are not always evil, but rather pranksters and always find way to make fun of people with their jokes. However, some tengus do some evil deeds such as kidnappings, eating children, starting houses on fire. They also hold the power to transform into a man, woman or a child. Nevertheless, tengus are interpreted as good natured demons who are often found helping people. Tengu means 'Heavenly dogs' in Japanese.
Tengus were originated as evil demons, but over many years have changed their ways into that of pranksters and helping people. However, there were some indications that tengus had past lives as human beings such as arrogant samurais or priests. Though, if they do good deeds, they will be reborn as humans.
Their feathers are ordinary, and often described as shimmering like hummingbirds' wings. They can also seem to have telepathy because they never speak with their mouths open, they can possess and talk in people's dreams if they wish. . . '
Harry stopped reading there, looking up to Hermione, still feeling somewhat puzzled but have some sort of understanding. The feathers must come from the tengu. Harry gave the book to Ron for him to read. Harry thought about what had said in the passage. It all seems very strange, he had never heard such beast, it wasn't even listed in the 'Fantastic Beasts and where to Find them.' Then again, he supposed that not every single magical creatures could actually be listed. When Ron was finished, he looked up wordlessly.
"So, there's this tengu demon or what? Why are they here in England? You don't think that V-Voldemort would . . . ?" asked Ron tensely.
"I don't know Ron,, according to Daily Prophet, they say it's not connect. But of course, since when have we really trusted the Daily Prophet? So, we can't take them word for word. They could intentionally leave some things out."
Hermione bit the bottom lip, thinking what to do next, then a sudden look appeared on her face.
"We could owl the Ministry and ask for information. Well, I suppose we could find out who have died too. I hope it isn't anyone we know . . . .."
"I'm sure they would tell us if someone we knew got killed last night, don't worry Hermione," the portrait opened again and came Dean Thomas. He looked around the room and found Harry and the others. He came over and whispered to the group.
"Professor McGonagall wants to see you," said Dean and he went up to the dormitory. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Mark looked at each other warily and began their way to Headmistress' office.
Black Feathers
After he was allowed to leave the hospital the next morning, since Madam Pomfrey insisted on keeping him. Harry went down to the Great Hall, since it was Saturday, he didn't need to worry about lessons. "Morning you guys," greeted Harry t the others. The entire Gryffindor table looked to him, but Harry tried his best to ignore the attention he was getting.
"Morning mate, you okay?" asked Ron, eating the oatmeal.
"Yeah, it just caught me off guard last night," replied Harry, sitting down to eat his breakfast. The table returned to their own conversation while Harry's group was discussing about Animagus training.
"We should asked Sirius and Remus to see if we can move on, I mean, I think we all know our animal's skin type. Right?" asked Hermione.
"Well, we will find out after breakfast. First, I think we ought to check if any of us have homework. He looked to Ginny, he remembered last year only too well now that he has his full memory back. Professors were literally pouring the fifth years with homework. Ginny frowned and sighed, she nodded albeit reluctantly.
"How much do you have?" asked Hermione.
"I have to do a Potions' essay, some Herbology reading, practice my transfiguration charm we were working on yesterday, and writing a dream journal.
"You can fake your dream journal," piped Ron.
"Ron! She can't fake that!" scolded Hermione and turned back to Ginny.
"Really? Can I fake my dream journals?" asked Ginny hopefully.
"Yeah, Divination is that lax, you can make up anything. But I got hand this to you, the more horrible predictions you make, the happier Trelawney gets," said Ron.
"Ron! She shouldn't be doing that," frowned Hermione.
"You should be talking Hermione, you walked out of her class in our third year," defended Ron. Harry sighed, knowing that this is going to be another debate between Ron and Hermione.
'Oh when will they realize that they need to figure that they actually like each other?' thought Harry dully. He looked down the Gryffindor table and saw that Pavarti was staring at him but looked away when she saw him looking. Harry shook his head slightly, 'Girls! When will they stop bothering me . . . ?' thought Harry, wondering. 'Well, there's another Hogsmeade coming . . . ' pondered Harry, but then shook his head again.
'What am I thinking?' wondered Harry, standing up from his seat. He wasn't very hungry anymore. "Well I think we should get on the training. Ginny, you can do your homework in the afternoon, meet me at you-know-where," with that, he left Great Hall but bumped into someone else.
"What it Potty!" said Malfoy. Harry heaved a sigh and stared at Malfoy in the eye.
"If you really want to join our club, I suggest you to be kinder, I do know that you received the letter that you are unable to join," said Harry.
" . . . Fine, get out of the way," snarled Malfoy, shoving Harry to the side and resumed his entrance to Great Hall. Harry continued his way to the Room of Requirement, or as Dobby called it, 'The Come and Go Room.' When he arrived there and stopped himself. He needed the mirror, but he wondered if the room could have such device as well and decided to experiment.
'I need a room for my friends and I to train for our Animagus training . . . I need the device that allows me to speak to Remus and Sirius . . . Need something for our Animagus training . . . ' Then the door appeared in the wall and Harry went and opened with the brass door knob. He entered the room and on his right side, he saw the exact replicate of the mirror he had back in his dormitory and grinned. 'There really isn't any limit to this room, first the expansion of space, then the animals, and now the mirror.' He half wondered if this room could do anything when one person needed something. Then he also wondered if Voldemort knew about this room. 'Well, perhaps not when he was here . . . but if he finds out through my mind . . . ' thought Harry.
He picked a book out of the shelve, needing to read something on Cougars' sleeping habits. Then he read the book, while waiting for his friends, and he did not wait for long. The door opened some ten minutes later and came Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. But Mark wasn't with them, but Harry knew better. They won't let Mark do the training with them. At least , not yet, as they said.
"Hey Harry," greeted Ron, and Harry nodded in their welcome. "Well, should we talk to them now?" Harry nodded again, though with affirmative. He shut the book and set it on the table, he stood up to walk over to the table with the mirror. Harry picked the mirror and spoke Sirius' name into it.
"Hey Harry," came Sirius face not more than five seconds later.
"Hey Sirius, Hermione wanted to know if we could move on. I mean, how do you know when you did the fur/feather type really well? We've been memorizing for past few weeks. What else is there to know?"
"Well, have you guys been studying I just /I the fur type?" Harry looked at the others who all shook their head yes. "Not to the toenails or their teeth?"
"I have, but it doesn't look like the others went that far," said Harry, looking at his friends.
"Ah, well that's what you need to do, observe their toes, teeth, see if there are whiskers, all the important details. As for you Harry, have you really studied every single inch of your animal form?"
"Yes Sirius, I even went as far as looking in the cougar's eyes to see what kind of irises they have. They don't have slits, they never do," replied Harry.
"Well, you certainly studied your animal then Harry. I suggest you to start breathing with cougar. Their tensed and relaxed breathing. Though don't do that for more than one minute otherwise you'll pass out," he grinned slyly.
"Did something happen to you?" asked Harry, curious.
"Oh no, not me, Wormtail. See, rats have small er lungs, so they tend to breath very fast," Harry saw from the corner of his eye and saw the worried expression look on Ginny and Hermione's face. "So, I repeat, do not breathe their way for more than one minute if possible. You are only working on their physical aspects right now. Emotional part will come later, so it is important to know their breathing habits."
"Thanks Sirius, so how do I know that I would be finished with the breathing process?"
"When you observe all of their feelings when they breath, like stalking prey, eating while breathing or not, when something occurs and so on," replied Sirius.
"Okay, well, I think that's all?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, I smell brunch being made, so I think I'll go get something to eat," replied Sirius.
"Bye then Sirius," said Harry and set the mirror on the table. "Well, let's get to training now."
For the next three hours, with his cougar by his side, Harry had mastered a third of how cougars breathe in different situations. Ron,, Hermione, and Ginny studied further on their own, as Hermione scribbled away on details of the tawny owl. She even included of how the bone structure in the wings felt like. Harry sighed, standing up from his cougar and walked t his friends.
"Guys, do you think we should finish up for today? I think I'm getting sort of light headed," admitted Harry. True, the breathing process of cougars can be tiring. But for three consecutive hours can be really draining. Hermione looked away from her tawny owl to Harry, looking concerned.
"Well, I think you would need a bit of a lie down Harry," said Hermione. Harry chuckled quietly at her words, he could tell by the tone of her voice. She was trying to catch up to Harry.
"Hermione, I just want to eat food," a table appeared with food on top. "With Mark that is," The food and the table disappeared from sight. Hermione sighed, as her owl disappeared. Ron and Ginny saw the cue and stood up as their animals disappeared too. "So, we leave now?" The three nodded, and the four of them left the Room of Requirement and down to Great Hall for lunch. Harry immediately found Mark chatting to other first and second years at the Gryffindor table. He felt a pang, he should have let Mark be with his own age for them to hang out sometime. But the feeling went away when Mark called him over.
"Hey Harry, how was it? What did you do?" asked Mark, curious.
"Oh, I just began on breathing process now. They're still studying the animal fur type along details of the nails, toes, eyes and things like that," replied Harry, helping himself to sub sandwiches with pumpkin juice.
On Monday, after checking with Hermione he took his gold coin out. To anyone who sees the coin may think it's just a galleon. But Harry knew better than that, he touched the time on the clock, so that it will be set to six P.M.
Hermione had all ready gave the gold coins to the new members along with the direction of how to get there. To be honest, Harry felt very nervous and he felt butterflies in his stomach whenever he thought of the meeting that night. After his dinner, the trio, Ginny and Mark went up to the room that they are all going to meet.
"Okay," said Harry, "let me do the thinking…" 'I need a room that will handle three hundred people or more . . . I need a room that can handle the practice of Defense Against the Dark Arts . . . I need a room with podium and that will reach to everyone when I teach them . . .' thought Harry and the brass door knob appeared.
"Well, let's get going in," said Harry, and opened the door. Once again, the room of Requirement never cease to amaze. The room was so large and housing many of pillows for cushioning. In the middle was a podium on raised stone steps. "This room just keeps surprising us . . ." said Harry, pleased with the podium. "Ron, go to the edge of the room, I want you to tell me if you can hear me when I'm up there," he said pointing to the podium.
"Okay mate," replied Ron and went to the furthermost part of the room as Harry walked up to the platform. Ron gave him the signal and Harry nodded.
"Can you hear me Ron?" asked Harry in his normal voice, "if you can, then try talking to me."
"Wow mate, it sounds like you were right next to me!" exclaimed Ron in his normal but excited voice.
"I guess this does work, thanks Ron, come back here," requested Harry and Ron came back. "Okay, that'll work," said Harry. Then he frowned in thought.
"What is it Harry?" asked Hermione.
"I'm just thinking how I am supposed to correct everyone's when I go around the room like I did last year . . . .."
"Well, you could ask us, the D.A. from last year. I'm sure we would like to help," said Hermione.
"Do you think so? Hmm, perhaps that will work," said Harry, nodding in thoughtful way. "Okay, that's problem solved two. Actually, that just solved all our problems."
Then the door opened, and the room began to fill quickly. When at six o'clock came, Harry cleared his throat at the platform. The kids turned their attention to Harry, anxious to begin.
"Good evening, well, I'm sure you all would like to know what D.A. means? First off, this is a private club. So, nothing should escape outside of this room. We gave the initials to the title of our club for a reason. Everyone got that? Okay, well, welcome to Dumbledore's Army," said Harry, grinning.
"Okay, can I have all the D.A. members from last year, come up to the front row?" asked Harry. For next thirty seconds, there had been some stirring in the crowd and Harry recognized all of them when they came. "Thanks, I will just be practicing the easy spells with all of the others. Well, as you know, there are a lot of people and I can't go around the room that quickly. So, I'm asking if you can help me to help the others?"
"Of course Harry, we'd love to," said Cho brightly.
"Yeah, you can count on us," said Terry, and the rest of the D.A. original members nodded in affirmation.
"Thanks guys, I really appreciate that. Okay, these club meetings will usually be about three hours, two for all first and second years because of the curfew. This is why I've put this meeting at six instead of the usual seven or eight P.M. Right now, we will be practicing the Expilliarmus charm. The incantation is 'Expilliarmus'. If you think you already know how to do the spell or that it is very easy to do."
"I'll tell you right now, it's saved our lives at the Ministry last year and my own life against Voldemort (winces, yelps and nervousness went around the students in the room) in my fourth year. Expilliarmus charm is very useful in battles as they usually come up frequently. Especially against Death Eaters, so I better not here anyone complaining, all set? Okay, those pillows around you are there for a reason. It's to protect you if you fall. So find a partner to practice with, got one? Okay, begin," said Harry and the air immediately filled the air with Expilliarmus charm, flying wands and people. Harry and the original members began gong around the room to help the others.
For the next hour, Harry had asked everyone to stop with the whistle, which pierced the noise in the room. "Okay, excellent work! Now we will be doing Impedimenta hex, which makes so that the victim will slow their actions drastically. They wear off after a time. The incantation for it is 'Impedimenta'. So either you do with the same partner for last hour or use a different one. I suggest that you pair off with someone that you can trust and not whom you have fights with."
He had seen for the past hour that some kids have paired off with people that they have feuds with or fighting now. Harry had made a note to himself to talk about inter-house relations and feuds. He didn't need anyone to be sent off to the hospital on the first night of D.A. of the year. He waved his hand, allowing the students to start practicing the Impedimenta hex. After that, the first and second years had to go and left to their respective houses.
"Aw Harry, can't I stay here with you?" asked Mark, pleadingly.
"I'm sorry Mark, but just for today, you will go back okay?" said Harry, Mark sighed in resignation.
"Okay Harry, I'll talk to you later then," said Mark, leaving with the group of other first and second years. When the last one left through the door, Harry turned to everyone else and nodded to himself, thinking.
"Okay, for the next hour, we will be practicing the stunning curse, which will promptly knock a person out unconscious. Which, again, is what the pillows are for. I ask you to please aim so that they will fall onto the pillow, not over the pillow. I don't really need anyone going to the Wing tonight okay. Okay, well the incantation is 'stupefy' and this is how you wave your wand for the hex," he said waving his wand and suddenly saw a projection above his head for waving his wand. Some of the kids gasped in surprise. Harry grinned and continued waving the wand. "Okay, everyone got that? All right, you can start now," said Harry and the room filled up with loud STUPEFY's and falling people onto the pillows. For the next hour, he knew that everyone would be tired out by now. He blew the whistle again and the room fell quiet.
"Excellent work you guys, I think our first meeting is a successful one. I know most of us are pretty worn out by now and well, it's our curfew now and I think we all should get going back to our houses," said Harry. Some of the students groaned, but they were short-lived because Harry gave a cold look. "I don't want anyone to complain because this is the longest meeting for D.A. yet so I suggest you to all keep your mouths shut. Well, good night everyone, I'll inform you of the next meeting later on," said Harry, dismissing everyone. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were the last ones to go. Some of the original members had congratulated Harry for the success and that everyone had a lot of work to do. Harry nodded and gave them thanks back to them and headed back to the Gryffindor tower.
Before Hogwarts even knew, Halloween was upon the school of witchcraft and wizardry again. Mark had enjoyed the feast with bats flying around in Great Hall. Jack o' lanterns replaced the floating candles, some of the students dressed up as zombies, trees, were-animals such as were-rabbits, Ron had dressed up in a tropical fish, called clownfish. Professor Snape had avoided the feast like the plaque that night, or so the students thought. But Harry had known better than that, he felt a tingle in his scar when he saw Professor Snape walking down the Grand Staircase to the front doors.
Later that night, there had been something strange happening that not even the Professors knew what to make of it. Nor did Harry could make understand of what had just happened. At twenty-three to ten, what had been a clear sky became troubled clouds, thundering and cackling of bright lights above them. The enchanted ceiling was showing many lightning, and cackling of loud booms. But as soon as it came, it vanished into clear crystal night again. Students looked around at their friends worried and fearfully. Harry had known that this was the anniversary of his parents' deaths and Voldemort first fall in wizarding world. This had been the night when everything in his life changed.
But he wasn't sure what had just occurred in the skies that evening. He thought it could have been a coincidence, Deep down, Harry knew it could not be, because the 'storm' had been excessively unnatural for that to happen. He hoped that nothing horrible had happened. Or he would have another thing to deal with in his life. He then realized that the feast went back to normal, as if forgetting there was ever a storm happened. He told his friends that he was retiring for the night, but on his way out, he found Malfoy standing by the doors.
"Hey Potter, leaving so soon?" sneered Malfoy.
"Yes, and it's none of your business, so why are you standing there? Afraid that something will happen here tonight?"
"Shut up Potter, I just want a chat with you."
Harry stared at him skeptically, let out a shallow sigh, and nodded, allowing him to continue. He wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about, but if he was willing to speak in everyone else, then nothing bad should happen. Right?
"Have you thought about letting me in the club yet?" asked Malfoy. Harry sighed, remembering his intentions on the paper and stared him in the eye. Malfoy didn't blink, or flinch, instead he stared straight back at him. Then Harry exhaled deeply, closing his eyes, thinking.
"On some nights, yeah," admitted Harry.
"Well, when will I join?" asked Malfoy coolly.
"If you keep this attitude up, I'm not letting you in at all," said Harry, getting annoyed by his demeanor.
"Oh, right, so this club is for goody-goody two shoes?"
"No Malfoy, there had been little fights breaking out between kids, but that's none of your business."
"Oh, others get to fight, but we don't? That's one hell of an irony you know," said Malfoy conversationally.
"Yes, I'm sure it is," said Harry coolly. "Fine, I'll give you an answer in a week's time." With that, Harry left Great Hall and returned to Gryffindor tower. He climbed through the portrait hole, walked over to a plush chair, and sank down into it. Then he grew restless and stood up again. He paced the common room, thinking of what to do with Malfoy.
'Well, he would try to sabotage the meetings, but then again he seemed so… sincere. What other reason can't we invite him? He'd be a great asset to the club because of his father in the ring with Voldemort.,' thought Harry. He sighed and would have to call another meeting very soon about these matters. Harry then decided to retire for the night and to avoid any questions from his friends. He went up to the dormitory, dressed into his striped blue PJs, and opened the curtain to his bed. He pulled away the covers and tucked himself into bed and drew the curtains close. He focused on Occulemency and slowly fell asleep.
Next day at breakfast, a Daily Prophet was delivered to Hermione and she paid the owl a knut. She then opened the newspaper and devoured herself into the news while eating breakfast. From what it sounds, there is no major news as of yet. Or anything worth mentioning, and continued eating his breakfast, thinking of when to call a special meeting for D.A. abut Malfoy. He hasn't voiced this to Ron or Hermione, he knew that Ron would say no while Hermione may be reluctant.
"Mmm, interesting," said Hermione softly, before turning the page.
"What is Hermione?" asked Harry, as his curiosity rose.
"Oh, this article here, remember the sudden lightning storm last night? This happened right around that time Harry," said Hermione, giving him the front page. Harry read the front page to himself as it read:
Fifteen Murdered at the same time!
Last night,, on Halloween night, at about 20 to 10 P.M. A murderer has committed manslaughter on 15 wizards and witches at a private party in Godric's Hallow. Investigators have said there are no connections to You-know-who or it's followers (Death Eaters). However, some of us are led to believe that they may some how connected one another. The way they were killed is mysterious to us all. The murderer who wishes to go by as Tengu, have used the Black-Essence cursed and left on the victim's bodies. Tengu have also left behind black feathers. This, as far as we have learned, are raven feathers.
How Tengu managed to kill all fifteen wizards and witches in one go may remain a mystery. I trust that the Ministry will not let this one go unresolved. "It's a terrible thing, we have lost some valuable friends in that attack last night," said Minister Weasley after appearing at the scene last night. "I will not let this go away until it is solved, or catch this murderer. I advise everyone to watch out for any suspicious activities along with You-Know-Who and it's followers." For anyone who wishes to contact for information on who has died that could be your loved ones. Or if you have any information on whereabouts of Tengu, I urge you to use the fastest owl possible to the Ministry, or report there yourself. - Rogers Fettig
Harry looked up, mildly intrigued. This wizard or witch must be very powerful to perform such a feat. As Malfoy could not perform one himself in his first DADA lesson. Black-Essence curse, it's something interesting about the power that wields the curse on a victim, let alone, fifteen! Hermione then frowned as she took the paper back from Harry, as though she was thinking.
"Where did I know this Tengu? Why is it so familiar . . ?" asked Hermione to no one in particular. Harry stared at her, loss for words.
"Maybe it's a word from another language," joked Ron as he ate his hashbrowns. Hermione and Harry looked at him as though he said something valuable and looked at each other. "What? I wasn't serious," said Ron.
"Mate, well, let's just say you just opened up more possibilities, anyways, we have our classes today so I suggest we get going or we'll be late," said Harry. Hermione sighed and followed, grabbing her books, Daily Prophet and waited for Ron to finish eating. When he did, he also complied and the tri went down to the dungeons, as Potions was the first thing they had to do today.
After they had finished their classes for the day, Hermione had left to the library for some researching as Ron would say. Mark and Ginny were playing Wizarding chess, which Mark was still relatively new to the whole process of the game.
"No Mark, you can't move your knight that way," said Ginny politely and Mark frowned slightly, trying to drown out the voices from the chess pieces. Such as 'Hey, you've got to move me to there, so we can take the bishop!' 'No, no, he should move Rook to take the queen.' 'But we need to sacrifice this pawn here in order to make a check!'
Mark sighed and decided to move Rook to take the queen, as he knew, queen was quite powerful in chess. Harry grinned at his success as Ginny looked mortified. He had a feeling that Ginny didn't expect Mark to take the queen.
"Ginny, don't ever underestimate your opponents. Imagine this as a real life war that we are all having," said Harry.
"Oh really good comparison! I don't take the game that seriously as Ron does."
"Well, it makes you a better thinking person, if I had to choose who to plan for war. I'd choose Ron to help me," Ron flustered his ears bright red as Harry said the words. He sighed and slumped into one of the comfortable chairs. "You know, I wish we didn't have to have this war because it creates all kinds of tension."
"Like what?" asked Mark.
"Like Malfoy," replied Harry, leaning forward. It was now or never. "You know, remember that Hermione said it would be a great asset if we have someone from Slytherin for our club?"
"What are you getting at?" asked Ron, not getting the point.
"What I'm trying to say is, Malfoy is looking for a truce of sorts. Not that I'd let him in our club in a heartbeat."
"Wait, are you thinking about letting Malfoy, of all people, into D.A?" asked Ron incredulously. Harry nodded in answer, fully aware of what his actions would be.
"Mate, I think you've gone mad," said Ron.
"No I have not Ron," defended Harry. "All I'm saying is keep your mind open. As far as I know, he is not a Death Eater right now. Maybe he could even be salvaged from his father's grasp. I mean, he's barely treating me horribly ever since he heard about his father in Azkaban."
Ron, Mark, and Ginny fell quiet, thinking about the new angle of perspective in regarding to Malfoy. Ginny seem to have a recognizing look dawning on her face, Mark had an indifferent look, unsure what to say. Ron was still holding the furious look on his face but apparently thinking.
"Harry, what about the others? I don't think they will be very happy to see Malfoy there."
"I know Ron, that's exactly why I'm going to call a meeting tomorrow evening," said Harry. The portrait opened suddenly and a fast figure ran across the room towards the four certain Gryffindors. Harry realized that it was Hermione with several books in her arms.
"Harry! I know what Tengu is!" exclaimed Hermione, setting the book down. She licked her forefinger and thumb and began flipping the pages quickly. Harry, confused, looked over her shoulders. It was the ancient Japanese wizards/witches again. But why would a tengu be originated from Japan? Then his answers were immediately answered as Hermione stopped the page at a picture of what looked like, person with black wings but at a closer inspection. This creature had beak, wings, and claws of a bird, but has the body of a human being, a male.. He read what it is at below the picture.
Tengus are not always evil, but rather pranksters and always find way to make fun of people with their jokes. However, some tengus do some evil deeds such as kidnappings, eating children, starting houses on fire. They also hold the power to transform into a man, woman or a child. Nevertheless, tengus are interpreted as good natured demons who are often found helping people. Tengu means 'Heavenly dogs' in Japanese.
Tengus were originated as evil demons, but over many years have changed their ways into that of pranksters and helping people. However, there were some indications that tengus had past lives as human beings such as arrogant samurais or priests. Though, if they do good deeds, they will be reborn as humans.
Their feathers are ordinary, and often described as shimmering like hummingbirds' wings. They can also seem to have telepathy because they never speak with their mouths open, they can possess and talk in people's dreams if they wish. . . '
Harry stopped reading there, looking up to Hermione, still feeling somewhat puzzled but have some sort of understanding. The feathers must come from the tengu. Harry gave the book to Ron for him to read. Harry thought about what had said in the passage. It all seems very strange, he had never heard such beast, it wasn't even listed in the 'Fantastic Beasts and where to Find them.' Then again, he supposed that not every single magical creatures could actually be listed. When Ron was finished, he looked up wordlessly.
"So, there's this tengu demon or what? Why are they here in England? You don't think that V-Voldemort would . . . ?" asked Ron tensely.
"I don't know Ron,, according to Daily Prophet, they say it's not connect. But of course, since when have we really trusted the Daily Prophet? So, we can't take them word for word. They could intentionally leave some things out."
Hermione bit the bottom lip, thinking what to do next, then a sudden look appeared on her face.
"We could owl the Ministry and ask for information. Well, I suppose we could find out who have died too. I hope it isn't anyone we know . . . .."
"I'm sure they would tell us if someone we knew got killed last night, don't worry Hermione," the portrait opened again and came Dean Thomas. He looked around the room and found Harry and the others. He came over and whispered to the group.
"Professor McGonagall wants to see you," said Dean and he went up to the dormitory. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Mark looked at each other warily and began their way to Headmistress' office.