Chapter 26

A surprise from the Guardian

"What?!" yelped Hagrid, looking fearful. Madam Pomfrey looked up; gasped at what Harry said. She wordlessly repeated what Harry said (Light curse backfired?). She got up from the bed and went away in a somewhat shocked state.

"Potter, are you serious?" asked the Headmistress, looking very pale. Malfoy looked like as if he had been smacked in face with the look of interested, in awe yet fearful and hate. Snape had spared him of no emotions whatsoever.

"Why would I lie? You can see what was the last spell I have uttered on my wand," said Harry, offering his wand slightly.

"Y-y-your word is enough Potter," stammered Professor McGonagall, unwilling to believe that one of her students have 'gone' dark. "On top of that, we will discontinue the training between you and Mr. Malfoy for the time being."

"Professor!" cried out Harry and Malfoy.

"No, Minerva is right, until we determine why Potter has these unusual terms, you two will not train," drawled Professor Snape. Malfoy and Harry simply glared at the two.

"'Arry, yeh can't go dark!" said Hagrid, still obviously in shock.

"Hagrid, do you see me going around killing people?" asked Harry coolly. "Besides the fact that I killed a Death Eater or two," he added as an afterthought.

No one spoke after that, daring not to break whatever the spell it was in the air. Harry sighed, annoyed by their behavior.

"Really! I do not see what's all this exaggeration is about! I suppose you can blame this on Voldemort!" Hagrid visibly winced at the name. "Hagrid, you ought to stop wincing whenever I say the name," said Harry.

"'Arry" began Hagrid.

"Hagrid please," said Harry, rubbing his temples with one hand. Ron, Hermione and Mark looked at each other warily until Mark spoke up.

"Honestly, I don't see what's the big problem with Harry with this dark business or whatever."

"A muggle-born such as yourself wouldn't understand very well," sneered Malfoy.

"Excuse me Malfoy, I had perfectly--" began Hermione.

"I don't mean you Granger," sniped Malfoy.

"Well, I was brought up by the Dursleys who were muggles, and I still understood," said Harry slowly.

"Yours different too!" said Malfoy, "I meant muggle-borns in general!"

"Wow, I thought I'd never see the day where you would not use that M-word" said Ron, looking a bit awed.

"Oh you mean mudblood?" sneered Malfoy.

"That's enough, Mr. Malfoy, I do not want to hear that word again," said Minerva McGonagall. "Now get out so Mr. Potter can rest."

"But--" Ron began.

"No buts Mr. Weasley, please leave," said Professor McGonagall.

"C'mon, I'll take yeh out of here," said Hagrid, who is still in shock. The teenagers save for Harry trailed out of the room sadly as they exchanged their good byes.

"Really" murmured Minerva, shaking her head. "Mr. Potter, do you really think your theory about V-Voldemort influencing your?"

"It has to be, what else is there?" answered Harry, in an almost too cool tone.

"Well, I'll have to say this, the Dark Lord's not very happy at how he is acting either. He says he's getting more foolish and 'Gryffindor-ish' if you know what I mean," drawled Snape. Harry only smirked, and shook his head. He could not see Voldemort taking rash decisions. At this rate, Harry may not be able to do anything at all to defeat him, Voldemort would destroy himself.

"However amusing that is, this is serious. If we lose you to the dark," said Snape, trailing.

"Oh I don't think that will be possible sir," said Harry. Minerva and Severus only arched an eyebrow at this. "See, if we are becoming like the other, well, as it will get more twisted and things like that. I can only imagine we will reach to a place where it's neither light nor dark. Only in the grey area of shade," said Harry.

"When did you come up with this Potter?" asked Severus. Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"Few weeks ago when I was on one of my thinking sessions when I'm alone," replied Harry. "I didn't voice it then, I was only theorizing what would happen and what wouldn't. But of course, we can't know for sure. Perhaps we would become the complete the opposite and eventually kill ourselves just because we don't like what we are becoming."

"Don't say that!" snapped Minerva, feeling that they were getting into a bit of a touchy subject.

"Face it Minerva, this is war, we have to expect all outcomes of this well, 'battle' if you can even call it," said Harry. Minerva only gave a resigned look, heaving a sigh.

"You are, however, correct Mr. Potter. We do need to expect at every possible thing that could happen. Where is Albus when you need him?" No one spoke as they fell into silence, Madam Pomfrey came back with a vial of potion.

"May Mr. Potter rest now?" asked Madam Pomfrey.

"Of course," replied Minerva, nodding. "We will be seeing you later M-Harry."

"Good night Potter," said Snape curtly as the two left the Wing. Madam Pomfrey handed the vial of Sleeping potion, Harry downed the drink and immediately fell asleep under the comfortable covers.

The next day was in abuzz of news from the Daily Prophet as well as the general Hogwarts' population. Even the professors were speaking about the escape of Lucius Malfoy and attacking four students in Shrieking Shack. Harry had thought that no one was safe within the walls of Hogwarts. He supposed that it would be a matter of time before Voldemort would really try to attack Hogwarts himself. But from the looks of things, Voldemort is trying not to be a 'Gryffindor' and do things secretly and precise.

That day, he received two surprising visitors. Although Harry knew that he should have been expecting them, after all, a well-known Death Eater as well as an ex-arch-enemy 's father had attacked him. Of course, Harry wasn't sure about how Draco Malfoy is taking these things. On top of that, he did not know if the whole thing with archenemy ended or not. He was disappointed by the fact that Malfoy and him could not train any longer, he supposed that he could do so privately anyways. Perhaps at some insane hour of the night. He simply could not drop his practice with the blocking charm.

When Harry refocused his thoughts and saw Sirius and Remus standing next to him, smiling sympathetically. Harry groaned in annoyance. Remus and Sirius frowned at Harry's greets.

"I don't mean to groan like that," said Harry sheepishly, recovering his composure. "You were just giving me that pity look. You do know how I feel about pity don't you?"

"Oh, of course, sorry," said Remus quickly. Harry only grinned and nodded.

"Don't let that happen again okay?"

"All right Harry, if you say so," said Sirius.

"So, hello Sirius, Remus."

"Hey Harry, so how are you feeling now?" asked Remus concernedly.

"Besides my wounds healing and a bit pissed off about the whole thing with Lucius Malfoy."

"Yeah, that's understandable," said Sirius, looking angry at the mention of Lucius Malfoy. Sirius took a sitting down in a vacant chair. "Well," Sirius began to grin, "guess what?" Harry grew suspicious of him again, puzzled and looked to Remus who are also smiling.

"What, speak!" said Harry impatiently. He didn't really like to be held in the dark.

"We're staying here until the start of holidays," said Remus. Harry's eyes went wide in surprise.

"Really? Why?"

"Protection," answered Sirius hesitatingly. Harry groaned in answer.

'Of course, it's always the protect him, hide Harry, keep him safe, etcetera, etcetera!' thought Harry bitterly but managed to make a grin all the same.

"Well, then that means we can see you more often!" Remus nodded, while Sirius looked relief that Harry didn't give a lashing. "I just wish that you didn't have to come for my safety," said Harry, frowning.

"Well, with Dumbledore gone, we can't risk anything," said Remus.

"True," said Harry, then the three fell into silence. "Where are you staying at?" asked Harry suddenly.

"One of the vacant rooms for the staff," replied Remus. "You can't imagine how many staff quarters there are at Hogwarts" he said, shaking his head.

"Yeah, considering how many times we've used the Maurder's map when we were younger, we tried to get back that Slytherin head of house" said Sirius, frowning. Harry only grinned at the two, shaking his head.

"You amuse me Sirius," said Harry.

"I'm glad I can amuse you," said Sirius sarcastically, but came out laughing. "So, how long are you staying here in the Wing?"

"Tomorrow morning I expect," replied Harry. "I'm recovering fast." The two male adults frowned and Harry knew what was coming next.

"Harry, you should have never gone through the Shrieking Shack yesterday," said Remus.

"How else would I - oh shit," cussed Harry, remembering something. --Mark

"What?" asked Sirius and Remus at the same time.

"Oh nothing, but can't I visit Shrieking Shack where it was our home for a few months?"

"Well, that's understandable, and what I really want to talk about is how you ended up in this state," said Remus. "We heard that you tried to use the Light Curse on him"

"Yeah, I want to know if you're going dark behind our backs!" exclaimed Sirius, accusing him.

"Sirius, please be rational!" said Remus, glaring at his beloved. Sirius flinched visibly and gave an apologetic look. "But I do like to know what's going on Harry. We're here for you"

"I know, didn't Professor McGonagall tell you about my theory?"

"What theory?" asked Remus, frowning.

"I thought she'd tell you, well, anyways. It is the same as it has been in the last few months. I think it has to do with Voldemort," said Harry.

"Oh, that would make sense," said Remus, nodding.

"Yeah, sorry for what I said earlier," said Sirius sheepishly.

"It's all right, I've received the same reactions yesterday," said Harry dully. He could not believe how much trust the people had in him and was sure that they would be devastated if he betrayed their trust. Madam Pomfrey showed up, and began shooing the gentlemen away and gave Harry one last sleeping draught.

"You will head to class tomorrow Mr. Potter, so rest up!" said Madam Pomfrey, going over his vitals and for any lingering wounds. When she was finished, Harry drank the potion and fell asleep.

The next day, Harry woke up to two figures next to his bed, heard their morning greeting, and recognized who they were. Remus and Sirius stood by him, waiting for him to wake up.

"Morning Harry," said Remus cheerfully.

"Harry, mornin'," said Sirius, with a feral grin. Harry watched the two with suspicion and finally asked.

"Morning, and what?"

"I just want to know when is the next D.A. meeting is," said Sirius.

"Yeah, we were wondering, perhaps we could give a hand or something," said Remus.

"Well, I tend to make the meetings not to fall in any sort of pattern, but we can have one tonight if you wish," said Harry. "But I doubt you'd be much help since I am handling fine."

"Harry, every person's perspective is different when it comes to dueling. It'll be something fresh for all of you," said Remus.

"Mm, that would be true, okay you can partake in some of our activities, show a tip or two," agreed Harry. "Well, I need to go get some breakfast now but before I do that, I'll have to change into my robes. Oh, and hang on," he pulled out a galleon-look alike. Remus and Sirius frowned in confusion as to why would Harry carry money with him in Hogwarts. Then Harry set the dates for the meeting tonight and put the coin back in his pocket as if it was something normal, that happens everyday of sort.

"What did you do the galleon?" asked Remus, confused.

"Oh," said Harry simply, pulling the 'coin' back out. "This isn't an ordinary coin. All of the members of D.A. have this, except I have the coin that can set the dates, saying when the meeting will be. Hermione created that last year," explained Harry.

"What charm did she use?" asked Sirius, examining.

"Protean charm," replied Harry.

"What!" exclaimed the two adults.

"That's a very advanced magic, this sounds somewhat like" said Remus.

"like the Dark mark on the Death Eater's arm" finished Sirius.

"Yeah, that's where Hermione got the idea from, except we wouldn't want to brand it into our skins" Sirius chuckled at this.

"Well, where do we meet you tonight?"

"Just come to the Gryffindor tower at 5:25," replied Harry, getting out of PJs and finally dressed. "Well, I'll see you then."

"Bye Harry, don't get into too much trouble," mocked Sirius, laughing.

"I'll try not to," said Harry dryly as he made back to Great Hall. People had stopped eating and chatting when he entered the room, making his big 'entrance', however, due to recent times, Harry simply ignored the silence and carried on walking to his table. He sat down and helped himself to breakfast, did the Great Hall break out talking again, however quietly at first.

"Harry, is it true that you killed Lucius Malfoy?" asked one of the Gryffindors. Harry sputtered out his pumpkin juice and laughed. Harry had not been expecting anyone to ask him questions all ready. The others stared at him warily as if he had lost his mind.

"No, he escaped to Forbidden forest, so I don't know where he is now," said Harry, regaining his composure. "Any other rumors that needs validating?"

"Did you cast the Cruciatus curse?" one asked.

"No, I did the Light Curse," replied Harry and met with silence until one spoke up.

"The same one you threw at Malfoy last year?"

"That's the one, except it's backfired. That's why I ended up in Hospital Wing," people murmured between themselves at this. Harry was sure that even more rumors would break out. He half anticipated at what theories they'd come up with. Chuckling to himself, Harry finally got peace and began to eat in earnest.

At twenty after five that evening, Harry climbed out of the common room, followed by his small set of friends. He found Remus and Sirius making their way towards him, talking amongst themselves.

"What do you mean you can't?" asked Sirius, sounding a bit angry.

"I have to talk to Poppy about something so we have to be a bit late for the meeting," said Remus, clearly disappointed that he couldn't come early.

"Let me guess," said Harry. "You're going to come in late?"

"Yeah," replied Remus. "I really want to come right now but we can't."

"Mind telling me why?" asked Harry. Sirius shifted and looked at Remus who sighed.

"We're not sure, but there's some research going on about curing my condition," said Remus. Harry widened his eyes at this new information.

"Really? When did they do the actual researching?" asked Harry, curious.

"Last week," answered Remus.

"Ah, not very long ago, do you know who's doing the research?" He met with silence again. "Someone we know isn't?"

"Yes," answered Remus.

"Is it Professor Snape?" asked Ron.

"One of them," said Remus, nodding.

"Not too surprising, well, since you wanted to talk to Madam Pomfrey, is she part of the research as well?" asked Hermione while Harry nodded.

"Yeah," said Sirius.

"That sounds so fascinating," said Hermione. "I hope it goes well."

"We all hope so," said Remus.

"Well, I understand then, here," he handed Sirius the Marauder's map. "So you know which room we're in, you can't miss it," he said cheekily. Sirius chuckled in mirth, staring at the memorable map in his hands.

"This this brings a lot of memories," choked Sirius. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!" he tapped the paper with his wand and saw the ink spiraling to life. Harry grinned at Sirius' face, priceless and happy that he would be able to relieve some good memories of the past. "We'll take care of it. Mischief managed!"

"Of course you will Sirius, you're one of the map makers!" said Harry, rolling his eyes. "Don't you have somewhere to go?" asked Harry.

"Oh, yes, right come on Sirius," said Remus, grinning. Sirius' face faltered a bit but smiled anyways and the pair went in the direction that led to Hospital Wing.

"All right, come on guys," said Harry.

At six, when the Room of Requirement filled to its capacity and still have some room for some duels, Harry cleared his throat for everyone's attention, he decided not to tell them who was coming to 'assist' him. Not even Malfoy knew.

"I have a surprise in store for everyone in here. However, before I reveal that, let's do a few exercises. One of the focal things you have to incorporate in your duel with your partner that I have assigned you is the blocking charm. Then later, you will team up and do the Power Joint charm. Sound all right to everyone?" everyone in the room murmured ok and most nodded in answer. "Very well, you may all begin. Oh, and I am proud that you have not fought with your partner yet. Do keep up the good work," he said with a smile. He faced Malfoy and bowed as he bowed back. Harry desperately tried to discreetly see his mind.

'What is he think when he bows? Does he have any lethal means of motivation with me around? Is he really on our side or have we lost him to the d- mm? He's thinking of how to counter some of the attacks I may throw nothing damaging or even painful enough to end up in the Wing' Harry frowned, not happy with his success with Malfoy. He briefly wondered if Malfoy knows how to occlude his mind better than him and allow freethinking swim around at the surface of his mind. This was, of course, unheard of.

Then again, he too, did things that were unheard of as well. Performing the Patronus at age thirteen, able to use the blocking charm against the Cruciatus curse, which however left him weak. Harry leveled out his wand, pointing at Malfoy, who also has his wand ready in his unique stance.

"Expilliarmus!" yelled Harry, throwing the disarming spell at Malfoy who ducked to his right and threw the stunning hex at Harry. He put up the blocking charm immediately and threw the Stunning hex off.

Harry then threw the color jinx, "Hue alterus!" this time Malfoy was hit and his cloths, even his hair turned into a pink hue. He heard several laughing as Harry chuckled to himself. He didn't even think what color Malfoy would get. Malfoy widened in shock and then glared.

"Potter!" snarled Malfoy. "Floueba liofon!" yelled Malfoy, sending the soapy water hex at Harry. Who too, was hit squarely in the chest. From top to bottom drenched in large formation of bubbles as well as water. Harry grinned which threw Malfoy off. "You're not supposed to be laughing Potter!"

"Oh, this is fun Malfoy, Impetunda!" he threw the shock wave at Malfoy who widened in surprise again and quickly threw the electric resistant on himself before the shock wave hit him. "Wow, you're getting fast."

"Of course Potter," drawled Malfoy.

"You haven't even put up the blocking charm yet, so let's see it, detergeo visus!" he threw the dusty vision hex at Malfoy.

"Fortifyia aegis!" yelled Malfoy, putting up the blocking charm in time to block away the dusty vision hex. "Potter! Don't tell me what to throw next!"

"I was only helping Malfoy, I do need to attend back to the other students after all," said Harry coolly. Malfoy only gave him a glaring look and gave a loud huff, looking at the crowd. Harry too, looked at the students.

"Halt! That's enough warm-up for now!" said Harry, using the room to magnify his voice. Immediately, the duelers stop throwing hexes and jinxes at each other and faced Harry as if they were in disbelief.

"What do you mean, only a warm-up!? You said this was practice!" asked one fourth year boy from Hufflepuff.

"Shut up Hufflepuff, and listen!" sneered Malfoy.

"Shut up Malfoy," hissed Harry and turning his attention back to the crowd. "You should have known that when I mean by practice, it is also a warm-up. We do need to prepare you for what is coming," he said with a grin. Several of the students looked a bit nervous at this new propound from Harry.

"Oh it's nothing major like I would ever ask you all attack and duel me," said Harry matter-of-factly. "Well, perhaps one day," said Harry as an after thought. Several of his friends including Malfoy blanched at this while the rest looked even more nervous.

"You can't be serious! Ask all of us to attack you? Are you insane Potter?" asked Malfoy.

"Malfoy, if we can train like we usually do, I'm pretty sure I can handle them all one day. I didn't say that we would do that today," said Harry, enjoying himself by the fact that Malfoy was spluttering.

"Potter!" he began.

"Don't start, anyways, back to where I was," said Harry, throwing Malfoy off for his suddenness about his 'attention span'. At that moment, the door opened and Harry heard a few screams and yells. Harry soon saw that Sirius came into the room as Snuffles. Harry chuckled. "Looks like they're here."

"That grim?" asked Malfoy, apparently shocked and scared.

"Of course not, it's not a grim," said Harry sarcastically. Snuffles came up to him, and gave a playful bark. "Okay Snuffles you can change now," he said with a grin. The dog's tail began to wag really fast as he shifted back into human form. Harry heard a lot of screams and yelps in surprise.

"Hello," greeted Sirius to the crowd. Suddenly, students began throwing hexes and curses at Sirius. Harry widened in surprise as he saw Sirius getting hit full on.

"AHH!!!" yelled Sirius, backing up but he was soon deformed beyond identification if he had ended up in a Dumpster.

"STOP! STOP THROWING SPELLS! THAT IS MY GODFATHER YOU ARE ATTACKING!" yelled Harry, conjuring up a huge blocking charm, protecting himself, Sirius and Malfoy, who was also getting some of the stray hexes and curses. The air thick with spells did not relent even Harry ordered everyone to stop fighting. Harry saw that it was younger students that were attacking, the older ones were trying to stop them throwing hexes at the three people on stage because the younger ones were clearly in panic.

Before Harry could do anything else, the door opened again and revealed to be Remus Lupin. His eyes showed of surprise and shock and grinned. Thinking that they were demonstrating for the students, taking out his wand but then frowned when he saw Harry shaking his head. When Harry saw that Remus had further examination, the older students were trying to stop the younger ones to stop throwing spells. Alarmed, he yelled for everyone to stop this madness. This worked, causing nearly everyone to look at the newest arrival.

Suddenly, with a wave of panic from the students, particularly the younger ones began issuing hexes and curses at the former professor in DADA. Quickly, he put up the blocking charm before they'd done any damage. Irritated, and angry, Harry's magical aura exploded and sent a volley of waves to the students. Causing everyone in the room to fall to the floor.

'Well, that worked,' thought Harry sarcastically. He finally put down the blocking charm.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? You attacked my godfather, and then you attack a former professor! Both of them were my father's friends here at Hogwarts! Explain!" yelled Harry, furious with them. "You know what, I think I know why, just throw up in green sparks if I say is true. Did you attack my godfather because he was an ex-convict, ex-murderer and was on the run from the Ministry where he had escaped the prison?" He saw the majority of students timidly threw green sparks into the air.

"Oh, right, so even if he was pardoned, you'd still attack him?" asked Harry sarcastically. More green sparks was thrown. "That's sickening, really. Now as for the former professor Lupin that you attacked. He heard many gasps and murmurs going around the room. "Yes, the very professor who was a competent teacher several years ago and you attacked him! Why? I don't see any plausible reason to attack him."

"Is it because he's a werewolf?" spoke up Sirius, who had been a bit shocked at Harry's outrage but finally got the Gryffindor's courage. He saw more green sparks in the air. Harry sighed, shaking his head sadly.

"That's it, hey Remus, please get up here. You're not hurt are you?" Remus shook his head in answer. "Good, now then." He turned back to the crowd, looking even angrier, if that were possible. Even Malfoy flinched at his furious look in his eyes. "I will personally attack each and every one of you!"

"Harry!" exclaimed Remus, shocked at the teen's rage.

"Don't worry Remus, I was going to test their abilities sometime but I planned on doing today now. So while I test them, can you provide some useful demonstration. Even telling a bit about yourselves? I'm pretty sure that they would be fascinated about you being a werewolf. And, as for you Sirius, you can provide on how you fight in duels. Now, I will start at the door, each duel will take, oh say, one minute each student."

Remus and Sirius nodded, too afraid to disagree otherwise.

"Well, I suppose that would be a good idea Harry," said Remus. "Just don't hurt them too badly."

"I won't," he replied, grinning, making his way down the stairs and to the door and began testing each student's ability himself. He did not give them an easy time at all when facing Harry. Once a while he did face some students that had some talent in dueling. Or even experience. When he did find those people, he mentally remembered their names at the back of his head. He knew they would be useful one day. Only three first years showed talent in dueling. The rest of them were too new with dueling.

Harry had watched some of the demonstration by the two male figures in his life and grinned. They were having fun as well as Sirius tried to teach some art of pranks to the students. Remus prevented Sirius from being successful in trying to turn everyone into a prankster. The last thing Harry needed was a good portion of Hogwarts turning into pranksters. He was sure that even Peeves would be overwhelmed by the pranks students would have played.

Finally, he had tested his friends, which proved to be quite challenging. Ron did not look very confident as Harry remembered his informal 'promise' to never duel Harry.

"Oh Ron, stop and put some effort into it!" said Harry, irritated.

"But Harry you're"

"Nevermind what you said when I cast the Black Area charm. This is getting annoying, show me some of your stuff!" Ron's face renewed with determination and the pair dueled for a good two minutes before Harry called for a stop.

"That was good Ron, better than I had expected, keep up the good work," he said with a grin. Ron couldn't help but grin back.

"Thanks mate, I'll keep fighting and practicing," said Ron as Harry nodded in answer. Finally when he dueled against a seventh year Ravenclaw, did he get back on the stage. He waited for the two to stop dueling. Remus threw the final hex at Sirius, the mud-hurling hex. Sirius widened in surprise at this and was hit full in the face. Harry laughed along with the rest of the crowd as Sirius blindly trying to get Remus back for that.

"All right," said Harry. "That's enough Sirius," he said, chuckling.

"Oh go ahead and laugh!" pouted Sirius, wiping his face clean of mud. Harry laughed more openly, shaking his head.

"Good show you two, now as for the rest of you. I'm quite disappointed. Some of you have not improved at all except that you learned some spells. I do realize that a lot of you have talent for dueling. But we will have to keep working on your speed as that is what I saw, is lacking most of the time."

"How do you improve your speed?" asked Hannah.

"Practice, loads, and loads of practice," answered Harry. "You just have to consciously know how fast you are moving. You also have to know when the spells are coming. That is why I gave you the blocking charm to practice with. Those who are slow in speed, are not very good in conjuring one. If you have difficulty, please come and see me and I will see what I can do to help," said Harry.

"Well," began Remus. "It's nearly ten at night, don't you think the first and second years need to be in bed by now?" asked Remus slyly. Harry blanched at how late it was.

"Oh shit!" He then heard knocking on the door and entered five professors. He groaned at what he saw. All of them were head of house and a headmistress.

"So, why have you not send everyone to bed?" asked Professor McGonagall, clearly relieved.

"That is because I was testing everyone's abilities while Remus and Sirius here, demonstrated a few things."

"What do you mean, tested everyone's abilities?" asked Headmistress sharply.

"I faced each and one of them for a minute. Obviously that took quite a bit of time."

"You you tested them all?" asked Professor Snape, blanching, while looking around in the room.

"Of course I did, well now you are all here, I was about to send them back to their respective houses."

"Not so fast Potter, you will be receiving a week's detention for holding everyone in here."

"What!" exclaimed Harry then calmed down. "Oh I understand, who'll I be serving detention with?"

"He will serve detentions with me," sneered Professor Snape. Harry winced as everyone whimpered at their Potions master. "Potter, I expect to see you tomorrow at six!" with that, he and a handful of Slytherins left the room. Soon, each of the houses left as groups leaving Gryffindors to go last. Harry glumly walked back to the Gryffindor tower. How he was sick of seeing everything nearly black in color. He wanted to see some red carpet, some limestone on the walls. See the sparkling frames and the portraits within. He could only wait for the counter charm to be created.