I am very grateful to my reviewers Eris and DUMPHEAD for pointing out my continuity error. Bad Kyokki! Bad! :Hits head on keyboard: I have fixed it in this re-submit.

I do not own Harry Potter. I merely own the story and the original characters.

Chapter 19: New Defense

Harry woke to the sounds of Durry chirping in his ear and Ron sitting up and yawning noisily. He sat up himself and scrubbed his hands over his face. He sighed and let his arms drop, smiling sleepily at Durry when he licked his hand. The smile faded quickly, though. He let his head sink until his chin rested against his chest, and he stared down at his hand, which was scratching between Durry's wings. He missed Sirius terribly this morning, though he could not quite pinpoint the reason. Perhaps it was because he hadn't had any visits from his godfather in his dreams.

He nodded absently. That was the most likely reason. He gently moved Durry off his lap and pulled his curtains open, letting in the sunlight and the sight of his roommates, all in varying states of sleepy dishevelment.

Dean and Seamus smiled at him rather hesitantly before retreating into the bathroom to shower and dress. Neville was already completely awake and dressed, kneeling at the end of his bed and rummaging in his trunk for something he must have misplaced. He finally stood with a cry of triumph and his new wand clutched in his hand. Ron stared at him blearily for a moment before shaking his head and pulling on his dressing gown.

Harry pushed his blankets back and swung his feet to the floor with a quick hiss for the cold stones. He turned to find that Durry had made himself comfortable in the warm spot he had left, and a moment later Cord slithered out from beneath the blankets near the foot of the bed to curl up around him. Harry watched them with some amusement before he moved to get ready for the first day of classes.

The Great Hall contained its usual amount of chattering students, eating, discussing classes, teachers and a whole plethora of subjects that had nothing to do with school, he gathered. Several of the groups stopped talking and stared at Harry when he walked in. When he stared right back, they turned away and resumed their discussions in lowered voices. He had no illusions that they were not discussing him. He sighed heavily as he sat down in his usual place near the center of the table, noting that sighing heavily was becoming an unwelcome habit.

He didn't turn his attention to the rest of the hall until he had filled his plate and began eating. He noted that while Mitexi was at her place between Pince and Hooch, Tainn was not in his place at the table. He glanced at Lavender, who looked so unconcerned that he knew she must have been disappointed by his absence.

He felt a tap on his shoulder just as he decided he had eaten enough, and he looked up to see Ron handing him his class schedule. He managed a small grin and took it, though he hesitated before looking it over. Finally he shook his head and read, suppressing a small groan when he saw that, indeed, he had on his schedule a slot for NEWT level potions. His brow furrowed when he saw a place listed for independent studies on Wednesday evenings.

When Ron sat down next to him with a long-suffering look, muttering about first years, and prefect duties, he pointed it out to him. Ron looked puzzled, then pulled out his own course list.

"No, I don't have anything like that on my list." He told Harry. "But I see we're both in for NEWT Potions on Tuesday afternoons, Defense on..." He squinted at the list, "Monday mornings. Well, at least we won't have to wonder for long about the new professor," He said lightly, though he looked worried. "We have Magical Creatures this afternoon." At this he looked so positively disgruntled that Hermione, who was chatting with Ginny across the table, looked at him curiously and Harry had to laugh.

"How's your schedule?" Harry asked her.

"Very full," she admitted. "I haven't really given up any of my classes, I mean imagine giving up Arithmancy." She looked horrified at the very thought. "And of course, I got Outstandings on all my OWLS."

"Like that's a surprise." Ron muttered. Hermione ignored him.

"So," Harry said hurriedly, "You're in our NEWT level classes as well?"

She nodded. Just then Neville rushed over, his own course list clutched in his hand. "Harry," He said, a bit breathlessly, "I forgot."

"What is it, Neville?" Harry asked curiously.

Neville looked positively glowing. "I got an Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts!" He exclaimed proudly.

"Good job, Neville!" Hermione congratulated him, while Ron and Harry made similar statements.

"Well, I just wanted to thank you, Harry." Neville added with an embarrassed grin.

Harry grinned at him. At last, something to brighten his first day back. "It was my pleasure to help you guys out, Neville." He told him with feeling.

"Well," Now Neville had a touch of nervousness on his round face. "We were, I mean all of the members were wondering, if you had talked to Dumbledore yet."

"It's the first day, Neville." Hermione said gently.

"Oh." His face colored, and he looked down, " Oh, of course. I mean, there's plenty of time, right?"

"Yeah, Neville." Harry assured him. "If we can get it going again, you can be sure we will."

Neville brightened so before he trotted off that Harry smiled after him. The smile faded however, when he saw Ginny, Hermione and Ron watching him closely.

"I'll talk to him, I swear it." He told them with a dark look. "I just...' He had to look away, "I remember the look on his face last year when..." He trailed off, furious with himself. He looked towards the head table, and happened to catch the headmaster's eyes. Dumbledore nodded at him. He glanced back. "I'll go ask him now."

He said it quickly, he must do it quickly otherwise he would not be able to do it at all. After all, the club had been the reason that Dumbledore had been forced to leave the year before.

Ron gave him a fortifying clap on the back as he stood, gathering his resolve around him as he made his way up to the head table. He could feel eyes on his back, regarding him curiously, but he refused to look around or quicken his pace. When he passed other members he caught their eyes and nodded. They looked worried.

Finally he stood before the head table. This year they could not operate in secrecy, that much was clear. So there was no better way to do what he promised. He stood in front of Dumbledore, who was looking at him in such a way that Harry realized he knew exactly why he was there.

The headmaster was smiling and his eyes held that, oh, so familiar twinkle, so Harry felt a bit reassured. He cleared his throat, wishing he felt a little less like a sideshow on display.

"Er, Professor. I would like to talk to you about forming a club." He said in a rush, wanting to get it over with. At least, this way, they couldn't say he didn't try.

"Certainly Harry," The Professor said, looking into his eyes. Harry felt himself relax, and along with this sensation he was aware of a peculiar urge to burst into tears. He hadn't realized how much he missed that pleasant look. "But I find that I must ask you to reconsider the choice of names." He looked at Harry over the rim of his half-moon glasses, "Not that the one you used wasn't rather flattering."

Harry smiled in embarrassment, thinking his face must be turning red, and Dumbledore cleared his throat with a wink. "I think that the Defense Association," Another smile. "is a fine idea, but I'm afraid I must insist you have a teacher sponsor due to the potentially hazardous tendencies of the subject matter." He turned his gaze to the left end of the table, where Snape was eating his breakfast in stubborn silence. Harry felt a stab of fear. "Professor Lanya?" He called.

Harry almost sagged with relief. The witch in question turned with a smile, nodded, and got up to take the seat beside Dumbledore, which Professor McGonagall had abandoned a few minutes before.

She regarded Harry with interest as she tucked one of those straggling reddish brown curls behind her ear. "Yes, Headmaster? Is this on the matter you spoke about?" She inquired. She had a smooth, dark voice with a slight eastern European accent. "An Association, I think it was being?"

"Indeed, Larissa." He replied with a fond smile. "A defense against the dark arts club. We have had such an unfortunate time with most of our former professors that I'm afraid the Defense classes have been suffering."

"Yes, this having been one of the reasons I applied for the position." She nodded. Harry wondered what the other reasons were.

"I was sincerely delighted when I received your owl." Dumbledore assured her. "But in any case, some of the students believe it would be beneficial to have an independent, largely student run club, to help them catch up."

Professor Lanya leaned back in her chair, toying with one of her sleeves, very long, covering her arms to her fingertips, as she considered. Finally she nodded. "I think this is a good idea, yes." She looked at Harry, "You be president?"

"I was..." Dumbledore coughed. "I mean, yes...until we have a vote about it, I guess I'm acting president." Harry told her. "Of the Defense Association."

"This is good." She said with a radiant smile. "I heard much of you, Harry. I think you will be able to continue this year, as you did the last." Harry stared, and she winked. "A great deal of talent in Defense." She nodded to herself, "Many will benefit from this." She frowned slightly, then looked into his eyes. He realized that hers really were the color of ripe raspberries. "I will sponsor this. You may make announcements to post in the common rooms, we will discuss times, and location, later."

"Thank you, Professor." He smiled broadly. She nodded again, and as he walked off, giving a thumbs up to the DA members, who immediately started talking to each other excitedly, he felt her approving gaze following him back to his seat.

"All the common rooms?!" Ron protested quite loudly as they were gathering their books for their first class.

"That's what she said," Harry said again.

"But the Slytherins!"

Harry had to consciously stop himself from sighing. "I know. But since we're going to be out in the open this year..." He shrugged his bag onto his shoulder and raised his hands helplessly. "I suppose we can put up with a Slytherin or two."

"Even if it's Malfoy?" Ron pointed out.

Harry froze, a grim frown on his face, then he looked thoughtful. "I haven't seen him. Usually he insults me at least once by this time."

"Now that I think about it, I haven't seen him either." Ron commented as they moved out the door and down the stairs. "He's probably off sulking somewhere. After all, his dad's in prison."

"Yeah," Harry said sourly. "I hope he stays there."

"Hear, hear." Ron agreed wholeheartedly.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was filled with tension when he and Ron entered. They found Hermione sitting in the front row, along with a great many empty seats. She smiled tensely and waved them over. The boys gave longing glances towards the back of the room before shrugging and joining her.

"It's going to be a whole new experience," She gushed as soon as they got themselves settled, though her enthusiasm seemed a bit forced. "All the best sixth year students from all the houses in one classroom."

Harry hadn't really realized this, but when he glanced around he indeed saw quite a few faces that were only vaguely familiar, along with some he knew well, like Terry and Justin.

Neville darted in a few seconds later and took a seat on the other side of Hermione. He was quite red in the face from running.

"Didn't want to be late on the first day," He gasped.

"Did you lose something?" Harry asked him, leaning around Ron and Hermione to look at the other boy.

"No," Neville scowled suddenly, "I was just delayed."

Ron opened his mouth to add his own questions when the door to the room opened and their new professor slid in and shut it quietly behind her. The sudden silence in the room was profound as she walked over to her desk and perched on the edge, surveying them. Finally she picked up a list and began calling roll, examining them each minutely as she read each name, as though memorizing their faces. Finally she set the list aside and stood.

"Welcome, Sixth Year students, to your first NEWT level Defense Against the Dark Arts class," She said in her low voice. Harry prepared himself for a lecture on the importance of NEWTs, as last year they had received many on the importance of OWLs, however, it did not come.

"As Professor Dumbledore told you at the feast, I am Professor Lanya," She suddenly smiled, "I am looking forward to a year of bright minds, bright questions and superior spell work." Harry heard some students behind him shift nervously in their seats. Hermione shifted as well, but only to lean farther forward in her chair.

"Please take out your quills and parchments." There was an answering rustle. "Now," She walked slowly across the front of the room. "I understand that the education in Defense has been sorely lacking in the past, with the one exception of what I believe was your third year?" Harry nodded, and saw his seat mates do the same.

"I have talked with my comrade Professor Lupin and believe you have a thorough grounding in dark creatures. I also have been told you have had sufficient experience with the Unforgivables. And Theory was addressed more than sufficiently last year." There were scattered mutters. She smiled in understanding.

"Now, what I wish you to write down are some things you think you should already know, what you already know and what you think has been insufficiently explained in the way of curses, hexes and protection spells. This will be of great assistance to myself and to you."

Harry leaned over his parchment and thought, hearing the scratching of quills behind him. Hermione was scribbling furiously. He wrote a few things before coming up empty. He was aware of Professor Lanya moving among them, glancing at their parchments and nodding at points, grimacing at others.

"That should be quite enough." She called out when she again gained the front of the class. "Put your quills away, pass up your parchments and get out your wands." Harry gathered up the papers that were passed to him and gave them to the professor when she passed his desk. She shuffled them thoughtfully before putting them on her desk, weighing them down with a paperweight shaped like a crouching wyvern.

Harry pulled out his wand and waited, eager.

"Now, I want to assess your level of skill. Everyone please get up and come to the front of the room." They all obliged and when they stood in a group at the front Professor Lanya pulled out her wand, long and slender and made of a polished dark wood, and banished the desks to the back of the room.

She stood in the cleared space and faced them. "I understand some of you have mastered quite a few basic spells. What this exercise determines is your exact level of skill and allows me to see who will be able to assist with those who need additional assistance. Do not feel shamed if you cannot do one of the spells, they will increase in difficulty through the lesson." She smiled at the class, and Harry thought she held his gaze a little longer than any of the others.

"Your first opponent will be myself. We will spar off one by one. Those of you who are not participating at the moment watch closely. Take notes if you desire." This with a glance at Hermione, who already had her bag close at hand, her quill and a sheet of parchment sitting on top.

"Now, we will work alphabetically." She glanced up as she assumed dueling stance. "Hannah Abbot, please come forward."

Harry watched eagerly as they started with the basic Expelliarmus and moved on to harder and harder spells. He caught the looks of the DA and smiled at them encouragingly. He was sure they would all do splendidly, and, as Terry took his turn, performing all the spells he had taught him, he felt that Defense Against the Dark Arts was again fast becoming his favorite class.



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