From last time:

His brain vaguely registered that this was the second time in three days that Ron had gone to bed after all the rest of his dorm-mates but Harry just assumed that his friend wanted to bask in his rare personal glory a little longer and he was soon slipping into slumber.

7: Free

Ron kept glancing up from his bacon and eggs towards the Great Hall's upper windows the next day.

"Pigwidgeon won't have made it all the way to Romania and back overnight," Hermione finally told him. "My letters to Bulgaria usually take at least a day or two."

Ron gave her a strange look but just mumbled "Yeah, I s'pose," and scooped up another spoonful of scrambled egg.

"Hey, we should tell Hagrid about you being Quidditch Captain," Harry suggested. "He'd like to know. Why don't we stay behind and see him after Care of Magical Creatures?"

"Okay," Ron agreed cheerfully around his mouthful.

"I'll come down and meet you afterwards," Hermione said.

With the sound of the fluttering of wings, countless owls began their descent into the Great Hall to deliver the morning's post. Neither Hedwig nor Pigwidgeon was amongst them but a large barn owl that Harry recognised as being one of the school owls landed on the Gryffindor table next to Harry, knocking his pumpkin juice into his lap.

"Argh, I'm soaked," Harry muttered.

He dried his robes with a flick of his wand, although they were still slightly sticky. Untying the note, he saw that it was from Snape. Trust the Head of Slytherin to choose an owl that would upturn his juice all over him. He opened the parchment:

'Your detention will take place at 7pm in my office.'

He showed the note to Ron, which unfortunately meant Hermione finding out.

"Well I'm not going," Harry said defiantly.

"Oh don't be so ridiculous," Hermione told him dismissively. "If you'd just done his essay in the first place you wouldn't have detention. If you don't go he'll only give you two weeks with Filch. Besides, what was all that you promised me about taking your studies more seriously this year?"

Harry knew she was right and decided to console himself with a glare directed towards the Potions Professor, only to find that he had already left the Great Hall. He settled instead for finding Draco but the Slytherin was reading a letter of his own and looked decidedly smug.

"What's Malfoy so happy about?" Harry asked, grumpily.

Ron looked across. "Dunno. Slytherin git. Whatever it is probably isn't good," Ron said.

"You know, you really should try to be less judgemental about other Houses, you know," Hermione said, setting aside her own breakfast. "I've had an idea that I've been working on. It'll probably take quite a bit of time and effort but it might even be worth putting SPEW on hold in order to pursue."

Ron and Harry shared a grin but managed to straighten their features by the time Hermione turned to them.

"Parvati's been helping me with some of it but I'll have to talk to Dumbledore soon. And the Head Girl and Boy. Oh, that reminds me, I need to check something," she said starting to gather her things together. "Save me a seat. I'll catch you up."

With that she left without another word.

"There's nobody quite like Hermione, is there?" Ron asked.

Harry laughed.

x

Harry and Ron arrived at Hagrid's hut later that morning to find that they were the only Gryffindors there. The class was shared with the Hufflepuffs, most of whom seemed more eager to take care of whatever dangerous beast Hagrid had for them than any of the Slytherins ever had.

"Ah, there you all are," Hagrid said as the last few people arrived. "Good group, this; not too big. Don't wan' ter frighten the blighters now do we?"

Someone swore loudly. Harry looked round to see who would insult Hagrid so blatantly but everyone looked as confused as he was. Hagrid just laughed, although Harry detected a blush appearing on his weathered cheeks.

"The Headmaster doesn't want me t' show these t' the first years. Pity really," Hagrid said sadly as he took the cover off a wire enclosure to reveal five large, ferret-like animals.

"Hey, Malfoydecided to take Creatures after all," Ron said.

A few people laughed and Harry thought he could see Hagrid smiling.

"Jarveys," Hagrid announced, as one of the animals behind him let out a string of half sentences. "Bit chattier than yer average critter. Wouldn't bother ter try an' have a conversation with 'em; bit limited, if yer see wha' I mean. Completely harmless though."

Harry didn't think the Jarveys looked very happy to be caged, however, and was a little dubious when Hagrid suggested that they could take them out and pet them as they fed them.

Harry and Ron's Jarvey, firmly leashed, was soon being fed from a bucket of, quite frankly slimey, dead rats. It would stick out its dimpled pink tongue, almost as if taking an experimental taste, before lunging for the rat with an enthusiastic string of random (and often rude) words.

Harry was glad that Hermione wasn't there as its eating habits would have made her cringe; it clung onto its food with sharp front teeth, shaking its head viciously from side to side and getting flecks of flesh stuck in its fur. Harry, who was the one doing the feeding whilst Ron held the lead, didn't think much of the creatures but Ron was enjoying himself immensely.

"I'm re-living the bouncing ferret incident," he explained happily and took great joy in insulting their Jarvey, only for the animal to swear back. As Hagrid couldn't be sure who was saying what he let most of it slip. Ron's reminiscing only reminded Harry of the Slytherin's smug expression at breakfast, which just served to irritate Harry even more.

Unfortunately, the Jarvey also appeared to be capable of smelling the remains of Harry's morning pumpkin juice on his robes and was intent on sniffing him, rather like an over-friendly dog.

All in all, Harry was relieved when it came to the end of the class. He and Ron helped Hagrid to re-cage their subjects then Ron told him about his new appointment.

"Tha's great!" Hagrid said enthusiastically thumping Ron on the back and causing him to take a couple of steps forward. "Oh, sorry, Ron. Forget me own strength sometimes."

They were joined by Hermione and Ginny, who had just had her Herbology lesson.

"Have you told him yet?" Ginny asked.

"He has," Hagrid confirmed. "An' right proud yer must be too. I remember when your brother Charlie was Captain. Nice kid. Team won every game tha' year an' I'm sure you'll do just as good. Help Gryffindor Keep that cup, eh?"

"We hope so."

"So, er, how's Grawp?" Hermione asked timidly, as if she really wasn't sure that she wanted to hear the answer.

Hagrid grinned broadly. "He's doin' really well now. Doesn' pull up trees or anything. Mostly don' have to tie 'im down at all."

"Oh," Hermione said blankly. "Well, that's... good, I suppose."

"It's the Headmaster tha' deserves most the credit. Great man, Dumbledore. Came down ter see me an' said it was okay for him ter stay an' he'd help teach him an' everything. He's been giving Grawpy English lessons once a week."

Hermione seemed stunned into silence by this revelation and no-one else really knew what to say either.

"Er, Hagrid, I should go," Ron said, tentatively. "I've got to go through some stuff before the try-outs tonight."

Hermione suddenly came back to life again. "Oh no, how could I forget? I've got a meeting after lunch. I'm going to have to dash too. We'll come and see you again soon though," she said.

She and Ron gathered their things and set off up the grounds at a rushed pace.

"We should go as well otherwise we'll miss lunch," Harry said. "Are you coming?" he asked Hagrid.

"No, I've got some stoat sandwiches. Bit more substantial than wha' you lot eat. Before you go though," Hagrid said in a hushed voice. "If... well, yer see... seems Grawp took a bit of a likin' to our Hermione an', well, I don' think it's a good idea for her ter visit 'im jus' yet. Dumbledore's only jus' got him ter stop askin' for her."

Harry fought so hard to stop himself from smiling that his jaw actually started to ache.

"We'll break it to her gently," Ginny assured Hagrid, who then instantly brightened.

"Ah, well tha's good then. I'm sure she'll be able ter visit 'im later."

Promising to visit again soon, Harry and Ginny left to follow Ron and Hermione. Once out of earshot of Hagrid's hut, Harry laughed, unable to keep it in.

"Can you believe Grawp has a crush on Hermione?" he gasped. "If she knew she'd probably go out with him just to keep up Human-Giant relations!" A mental image of the pair holding hands in Madam Puddifoot's sobered him up a bit. "Well, p'raps not."

Ginny didn't reply and when Harry turned to look at her he thought she seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?"

Ginny nodded but wouldn't look him in the eye.

Harry looked to where they could see Ron and Hermione walking up ahead of them towards the castle. Ron kept glancing back, although Harry couldn't tell what he was looking for. Suddenly Hermione threw up her hands in frustration.

"I think they're arguing again," Harry commented. "You know, I wish they'd just..."

Harry stopped himself. He had been about to say 'admit they fancy each other and get it over with. He'd had an inkling that Ron liked Hermione for quite a while. Not that Ron had ever said anything – they really didn't discuss that sort of thing – but it had become obvious, even to him. What else was that big fight after the Yule Ball about? And all that fuss over Krum, which finally seemed to have abated this year. Pity it wasn't quite as obvious to Ron.

Hermione was different; more subtle. Recently he'd noticed out of the corner of his eye that she was watching Ron. She sat just a little closer to him when she was explaining something and seemed much more patient with him that she had in the past.

Actually, he'd noticed that they'd toned down their bickering in front of him. He still saw them argue sometimes but it was usually from across the common room.

"Yes?" Ginny prompted, as if waiting for a juicy bit of gossip.

Harry felt his face heat. "Never mind."

She looked like she was going to suggest some mad plan to get them together but Harry didn't want to get involved. Any outside 'help' would probably just embarrass them, leading to denials, and then they'd never talk to him again, let alone each other. He sighed.

"I wouldn't interfere if I were you, Ginny. I don't think they'd appreciate it."

She looked disappointed but if they wanted to be together they'd have to figure it out for themselves. Ginny dropped the subject but kept glancing at him and looked to be in two minds about something all the way to the Great Hall where she said goodbye to join Dean.

By the time Harry had taken a seat Ron had already surrounded himself with Quidditch books and complicated looking diagrams. Remembering some of Oliver's longer strategy explanations - involving numerous flip charts - Harry wondered if perhaps he had made a mistake in suggesting his friend as Captain.

Ron suddenly abandoned his half-eaten blueberry pie, turned to Harry and in one long breath said, "D'you think we should use the 3-1-2-1 formation or just rely on loose flying? I think we need free-Beaters for when we play the Slytherins. And our Chasers are pretty quick. I've been studying Ginny's technique over the summer; did you know she can do a 170 degree turn? She really can. It's not quite 180 but it's really good for an amateur. A loose team would probably suit us best. You don't really need direction either. You've always just relied on instinct so I don't think we should change that. Yes, definitely loose flying."

Ron nodded and turned back to his diagrams as Harry bit his tongue to stop himself from laughing. Ron was so obviously enjoying his new role that Harry couldn't help but smile... even if it meant hours of extra team talks.

x

Their first lesson after lunch was Defence Against the Dark Arts and a crowd of students from all four Houses had gathered outside their classroom. As Harry and Ron approached Malfoy noticed them and stepped away from the wall into their path, with Blaise standing at his side.

"Looking forward to choosing the next generation of Gryffindor losers?" he mocked.

"Leave off, Malfoy," Ron said with his fists clenched in his pocket.

"Oooh, I'm scared. Would anyone even care if you fell off your broom, Weasley? With all those kids I suppose your Mum would be grateful for one less mouth to feed. Your Dad would probably be too busy saving Muggles from animated teapots to even notice."

"You can talk," Harry said. "At least his Dad isn't in Azkaban."

To Harry's surprise, a superior smile crossed Malfoy's face. "What's the matter, Potter? Missing him? Never mind, I'm sure you'll see him again soon enough."

Ron said something rather rude which was fortunately drowned out by the clatter of armour hitting the floor.

"Oops. Sorry," Tonks' voice rang out from around the corner.

"And I'm sure the more... wayward branches of society will get what they deserve," Malfoy added before Tonks and Hermione appeared and the Slytherins slunk back into the shadows out of their way.

With a wave of Tonks' wand the door clicked unlocked and creaked open allowing the students in. Their Defence teacher no longer wore her Snape cloak but was instead in boots, thick stripy tights, a knee-length red tartan skirt and a black t-shirt – the type of clothes Harry had only ever seen once before, when he had been dragged to London to accompany Dudley's specialist fitting for his new Smeltings uniform and they had accidentally got off the tube at Camden Town, to Aunt Petunia's horror.

"Thought I'd dress for the location, blend in a bit. What d'you think?"

She twirled on the spot.

Harry noticed that Terry Boot and Michael Corner had sat considerably closer to the front than usual. When everyone was settled into their seats Tonks jumped up to perch on the edge of the desk.

"So," she said focussing on the class, "this class is gonna be a bit different from the others. I'm setting you a few challenges," she announced.

There was a murmur from everyone around Harry, except for a snort from behind him which he guessed to be Malfoy.

"For your first challenge I want you to pretend you're in the Forbidden Forest. I know that'll be difficult 'cos it's out of bounds so of course none of you will have been there, but try to use your imagination." Tonks winked at Harry. "Okay, all got it? Good, now you hear a rustle of leaves and a twig snapping and all that corny sort of horror flick stuff." (A few of the students with magical parents looked puzzled at this reference.) "Then, suddenly, out of nowhere you see... "

Tonks' dramatic pause went on for so long that Harry wondered if she had forgotten what she had been about to say.

"... a Graphorn. Now, remember to trust your instincts and use your own strengths. In fact, that can be your extra challenge for the term. A hundred points for your house when I'm convinced you've worked out what your strengths and weaknesses are." Malfoy made a noise of derision. "You might actually find that they're the same thing. But mostly, just go with what ever feels right.

"I think I'd just run," Terry said.

A few people giggled.

"Good," Tonks said. "Excellent solution. Very effective. Now the rest of you think of something and write down your idea. It doesn't have to be detailed and I don't care how many inches it is. Just get the basic idea down and bring anything you'd need to follow it through to the next class."

Terry had raised his hand. "Er, you said everyone else had to write something down...?"

Tonks grinned. "Yep. Easiest bit of homework you've ever been given, I bet. Oh, before I forget, we were discussing it in the staff room this morning and I've got a message to pass on..."

She squeezed her eyes shut and her face merged into that of Snape's, which was quite disturbing (especially given her current attire) and made Terry and Michael shrink back into their seats a little.

"If anyone tries to procure a single item from my store cupboard, you will regret it," Snape said.

Tonks' more familiar face reappeared to add, "If you get caught."

She winked.

"Okay, let's split into pairs and have half an hour of practical. Choose a different person from last time – there's no point practising against someone whose moves you already know. Pick someone who'll surprise you."

Harry partnered with Ernie Macmillan and found that the new hex they were learning was more difficult than it looked. After his third try though, Ernie's arms were wildly flapping up and down, sending his wand flying into the air to land on the desk.

"Oh well done, Harry," Ernie said seriously, which seemed somewhat at odds with the chicken impression he was now doing. "I just can't seem of get the hang of this Wing Jinx."

"Well that's hardly surprising," came a drawl from behind Harry. "In fact, it's a wonder how you even made it into this class. Mind you, with Potter as your opponent I suppose anyone would look good," Malfoy said.

"Well, you haven't managed it," Harry pointed out, as the movement in Ernie's arms began to die down.

"Oh, please. This is so beneath me," Malfoy said. "I mean, what use is a Jinx that makes you look like a farm animal? I suppose your enemy might fall over laughing and you could run away. Oh, I forgot," he said in mock regret, "that's what you do, isn't it Potter? Get yourself into trouble then get others to bail you out as you run away?"

"Watch it, Malfoy," Harry said, tightening his grip on his wand.

The Slytherin smiled. "Oh, I'll be watching alright, don't you worry. I think things are just about to get interesting," he said with a knowing look.

Harry wanted to ask what the hell that was supposed to mean but Ernie chose that moment to turn and pick up his wand. A last errant flap sent his elbow into Malfoy's side. The blond spun round with a hex directed at Harry but Harry was too quick and the spell connected with the wall behind him.

Before Harry could send back his reply the room seemed to explode with a loud boom.

"Good," Tonks said, with a shower of pink sparkles still raining down on her. "Well, it's nice to see you all getting into the spirit. I think that's enough for today though. Don't forget your challenge for next time!"

With that, everyone started gathering their things and Harry lifted the remainder of Ernie's hex.

"What was that all about? Tonks asked as people started filing out.

Harry shrugged. Malfoy had seemed in a particularly gloating mood but he couldn't see any reason for it. "Just Malfoy being Malfoy."

Tonks looked thoughtfully at the doorway that the class had now exited. As Ron and Hermione joined them she asked "Bet you're looking forward to Quidditch starting?"

"Yep. It's just try outs tonight but Ron's booked the pitch for Sunday so we can start practise before everyone else this year.

"Almost makes me wish I was a student again."

"I'm sure you could watch if you wanted," Hermione suggested.

"You sure you should be inviting me? I was a Ravenclaw, y'know. I might be spying on your tactics." A momentary flicker of concern flashed across Ron's face. Tonks laughed and shook her head. "I can't anyway. I'm away on business at the weekends."

"Business? You mean Ord- Er, I... what are you doing?" Ron asked.

"Going abroad. And I'm sure your instinct's telling you I'm not going to say any more," she teased.

x

Ron and Hermione headed off to History whilst Harry started his homework in the library then grabbed his and Ron's brooms and headed down to the Great Hall. Hermione set down a blue folder with the letters H.U.R.L. on the outside. Ron almost choked on his mashed potato.

"Blimey! You have to be joking?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course I am. I had to write something on my folder to distinguish it from my subject ones and this seemed as good a title as any. I do have a sense of humour, you know Ron."

Ron eyed the folder sceptically but continued eating.

"So are you ever going to tell us what you're up to?" Harry asked.

"Only once I've spoken to Dumbledore next week. I don't want to get your hopes up until I'm certain it'll go ahead."

Considering the amount of time she'd already spent researching this 'treat' Harry seriously doubted he would be disappointed if whatever it was didn't go ahead. He spent the remainder of his meal glancing up at the charmed ceiling where he could see the heavy rain was now lashing against the castle. He hoped it would at least die down soon; he didn't think turn out would be good in the pouring rain.

Straight after dinner Hermione disappeared to meet the Head Girl whilst Ron and Harry rushed out to change and start the try-outs before the light started to fade.

Flying felt great.

As Harry kicked off from the ground to do a lap of the pitch his heart lifted. This was what he'd been missing all summer – the feeling of freedom, the wind rushing past his ears and through his hair. He almost felt that he could just point his Firebolt forwards and fly to the ends of the earth but somewhere down below him a whistle blew. Where had Ron got that?

The rain had subsided to a light drizzle and as Harry landed he saw that there was now quite a crowd gathered on the pitch. Gryffindor were looking for a new Chaser and a new Beater, Ron explained to the hopefuls.

"Okay, everyone up for a couple of laps of the pitch to warm up," Ron said.

He watched critically as the Gryffindors took to the air.

"How come we need a new Beater?" Harry asked. "Didn't Kirke and Sloper replace the twins at the end of last term?"

"Yeah but Sloper quit. I feel a bit sorry for him actually. He said his dorm-mates were worried we might loose the cup. I think they begged him to leave the team. Pity Kirke didn't do the same. They really were awful last term. Still, we'll have a bit more time to train now. I might even see if Fred and George can come up next Hogsmeade weekend and give out some tips."

"So did you get a good look at who's here?"

"Not much. There are about ten people trying out for Chaser so I didn't really have time to talk to everyone. There's only three for Beater though. One's Geoffrey Hooper," Ron said with obvious dislike.

"Didn't he try for Keeper last year?"

"Yep," Ron said with a glance to the flyers, who were starting their second lap. "He's a right whiner though. Unless he's changed I don't think we should take him on. He'd just depress the whole team."

"Who are the other two?"

"David Peters from third year and the skinniest girl you've ever seen in your life."

"That blonde one? Isn't she a bit small? Aren't Beaters supposed to be... I don't know, sort of beefy?"

"Well, that's what I thought at first. If I didn't know she was a second year I would have sworn she was too young but her size would make her really agile and when I talked to her she told me she played this sport at school where they throw big metal balls. Shock-put or something. She's got the biggest arm muscles I've ever seen on a girl."

"Really?" Harry asked sceptically. The other Houses' Beaters always seemed to be the biggest students on the team.

"Yep. And for a Muggle-born she really knows her stuff," Ron said enthusiastically as Ginny approached. "She's perfect. I couldn't ask for more. I just hope it works out."

"Who are you talking about?" Ginny asked with a sly smile on her face.

"Cathy O'Shea."

Ginny's smile was replaced by a frown. "Cathy O'Shea?"

"Our new Beater. Well, maybe."

"Oh. I thought... Never mind. Are we going to get started? Everyone's waiting."

The Chasers went first. Ginny and Katie teamed up with each of the hopefuls in turn and had three attempts at Ron's goal each whilst Harry hovered nearby to watch. Some were good, some were bad and one was so nervous she kept dropping the Quaffle before she could even leave the halfway point.

After everyone had had their turn the five current team members huddled together to make a decision.

"The third one was best on goal," Ron said.

Ginny and Katie shared a look then shook their heads.

"He was hogging the Quaffle all the way down the pitch," Katie said.

"Yeah, his teamwork left a bit to be desired," a rather nervous looking Kirke added.

"Well what about the girl in the middle? The one with the pigtails?"

This time it was Harry who shook his head. "She's great on goal but she's not a natural flyer. She was wobbling all over the place. If you put her in a game against Slytherin she'll fall out of the sky."

Ron sighed. "Okay, any suggestions?"

Katie spoke up. "What about that fourth year, Daniel?"

"He's okay, I s'pose," Ron admitted, "but he's..."

"Handsome?" Ginny offered.

"Reminds me of Lockhart," Ron mumbled. Harry could see the similarity. They both had wavy blond hair and the girls seemed to think they were attractive. Personally, Daniel's build and obvious effect on the girls reminded Harry more of Cedric but he didn't want to say so and certainly didn't want to dwell on all the memories connected to the Hufflepuff.

"So, we're all agreed on Daniel Taylor for Beater then?" Ginny asked.

Ron looked at his assembled team and shrugged. "Guess so."

Ginny and Katie shared a triumphant smile.

"Okay, so now we just need a Beater."

"Damn," Harry said. "I've got to go. I've got detention... Unless you need me to stay?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Hermione would kill you for missing a detention. And she'd kill me for letting you," Ron said. "You'd better go. I'll let you know how Cathy gets on."

Grudgingly, Harry made his way back up to the castle. At the entrance he paused to make sure that Filch and Mrs Norris were nowhere in sight before making his way through the entrance hall, leaving muddy footprints behind him.

As he descended the steps into the dungeon, Harry felt his resentment grow. Snape must have known that the Gryffindor tryouts were tonight. Ron had boasted that McGonagall had managed to book the pitch before the Slytherins. Harry was sure that Snape had done it on purpose so that whole team couldn't be together for tryouts. He was just using Remus' potion as an excuse. How dare he use Remus like that? Just because Snape had a grudge against his Dad didn't mean he could take it out on everyone else.

As he got nearer and nearer to Snape's office, Harry's anger built until he could feel it boiling under his skin. He didn't knock and walked straight in.

Snape had cast "Legilimens!" before Harry had even stepped fully into the room.

Cho was telling him that she was going to the Yule Ball with Cedric ... Remus was holding him back. 'There's nothing you can do, Harry.'

Harry pooled all of his mental strength and ejected Snape from his mind. He stood for a moment, catching his breath as if he'd just run a marathon, realising rather too late that shouldn't face an enemy in such an emotional state.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for barging in uninvited, ten points for your tardiness and ten points for being out of uniform," Snape said maliciously. "And fifteen points for failing to sufficiently practise your Occlumency." He strode until he was standing less than a foot in front of Harry but before he could say anything further the fireplace sprung into life.

Harry turned to see who it was but there was no head in the green flames. However, Dumbledore's voice spoke.

"Severus, could you come up to my office please."

"I have a student with me," Snape said, his eyes not straying from boring into Harry's.

"Yes, yes, bring Harry along with you."

With that the flames turned orange again and slowly died down. Snape's jaw was clenched.

"You heard him, Potter," he sneered. "What are you waiting for?"

Harry climbed the stairs up to Dumbledore's office in silence and resisted the urge to turn round and check that Snape was actually following him. The gargoyles stepped aside as they approached and Harry soon heard Dumbledore inviting them to come in.

Dumbledore's office looked much the same as it had done last time he was there. The circular room's walls were still decorated with the portraits of former Headmasters, although they were all pretending to sleep. Harry noticed that all the strange silver contraptions that he had broken in his fit of fury last year had been cleared away and a few new ones had appeared.

"Ah, Severus, Harry. I'm glad you're here. You both know Ms Skeeter, I believe."

Harry hadn't noticed her when he'd come in but now the journalist stepped around from behind him and Snape. She looked much better than when he'd given his interview in the Three Broomsticks last Valentine's day. Her hair was in tight ringlets and she wore a glittering smile. Her eyes revealed a certain wariness when looking at Harry though.

"What's she doing here?" he asked before he could stop himself.

"A group fighting against a powerful enemy must make friends in all sectors of society" Dumbledore told him.

Harry thought about this for a moment. "She's in the Order?"

"Oh, now, Harry," Skeeter tutted wagging a crimson-nailed finger at him. "Don't hold grudges – it'll only give you wrinkles. We all have to make a living somehow. Besides, I've learned my lesson."

Seeing Harry's doubtful expression she added, "Really. Exclusives with the subject's permission make for better sales. People like the personal touch. Besides, there's no substitute for inside information."

Harry recalled that many of her articles hadn't had much genuine information in them. More like a pack of lies.

"You know, we really ought to do a follow-up on that interv-"

"Speaking of information," Dumbledore interrupted, "Rita has a discovery she wishes to tell us about."

"Yes, well. An hour ago one of the Aurors I'd been shadowing took me to a meeting with Cornelius Fudge-"

Snape made a sound of disbelief.

"Well, not as myself, obviously," Skeeter said impatiently. "I was in my... disguise."

Harry remembered her Animagus form well from when Hermione had trapped her in a glass jar at the end of their fourth year.

"Well, anyway, this Auror was reporting to the Minister – fairly standard stuff – when a report came in," she said excitedly. "You should have seen Fudge's face. I think the stress is getting to him. Did you know that there are rumours flying around that he's thinking of giving up his position? Apparently he's been to see a Healer and she-"

"Rita, please. The report?" Dumbledore asked.

"Alright. Well, a group of Aurors had gone to Azkaban," (she shivered noticeably), "to start their shift. They're guarding it on twenty-four hour rotations since the Dementors," (another shiver), "left. Apparently that's all they can stand before..." (a third shiver), "...well, it seems that having Dementors there for so long has left its mark. One Auror had to be taken to St Mungo's the other week. Rumour has it that he's still there and he's being moved to the long-term residents' ward. His wife's been-"

"Rita," Dumbledore admonished.

"Azkaban was attacked by Dementors last night," she said bluntly.

Harry felt all the warmth drain out of him as he heard a sharp intake of breath from Snape beside him.

"Who?" the Potions Master asked simply.

"All of them. When the Aurors arrived the only people they could find were... well, they weren't really people any more."

It was Harry's turn to shiver. The Dementor's Kiss.

"All the prisoners were gone?" Dumbledore asked.

Skeeter nodded and Dumbledore shared a look with Snape before sitting down behind his desk.

"Then it is confirmed. Voldemort has the Dementors under his command and his followers back."

Harry's legs felt wobbly. He thought of prisoners escaping and people being attacked whilst he was sat comfortably in the Common Room playing Exploding Snap with Ginny. A sudden realisation hit him.

"I knew it was coming," he said, more to himself than the others.

"What do you mean, Harry?" Dumbledore asked as Skeeter's eyes widened underneath her jewel-encrusted glasses.

Harry swallowed. "Yesterday. I was-" He glanced at Skeeter.

"Go on," Dumbledore said softly.

"I felt kind of nervous but excited all day. I thought... It was Voldemort, wasn't it? Anticipating the attack. And then... later... he was happy."

Harry stopped talking. He felt quite sick.

"Why didn't you mention this earlier?" Snape said angrily.

"Severus," Dumbledore said. "Without details the information would have been of limited use. Even then, I'm afraid Dementors make formidable opponents." He turned to Harry. "I know these feelings must be confusing but if you experience this again, I would be grateful if you would come and tell me?"

Harry nodded.

Skeeter cleared her throat. "Well, you probably don't need me for anything else. I want to get this written up before the morning Owls. Unless you've got a reaction for me?" she asked hopefully, her fingers straying towards the clasp of her crocodile handbag. "Something about the inadequacy of the Ministry, perhaps?" she suggested.

"You may pass on my condolences to the families of the Kissed. Thank you, Rita."

She looked disappointed but shouldered her handbag and left via the Floo. Once the flames had returned to their natural colour Dumbledore turned to Snape gravely.

"You will remember a discussion we had a couple of weeks ago?"

Snape scowled. "Of course."

Dumbledore nodded. "Then you know your next step."

Snape turned to leave but just before the door he stopped.

"Potter has detention."

Dumbledore sighed. "He and I have things to discuss but don't worry, I shall make sure he serves his detention."

With that, Snape left and the room was silent for a moment. Harry wondered what Snape had been sent to do, and why they had felt the need to keep it a secret from him. Surely it was his business to know what was going on with Voldemort? If he was ever to fulfil the prophecy they couldn't keep him in the dark like this.

"How are you feeling, Harry?"

"Okay, I guess. I wish I'd known what he was going to do."

Dumbledore nodded. "As do I but we can't dwell on these things. What is done is done and now we can only do our best with the situation as it is."

There was silence in the room again.

"Professor Snape is a very valuable member of the Order," Dumbledore said quietly.

Harry wondered if he was at last going to be told what was going on.

"He has worked tirelessly in the fight against Voldemort, often putting himself in great personal danger. I know that you and he have had differences in the past, and I am aware that Severus' behaviour has not always been quite what I would have hoped but this rebelliousness you seem to have developed this term... None of your other teachers have reported problems so I can only assume this is a personal grudge."

Harry didn't say anything.

"Harry, Professor Snape wasn't to blame for Sirius' death. I trust him completely and cannot allow this situation to continue. One day you may find that you have more in common with him than you realise but in the meantime, I must ask that you show respect for all my members of staff. I'm sure you realise that Professor Snape would not hesitate to give you detention for the rest of the year and I cannot allow this situation to fester and grow even uglier. Do you understand?"

Harry thought that quite possibly the only thing he and Snape had in common was a dislike of Rita Skeeter. Something in the back of his mind kept telling him that Dumbledore may have a point – it wasn't useful for the Order that they were always arguing – but Harry couldn't promise to get on with him. The truth was he didn't want to get on with him.

"Maybe sometime in the future the two of you will reach the point where Professor Snape feels comfortable telling you how he came to be in the Order but for now please take my word that he is doing all I ask of him."

Harry shrugged. He very much doubted Snape would ever stop hating him enough to confide in him about anything.

Dumbledore sighed.

"As much as I would like to tell you to go and get some rest, Professor Snape has given you detention and I think it best that you serve it. Perhaps it will give you time to reflect on what I have said. Please go back down to the dungeons. I will send Filch to supervise you."

During detention (in which he was tasked with cleaning muddy footprints from the hallway) Harry couldn't stop thinking of Azkaban, which inevitably lead to thoughts of Sirius and the life he wasted there. Dumbledore had probably said what he had for the good of the Order but Harry still couldn't forgive Snape. If only the greasy git had told him why he'd been learning Occlumency Sirius might have been starting to lead something of a normal life. Maybe Voldemort wouldn't have been able to attack Azkaban...

Harry finished scrubbing the hallway and started on the steps down to the dungeons, which Draco Malfoy and his goons then walked up and down several times just so he'd have to start again. After starting the middle step for the fifth time, Harry wondered how late it was and if the Gryffindor Quidditch try outs had finished yet. Had Cathy O'Shea shown as much promise as Ron had hoped? He resented Snape for preventing him from participating. He was the Assistant Captain; he was supposed to be there. It reminded him of detention with that awful Umbridge woman and he unconsciously rubbed at the back of his hand.

Finally Harry reached the end of the footprints and it was certainly late enough that the Slytherins wouldn't be creating any more tonight. He yawned and got to his feet to put the bucket away in the store cupboard Filch had shown him.

The route back up to Gryffindor Tower was deserted. It was strange to see the castle quiet and this reminded him that he hadn't used his Dad's cloak since he'd got back. Maybe his Defence challenge would provide an excuse? Tonks had seemed rather unconcerned about mischief. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. It was a full moon tonight – the bright silvery light shone in through the tall windows and lit his way as he walked tiredly through the corridors, as if in a daze. He decided he ought to write Remus a letter... but not until had some sleep.

Snape's detention had lasted so long that Ron was already snoring by the time Harry reached their dorm. He had considered waking his best friend to share the news he'd learned in Dumbledore's office but he was too tired to explain it now. Besides, he should probably let Ron sleep. His best friend had had a Quidditch tryout to supervise and lately he and Hermione seemed to constantly be on Prefect Duty. Harry finally got to take off the sticky robes he'd been in all day and fell into bed.

x

Harry was dreaming of endless steps that led up through the stars to the moon. He kept trying to climb them to see Remus, who was sat at the very top, but each time he got close Rita Skeeter would appear and tell him that Dementors had stolen the last step and his only hope was to go back down and make friends with Snape.

"Harry."

But he didn't want to be friends with Snape. And how would that help Remus anyway?

"Harry."

Someone shook him and he opened his eyes to see a blurry person leaning over him.

"Here," Ron (for that was who the voice belonged to) said and the world became clear as Harry put his glasses on.

"Finally! What time did you get in last night? I've been trying to wake you for ages. You're gonna be late. I'll meet you down at breakfast."

Harry dressed as quickly as he could and practically ran down the seven flights of stairs to the Great Hall. Immediately he sensed something was wrong. Breakfast was usually a bustling and noisy affair but today there seemed to be a dark cloud hovering over the students, who sat talking in hushed tones. Suddenly the memory of what he had learned last night came back to him.

He hadn't had the opportunity to tell his friends the news but one glance in their direction told him they already knew. Ron's spoon was held, forgotten, mid-air and he was leaning over something that Hermione had on the table in front of her.

Seeing Rita Skeeter's article in black and white somehow made it all seem more real. Voldemort had orchestrated an attack on Azkaban and all of the wizarding world's most dangerous criminals, including key Death Eaters. Harry skipped the commentary and Fudge's bland quote to read through the long list of escapees. Half way down the page he saw 'Lucius Malfoy'. Harry looked over to the Slytherin table to find that Draco was watching him with a smile. Harry now understood why Malfoy had been so smug yesterday... He'd known all along.

x

Next chapter: a splash of romance and a heated argument...

Author's note: I haven't been updating as often as I'd hoped (but then I had been hoping for rather a lot) – I need to do more writing and less reading... Bad myrti.

Thanks for the reviews – in particular thanks to Bernie Boosie (I'll see if I can't slip a bit of Malfoy-bashing in at a later point just for you), SunflowerLynx and Honey P. It's always good to hear from you - it's nice to know that someone is actually reading this! Although I have to say that Hagrid's accent's fun to write, and almost makes the whole thing worthwhile in itself. ; )

Until next chapter, myrti xxx