PLEASE READ!!!! A/N Can any one tell me how to use Italics? Use send me an
email, please! I need to know really bad! Or you can just write it in a
review! Oh and I'd like if you guys could tell me some ideas for the tittle
in case you haven't noticed it SUCKS! Well on with the next chapter...
Chapter 3: Lessons already known
Harry and Ron made their way to their classroom and took their regular seat. Professor Mcgonagall swept in and began class immediately, Harry sat back in his seat and daydreamed, while Ron took notes. Harry going from thought to thought didn't realize Professor Mcgonagall had called on him. Until Ron poked him in his side and nodded to the teacher in the front of the room, who was looking at Harry expectantly.
Harry gave her a dim look and asked. "Could you repeat the question?"
"I asked you to tell me how you would conjure an object out of thin air." Professor Mcgonagall asked impatiently.
Harry sighed, and said in a monotone voice. "Well, you would have to picture what you would want in your mind." He pointed to his head with his wand. "Then you concentrate really hard, swish your wand." Harry did the movement as he said it and something started to materialize in front of him. "And, ta-da! You get just what you wanted."
A small wooden chair appeared on his desk. The class gasped in surprise, and Professor Mcgonagall was just barely able to hide her approving smile. Harry looked down and went back to daydreaming.
"No, Mr. Potter! I don't care if you can do the spells. You still have to pay attention." Professor Mcgonagall said with her back to him. Harry looked up and pretended to pay attention. Ron goggled at Harry of a few minutes and then went back to taking notes. The class passed quickly, dispite it was two class periods long. Harry and Ron stood up, and left the class, heading to the dungeons.
"Harry, where'd you learn that spell?" Ron asked, looking at Harry questioningly.
Harry cast him a glance from the corner of his eyes and said. "I just started studding harder last year, so now I'm a little ahead."
Ron laughed. "I don't know whether Hermione would be jealous or proud." He said.
Harry looked at him with a smile and said. "Probably shocked that I could be that good." The tromped down the stairs, laughing.
Malfoy and his goons pushed passed them, but then quickly backed away, scared, when they realized that it was Harry and Ron they had ran into. The walked into Potions classroom, laughing. Leaving Ron outside steaming, and Harry just staring at them.
The more he thought about how Malfoy had know he had slit his wrist was worrying him. He didn't think anyone had told, and there were no reports in the newspaper, and he hadn't heard any gossip about it. The more he thought about it the more confused he became. How did Malfoy know had an sanity problem? That question kept running through his mind as Professor Snape started class.
He set up a powerful forgetfulness potion for them to make, and went around the room criticizing a few. He came up to Harry and Ron, as they were starting their potion. He looked down at Harry's cutting board.
"Should those roots be cut so thin?" He asked smugly, knowing that his instructions on the board told them to cut them at a medium size.
"Well, from what other books say, and my experience with this potion. I've learned that it's best to cut up these roots thinly because then the cut up pieces are covering more space then it would if it was cut at a medium size." Harry said without looking up so he wasn't able to see Professor Snape's glare.
"And I'm sure your experience is vast. That I with five years at a privet school teaching solely about potions and seven years before that of studying at this school, and then coming here to teach potions class, cannot hope to equal it." Snape said mockingly.
"If you want to think that way." Harry said indifferently, as he picked up another ingredient.
"Five points from Gryffindor!" Snape snarled.
Now Harry looked up. "For what, Professor?" He asked in a polite tone.
Snape looked down at him. "For your cheek. That's why." He said angrily, then he turned to move to another table, while the Slytherins laughed.
"Excuse me, Professor Snape." Harry said quietly, but it carried across the room. Snape turned around, furious.
"What?" He snapped.
"You can't take points away from a student who answers your question correctly and I am quite positive that I was nothing but polite to you. Therefore you cannot take away points from me." Harry explained. Professor Snape's mouth dropped open slightly, but he recovered quickly.
"And who says so." He growled.
Harry squarely met Professor Snape's eyes and said. "I was looking through the books in the Library at Diagon ally and I happened to come across a book about the rules the Professors at Hogwarts had to follow. I, of course, checked it out, and I found it an extremely interesting read. So to answer your questions, Professor Dumbledore, who wrote the newest edition to those books. You see in the beginning of each Headmaster's or Headmistress' reign they write a book of rules that their professors must follow."
Snape opened his mouth, then closed it, then and snapped to everyone. "Finish your potions!" He continued around the room, insulting the few other Gryffindors and taking away points.
But no matter how nasty Snape was or how many points he took away, the damage was done. Harry, the student Snape hated most, had beat him with a technicality he'd learn through the Professor's rule book. No one asked if his information was true, they'd all seen the look on Snape's face. It was no doubt going to be all over school by lunch.
Harry continued making his potions, ignoring everyone who was trying to catch his eye, and actually ended up finishing early. Harry looked around the room, everyone else was bend over their cauldron, someone sat up straight across the room. Harry looked over to see who else had finished, Malfoy was too looking around the room. When he caught Harry's eyes, Malfoy sent him a glare, which Harry returned with a polite smile. The rest of class finished slowly, while Harry finished reading his book.
He looked up when he noticed many of the students putting their potions in to bottles and handing them to Snape. Harry stood up and did the same. He gave Professor Snape his bottle along with a nice smile, and went back to his seat. Harry packed up his things and followed the crowd as the other students left the classroom.
"Harry, that was brilliant!" Ron said, as they headed up stairs for lunch. "How did you ever find a copy of that rules book? I know you couldn't have found it in that library, I've seen it, its huge! Did Professor Dumbledore give it to you? That would be the type of thing he'd do, that man is crazy!" Harry silenced him with a glare.
"No Professor Dumbledore did not give me that book, I did find it in the library. I just happened to stumble across it one day while I was there." Harry explained as they stepped into the Great Hall. Hermione, sitting at the Gryffindor table, waved them over.
Harry and Ron sat down and Hermione immediately asked. "Harry, what is all this I'm hearing about you telling off Snape?"
Harry sighed as Ron when into an in-depth summary of what had happened. Harry ate in silence as Ron kept telling Hermione that he was sure Harry had gotten the book from Dumbledore. Hermione looked at Harry, who shook his head no, and went back to eating. Soon after Ron suddenly shut up, from, as Harry suspected, Hermione's glare.
He knew about how they were trying to be careful about what they said around him, they were trying hard to keep him out of his depression state. But to Harry it was almost a game, he knew he'd suffer from depression after his fifth year, and he had come to terms with that. But Harry also knew the one way to keep his friends from probing him with questions every time he fell silent or did something by himself, was to pretend as though he was coming out of his depression state, and he just needed time to think. Sometimes he'd be in a good mood and unable to hide it, and he'd show how happy he was. It always made Ron and Hermione feel better, and think that they were doing their jobs. Harry smiled to himself, he really couldn't have asked for better friends.
Lunch passed and Ron told anyone who'd listen about Harry's telling off Snape. Harry and Ron headed to Defense against Dark Arts. Harry passed the time by taking notes from his book, not the DADA school book, but his new book, about the wizards and witches. He tried to picture how he was going to do the spell, but it wasn't the same. But still the time passed quickly.
In Charms he spent daydreaming about how Neesm was holding up and kept checking the Marauder's map for anyone going into the classroom. He'd also though up a few spells he wanted to try and make, a more powerful shield that would protect him from all spells. He thought about an excuse he could use to go see Neesm, and how to keep Ron and Hermione from tagging along. He looked up suddenly, when everyone rose from their chairs, and headed to the door. Harry followed in suite, as Ron talked about the new spell they'd learn. Harry of course already knew the spell, but he made sure not to burst Ron's bubble.
Harry suddenly stopped right in his tracks. He turned to Ron who was looking at him with an odd expression and said. "Ron! I just for got something! I'll meet up with you in the Great Hall." Harry sped off in the opposite direction, before Ron could say anything. Harry ran top speed to the portrait of fruit. His breath was controlled, as though he had walked casually down the hall, as he tickled the giant pear. The Portrait opened and Harry stepped in to the kitchens.
Elves were scurrying everywhere trying to get ready for dinner. Harry looked around, and saw no familiar face. He called out. "Does anyone know where Dobby is?" A few of the elves stopped and one even went around the corner to fetch Dobby. Harry politely refused the food offerings the other elves made him, and he pulled Dobby, when he arrived, out into the hall.
"Harry Potter! How are you doing?" Dobby asked happily.
"Dobby, I need a favor." Harry said as he looked around him. Dobby looked up at him with his wide eyes, shinning with joy at the thought of doing a favor for his friend.
"Anything Harry Potter wants, Dobby will do!" He nearly shouted.
"All right, I need you to go to this classroom every night and leave three frogs in the classroom. When you get to this classroom you have to say a password, its on the paper. Just tell it to the armor and he will step aside. Then you can enter the room." Harry explained as he handed Dobby a piece of parchment. The elf nodded enthusiastically, at a loss for words. "And Dobby, please, don't tell anyone about this. I can be our secret."
Dobby nodded again, and finally found his voice. "Thank you Harry Potter! I am so happy you trust Dobby this much!"
Harry smiled and said. "I've got to get to dinner. See you later Dobby."
Dobby smiled. "Yes, see you later!" and with that he disappeared back into the kitchens, with a huge smile on his face and tucking the paper under his hat. Harry hurried to dinner and hoped no one went out looking for him.
Hermione and Ron were have a quiet conversation, as they sat next to each other and didn't notice Harry sit down across from them.
"Hi guys." He said as he place some food on his plate. Hermione and Ron both jumped at the sound of his voice, and turned to look at him.
"Harry, where have you been?" Hermione asked, staring at him.
"I remembered that I left something in Charms, and I had to go back and get it, then I ran into Dobby. I kind of got hung up talking to him." Harry explained, Hermione looked like she was going to say something but Ron shushed her up. Harry watched the two of them, as they started another conversation, and he realized they must have been going out for a few months now. Neither Ron nor Hermione were too shy to hold hands under the table or openly give each other departing kisses. He also realized that he wasn't jealous nor did he feel left out, as he was betting they both though he would be. Harry went back to eating and hurriedly got up.
"Where are you going? Eager to get your homework done?" Hermione asked, approval laced through shock.
Harry laughed. "No, I'm going to go running. I've just started to run at night along with in the morning, and this morning I forgot so I got to head out now." Harry explained, Hermione looked slightly disappointed but told him not to get into any trouble. Harry smiled a thanks and headed up to the dorm. Once there he changed into a pair of running pants and a muscle shirt and headed back out. By this time a few people was back from dinner, and some girls openly stared at Harry as he made his way to the door, no doubt wondering if that really was the boy-who-lived.
Harry hurried down the hall and stopped at the armor. He said the password and quickly stepped inside. He heard a frog croak and knew that Dobby had all ready done what he'd asked him to. He smiled and lit the one candle on the wall.
"Harry?" A voice asked from the darkness.
"Yeah, Neesm. It's me. I see, or rather I hear that my friend has already come by with your dinner." Harry asked as he sat down on the comfortable grass.
"Yeah, who was that? He nearly scared me half to death." Neesm said as he slithered out of his hiding place and curling up on Harry's knees.
"That was Dobby the house elf." Harry told him.
"Was he the one who tried to stop you from going to school in your second year?" Neesm asked.
Harry laughed. "Yeah, he was." Neesm laughed with him. Harry told Neesm about his day, and what had happened in Snape's class. Neesm roared with laughter at that part. It was well passed eight when Harry stood up.
"I've got to get going, I'll see you tomorrow." Harry said.
"All right, See you. Night!" Neesm said, as he crawled back into his hiding place.
"Night!" Harry called over his shoulder as he opened the door and left. He passed by a bathroom and made sure to splash a little water on his face, then he sprinted all the way up to the Gryffindor tower. He told the portrait the password, and climbed through the opening.
"Have a good run, Harry?" Neville asked, when he saw Harry.
"Uh, yeah. How'd you know I went running?" Harry asked, as he sat down next to him on the sofa, breathing heavily.
"A few girls have been talking about you all night. Hermione left about fifteen minutes ago, said that the girls wee getting on her nerves." Neville said, over the top of his transfiguration book. Harry looked around the room, finally noticing the girls that were staring at him. When they realized he noticed them a few of them pretended that they hadn't been staring, while others, much to Harry's amazement, waved at him. He sent a smile in their direction and turned to Neville.
"Thanks, have you seen Ron?" Harry asked. Neville pointed over to the fireplace, and returned to his book.
Harry walked over and tapped the sleeping Ron on his shoulder. Ron's eyes snapped open, and he jumped. Harry laughed and took the chair next to him. Ron looked around and saw Harry laughing at him.
Ron scowled at him. "What?"
Harry chuckled and said. "You should have seen your face." Then he started off laughing again. Ron struggled not to laugh, but ended up failing, and laughing hysterically with Harry.
Ron struggled to recompose himself, and he asked. "Are we still doing the D.A. meetings this year?" Dumbledore allowed them continued it in their sixth year, Dumbledore even allowed it to go on with out a supervisor and allowed them to work in a classroom, but they had said nothing of it continuing in their seventh year.
Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure, it matters if there are still people who want it to continue."
"Don't you want it to continue?" Ron asked him, looking his in the eyes.
"It doesn't matter if it continues or not, I'm still going to learn new spells and continue to try to beat Voldemort." Harry said plainly. Ron gaped at him.
"You've learned new spells?" He asked. "Are you going to teach them to us?"
Again, Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure, they're really hard to do. Most adults couldn't even do them." Ron's mouth fell open.
"I bet with some practice we could all do them too." Ron said, defensively.
Harry shook his head. "Don't go getting all huffed up. I'm just saying that the spells I've learned recently are very complicated. I've just barely got the hang of them." Harry said.
Ron rolled his eyes and said. "I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." Harry nodded to him and watched him head up to the dorms.
Harry shook his head again and turned back to the fire. He thought he saw something in the fire and almost thought it was Sirius, trying to communicate with him. But the more he watched the flames, he realized it was just the way the flames danced against the black background of the fireplace. Harry sighed, for a moment he forgot Sirius was gone. He stood up and went up stairs. He heard no noise coming from Ron's bed, and suspected he was still awake, and fuming over what Harry had said. Harry changed his clothes and got into bed. He lit his wand and settled down to do his homework.
It was well passed twelve when Harry finished his essays. He tossed them on his night stand and picked up his dreamless sleep potion. He took the right amount and snuggled under the blankets.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The days turned to weeks, and Harry and the other students fell into a schedule. Harry woke up at five, and hour before the others woke up and did his daily run around the Hogwarts' grounds. Then he was back and showered just as the others would wake. They'd go down to breakfast, and off to their classes and lunch. Then it was Dinner, after that Harry and Ron would go out side to practice Quidditch for an hour. Harry would then go 'running' and visit Neesm for a few hours. Then it was back to the tower to finish his homework, and then bed at midnight.
By the time the middle of November came, Harry was running low on his dreamless sleep potion. So while he was visiting Neesm, he started making his potion.
Chapter 3: Lessons already known
Harry and Ron made their way to their classroom and took their regular seat. Professor Mcgonagall swept in and began class immediately, Harry sat back in his seat and daydreamed, while Ron took notes. Harry going from thought to thought didn't realize Professor Mcgonagall had called on him. Until Ron poked him in his side and nodded to the teacher in the front of the room, who was looking at Harry expectantly.
Harry gave her a dim look and asked. "Could you repeat the question?"
"I asked you to tell me how you would conjure an object out of thin air." Professor Mcgonagall asked impatiently.
Harry sighed, and said in a monotone voice. "Well, you would have to picture what you would want in your mind." He pointed to his head with his wand. "Then you concentrate really hard, swish your wand." Harry did the movement as he said it and something started to materialize in front of him. "And, ta-da! You get just what you wanted."
A small wooden chair appeared on his desk. The class gasped in surprise, and Professor Mcgonagall was just barely able to hide her approving smile. Harry looked down and went back to daydreaming.
"No, Mr. Potter! I don't care if you can do the spells. You still have to pay attention." Professor Mcgonagall said with her back to him. Harry looked up and pretended to pay attention. Ron goggled at Harry of a few minutes and then went back to taking notes. The class passed quickly, dispite it was two class periods long. Harry and Ron stood up, and left the class, heading to the dungeons.
"Harry, where'd you learn that spell?" Ron asked, looking at Harry questioningly.
Harry cast him a glance from the corner of his eyes and said. "I just started studding harder last year, so now I'm a little ahead."
Ron laughed. "I don't know whether Hermione would be jealous or proud." He said.
Harry looked at him with a smile and said. "Probably shocked that I could be that good." The tromped down the stairs, laughing.
Malfoy and his goons pushed passed them, but then quickly backed away, scared, when they realized that it was Harry and Ron they had ran into. The walked into Potions classroom, laughing. Leaving Ron outside steaming, and Harry just staring at them.
The more he thought about how Malfoy had know he had slit his wrist was worrying him. He didn't think anyone had told, and there were no reports in the newspaper, and he hadn't heard any gossip about it. The more he thought about it the more confused he became. How did Malfoy know had an sanity problem? That question kept running through his mind as Professor Snape started class.
He set up a powerful forgetfulness potion for them to make, and went around the room criticizing a few. He came up to Harry and Ron, as they were starting their potion. He looked down at Harry's cutting board.
"Should those roots be cut so thin?" He asked smugly, knowing that his instructions on the board told them to cut them at a medium size.
"Well, from what other books say, and my experience with this potion. I've learned that it's best to cut up these roots thinly because then the cut up pieces are covering more space then it would if it was cut at a medium size." Harry said without looking up so he wasn't able to see Professor Snape's glare.
"And I'm sure your experience is vast. That I with five years at a privet school teaching solely about potions and seven years before that of studying at this school, and then coming here to teach potions class, cannot hope to equal it." Snape said mockingly.
"If you want to think that way." Harry said indifferently, as he picked up another ingredient.
"Five points from Gryffindor!" Snape snarled.
Now Harry looked up. "For what, Professor?" He asked in a polite tone.
Snape looked down at him. "For your cheek. That's why." He said angrily, then he turned to move to another table, while the Slytherins laughed.
"Excuse me, Professor Snape." Harry said quietly, but it carried across the room. Snape turned around, furious.
"What?" He snapped.
"You can't take points away from a student who answers your question correctly and I am quite positive that I was nothing but polite to you. Therefore you cannot take away points from me." Harry explained. Professor Snape's mouth dropped open slightly, but he recovered quickly.
"And who says so." He growled.
Harry squarely met Professor Snape's eyes and said. "I was looking through the books in the Library at Diagon ally and I happened to come across a book about the rules the Professors at Hogwarts had to follow. I, of course, checked it out, and I found it an extremely interesting read. So to answer your questions, Professor Dumbledore, who wrote the newest edition to those books. You see in the beginning of each Headmaster's or Headmistress' reign they write a book of rules that their professors must follow."
Snape opened his mouth, then closed it, then and snapped to everyone. "Finish your potions!" He continued around the room, insulting the few other Gryffindors and taking away points.
But no matter how nasty Snape was or how many points he took away, the damage was done. Harry, the student Snape hated most, had beat him with a technicality he'd learn through the Professor's rule book. No one asked if his information was true, they'd all seen the look on Snape's face. It was no doubt going to be all over school by lunch.
Harry continued making his potions, ignoring everyone who was trying to catch his eye, and actually ended up finishing early. Harry looked around the room, everyone else was bend over their cauldron, someone sat up straight across the room. Harry looked over to see who else had finished, Malfoy was too looking around the room. When he caught Harry's eyes, Malfoy sent him a glare, which Harry returned with a polite smile. The rest of class finished slowly, while Harry finished reading his book.
He looked up when he noticed many of the students putting their potions in to bottles and handing them to Snape. Harry stood up and did the same. He gave Professor Snape his bottle along with a nice smile, and went back to his seat. Harry packed up his things and followed the crowd as the other students left the classroom.
"Harry, that was brilliant!" Ron said, as they headed up stairs for lunch. "How did you ever find a copy of that rules book? I know you couldn't have found it in that library, I've seen it, its huge! Did Professor Dumbledore give it to you? That would be the type of thing he'd do, that man is crazy!" Harry silenced him with a glare.
"No Professor Dumbledore did not give me that book, I did find it in the library. I just happened to stumble across it one day while I was there." Harry explained as they stepped into the Great Hall. Hermione, sitting at the Gryffindor table, waved them over.
Harry and Ron sat down and Hermione immediately asked. "Harry, what is all this I'm hearing about you telling off Snape?"
Harry sighed as Ron when into an in-depth summary of what had happened. Harry ate in silence as Ron kept telling Hermione that he was sure Harry had gotten the book from Dumbledore. Hermione looked at Harry, who shook his head no, and went back to eating. Soon after Ron suddenly shut up, from, as Harry suspected, Hermione's glare.
He knew about how they were trying to be careful about what they said around him, they were trying hard to keep him out of his depression state. But to Harry it was almost a game, he knew he'd suffer from depression after his fifth year, and he had come to terms with that. But Harry also knew the one way to keep his friends from probing him with questions every time he fell silent or did something by himself, was to pretend as though he was coming out of his depression state, and he just needed time to think. Sometimes he'd be in a good mood and unable to hide it, and he'd show how happy he was. It always made Ron and Hermione feel better, and think that they were doing their jobs. Harry smiled to himself, he really couldn't have asked for better friends.
Lunch passed and Ron told anyone who'd listen about Harry's telling off Snape. Harry and Ron headed to Defense against Dark Arts. Harry passed the time by taking notes from his book, not the DADA school book, but his new book, about the wizards and witches. He tried to picture how he was going to do the spell, but it wasn't the same. But still the time passed quickly.
In Charms he spent daydreaming about how Neesm was holding up and kept checking the Marauder's map for anyone going into the classroom. He'd also though up a few spells he wanted to try and make, a more powerful shield that would protect him from all spells. He thought about an excuse he could use to go see Neesm, and how to keep Ron and Hermione from tagging along. He looked up suddenly, when everyone rose from their chairs, and headed to the door. Harry followed in suite, as Ron talked about the new spell they'd learn. Harry of course already knew the spell, but he made sure not to burst Ron's bubble.
Harry suddenly stopped right in his tracks. He turned to Ron who was looking at him with an odd expression and said. "Ron! I just for got something! I'll meet up with you in the Great Hall." Harry sped off in the opposite direction, before Ron could say anything. Harry ran top speed to the portrait of fruit. His breath was controlled, as though he had walked casually down the hall, as he tickled the giant pear. The Portrait opened and Harry stepped in to the kitchens.
Elves were scurrying everywhere trying to get ready for dinner. Harry looked around, and saw no familiar face. He called out. "Does anyone know where Dobby is?" A few of the elves stopped and one even went around the corner to fetch Dobby. Harry politely refused the food offerings the other elves made him, and he pulled Dobby, when he arrived, out into the hall.
"Harry Potter! How are you doing?" Dobby asked happily.
"Dobby, I need a favor." Harry said as he looked around him. Dobby looked up at him with his wide eyes, shinning with joy at the thought of doing a favor for his friend.
"Anything Harry Potter wants, Dobby will do!" He nearly shouted.
"All right, I need you to go to this classroom every night and leave three frogs in the classroom. When you get to this classroom you have to say a password, its on the paper. Just tell it to the armor and he will step aside. Then you can enter the room." Harry explained as he handed Dobby a piece of parchment. The elf nodded enthusiastically, at a loss for words. "And Dobby, please, don't tell anyone about this. I can be our secret."
Dobby nodded again, and finally found his voice. "Thank you Harry Potter! I am so happy you trust Dobby this much!"
Harry smiled and said. "I've got to get to dinner. See you later Dobby."
Dobby smiled. "Yes, see you later!" and with that he disappeared back into the kitchens, with a huge smile on his face and tucking the paper under his hat. Harry hurried to dinner and hoped no one went out looking for him.
Hermione and Ron were have a quiet conversation, as they sat next to each other and didn't notice Harry sit down across from them.
"Hi guys." He said as he place some food on his plate. Hermione and Ron both jumped at the sound of his voice, and turned to look at him.
"Harry, where have you been?" Hermione asked, staring at him.
"I remembered that I left something in Charms, and I had to go back and get it, then I ran into Dobby. I kind of got hung up talking to him." Harry explained, Hermione looked like she was going to say something but Ron shushed her up. Harry watched the two of them, as they started another conversation, and he realized they must have been going out for a few months now. Neither Ron nor Hermione were too shy to hold hands under the table or openly give each other departing kisses. He also realized that he wasn't jealous nor did he feel left out, as he was betting they both though he would be. Harry went back to eating and hurriedly got up.
"Where are you going? Eager to get your homework done?" Hermione asked, approval laced through shock.
Harry laughed. "No, I'm going to go running. I've just started to run at night along with in the morning, and this morning I forgot so I got to head out now." Harry explained, Hermione looked slightly disappointed but told him not to get into any trouble. Harry smiled a thanks and headed up to the dorm. Once there he changed into a pair of running pants and a muscle shirt and headed back out. By this time a few people was back from dinner, and some girls openly stared at Harry as he made his way to the door, no doubt wondering if that really was the boy-who-lived.
Harry hurried down the hall and stopped at the armor. He said the password and quickly stepped inside. He heard a frog croak and knew that Dobby had all ready done what he'd asked him to. He smiled and lit the one candle on the wall.
"Harry?" A voice asked from the darkness.
"Yeah, Neesm. It's me. I see, or rather I hear that my friend has already come by with your dinner." Harry asked as he sat down on the comfortable grass.
"Yeah, who was that? He nearly scared me half to death." Neesm said as he slithered out of his hiding place and curling up on Harry's knees.
"That was Dobby the house elf." Harry told him.
"Was he the one who tried to stop you from going to school in your second year?" Neesm asked.
Harry laughed. "Yeah, he was." Neesm laughed with him. Harry told Neesm about his day, and what had happened in Snape's class. Neesm roared with laughter at that part. It was well passed eight when Harry stood up.
"I've got to get going, I'll see you tomorrow." Harry said.
"All right, See you. Night!" Neesm said, as he crawled back into his hiding place.
"Night!" Harry called over his shoulder as he opened the door and left. He passed by a bathroom and made sure to splash a little water on his face, then he sprinted all the way up to the Gryffindor tower. He told the portrait the password, and climbed through the opening.
"Have a good run, Harry?" Neville asked, when he saw Harry.
"Uh, yeah. How'd you know I went running?" Harry asked, as he sat down next to him on the sofa, breathing heavily.
"A few girls have been talking about you all night. Hermione left about fifteen minutes ago, said that the girls wee getting on her nerves." Neville said, over the top of his transfiguration book. Harry looked around the room, finally noticing the girls that were staring at him. When they realized he noticed them a few of them pretended that they hadn't been staring, while others, much to Harry's amazement, waved at him. He sent a smile in their direction and turned to Neville.
"Thanks, have you seen Ron?" Harry asked. Neville pointed over to the fireplace, and returned to his book.
Harry walked over and tapped the sleeping Ron on his shoulder. Ron's eyes snapped open, and he jumped. Harry laughed and took the chair next to him. Ron looked around and saw Harry laughing at him.
Ron scowled at him. "What?"
Harry chuckled and said. "You should have seen your face." Then he started off laughing again. Ron struggled not to laugh, but ended up failing, and laughing hysterically with Harry.
Ron struggled to recompose himself, and he asked. "Are we still doing the D.A. meetings this year?" Dumbledore allowed them continued it in their sixth year, Dumbledore even allowed it to go on with out a supervisor and allowed them to work in a classroom, but they had said nothing of it continuing in their seventh year.
Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure, it matters if there are still people who want it to continue."
"Don't you want it to continue?" Ron asked him, looking his in the eyes.
"It doesn't matter if it continues or not, I'm still going to learn new spells and continue to try to beat Voldemort." Harry said plainly. Ron gaped at him.
"You've learned new spells?" He asked. "Are you going to teach them to us?"
Again, Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure, they're really hard to do. Most adults couldn't even do them." Ron's mouth fell open.
"I bet with some practice we could all do them too." Ron said, defensively.
Harry shook his head. "Don't go getting all huffed up. I'm just saying that the spells I've learned recently are very complicated. I've just barely got the hang of them." Harry said.
Ron rolled his eyes and said. "I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." Harry nodded to him and watched him head up to the dorms.
Harry shook his head again and turned back to the fire. He thought he saw something in the fire and almost thought it was Sirius, trying to communicate with him. But the more he watched the flames, he realized it was just the way the flames danced against the black background of the fireplace. Harry sighed, for a moment he forgot Sirius was gone. He stood up and went up stairs. He heard no noise coming from Ron's bed, and suspected he was still awake, and fuming over what Harry had said. Harry changed his clothes and got into bed. He lit his wand and settled down to do his homework.
It was well passed twelve when Harry finished his essays. He tossed them on his night stand and picked up his dreamless sleep potion. He took the right amount and snuggled under the blankets.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The days turned to weeks, and Harry and the other students fell into a schedule. Harry woke up at five, and hour before the others woke up and did his daily run around the Hogwarts' grounds. Then he was back and showered just as the others would wake. They'd go down to breakfast, and off to their classes and lunch. Then it was Dinner, after that Harry and Ron would go out side to practice Quidditch for an hour. Harry would then go 'running' and visit Neesm for a few hours. Then it was back to the tower to finish his homework, and then bed at midnight.
By the time the middle of November came, Harry was running low on his dreamless sleep potion. So while he was visiting Neesm, he started making his potion.