Defence against the Dark arts was actually rather dull this year for Harry and his friends. Not as dull as last year, nothing could be as dull as it had been last year but it was still boring! The new defence against the dark arts teacher was old...very old. He was short, rather skinny and frail looking. He looked like he would snap at the slightest breeze but the teacher had already shown he was tough when Pavarti had accidentally hit him with a curse that threw him into Hermione. Well, maybe that was more of a test for Hermione then the teacher. His name was Lou Jefferson. Harry had never heard of him before but apparently he was quite famous. Hermione obviously knew who he was because when he first came she was getting excited about meeting the famous Lou Jefferson. Hermione listened carefully as Professor Jefferson spoke about his adventures in Africa fighting dark wizards. Unlike Lockhart, Jefferson's adventures sounded real and reasonable. They were learning the practicalities or trying to learn about how to defend yourself against a Vampire. They'd already learnt how to protect themselves from Goblins, a few of the smaller trolls and now they were on Vampires.
"So as I faced this Vampire I could feel that his fellows were surrounding me in the shadows. I didn't feel scared though I had realised I was in a trap, does anyone know what they would do in a situation where they are surrounded by Vampires?" Jefferson asked the class. He turned to look at them. Hermione's hand went straight up. Jefferson smiled. "Shall we leave it a few more minutes to see if the rest of the class can answer Miss. Granger?" He asked
"Yes sir" Hermione muttered. Jefferson looked around. Harry felt he should know this. Why should he know this? Oh yeah, some of his Defence books. Harry put his hand up slowly.
"Yes, Mr. Potter." Jefferson said.
"Um should you not make any sudden movements and try not to anger the Vampires?" Harry asked slowly.
"Yes, if you are faced in a situation where it's fight or die with Vampires. Don't fight but there is a way you can get away from them without dying. If you make any sudden movements Vampires will judge you to be a threat and are likely to attack you sooner then they intend, you want to try and fend them off as long as possible." Jefferson said as he paced around the room. "Now, there is a temporary defence that can be used but only the most skilled of Wizards can actually do it. It is possible to fend off Vampires using a patronus but only as a temporary defence, unlike Dementors Vampires can feel happiness though very rarely."
"Sir! But if they can feel happiness then surely they aren't effected." Padma Patil asked. Pavarti glanced up at her sister briefly. Everyone who had been in the DA were in this class, even Neville, which surprised some people. Harry was secretly very pleased that Neville was in the class.
"They are because they do partially feed on fear and sadness, a little like Dementors but Vampires can only truly stay alive if they feed on blood." Jefferson said. He was about to start again when the bell rang. "I would like you to write four feet on how to repel a Vampire and the best forms of defence. Harry Potter may I speak to you briefly." Jefferson said. Harry looked at Hermione and Ron.
"We'll see you in the common room." Ron said. Harry nodded. He walked to Jefferson's desk once the room was empty.
"Professor." He said. Jefferson looked at Harry.
"I have been informed that you received full marks in your defence Against the Dark Arts OWL." Jefferson said. Harry looked at Jefferson surprised. "Don't look so surprised, I'm sure many people expected you to get full marks. I just wanted to offer my congratulations. I just found out today, I believe you beat Miss. Granger who got nearly full marks in all her OWLs." Jefferson said.
"T-Thank you sir." Harry stammered. Jefferson smiled and tilted his head slightly.
"I would like that essay well done and on time please." He said picking up his things then going to his office. Harry turned quietly and seemed to make his way to the common room automatically. Full marks? Wait until Hermione heard about this! He smiled slightly as he pictured Hermione's face when he told her. Harry said the password and stepped into the common room. There were a few students gathered around the notice board. Harry took no notice and went to where Hermione was holding Ron back from pouncing on Orion. Orion was pulling faces at Ron and laughing.
"Ron, he's just a kid." Hermione said.
"Yeah a kid!" Orion said defiantly.
"I don't care!" Ron said.
"What's happened?" Harry asked strolling over. He pulled his bag off his shoulder.
"Stupid kid is bugging me!" Ron snapped at Orion. Orion chuckled. Harry put his bag on Orion's shoulder.
"Be a good boy and put this in my room" Harry said patting Orion's head. Orion scowled.
"No!" He said.
"Now or I'll tell them about Ginny." Harry said in a loud whisper. Hermione giggled slightly. Orion's eyes widened.
"What about Ginny?" He asked. Harry looked at the other two and whispered to Orion.
"That you loooove her" He said drawing out the 'O' in love. Orion rushed towards the boy's dormitories. Harry and Hermione laughed as Hermione let go of Ron. Ron straightened his uniform.
"Stupid kid!" He muttered. "What about Ginny?" He asked.
"Oh, you know that parchment you found." Harry said, "turns out it could be true." He said casually.
"What did Jefferson want?" Hermione asked as they all sat down.
"Oh, I got full marks on my Defence against the Dark arts OWL." Harry said smugly. Hermione's mouth dropped open as Harry thought it would. She gaped for a few moments while Ron grinned.
"Well done!" He said clapping Harry on the shoulder.
"Well I only expected it, I mean you're wonderful at Defence against the dark arts." Hermione said. Harry smiled. He looked over to the notice boards as the number of students around it started to grow.
"What on earth is all that about?" Harry muttered. Ron glanced over.
"Oh, Bo and Cho feel like organising a ball. They're getting the entire school to vote on it." Ron said. Harry nodded his head slowly.
"I really don't want to have to go to the ball. I was really hopeless." Harry said.
"That's not what I heard." Hermione said. Harry looked at her. "Rhia has a thing for praising you." She said simply. Ron glanced at Hermione quickly. Harry knew that the fight after the Yule Ball was probably going through his head. Ron had sometimes asked Harry what that meant.
"What's that supposed to mean? 'Ask me before someone else does and not as a last resort'? I didn't ask her as a last resort" Ron would always say. It still bugged Ron to this day and he just didn't understand it.
"I really don't want a ball." Ron muttered. Hermione snapped his gaze at him.
"Why not?" Hermione asked.
"Because I can't dance." Ron said. Hermione smiled slightly.
"It's fine, dancing can be learnt." Hermione said. Ron went slightly red. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Would you like me to leave you two alone?" Harry asked pretending to get up. Both Ron and Hermione gave him looks to stay. Harry laughed and sat down. "Are you two going out yet?" He asked. Both Hermione and Ron went red.
"Well...um..." Ron spluttered, he looked at Hermione.
"Um, well, Ron hasn't exactly asked me properly have you?" Hermione asked Ron. Ron shrugged and stayed quietly. Harry couldn't help laughing. It was a sort of relief not to be going out with Hermione any more but he did feel a bit lonely. He missed having someone to confide in, no matter what.
"KAYLEE!" Rhia screamed
"JESSIE!" Emma shouted. "Get your arses over here NOW!" Harry felt something hit his head.
"Ow." He muttered. He looked down and saw Rhia's notebook in his lap. He frowned and picked it up. Rhia had managed to catch Jessie but Kaylee was running to the crowd.
"Where's the notebook?" Rhia asked. Jessie shrugged and grinned. Hermione looked at Harry with curiosity. Harry quickly put the notebook in his pocket. He'd always wanted to read Rhia's notebook. She'd never let him, he was curious to see what she was hiding from him.
"Aren't you going to give it back?" Ron asked.
"Later," Harry said. Hermione gave him a disapproving look. Harry shrugged, what could he do?
"We threw it at Harry!" Kaylee shouted.
"Harry." Rhia said walking towards him. Harry turned around and saw Rhia behind him.
"Good evening Rhia." He said with a smile. Rhia gave him a tired look.
"Have you got my note book?" She asked. Harry pretended to look confused. "Kaylee said you had it."
"No, don't know where it is." Harry lied. Rhia closed her eyes and turned to her sisters.
"Where is it?" she asked.
"We don't know!" Kaylee said. She glanced at Jessie. "Can we go now? We have plans." She said.
"What kind of plans?" Hermione asked suspiciously. Jessie and Kaylee gave her identical innocent smiles.
"Nothing." Kaylee said sweetly.
"What are you up to?" Hermione asked, standing up. Kaylee and Jessie went to her and hugged her.
"You know we love you, right?" Kaylee asked.
"Jaylee!" Rhia snapped. Kaylee and Jessie turned to look at Rhia.
"Yes?" Kaylee asked.
"What are you planning?" Rhia asked. Kaylee looked at Rhia and they seemed to exchange a silent conversation.
"I am afraid it is not our place to disclose such information at this moment in time, if you would like to get more information please consult either Orion Black or Mei-Ling Chang. Good evening." Kaylee said in a voice that did justice to April's official sounding voice. Kaylee did a very good impression. Jessie grabbed her hand and pulled Kaylee out of the common room.
"Wait!" Rhia shouted. Emma held Rhia back.
"Leave them, it's your brother's fault if they get into trouble." Emma said,
"But it's my fault for not controlling them." Rhia said, "do you even remember what happened when they got expelled from their muggle school?!" Rhia asked, she was starting to sound slightly panicked.
"It's alright Rhia." Harry said, "So what where you guys up to?" He asked.
"I was writing a song." Rhia muttered, "It was in my notebook."
"Are you ever going to perform for us?" Ron asked.
"Never" Rhia said as Emma said "Of course" She gave Ron a wink that made Ron look away. Rhia and Emma had to stifle laughs.
"Well if we see it we'll tell you." Hermione said.
"Thanks." Rhia said, "See you Harry." Rhia said with a smile.
"Bye" Harry said. Rhia and Emma went up the stairs to their dorm room.
"She fancies you so badly." Hermione said.
"She does?" Harry asked. "Come on, lets go and read this notebook." He said getting up and dragging Ron and Hermione up the stairs to the boy's dormitory.
James took some deep breaths as he stood at the podium ready to make his speech. He wished Lily was there. In the past every time he needed to make some kind of speech Lily was always there. He looked to the side and saw April standing at the side of the stage, three aurors were patrolling the room and the magical law enforcement officers were keeping an eye on things. The room was filled with reporters and other people of importance. James looked down at the notes of the announcement he had to make. He saw Rita Skeeta in the crowd. Since Hermione's ban on her writing had ended Rita Skeeta had been buzzing around the Ministry, literally. James had put a spell on his office and April had on hers. A few things had seeped into the Prophet but James was working hard to keep rumours to a minimum.
"Alright James." Said his undersecretary. James nodded and looked at the reporters again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I have called this press meeting to announce some new developments in the fight against Voldemort." There was a collective shudder from everyone but James and April. "As of six o'clock this evening all fireplaces on the Floo Network will be removed. The use of the Floo Network will result in a thousand galleon fine and three months work in fighting against Voldemort. If there appears to be people still using the Floo network it will be closed and the sale of Floo Powder will be carefully regulated." A few flashes lit up the room from the cameras. James could see April looking slightly edgy and she was keeping a keen eye on the room.
"In addition to this, every single wizarding family will be required to register themselves and their kin to the Ministry by the new year. All Muggle born students in the magical schools of Britain will be accounted for and protection will be given to the families of these muggle borns. The Auror Department will be issuing a new initiative to capture Death Eaters and there will be more information going out to families on how to protect themselves from Voldemort and his followers." James said, he looked straight ahead.
"Minister Potter!" Rita Skeeta said.
"Please leave questions until the end please." Some one said. Rita Skeeta ignored him.
"Is it true that your son, Harry, is still...sensing You-know-who?" She asked.
"Please, call him Voldemort, that is his name after all and I am not authorise to disclose such information" James said, he was about to continue when Rita Skeeta persisted.
"But he is your son." She said.
"Yes but it is his decision as to whether such information is shared, will you please leave any further questions until the end." James said sternly.
"But do you think that Harry Potter will be able to finally help us in defeating the Dark Lord?" Rita Skeeta asked, an iciness was in her voice. The reporters all waited eagerly for James' reply. James glared at Rita Skeeta.
"Miss. Skeeta-"
"Call me Rita" she said.
"Miss. Skeeta, if I did not think that my son could defeat Voldemort I would not be minister." James said, "I am working my hardest to aid my son and to give him what support I can. I would appreciate it if he could get support from others but after the action of the public over the past year and that damage you inflicted two years ago it is proving very difficult and his Morale is low. I would appreciate it if my son was not talked about." James said. He continued his announcements, eventually declaring a state of emergency. He was bombarded with questions about Harry and how he was coping. It seemed many people were still highly sceptical over Harry's abilities. James was getting gradually frustrated. Why could people not understand that Harry was only sixteen. He wasn't some miracle child. Eventually it got too much...for April. She held up her wand and let out a gunshot like bang. Everyone went silent.
"If anyone has any sensible questions please ask them, the minister is very busy and does not have the time to talk about his personal affairs." She snapped. No more reporters said anything.
"If you require any information on this state of emergency please contact the Law enforcement offices. One last measure that we would like to urge people to follow. We desperately need to update our records of Werewolves and other wizards that may be part something else. Please could they see the Magical Creatures office as soon as they possibly can, thank you." James said before stepping down. He started down the steps off the podium. April joined him as reporters crowded around them.
"Minister Potter. Why do you need the names of werewolves-"
"Minister Potter will there ever be a full enquiry into what happened in June."
"Minister Potter-" James and April marched into a room and everything suddenly fell quiet.
"Silence." James sighed. April turned to James.
"We have a lot to do James." She said seriously.
"I know. April, you carry on with what you were doing. If you see Sirius tell him I want to talk to him, in the mean while I have an hour off. I'm going to see Lily."
"James, you can't afford to take breaks anymore." April said slightly shocked and surprised.
"I'm the minister April, and you're in charge when I'm not here, it's only an hour. I want to see how Lily is coping and I want to see Harry and Emma." James said.
"Very well but I would suggest you quickly implement your new rules. The Floo department is still in havoc since you told them to close up shop." April said. James sighed.
"Fine, I'll see to the floo department." James muttered.
Harry sat on his bed. Ron and Hermione had decided that they didn't want to read Rhia's notebook. Harry was vaguely aware of Ginny and Dean in Dean's bed. All they were doing were kissing but it was still slightly disturbing. He opened the notebook to it's first page. It was a mass of scribbles. He turned the page and the pages were covered in Lyrics and a few chords. There were a few doodles of a guitar or a small note from Emma to Rhia then a reply. Harry flipped through the pages to the last one that had been written on. Harry's eyes went over the writing.
"In these eyes, more then words, more then anything that I've spoken." Harry read, "As the skies turn to grey my heart's about to crack open-"
"-So the story goesThere's something you should know
Before I walk away and blow the ending
And I never want to be without you
Oh no, here I go, now you know
What I feel about you,
There's no ending
I must have been wrong without you
Oh no there I go
No control
And I'm fallen
So now you know"Rhia slammed her fist on the keyboard.
"God, what is it this time?" Kara asked.
"I've forgotten the chords." Rhia muttered. "They're in my notebook."
"Then go and find your notebook." Emma said.
"I've tried, I can't find it." Rhia said.
"Did you try and summon it?" Kara asked.
"I'm rubbish at summoning spells." Rhia said. "You guys rehearse, I'm going to go and ask Harry again." She said.
"Alright, see you in a bit." Emma said with a smile. Rhia smiled and left the Room of Requirement. She ran to the common room and then up the stairs to Harry's room. She passed Ginny on the way up. She was straightening her skirt and smoothing her hair.
"Hey." Rhia said.
"Hi." Ginny said breathlessly.
"Is Harry up there?" Rhia asked.
"Yeah, on his bed." Ginny said. She gave Rhia a smile as Rhia ran up the stairs. Rhia went into the room and looked at Harry. She suddenly felt like being sick as she saw him reading her notebook.
"Harry!" Rhia snapped. Harry looked up.
"Hi." He said.
"What are you doing with this?" She asked, taking back the notebook. Harry shrugged.
"I was curious." He said, "Those are good songs, you write them?" He asked. Rhia blushed slightly.
"Yeah." She said.
"About anyone in particular?" Harry asked.
"Yeah." Rhia said.
"Who?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Why are you so interested?" Rhia asked. "They're just words."
"Come on Rhia." Harry said. Rhia shook her head. Harry pulled her onto his bed. "Why don't you want to tell me?"
"Because you know." Rhia said quietly. She looked at the duvet, it looked suddenly amazing! Harry's expression looked like a sudden mix of confusion.
"They're not about...me are they?" He asked. Rhia didn't answer. Harry seemed to take that as a yes. "Rhia, you know that I don't care about you like that."
"How do you know?" Rhia asked, "You've never tried have you? You've never noticed me, I'm just Rhia, someone you talk to. I probably know you better then anyone." She said. She felt tears in her eyes. "I've loved you since...well I don't know when but I've tried to get over you Harry, no one compares to you, they just don't!" She said. Harry frowned and wiped away a tear that fell down Rhia's face.
"Rhia, I know what you feel about me but it's just...I don't know. It would be weird, you're like my sister." Harry said
"But I'm not your sister" Rhia said. "I don't want to seem desperate but I don't understand why you don't go out with me, I've always been there for you." Rhia couldn't believe she'd just admit all that. Harry looked away for a moment. He glanced at Dean's bed, which was empty. He looked at Ron's bed as well before returning his gaze to Rhia. Rhia was looking at him, her dark brown eyes glittering with the tears. Harry scowled and wiped away Rhia's tears.
"I'm sorry Rhia." He whispered. Rhia tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She got up and started for the door of the room. She left the room and closed the door. She leant against it and wiped her eyes with her palm. He didn't love her like that then. Rhia hugged her notebook and sat on a step. She didn't want to think of it. A few boys went past her, giving her a strange look until eventually Bo came up the stairs.
"Hey." He said gently. "What's wrong?" Rhia shook her head. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. Rhia shrugged. Bo helped her to her feet. "Come on." He said.
"I don't understand boys." Rhia said frustrated. "I really don't understand." She said.
"What's happened?" Bo asked.
"I just told Harry I loved him." Rhia said. Bo sighed.
"You and I have the same problem." Bo said sadly. Rhia looked at him with a frown. "Both in love with a Potter that doesn't return our feelings." He said.
"Yeah I suppose. Why us?" Rhia asked. Bo shrugged. Rhia sighed and Harry's door opened.
"Rhia, I-" Harry stopped talking when he saw Bo, "Hi." He said.
"Hey Harry." Bo said. "Just talking to Rhia" He said.
"Oh, right, ok." Harry said. "Um, I'll talk to her later." He said turning around.
"No, I'm going," Bo said, "I'll talk to you later about your problem." He said to Rhia. Rhia nodded with a smile. Bo smiled at her and carried on up the stairs.
"Um, Rhia." Harry said awkwardly from the doorway. Rhia looked at Harry curiously. "Can I talk to you?" He asked.
"That is it Harry?" Rhia asked walking towards him. She just didn't want to talk to him at the moment.
"Um...I'm really sorry if I hurt you with what I said." He said.
"It's alright, I'm used to rejection." She said bitterly.
"No, seriously, I'm really sorry." Harry said. "And Hogsmeade weekend, I'll take you out and buy you a meal and something special, whatever you want." He said.
"No, it's fine Harry." Rhia said.
"No, Rhia, listen." Harry said, "I was out of order and I can't just let you feel annoyed with me. I'm going to take you out ok." It was more of an order then anything. Rhia couldn't help smiling and went to Harry, she kissed him quickly on the lips.
"Thanks." She said. Harry smiled.
"No problem." He said. "Just don't tell anyone or Hermione, Kara and Emma will be trying to get stuff out of me." He said with a wink. Rhia laughed slightly and shook her head.
"What are we going to do?" She said as a rhetorical question.
"Well, I was thinking we could maybe go-"
"Harry, you weren't supposed to answer." Rhia laughed. Harry bit his lips.
"Oops." He said. Rhia smiled. "Well, I'll let you get back to not spoiling the ending." He said. Rhia smiled. "And for the record, my friends don't think you're being difficult." Harry said, "and you'll get a happy ending." Rhia blushed bright red.
"You read that song did you?" She muttered.
"Everything." He said. Rhia cringed and Harry laughed. He hugged Rhia and she leant into him.
"Never read any of my stuff again." She said.
"Fat chance." Harry said. He let go of Rhia. "I've got homework to do" Rhia nodded and left the room, keeping her eyes on Harry.
"Still don't get them" She muttered to herself as she went down the stairs.
A/N:-I have something i want to say in advance....Sorry. You'll see why next chapter...I'm SOOOOOO sorry. Anyway, nice little bit between HArry and Rhia...Um...Yeah, that's all I can think of right now. Got my holidays now and I've managed to write 3 chapters today, WOO!! big up me! CAn't be bothered to write much of an A/N, i'm watching trailers for the Incredibles...Violette rocks!!