Chapter 9: The Return Of The Three Musketeers

Just as Harry suspected on the first night of term, this year was going to be interesting. His first Defense Against The Dark Arts lesson was one of the most fun he had in class since Lupin had been the teacher back in his third year. Just as Julia promised, she explained how she could communicate with Harry using Rosie.

The class was a lot smaller then normal classes, and for the first time they had assigned seating. Of course Julia had put him with Hermione, Harry figured that Rosie might have had a hand in this. Julia came into class in her normal jeans and shirt. At least this shirt was button up and not a T-shirt.

"Now, before we begin, I want all of you to repeat after me," she said as she sat on her desk. "Julia!"

"Julia," the class echoed.

"Good, because that is my name, not Professor, not Mrs. So and So, and NOT Professor Julia. I'm only 26 and I don't want to think I'm that old," she smiled, as the room laughed at her forwardness. Harry couldn't believe how young she was and he soon heard some of the Slytherin and Gryffindors make comments.

"Maybe she could make a man out of me," Harry heard Seamus whisper to Ron. The two laughed until they saw Harry glare at them. He didn't know why but Harry felt a sense of loyalty to Julia. In a short period of time she proved to be the one adult who seemed to listen to him and not treat him like some damn kid. He chalked it up to them being closer in age then the rest of the order.

"Oh Mr. Finnigan, I wont be making you a man this year so you can stop trying, and before you start laughing Mr. Weasley doing it on a broom is most uncomfortable and I strongly recommend against it," said Julia with her back to the class. The rest of the class exploded with laughter. Both Seamus and Ron turned bright red. "And no Mr. Malfoy I don't want to know why Slytherin boys do it better, and if you think the snake reference is cute, think again," continued Julia. Now it was Seamus and Ron's turn to laugh, while Malfoy turned a very bright red. Finally Julia faced the class, "Now you all are probably wondering how did she do it? Well, I'll tell you . . . Rosie!" Within seconds, Rosie came soaring through the window and landed on a perch next to Julia's desk. "Can anyone tell me what type of creature this is?" Everyone turned and looked at Hermione who wasn't paying attention.

"Umm she's a Founding Eagle, or an Original Eagle, and in some circles called an Elder. They use to roam free in Europe until witches and wizards started to abuse them. They migrated to the States where the local tribes respected their powers and looked to them for wisdom," said Harry. Everyone in the room looked shocked even Hermione gave him a look.

"Well done, 20 points to Gryffindor," Julia said impressed with Harry's knowledge of the bird. "Can anyone tell me how this Eagle is different from normal birds?" This time Hermione raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Granger."

"An Original Eagle, shares many qualities of the Phoenix. Their tears bring healing powers. They can carry up to almost two hundred times their weight. However, an Original Eagle is telepathic, it can communicate with humans and allow humans to communicate with each other through them. What makes an Original Eagle the most sought after bird besides the Phoenix is their feathers and the fact that no spell or weapon can hurt them. Only when an Eagles head is cut off can they die. Today any Original Eagle left in existence is considered one of the wised magical creature left, do to how long they've been alive. Some Original Eagles have been known to be seers as well." Hermione finished and put her head back down.

"Very impressive, 30 points to Gryffindor. Now for this term you will be learning several things. One, how magical creatures like Rosie can help you in a fight against the Dark Arts, and two, because Rosie can't be hurt with any spells, you will be harnessing your dueling skills with her." The rest of the lesson was spent with everyone trying to learn how to communicate with Julia through Rosie. As the class was leaving Julia called Harry up to the front.

"How did I do?" Julia said nervously.

"That was the best lesson I ever had," said an excited Harry.

"Really? Wonderful! Oh I was wondering if you needed any help with the quidditch team? I heard you were named captain of the Gryffindor squad and I just wanted to offer." Asked Julia.

"Really? That would be great! I'm having try outs in a week, will you come and help me run it?" an excited Harry asked.

"Of course! Hey you better be off, you'll miss Transfigurations," instructed Julia. Harry picked up his belongs and waved goodbye to her as he left the room he heard Julia say something to Rosie. "He reminds me of James. I know both he and Lily would be very proud of him," said Julia. Harry stopped for a moment, and looked back at the classroom. Julia had known his parents. He was about to go back and ask her about it but realized how late he would be to his next class.

A week later Harry was stand on the quidditch pitch watching Ginny fly circles around the rest of the chasers. Ron had gotten more confidences with his goal keeping and surprisingly, Seamus and Dean made pretty good beaters. A fourth year girl and fifth year girl were chosen as the two chasers to accompany Ginny. She had mentioned to Harry that these girls were very good and trained with Katie Bell all summer. Once the tryouts were done, Harry told everyone to head back up to the castle, he, Ron and Julia stayed behind for a bit to talk about the new team.

"Speed is going to be your greatest strength, and I don't mean broom speed either. Ginny and the other two chasers are very quick with decisions and all three have great hands, but they could have even better ones if they work on it. They should be passing to each other everyday, if they can. The closer they become in understanding each other the better of you'll be Harry, same with Seamus and Dean." Julia said as they packed up all the equipment.

"Some of those plays you were showing us seem hard, who's going to call them out?" asked Ron.

"Well since you see most of the field most likely you, Harry will be busy looking for the snitch, most goalies are the on field captains," explained Julia.

"Do you mind Harry?" asked Ron nervously.

"Not at all, you're perfect for the job," Harry said clasping Ron on the back. Just then Harry felt a chill run through his body. He looked over in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.

"You all right mate?" asked Ron, who had noticed Harry staring off in the distance.

"Just thinking about the battle," said Harry.

"Don't dwell on that now Harry, let's wait till Christmas before we begin to think about that." Said Julia has they continued to walk towards the castle.

The next day, the three chasers were walking the halls throwing the quaffle back and forth. They even got fancy and by the end of the day were doing no look passes. Dean and Seamus were quizzing each other on different situations with the bludgers. Even Harry arranged to practice with Julia twice a week to learn better maneuvering techniques. Everything seemed to be going a lot better then last year, Harry thought the only thing that would make it better would be Hermione talking to him.

The following week passed a little slower then the previous, Harry was knee deep in homework and without Hermione's help, he had to spend extra time to make sure he'd get good grades. The middle of the week did bring an interesting event, Harry, Hermione and Ron were all walking into the Great Hall to have lunch when Malfoy ran right into Harry. As the two made contact Harry could feel Malfoy slip him a piece of parchment.

"Watch where you're going, scar head!" hissed Draco. Both Hermione and Ron were too shocked to say anything back.

"That ungrateful git after all we did," started Ron.

"Shh!" said Harry. He grabbed both Hermione and Ron and pulled them out of the Great Hall and into a secluded corner. "Listen I forgot to tell you something," whispered Harry as he looked around to make sure no one was listening. "Malfoy is spying for us along with the other eight Slytherin. But in order to gain back everyone's trust he has to keep up the rivalry between him and us. He ran into me to give me this note." Harry showed them the piece of parchment in his hand.

"What does it say," an impressed Harmione asked. Harry opened it and read it quick.

"They're in," whispered Harry. "Come on let's grab some lunch." The three walked back into the Great Hall and Harry gave Malfoy a small nod of understanding. The three finished lunch and then Harry and Hermione headed to potions while Ron went to muggle studies. Harry had noticed Hermione slowly warming back up to him, instead of just out right ignoring him she'd talk politely to him in conversations or in class. It was obvious to all the Gryffindors that something wasn't right with them. Everyone including Ginny approached Harry. Harry was doing some studying in the big common room, knowing the Hermione was in their common room, when Ginny approached him.

"Harry, can I ask you a question?" Ginny said from across the desk.

"Of course," Harry had no clue what she was about to ask.

"Why aren't you an Hermione talking?" Ginny said bluntly.

"It's kind of complicated," Harry said hoping Ginny would drop the subject.

"Well why don't you just say you're sorry?" Ginny made it sound so easy.

"It's a little more complicated then that. I really don't think Hermione wants to talk to me," said Harry looking down at his homework.

"I don't know you'd be surprised how much a heart felt apology means to people," Ginny said as she packed up her belongs.

"I'll try and keep that in mind Ginny, thanks," said Harry. He thought for a moment about what she had said. Maybe she was right, maybe Hermione was just waiting for him to apologize and that's why she still hasn't talked to him. He quickly packed up his stuff and headed for his room. He stepped through the portrait and looked around. She had gone to bed. Harry's shoulders slumped as he slowly walked over towards his room.

Harry didn't have to wait too much longer. The morning finally arrived for his delivery. His plan was to wait until Hermione and Ron had left, and then make his way down to breakfast. He heard Ron knocking on his door.

"Harry you coming down to breakfast?" he asked from the other side of the door.

"I'll be down later," said Harry as he was putting on his pants. He waited five more minutes until he was sure that both Hermione and Ron had left. Harry felt like it was Christmas. He put on his best looking uniform and headed down to the Great Hall. He stopped and stood by the entrance hidden in shadow. He decided to wait until the owls had arrived then run up the steps to make it look like he was just coming down to breakfast. He stood by the door for what seemed like five minutes, though it was only two. The owls made their way through the hall but Harry didn't see the snowy owl, panic set in. Did he write down the right date, did the shopkeeper forget to send her, did the new bird get lost? His palms began to get sweaty he couldn't take another day of Hermione not talking to him. Just then a hint of white made it's way into the hall. It was her! Harry took a deep breath and watched in excitement as the bird landed in front of Hermione. All the Gryffindors watched as Hermione read the card then stood up to see where Harry might be sitting. Harry quickly made his way to the staircase. He ran up the first flight of stairs then turned around and slowly took each step.

"HARRY!" Hermione cried from the bottom of the stairway. Her face was glowing, Harry's breath caught in his throat as he stared into her beautiful face. They stood there a moment before Hermione ran up the remaining steps and just threw herself at Harry giving him a big hug.

"Oh Harry!" she said in his ear. "I'm sorry I haven't been talking to you, it was so hard. There were so many times I just wanted to turn to you and talk about how our days went. I also saw how hard you were working on homework and I felt so bad." She pulled away from him, but still held on to his arms.

"Hermione, I'm so sorry about what I did. You trusted me not to hurt you but—"

"Harry, you could never hurt me. Besides lets not talk about it, I just want my friend back," she gave him another hug. "Let's promise never to fight like that again," she said in a low whisper that made Harry feel light headed.

"I promise," Harry said in a low husky voice, which sent shivers down Hermione. They parted from the hug again but were only inches a part. Harry could feel Hermion's breath become heavy. They stood there staring at each other for a moment until a noise from the Great Hall broke the spell.

"You must be hungry," said Hermione trying to recompose herself. The two friends walked into the Great Hall and when they sat down the whole Gryffindor table stared at them. The two gave everyone a smile and the whole table knew the friends had made up.

Harry was in a great mood for the rest of the day, he and Hermione sat next to each other in every class and caught up on the last two weeks. Harry did notice Hermione staying after class to talk to Julia but didn't think anything of it. He collapsed on to the couch in their common room once he was done with quidditch practice. He noticed a note left for him and Ron on the table next to the fire.

Dear Harry & Ron,

When you've cleaned up meet me in Julia's classroom, I have a surprise!

Hermione

Ron walked through the portrait and was heading towards his room when, Harry called out.

"Hey Ron, what's this note about?" asked Harry.

"What note?" Ron looked like he was hiding something.

"This one, we're supposed to meet Hermione in Julia's classroom."

"Well I don't know just clean up and we'll find out." Ron said as he gave Harry a wink. What are they up too, thought Harry.

Twenty minutes later Harry and Ron we're walking down to Julia's classroom. Ron wouldn't give Harry any hints about what was going on but he told Harry to just enjoy it. When they reached the door Ron knocked twice.

"Come in," said Hermione. Ron opened the door to let Harry in first.

"SURPRISE!" yelled the group of people. Hagrid, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Julia, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hermione were all there smiling at him.

"But it's not my birthday, mind happened already," said a shocked Harry.

"We know Harry but with all the happened over the summer we wanted to throw you and Hermione a birthday party," said Hagrid as he handed over a large piece of parchment to Harry.

"What's this?" asked Harry.

"I wanted ya to become a co-caretaker of a certain animal that now resides next to my hut." Said Hagrid giving Harry a wink.

"Really," an excited Harry asked.

"Dumbledore managed ter get her off of the death charge," smiled Hagrid. Harry grabbed the papers and saw Buckbeaks name at the top. He signed under Hagrid's name then noticed that Hermione and Ron's signatures were both on there. The four Weasley's now stepped forward.

"Well now that we're the money bags of the family," said George who quickly was slapped in the back of the head by Mrs. Weasley.

"We got Harry a two year subscription to Quidditch Monthly, and Hermione a gold chain tag for her new owl," said Fred handing Hermione the box with the tag and Harry the September issue of Quidditch Monthly.

"All you have to do is say the owls name and the tag will inscribe it," explained George who was rubbing the back of his head.

"Well, Professor McGonagall and I have wanted to give you this for a long time Harry and with the battle coming we figured this was the perfect time to give it to you." Dumbledore pulled out a dark blue majestic robe that reminded Harry of the one Julia wore the first night back at Hogwarts. It felt as soft as Hedwig's feathers, and when he put it on he felt warmth envelop his body.
"This robe used to belong to your father, it's the robe of the Order Of The Phoenix," explained McGonagall. "When you wear this you're impervious to any weather, cold, hot, rain and snow. It also protects you from minor charms and hexes. The most important thing it does is alert other Order members who are wearing their robe if you're in trouble and they can apparate right to you."

"We also have your mothers robe and wanted to ask your permission if we could give it to Hermione," added Dumbledore.

"I think my Mum would love it," Harry said while giving Hermione a smile.

"Oh Harry, I can't take this," said Hermione.

"You can take it and if you don't I'll be very offended," smiled Harry.

"Oh don't worry Ronnie we had one made for you," Fred said as handed Ron his new robe. Everyone laughed and began to dig into the cake that Julia had got from Honeydukes. She didn't have time to get him a gift so she told him if there was anything he could think of or needed, to let her know and she'd get it. Once everyone was eating their cake and enjoying themselves, Hermione took Harry aside to talk to him.

"I meant to give this to you on your actual birthday but with everything that happened I forgot. Happy Birthday Harry," Hermione smiled. She handed him a small box. Harry opened it to find a golden Snitch with the engraving of "To: HP Love, HG."

"I love it!" whispered Harry. "Thank you!" He gave her a hug. This was one of the best days Harry had, had in a long time. It felt good to have his friends back and to enjoy being at Hogwarts again.