Chapter 24: Dumbledore's Army takes form

It felt weird to be back at Hogwarts, even Harry had to admit that he felt a strange sense of pride by being in the Order and didn't want to share the secret with anyone. But after a few days seeing the medallions peek out from behind people's robes reminded him that everyone at the school was important and that he shouldn't refuse anyone's help. Another strange event to come out of the holiday was the closeness Harry felt towards Padraig and Draco. They had been present when Harry confronted Dumbledore about Julia and when Moody proclaimed everyone's death, things Harry would have liked them not to see but so far they hadn't told a soul about anything that happened at Grimmauld Place. The only thing worrying Harry, besides the battle, was that Ron was beginning to suspect something between Draco and Ginny. To Harry's knowledge, Ginny still hadn't done anything with Draco. They were still friends but he could recognize the tension between them, the same tension he imagine everyone saw between he and Hermione. A smile crept across his face. Just the thought of Hermione could make him feel better, they had still yet to have some quality time alone but Harry was determined to fix that this semester. All these thoughts swam around in his head as he sat by the fire in their common room, when suddenly he felt something warm over his chest. A moment later Ron walked out of his room.

"Harry did you feel that?" he asked.

"Yeah what was – The medallions!" Harry quickly dug into his shirt and pulled the circle piece of silver out. He looked at the chest of Hogwarts on the one side then flipped it over. "Saturday – 3pm – Quidditch Stadium," was written on the back.

"Finally!" smiled Ron. The portrait to the common room flung open and Hermione came rushing in.

"Did you guys feel that?" she asked out of breath.

"Yeah, it's the medallion," explained Ron.

"Oh that's right," she exclaimed and pulled out the item. "Saturday – 3pm – Quidditch Stadium," she read out loud. "Must be a big meeting if it's at the quidditch pitch."

"I'm guessing it's all the people fighting in the actual battle. Well have to ask a third year when they're meeting is," said Harry as he stood up. "Hermione where is your bag?"

"Blast I left it in the library. Will you come with me to go get it," she smiled.

"Sure," said Harry as he put his shoes back on.

"Yeah find any excuses to go snogging," teased Ron.

"Oh Ron why don't you just go snog with Luna. You know you want to," grinned Hermione as Harry lead her out of the portrait.

"I just might!" he yelled after them. Once they were in the hallway Harry slung his arm around Hermione's shoulder just to make sure everyone knew she was his. They reached the library and found Hermione's bag but as she was packing everything up Harry noticed a row of books that lead to a dead end. He grabbed her and her bag and trapped them at the end of the row.

"I haven't had any time alone with you in a while," he flashed his boyish smile at her.

"Now Mr. Potter you don't expect me to shack up with you here in the library do you?" she gave him a seductive smile and just as Harry was about to lean in and kiss her brains out Hermione put her hand on his lips. "There is one thing I do want to talk with you about," her mood now serious. Harry pulled back thinking he had done something wrong.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Well its just – you see I've – oh bother," Hermione was getting frustrated with herself which to Harry made her even cutter.

"You can tell me anything Hermione," he said as he cupped her chin.

"I've never had a boyfriend before," she blurted out.

"I've never had a girlfriend before," said Harry, as he realized she might try and count Cho. "I don't count Cho, she wasn't a real girlfriend, nothing like this."

"Well I'm not very experienced when it come to these," she paused. "Things."

"What things?" Harry was clueless.

"The physical part of the relationship," she whispered.

"Oh," Harry now understood where Hermione was going. He himself had never thought beyond kissing and maybe going under her shirt but nothing else. "Well I don't know what to do either," he laughed, this made Hermione relax a little.

"Would you mind if we waited to um – well you know – until I'm ready," Harry could see the fear in Hermione's eyes. Did she really think he was going to be mad?

"Hermione I'll wait forever if it makes you happy. That's all I care about, you and I being happy together," he smiled at her.

"Good," she gave a relieved smile. "Now I do believe you owe me a kiss." Before she could finish her sentence Harry's lips had captured hers. He felt a rush of energy consume him. He kissed her harder pressing her against the bookshelf, her hands were weaving their way around his head. And just as the rush began to die down, the kiss began to become sweeter until they were just barley touching each other.

"How was that," Harry said out of breath.

"Wonderful," said Hermione who was also out of breath. They could hear people coming closer, which caused them to try and make it appear that they weren't making out just moments before. They quickly left the library and noticed people giving them looks which made them both laugh historically once they were in the hallway.

"Come on we should get back," said Harry as he took Hermione's hand. They were about to turn a corner when they heard hush voices talking.

"Why do you need his approval?" Harry and Hermione both gave each other looks and then peaked around the edge of the wall to see Draco and Ginny, in what appeared to be a heated discussion.

"Draco it's not that simple . . . he's still adjusting to Harry dating Hermione. Adding this I think would just make him become a bigger nutter then he already is," whispered Ginny. Hermione could see the guilt in Harry's face at Ginny's words.

"He's had the whole holiday to get use to it, plus he seems to have gotten over Granger with that loony Lovegood," said Draco as he turned away from her. "Ginny," his voice now full of tenderness. "I've been fed hatred all my life, and when it was just me and my mum – when she didn't have to put on a show for my father. She changed – no more hatred . . . just us," he stopped and Harry could tell he was getting upset from thinking about his mother.

"Draco I want to be with you," pleaded Ginny.

"Then be with me," he turned around. Ginny's eyes glistened in the candle light of the hallway. She was on the verge of tears.

"How can I?! Even if I told Ron and he was fine with it we'd still have to hide – just like we're doing now. Nothing will change, you'll still have to prove you're a Slytherin while I'll keep having to act like I hate you . . . I don't hate you," her whispers mixed with small sobs. Both Harry and Hermione felt horrible for watching these two people but the heartbreak of not being with the one you care about was what kept them there. However, the next thing they saw would completely catch them by surprise. Draco slowly walked up to Ginny and cupped her face between his hands. He slowly leaned down and gave her a very tender and loving kiss.

"Once the battle is over I promise no more hiding no more late night talks, just us," he whispered. A small smile appeared on Ginny's face as she looked up at Draco.

"I'll talk with Harry and Hermione and see if they have any idea's," she said as she began to walk in the direction of the people she had just mentioned. Harry and Hermione quickly walked away and down another hall away and back towards the library.

"What are we gonna do?" said Hermione nervously.

"There is no way Ron is going to take this well," said Harry as he began to pace.

"We have to do something. She's gonna be waiting for us when we get back," said Hermione who also started to pace. They continued to do this for another moment until Harry stopped.

"I got an idea come on," he grabbed her hand and started racing towards Gryffindor tower. Moments later they were safely in they're own common room and plopped down on the couch.

"So what was your plan?" asked Hermione turning to face Harry.

"This was it," Hermione gave him a look. "Getting in here before she got back." Hermione rolled her eyes and stood up. "What? It worked didn't it?"

"Harry she's gonna to ask us at some point. Whether its tonight or tomorrow she'll find a way," Hermione lowered her voice as she spoke and then pointed to Ron's door. "I mean the only way we can help her is to try and convince Ron that Draco isn't as bad as he thinks." It was Harry's turn to give Hermione a look.

"Malfoy is never going to give up teasing Ron and vice versa," said Harry as he ruffled his hair with one hand.

"Look if we start giving subtle hints that Malfoy has gotten better then maybe Ron will start to see it," said Hermione.

"Well when will all of us be in a place that we can point these things out?" as Harry finished the question he could already see the wheels turning in Hermione's head.

"Saturday."

Hermione had been right and the next day Ginny had been able to confront them about her problem. They told her they're plan and said they'd try and break the news as much as possible but if Ron confronted Ginny then she was on her own. The following day both Hermione and Harry had notes slipped to them from one of the Slytherins. Draco had written to thank them both for their help. Soon it was Saturday morning and Hermione and Harry both found themselves to be very nervous. Ron of course was oblivious to everything except Luna.

"You know if we got Luna to help us with the plan we might have a better shot," said Hermione as they walked to the quiddicth pitch.

"Let's try and talk with her after the meeting," said Harry. They entered the pitch to find what seemed like half the school, they were also several teachers and Aurors present. After a few minute Julia who was standing in the middle blew her whistle.

"Every body listen up! Can I have the 7th years up at the front, 6th year behind them, 5th behind them and the 4th years in the back? I just want you clumped together no need to form lines yet just make sure there is space between the different years!" she shouted. Once they had done that she pulled out a piece of parchment. "The following people please follow Madam Hooch to the other end of the stadium," but before she started reading a seventh year Ravenclaw raised their hand.

"What for Julia?" asked the girl.

"Oh those who I call will be part of the air squadron, lead by Madam Hooch," as she finished talking whispers erupted around the field. Julia soon began reading off names.

"CHO CHANG!"

"ROGER DAVIES!"

"ZACHARIAS SMITH!"

"She must be going by year?" said Ron as he leaned over to Harry. Before to long they were hearing names of their classmates.

"DRACO MALFOY!"

"Oh no! Not him!" complained Ron.

"You know Ron, he's actually a good flyer. It will help to have him in the air," explained Hermione.

"Yeah, but it also means I don't have to deal with him on the ground," smiled Ron.

"DEAN THOMAS!"

"Why haven't they called us?" asked Ron.

"They probably want us on the ground to face Voldemort," said Hermione.

"GINNY WEASLEY!"

"YEAH! Make Mum and Dad proud!" shouted Ron. Julia finished reading the names and about a hundred had been picked to fly. That group left and walked to the other end with Madam Hooch.

"Now some of you are probably wondering how can we meet in such a large group? There is a spell over the pitch right now that stops time once your enter. So when you leave make sure you go back to what you were doing. Only minutes will have passed in real time," she said as she took another piece of parchment out. "Now you all will be fighting on the ground and will be the biggest line of defense we have. There will be three lines of defense. The first row will be composed of mostly 7th and 6th years who are strangest in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The row behind them will compose of 5th and 4th years who are also strong in Defense. The last row, which will be the closest to the castle, will be a mixed group of people who are the strongest in charms. They will be providing recovery fire for the squadrons in the air. In each row will be five groups of twenty. Each group will have at least three adults assigned to it," she paused and looked at the confused faces of the students. "Let me try this again," she waved her wand and a giant chalkboard appeared. The chalk began to draw the Forbidden Forest on the left of the board and Hogwarts on the right with a large field in the middle. It then drew three vertical lines in the field. It also drew a group that was named "The Other Army."

"Three rows," she pointed to them then the chalk erased everything and drew five blocks, one on top of the other, so they were in a line. "In each row are five groups," Julia continued to explain. The chalk erased the blocks and drew five dots down and then added three dots to the back of the original five. Making it five groups of four. "In each group you will line up in this formation. Do we understand?" the group nodded their heads. "Okay professors will you help me get everyone in they're position."

By the time the trio made it back to Gryffindor tower everyone was exhausted. They had spent an hour practicing getting into their formation. Julia would have everyone go sit down and take a break and after a minute or so she'd blow her whistle and they'd have to run to positions. Harry had been put in the first row with the group in the very middle. He was even in the very first row in the middle for his group, which was lead by Julia of course. Ron had been to Harry's right in the same position. His group was lead by Lupin. Hermione was to Harry's left also in the same position. Her group was lead by Moody.

"So Dumbledore isn't even going to be on the field," said Ron as he sat down in the armchair.

"I think it's a good idea to have him and McGonagall be up in the tower so they can watch over everything and command us with a complete view of the battle field," said Hermione as she snuggled into Harry's arms.

"I gotta tell you I was impressed with the air squad. Malfoy was really taking control and helping everyone keep formation," said Harry who was trying to drop in hints about Draco.

"I just think it's gonna be weird hearing voices coming out of this thing," Ron said as he held up the medallion.

"You know Ginny and Draco will make great captains," smiled Hermione taking from Harry's cue.

"At least I'm not in Moody's group," said Ron who was still not paying attention to Harry and Hermione.

"RON!" snapped Hermione. "Haven't you been listening to anything we've said?"

"No what did you say?" asked Ron in an honest manner.

"Oh never mind," she said as she got up and headed for her bedroom. "I'm going to freshen up before dinner," and with that she closed the door.

"What did I do?" asked Ron.

"Nothing you don't normally do," laughed Harry. Ron just shrugged his shoulders then got up from his chair.

"Hey Harry, have you noticed anything going on between Ginny and Draco?" Ron was standing behind Harry now and luckily for Harry he didn't see his face.

"I don't know. Why do you ask?" Harry tried to sound as casual as possible.

"Oh I don't know, just a feeling when I see them together. Probably nothing. I'm gonna wash up."

"All right see you down stair," said Harry who was still frozen to the couch. Harry quickly washed up then headed down stairs hoping to catch Hermione, Ginny and Luna before Ron made his way down stairs. He entered the great hall and immediately spotted Luna, still reading her magazines upside down.

"Luna," he said as he made his way over to her. "Are you still meeting with Ron tonight to study?"

"Why yes," she said with a smirk on her face.

"Do you actually study or do you make out the whole time?" said Harry in a rather forward manner.

"Unfortunately only studying," she sighed.

"Well you're gonna need to start dropping hints tonight about Draco. I think Ron is beginning to suspect something," he said.

"All right, any ideas?" asked Luna.

"Where are you studying? Maybe Hermione and I can hide some where and feed you questions," said Harry as he looked around the great hall for Hermione.

"Library in the back there is only one table though," she said trying to think. "But there are some book shelves you can hide behind."

"Okay Hermione and I will leave right before you guys do," he said getting up from the table.

"I'll make sure to sit facing you," she smiled. Harry got up and made his way over to the Gryffindor table. He told Hermione about the plan and just as they were finishing desert they got up and headed to the library.

"Do you think this will work?" asked Hermione as they walked behind the bookshelf.

"I hope so," he said as he watched the door. They waited for several more minutes until Harry caught sight of Luna and Ron walking in. "Here they come," he whispered. Harry and Hermione scooted back behind the bookshelf and waited.

"So you're in the second row right behind my group?" asked Ron has he put his books down.

"Yes, Professor Flitwick is our group leader," she smiled. "So I'll make sure no one sneaks up on you." They both laughed as they opened they're books.

"Luna . . . what do you think of Malfoy?" Ron's back was turned from Harry and Hermione. Harry slowly peaked out from behind the shelf. Luna slowly looked behind Ron to see what Harry was motioning for. He was giving her the thumbs up, which Luna started doing.

"What are you doing?" asked Ron who was watching her slowly raise her thumb.

"Umm I think he's," she slowly raised her thumb. Harry smacked his forehead and as Luna started to look at him she noticed an arm yank him back behind a shelf. Hermione now appeared and she started to write with her wand in mid air. "Malfoy has started to come around."

"I – I think Malfoy has started to come around," said Luna who's eyes darted back and forth from Hermione to Ron.

"What are you looking at?" asked Ron who started to turn around. Hermione jumped back behind the bookshelf, before he could see her.

"Nothing I was just thinking," said Luna quickly.

"So you think Malfoy's starting to come around?" asked Ron in a confused manner. Hermione peaked around the corner again and nodded her head. Luna followed the motion and also started to nod her head.

"Yeess, yes I do," she smiled back at Ron.

"I think Harry and Hermione feel the same way. I don't know what's gotten into them. I feel like they're trying to make Malfoy look like a saint," Ron took a heavy sigh then looked straight at Luna. "I can't wait for things to get back to normal."

"What do you mean back to normal?" asked Luna. Harry now started to lean out from behind the bookshelf.

"When Hermione final sees that if she stays with Harry she's going to get hurt."