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Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
by: LogicalRaven

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Hey everyone! I'm sorry this chapter is short, but this week has been chaos for me. I've practically quit my job and bought a house. I'm going to try my best to update by Thursday, but I can't guarantee it. I will have a chapter by next Sunday, and it should be long. Thank in advance for your patience.

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logicalraven@insightbb.com

read and Review
Nothing is my Own

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The Days Of Normality



Night began to fall, as the group of young Aurors and Healers settled into their new dwellings. It wasn't nearly was homey as Hogwarts had been. The room was no bigger than the parlor at Grimmauld place, which wasn't small by any means.

There were no separate dormitories or room. All the beds rested in their appropriate corners. There were two doors leading out of the main area. One led out into the corridor the other led into another room with fifteen doors. The doors led to fifteen different rooms to practice practical lesson. Everything about this place was surrounded in learning.

"I'm exhausted," Terry Boot said as he collapsed into a couch in the middle of the room. "Fifteen books tonight. How do they expect us to read fifteen books in one night?"

"They're the same books that were on our reading list," Hermione said as she settled into a chair near Terry.

"There were over a hundred books on that list," Terry defended.

Hermione ignored his rebuttal as she propped open a book.

"So is Healer training as hard as Auror training?" Michael asked as he joined the group.

"Apparently Healer training is more difficult since none of you seem to have any studying to do," Hermione said curtly, not looking up from her book.

"No, we have plenty of homework," Harry said as he shook his head at Hermione.

"Fifteen books worth?" Terry asked.

"Susan seems to be getting along well with the new girl," Harry observed as the two girls chatted across the room, not bothering to answer Terry's question.

"She is amazing. Today she did this transfiguration spell without even muttering an incantation," Michael said with a sheepish grin, "I think she likes me."

Hermione let out a snicker.

"Something funny Hermione?" Michael asked.

Hermione shook her head, "I swear, do you ever get tired of chasing girls?"

Michael tried to consider for a moment, "No."

"Is there anyone who you haven't tried to pursue?" Terry asked with a laugh as he slapped Michael on the back.

He frowned, "I never went after Susan."

"Yes you did, in second year," Terry reminded him.

Harry grinned, "I didn't know that."

"Yea, she dropped him flat on his arse," Terry jeered, "In fact so did Ginny Weasley."

"Ha, ha," Michael frowned.

"So there isn't anyone you haven't asked out?" Harry added.

Michael raised his eyebrows, "You aren't still sore I dated Cho?"

"Dated?" Terry asked, "All she did was talk about Harry and Cedric."

Michael glared at Terry coldly and grabbed one of his books to join Hermione in studying.

****




"Hey Neville, will you pass me a chocolate frog?" Ron bellowed from the chess game him and Dean were playing.

Neville tossed him one from the coffee table with a shrug.

"This is so boring!" Dean whined as he leaned back against the chair he was sitting in.

"What would you have us do?" Ron asked sarcastically, offended anyone could find chess boring.

"We could get some girls to come over," Neville offered.

Ron smirked, "What girls do you know?"

"A few," Neville defended as he sunk back into his seat.

Dean raised his eyebrows, "I think Neville is on to something. We could invite Parvati and Padma over."

"So they can be bored with us?" Ron countered.

"Hey, I know some girls from the shop," Dean said as if he'd been hit with something obvious, "Muggle girls can be quite an adventure."

"Muggle girls in an enchanted house, are you mad?" Ron asked shaking his head.

Dean titled his head with a grin as he looked at Ron, "It was only a suggestion."

"Oh don't worry about it. Ron is too stuck up Hermione's arse to have any fun," Dean said moving one of his knights.

"I am not," Ron defended, but sounded unconvinced.

Dean headed popped up, "Then lets invited some ladies over."

"Maybe Ron is right about the muggle girls. Isn't it against some creed to have muggles in a wizard's house?" Neville voice.

"So we're back to just inviting Parvati and Padma to be bored with us?" Dean asked with a sigh.

"I always thought Padma was quite pretty," Neville offered.

Ron scrunched his face, "She looks exactly like Parvati."

"I think both of them are rather pretty," Neville admitted with a blush.

Dean slapped his hand against his knee, "Brilliant!"

"What?" Ron asked growing more annoyed every minute.

"We'll get Neville his first female experience this evening," Dean laughed.

Neville smile faded as his blush deepened, "I've had female experiences before."

"With who?" Dean laughed, but Neville didn't answer. "I'll go get the girls."

"Wait," Ron said quickly, "If Neville doesn't want the girls over…."

"Neville suggested it!" Dean argued.

Ron gave Neville a sympathetic look as Dean apparated with a loud crack.

"Maybe they won't be home," Neville said with a glimmer of hope.

Moment's later Neville's hope was extinguished as Parvati, Padma and Lavender apparated into the parlor near the main room. Neville looked at Ron desperately as the female giggle echoed through the room.

"WOW, great house," Parvati said loudly.

Neville made a move to get up, but somehow changed his mind halfway through.

"Hello guys," Lavender greeted, "Having a good holiday?"

"It really isn't a holiday any more," Ron replied.

"How is Seamus?" Neville asked timidly, trying to avoid Padma and Parvati's eyes in fear that Dean had told them about his earlier comment.

Lavender beamed, "He's doing wonderful. He's working in his father's flower shop. Even though it is a muggle business, he feels it is important to kept it open in his parent's memory."

"Seamus working in a muggle flower shop?" Ron said raising his eyebrows slightly.

Lavender sighed, "My parents don't like Seamus's career choice all too much, but they are happy we're still having a wizarding wedding."

Dean rubbed his hands together as an evil grin ran across his face, "So, is Seamus ready to for his bachelor party?"

Lavender narrowed her eyes at Dean as she took a seat on the couch, but chose not to answer his question.

"Where is Seamus anyway?" Ron asked.

"He's at work, but he might be by later," Dean answered.

"So Parvati, you and Ernie still together?" Dean continued as he casted Neville a look.

Parvati sighed, "Yes, but I haven't seen much of him since we've left Hogwarts."

"He should move in with us," Ron suggested, "We never see Justin and Ernie anymore."

Neville grinned nervously, "I'm sure if Harry had wanted Ernie and Justin to move in he would have asked them."

"The Hufflepuffs were just missing that day when Harry invited everyone, I'm sure he wouldn't care," Dean said throwing the comment aside.

"I can go get Ernie and see if he wants to come over," Parvati suggested, "I'm sure he'd love to get out of his parents house for a few hours."

"Yea, go get Ernie," Dean pushed.

The next few hours passed quickly as the friends relaxed in one another's company. It was nice. Seamus had arrived not long after Parvati had retrieved Hannah and Ernie. He had brought a barrel of Irish Fire Whiskey with him.

Parvati did a backwards bend over the couch; her face was flushed from the alcohol. "So is Harry ever going to be single?"

"George Steppin is planning his wedding to Cho," Neville replied as he took another sip of his whiskey and let out a smoky cough.

Parvati nearly choked as she fell off the couch, "Harry married? That will be the day."

"Why do you want to know about Harry all the time, you're suppose to be my girlfriend," Ernie said bitterly.

Parvati laughed, "Not for me silly. I told Harry he lost his chance with me long ago. I'm thinking of my poor single sister."

"Please don't concern yourself with me," Padma said quickly turning her head with a blush.

"Oh come on, you and Harry would be adorable together," Lavender voiced.

Hannah shrugged, "I thought he was happy with Cho."

"You mean when they aren't fighting?" Ron asked.

"I'm not one to spread gossip," Dean started, "But Cho and Harry have been getting awful cozy lately. They don't think any of us know, but they've been sleeping together for the past few weeks."

Lavender and Parvati both broke into a fit of giggles. As Seamus swore under his breath.

"They aren't doing anything," Ron defended.

"Neville, what is your opinion on this?" Dean said turning to a stunned looked Neville, "You've heard just as much as I have."

"Heard?" Padma asked suspiciously.

"Trade secret," Dean whispered.

Neville shook his head, "We've been using extendable ears to spy."

Dean smacked Neville quickly on the back of the head, "You idiot, now she's going to run off an tell Harry."

"But they aren't doing anything," Ron repeated with a slight slur, he was never good with Fire Whiskey, "Are they?"

"No more than you and Hermione," Dean laughed, causing Ron to turn slightly red, "Well, maybe a little more."

"So this is what you fools do? You can't get your own girls so you spy on the two of you who do?" Lavender asked. "I'm glad Seamus didn't move in the lot of you."

"Exactly," Dean said with a smile, "If you knew any single friends we wouldn't have to spy on our friends."

"Please, find these two prats a girl so they'll quite living out their fantasy through my love life," Ron pleaded, his face turning back to it's normal color.

"Padma and Hannah are single," Parvati reminded.

"And quite content," Hannah voiced quickly.

"Well Neville thinks Padma is pretty," Ron said.

"How cute!" Lavender bubbled.

Parvati let a light giggle, "I so think the two should get together."

Padma took viciously at her friends, "Just because he thinks I'm pretty doesn't mean he wants to go out with me."

"Sure he does," Dean voiced, "Don't you Neville."

Neville looked absolute mortified as his blood red face dropped to the floor.

"Awe, he's blushing. Isn't that cute Padma?" Parvati said.

"Just ask her out mate," Ron pushed, "Or else they'll lock you in a broom closet."

"Very funny Ron," Parvati said with a smirk.

Lavender giggled again, "Are you going to go out with him?"

Padma sighed loudly, "You're all a bunch of drunk fools. It is obvious that you are embarrassing Neville."

"He needs a girl," Dean said in a whipped voice, "Why don't you give him a chance."

"Ask her," Ron pushed again.

"Why don't the two of you go for a walk outside?" Hannah suggested with a giggly tone.

"Excellent idea!" Dean said, grabbing Neville's arm at the suggestion.

"I'm going home," Padma said suddenly rising to her feet.

"NO!" Dean cried, "Just go for a walk. If you two decided you don't want to date when you get back, we'll all leave you alone."

"Fine," Padma said as she stormed passed Dean and grabbed Neville's hand.

"Awe," Lavender shrilled as she threw her hands to mouth.

Padma slammed the door behind them as she snarled her nose.

"I'm sorry Dean made you so angry," Neville offered apprehensively.

Padma's expression softened, "It isn't your fault. They were embarrassing you just as badly."

Neville lowed his face as they walked silently on the street.

"So what are you doing now that we're out of Hogwarts?" Padma finally inquired as she attempted to break the ice.

Neville shrugged, "I'd like to do something with Herbology, but I don't know if I'm good enough."

"Oh, plants are nice," Padma offered with an odd expression.

"I know most people don't really like Herbology, but it just seemed to suit me I guess. I have a Dratus Hornsfly if you'd like me to show it to you sometime," Neville offered.

Padma laughed lightly, "I haven't a clue what a Dratus Hornsfly is."

"A plant," Neville said quietly, "It's used to make sleeping draughts."

"My mum has a nice Devil's Snare," Padma offered.

"That's nice," Neville said quickly as he swallowed hard. "What about you?"

"What about me?" Padma asked.

"What are you going to do now?" Neville asked again, avoiding her eyes.

"Oh, I've been working with my mum at the Ministry as a charm breaker, but I don't know if I'll get offered an official position," Padma said with a small grin.

"Wow, I was never very good at charms," Neville replied.

"Parvati and Lavender want to open up a Divination shop of some sort. Ridiculous if you ask me," Padma started, "I mean honestly."

"Do you miss your house at Hogwarts?" Neville asked quickly, as he noticed her angry starting to creep in at the mention of her sister's name.

"I don't know yet," Padma replied as she blushed slightly.

Neville suddenly stopped and looked up at Grimmauld Place, "Well, we're back. Maybe they'll stop embarrassing us now."

"Maybe," Padma said softly, "Thanks for the walk Neville."

"It was fun," Neville said as he stared at his shoes weakly.

"Listen, if you want to get together sometime…" Padma started.

Neville shook his head, "No, you don't have to go with me."

"I know I don't have to," Padma laughed, "I'm saying it might be nice."

"No, you're too pretty and smart to go out with a guy like me," Neville said stupidly.

"Don't be silly. I think you're a sweet guy," Padma said with a smile, "Would you like to get together sometime, just to talk?"

"Honestly? You wouldn't mind being seen with me in a public place?" Neville asked looking slightly surprised.

"Of course not," Padma replied.

"Tomorrow?" Neville offered.

"That would be nice," Padma said softly.

Padma leaned over and gave Neville a quick kiss on the cheek, "We better go face them."

Neville lightly touched the spot on his face where Padma lips has just been and gave a lopsided grin, "Yea."

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Harry slapped his wand against his forehead, if his Medical Magic was any more boring he was going to have to hex himself. Master Webb was instructing the students on the charms to use to heal bones in a very monotone voice.

"Tap your wand three times, very, very lightly…."

Noel O'Riley jerked suddenly as she fought to stay awake, Susan was writing furious onto a piece of parchment and Michael was propping his eyes open with his wand.

"Blood clotting charms are also helpful in traumatic…." Master Webb continued.

"Could this be any more boring?" Michael whispered over to Harry who nodded.

Harry was about to hold up his hands and surrender to the sandman when Susan Bones suddenly fell to the floor and broke into an out of control fit.

"SUSAN!" Harry cried dropping to the floor.

Master Webb continued teaching as if nothing was occurring.

"What's wrong with her?" Michael asked as he joined Harry at Susan's side.

"Master Webb!!!" Noel O'Riley cried trying to break the instructor out of his monologue, but it was hopeless.

"Go get help!" Michael cried as he held Susan's head in her lap.

Noel went for the door but it wouldn't budge. There was some unknown sealing charm placed around the room. "It won't open!"

"She's bleeding!" Harry said suddenly as blood began pouring from Susan's mouth and eyes.

"MASTER!" Michael jumped from his seat and rushed over to their instructor and grabbed him by his shoulder and gave him a violent shake. Master Webb continued unraveled.

"SHIT!" Noel cried as she threw her hands to her mouth, "She's going to die if we don't get her some help."

"Master Webb, please!" Michael begged as he shook the instructor again.

"What was that spell, the one to stop bleeding? Master Webb was just saying something about it," Noel cried.

Harry shrugged, "I wasn't paying attention!"

"Neither was I!" Michael cried, as Susan grew paler.

"And you think I didn't notice," Master Webb suddenly said pulling out of his trance as he waved his wand over Susan's body.

The group looked frozen.

"An Auror has constant vigilance. If you had been paying me any attention at all you would have realized that I had casted a hex on Miss. Bones." Master Webb continued, "Since none of you have the vigilance to pay attention during your lesson, you will each write fifteen scroll over every topic covered in today's lecture. I will expect them on my desk by tomorrow."

Michael groaned as they walked out of the classroom at to the main cafeteria, "What am I going to do? Master Blackfoot want to practice Defense Practicals tonight."

"Well Master Smith wants me to practice my Transfiguration and Charms tonight," Susan whined.

"I never know what Tonks has planned, but I guarantee I'm not getting any sleep any time soon," Harry said shaking his head.

"Sleep? I forgot what sleep was for," Michael said bitterly, "I was up until after six this morning with Master Blackfoot."

"I second that thought," Noel agreed, which was unusual. She never agreed with Michael.

"Hump, you didn't have blood seeping out of your eyes last class," Susan said acidly, "Why was I singled out?"

"Because you were scribbling, and might have been paying attention," Michael replied..

"Did you finish your Advanced Dark Arts scrolls last night?" Noel asked Harry who bitterly shook his head.

"I was going to do it during lunch."

Noel sighed, "Want to borrow my quill?"

"I have one," Harry declined as he pulled his own quill out of his bag.

Noel pulled out a piece of parchment and book and began to write as well.

"Harry!" Cho greeted as she rushed over to the table to see him.

"Hey Cho," Michael greeted with a smile as Harry nodded in acknowledgement.

"Err, Advance Dark Arts huh? I heard that class was suicide," Cho said sympathetically.

"Where are you all off to?" Susan asked as she saw the Rank Six Auror near the door with their field gear.

Cho shrugged lightly, "Another field practical. We're going over battle scenarios again."

"Take me with you," Michael begged as he twirled circles in his pudding.

Cho smiled at the group, "Trust me, the first month is the hardest. It's a weeding technique."

"So did Master Webb every make blood come pouring from your eyes?" Susan questioned.

Cho laughed lightly, "Fifteen scrolls?"

"I take it he does this kind of thing?" Harry asked.

Cho nodded, "I best be going. I just wanted to say hello."
She gave Harry a quick kiss and rushed off to meet the rest of her group.

"I cannot wait until next year," Susan sighed as she pulled out a book of her own to begin studying.

****



"Minister Fudge, calm yourself."

Cornelius Fudge paced back a forth across his office as a group of wizards and witches tried to calm him.

"Sixty point approval rating! How in the world can a kid be so popular? What in Merlin's name does he know about running a government?" Fudge wailed as he continued his pace.

December O'Riley couldn't help but smirk. This meeting was suppose to be about Death Eater containment, and somehow had moved to Minister Fudge's failing campaign.

"I don't even think Harry wants to run," December replied smoothly.

"Doesn't want to run!" Fudge cried as he slapped a copy of the Daily Prophet down in front of her, "Then why are they saying his is?"

"It's the Prophet, they'll report anything that isn't important," December offered as a few of his consultant rustled around the room in a panic fizzy.

"George Steppin! That idiot hasn't ever lost a campaign!" Fudge continued.

December sighed softly, "I'm sure releasing Death Eaters isn't boosting your popularity."

"It isn't" Fudge said bitterly, "What would you have me do?"

"I'm just a Auror sir, I try to stay out of politics," December said as she decided not to answer the question.

Fudge mumbled again, "Things couldn't be worse if Dumbledore decided to run."

"But he hasn't sir," voice another Ministry employee.

December rolled her fingers through her papers again, "Sir, are we going to discuss the Death Eater containment proposal?"

"Death Eaters? My campaign is failing. What difference does it make? Six months from now I won't even be Minister if that little brat has anything to do with it," Fudge replied.

December took a deep breath, "But sir, the people think he's like a son to you."

"A son that stabbed me in the back," he replied instantly.

"Sixty-five points sir," a timid witch with glasses interrupted nervously, "His approval rating just jumped five points."

Cornelius Fudge's face grew red as an apple and December lowered her head and braced herself for his outburst.

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I hope you guys like the chapter. You can guess what is coming next. This was an
Important chapter because it illustrates how hard Academy is. It also illustrates what is going on in the lives of Harry's roommates. Harry is in for some surprises when he gets home. I'll leave it at that…..

Next Update: 04/04/04