Hello, all. Qwest here once again. Here's chapter four. Sorry to
keep waiting, but its been busy. First off, I want to thank all of my
reviewers. You made me feel so special. A really BIG thank you to
psalatino who listed me as a favorite author. THANKS.
I don't like to leave long A/N, but I have something moderately important this time. I finally un-packed all of my HP books and man did I make some errors. Sorry. I thought about going back and corrected them in the chapters and just re-uploading everything, but then I thought--yeah right, like I'm really going to do that. So instead I'm going to list them all at the beginning of this chapter. If you could care less about the corrections, by all means skip this portion. It has absolutely no relevance to what's going on now. But if you want to see all my flubs, then stick around and read. And that pesky disclaimer will be at the end of my screw-ups list, if you care to read that I do not own Harry Potter or anything relating to Harry Potter.
SCREW-UPS LIST
I miss spelled Weasley like a million times. It is WeaslEy, not WeasEly.
I miss spelled Dumbledore, believe it or not. DumbledorE, not Dumbledor__.
Fred and George's new business partner was not Dean. It was Lee Jordan. I don't know where I got Dean from. Probably the first thing that came to mind. I don't know.
I miss spelled McGonagall. A few times I left out the first A. I think that was more of typing errors than anything else though.
I miss spelled Severus. I put one too many r's in it. Severus, not SeRverus.
I called Hermione's cat Crankshaft. Crookshanks. Crookshanks. Her cat's name is Crookshanks. Where did Crankshaft come from. That my friends is a long and complicated story, and one I will not get into now.
Hagrid's dialogue still stinks, but that I have no power to correct. It is due to my poor ability to type accents. If Fleur shows up in this story, I am in deep do-do.
That is all the uh-ohs I can think of. If you noticed anymore, keep it to yourself.
Disclaimer: It's in the beginning A/N. I'm not typing that despairingly, depressing information again. If only I could be a million dollar author. ::Big sigh:: A girl can dream, can't she.
END OF SCREW-UPS LIST
~*~*~*~*
Chapter 4
The Pattern in the Trees
"So what did Dumbledor want last night?" Ron asked.
Harry looked up at one of his best friends. He, Ron, Hermione and Mindy were just sitting down to breakfast. When Harry had returned to Gryffindor Tower late last night, he had found the first day of school party in full swing. It wasn't as grand as when the Weasley twins were running the show, but it was enough to keep him from talking to Ron and Hermione about his visit to Professor Dumbleore's office.
"Yes. I am rather curious, myself." Mindy said, looking up from the piece of toast she was buttering. "I've never heard of a student being called to the headmaster's office on the first night back." She said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Well, it really isn't the first time I've been to Dumbledore's office on the first night." Harry said, helping himself to some eggs and pancakes. "But then, Ron and I had stolen his dad's flying car and flew it here."
"And then got it crushed by the Whomping Willow." Ron added, shaking his head. "My dad was pissed over that for an entire year. Sometime I think he's still upset about it."
"Well, I would be too." Hermione stated, matter-of-factly, "If someone had ruined my car. But back on subject, Harry, what did Professor Dumbledore want?"
Harry shrugged. He decided to skip the part about continuing Occlumency until it was just him, Hermione, and Ron and went straight to the important part of the previous night's discussion, "To tell me that he wasn't really confident in Professor's Trelawney's ability to teach Defense against the Dark Arts."
Ron snorted. "He's not the only one who's not confident in her abilities."
Mindy frowned. "He called you to his office to tell you that."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, then he asked me if I was interested in teaching the class."
Mindy dropped her fork and Hermione mirrored her action. "He what?" They both asked at the same time.
"That's a bloody brilliant idea." Ron exclaimed.
"Did he really ask you to teach?" Mindy asked.
"What're you going to do?" Hermione cut in, leaning over her plate of bacon and toast.
Harry shook his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do just, yet. And no, he didn't come right out and say, 'Harry, teach this class'. He wants me to continue D.A. You know, and open it to everyone at Hogwarts. He said he'll encourage the fifth years to join the club, since they'll be taking their O.W.L.'s." He looked over at Ron, "And I'm not so sure it's a 'bloody brilliant' idea."
"Well, I think it is." Ron countered. "You'll do much better than Professor Trelawney. Who knows what kind of craziness she'll have us doing."
Hermione frowned. "But what makes him think you're even capable of teaching in the first place."
"Professor Dumbledore said everyone I tutored last year made an O on their DaDA O.W.L." Harry answered. "He seems to think I'll be able to do good job because of that."
"Really?" Mindy asked. "Every one of the fifth years?"
Harry nodded.
"Even Neville?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded again.
"Professor Dumbledore's right, Harry." Ron said. "You're gifted."
"When do you have to give Dumbledore your final answer?" Mindy asked.
"He told me to think about it and let him know by the end of the week." Harry answered.
"But, I don't see how it could possibly work out." Hermione said, shaking her head. "You'd have to work around everyone's schedules, and with quidditch practice in the various houses and classes, that'll be near impossible. Not to forget that you have your own classes to worry about."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But Professor Dumbledore said he'd talk to my professors and have them lighten my work load."
"A lighter load." Ron said. "That'll make it easier to plan lessons. And don't try to work around people schedules. Let them work around yours. Just pick a day that you want to hold the meetings on and whoever can make it will come."
"But he'll still have to accommodate the fifth years." Hermione argued. "Professor Dumbledore will probably require that they join."
"Well, that's easily solved." Ron said. "Just pick a day that fits into Ginny's schedule. She's on the Gryffindor Quidditch team plus she has so many extracurricular activities. Anything she can make, anybody can make."
"Ron makes a good point." Hermione said, turning to Harry. "And we'll help as much as we can, of course."
"Wait, a second." Harry said. "I thought we were just agreeing that I couldn't do this."
"That's right. You can't." Mindy said, vehemently. "Dumbledore can't expect a student to teach a class, no matter how under qualified the professor is." She sat back in her chair, frowning. "Of all the crazy ideas the man has had, and he's had some crazy ones, this by far takes the cake."
Harry looked over at Mindy. She was frowning and right then she reminded him very strongly of someone. He, Hermione, and Ron stared at her curiously. Finally, Harry voiced the question that was running through all their minds. "What do you know about Professor Dumbledore and his ideas?"
"What?" Mindy asked, sitting up. She seemed to think about what she had just said and her eyes widened. "Oh...oh...uh...um, I--I think the morning owls are coming."
Harry looked around. The high windows of the great hall had just opened, and owls of all types came flying in. They swooped low over the tables of the great hall depositing letters, packages, and class schedules. A large brown born owl delivered Harry's schedule. Ron snatched his away from a horned owl that snapped at his fingers. Hermione and Mindy each took their schedules from a medium sized screech owl.
Harry fed the barn owl a piece of toast crust, as he unrolled his schedule. "Well, it looks like we'll have most of our classes together today." He said, glancing over the schedule. "Double Transfiguration first, then Care of Magical Creatures, and after lunch, Divination."
"Transfiguration first, huh?" Ron said, reading over his own schedule. "Well, this should be interesting."
Mindy nodded and said quietly, almost to herself. "Yes. Let's see if Professor Lupin can keep up with me." She rolled her schedule up and stood. "I have to go." She said, looking at the others. "I left my books in the room. I'll see you in class." She stuffed her schedule in a pocket of her robes and hurried out of the great hall.
Ron raised an eyebrow at her retreating form, disappearing through the great hall's door. "What do you suppose that was about?" Ron asked. "Getting all worked up about Professor Dumbledore's idea.?"
"And then saying that he's had some crazy ones." Hermione added. "What do you suppose she knows about Hogwarts?"
Harry shrugged. "Maybe she's heard rumors." He suggested, though he knew he wasn't convincing anyone. He wasn't convincing himself.
"She's a weird one." Ron stated.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully, then looking over her own schedule said, "We have Defense against the Dark Arts tomorrow morning, Harry. I say you hold out on making any final decisions until after the class. Who knows, maybe Professor Trelawney will be some good."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, and maybe this year Snape will lighten up on Harry."
"Ugh." Harry groaned. "Don't remind me about that class. I have his right after Trelawney's. I hope tomorrow doesn't shape up to be rotten."
"You can hope." Ron said. "But it isn't likely to happen."
"Ron." Hermione admonished, pushing her plate aside. "We should go." She said, looking at them both. "We don't want to be late for Transfiguration."
~*~*~*~*
Mindy burst into Professor Dumbledore's office, not bothering to knock. Professor Dumbledore wasn't phased by this and didn't even look up from what ever he was doing. Mindy huffed at being ignored and stomped over to stand directly in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk.
She cleared her throat loudly and glared at Dumbledore until he looked up at her.
"Well, Ms. James, you seem to be slipping back into a teenager nicely." Professor Dumbledor said, raising an eyebrow at the scowl on her face as he laid his work aside.
"How can you ask Harry to teach Defense against the Dark Arts?" Mindy asked, choosing to ignor the headmaster's statement.
"I'm sorry, Ms. James, but what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you asking Harry to teach Defense against the Dark Arts. And don't call me Ms. James."
"Would you prefer Mindy, then?"
"I would prefer my name. You can't possibly expect a student to teach a class."
"Mindy James is your name now. And I did not ask Mr. Potter to teach Defense against the Dark Arts."
"That's not what he said."
"I asked him if he would be interested in continuing D. A." Professor Dumbledore went on as if Mindy hadn't spoken.
"You don't think that's the same thing?" Mindy argued back. "You really should have run this by me first, Albus. I could have told you not to place Trelawney as the Defense against the Dark Arts professor."
"Please explain to me, Ms. James, why I should discuss my staffing plans with my students." Dumbledore frowned, but the twinkle in his eye couldn't be masked.
This annoyed Mindy even more. "I am not a student..."
"But you are." Professor Dumbledore cut in. "Do try to remember that."
"But Albus..."
"I must insist, Ms. James, that you call me Professor Dumbledore, or Headmaster, Sir even if you prefer."
Mindy rolled her eyes. If she didn't know better, she'd think the man was irritating her on purpose. "Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster, Sir." She spat through gritted teeth. "If I may ask, being as I am only a student, why are you placing so much responsibility on Harry? Why don't you let Severus head this Defense against the Dark Arts club? It's something he has wanted ever since he came to teach here."
"You are being a bit curious for a student, Ms. James."
Mindy raised her chin, choosing to ignor that statement as well. "Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Well, why are you placing so much responsibility on Harry? Severus is perfectly capable."
"I have my reasons for doing things the way I'm doing them."
"Which are?"
Professor Dumbledore only smiled at her. He laced his fingers together and said, "Aren't you late for a class?"
"Honestly, Albus. I know I'm sixteen now, but..."
"Transfiguration, I believe it is."
"You haven't answered any of my questions."
"You had better hurry. You don't want to loose points for your house." And with that, Professor Dumbledore picked up his quill and commenced working on whatever it was he was doing before Mindy had so rudely walked in.
Mindy frowned at him. It was obvious that Professor Dumbledore had no intentions of continuing the discussion. It didn't even look as if he knew she was still standing there. Deciding it would be useless to try and start the conversation again, Mindy spun around and marched out of the headmaster's office. After all, he was right; she was late for her first class of the year.
~*~*~*~*
Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked to the Transfiguration class room together, discussing the possible lessons Professor Lupin had planned for them.
"I bet we won't be turning rocks into rock candy, that's for sure." Ron said as they joined a group of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws milling around outside the door. "It's bound to be a far more interesting lesson than when Professor McGonagall was teaching."
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall wouldn't like to hear you say that." Hermione frowned.
"Well, she's not here to hear, is she?" Ron shot back, just as Mindy walked up. He looked over at her and asked, "Did you find your books?"
Mindy stopped next to Harry looking a bit flustered. She answered Ron's question with a noncommittal nod then asked, "What's going on? I thought I was late."
"It seems Professor Lupin is a little late." Hermione answered. "We're just waiting for him to open the door."
Mindy raised an eyebrow at this, with a very disapproving look on her face. Harry tilted his head at her. Mindy had to be the oddest girl he had ever met, and that was taken Hermione and her joy of all things school related into account. Why she would be upset because a professor was a few minutes late was beyond him. Things must have been done very differently at Aussie Allister.
They didn't have to wait long, however, before the room door swung open and Professor Lupin looked out at the student's on the other side. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He quickly apologized. "Come in, everyone."
The students filed into the class, taking the seats they had become accustomed to over the past five years. Harry looked around, noticing for the first time just how much smaller this class had become. At least half the Ravenclaws were no longer with them, and the Gryffindors had shrunk to one third of what they used to be.
Professor Lupin walked to the front of the class. He waved his wand and his name was written across the board in neat white letters. "I know most of you know who I am." He said, turning around. "This is for the new among us." He smiled at Mindy, before turning to address the class, again. "Take out your books, please, and turn to chapter 20."
Harry reached into his back pack and pulled out his new Transfiguration book. Flipping quickly to the chapter he read the title: "Changing the Skin You're In".
"This is Advanced Transfiguration and I think it is time you learn how to transfigure--yourself." Professor Lupin said, stepping back towards the center of the class.
"You mean the way Viktor Krum turned himself into a shark?" Seamus Finnigan asked, looking up from his book.
Professor Lupin nodded. "Exactly. Though I hope I will be able to teach you to do it a bit more...completely."
Mindy raised her hand and Professor Lupin nodded at her. "Isn't that dangerous for under trained wizards?" She asked. "If the transfiguration spell isn't done properly it could get...er...messy. Don't you think we should wait until we're in our seventh year and have a little more experience?"
Professor Lupin stared at her curiously. Harry supposed he hadn't expected anyone to oppose learning how to transfigure themselves. "Well, yes. There is a level of danger. But there's a bit of danger involved with any sort of magic. I don't think you'll be anymore ready in your seventh year than you are now. If you work hard at it, the technique can be mastered easily enough." Professor Lupin looked back at the class. "I would like you all to read..."
"I have to disagree." Mindy said, her hand flying into the air briefly.
Professor Lupin looked back at her. "With what?"
"The technique can't be easily mastered no matter how hard you work. It takes a great amount of skill to be able to transfigure yourself."
"I am aware of that." Professor Lupin answered. "This is Advanced Transfiguration. I'm assuming everyone in this class is here because they showed the skill needed to perform the more difficult spells."
Mindy nodded. "I'm sure everyone has the potential. But potential and ability are two different things. I think you should walk us through the more complex spells, letting us work on the least difficult first and then taking on the more challenging ones towards the end of the year. Or perhaps next year. What you're doing is nose diving right into the hardest stuff."
"And the most interesting stuff." Dean piped up from his seat in the back of class. "Do you really want sit here turning penguins into pin cushions?"
Mindy shifted in her seat and glared at Dean. He withered under the stare and grinned sheepishly. "Just a question." He mumbled.
"Ms. James, is it?" Professor Lupin asked, and Mindy nodded, turning back to face him. "I know you're transferring from a different school and you may not have covered the same things the students here have. If you're concerned about your abilities, you can talk to me after class. I could set up a tutoring session."
Mindy's cheeks flushed scarlet with indignation. "A tutoring session? I could tutor you."
Professor Lupin frowned. "Then what is the problem?"
"I just think you're going about this all wrong..."
"Listen to me carefully, Ms. James. I am about to ask you a very important question." Professor Lupin said, stepping up to Mindy's desk and frowning down at her. "Who is teaching this class?"
Mindy opened her mouth, then closed it again. All the color drained from her cheeks, and Harry couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or anger. Mindy didn't say a word. She only glared back at Professor Lupin. "Stay after class. I think we need to talk." He said, before turning around and heading back to the front.
Mindy nodded briefly and stared fixedly at her un-opened transfiguration book. Harry glanced at her, wondering what made her want to argue with Professor Lupin about what he planned to teach. He felt a poke in his arm and turned around to look at Ron. Ron set his book up, and twirled his finger in the air, making the crazy gesture. He nodded, meaningfully at Mindy. Harry only shook his head.
Hermione, who must have seen this out the back of her head, turned around and hissed, "Cut it out." Ron made a face at her, but he set his book down. Hermione leaned towards Mindy and whispered. "I agree, this is a little a difficult for the first day, but Professor Lupin want let us get in over our heads. Besides, you do have to admit, it is more interesting than turning penguins into pin cushions."
Mindy nodded, but never shifted her eyes from her closed book. And they remained on her book for the rest of the session, which was just as well, since they didn't get to use their wands that day anyway. Professor Lupin had them read the chapter, and discuss the key points of it. Towards the end of the period, he asked the class to pick something they would like to transfigure themselves into, at which point Lavender asked if she turn herself into a pair of shoes.
"No, Ms. Brown, you cannot become an inanimate object."
"So I can't become shoes?"
"You can't become shoes."
Pravati raised her hand. "Can I turn myself into a diamond necklace?"
"What did I just tell Ms. Brown?" Professor Lupin answered.
"Uh, she can't be shoes."
Professor Lupin sighed. "Just stick with animals." He said. "Think about what kind of animal you would like to become for next time. I am placing one restriction on your choice though. You can only choose a mammal."
"But I wanted become a lizard." One of the Ravenclaws whined.
"I wanted to try the shark thing, myself." Seamus said, a little disappointed.
Professor Lupin shrugged. "I'm sorry, but it will be easier for you turn if you stick within the same kingdom of species. It is a lot less tricky to turn one mammal into another mammal. You may also chose from magical creatures if you like, though I am asking that you steer clear of griffins and hypogriffs since they have avian qualities as well as mammal." The bell rang and Professor Lupin called out over the sudden rush of students gathering their things, "For homework tonight, read chapter 21 and right a three and a quarter foot essay on the importance of proper wand movement and the transfiguring of oneself."
Harry stood and looked over at Mindy, who hadn't moved. He walked towards her and said, "Don't worry. I don't think you will be in too much trouble."
Mindy shifted her eyes from her book for the first time since her argument with Professor Lupin and looked up at Harry. "I know. It--just haven't been my day."
Harry smiled reassuringly. "It'll get better." He said. "Care of magical creatures is next. There's not much that can go wrong, as long as Hagrid doesn't bring anything potentially deadly to show us."
Mindy gave Harry an almost convincing bright smile. "I'm sure whatever happens in that class won't be as bad as the way my day is already going. You had better go, though. You don't want to be late."
Harry nodded. "I'll see you there."
Mindy smiled again and said, "Sure."
Harry caught up with Ron and Hermione in the hall and they headed for the great doors together.
"So did Mindy mention why she thought it so important to argue with Professor Lupin about his lesson plan?" Ron asked as they exited the school and headed for Hagrid's hut near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Harry shook his head. "I didn't ask."
"There's something off about her." Ron stated, flatly.
"There's nothing wrong with Mindy, Ron." Hermione said, shaking her head. "She's just at a new school and has to readjust is all."
"Have you forgotten what she said at breakfast?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow at Hermione. "That stuff about Professor Dumbledore?"
Hermione shrugged. "Harry was probably right. She probably heard rumors. You can't tell me you don't think word of the things that goes on at Hogwarts isn't out there."
Ron narrowed his eyes. "I still think there's something not right about her. And don't you think it's weird that she's transferring in, now, with You-Know-Who running about out there somewhere?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Aw, come on, Ron. Don't go looking for monsters. For once, I just want to have a normal school year."
"When was the last time that happened? Let's see. I think you had a nice normal school term the year before--never." Ron said sarcastically, looking over at Harry. "Anyway, I'm just saying, you should be on your guard for weird stuff, especially with what's happening. And I think there's something not right about Mindy."
"Well, I thinks she's alright." Harry shot back. "As a matter of fact, I know she's alright. She's a normal girl, who has to get used to a new school is all. She is not an agent of Voldemort."
Ron cringed and Hermione rolled her eyes. "Really, Ron, I'd think you'd be used to it by now. And Harry's right, you know. So stop inventing problems."
"Fine." Ron said. "I'll drop it. But I think you should still be on your guard, Harry."
Harry said nothing to this, because they were at Hagrid's hut. There were a few other students standing around waiting for Hagrid to show them his latest creature. Harry had gotten so used to cutting off sensitive conversations around people other than Ron or Hermione that he did it almost automatically now, even if what being said wasn't even worth over hearing.
The first noticeable thing Harry saw, as the trio joined the assemblage, was the lack of Slytherines. Not a one of the Slytherines that had terrorized the Care of Magical Creatures class since their second year was present. "They must have all dropped the class." Hermione said, noticing the missing Slytherines.
"I thought you had to fail the O.W.L. not to be allowed back in a class." Ron said.
Hermione shook her head. "If you don't think a class will be beneficial to your career choice you can choose to replace with another in sixth year."
"I'm not complaining." Harry said, looking about at the most welcome sight of not seeing any Slytherines. "It's good not to have to see Malfoy's face."
"Speaking of which." Ron said. "We haven't seen him at all, yet. You suppose he's finally gone to another school."
Harry grinned. "Here's hoping."
" 'Lo, class." Harry turned around to see Hagrid emerge from his hut carrying a large box filled with medium sized glass jars and an armful of oversized butterfly nets. "Today, ah thought we'd do somethin' different." He called, placing the box on the ground and leaning the butterfly nets against one wall of his home. "We're going tree nymph hunting. Who can tell me what a tree nymph is an' what's it good fer?"
Naturally, Hermione's hand flew into the air first, but Neville also dared to raise his. Hagrid nodded at Neville and the boy swallowed nervously. "Er, tree nymphs are small creature, related to pixies, that live in any type of woody magical plants, not just trees. And they aren't good for anything. As a matter of fact, they're a pest. If there's too many of them, they can ruin plants and damage trees."
Hagrid nodded. "That's 'xactly right. Fifteen points for Gryffindor. There was a big spurt in the tree nymph population over the summer, and we need to it rid o' some o' them or else they'll reach the growth of unicorn trees and ruin 'em. Tree nymphs tend to get rowdy when there's a bunch o' 'em together." Hagrid grabbed one of the large butterfly nets and held it up. "Tree nymph's are resistant ta most magic, so yer gotta catch 'em with nets. Once ya got one, seal it in one o' these jars. Each jar is charmed so the tree nymph can't escape."
Hagrid reached into the box and pulled out a jar containing a small, ugly, brown creature. It looked nothing like what Harry had expected it to. When he heard the word nymph it conjured up pictures of pretty little cherubs dancing through the leaves. This thing looked more like an insect, with large multi-sector amber eyes and antenna growing from its head. The creature had two sets of leaf like wings that it was using to buzz furiously around the jar in which it was trapped.
"These are tricky, an' you gotta be careful catchin' 'em." Hagrid explained. "I doubt you'll have much trouble spotting 'em. They're everywhere. So grab a net an' a couple o' jars. Break up into groups and don' go too deep in the forest. If ya need help, call."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron each took a net and two jars a piece. "At least there's no danger involved in this." Harry said, looking at his butterfly net doubtfully. "I don't think I'm going to be able to catch anything though."
"I'm sure it's not that difficult, once you get the swing of it." Hermione said, reassuringly.
"Yeah." Ron agreed, then looked towards the dark forest. "You don't suppose Hagrid's--" he looked around to see if anyone was standing near, then leaned in closer and whispered, "--little friend is still in there."
Harry looked at the forest apprehensively, remembering Hagrid's younger half brother (and whole giant) Grawp. He wouldn't put it past Hagrid to send them into the forest with the giant still loose. After all, he did ask Harry and Hermione to take care of the giant last year. "I hope not."
Neville walked up, carrying a net and four of the jars rather clumsily. "Do you mind if I join your group?" He asked.
"Not at all." Hermione answered. "So you know a bit about tree nymphs?"
Neville nodded. "End of last year, a large colony of them moved into a stand of unicorn tree saplings Professor Sprout was raising. Half the saplings died before she was able to get rid of them."
"Oh, that's terrible." Hermione said. "Unicorn trees are so useful."
Neville nodded. "The wild unicorn trees won't stand a chance if there are very many of the nymphs about. As you know, the wild trees are effected more by environmental conditions and are more prone to disease."
Ron nodded. "Right." He said, shooting Harry a look that said 'I have absolutely no idea what he's talking about'.
Harry grinned, then leading the way into the forest said, "Let's go catch some nymphs."
They didn't have to go too deeply into the woods before they spotted the tree nymphs. Hagrid was right. They were everywhere; bouncing from limb to limb, stripping branches of their leaves, tearing holes into the bark. Hagrid was also right about them being difficult to catch. Every nymph Harry swung at with his net only giggled at him before hopping away to do damage to another tree. Ron wasn't fairing much better than Harry, though he had managed to catch one nymph. Hermione had a hard time at first, but she watched Neville (who must have helped Professor Sprout round up the nymphs last year because he was doing remarkably well) and was able to pick up on his technique and capture a fair share.
Mindy joined them halfway through the period. Ron tried to get her tell them what happened with Professor Lupin, but she refused to talk about it. She somehow knew a stunning spell that actually worked on the tree nymphs and was able to capture quite a bit before the end of the class. Harry attempted to copy Mindy's spell, but found it almost impossible to execute properly. Even Hermione couldn't get it to work right. Harry wondered briefly how Mindy had picked up such an advanced spell, but then decided that she must have learned it at her past school and didn't question it again.
By the end of the class, Harry and Ron had each caught only one nymph. Hermione did much better than them, capturing five. Mindy who had gotten a late start still managed to capture eight nymphs. But Neville did the best of them all. He was able to bring Hagrid fifteen jars, each containing a very disgruntled tree nymph. Neville was very pleased with himself, and became even more pleased when he won twenty points for Gryffindor for capturing the most nymphs.
The class ended without any sort of misfortunate incident, and despite the trouncing through briars and thorns, Harry thought it was one of the better lessons. He mentioned this to Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Mindy.
"It's because the Slytherines weren't here." Ron said. "They're the ones that always cause the trouble."
"The Slytherine house couldn't be that bad." Mindy frowned. "The way you guys talk about them, you'd think they were all evil."
"They are." Ron said, seriously. "Just wait till you meet them."
Mindy smiled, knowingly. "Actually, I can't wait to meet them."
Harry looked over at her. "There aren't that many people here that would welcome a run in with a Slytherine."
Neville nodded in agreement. "I usually try to avoid them at all cost. They tend to curse first and ask questions later, just before they curse you again."
Mindy grinned. "I doubt they would be able to handle me."
~*~*~*~*
After lunch, Hermione and Neville separated from the group; Hermione headed for advanced Arithmancy and Neville for advanced Herbology. Harry, Ron, and Mindy headed for Divinations.
"I still can't see how she can stand that class." Ron said, watching Hermione retreat in the opposite direction. "Entirely to many numbers are involved for me."
Mindy watched the other girl, personally wishing she were going with her. She even wished she could join Neville in Herbology, although she thought it was the most boring subject (next to History of magic). She was not looking forward to Divination. In her opinion the subject was a tremendous waste of time. She still wasn't sure why Dumbledore had decided to start the program in the first place, though it was a lucky thing he met with Trelawney when he did. If not, they might have never known about Harry.
Mindy looked over at the boy. Harry had never seemed to express that great of an interest in Divination and wondered slightly what he was doing in the class. "So why are you taking Divination this year?" She asked, curiosity getting the best of her. Harry had given her no indication last year, during his career advisement meeting, that he planned to continue in the subject, and she had assumed he was going to drop it.
Harry shrugged. "I don't know." He answered. "I was just put back in the class. I don't know why though. I didn't really do all that well on the O.W.L."
Ron shook his head. "Neither did I, but here we both are. Maybe Firenze really liked us and decided to keep us around."
"That could be it." Harry grinned. "We are very likable people."
Mindy smiled at them both. "That you are." She said, as they came to a halt in front of the first floor classroom.
"I do like having the class on the first floor, though." Ron said, twisting the doorknob and stepping into the room. "This does beat having go all the way up to that tower."
But Mindy had stopped listening to Ron. She had just stepped out of one of the many halls of Hogwarts and right into the middle of a twilight forest. "Lovely." She breathed, walking across the soft grass. "Where do we sit?"
"The ground is fine."
Mindy turned to see a young centaur walking towards her from amongst the shadows of the trees. His white-blond hair fell across startling blue eyes. His bare chest gleamed handsomely in the half light. Mindy's mouth formed a little surprised "o". She had met Firenze before, of course, but she had never noticed how absolutely gorgeous he was. She shook her head slightly, as if to shake away the thought. 'Stupid teenage hormones' she thought angrily and plopped down in the spot she had been standing.
"Hello, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley." Firenze said, stepping up to the boys, and shaking their hands. "I'm glad you're both in my class again this year."
"So are we." Harry said. Ron nodded his agreement, and Mindy looked up at them both. She wondered when they learned to lie with such a straight face.
Firenze smiled slightly, and then left the three to greet his other students.
Mindy smirked at Harry as he sat down next to her. "So you're happy to be back in the class again, huh?" She said as soon as she thought the centaur was out of earshot.
Harry shrugged. "Well, what else was there to say?"
"Not much I suppose."
Ron sat down on the other side of her and looked up at the darken sky. "You suppose we're reading stars again?" He asked.
Harry gazed up as well. "I hope not." He answered. "I stunk at it last year and I'll probably stink at this year."
Mindy looked up at the sky. It was charmed so that it was at that stage halfway between night and day. A few stars were visible but not many. She frowned. How were they suppose to read the stars if they couldn't even see them? "I knew this class would be a waste of time." She said.
Ron looked over at her. "If you knew weren't going to like the class, why did you sign up for it?"
Mindy looked at Ron surprised. She certainly hadn't expected anybody to ask her that. She couldn't very well say because she needed to stay close to Harry. "Oh. Um...My...guardian made me. He thought it would be a, um, good educational experience." She answered weakly, wondering slightly if she could consider Professor Dumbledore her guardian, given her present situation. She knew the excuse was weak, and she delivered it with the air of some one who had something to hide. But it was the best she could do.
Ron looked at her curiously, but said nothing. Harry didn't seem to notice the slip up, and was looking back towards the center of room where Firenze stood silently.
The centaur remained motionless until the class noticed that he was ready to begin his lesson and quieted down. He smiled again. "Welcome to Divination." He said. "Last year, I showed you a little of what it is like to truly read the stars. As you will remember from the past year's lesson, reading the stars is not a light task. It takes many, many years to unravel the secrets they can teach us. But learning to understand the greater picture can be a most valuable asset in learning to see into the future. What you learned last year will have an effect on what you will learn this year. We will use a similar technique to learn to read the pattern of the trees."
The class looked about at each other, wondering what the centaur was talking about. Even Mindy had to admit she was a little confused. She could understand attempting to read the stars; it was something Diviners did all the time. But read the pattern of the trees--that just didn't make sense.
"Everyone, choose a tree." Firenze paused while the students stood and picked out trees. Ron directed Harry and Mindy to three trees towards the back of the class, where they could gaze off into the distance with out being noticed. Once everyone had found a tree he or she liked, Firenze went on. "Stand beneath the branches of your tree and look up at the way they sway above you. Notice the layering pattern the leaves make. Notice the stars visible beyond the leaves, and interpret the significance of those stars."
Firenze walked about the class, trailing through the trees and talking calmly to the students. "Touch the bark." He said. "Feel the pattern it forms against your skin."
Mindy rolled her eyes. This was absolutely ridiculous. Feel the pattern the bark made--yeah, sure. She looked over at Harry next to her. He laid his hand lightly on the tree, a look of total confusion on his face. On the other side of her, Ron had his right hand pressed against the tree, serenity shining in his brown eyes; he was probably daydreaming about something. Mindy shrugged. If those two give it a try, she certainly could. She pressed the palm of her hand against the bark. It was cool beneath her fingers and she smiled. This may be a load rubbish, but it was certainly very calming.
"Now." Firenze said, as he stepped between Mindy's and Ron's trees. "Empty your mind. Free your soul of any cares. And listen. Listen to the tree and it will speak to your heart."
Mindy almost laughed out loud at this, but she quickly stifled the desire, seeing as the Professor was a little less than an arms length away from her. But the centaur didn't seem to be paying her any attention. He was focused on Ron. Harry, who had apparently given up on freeing his soul of anything was also staring at Ron. Mindy looked back the boy and stifled a gasp. There was something about the look on Ron's face as he stood there calmly, his right hand pressed against the large oak tree.
"Quiet." Firenze said softly, though if was so obvious he wasn't addressing the class anymore. He was speaking only to Ron. "Empty your mind of thoughts. Hear only the tree. It tells the story of the changes of the Earth. The Earth tells the story of the changes in the world. Listen to what those changes are and you will be able to see what is to come."
Mindy looked around. No one else seemed to notice all of Firenze's attention being directed at Ron. Most of the class seemed to be still trying to follow his instructions. Mindy looked back at Ron. He seemed to be struggling with something.
"Close your eyes." Firenze said, stepping closer to Ron. "It will help."
The entire class, save Mindy and Harry, shut their eyes. Harry had given up any pretense of following the lesson and had stepped up beside Mindy, closer to his friend. He looked at her and the two exchanged a look of amazement, and then turned back to watch Ron.
Firenze was only inches away from Ron now, studying him intently. "Now," he almost whispered. "What is the tree telling you?"
Harry and Mindy leaned in, listening intently themselves. Ron opened his mouth. At first nothing came out. He tried again, and in hoarse whisper said. "The Earth...sees...dark times. A friend of the dark, a foe of the light will rise and attack the strongest castle of its enemy before the old year passes into the new. The marked one must be wary of the black...ugh." Ron groaned and dropped his hand from the tree. His cheeks were flushed pale and when he opened his eyes they burned with a feverish light. He pressed both palms against his forehead. Then rubbing his eyes, he shook his head and nearly toppled over.
"Are you all right?" Firenze asked, placing a steadying hand on the boys shoulder.
"I think so." Ron answered.
"How do you feel?" Firenze asked.
Ron looked up at the centaur. "Tired." He answered simply. He looked back at Harry and Mindy who were both staring at him wide-eyed and asked, "What happened?"
Firenze smiled the brightest smile Mindy had ever seen on the centaur's face. "You, Ron Weasley, are a true Diviner."
~*~*~*~*
Well, I finally got through with chapter four. I had hoped to update sooner, but with school and all, its not easy.
Now that chapter four is done and we're heading full speed towards chapter five, I'd like to get some pairings out of the way. We're about to fall head over into the main plot of this story and I want to couple people off before then. Trouble is, I not sure who I want with who. So I'm taking suggestions. Elayne Sedai has left a couple of suggestions already, and I rather like Harry and Minerva myself. That may complicate the story later on, but what's a story with out complications.
Any hoo, if you would like to see some pair together, let me know. You can pair any two people you like. And I am open to love triangles; I think I can make it work. And I will also consider slash, though I won't promise you anything. The only person I'm asking you not pair off is Draco Malfoy. I'm not entirely sure he will be making an appearance in this fic. At the moment, he isn't. Of course, that could change. So don't run off any die- hard Draco fans. There's still hope.
That is all for now. So until next time, I wish you loads of love, luck, and lollipops.
And by the way, REVIEW!!!
I don't like to leave long A/N, but I have something moderately important this time. I finally un-packed all of my HP books and man did I make some errors. Sorry. I thought about going back and corrected them in the chapters and just re-uploading everything, but then I thought--yeah right, like I'm really going to do that. So instead I'm going to list them all at the beginning of this chapter. If you could care less about the corrections, by all means skip this portion. It has absolutely no relevance to what's going on now. But if you want to see all my flubs, then stick around and read. And that pesky disclaimer will be at the end of my screw-ups list, if you care to read that I do not own Harry Potter or anything relating to Harry Potter.
SCREW-UPS LIST
I miss spelled Weasley like a million times. It is WeaslEy, not WeasEly.
I miss spelled Dumbledore, believe it or not. DumbledorE, not Dumbledor__.
Fred and George's new business partner was not Dean. It was Lee Jordan. I don't know where I got Dean from. Probably the first thing that came to mind. I don't know.
I miss spelled McGonagall. A few times I left out the first A. I think that was more of typing errors than anything else though.
I miss spelled Severus. I put one too many r's in it. Severus, not SeRverus.
I called Hermione's cat Crankshaft. Crookshanks. Crookshanks. Her cat's name is Crookshanks. Where did Crankshaft come from. That my friends is a long and complicated story, and one I will not get into now.
Hagrid's dialogue still stinks, but that I have no power to correct. It is due to my poor ability to type accents. If Fleur shows up in this story, I am in deep do-do.
That is all the uh-ohs I can think of. If you noticed anymore, keep it to yourself.
Disclaimer: It's in the beginning A/N. I'm not typing that despairingly, depressing information again. If only I could be a million dollar author. ::Big sigh:: A girl can dream, can't she.
END OF SCREW-UPS LIST
~*~*~*~*
Chapter 4
The Pattern in the Trees
"So what did Dumbledor want last night?" Ron asked.
Harry looked up at one of his best friends. He, Ron, Hermione and Mindy were just sitting down to breakfast. When Harry had returned to Gryffindor Tower late last night, he had found the first day of school party in full swing. It wasn't as grand as when the Weasley twins were running the show, but it was enough to keep him from talking to Ron and Hermione about his visit to Professor Dumbleore's office.
"Yes. I am rather curious, myself." Mindy said, looking up from the piece of toast she was buttering. "I've never heard of a student being called to the headmaster's office on the first night back." She said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Well, it really isn't the first time I've been to Dumbledore's office on the first night." Harry said, helping himself to some eggs and pancakes. "But then, Ron and I had stolen his dad's flying car and flew it here."
"And then got it crushed by the Whomping Willow." Ron added, shaking his head. "My dad was pissed over that for an entire year. Sometime I think he's still upset about it."
"Well, I would be too." Hermione stated, matter-of-factly, "If someone had ruined my car. But back on subject, Harry, what did Professor Dumbledore want?"
Harry shrugged. He decided to skip the part about continuing Occlumency until it was just him, Hermione, and Ron and went straight to the important part of the previous night's discussion, "To tell me that he wasn't really confident in Professor's Trelawney's ability to teach Defense against the Dark Arts."
Ron snorted. "He's not the only one who's not confident in her abilities."
Mindy frowned. "He called you to his office to tell you that."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, then he asked me if I was interested in teaching the class."
Mindy dropped her fork and Hermione mirrored her action. "He what?" They both asked at the same time.
"That's a bloody brilliant idea." Ron exclaimed.
"Did he really ask you to teach?" Mindy asked.
"What're you going to do?" Hermione cut in, leaning over her plate of bacon and toast.
Harry shook his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do just, yet. And no, he didn't come right out and say, 'Harry, teach this class'. He wants me to continue D.A. You know, and open it to everyone at Hogwarts. He said he'll encourage the fifth years to join the club, since they'll be taking their O.W.L.'s." He looked over at Ron, "And I'm not so sure it's a 'bloody brilliant' idea."
"Well, I think it is." Ron countered. "You'll do much better than Professor Trelawney. Who knows what kind of craziness she'll have us doing."
Hermione frowned. "But what makes him think you're even capable of teaching in the first place."
"Professor Dumbledore said everyone I tutored last year made an O on their DaDA O.W.L." Harry answered. "He seems to think I'll be able to do good job because of that."
"Really?" Mindy asked. "Every one of the fifth years?"
Harry nodded.
"Even Neville?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded again.
"Professor Dumbledore's right, Harry." Ron said. "You're gifted."
"When do you have to give Dumbledore your final answer?" Mindy asked.
"He told me to think about it and let him know by the end of the week." Harry answered.
"But, I don't see how it could possibly work out." Hermione said, shaking her head. "You'd have to work around everyone's schedules, and with quidditch practice in the various houses and classes, that'll be near impossible. Not to forget that you have your own classes to worry about."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But Professor Dumbledore said he'd talk to my professors and have them lighten my work load."
"A lighter load." Ron said. "That'll make it easier to plan lessons. And don't try to work around people schedules. Let them work around yours. Just pick a day that you want to hold the meetings on and whoever can make it will come."
"But he'll still have to accommodate the fifth years." Hermione argued. "Professor Dumbledore will probably require that they join."
"Well, that's easily solved." Ron said. "Just pick a day that fits into Ginny's schedule. She's on the Gryffindor Quidditch team plus she has so many extracurricular activities. Anything she can make, anybody can make."
"Ron makes a good point." Hermione said, turning to Harry. "And we'll help as much as we can, of course."
"Wait, a second." Harry said. "I thought we were just agreeing that I couldn't do this."
"That's right. You can't." Mindy said, vehemently. "Dumbledore can't expect a student to teach a class, no matter how under qualified the professor is." She sat back in her chair, frowning. "Of all the crazy ideas the man has had, and he's had some crazy ones, this by far takes the cake."
Harry looked over at Mindy. She was frowning and right then she reminded him very strongly of someone. He, Hermione, and Ron stared at her curiously. Finally, Harry voiced the question that was running through all their minds. "What do you know about Professor Dumbledore and his ideas?"
"What?" Mindy asked, sitting up. She seemed to think about what she had just said and her eyes widened. "Oh...oh...uh...um, I--I think the morning owls are coming."
Harry looked around. The high windows of the great hall had just opened, and owls of all types came flying in. They swooped low over the tables of the great hall depositing letters, packages, and class schedules. A large brown born owl delivered Harry's schedule. Ron snatched his away from a horned owl that snapped at his fingers. Hermione and Mindy each took their schedules from a medium sized screech owl.
Harry fed the barn owl a piece of toast crust, as he unrolled his schedule. "Well, it looks like we'll have most of our classes together today." He said, glancing over the schedule. "Double Transfiguration first, then Care of Magical Creatures, and after lunch, Divination."
"Transfiguration first, huh?" Ron said, reading over his own schedule. "Well, this should be interesting."
Mindy nodded and said quietly, almost to herself. "Yes. Let's see if Professor Lupin can keep up with me." She rolled her schedule up and stood. "I have to go." She said, looking at the others. "I left my books in the room. I'll see you in class." She stuffed her schedule in a pocket of her robes and hurried out of the great hall.
Ron raised an eyebrow at her retreating form, disappearing through the great hall's door. "What do you suppose that was about?" Ron asked. "Getting all worked up about Professor Dumbledore's idea.?"
"And then saying that he's had some crazy ones." Hermione added. "What do you suppose she knows about Hogwarts?"
Harry shrugged. "Maybe she's heard rumors." He suggested, though he knew he wasn't convincing anyone. He wasn't convincing himself.
"She's a weird one." Ron stated.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully, then looking over her own schedule said, "We have Defense against the Dark Arts tomorrow morning, Harry. I say you hold out on making any final decisions until after the class. Who knows, maybe Professor Trelawney will be some good."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, and maybe this year Snape will lighten up on Harry."
"Ugh." Harry groaned. "Don't remind me about that class. I have his right after Trelawney's. I hope tomorrow doesn't shape up to be rotten."
"You can hope." Ron said. "But it isn't likely to happen."
"Ron." Hermione admonished, pushing her plate aside. "We should go." She said, looking at them both. "We don't want to be late for Transfiguration."
~*~*~*~*
Mindy burst into Professor Dumbledore's office, not bothering to knock. Professor Dumbledore wasn't phased by this and didn't even look up from what ever he was doing. Mindy huffed at being ignored and stomped over to stand directly in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk.
She cleared her throat loudly and glared at Dumbledore until he looked up at her.
"Well, Ms. James, you seem to be slipping back into a teenager nicely." Professor Dumbledor said, raising an eyebrow at the scowl on her face as he laid his work aside.
"How can you ask Harry to teach Defense against the Dark Arts?" Mindy asked, choosing to ignor the headmaster's statement.
"I'm sorry, Ms. James, but what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you asking Harry to teach Defense against the Dark Arts. And don't call me Ms. James."
"Would you prefer Mindy, then?"
"I would prefer my name. You can't possibly expect a student to teach a class."
"Mindy James is your name now. And I did not ask Mr. Potter to teach Defense against the Dark Arts."
"That's not what he said."
"I asked him if he would be interested in continuing D. A." Professor Dumbledore went on as if Mindy hadn't spoken.
"You don't think that's the same thing?" Mindy argued back. "You really should have run this by me first, Albus. I could have told you not to place Trelawney as the Defense against the Dark Arts professor."
"Please explain to me, Ms. James, why I should discuss my staffing plans with my students." Dumbledore frowned, but the twinkle in his eye couldn't be masked.
This annoyed Mindy even more. "I am not a student..."
"But you are." Professor Dumbledore cut in. "Do try to remember that."
"But Albus..."
"I must insist, Ms. James, that you call me Professor Dumbledore, or Headmaster, Sir even if you prefer."
Mindy rolled her eyes. If she didn't know better, she'd think the man was irritating her on purpose. "Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster, Sir." She spat through gritted teeth. "If I may ask, being as I am only a student, why are you placing so much responsibility on Harry? Why don't you let Severus head this Defense against the Dark Arts club? It's something he has wanted ever since he came to teach here."
"You are being a bit curious for a student, Ms. James."
Mindy raised her chin, choosing to ignor that statement as well. "Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Well, why are you placing so much responsibility on Harry? Severus is perfectly capable."
"I have my reasons for doing things the way I'm doing them."
"Which are?"
Professor Dumbledore only smiled at her. He laced his fingers together and said, "Aren't you late for a class?"
"Honestly, Albus. I know I'm sixteen now, but..."
"Transfiguration, I believe it is."
"You haven't answered any of my questions."
"You had better hurry. You don't want to loose points for your house." And with that, Professor Dumbledore picked up his quill and commenced working on whatever it was he was doing before Mindy had so rudely walked in.
Mindy frowned at him. It was obvious that Professor Dumbledore had no intentions of continuing the discussion. It didn't even look as if he knew she was still standing there. Deciding it would be useless to try and start the conversation again, Mindy spun around and marched out of the headmaster's office. After all, he was right; she was late for her first class of the year.
~*~*~*~*
Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked to the Transfiguration class room together, discussing the possible lessons Professor Lupin had planned for them.
"I bet we won't be turning rocks into rock candy, that's for sure." Ron said as they joined a group of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws milling around outside the door. "It's bound to be a far more interesting lesson than when Professor McGonagall was teaching."
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall wouldn't like to hear you say that." Hermione frowned.
"Well, she's not here to hear, is she?" Ron shot back, just as Mindy walked up. He looked over at her and asked, "Did you find your books?"
Mindy stopped next to Harry looking a bit flustered. She answered Ron's question with a noncommittal nod then asked, "What's going on? I thought I was late."
"It seems Professor Lupin is a little late." Hermione answered. "We're just waiting for him to open the door."
Mindy raised an eyebrow at this, with a very disapproving look on her face. Harry tilted his head at her. Mindy had to be the oddest girl he had ever met, and that was taken Hermione and her joy of all things school related into account. Why she would be upset because a professor was a few minutes late was beyond him. Things must have been done very differently at Aussie Allister.
They didn't have to wait long, however, before the room door swung open and Professor Lupin looked out at the student's on the other side. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He quickly apologized. "Come in, everyone."
The students filed into the class, taking the seats they had become accustomed to over the past five years. Harry looked around, noticing for the first time just how much smaller this class had become. At least half the Ravenclaws were no longer with them, and the Gryffindors had shrunk to one third of what they used to be.
Professor Lupin walked to the front of the class. He waved his wand and his name was written across the board in neat white letters. "I know most of you know who I am." He said, turning around. "This is for the new among us." He smiled at Mindy, before turning to address the class, again. "Take out your books, please, and turn to chapter 20."
Harry reached into his back pack and pulled out his new Transfiguration book. Flipping quickly to the chapter he read the title: "Changing the Skin You're In".
"This is Advanced Transfiguration and I think it is time you learn how to transfigure--yourself." Professor Lupin said, stepping back towards the center of the class.
"You mean the way Viktor Krum turned himself into a shark?" Seamus Finnigan asked, looking up from his book.
Professor Lupin nodded. "Exactly. Though I hope I will be able to teach you to do it a bit more...completely."
Mindy raised her hand and Professor Lupin nodded at her. "Isn't that dangerous for under trained wizards?" She asked. "If the transfiguration spell isn't done properly it could get...er...messy. Don't you think we should wait until we're in our seventh year and have a little more experience?"
Professor Lupin stared at her curiously. Harry supposed he hadn't expected anyone to oppose learning how to transfigure themselves. "Well, yes. There is a level of danger. But there's a bit of danger involved with any sort of magic. I don't think you'll be anymore ready in your seventh year than you are now. If you work hard at it, the technique can be mastered easily enough." Professor Lupin looked back at the class. "I would like you all to read..."
"I have to disagree." Mindy said, her hand flying into the air briefly.
Professor Lupin looked back at her. "With what?"
"The technique can't be easily mastered no matter how hard you work. It takes a great amount of skill to be able to transfigure yourself."
"I am aware of that." Professor Lupin answered. "This is Advanced Transfiguration. I'm assuming everyone in this class is here because they showed the skill needed to perform the more difficult spells."
Mindy nodded. "I'm sure everyone has the potential. But potential and ability are two different things. I think you should walk us through the more complex spells, letting us work on the least difficult first and then taking on the more challenging ones towards the end of the year. Or perhaps next year. What you're doing is nose diving right into the hardest stuff."
"And the most interesting stuff." Dean piped up from his seat in the back of class. "Do you really want sit here turning penguins into pin cushions?"
Mindy shifted in her seat and glared at Dean. He withered under the stare and grinned sheepishly. "Just a question." He mumbled.
"Ms. James, is it?" Professor Lupin asked, and Mindy nodded, turning back to face him. "I know you're transferring from a different school and you may not have covered the same things the students here have. If you're concerned about your abilities, you can talk to me after class. I could set up a tutoring session."
Mindy's cheeks flushed scarlet with indignation. "A tutoring session? I could tutor you."
Professor Lupin frowned. "Then what is the problem?"
"I just think you're going about this all wrong..."
"Listen to me carefully, Ms. James. I am about to ask you a very important question." Professor Lupin said, stepping up to Mindy's desk and frowning down at her. "Who is teaching this class?"
Mindy opened her mouth, then closed it again. All the color drained from her cheeks, and Harry couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or anger. Mindy didn't say a word. She only glared back at Professor Lupin. "Stay after class. I think we need to talk." He said, before turning around and heading back to the front.
Mindy nodded briefly and stared fixedly at her un-opened transfiguration book. Harry glanced at her, wondering what made her want to argue with Professor Lupin about what he planned to teach. He felt a poke in his arm and turned around to look at Ron. Ron set his book up, and twirled his finger in the air, making the crazy gesture. He nodded, meaningfully at Mindy. Harry only shook his head.
Hermione, who must have seen this out the back of her head, turned around and hissed, "Cut it out." Ron made a face at her, but he set his book down. Hermione leaned towards Mindy and whispered. "I agree, this is a little a difficult for the first day, but Professor Lupin want let us get in over our heads. Besides, you do have to admit, it is more interesting than turning penguins into pin cushions."
Mindy nodded, but never shifted her eyes from her closed book. And they remained on her book for the rest of the session, which was just as well, since they didn't get to use their wands that day anyway. Professor Lupin had them read the chapter, and discuss the key points of it. Towards the end of the period, he asked the class to pick something they would like to transfigure themselves into, at which point Lavender asked if she turn herself into a pair of shoes.
"No, Ms. Brown, you cannot become an inanimate object."
"So I can't become shoes?"
"You can't become shoes."
Pravati raised her hand. "Can I turn myself into a diamond necklace?"
"What did I just tell Ms. Brown?" Professor Lupin answered.
"Uh, she can't be shoes."
Professor Lupin sighed. "Just stick with animals." He said. "Think about what kind of animal you would like to become for next time. I am placing one restriction on your choice though. You can only choose a mammal."
"But I wanted become a lizard." One of the Ravenclaws whined.
"I wanted to try the shark thing, myself." Seamus said, a little disappointed.
Professor Lupin shrugged. "I'm sorry, but it will be easier for you turn if you stick within the same kingdom of species. It is a lot less tricky to turn one mammal into another mammal. You may also chose from magical creatures if you like, though I am asking that you steer clear of griffins and hypogriffs since they have avian qualities as well as mammal." The bell rang and Professor Lupin called out over the sudden rush of students gathering their things, "For homework tonight, read chapter 21 and right a three and a quarter foot essay on the importance of proper wand movement and the transfiguring of oneself."
Harry stood and looked over at Mindy, who hadn't moved. He walked towards her and said, "Don't worry. I don't think you will be in too much trouble."
Mindy shifted her eyes from her book for the first time since her argument with Professor Lupin and looked up at Harry. "I know. It--just haven't been my day."
Harry smiled reassuringly. "It'll get better." He said. "Care of magical creatures is next. There's not much that can go wrong, as long as Hagrid doesn't bring anything potentially deadly to show us."
Mindy gave Harry an almost convincing bright smile. "I'm sure whatever happens in that class won't be as bad as the way my day is already going. You had better go, though. You don't want to be late."
Harry nodded. "I'll see you there."
Mindy smiled again and said, "Sure."
Harry caught up with Ron and Hermione in the hall and they headed for the great doors together.
"So did Mindy mention why she thought it so important to argue with Professor Lupin about his lesson plan?" Ron asked as they exited the school and headed for Hagrid's hut near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Harry shook his head. "I didn't ask."
"There's something off about her." Ron stated, flatly.
"There's nothing wrong with Mindy, Ron." Hermione said, shaking her head. "She's just at a new school and has to readjust is all."
"Have you forgotten what she said at breakfast?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow at Hermione. "That stuff about Professor Dumbledore?"
Hermione shrugged. "Harry was probably right. She probably heard rumors. You can't tell me you don't think word of the things that goes on at Hogwarts isn't out there."
Ron narrowed his eyes. "I still think there's something not right about her. And don't you think it's weird that she's transferring in, now, with You-Know-Who running about out there somewhere?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Aw, come on, Ron. Don't go looking for monsters. For once, I just want to have a normal school year."
"When was the last time that happened? Let's see. I think you had a nice normal school term the year before--never." Ron said sarcastically, looking over at Harry. "Anyway, I'm just saying, you should be on your guard for weird stuff, especially with what's happening. And I think there's something not right about Mindy."
"Well, I thinks she's alright." Harry shot back. "As a matter of fact, I know she's alright. She's a normal girl, who has to get used to a new school is all. She is not an agent of Voldemort."
Ron cringed and Hermione rolled her eyes. "Really, Ron, I'd think you'd be used to it by now. And Harry's right, you know. So stop inventing problems."
"Fine." Ron said. "I'll drop it. But I think you should still be on your guard, Harry."
Harry said nothing to this, because they were at Hagrid's hut. There were a few other students standing around waiting for Hagrid to show them his latest creature. Harry had gotten so used to cutting off sensitive conversations around people other than Ron or Hermione that he did it almost automatically now, even if what being said wasn't even worth over hearing.
The first noticeable thing Harry saw, as the trio joined the assemblage, was the lack of Slytherines. Not a one of the Slytherines that had terrorized the Care of Magical Creatures class since their second year was present. "They must have all dropped the class." Hermione said, noticing the missing Slytherines.
"I thought you had to fail the O.W.L. not to be allowed back in a class." Ron said.
Hermione shook her head. "If you don't think a class will be beneficial to your career choice you can choose to replace with another in sixth year."
"I'm not complaining." Harry said, looking about at the most welcome sight of not seeing any Slytherines. "It's good not to have to see Malfoy's face."
"Speaking of which." Ron said. "We haven't seen him at all, yet. You suppose he's finally gone to another school."
Harry grinned. "Here's hoping."
" 'Lo, class." Harry turned around to see Hagrid emerge from his hut carrying a large box filled with medium sized glass jars and an armful of oversized butterfly nets. "Today, ah thought we'd do somethin' different." He called, placing the box on the ground and leaning the butterfly nets against one wall of his home. "We're going tree nymph hunting. Who can tell me what a tree nymph is an' what's it good fer?"
Naturally, Hermione's hand flew into the air first, but Neville also dared to raise his. Hagrid nodded at Neville and the boy swallowed nervously. "Er, tree nymphs are small creature, related to pixies, that live in any type of woody magical plants, not just trees. And they aren't good for anything. As a matter of fact, they're a pest. If there's too many of them, they can ruin plants and damage trees."
Hagrid nodded. "That's 'xactly right. Fifteen points for Gryffindor. There was a big spurt in the tree nymph population over the summer, and we need to it rid o' some o' them or else they'll reach the growth of unicorn trees and ruin 'em. Tree nymphs tend to get rowdy when there's a bunch o' 'em together." Hagrid grabbed one of the large butterfly nets and held it up. "Tree nymph's are resistant ta most magic, so yer gotta catch 'em with nets. Once ya got one, seal it in one o' these jars. Each jar is charmed so the tree nymph can't escape."
Hagrid reached into the box and pulled out a jar containing a small, ugly, brown creature. It looked nothing like what Harry had expected it to. When he heard the word nymph it conjured up pictures of pretty little cherubs dancing through the leaves. This thing looked more like an insect, with large multi-sector amber eyes and antenna growing from its head. The creature had two sets of leaf like wings that it was using to buzz furiously around the jar in which it was trapped.
"These are tricky, an' you gotta be careful catchin' 'em." Hagrid explained. "I doubt you'll have much trouble spotting 'em. They're everywhere. So grab a net an' a couple o' jars. Break up into groups and don' go too deep in the forest. If ya need help, call."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron each took a net and two jars a piece. "At least there's no danger involved in this." Harry said, looking at his butterfly net doubtfully. "I don't think I'm going to be able to catch anything though."
"I'm sure it's not that difficult, once you get the swing of it." Hermione said, reassuringly.
"Yeah." Ron agreed, then looked towards the dark forest. "You don't suppose Hagrid's--" he looked around to see if anyone was standing near, then leaned in closer and whispered, "--little friend is still in there."
Harry looked at the forest apprehensively, remembering Hagrid's younger half brother (and whole giant) Grawp. He wouldn't put it past Hagrid to send them into the forest with the giant still loose. After all, he did ask Harry and Hermione to take care of the giant last year. "I hope not."
Neville walked up, carrying a net and four of the jars rather clumsily. "Do you mind if I join your group?" He asked.
"Not at all." Hermione answered. "So you know a bit about tree nymphs?"
Neville nodded. "End of last year, a large colony of them moved into a stand of unicorn tree saplings Professor Sprout was raising. Half the saplings died before she was able to get rid of them."
"Oh, that's terrible." Hermione said. "Unicorn trees are so useful."
Neville nodded. "The wild unicorn trees won't stand a chance if there are very many of the nymphs about. As you know, the wild trees are effected more by environmental conditions and are more prone to disease."
Ron nodded. "Right." He said, shooting Harry a look that said 'I have absolutely no idea what he's talking about'.
Harry grinned, then leading the way into the forest said, "Let's go catch some nymphs."
They didn't have to go too deeply into the woods before they spotted the tree nymphs. Hagrid was right. They were everywhere; bouncing from limb to limb, stripping branches of their leaves, tearing holes into the bark. Hagrid was also right about them being difficult to catch. Every nymph Harry swung at with his net only giggled at him before hopping away to do damage to another tree. Ron wasn't fairing much better than Harry, though he had managed to catch one nymph. Hermione had a hard time at first, but she watched Neville (who must have helped Professor Sprout round up the nymphs last year because he was doing remarkably well) and was able to pick up on his technique and capture a fair share.
Mindy joined them halfway through the period. Ron tried to get her tell them what happened with Professor Lupin, but she refused to talk about it. She somehow knew a stunning spell that actually worked on the tree nymphs and was able to capture quite a bit before the end of the class. Harry attempted to copy Mindy's spell, but found it almost impossible to execute properly. Even Hermione couldn't get it to work right. Harry wondered briefly how Mindy had picked up such an advanced spell, but then decided that she must have learned it at her past school and didn't question it again.
By the end of the class, Harry and Ron had each caught only one nymph. Hermione did much better than them, capturing five. Mindy who had gotten a late start still managed to capture eight nymphs. But Neville did the best of them all. He was able to bring Hagrid fifteen jars, each containing a very disgruntled tree nymph. Neville was very pleased with himself, and became even more pleased when he won twenty points for Gryffindor for capturing the most nymphs.
The class ended without any sort of misfortunate incident, and despite the trouncing through briars and thorns, Harry thought it was one of the better lessons. He mentioned this to Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Mindy.
"It's because the Slytherines weren't here." Ron said. "They're the ones that always cause the trouble."
"The Slytherine house couldn't be that bad." Mindy frowned. "The way you guys talk about them, you'd think they were all evil."
"They are." Ron said, seriously. "Just wait till you meet them."
Mindy smiled, knowingly. "Actually, I can't wait to meet them."
Harry looked over at her. "There aren't that many people here that would welcome a run in with a Slytherine."
Neville nodded in agreement. "I usually try to avoid them at all cost. They tend to curse first and ask questions later, just before they curse you again."
Mindy grinned. "I doubt they would be able to handle me."
~*~*~*~*
After lunch, Hermione and Neville separated from the group; Hermione headed for advanced Arithmancy and Neville for advanced Herbology. Harry, Ron, and Mindy headed for Divinations.
"I still can't see how she can stand that class." Ron said, watching Hermione retreat in the opposite direction. "Entirely to many numbers are involved for me."
Mindy watched the other girl, personally wishing she were going with her. She even wished she could join Neville in Herbology, although she thought it was the most boring subject (next to History of magic). She was not looking forward to Divination. In her opinion the subject was a tremendous waste of time. She still wasn't sure why Dumbledore had decided to start the program in the first place, though it was a lucky thing he met with Trelawney when he did. If not, they might have never known about Harry.
Mindy looked over at the boy. Harry had never seemed to express that great of an interest in Divination and wondered slightly what he was doing in the class. "So why are you taking Divination this year?" She asked, curiosity getting the best of her. Harry had given her no indication last year, during his career advisement meeting, that he planned to continue in the subject, and she had assumed he was going to drop it.
Harry shrugged. "I don't know." He answered. "I was just put back in the class. I don't know why though. I didn't really do all that well on the O.W.L."
Ron shook his head. "Neither did I, but here we both are. Maybe Firenze really liked us and decided to keep us around."
"That could be it." Harry grinned. "We are very likable people."
Mindy smiled at them both. "That you are." She said, as they came to a halt in front of the first floor classroom.
"I do like having the class on the first floor, though." Ron said, twisting the doorknob and stepping into the room. "This does beat having go all the way up to that tower."
But Mindy had stopped listening to Ron. She had just stepped out of one of the many halls of Hogwarts and right into the middle of a twilight forest. "Lovely." She breathed, walking across the soft grass. "Where do we sit?"
"The ground is fine."
Mindy turned to see a young centaur walking towards her from amongst the shadows of the trees. His white-blond hair fell across startling blue eyes. His bare chest gleamed handsomely in the half light. Mindy's mouth formed a little surprised "o". She had met Firenze before, of course, but she had never noticed how absolutely gorgeous he was. She shook her head slightly, as if to shake away the thought. 'Stupid teenage hormones' she thought angrily and plopped down in the spot she had been standing.
"Hello, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley." Firenze said, stepping up to the boys, and shaking their hands. "I'm glad you're both in my class again this year."
"So are we." Harry said. Ron nodded his agreement, and Mindy looked up at them both. She wondered when they learned to lie with such a straight face.
Firenze smiled slightly, and then left the three to greet his other students.
Mindy smirked at Harry as he sat down next to her. "So you're happy to be back in the class again, huh?" She said as soon as she thought the centaur was out of earshot.
Harry shrugged. "Well, what else was there to say?"
"Not much I suppose."
Ron sat down on the other side of her and looked up at the darken sky. "You suppose we're reading stars again?" He asked.
Harry gazed up as well. "I hope not." He answered. "I stunk at it last year and I'll probably stink at this year."
Mindy looked up at the sky. It was charmed so that it was at that stage halfway between night and day. A few stars were visible but not many. She frowned. How were they suppose to read the stars if they couldn't even see them? "I knew this class would be a waste of time." She said.
Ron looked over at her. "If you knew weren't going to like the class, why did you sign up for it?"
Mindy looked at Ron surprised. She certainly hadn't expected anybody to ask her that. She couldn't very well say because she needed to stay close to Harry. "Oh. Um...My...guardian made me. He thought it would be a, um, good educational experience." She answered weakly, wondering slightly if she could consider Professor Dumbledore her guardian, given her present situation. She knew the excuse was weak, and she delivered it with the air of some one who had something to hide. But it was the best she could do.
Ron looked at her curiously, but said nothing. Harry didn't seem to notice the slip up, and was looking back towards the center of room where Firenze stood silently.
The centaur remained motionless until the class noticed that he was ready to begin his lesson and quieted down. He smiled again. "Welcome to Divination." He said. "Last year, I showed you a little of what it is like to truly read the stars. As you will remember from the past year's lesson, reading the stars is not a light task. It takes many, many years to unravel the secrets they can teach us. But learning to understand the greater picture can be a most valuable asset in learning to see into the future. What you learned last year will have an effect on what you will learn this year. We will use a similar technique to learn to read the pattern of the trees."
The class looked about at each other, wondering what the centaur was talking about. Even Mindy had to admit she was a little confused. She could understand attempting to read the stars; it was something Diviners did all the time. But read the pattern of the trees--that just didn't make sense.
"Everyone, choose a tree." Firenze paused while the students stood and picked out trees. Ron directed Harry and Mindy to three trees towards the back of the class, where they could gaze off into the distance with out being noticed. Once everyone had found a tree he or she liked, Firenze went on. "Stand beneath the branches of your tree and look up at the way they sway above you. Notice the layering pattern the leaves make. Notice the stars visible beyond the leaves, and interpret the significance of those stars."
Firenze walked about the class, trailing through the trees and talking calmly to the students. "Touch the bark." He said. "Feel the pattern it forms against your skin."
Mindy rolled her eyes. This was absolutely ridiculous. Feel the pattern the bark made--yeah, sure. She looked over at Harry next to her. He laid his hand lightly on the tree, a look of total confusion on his face. On the other side of her, Ron had his right hand pressed against the tree, serenity shining in his brown eyes; he was probably daydreaming about something. Mindy shrugged. If those two give it a try, she certainly could. She pressed the palm of her hand against the bark. It was cool beneath her fingers and she smiled. This may be a load rubbish, but it was certainly very calming.
"Now." Firenze said, as he stepped between Mindy's and Ron's trees. "Empty your mind. Free your soul of any cares. And listen. Listen to the tree and it will speak to your heart."
Mindy almost laughed out loud at this, but she quickly stifled the desire, seeing as the Professor was a little less than an arms length away from her. But the centaur didn't seem to be paying her any attention. He was focused on Ron. Harry, who had apparently given up on freeing his soul of anything was also staring at Ron. Mindy looked back the boy and stifled a gasp. There was something about the look on Ron's face as he stood there calmly, his right hand pressed against the large oak tree.
"Quiet." Firenze said softly, though if was so obvious he wasn't addressing the class anymore. He was speaking only to Ron. "Empty your mind of thoughts. Hear only the tree. It tells the story of the changes of the Earth. The Earth tells the story of the changes in the world. Listen to what those changes are and you will be able to see what is to come."
Mindy looked around. No one else seemed to notice all of Firenze's attention being directed at Ron. Most of the class seemed to be still trying to follow his instructions. Mindy looked back at Ron. He seemed to be struggling with something.
"Close your eyes." Firenze said, stepping closer to Ron. "It will help."
The entire class, save Mindy and Harry, shut their eyes. Harry had given up any pretense of following the lesson and had stepped up beside Mindy, closer to his friend. He looked at her and the two exchanged a look of amazement, and then turned back to watch Ron.
Firenze was only inches away from Ron now, studying him intently. "Now," he almost whispered. "What is the tree telling you?"
Harry and Mindy leaned in, listening intently themselves. Ron opened his mouth. At first nothing came out. He tried again, and in hoarse whisper said. "The Earth...sees...dark times. A friend of the dark, a foe of the light will rise and attack the strongest castle of its enemy before the old year passes into the new. The marked one must be wary of the black...ugh." Ron groaned and dropped his hand from the tree. His cheeks were flushed pale and when he opened his eyes they burned with a feverish light. He pressed both palms against his forehead. Then rubbing his eyes, he shook his head and nearly toppled over.
"Are you all right?" Firenze asked, placing a steadying hand on the boys shoulder.
"I think so." Ron answered.
"How do you feel?" Firenze asked.
Ron looked up at the centaur. "Tired." He answered simply. He looked back at Harry and Mindy who were both staring at him wide-eyed and asked, "What happened?"
Firenze smiled the brightest smile Mindy had ever seen on the centaur's face. "You, Ron Weasley, are a true Diviner."
~*~*~*~*
Well, I finally got through with chapter four. I had hoped to update sooner, but with school and all, its not easy.
Now that chapter four is done and we're heading full speed towards chapter five, I'd like to get some pairings out of the way. We're about to fall head over into the main plot of this story and I want to couple people off before then. Trouble is, I not sure who I want with who. So I'm taking suggestions. Elayne Sedai has left a couple of suggestions already, and I rather like Harry and Minerva myself. That may complicate the story later on, but what's a story with out complications.
Any hoo, if you would like to see some pair together, let me know. You can pair any two people you like. And I am open to love triangles; I think I can make it work. And I will also consider slash, though I won't promise you anything. The only person I'm asking you not pair off is Draco Malfoy. I'm not entirely sure he will be making an appearance in this fic. At the moment, he isn't. Of course, that could change. So don't run off any die- hard Draco fans. There's still hope.
That is all for now. So until next time, I wish you loads of love, luck, and lollipops.
And by the way, REVIEW!!!