Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Army
Chapter three: Decisions to be made and stomachs to be filled
AN: No one besides Mrs. Weasley and the twins know about Harry's investment in the WWW. I wasn't sure if that was clear or not. It's only important because of other investments later in this chapter. Oh and the Wedding isn't today incase it seemed that way. People were arriving later that day for the wedding practice that night and the wedding a few days later… oopsies
"Hermione, do you plan on going back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked timidly as the group walked down Diagon alley. They were all rather disappointed to see that the street was nearly as empty as the year before and that posters littered the walls (and floors) of the shops. Everyone seemed a little distracted and no one managed to hear Harry's question to Hermione.
"Well I suppose not. I want to finish but it won't be the same without everyone there. Not to mention I am of age so there is no need for me to continue learning with a teacher. I've spent most of my summer reading and studying what I would have otherwise taken this year." Hermione brushed a lock of hair out of her face and blushed slightly. Her book worm tendencies would never change, Hogwarts or otherwise, and Harry was glad to know some one was still intending on perfecting their magical abilities. Harry hadn't practiced much but had been reading and finishing text books from the year before.
"I don't think I told you… well I am sure I didn't but you have to promise to not tell Ron what I am about to tell you." Hermione looked at Harry with pleading eyes. She grabbed his hand and they stopped walking. Harry merely nodded while wondering what the worst she could be about to say.
"I went back to Hogwarts a week after everyone left. Professor McGonagall gave me my N.E.W.T.s and what not."
Harry laughed as tension drained from his face. He had been afraid she was going to say that she was leaving for college or something extreme. "That's all? I can't say I'm surprised. How did you do?"
Hermione meekly smiled and said, "Well I got perfects on all of my exams and was offered an apprenticeship next year instead of a 7th year. Basically I've graduated even though I'm a year early."
Harry smiled and hugged her but he knew what that meant. "So Hogwarts will be welcoming back at least one student next year. What will you be mastering?" Hermione shuffled her feet and kicked a stone (which incidentally knocked the back of Ron's knees and caused him to stumble on to Neville).
"I've decided that I want to become a Master in Transfigurations, Charms and Potions. I plan on studying medicinal Herbology and Ancient History on the sides while I work. I'm not sure who will be teaching me potions since Slughorn has disappeared in retirement again but Professor McGonagall has promised to arrange something. Harry, you really should return for a final year with me. There will hardly be any students and Professor McGonagall wants to offer all 7th years a more intensive study plan, similar to my apprenticeships. You won't become a master or even an apprentice this year but at least you can specialize in Defense against the Dark Arts. Please consider it."
Hermione began walking again, still rather slowly, while she talked with Harry. Even with the promises of a more interesting year, Harry could picture himself returning to Hogwarts without Headmaster Dumbledore. He noticed how Hermione couldn't bring herself to call Professor McGonagall Headmaster either. Lost in his thought Harry failed to notice that the group had come to stop in the middle of the street and Harry crashed right into Ron (poor thing) and cause a domino effect.
"Well Harry I see you are attentive. Well looks like Mum is scheming again. She has our Hogwarts things listed as well and a least a hundred wedding items. We can't ignore next month forever. What does everyone plan to do?" Ginny stared down the group, her red hair a mess from falling onto Fred (or was it George?). Fred and George laughed at this point at the trivial problems of school educated youth and tipped their hats to the group as they made their way into their shop to check on Verity.
More feet shuffling and rock kicking occurred as no one wanted to go first. Slowly and surely everyone's eyes were on Harry. "I don't know what to say guys. I don't know where to begin or where it will end, this year." Harry looked at Hermione for help.
"I plan on going back to Hogwarts. I really think you guys should too." Hermione smiled almost pleadingly as she broke the news. Curiously she ignored her real reasons for returning and acted as if she was merely finishing up at Hogwarts. "At Hogwarts we will be better protected and will have more resources available. Hogwart's library is the key to figuring out where… erm… our future will take us. Not to mention we need more practice and more skills to fight the final erm… Quidditch game. True we might be alone but at least we will have each other and the Order-liness and erm lack of confusion…" Hermione's words were understood by the group and not easily translated to listeners that might be around. Though she cast Muffliato, Hermione was wiser than to believe that would be enough to prevent unwanted ears.
"Harry, she has a point. We need to gather our strength first and sharpen our skills. Plus you don't know where to begin looking. And I can't lie, I miss Professor Sprout." These surprising comments came from one of the more unlikely members of the group: Neville. The group snickered at Neville's final comment and a joke or two were made about teacher-student relationships (which turned Neville into a color that rivaled the Weasleys) but in reality everyone understood his feelings. They all missed one or two teachers (and of course a certain Headmaster) and had the same unsure feelings about their own skills and futures.
"But let's face it Harry, none of us want to go back without the whole group. You know all for one and one for all." Ginny smiled as she quoted one the many muggle books (and movies) that she had invest the last month to.
"I must agree with everyone else. We can't fight Purglehoofs and Mooggywiggles without at least another year of classes. We haven't even begun to learn about warding off hoodedwinkypuffs in History of Magic." Luna's rather mysterious comments (umm History of Magic?) really revealed the true feelings behind the entire group: There were many things that were still a mystery to the members and still beyond their ability to fight.
"So I guess Hogwarts has at least six students next year eh?" Harry smiled as the groups faces lit up with relief. No one was quite ready to be an adult (especially considering two of the members minor status). "But guys, I can't promise we will all have a full year ahead of us. If I get any leads I'm going after it. I can't let any time be wasted."
"Harry, we will all be following leads. You aren't in this alone." Ron said with unusual insight. Again the group smiled and began to look at the task ahead. "Well, we need to let Professor, er, Headmaster McGonagall know that we will be returning. We also have a list of things to buy. Beyond text books we should invest in a group library and personal first aid kits." This of course came from Hermione, who obviously understood there was more to fighting evil than a wave of a wand.
"First aid kits?" This came from the Weasleys of the group. "A first aid kit is a muggle thing I suppose. It's like a box with emergency things like band aids and healing ointments." Hermione answered with her usual all knowing smile.
"Muggles use healing ointments as well?"
"Well, it isn't quite the same as what wizards use. Theirs are not as quick or effective but are meant for small cuts and infections. Our kits should have basic healing potions and ointments, the wizard kind and even maybe muggle kinds. Also we should have some of those blackening powders that Fred and George invented. Hmm, maybe even some basic distracting agents like fireworks and other things that can be thrown to make noise or bright lights."
The wheels in Hermione's mind turned as rapidly as the words spilled from her mouth. Clearly she was on a roll and as soon as the final word fell from her mouth her eye lit up. "You know what, I'll create the kits. You guys begin buys books and what not for class. Harry you're in charge of my list. I promise I'll pay you back later. Harry, Ginny you two can pick out the more important books from Flourish and Blotts that you think we should have. I have faith in you, Ginny, to pick out the right ones and Harry can purchase anything requiring an of age wizard. If they have a problem with Harry being a month short of age, get Ron to say it's for him or I'll get them later. Neville, Luna, go and get the necessary items for our potions stock. We'll need it to be rather extensive but I'll cover anything for our kits. Neville you know what are the more important ingredients for healing and defense potions. I am sure we'll have to restock our kits through out the year, unfortunately. Don't look at me like that. I have faith in you too and I'll do all of the brewing for you." Hermione smiled sympathetically at Neville and patted his shoulder.
"Ron you can come with me to talk to your brothers about our kits and then we'll get your mother her things. I think we are all set right? Well one last thing, does anyone need new robes or any kind?" Ginny and Luna, being female by birth, smiled and nodded. "Good me too. I have no idea what to wear to the wedding." The girls giggled and agreed to meet in an hour to dress shop. "Wait, I'm still hungry. We haven't had breakfast yet." Ron grumbled as his stomach made a loud and rather alarming gurgle.
"I have an idea, seeing as how none of the wizard cafes are open today, let's go and eat in a muggle café." Harry's suggestion startled all but Hermione who again lit up with excitement. "Great idea, I'm starving and have yet to eat in town. For all the times that I am in London with my family, we never seem to eat here." Harry, who was in a similar situation every time he was in town, smiled at the differences behind why. Harry had actually never eaten in a muggle restaurant or café besides the occasional birthday trip to McRonalds or Swirly King for Dudley and even then Harry got only scraps from Dudley's third or fourth super-sized meal.
"Hmm, We need to transform some clothing first and exchange some money into Pounds. Let's get going." Hermione and Harry smiled and turned towards Gringotts. They, in their merriness, missed the looks of apprehension from their fellow friends.