A/N: I know, I know, it took longer than I thought it would, blame it on work and the fact that I had to live through a long spell of writer's block and this story was stalled for a couple of weeks. I know there was some confusion a couple of weeks ago, I tried to post this chapter then but somehow I made a mistake and only the Author's Note was uploaded, so I had to take it out and didn't get the chance to try to upload this chapter again until now. But enough, let's continue with the story!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related to him is not mine.
Chapter 10 New Alliances
It was almost noon by the time Harry left his bed. He had fallen asleep the moment his head hit his pillow after his impulsive walk.
Ron and Hermione were working on one of the tables in the common room.
"Good morning." He mumbled as he took a seat beside them.
"Good afternoon, you mean." Said Hermione watching him closely.
"Here, brought you something from breakfast." Said Ron as he pushed a couple of slices of bread and bacon to Harry. "It'll be time for luncheon soon."
"Thanks." Harry murmured as he began to eat his light meal.
"Did you sleep well?" Asked Hermione, her worried glance traveling through his face as if to determine if he had slept at all.
"When I finally fell asleep." Said Harry. He knew it was no good trying to lie to her. She was too observant and could easily know if he lied.
"Maybe you should go to Madam Pomfrey and ask her for something to help you sleep." Suggested Ron looking at his friend. "Mum gives us some sleeping potion when we have trouble sleeping. I'm sure Madam Pomfrey has a few ready for students."
"I know she does." Said Harry.
"You should ask her tonight before going to bed." Said Hermione. "It might help."
Harry shrugged indifferent. "Perhaps." He mumbled.
He saw Hermione and Ron share a glance of concerned before turning their attention back to Harry.
Hermione pushed a copy of the Daily Prophet to Harry. "You should read that, you'll find it interesting." She said.
Harry looked guarded as he took the newspaper from the table.
The title on the front page caught his attention.
CORNELIUS FUDGE VACATES THE MINISTRY
For the first time in our world's history, a Minister of Magic renounces after popular pressure.
Last night, Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and representative of the Wizangamot, announced in a press conference that Cornelius Fudge has presented his resignation as Minister of Magic.
In an unprecedented decision, the position of Minister of Magic will be vacated at the beginning of the upcoming week.
Cornelius Fudge has served as Minister of Magic for the last twelve years, but his service has been darkened by the late occurrences of the past summer.
During the press conference, Madam Bones explained the actions to follow Minister Fudge's resignation.
"The Wizengamot as well as every head of each department of the Ministry will meet in a series of emergency hearings to list the names of appropriate candidates for the position of Minister of Magic. As this has never been done before, it is appropriate that we discuss and analyze the parchments written at the time of the formation of the Ministry of Magic. Scholars have counseled that said parchments contain clauses on how to deal with similar circumstances. The Wizengamot has chosen me to act as Minister of Magic until such time when a candidate has been elected for the position.
"I'm sure that the public will be happy to know that their voice has been heard and that the Ministry and the Wizengamot is doing everything possible to repair the damage that Mr. Fudge's latest decisions have caused."
When asked if it was known what the ancient parchments say how to proceed for the election of the new Minister of Magic, she said:
"As far as we can gather, the Wizengamot will elect among the heads of the different departments of the Ministry a few candidates to present to the public for popular election at the end of August."
It is unknown how the public will react to this news, but according to the last polls - taken just before the petition for Mr. Fudge's resignation was presented – 68% asked for Mr. Fudge's resignation, 23% thought he should be given another chance, and 9% didn't care one way or the other.
Harry read the page in silence. He had known that Mr. Fudge's days as Minister of Magic were almost over after the petition had been presented, but the news still came as a bit of a surprise. He had been sure Fudge would have fought until the end for his position instead of stepping aside without a word. But it seemed that Fudge himself had known that his popularity had waned and if the matter had to be decided by popular vote, he would have still lost his job.
"What will happen now?" Asked Harry glancing up to Hermione. He was sure that Hermione had read of the parchments mentioned in the report and probably knew the procedure to follow.
"Well," Hermione frowned in concentration. "The first thing to do is to choose an acting Minister. They've done that. Next the history and records of the head of departments will be scrutinized and reviewed until a list of a few chosen candidates can be released. I'm sure that because of Mr. Fudge's association to Lucius Malfoy and other known Death Eaters, they'll look at the candidates' acquaintances closely. They'll not want the next Minister to have the same problems Fudge had. Interviews with family, friends, colleagues, even with school friends, might take place to determine if the candidate is trustworthy. They'll look for any sign that they might have any association that can be remotely close to the Death Eaters."
"Sounds complicated." Said Ron, looking a little confused by it all.
"It is, which is why they might have chosen the end of August for the popular election." Hermione said.
"Who do you think they'll choose for candidates?" Harry asked flipping through the paper.
"I really can't say. Nothing has been said about the traits they're looking for in the next Ministry of Magic." Hermione said. "But I don't think the list will be long. It might contain only two or three names to present to the public."
"Do you think there are others besides Fudge who have a close association with Death Eaters?" Harry asked.
"Lucius Malfoy had many close friends in the Ministry. Many received his endorsement when they came into the Ministry. His capture last June has damaged a lot of reputations in the Ministry." Hermione said.
"Serves them right." Exclaimed Ron. "Who told them to side with Malfoy in the first place?"
"It's very common, Ron." Said Hermione. "As in the Muggle world, politicians are not known to be totally honest. In some cases they're so corrupt that they bring whole governments into chaos. Money and Power are high incentives to those who are very ambitious."
Harry knew Hermione was right. He was not up-to-date with Muggle or Magical politics, but he was sure that in both worlds there were people who craved power. Voldemort being the worst of this kind.
Harry continued flipping the pages of the newspaper. The story of Fudge's resignation went on for page after page. Graphs of polls, stories about all heads of Ministry Deparments and pictures of the people the Daily Prophet experts thought were prospective candidates for the position of Ministry of Magic.
"What are you going to do today, Harry?" Asked Hermione as she watched him put aside the Daily Prophet.
Harry shrugged casually.
"You should start your Potions paper." She urged him. "There's quite a bit to research for it."
"I already started it." He lied; he really didn't want to think about Potions at the moment. "I thought I might to see Lupin and ask him to help me prepare for the D.A. meeting tomorrow."
"That's a good idea." Said Ron looking up from his paper. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I thought we should review first a little of what we did last year, I'm sure the new members should learn those and it wouldn't harm the rest of us if we practice it a little more." Harry said thoughtfully.
Hermione nodded. "Sounds sensible." She said. "What's the first new thing you have planned?"
"I thought a little more practice with the Patronus Charm wouldn't come amiss; after all, we were interrupted before we even got the chance to finish with it." Harry frowned at the memory of the rather abrupt manner their last meeting was broken off.
Ron groaned and even Hermione grimaced at the memory. "Don't remind us." Said Ron.
"I thought to follow up with some of those spells we are going to learn in Experimental Charms – only the ones everybody is bound to learn eventually, not those that we must keep to ourselves." He added when Hermione was about to interrupt. "I wanted to do a mock battle but I'll need to discuss that with Lupin."
"That sounds fun." Said Ron.
"And very useful." Added Hermione.
"I think I'll go and see Hagrid." Harry announced rather abruptly.
"I'll go with you. I can finish this later." Ron said putting away his parchments and books. Hermione followed a little more slowly. "I suppose I'll go as well." She said.
Minutes later, Harry, Ron and Hermione were strolling past the front doors and walking toward Hagrid's hut.
They found him sitting in a stool just outside his door. Fang, the boarhound, lay sleeping at his feet. In front of him, Hagrid had placed a pail of water and another of potatoes. He was peeling them and dropping them into the pail of water as he hummed softly under his breath.
"Hello Hagrid!" They called out as they neared the hut.
"Oh, 'ello!" He waved back.
"Do you need any help, Hagrid?" Asked Hermione as she noticed him dump the potato peelings on the floor by his large boots.
"No, thanks." Said Hagrid.
"Hagrid?" Asked Ron tentatively. "Why did you have us collect insects on your class?"
Hagrid chuckled with amusement.
"It wasn't funny, Hagrid." Ron didn't sound amused.
"It's for our next lesson." Hagrid replied. "They like insects. Their favorite food, besides the fairies, but fairies are difficult to catch."
"What kind of creature are we going to care of now?" Asked Harry with hesitation. He knew very well what kind of creatures Hagrid preferred.
"Insects and fairies?" Asked Hermione thoughtfully. "How did you get your hands on any Augurey, Hagrid?"
"Knew you would guess." Smiled Hagrid. "Had them always. In the forest."
"They're not too bad." Said Ron. "Mum always said they're dead useful, especially around the rainy season."
"What do they do?" Asked Harry as he scratched Fang behind his ears.
"They act as a sort of weather forecaster." Hermione explain. "They sing when rain is near. But I don't fancy having one during the winter. Hearing them all day long could be depressing."
Hagrid was nodding his head. "Dreary sound, they make." He said. "And they aren't too pretty either."
Ron shared an amused look with Harry; they both knew that Hagrid was most likely wishing that he could bring a dragon for the class instead of an Augurey.
"How was yer week?" Hagrid asked.
"Fine enough." Harry shrugged disinterested.
"Experimental Charms was interesting." Ron said.
"Reckoned it'd be." Said Hagrid. "Charms and Transfiguration were Emma's best classes when she were 'ere before."
"Was she as strict as she is now? She seems likely to become another McGonagall." Ron mumbled.
"She just wants to do good." Hagrid said. "Many troubles, she 'ad before she left."
"She said there had been an attack on the Ministry." Harry said.
Hagrid looked closely at Harry. "That's right. Big to do then. Folks at the 'ospital, Muggles and wizards dead." Hagrid shook his head sadly.
"How could that happen, Hagrid?" Asked Hermione.
"It happened last June, Hermione. It's not too hard to imagine that it had happened before." Ron exclaimed.
Hermione glared at Ron and Hagrid looked apprehensively at Harry, who remained silent as if waiting for an answer.
"Er...well. Things were different then, weren't they?" Said Hagrid. "Even the entrance wasn't like today's."
"You mean the entrance to the Ministry was not where it is today?" Asked Harry full of curiosity.
Hagrid shook his head. "Folks entered through Rowe Square, didn't they. Park in front, mansions around it. Nice neighboor'ood."
"I've read of it." Said Hermione. "Is the only wizard populated area in London."
Hagrid was nodding. "Sure is." He exclaimed. "Some of them houses 'ave been there fer centuries, they have. Many were destroyed in the attack." He added sadly. "Many stayed and built their houses again, others moved. A hotel opened up, the park was reserved only to people livin' in the square and the main entrance to the Ministry chang'd."
Harry was thoughtful for a moment. The name of Rowe Square was familiar to him somehow but he couldn't remember from where.
Then it suddenly came to him. It was during his meeting with Mr. Nicholei, his parents' solicitor. There was a property in London, in Rowe Square.
"The Potter House is in Rowe Square." He said with surprise as he thought of it.
The others looked at him with surprise.
"It is." Said Hagrid. "Nice house. Big. Just across the park from the Ministry."
"I haven't seen it yet." Harry said.
"You might do so whenever you like." Said Hermione. "It is yours."
Harry shrugged.
Fang started to whine. "Eh? C'mon boy, time fer yer lunch. Ye lot should be up at the castle too." Hagrid said looking up at the sky.
Harry glanced down at his watch. Noon had arrived and they hadn't noticed.
"We'll visit later, Hagrid." Called Hermione as they moved away from the hut and started toward the castle.
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The Great Hall was full by the time Harry, Ron, and Hermione found their way to the Gryffindor Table.
"Where were you?" Asked Ginny as they sat beside her.
"With Hagrid." Said Ron; starting to pile food onto his plate.
"Lupin was looking for you." Ginny turned to look at Harry, who had been rather silent after leaving Hagrid's hut.
"What for?" Harry turned to Ginny as if he hadn't noticed her there.
Ginny shrugged. "He didn't tell me."
"Maybe he wants to talk to you about tomorrow's meeting." Hermione commented.
"Maybe." Mumbled Harry as he turned to look back at his food.
Chatter floated around him without notice. Harry wasn't really paying much attention to what was around him, the only thing he had in mind was the house in London. He knew that most of his parents' personal things were in that house; Mrs. Nichols had mentioned it. The last months of their lives, before going into hiding in Godric's Hollow had been spent in the Potter House in Rowe Square.
A shadow dropped over him. Harry quickly looked up behind him.
"Hello, Harry. I wanted to speak to you about your meeting tomorrow." Said Professor Lupin with a smile.
"Hello, Professor." Said Harry. "What about the meeting?"
"Why don't you come to my office tonight after your Quidditch training? I have a few things that may come in useful to you." Professor Lupin said before moving away toward the staff table.
"What do you think?" Asked Ron as he looked at the retreating form of Professor Lupin. "What can he have for us?"
"We'll find out later." Said Hermione.
"We'll know soon enough. We might as well go and get the brooms. We want to be at the Pitch before the others." Harry directed as he pushed away his plate.
Minutes later, Ron and Harry were trying to push the crate full of brooms through the portrait hole.
"Wait, wait!" Ron called from within the common room. "The crate can't go through in this angle."
"Just push it to the side a little." Called Harry from the other side of the entrance.
"What are you two doing? Don't damage my hinges." The Fat Lady yelled.
"Don't worry." Harry sounded frustrated. Why was it taking so long?
"Ok, got it." Called Ron and the box started to slide through the opening.
Harry waved his wand and the box hovered a few inches off the ground as he waited for Ron to join him.
"Phew! That thing is heavy." Ron exclaimed as soon as the portrait had closed behind them. The Fat Lady was frowning to their backs as they started to move away with the hovering crate behind them.
"What did you expect? It has ten brooms inside it." Harry said, clasping his Firebolt tightly in his hand.
The corridors were not as crowded as could be expected. The day was sunny, the breeze warm and everybody seemed to be taking advantage of the good weather to spend some time out of doors.
Ron and Harry arrived to the Quidditch Pitch without incident. They took the crate to the changing rooms and waited for the rest of the team to make an appearance.
It didn't take long for the others to arrive.
"I can't wait for next week's game. We're going to sweep Slytherin out of the Pitch with these brooms." Said an excited Seamus.
"They won't know what hit them." Laughed Alexander.
"Let's not get too smug." Warned Harry. "They're not going to play clean. They'll try to do anything to gain the advantage."
Ron scoffed. "Of course they will, they know they don't have any chance else."
"In other words, they're going to play dirty." Said Ginny.
"We should expect it." Harry said.
"Humph! They know they can't win." Exclaimed Andrew Kirke.
"Well, enough of this. It's time for us to practice." Said Harry.
Each member of the team, except Harry, took a broom from the open crate before marching out to the Pitch.
Hermione and others were sitting on the bleachers watching the training. Harry wasn't surprised to see Malfoy and his cronies sitting separate from the others.
"Humph! We should ask Madam Hooch to keep an eye on them." Said Ginny as she followed Harry's glance.
"Scouting, are they? They're scared." Laughed Ron.
"Never mind them. Mount your brooms!" Ordered Harry.
Ten brooms flew into the air. Harry remained on the ground by the crate of balls Madam Hooch had brought out of her office for their use.
The lid of the trunk sprang open and three balls zoomed into the air. As Harry watched the Snitch disappear from sight he bent and picked up the Quaffle.
"Ready?" He asked, mounting his own broom. "Reverse against the team, like always. Ginny, play Seeker for the reverse team." He blew on his whistle, hanging around his neck, and threw the Quaffle into the air.
Four players zoomed into position in struggle for the Quaffle and the practice game began. The game continued on for fifteen minutes, ending when Harry caught the snitch five feet above the ground after a spectacular dive of fifty feet.
"I don't know why you have me play seeker against you." Complained Ginny. "You know I'll never catch up to you, even with these brooms."
"Never mind. We'll do some exercises now." Laughed Harry.
He had the chasers try to score against Ron as four beaters threw bludgers at them from all directions.
The practice lasted long enough until the bludgers collided and went off erratically in all directions, knocking Michelle from her broom. Luckily, she was only a few feet off the ground and landed softly on the grass underneath with no injuries except for having the wind knocked off her.
"Are you all right?" Asked Harry landing swiftly at her side.
"Yeah." She gasped as she sat up.
"Are you sure? Maybe you should go to Madam Pomfrey, just to make sure." Harry said as the others landed nearby and ran to see how their teammate was doing.
"Yes, Michelle. I'll take you to the infirmary." Said Ginny, helping Michelle off the ground.
"All right." Said Michelle, holding her stomach as she tried to breathe deeply.
"Do you need help, Ginny?" Asked Alexander worried.
"No, we'll make it." Smiled Ginny and slowly, both girls started their trek back to the castle.
The rest of the team helped Harry put away the balls before retiring to the changing room to change and pack the brooms.
"Is she alright?" Asked Hermione as she joined Ron and Harry as the team started back to the castle. The crate of brooms hovered between Ron and Harry.
"I think so. I sent them to Madam Pomfrey, just in case." Harry said.
"That was some hit." Ron said. "But it looks like all she suffered was having the wind knocked out of her."
The group walked tiredly but satisfied to the Gryffindor Tower. Those who had come to watch their practice cheered and applauded as they watched them pass by. Only the Slytherin group kept silent and whispered among each other animatedly.
"Never mind them." Warned Hermione as Ron and Harry shared an angry glance. "They won't try a thing. Not yet at least."
"No, they'll wait until the find us alone and they can take us on." Ron grumbled.
"We'll have to tell the others to be careful." Said Harry. "To go about in groups."
"And their wand at the ready." Offered Ron.
"You two are overreacting." Hermione exclaimed. "Everything will be okay. And if they come to the D.A. meeting tomorrow, they'll be more than ready."
"Are they all coming?" Asked Ron looking at Harry.
Harry nodded. "Ginny was already in it, and the others came to me and asked to be part."
"That's something. How many new members must we expect?" Asked Hermione, happy about the knowledge that the D.A. was sure to become one of the most popular clubs in Hogwarts.
Harry seemed thoughtful for a moment. "About twenty, I expect." He finally said.
"That's a good number." Ron exclaimed.
"I thought so too." Harry said.
They had reached the Fat Lady Portrait and after saying the password, they hurried into the common room.
"I'm going to lock these and change. I agreed to meet with Lupin after practice." Harry said motioning to the hovering crate full of brooms.
Half an hour later found Harry walking through the corridors toward Lupin's office.
He found Lupin alone.
"Come in, Harry, sit. Do you want some tea? I've just prepared a pot." Offered Lupin the minute Harry stepped into the office.
"Thank you." Harry said as he took a seat before Lupin's desk. "How was your week, Harry? I understand your first Experimental Charms Class took place yesterday afternoon."
"It did." Replied Harry softly.
Lupin looked at him closely. "How did it go?" He asked as he passed poured tea into a cup.
"It was okay." Said Harry as he took the steaming cup of tea.
It seemed that Lupin understood that Harry didn't want to talk about his new professor and decided to change the subject. "I remembered you mentioned that you wanted to begin your D.A. meeting with some review with an emphasis on the Patronus Charm." Lupin said as Harry sipped his tea silently.
"I thought we should as we were interrupted rather abruptly last spring." Harry said.
"I see. I thought that maybe this would come in handy for that lesson." Lupin said as he pointed to a crate half hidden behind his desk.
"What is it?" Asked Harry with a frown.
"A boggart. It's easy to conjure a Patronus when there is no Dementor in sight, but many wizards freeze at the sight of one and can't conjure a Patronus in sight. This will give students the chance to not only practice their Patronus but their use of the Riddikulus spell to fight boggarts." Lupin explained.
"But...how are you going to make it turn into a Dementor? Not everybody is scared of them." Harry said.
"True. But your boggart is a Dementor. You'll have to stand rather close to the trunk, I'm afraid, for it to turn into a Dementor, but we'll let the others use it to practice their Patronus. Of course, it won't last in that form for long once another person comes into sight. But it will remain in that form long enough for one person to use it. It's going to take long, I'm sure, as we're probably going to have to force it to become a Dementor every time to allow everybody to practice with it." Lupin said.
"Will it last long enough for everybody to get a chance?" Harry asked.
"I hope it does." Lupin laughed. "I don't know if I could get my hands on another if it doesn't. But I think it will last long enough for your original members to practice their Patronus. It's you I'm concerned about. You'll have to suffer the Dementor's presence during the practice, I'm afraid." Lupin said looking at Harry.
"I'll be fine. I can always conjure my own Patronus to stand before me and the boggart while the others have a go." Harry smiled.
"I'm sure you won't have to do so." Lupin replied. "You've said most were able to conjure a Patronus on your last meeting. They might be ready to face this boggart."
"I wanted to see if a mock battle could be arranged." Harry said. "I think it's important that they get some experience."
"It's a good idea, I'll discuss it with Dumbledore. I'm sure he'll agree to it as long as we take some precautions." Lupin said thoughtfully.
Harry nodded his understanding. "I understand."
"Well, is there anything else we must discuss?" Lupin asked cheerfully.
"No, I think that's everything." Harry said.
"I saw your practice this afternoon, the team seems ready for the season." Lupin exclaimed happily. "Of course, I must not take sides; but between you and me, I rather enjoyed it to see you lot in training, I'm sure Gryffidor will keep the Cup this year." He smiled.
Harry was smiling proudly. He enjoyed hearing Lupin's effusive comment. Lupin was the last person connected to his father left, and Harry was happy to know that he enjoyed the training. It was as if he was relaying what his own father would say if he had lived. "I hope so." Harry replied. "The team has worked very hard for it."
"I'm sure you'll be victorious." Lupin said with confidence. "I heard Minerva brag about the team, she's as proud of the team as I am."
Harry grinned happily. It meant a lot to him to hear that he had the support from the one person who had given him the chance to know how incredible Quidditch was.
"I'm sure we'll make you proud." Harry said.
"I'm sure you will." Lupin smiled warmly. "Well, dinner should be served before long. Run along now, I'm sure you must be famished after such an arduous practice."
"Good night." Harry said as he made his way to the door.
"Good night, Harry." Lupin replied just as the door closed behind Harry.
It didn't take long for Harry to make his way to the Great Hall. It was still early but some students were beginning to straggle in as he made his way to the Gryffindor Table.
"Think you're so important, do you Potter?" Said a familiar voice behind him a few minutes after he took a seat. "You and your Firebolts."
"What do you want Malfoy?" Asked Harry unconcerned.
"They won't do you any good, you know." Said Malfoy. Harry could sense his glare but retained himself from turning. If Malfoy wanted trouble, he would give it to him, but he wanted to make sure that everybody present was aware that Malfoy had begun. "Slytherin might not have state of the art brooms, but we'll win."
"Keep saying that and maybe it'll happen." Harry replied.
"What do you want Malfoy?" Ron's voice made Harry sigh with relief.
"Nothing that concerns you, Weasley." Malfoy said with his customary leer.
Harry finally turned to face his adversary. As expected, Malfoy wasn't alone. Crabbe and Goyle stood menacingly at his side glaring at everybody in sight.
"Is there any trouble here?" McGonagall hurried to them.
Malfoy looked wearily at the approaching professor and with a warning glance at Harry and Ron turned toward the Slytherin table, followed closely by his companions.
"Did he try anything?" Hermione asked concerned.
"No, you came just in time." Said Harry just as Professor McGonagall reached them.
"What happened? Were you arguing, Potter?" She asked abruptly.
"I wasn't Professor." Pointed Harry.
"Malfoy just doesn't know when to stay in his place." Ron mumbled.
"What was that Mr. Weasley?" Professor McGonagall snapped.
"Nothing." Replied Ron.
"You two better stay away from Mr. Malfoy, do you hear? I don't want to keep you from the next game." Professor McGonagall said before returning to the staff table.
"It's not our fault Malfoy is such a git." Ron mumbled as he took his seat by Harry.
"You knew he would cause trouble. You shouldn't have come on your own Harry." Hermione replied at Harry's other side.
"I wasn't going to go around looking for you. I was in plain sight of everybody." Harry said angrily.
"What did he say?" Asked Ron abruptly.
"Nothing really." Harry shrugged.
"Must be green with envy. We better win that match, Harry. I wouldn't be able to face anybody if we lose." Ron exclaimed.
"You'll do fine." Hermione sighed with exasperation.
"I scheduled a final training session for Friday night." Harry said. "I want the team to be in shape for Saturday."
"Good idea." Responded Ron.
"Now that that's settled." Interrupted Hermione. "What did Lupin want to speak to you about?"
"We just discussed the next meeting." Said Harry. "He wanted to know if I still planned to do the review and further practice with the Patronus Charm."
"And are you?" Asked Hermione pointedly.
"I said I would." Harry replied.
Food had appeared on the table as they talked. The Hall was now full of hungry students while the teachers watched carefully from the staff table. Talk was loud, laugher raucous and chatter animate. In all, it was a regular Saturday night meal.
It was close to two hours later when Harry found himself back in the Gryffindor Common Room.
Hermione quickly took property of a corner table and pulled out her book bag and started to work on her schoolwork.
Ron and Harry were slower beginning their work, but eventually, all three where busily writing on their respective rolls of parchment with books scattered over the table.
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It was midnight, and Harry was still up. The common room was empty, Ron and Hermione had already retired, but he still remained at the table they had been working on earlier.
Sleep was refusing to come and Harry sat with his head cradled in his arms on the table as he watched the flame of the fireplace dancing on the crate.
He had been having trouble sleeping lately. Nightmares were common, but Harry was getting used to them. So was the dream of him stepping into the closed door in the Department of Mysteries and stepping into fog. He always glimpsed the form of a woman among the mist and her voice always spoke encouraging words to him. Every time he had that particular dream he awoke feeling rested and at peace with the world.
He never caught sight of the woman, but somehow he felt he was familiar with that voice, but he could never remember where after waking up.
He wished now that he could command the dreams he wanted to have. He preferred his vision of fog and mist to that of watching Cedric and Sirius fall to their death.
Tired of his thoughts, Harry decided to go for a walk. There were only two things he needed. His father's cloak and the Marauder's Map. He didn't want to meet anybody on his way.
It took him a few minutes to gather his things and go up to the dormitory. His roommates were sleeping and he quietly sneaked out of the room with the cloak and map in his hands.
The halls were relatively empty when Harry stepped out of the Gryffindor Common Room. The map showed that half the staff was patrolling the halls while the Head Students and a couple of Prefects walked around the main corridors.
He could glimpse the translucent forms of the ghosts walking around the rooms and halls, while the subjects of the pictures looked around and moved from one frame to another to whisper silently to each other. It seemed that Dumbledore was determined that everybody and everything was on guard duty along the hallowed halls of Hogwats.
Harry walked silently through the corridors, trying to keep far away from any other beings around the castle. He had no planned course; he just wandered around until he was surprised to find himself in the corridor of the seventh floor near the tapestry before the Room of Requirement.
He quickly noticed that the room had been conjured and the door to the room stood alone along the wall.
Harry looked around him to make sure there was nobody in sight. His curiosity had taken hold of him and he was extremely curious to know who was using the room at the moment.
He stepped toward the door, and before he could reach it, it opened swiftly before him. He could see a light coming through the open door, but there was nobody on the threshold. He stepped cautiously through the doorway. The door closed just as he stepped inside.
Harry looked around abruptly. He could se no one around. The space seemed endless as if there were no walls surrounding the room. Lanterns hanged midair lighting a small trail around the room. The surrounding area was dark and through the shadows Harry could see glimpses of tables and objects hidden in darkness.
He walked through the lit trail walking deeper and deeper into the room. Presently, he heard a soft humming. The musical notes were soft and enchanting.
"I saw you coming this way." A soft voice said.
Harry looked around nervously. He still couldn't see anybody.
"Couldn't sleep, Harry?" The voice said again.
"Er...no." Harry replied.
"I understand." The voice responded.
Harry stood rooted in place. He didn't know where to go. But suddenly, there was no need. The lanterns flared up and every corner of the room was lit.
Harry couldn't help but notice that in the darkness the room seemed to go on forever, while in light, the room was the same size it always was during their D.A. meetings.
Brenna was sitting silently on a large cushion in the middle of the room. Candles flared around her, hovering a few feet above her head.
"I like this room." She said as her body started to float up a foot above the ground, she straighten her feet and stood up as if she had been sitting in a chair instead of a cushion upon the floor. "It's perfect for meditation." She smiled.
Harry watched her warily. He had almost forgotten about Hogwarts' mysterious visitor. She never joined students and staff for meals, and was never present during any of the lessons. Why was she here? And why was she hiding herself from everybody else?
"I understand your curiosity." She said summoning a goblet from one of the tables against the wall. Harry was surprised to see her using no wand.
"You can do Legilimency?" Harry asked, how else could she know he was thinking about her curious stay in the school.
Brenna chuckled. "I am, but there was no need to look into your mind. You have a very expressive face, you know."
Harry flushed with embarrassment.
"But...er...aren't you a little too young to do Legilimency?" Harry asked. She looked to be around his age, he had noticed that before, but her carriage and manner seemed to be older.
"Perhaps, it was something I had to learn at an early age." Brenna replied. She vanished her goblet with a slight wave of her finger.
"How do you do that?" Harry asked suddenly.
Brenna looked at him closely, as if deciding whether to tell him or not. "It's magic." She said with a smile.
Harry rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Her husky laughter floated through the air. "It's ancient magic." She finally said. "Wands did not exist at one time."
"But I thought nobody could do ancient magic anymore." Harry said with a thoughtful frown.
"In most cases." Brenna said walking back to her cushion. "There is still a place, where only ancient magic is the norm."
"And you were born there?" Harry asked curiously. He couldn't remember hearing about a place where ancient magic was used. Perhaps he could ask Hermione, she was bound to have read of it somewhere.
"I was." Brenna replied.
The room became dark once more and Harry yawned tiredly.
"I better go. Good night." Said Harry as darkness enveloped him and the lanterns lit the trail to the door.
"Good night, Harry." Brenna's voice floated to him.
Days later, Harry wouldn't be able to remember his trek back to his bed, but he eventually was able to climb into his bed and fall asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow.
The sky was dark and cloudy the next morning. Harry and Ron were the last to leave the dormitory. They found Hermione by the stairs waiting for them.
"How was your night?" She asked as they walked toward the Great Hall, watching Harry closely to see if he was still tired. "Was it rather late when you went to bed?" She sounded a little displeased.
"Maybe." Said Harry. "I didn't notice the time."
"You weren't in bed when I woke up at one." Mentioned Ron. "I went down to the common room and you weren't there either."
"I went out for a walk." Said Harry shortly.
"Oh, Harry! You could've been caught." Hermione exclaimed.
"Nothing happened." Harry said quickly. "I took my cloak and the map. I was careful."
"But it was still dangerous." Hermione chided. "Dumbledore has the whole castle on alert. The ghosts are patrolling, the paintings are reporting everything they see, not to mention the teachers and the prefects."
"I know, I know. You don't have to tell me all that, I noticed it during my little walk." Harry snapped.
He saw Ron and Hermione share a concerned look and he sighed with exasperation. He understood that they worried about him, they had been doing so for years, ever since their third year and they thought Sirius was after him. But it seemed that they hadn't stopped worrying since then. And it was beginning to chafe on his nerves.
"I'm fine." He said.
"I'm sure you are, mate." Said Ron with a smile. "Let's hurry to the Great Hall. I don't want to miss my breakfast."
They hurried to the Hall, the various voices and laughter mingled to disguise the silence between the three friends.
They found empty seats in the Gryffindor Table and started to pile food into their plates.
"Where did you go?" Asked Hermione once they were settled.
Harry seemed thoughtful for a minute. "The Room of Requirement."
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, remembering he had meant to ask her about a place where ancient magic was still in use.
"Yes?" She asked looking up from the usual notes she brought down to breakfast.
"Do you know of any place where ancient magic is still used instead of wands?" He asked.
Hermione seemed lost in thought for a minute. Ron was silently listening as he ate his meal.
"I don't remember anything of the sort." Hermione finally replied. "There are legends of course, but that's different."
Ron shook his head with annoyance. "Honestly, Hermione, haven't you learned anything from being in the magical world?" He exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Hermione sat up with irritation in her voice.
"What I mean is, in the Magical world, every legend has a basis in reality." Ron said slowly as if explaining to a young child.
"Don't take that tone with me." She snapped. "And I know about all legends based in reality. I pointed that out to Professor Binns in our second year, didn't I? That's why I mentioned reading about legends."
"Sorry." Ron said rolling his eyes.
Hermione looked angrily away.
Harry didn't know whether to laugh or snap at them both. But he did want to know about this legend Hermione had mentioned.
He remembered well the last time a legend had become real story. They had all been terrorized by that legendary monster after all, and he himself had confronted it. They had proved the truth of that legend to their great cost.
"Well?" He asked. "What is this legend you mentioned?"
Hermione seemed to deflate by Harry's question. "Let me think. It was quite a while ago since I read of it." She was lost on her thoughts for a few minutes after that.
"Do you know this legend?" Harry asked Ron, leaving Hermione to sort her thoughts in silence.
Ron shrugged. "I might, I'm not sure. There are a lot of legends one hears when growing up in the Magical World. I'm not sure which one she's thinking of. I seem to remember Mum used to tell us a story about a magical palace where great witches lived. They were said to be direct descendants from the first witches and wizards in the world."
"What else did your Mum tell you?" Asked Harry curiously.
"Hmmm...I don't really remember. Maybe Ginny does." Ron said.
"Ron's right. There are many legends about ancient magic. The one about the castle being one." Said Hermione. "But the most common is the one about the isle."
"The isle?" Asked Harry curiously.
"Yes, that's where the palace is supposed to be." Ron exclaimed.
Hermione glared at him into silence. "Many legends originated from it, the one about the palace for one. There are others about the isle itself, and some about the inhabitants of the isle." She explained.
"What does it have to do with ancient magic?" Harry asked confused.
"Well, it is said that it was the origin of Magic itself." Hermione replied. "According to the legend, the isle is in the North Sea off the eastern Scottish shores." She explained to the attentive boys before her. "Druidism was the norm in the area at the time, this was a holy place to them. They believed that the Goddess herself lived within the confines of the small isle. And then a child was born, who had magical abilities. They worshiped her as a high priestess and the incarnation of the earth's power, of the goddess herself. She grew up and eventually had children, all with the same abilities as her mother."
"That's right! She was the first magical being!" Exclaimed Ron. "The Lady of the Isle."
"The Lady of the Isle?" Asked Harry.
"That's the title given to her." Hermione said. "She made the Isle her home, she became its ruler and guardian. Eventually her descendants left the Isle and roamed the world, thus establishing the firsts magical communities."
"What happened to the Isle?"
"Well, according to the legend, the Isle was sort of the meeting place for those with magical blood. The location of the Isle made it possible for its inhabitants to stay peaceful from Muggle intervention. Muggles eventually forgot about the Isle and they were eventually Christianized. In the Dark Ages, when witch hunting began and most of the magical world went into hiding, the Isle kind of disappeared." Recounted Hermione.
"Disappear? How can an island disappear?" Asked Harry bewildered.
"It's a legend Harry. If the Isle truly existed once, then it stands to reason that it still does." Said Hermione. "In fact, it was this legend that gave birth to the legend of the Lady of the Lake in the muggle world and other similar in the magical world."
"Okay, let's say that it does exist." Said Harry. "Then how could it have been hidden for so long, not only from the Muggle world, but from the magical world alike. I don't hear any wizards talking about an island where magic was supposed to have been born."
"A disillusionment charm of some kind." Said Ron. "The same works for the Ministry and Hogwarts, it could work for an island in the middle of the sea." Said Ron.
"And legend has it that it's surrounded by fog. Any boat caught in the area could be lost for days until it clears the mist." Hermione said.
"And if by chance they stumble into the shore of the island, they can easily do a memory charm. If all the inhabitants are magical, that is." Ron said.
"And all its inhabitants use ancient magic?" Harry asked.
"That's what the story says." Hermione replied. "The Isle was already stuff of legends by the time the first wand was invented."
"Stuff of legends? What kind of legends?" Harry asked.
"Well, according to the legends, the magical abilities of the people of the island were never as strong as the Lady's, and the further they went from the island their abilities diminished. At any case, wizards and witches found that their power could be conducted through certain objects that acted as a sort of conductor. Before wands became popular, there were swords, scepters, canes, you name it. They used anything that could be charmed to be used as a conductor of magic. When wands became popular and magical governments decided to make them the standard tool, these magical objects became obsolete and in some cases dangerous. That's when the International Confederation of Wizards was created and they mobilized the different Ministries to gather all these objects. Some were easily destroyed, others were stripped of the magic and used as they were originally made to serve, and there were a few that were too powerful or too important to destroy. Another legend says that a group representing the Confederation was sent in search of the Isle, and when they found it, they gave the items to the Lady, according to the story she made a vow to protect the items so that nobody could use them for evil, only the one person with the power to defeat the darkness would be able to get to them and use them for his mission. The truth is, nobody really knows what happened to those items, some believe they are hidden in the Department of Mysteries." Hermione finished her narration. She turned her glance back at the food that had cooled in her plate.
"Are these items so important?" Asked Harry in surprise.
"One is said to be Excalibur and its scabbard." Hermione said with a smile.
Harry laughed. "You are baiting me."
Ron smiled. "She is right. Excalibur was said to have belonged to Merlin himself. It is thought to be one of the most important magical object in history."
"Of course, the scabbard is more important." Hermione pointed out.
"Why?" Asked Harry, still thinking that what Hermione just told him couldn't possibly be true.
"Because, as long as its owner wears it, he can never be hurt." Hermione explained. "Or so the legend goes."
"King Arthur died." Harry smiled amusedly.
Ron chuckled and Hermione looked at him exasperatedly.
"Honestly!" She exclaimed. "Don't you ever read?"
Harry shared an amused glance with Ron.
"Now why would we do that, when we know that you are going to tell us?" Ron replied.
Hermione glared at the two snickering boys before here. "Fine." She said slamming her fist against the table. "I won't tell you anything then." And angrily left her seat.
"Should we go after her, you reckon?" Asked Ron watching Hermione walking away.
"I think so. I don't fancy taking notes in History of Magic." Smiled Harry.
Harry and Ron quickly left their seats and hurried after Hermione.
"Hermione, wait!" They called just as she had started up a set of stairs.
"I don't have anything more to say to you." She said angrily.
"We're sorry, Hermione." Ron said looking at her with hopeful eyes.
"We never meant to make fun of you. You know we rely on you." Harry said.
Hermione looked at him askance.
"We do." Ron nodded vehemently. "We'd never have survived this far if it hadn't been for you."
"Now you're just buttering me up." Hermione exclaimed.
"No, it's true. I don't think I would've survived first year without your help. Not to mention all your help throughout the years." Said Harry.
Hermione flushed with pleasure. Harry knew that she was pleased by the knowledge that they relied so much on her.
"I hate it when you make fun of me." She mumbled.
"We're sorry." Ron said taking her hand and pulling her toward them.
"We didn't mean to make you angry." Harry replied.
"Well, all right." Hermione said softly.
Harry and Ron smiled happily. It had been easier than they thought.
"Come. Let's go to the common room. We might as well make arrangements for tonight's meeting." Harry urged them.
-------------
The day passed so quickly that they barely had time to finish their schoolwork before they left the common room toward the seventh floor that evening.
"Are you sure we should continue to use the room?" Asked Hermione as they walked back and forth in front of the tapestry.
"Yes. We can easily obtain what we need in this room than in any other." Harry said as the knob appeared on the wall.
They walked in to find the room the same as they always did.
"Did you tell Lupin?" Asked Ron.
"He knows." Said Harry as he watched Hermione pull the cushions and place them around the room.
"I'm going to wait for the others in the hall. The new people won't know what to look for when they come." Harry said.
"All right. We'll finish things in here." Said Hermione as she pulled one of the books from the shelves and sat on one of the cushions to read.
Ron shared an amused glance with Harry.
Harry left the room and waited. The others should be arriving soon.
He hadn't waited for five minutes when he saw Seamus and Dean walking toward him.
"What are you doing here? Are we meeting somewhere else?" Asked Dean as soon as he saw him.
"No, same place. I just want to make sure the new people know where to go." Harry said.
"Oh, alright. See you inside then." Said Seamus and they walked toward the room.
Others came upon their heels. Ginny, Neville and Luna were next to arrive, then Alexander and Michelle. Terry Boot and Anthony Goldstein arrived followed closely by Hanna Abbott, Ernie Macmillan, Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Others came after that. Harry was happy to note that their group had grown to twice their original number, considering that they had lost seven members since their last meeting on their previous year.
Proffesor Lupin was the last to make an appearance. The trunk with the boggart was hovering closely behind.
"Everything ready, Harry." Smiled Professor Lupin.
"Yes. They're all here." Harry replied.
"Good, let's see how they do with our friend, shall we." Professor Lupin said and both walked to the room.
It was complete pandemonium inside. Everybody was talking at once as the new members tried to fit in with the closely-knit group.
"Will you lot be quiet!" Ron was screaming.
"Quiet!" Screamed Ginny.
The room became silent.
"There you go, big brother. Now you can talk." She grinned cheekily at Ron.
Ron glared at her for a moment before facing the rest of the group. Everybody was looking at him curiously.
"Er..." He glanced up to see Harry and Lupin look at him with a smile. "Right. Now that Harry and Professor Lupin are here, they'll take over." He said and quickly sat down next to Hermione.
Hermione and Ginny tried to hide their laughter behind their hands while Ron glared angrily at them.
"Thank you, Ron." Harry said with a snicker. "I though we should begin with introductions. Most of us have worked together and know each other, but we have some new members we must initiate into the group."
There were a few chuckles. Some of the new people seemed scared of what could happen.
Harry glanced at the grinning members. "No funny business you lot."
Hermione looked at him with approval.
"If you will stand one by one, say your name and why you wished to be part of the club." Harry directed.
"I'll begin." Announced Hermione. "I'm Hermione Granger of Gryffindor House and we began this group to practice Defense Against the Dark Arts." She said and sat on her cushion pushing Ron to stand up.
"Alright! Er..." Ron looked around the group all of whom were looking up at him. "Yes, well, I'm Ronald Weasley also Gryffindor House and as Hermione, we wanted to practice Defense after that toad of Umbridge took over."
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed while there were grunts of agreement all around.
Harry smiled with amusement but Hermione's disapproving glance wiped the smile off his face. "Yes, well, if you were part of the club last year just say you were an original member, I don't think we need to know how you feel about Umbridge." Harry said.
Introductions continued, the new members coming last as some mumbled or stuttered their names.
Once everybody had introduced themselves, Harry turned to Professor Lupin. "As you all know, our sponsor teacher this year is Professor Lupin." There was a loud explosion of applause as they all turned to look at Lupin.
Professor Lupin smiled to the students. "I'll help you along to the best of my ability." He said.
"Well, Professor Lupin and I discussed our lesson plan and decided that it would be best if we review what we did last term. It will help you to remember and it will help the new members to catch up." Harry explained. "So everybody divide into pairs. I would prefer if each pair is composed of a new member and an original member so that you can help each other."
Everybody scrambled to their feet and divided in pairs.
"We'll start with the Disarming Spell. Remember, it's Expelliarmus." Harry ordered.
For fifteen minutes, Harry and Professor Lupin, patrolled around the room watching as wands flew from one student to another.
From the Disarming Spell they moved to the Impediment Jinx and to the Stunning Spell.
They practiced for more than an hour, moving from one spell to another until finally Harry ordered them to stop.
"All right, we have an hour left." He said looking down at his watch noting that it was still early for dinner. "We'll practice the Patronus Charm. Some of you were able to conjure a Patronus the last time we met, some of you needed time. We'll practice some. Professor Lupin brought something along to help us practice."
Harry turned to look at Professor Lupin.
"I want to see you practice with the charm first. Then we'll move on with the lesson." Said Lupin.
The group divided into two lines practicing the charm opposite each other. Harry walked along one line, while Professor Lupin walked along the other. After half an hour of practice, only a fourth of the group was able to conjure a corporeal Patronus.
"Good enough. The Patronus Charm is an advance form of magic and not many are able to conjure one properly." Professor Lupin said to the assembled students around him. "But if you were able to conjure one, you must remember that it's easier when you are doing it in an empty room instead of in front of a Dememtor. Which is why I brought this along." He said motioning to the trunk that had stood against one of the walls throughout the lesson.
"What's in there?" Asked Ginny curiously as she saw the trunk give a sudden wobble.
"A boggart." He said.
"But how is that going to help us?" Asked Terry Boot with narrowed eyes.
"Harry's boggart is a dementor." He said. "We'll see how you do when a dementor is in sight."
Harry braced himself as Lupin turned to the trunk. He didn't cherish the thought of standing before a Dementor, but he was confident that he could stand the rest of the lesson.
The others moved restlessly as Lupin dragged the trunk near Harry. Some looked worried while others looked curiously at the preparations.
"Those who were able to conjure a Patronus please step forward. The rest take a seat around the room and watch." Ordered Lupin.
The chosen group stepped nervously in the middle of the room, the others took their cushions and formed a semi-circle around the group.
"Stay there." Ordered Professor Lupin to the group. "Don't get any nearer, I want the boggart to sense only Harry."
Harry was nearest to the trunk. Professor Lupin stepped aside, leaving Harry the only one in close proximity with the trunk.
"When the door opens, the boggart will turn into a dementor. Harry, conjure a Patronus to stand beside you but don't order it to attack. The rest of you line up, as soon as the dementor steps out you'll try to conjure your own patronus, one by one." Lupin explained. "As soon as you ordered to attack, the boggart will change into your boggart step aside to allow Harry to step up, it'll turn into a dementor again and the next person will have a go." Hermione was the first in line.
Lupin sent a jet of light to the trunk the lid opened and a dementor came out. Harry conjured his own Patronus to stand before him and the boggart. Hermione stepped up and tried to conjure her Patronus.
Her first efforts were not successful until on her fourth try a silver otter formed and waddled toward the Boggart Dementor. The dementor stumbled.
"Step back, Hermione." Ordered Professor Lupin. "Harry, let your Patronus move aside, allow the boggart to see you."
The silver stag moved aside, Harry stepped forward. The boggart saw him and advanced. Harry hurried to stand behind his own Patronus. Cho was next in line.
The half hour passed quickly as each person in line had a try against the Boggart Dementor. Harry was exhausted by the time the last person succeeded conjuring his Patronus. Ron had the hardest time as the effect of the Dementor's power got hold of him before he was able to conjure his own Patronus. But for minutes afterward he sat with his arms around his knees and breathing deeply.
"Here." Said Professor Lupin above him. He placed a chocolate bar into Ron's hands. "It'll help you."
Ron took it and gingerly unwrapped it.
"Harry." Lupin turned to look at Harry who had tried to shove the boggart back into the trunk. "You better pass this chocolate to the others." He said giving Harry a bag full of chocolate bars.
The room was emptied soon after, leaving only Harry, Ron, Hermione and Professor Lupin behind.
"Are you all right, Ron?" Asked Hermione sitting by Ron.
"Yeah." Ron whispered sitting back against the wall. "I don't fancy meeting a real dementor any time soon."
"I don't think anyone does." Said Harry smiling wearily.
"Sorry, mate. Now I know why your boggart is a Dementor." Ron replied.
"You'll feel better in a minute." Said Lupin. "The chocolate helps."
Harry nodded in agreement as it had been his experience in the past that chocolate had helped greatly when he came in contact with a dementor.
"Are you sure you are okay?" Asked Hermione by his side.
"I'm fine." Said Ron taking a deep breath.
Hermione seemed skeptical but as he was standing up and looked better she remained silent.
"Go to your dormitory and rest." Lupin said. "You'll feel better in no time."
"If you say so." Ron mumbled.
They left the room behind as they made their way out of the seventh floor corridor and started toward the Gryffindor Tower as Lupin made his way to his own office.
A/N: To be really truthful, I've had this chapter written for more than a month, I just like to have a spare chapter done before I upload in this site to make sure that future chapters don't mess with the story already written. It happens sometimes and I have to change some things to keep the story in the same plane. Now, I wanted to ask a favor of my readers. Summers are always rather busy for me and even though I do get time now and then to write I always find myself struggling to make time to edit the chapters once they're done for me to upload them here. If anybody is interested in becoming my beta for the rest of this story I would truly appreciate it. I have to warn you though, this story is not nearly done and it will probably be very long (as if it wasn't already!), and there's also another story that I started working on. It has nothing to do with this story and it looks like it will be rather short compared to this one. I haven't started uploading it to this site yet, I want to begin on the right foot with that one so I want to see if anybody is willing to be beta for that story before I begin uploading. It's a RW/HG story, so if you're interested, let me know. Just write in your review letting me know how to contact you if you're interested in being my beta for either story.
Thank you all for Reviewing, and welcome to those of you who are new to the story, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Somebody asked about time traveling fics (sorry I don't remember who), check in my favorite stories list, I added a few since the last time I updated it.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter (I'm just not sure about the chapter, I think I'll have to think about it and maybe change it in the future), don't forget to review. : )