October began, entertainingly enough, with the first visit to Hogsmeade. As he headed for the carriages, Eric could sense Professor Umbridge ( reminding himself of how loose that term was used ) staring straight at him. He had spent the few spare moments he had the last several weeks diligently practicing his clairvoyance, with the school's new High Inquisitor as his subject. He had reached the point where he could sense her presence around corridors and down hallways; more than enough warning to avoid contact, or at least enough to avoid doing anything suspicious with her around.

His shoulders began to relax as he made his way towards the village. As much as he could tell, he wasn't being watched anymore. It really didn't matter, for he didn't have any set plans. It was simply a day with Naomi enjoying simple things like butterbeer and books. He did have one stop he wanted to make, but it wouldn't last long. Hopefully, Naomi would understand.

The day was indeed the best that Eric could remember. First was a brief stop to the post office to meet Mister Pyginwhol briefly. His supply orders had finally come in, which meant he could begin building up Hawkin's broom. The wizened old man greeted him fondly. Noting Naomi next to him, he whistled in admiration. "I underestimated you, boy! You snared a real beauty here!"

Feeling Naomi's discomfort, Eric tried to smooth the situation. "Um, I wouldn't have said 'snared'..."

The old man waved his hand. "Hey, just kidding! An old man has to have fun somehow, eh?"

Eric smiled lightly. "Yes sir."

Eric tried to shrug off Avery's comments as they moved on to the Three Broomsticks. Naomi was saying something about 'Doro Cakes', and how Eric just had to try them. Although his first bite was less than impressive ( tasting only slightly more appetizing than dried sawdust ), the experience was quite different once they were dipped in milk; as a thick, sugary sweetness filled his mouth. He made himself stop at two, as the flavor was uncomfortably addicting.

As they headed over to Dervish & Banges, they were stopped by Dorian and Tylena; who were more than a little excited. "Come on – we've got to get to the Hog's Head."

Eric backed up slightly. "What on earth could be over there?"

"Harry Potter's starting a Dark Arts Defense Club! You want to join, don't you? It'd be totally wicked – we'd be the best in the group!"

Naomi looked down the main street to where the Hog's Head sat. "Wouldn't the new High Inquisitor have something to say about that?"

Dorian drew his friends together. "Not if she doesn't know about it – and she won't so long as everyone keeps their word. This is a chance to help everyone else... seriously, if we're the only ones who can defend against the dark arts, we're in a dangerous business. If everyone knows, we'll all be much safer. Eric; what do you say?"

Eric turned to his friend. "Another time, it could have been great; but Dolores is watching everybody. Harry and I are under special scrutiny. If he wants to pull a stunt like that: great. It means less pressure for the rest of us. I wish him the best of luck, but if lightning strikes somewhere, it'd be nice if it were somewhere that I'm not standing."

Tylena turned to Dorian. "Eric's right. We've gotten away as long as we have because it's just us five. We're careful, and we've practiced stealth long before Dolores Umbridge came along. She may be keeping an extra close watch on Eric, but he knows the school better than anyone." She shook her head briefly. "If we join with others, we'll all be just one big target."

Eric took Naomi's hand. "We were heading over to Dervish and Banges. Want to come?" The group of them headed up the street, returning to an afternoon of shopping. The idea of joining Harry's defense club never came up again.