There For You
Chapter 7: Stugraps
Author's Note: Hi guys! Thanks for all the great reviews! They make me smile! : ) I wanted to get this out Wednesday night but my family started watching The Two Towers extended version and I wanted to watch too. Then yesterday was Thanksgiving so I was busy most of the day. Then I stayed up until four last night to finish writing the chapter (don't worry, I like staying up really late like that) but had to stop 'cause my mom was bugging me to go to bed. I couldn't put it up yet since I hadn't finished the individuals. So, here it is! It's really long! Enjoy!
During the week many things happened. Ron received an answer from the twins about Malfoy's hair. They took half the letter praising Ron for his idea and color choice and one line on when it would go away. This particular prank would last three days instead of the usual two. Malfoy's new do would be gone by Tuesday. The other half of the letter revolved around the success their store was having.
Monday's DADA class went well since Malfoy wasn't there. The class entered the room and took their seats, some eagerly waiting for Lupin to start, others who looked like they couldn't wait to leave. They were unusually quiet as they watched Lupin standing before them, a kind smile on his face. He stepped forward and the class became silent.
"Welcome to class everyone. I am very excited to be back. I am aware that some of you may be concerned that I am here." Parvati and Lavender looked down uncomfortably as well as a few other students. He continued to grin at the class.
"Please don't feel bad. I understand why you are worried. I admit I am a werewolf and I was loose on the Hogwarts grounds three years ago. During that time I was taking a potion to allow me to stay in my office when I transformed and I was safe enough to be inside. That night I neglected to take my potion. Since that night I have not once forgotten to drink it and there haven't been any problems. I promise I will always take it and none of you are in any danger. If you have any more concerns please let me know them now or you can speak with me after class. Anyone?" No one spoke and Lupin nodded.
"My office will be open after class if anyone wishes to talk. Now, Professor McGonagall has informed me of what you have covered so far in class this year. I see you have been very busy," he chuckled. He held five pages of very small writing. Each page was covered on front and back. The students nodded, annoyed expressions on their faces. He smiled at them.
"I promise we will be slowing down to take more time on each lesson. As most of you know, Harry will be teaching you all a defense class in addition to this one. I believe the first lesson will be tonight." Harry nodded. "However, this class's lesson will take place Friday. He will be covering defense against hexes and curses as well as teaching spells in case you were involved in a duel. I will cover defense against creatures and more complex spells. I have been told that almost all students have signed up for the D.A. except a few," he said referring to the Slytherins. "If you are not signed up for the D.A., do not worry, you will still be learning a lot in this class. If anyone wishes to join the D.A. late, that is possible." Lupin smiled at them all again and began the first lesson.
That night was the first D.A. lesson. It was the third and fourth years group and Harry was well prepared. He had made all his plans for them in advance and arrived at the Room of Requirement half an hour early to get it ready. The lesson went extremely well. He had no problems with any of the students and hoped that the other two groups would work just as well. Group One's lessons would take place every Monday, Group Two's every Wednesday, and Group Three's every Friday. This gave Harry a day in between each lesson.
Tuesday's DADA class did not go as well as before. Malfoy was back, free of his purple hair and moustache. He glared at Harry as he entered. Apparently he thought Harry had done it. When Lupin began class, Malfoy raised his hand.
"Professor why are you here? I thought you were a werewolf? I don't think it's safe for us to have a dangerous creature as a teacher." Lupin nodded.
"Yes, you have a valid point Mr. Malfoy but I assured the class yesterday that you are all safe. I dutifully take my potion when it is time and no one is in any danger. You did not hear me say this since you were absent yesterday for reasons I am sure you do not wish to discuss in front of the class." Malfoy narrowed his eyes at Lupin who ignored him and began the day's lesson. Harry and the others chuckled at Lupin's comment. This did not stop Malfoy from disrupting the class at every possible moment. They were working with a strange creature called a Stugrap (totally made that up!) that was sort of like an insect but bigger, hairier, and much more dangerous. They made a soft, comforting noise to lull humans and animals to sleep, and then they would suck out all its blood for food. Also, if one bit you, the place where the teeth marks were would swell three times the normal size and the spot would be immobile. Stugraps generally avoided contact with other creatures except when they were asleep, so the danger of being bit was small. The students had to try to fight off the urge to sleep from the small bloodsucker, then use the Silencing Charm to stop them. They all worked in groups and while one person fought off sleep, the others wore earmuffs in case their partner failed and they had to stop the Stugrap from sucking their blood.
Harry went first and Ron and Hermione watched him with their earmuffs securely fastened. Harry had trouble his first few tries but eventually threw off his sleepiness and silenced the little creature. Hermione eagerly went next and was immediately able to defeat it. Harry stared at her with his mouth open.
"How did you do that?" he asked in awe. "I thought it was really hard to keep myself awake!" Hermione just shrugged.
"I suppose that noise doesn't make me sleepy." Ron worriedly passed her his earmuffs and sat before the Stugrap. Almost as soon as it began singing, Ron fell asleep. The little creature began to crawl toward him but Hermione quickly immobilized it and pulled it away from him as Harry woke Ron. Ron tried seven more times to stay awake and finally did on the eighth try. He sighed heavily.
"That took ages! Why was it so much harder for me than it was for you two?"
"Maybe you just like to sleep a lot more than we do," Harry suggested. Hermione chuckled. Ron shrugged. They took up their Stugrap and earmuffs and began on their homework. They had to write down the process of defeating the creature and why they should.
Malfoy had eventually silenced his bug and returned his earmuffs. He didn't give back the Stugrap, however. He held it under his robes and slowly walked up behind Harry. Before anyone realized what he was doing, he pulled back Harry's robes and dropped the bug inside his clothes. Harry jumped up and felt the small but painful teeth of the creature sink into his back and he yelled. He fell to the floor and grabbed for the spot but he couldn't get his arm all the way there because he couldn't move his back. It was stuck and he could feel it swelling. Ron and Hermione came to his side and called for Professor Lupin. He ran over to Harry as Malfoy and his friends laughed. Harry tried to move but it always required a change from his back. Lupin levitated him and walked him to the Hospital wing.
After they left, Ron stood angrily and faced Malfoy. Malfoy just smirked at him and stood up straighter. Hermione stepped forward and grabbed Ron's arm.
"Don't do anything Ron." He ignored her.
"Think that was funny, do you?"
"Extremely," Malfoy answered. Ron narrowed his eyes and pulled out his wand, shrugging off Hermione's hold. Malfoy took out his own wand and twirled it in his fingers.
"Go ahead Weasel. I dare you." Ron opened his mouth to hex him but at that moment Filch walked in and stared at the boys with disgust.
"And what do you two think you are doing? Sit down and be quiet," he spat and looked around at the rest of the class, standing around waiting for the fight. "All of you!" They shuffled to their seats as slow as possible and he surveyed them angrily.
"I saw Professor Lupin taking Potter to the Hospital wing and knew you lot would cause trouble when the teacher was gone. No one is to make a sound while I'm here. If you do, you'll be serving a week of detention with me!" Thankfully, they only had to be with him for a few more minutes before Lupin returned. He thanked Filch for coming and smiled at the class when the door closed.
"Thank you all for waiting patiently. Harry will be fine in a couple of hours. Madam Pomfrey gave him the antidote for Stugraps and said he would be better soon. You may visit him at lunch," he said to Ron and Hermione. They nodded at him. "Mr. Malfoy, I'd like to see you in my office after class. You are dismissed. The assignment is due on Friday." The class stood and Malfoy followed Lupin. Ron smiled happily at his retreating back.
"Stupid git," he muttered. "Hope he gets a week of detention cleaning the room with his bare hands!" Hermione shook her head and pulled Ron out the door.
"I hope that Harry's alright," she said. "I read that a Stugrap bite feels simply awful. His back was still growing when he left." Ron nodded in agreement.
"We can go see him later," he told her. They headed to Herbology, which thankfully wasn't with the Slytherins. At lunchtime they quickly grabbed some food and found Ginny. They informed her of the events of the DADA class on their way to the Hospital wing and her eyes widened in worry. They walked in and found Harry lying in a bed on his stomach. His robes were off and his shirt was off to reveal a large lump on his back. It was covered in some sort of cream that smelled terribly of dirty socks. Harry was staring at the floor, obviously bored. He lifted his head slightly as he heard them enter and Ginny ran to him, kneeling by his side.
"Oh Harry, are you alright? What's a Stugrap? How long will you have this? Does it hurt?" Ron and Hermione came behind Ginny. Ron wrinkled his nose at the smell and backed away a bit. Hermione scowled at him and pulled him forward as he plugged his nose. Harry chuckled at Ginny's worry.
"I'm okay Gin, don't worry. Madam Pomfrey said if she keeps putting on this disgusting stuff, my back will be normal by three o'clock. A Stugrap's a kind of big bug that sings you to sleep then sucks all your blood. If you get bit by one the place swells and you can't move it so I can't move my back. Yeah it hurts a lot but I'm kind of used to it. I've had it a few hours already." Ginny looked at him sympathetically.
"I'm so sorry Harry."
"Id's dod your fauld Ginny, id's Malfoy's. He did id," Ron said nasally, his hand still plugging his nose. Harry laughed at him and Ron grinned.
"Sorry bud dad sduff sbells derrible. Can'd dhey mage botions and sduff dasde and sbell bedder?" Harry would have shrugged but he couldn't move.
"Anyway, it's gotten smaller already. It was bigger than this an hour ago," Harry told them.
"What does it feel like?" Hermione asked.
"Sort of like I have a lot of pressure on my back, like someone's sitting on me. It also feels like I've got a bunch of needles or something sharp stuck in me. It sort of throbs." Ginny reached forward and smoothed back his hair as she took his hand. She kissed his cheek and he grinned at her.
"Trust me, it's much better than I've felt before."
"It's still painful though," she answered. He nodded. Ron pulled over two chairs for him and Hermione and they sat down. Ginny didn't want one. She wanted to stay down by his face. A few moments later, Madam Pomfrey came in and opened a container. Ron grabbed his nose again as the strong odor of the cream came out. The others did the same and Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes.
"Oh it's not that bad," she scoffed. Ron stared at her as though she were mad and watched as she lathered Harry's back with the foul cream. After she left, they couldn't uncover their noses for another fifteen minutes and had to talk to each other in nasally voices, which was quite amusing.
"So whad dibe is Quiddidch pragtice doday Harry?" Ron asked.
"Ad four oclog (I don't know what time class ends there)," he answered. They laughed at how they sounded.
"Ogay, souds good," Ron snorted and his throat gurgled making him bend over in laughter. Hermione and Ginny chuckled at how easily amused the boys were. Hermione let go of her nose to test out the smell and told them it was safe. Ron sat up and calmed himself down. Harry chuckled and craned his neck around to look at his back.
"Any smaller?" he asked, unable to tell himself. Ginny looked and smiled.
"Yeah actually, it is." Harry nodded happily. Ron looked at his watch from Hermione. He loved checking the time with his beautiful gift and announced that lunch would be over soon. Ginny kissed Harry and they told him good-bye.
Harry's back was normal again by the time Quidditch practice started. It went really well again and Harry had that feeling they would win on Saturday. It grew even stronger when Ron blocked a throw from Ginny and another immediately after from Katie Bell (who I just recently realized is still on the team. I thought she had graduated. Oops). Everyone opened their mouths in shock, including Ron. They couldn't believe he had blocked two goals in a row, plus one had been Ginny's. He never blocked hers. Harry flew over to him and clapped him on the back.
"Well done Ron! That was brilliant!" Ron looked at him, shock in his eyes.
"How did I do that?"
"I've no idea mate but keep it up! That's the sort of thing that'll help us beat Slytherin!" Ron nodded, still in a daze. Ginny smiled at him. She wondered how long it would last before she wouldn't be able to get it past him. He came from a family of excellent Quidditch players and was quickly improving. He nervously grinned back and shrugged.
On Wednesday, Harry had his second D.A. lesson. Ginny wasn't in this group even though she was a fifth year. Harry had decided that everyone who had been in the D.A. last year should be in the sixth and seventh year group so they would all be in the same place. So Collin, Dennis, Luna Lovegood, Michael Corner, Ginny and the other younger ones would have the lesson on Friday. Group Two's lesson went as well as the lesson had on Monday and Harry smiled in satisfaction. All of his students were eager to learn and listened to everything he had to say. A lot of the girls were flirtatious and giggly around him. He just smiled uncomfortably and moved away from them.
Harry was most excited about Group Three's lesson since it would be a reunion of the D.A. with some newcomers. He really wanted to pick up where they left off last year but he knew they would need to review first. He, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny arrived early to prepare the room. They finished and Hermione began reading a book on DADA that she found on a shelf. Ginny and Ron talked on the floor for a bit before everyone else arrived while Harry reviewed his plans. He didn't need to since he had memorized them but felt he should be well prepared for this lesson since he would have students older than him in class. He was afraid he might have some trouble with that. Students finally started coming and sat on the floor, waiting for their friends to come in. When Luna Lovegood came in she sat beside Ginny. They said hello and Luna waved at Ron. He gave her a nervous smile and she was soon staring off into space. Harry was somewhat less annoyed by Luna since their little talk at the end of last year (the one where she says that the people behind the veil are just "lurking out of sight") and the feeling of pity he had that people weren't very nice to her. She still was odd though. He chuckled at the strange look Ron was giving her. He found Luna very odd indeed. Ginny elbowed him to stop staring at her and he scowled. Luna was unaware of it all. Hermione soon sat down next to Ron and distracted him.
Harry watched happily as returning D.A. students entered and new people came. This was by far his largest class and he felt nervous and excited at the same time. He was surprised to see Cho Chang enter the room. She looked at him nervously and sat beside a Ravenclaw girl. Her name had not been on the list. Her friend Marietta was not with Cho and Harry was glad of it. He noticed Ginny staring at Cho, extreme dislike on her face. Ginny glanced up at Harry and was surprised to see him looking at her. She smiled at him and he waved. She looked at Cho and back to Harry. He nodded and she looked at the floor. Harry could tell she was uncomfortable about Cho being in the same room but he could do nothing about it. Ginny had nothing to worry about though. He didn't feel anything towards her anymore.
When Harry felt everyone was there, he cleared his throat.
"Uh hello. My name is Harry Potter and I'm teaching this class." Everyone started clapping and Harry grinned. "Thanks. First I'm going to do a roll call and then write down the names of those of you who are here but didn't sign up. Ginny Weasley is here," he said and checked off her name. He continued to call out names until he had finished the list. "Okay, if I didn't call your name, raise your hand." About ten people raised their hands. "Alright, when I point to you, tell me your name, your year, and what house you're in." He pointed to a tall, blonde haired girl in front of him and she smiled up at him.
"I'm Erica Tyler, seventh year, Hufflepuff." He nodded and jotted her name down. He pointed to Cho, though he already knew her name, year, and house.
"Cho Chang, seventh year, Ravenclaw," she said softly and looked up at him kindly. He scribbled it down and moved on quickly. He finished the rest of the names and set down his list.
"I thought we could start with some review and easier spells from last year. Not all of you were in the D.A. last year so this will give everyone a chance to know the same spells and be at the same place. Let's do the Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus, first and after we have that, we'll move on. We have until ten to work so we aren't in any hurry. Ron, what time is it?" It was a quarter after eight. "Ok, pair up and start working." Everyone had a partner leaving Harry free to roam around the students. It only took them half an hour for everyone to get the spell right. Neville could successfully disarm his partner three times in a row. Harry smiled happily at him and Neville grinned back. Ron and Hermione were easily performing the spell on each other as they had done it so many times before. Harry decided it was time to move on. He thought of a whistle like last year and one appeared on a nearby shelf. He grabbed it and blew. The group quieted and turned to look at him.
"Well done everybody! I think we can do the Impediment Jinx now. Ron can you come up here for a moment please?" Ron walked over to him and waited. "I'm going to demonstrate the jinx on Ron then you all can try it." He faced Ron. "Impedimenta!" Ron froze and everyone applauded again. Harry looked at them embarrassed. "You don't need to clap for me." Ron unfroze and went back to Hermione. Everyone got in their pairs again and began freezing each other. This took more time than the last spell and Harry frequently stopped to help people. Those who had been in the D.A. last year quickly mastered it but the new members had some trouble. Harry noticed Cho was constantly looking at him, making him feel nervous. He had a bad feeling she would want to talk at the end of the class. After more people got the spell to work correctly, Harry stopped them.
"Alright, we can work on that one again next week. Let's try out stunning." He went over to the large stack of pillows in the corner and pulled one to the front of the room. He asked Ron to come up again. Ron stepped in front of the pillow and waited for Harry. "Stupefy!" Ron fell back onto the pillow and some students gasped. Harry bent to shake Ron awake and he sat up groggily. Harry patted him on the shoulder and pulled him up. Some of the class clapped again to Harry's annoyance, though he didn't show it. "Everyone get a pillow and get started." Many of the students nervously headed to the pile while others eagerly grabbed one. Again, the former members got the spell quicker than the others. After a while, Harry asked Ron the time. It was five minutes until ten and Harry blew his whistle.
"Okay, today went really well," he told them. "We'll work on all that again next week and start something new if we can. Eventually we'll move on to Patronuses and other harder things." Many of them began whispering at the mention of a Patronus. "Ok, put away your pillows and then you can all leave! Great work today! Thanks!" The students put their pillows back in the corner and made their way out of the room. Cho shyly came towards him and Harry groaned inwardly. She gave him a small smile and he nodded at her.
"Um, hi Harry," she said.
"Hi Cho," he answered, not quite looking at her.
"Look, Harry, I wanted to apologize about last year. I feel really awful about the way I acted. I was still grieving for Cedric and wasn't sure how to handle it. I also know that what Marietta did was really terrible and I'm sorry about that too. I'd love to be friends if that's alright with you." She looked up at him anxiously. He sighed in relief and smiled down at her.
"Sure Cho. That sounds great. Thanks." She grinned happily and kissed his cheek.
"Oh thanks Harry, that makes me feel so much better!" Ginny came next to Harry cautiously.
"Hi Gin," he said putting his arm around her shoulder. A look of surprise came to Cho's face.
"Um Cho, this is my girlfriend Ginny Weasley. You remember her don't you?" Ginny stared at the ground but Cho nodded kindly.
"Yes, I remember her. Well, congratulations Ginny. You're a really lucky girl. Harry's a great guy." Ginny looked up and nodded at her.
"I know," she answered grinning. Cho smiled and waved at them as she left. Ginny sighed in relief. Harry looked down at her.
"You alright?" She nodded up at him.
"I thought she was going to flirt with you," she laughed.
"I didn't know what to expect," he answered. He chuckled. "You looked nervous when she was here." She nodded and the grin left her face.
"I feel a bit inferior when it comes to Cho," she said softly. "She has no trouble getting a boyfriend. First she got you who I liked then Michael who I was going out with. She has a tendency to take my guys. It makes me feel weird around her." Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny and faced her.
"I don't want you to ever feel inferior around Cho. I don't feel anything toward her anymore. I love you. You're the only girl that matters to me." He bent to kiss her lips. "And Hermione," he added. "And your mum. They matter too." Ginny laughed and they kissed again.
"Thanks Harry. I love you too." Ron walked over to them.
"Come on. We've got a Quidditch game tomorrow and we need our rest. We have to beat the Slytherins. If Malfoy wins, I'll eat my socks!"
"Hopefully they don't smell like that Stugrap cream," Hermione commented coming behind him. He wrinkled his nose at the memory.
"Alright I'll eat my tie."
"But you got plenty of naps in class today Ron. I think you can last a little longer," Harry chuckled.
"Funny Potter," he said and playfully pushed Harry. They left the Room of Requirement and headed back to Gryffindor Tower. Ron was right about one thing. They had to beat Slytherin.
Authors note: That took so long to write! Twelve pages long! Oh well, I enjoyed it! Plus I had to reference back to OotP to remember some things from the D.A., so that took awhile. Next chapter will be a good one. The Quidditch game will take place and a fight will happen. It will be a physical fight, not verbal like I think some of you thought I meant last chapter. I will, of course, have more verbal fights in the future but the next one is physical. Someone asked if I would have an H/G fight and I would like to have one so that they aren't always so happy and lovey dovey with each other so if anyone has ideas for something for them to fight about, leave it in your review or you can e-mail me. I'm sure I can find something for them to fight about but I'll always take suggestions. Also, something important will happen at breakfast next chapter! Suspense! By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it! I hope everyone's went well!
Individuals:
Bballgirl02: Thanks, I'm glad you like what I'm doing!
ElmoRock3113: Thank you! I'm glad you liked the hickey! I'm glad Lupin's back too!
Loli-chick336: Lol, thanks! I'm happy you liked it all! I like defensive Ron! He's so fun to write!
Ashie: Thank you very much! Yeah, Ron was pretty similar to Mrs. Weasley, lol! I like Lupin too and I was sad that Sirius died! I hoped he would be proven innocent eventually but I guess not. : ( That's funny about that Daniel that you know! That's really weird!
Lily106: Thanks! Yep, lots of poking that chapter! Lol!
Duckymander: Lol, thank you! I thought about having Hermione get the hickey but when I thought about it more, I realized how much funnier it would have been for Ginny to get it! I mean, I picture Harry and Ginny relationship to be a little more pure while Ron and Hermione's is a little more. you know.physical and passionate. Not that they're sleeping together yet but more than H/G's. But having Ginny get a hickey, Harry to find it hilarious, and Ron having a heart attack about it was a much better idea! Glad you liked it!
Bellalovesron: You're welcome! I understand, getting a review for each chapter is more encouraging for the writer. I promise I'll review each chapter separately! You will always have a review each time from me! Anyway, thanks. Glad you love it!
Sexy seeker: Thank you! Glad you thought it was funny! I don't know, I think it would have been funny either way. It's just, I would expect Hermione to get a hickey but for Ginny to get one, it's just more of a surprise with the way I view both couples. I thought the way Ron reacted to it would be hilarious and it'd be funny for Harry to find it so funny. But you might be right; it may have been better for Hermione to get it. Oh well! Yep, more news from Voldemort is on the way!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! Glad you liked the hickey! Yes, Lupin! Yay!
KrisKG: Thank you!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks, I'm really glad you like both of my fics!
Miss Hogwarts: Thank you very much!
Kim: Thanks, I will! Glad you liked the hickey!
Mione Weasley: Hi! Lol, thank you very much! I thought having Ginny with a hickey would be much funnier than Hermione so I did that! I'm glad you liked it! I loved writing Ron's reaction! It was so fun! Ok, bye!
Chapter 7: Stugraps
Author's Note: Hi guys! Thanks for all the great reviews! They make me smile! : ) I wanted to get this out Wednesday night but my family started watching The Two Towers extended version and I wanted to watch too. Then yesterday was Thanksgiving so I was busy most of the day. Then I stayed up until four last night to finish writing the chapter (don't worry, I like staying up really late like that) but had to stop 'cause my mom was bugging me to go to bed. I couldn't put it up yet since I hadn't finished the individuals. So, here it is! It's really long! Enjoy!
During the week many things happened. Ron received an answer from the twins about Malfoy's hair. They took half the letter praising Ron for his idea and color choice and one line on when it would go away. This particular prank would last three days instead of the usual two. Malfoy's new do would be gone by Tuesday. The other half of the letter revolved around the success their store was having.
Monday's DADA class went well since Malfoy wasn't there. The class entered the room and took their seats, some eagerly waiting for Lupin to start, others who looked like they couldn't wait to leave. They were unusually quiet as they watched Lupin standing before them, a kind smile on his face. He stepped forward and the class became silent.
"Welcome to class everyone. I am very excited to be back. I am aware that some of you may be concerned that I am here." Parvati and Lavender looked down uncomfortably as well as a few other students. He continued to grin at the class.
"Please don't feel bad. I understand why you are worried. I admit I am a werewolf and I was loose on the Hogwarts grounds three years ago. During that time I was taking a potion to allow me to stay in my office when I transformed and I was safe enough to be inside. That night I neglected to take my potion. Since that night I have not once forgotten to drink it and there haven't been any problems. I promise I will always take it and none of you are in any danger. If you have any more concerns please let me know them now or you can speak with me after class. Anyone?" No one spoke and Lupin nodded.
"My office will be open after class if anyone wishes to talk. Now, Professor McGonagall has informed me of what you have covered so far in class this year. I see you have been very busy," he chuckled. He held five pages of very small writing. Each page was covered on front and back. The students nodded, annoyed expressions on their faces. He smiled at them.
"I promise we will be slowing down to take more time on each lesson. As most of you know, Harry will be teaching you all a defense class in addition to this one. I believe the first lesson will be tonight." Harry nodded. "However, this class's lesson will take place Friday. He will be covering defense against hexes and curses as well as teaching spells in case you were involved in a duel. I will cover defense against creatures and more complex spells. I have been told that almost all students have signed up for the D.A. except a few," he said referring to the Slytherins. "If you are not signed up for the D.A., do not worry, you will still be learning a lot in this class. If anyone wishes to join the D.A. late, that is possible." Lupin smiled at them all again and began the first lesson.
That night was the first D.A. lesson. It was the third and fourth years group and Harry was well prepared. He had made all his plans for them in advance and arrived at the Room of Requirement half an hour early to get it ready. The lesson went extremely well. He had no problems with any of the students and hoped that the other two groups would work just as well. Group One's lessons would take place every Monday, Group Two's every Wednesday, and Group Three's every Friday. This gave Harry a day in between each lesson.
Tuesday's DADA class did not go as well as before. Malfoy was back, free of his purple hair and moustache. He glared at Harry as he entered. Apparently he thought Harry had done it. When Lupin began class, Malfoy raised his hand.
"Professor why are you here? I thought you were a werewolf? I don't think it's safe for us to have a dangerous creature as a teacher." Lupin nodded.
"Yes, you have a valid point Mr. Malfoy but I assured the class yesterday that you are all safe. I dutifully take my potion when it is time and no one is in any danger. You did not hear me say this since you were absent yesterday for reasons I am sure you do not wish to discuss in front of the class." Malfoy narrowed his eyes at Lupin who ignored him and began the day's lesson. Harry and the others chuckled at Lupin's comment. This did not stop Malfoy from disrupting the class at every possible moment. They were working with a strange creature called a Stugrap (totally made that up!) that was sort of like an insect but bigger, hairier, and much more dangerous. They made a soft, comforting noise to lull humans and animals to sleep, and then they would suck out all its blood for food. Also, if one bit you, the place where the teeth marks were would swell three times the normal size and the spot would be immobile. Stugraps generally avoided contact with other creatures except when they were asleep, so the danger of being bit was small. The students had to try to fight off the urge to sleep from the small bloodsucker, then use the Silencing Charm to stop them. They all worked in groups and while one person fought off sleep, the others wore earmuffs in case their partner failed and they had to stop the Stugrap from sucking their blood.
Harry went first and Ron and Hermione watched him with their earmuffs securely fastened. Harry had trouble his first few tries but eventually threw off his sleepiness and silenced the little creature. Hermione eagerly went next and was immediately able to defeat it. Harry stared at her with his mouth open.
"How did you do that?" he asked in awe. "I thought it was really hard to keep myself awake!" Hermione just shrugged.
"I suppose that noise doesn't make me sleepy." Ron worriedly passed her his earmuffs and sat before the Stugrap. Almost as soon as it began singing, Ron fell asleep. The little creature began to crawl toward him but Hermione quickly immobilized it and pulled it away from him as Harry woke Ron. Ron tried seven more times to stay awake and finally did on the eighth try. He sighed heavily.
"That took ages! Why was it so much harder for me than it was for you two?"
"Maybe you just like to sleep a lot more than we do," Harry suggested. Hermione chuckled. Ron shrugged. They took up their Stugrap and earmuffs and began on their homework. They had to write down the process of defeating the creature and why they should.
Malfoy had eventually silenced his bug and returned his earmuffs. He didn't give back the Stugrap, however. He held it under his robes and slowly walked up behind Harry. Before anyone realized what he was doing, he pulled back Harry's robes and dropped the bug inside his clothes. Harry jumped up and felt the small but painful teeth of the creature sink into his back and he yelled. He fell to the floor and grabbed for the spot but he couldn't get his arm all the way there because he couldn't move his back. It was stuck and he could feel it swelling. Ron and Hermione came to his side and called for Professor Lupin. He ran over to Harry as Malfoy and his friends laughed. Harry tried to move but it always required a change from his back. Lupin levitated him and walked him to the Hospital wing.
After they left, Ron stood angrily and faced Malfoy. Malfoy just smirked at him and stood up straighter. Hermione stepped forward and grabbed Ron's arm.
"Don't do anything Ron." He ignored her.
"Think that was funny, do you?"
"Extremely," Malfoy answered. Ron narrowed his eyes and pulled out his wand, shrugging off Hermione's hold. Malfoy took out his own wand and twirled it in his fingers.
"Go ahead Weasel. I dare you." Ron opened his mouth to hex him but at that moment Filch walked in and stared at the boys with disgust.
"And what do you two think you are doing? Sit down and be quiet," he spat and looked around at the rest of the class, standing around waiting for the fight. "All of you!" They shuffled to their seats as slow as possible and he surveyed them angrily.
"I saw Professor Lupin taking Potter to the Hospital wing and knew you lot would cause trouble when the teacher was gone. No one is to make a sound while I'm here. If you do, you'll be serving a week of detention with me!" Thankfully, they only had to be with him for a few more minutes before Lupin returned. He thanked Filch for coming and smiled at the class when the door closed.
"Thank you all for waiting patiently. Harry will be fine in a couple of hours. Madam Pomfrey gave him the antidote for Stugraps and said he would be better soon. You may visit him at lunch," he said to Ron and Hermione. They nodded at him. "Mr. Malfoy, I'd like to see you in my office after class. You are dismissed. The assignment is due on Friday." The class stood and Malfoy followed Lupin. Ron smiled happily at his retreating back.
"Stupid git," he muttered. "Hope he gets a week of detention cleaning the room with his bare hands!" Hermione shook her head and pulled Ron out the door.
"I hope that Harry's alright," she said. "I read that a Stugrap bite feels simply awful. His back was still growing when he left." Ron nodded in agreement.
"We can go see him later," he told her. They headed to Herbology, which thankfully wasn't with the Slytherins. At lunchtime they quickly grabbed some food and found Ginny. They informed her of the events of the DADA class on their way to the Hospital wing and her eyes widened in worry. They walked in and found Harry lying in a bed on his stomach. His robes were off and his shirt was off to reveal a large lump on his back. It was covered in some sort of cream that smelled terribly of dirty socks. Harry was staring at the floor, obviously bored. He lifted his head slightly as he heard them enter and Ginny ran to him, kneeling by his side.
"Oh Harry, are you alright? What's a Stugrap? How long will you have this? Does it hurt?" Ron and Hermione came behind Ginny. Ron wrinkled his nose at the smell and backed away a bit. Hermione scowled at him and pulled him forward as he plugged his nose. Harry chuckled at Ginny's worry.
"I'm okay Gin, don't worry. Madam Pomfrey said if she keeps putting on this disgusting stuff, my back will be normal by three o'clock. A Stugrap's a kind of big bug that sings you to sleep then sucks all your blood. If you get bit by one the place swells and you can't move it so I can't move my back. Yeah it hurts a lot but I'm kind of used to it. I've had it a few hours already." Ginny looked at him sympathetically.
"I'm so sorry Harry."
"Id's dod your fauld Ginny, id's Malfoy's. He did id," Ron said nasally, his hand still plugging his nose. Harry laughed at him and Ron grinned.
"Sorry bud dad sduff sbells derrible. Can'd dhey mage botions and sduff dasde and sbell bedder?" Harry would have shrugged but he couldn't move.
"Anyway, it's gotten smaller already. It was bigger than this an hour ago," Harry told them.
"What does it feel like?" Hermione asked.
"Sort of like I have a lot of pressure on my back, like someone's sitting on me. It also feels like I've got a bunch of needles or something sharp stuck in me. It sort of throbs." Ginny reached forward and smoothed back his hair as she took his hand. She kissed his cheek and he grinned at her.
"Trust me, it's much better than I've felt before."
"It's still painful though," she answered. He nodded. Ron pulled over two chairs for him and Hermione and they sat down. Ginny didn't want one. She wanted to stay down by his face. A few moments later, Madam Pomfrey came in and opened a container. Ron grabbed his nose again as the strong odor of the cream came out. The others did the same and Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes.
"Oh it's not that bad," she scoffed. Ron stared at her as though she were mad and watched as she lathered Harry's back with the foul cream. After she left, they couldn't uncover their noses for another fifteen minutes and had to talk to each other in nasally voices, which was quite amusing.
"So whad dibe is Quiddidch pragtice doday Harry?" Ron asked.
"Ad four oclog (I don't know what time class ends there)," he answered. They laughed at how they sounded.
"Ogay, souds good," Ron snorted and his throat gurgled making him bend over in laughter. Hermione and Ginny chuckled at how easily amused the boys were. Hermione let go of her nose to test out the smell and told them it was safe. Ron sat up and calmed himself down. Harry chuckled and craned his neck around to look at his back.
"Any smaller?" he asked, unable to tell himself. Ginny looked and smiled.
"Yeah actually, it is." Harry nodded happily. Ron looked at his watch from Hermione. He loved checking the time with his beautiful gift and announced that lunch would be over soon. Ginny kissed Harry and they told him good-bye.
Harry's back was normal again by the time Quidditch practice started. It went really well again and Harry had that feeling they would win on Saturday. It grew even stronger when Ron blocked a throw from Ginny and another immediately after from Katie Bell (who I just recently realized is still on the team. I thought she had graduated. Oops). Everyone opened their mouths in shock, including Ron. They couldn't believe he had blocked two goals in a row, plus one had been Ginny's. He never blocked hers. Harry flew over to him and clapped him on the back.
"Well done Ron! That was brilliant!" Ron looked at him, shock in his eyes.
"How did I do that?"
"I've no idea mate but keep it up! That's the sort of thing that'll help us beat Slytherin!" Ron nodded, still in a daze. Ginny smiled at him. She wondered how long it would last before she wouldn't be able to get it past him. He came from a family of excellent Quidditch players and was quickly improving. He nervously grinned back and shrugged.
On Wednesday, Harry had his second D.A. lesson. Ginny wasn't in this group even though she was a fifth year. Harry had decided that everyone who had been in the D.A. last year should be in the sixth and seventh year group so they would all be in the same place. So Collin, Dennis, Luna Lovegood, Michael Corner, Ginny and the other younger ones would have the lesson on Friday. Group Two's lesson went as well as the lesson had on Monday and Harry smiled in satisfaction. All of his students were eager to learn and listened to everything he had to say. A lot of the girls were flirtatious and giggly around him. He just smiled uncomfortably and moved away from them.
Harry was most excited about Group Three's lesson since it would be a reunion of the D.A. with some newcomers. He really wanted to pick up where they left off last year but he knew they would need to review first. He, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny arrived early to prepare the room. They finished and Hermione began reading a book on DADA that she found on a shelf. Ginny and Ron talked on the floor for a bit before everyone else arrived while Harry reviewed his plans. He didn't need to since he had memorized them but felt he should be well prepared for this lesson since he would have students older than him in class. He was afraid he might have some trouble with that. Students finally started coming and sat on the floor, waiting for their friends to come in. When Luna Lovegood came in she sat beside Ginny. They said hello and Luna waved at Ron. He gave her a nervous smile and she was soon staring off into space. Harry was somewhat less annoyed by Luna since their little talk at the end of last year (the one where she says that the people behind the veil are just "lurking out of sight") and the feeling of pity he had that people weren't very nice to her. She still was odd though. He chuckled at the strange look Ron was giving her. He found Luna very odd indeed. Ginny elbowed him to stop staring at her and he scowled. Luna was unaware of it all. Hermione soon sat down next to Ron and distracted him.
Harry watched happily as returning D.A. students entered and new people came. This was by far his largest class and he felt nervous and excited at the same time. He was surprised to see Cho Chang enter the room. She looked at him nervously and sat beside a Ravenclaw girl. Her name had not been on the list. Her friend Marietta was not with Cho and Harry was glad of it. He noticed Ginny staring at Cho, extreme dislike on her face. Ginny glanced up at Harry and was surprised to see him looking at her. She smiled at him and he waved. She looked at Cho and back to Harry. He nodded and she looked at the floor. Harry could tell she was uncomfortable about Cho being in the same room but he could do nothing about it. Ginny had nothing to worry about though. He didn't feel anything towards her anymore.
When Harry felt everyone was there, he cleared his throat.
"Uh hello. My name is Harry Potter and I'm teaching this class." Everyone started clapping and Harry grinned. "Thanks. First I'm going to do a roll call and then write down the names of those of you who are here but didn't sign up. Ginny Weasley is here," he said and checked off her name. He continued to call out names until he had finished the list. "Okay, if I didn't call your name, raise your hand." About ten people raised their hands. "Alright, when I point to you, tell me your name, your year, and what house you're in." He pointed to a tall, blonde haired girl in front of him and she smiled up at him.
"I'm Erica Tyler, seventh year, Hufflepuff." He nodded and jotted her name down. He pointed to Cho, though he already knew her name, year, and house.
"Cho Chang, seventh year, Ravenclaw," she said softly and looked up at him kindly. He scribbled it down and moved on quickly. He finished the rest of the names and set down his list.
"I thought we could start with some review and easier spells from last year. Not all of you were in the D.A. last year so this will give everyone a chance to know the same spells and be at the same place. Let's do the Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus, first and after we have that, we'll move on. We have until ten to work so we aren't in any hurry. Ron, what time is it?" It was a quarter after eight. "Ok, pair up and start working." Everyone had a partner leaving Harry free to roam around the students. It only took them half an hour for everyone to get the spell right. Neville could successfully disarm his partner three times in a row. Harry smiled happily at him and Neville grinned back. Ron and Hermione were easily performing the spell on each other as they had done it so many times before. Harry decided it was time to move on. He thought of a whistle like last year and one appeared on a nearby shelf. He grabbed it and blew. The group quieted and turned to look at him.
"Well done everybody! I think we can do the Impediment Jinx now. Ron can you come up here for a moment please?" Ron walked over to him and waited. "I'm going to demonstrate the jinx on Ron then you all can try it." He faced Ron. "Impedimenta!" Ron froze and everyone applauded again. Harry looked at them embarrassed. "You don't need to clap for me." Ron unfroze and went back to Hermione. Everyone got in their pairs again and began freezing each other. This took more time than the last spell and Harry frequently stopped to help people. Those who had been in the D.A. last year quickly mastered it but the new members had some trouble. Harry noticed Cho was constantly looking at him, making him feel nervous. He had a bad feeling she would want to talk at the end of the class. After more people got the spell to work correctly, Harry stopped them.
"Alright, we can work on that one again next week. Let's try out stunning." He went over to the large stack of pillows in the corner and pulled one to the front of the room. He asked Ron to come up again. Ron stepped in front of the pillow and waited for Harry. "Stupefy!" Ron fell back onto the pillow and some students gasped. Harry bent to shake Ron awake and he sat up groggily. Harry patted him on the shoulder and pulled him up. Some of the class clapped again to Harry's annoyance, though he didn't show it. "Everyone get a pillow and get started." Many of the students nervously headed to the pile while others eagerly grabbed one. Again, the former members got the spell quicker than the others. After a while, Harry asked Ron the time. It was five minutes until ten and Harry blew his whistle.
"Okay, today went really well," he told them. "We'll work on all that again next week and start something new if we can. Eventually we'll move on to Patronuses and other harder things." Many of them began whispering at the mention of a Patronus. "Ok, put away your pillows and then you can all leave! Great work today! Thanks!" The students put their pillows back in the corner and made their way out of the room. Cho shyly came towards him and Harry groaned inwardly. She gave him a small smile and he nodded at her.
"Um, hi Harry," she said.
"Hi Cho," he answered, not quite looking at her.
"Look, Harry, I wanted to apologize about last year. I feel really awful about the way I acted. I was still grieving for Cedric and wasn't sure how to handle it. I also know that what Marietta did was really terrible and I'm sorry about that too. I'd love to be friends if that's alright with you." She looked up at him anxiously. He sighed in relief and smiled down at her.
"Sure Cho. That sounds great. Thanks." She grinned happily and kissed his cheek.
"Oh thanks Harry, that makes me feel so much better!" Ginny came next to Harry cautiously.
"Hi Gin," he said putting his arm around her shoulder. A look of surprise came to Cho's face.
"Um Cho, this is my girlfriend Ginny Weasley. You remember her don't you?" Ginny stared at the ground but Cho nodded kindly.
"Yes, I remember her. Well, congratulations Ginny. You're a really lucky girl. Harry's a great guy." Ginny looked up and nodded at her.
"I know," she answered grinning. Cho smiled and waved at them as she left. Ginny sighed in relief. Harry looked down at her.
"You alright?" She nodded up at him.
"I thought she was going to flirt with you," she laughed.
"I didn't know what to expect," he answered. He chuckled. "You looked nervous when she was here." She nodded and the grin left her face.
"I feel a bit inferior when it comes to Cho," she said softly. "She has no trouble getting a boyfriend. First she got you who I liked then Michael who I was going out with. She has a tendency to take my guys. It makes me feel weird around her." Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny and faced her.
"I don't want you to ever feel inferior around Cho. I don't feel anything toward her anymore. I love you. You're the only girl that matters to me." He bent to kiss her lips. "And Hermione," he added. "And your mum. They matter too." Ginny laughed and they kissed again.
"Thanks Harry. I love you too." Ron walked over to them.
"Come on. We've got a Quidditch game tomorrow and we need our rest. We have to beat the Slytherins. If Malfoy wins, I'll eat my socks!"
"Hopefully they don't smell like that Stugrap cream," Hermione commented coming behind him. He wrinkled his nose at the memory.
"Alright I'll eat my tie."
"But you got plenty of naps in class today Ron. I think you can last a little longer," Harry chuckled.
"Funny Potter," he said and playfully pushed Harry. They left the Room of Requirement and headed back to Gryffindor Tower. Ron was right about one thing. They had to beat Slytherin.
Authors note: That took so long to write! Twelve pages long! Oh well, I enjoyed it! Plus I had to reference back to OotP to remember some things from the D.A., so that took awhile. Next chapter will be a good one. The Quidditch game will take place and a fight will happen. It will be a physical fight, not verbal like I think some of you thought I meant last chapter. I will, of course, have more verbal fights in the future but the next one is physical. Someone asked if I would have an H/G fight and I would like to have one so that they aren't always so happy and lovey dovey with each other so if anyone has ideas for something for them to fight about, leave it in your review or you can e-mail me. I'm sure I can find something for them to fight about but I'll always take suggestions. Also, something important will happen at breakfast next chapter! Suspense! By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it! I hope everyone's went well!
Individuals:
Bballgirl02: Thanks, I'm glad you like what I'm doing!
ElmoRock3113: Thank you! I'm glad you liked the hickey! I'm glad Lupin's back too!
Loli-chick336: Lol, thanks! I'm happy you liked it all! I like defensive Ron! He's so fun to write!
Ashie: Thank you very much! Yeah, Ron was pretty similar to Mrs. Weasley, lol! I like Lupin too and I was sad that Sirius died! I hoped he would be proven innocent eventually but I guess not. : ( That's funny about that Daniel that you know! That's really weird!
Lily106: Thanks! Yep, lots of poking that chapter! Lol!
Duckymander: Lol, thank you! I thought about having Hermione get the hickey but when I thought about it more, I realized how much funnier it would have been for Ginny to get it! I mean, I picture Harry and Ginny relationship to be a little more pure while Ron and Hermione's is a little more. you know.physical and passionate. Not that they're sleeping together yet but more than H/G's. But having Ginny get a hickey, Harry to find it hilarious, and Ron having a heart attack about it was a much better idea! Glad you liked it!
Bellalovesron: You're welcome! I understand, getting a review for each chapter is more encouraging for the writer. I promise I'll review each chapter separately! You will always have a review each time from me! Anyway, thanks. Glad you love it!
Sexy seeker: Thank you! Glad you thought it was funny! I don't know, I think it would have been funny either way. It's just, I would expect Hermione to get a hickey but for Ginny to get one, it's just more of a surprise with the way I view both couples. I thought the way Ron reacted to it would be hilarious and it'd be funny for Harry to find it so funny. But you might be right; it may have been better for Hermione to get it. Oh well! Yep, more news from Voldemort is on the way!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! Glad you liked the hickey! Yes, Lupin! Yay!
KrisKG: Thank you!
Line-from Denmark: Thanks, I'm really glad you like both of my fics!
Miss Hogwarts: Thank you very much!
Kim: Thanks, I will! Glad you liked the hickey!
Mione Weasley: Hi! Lol, thank you very much! I thought having Ginny with a hickey would be much funnier than Hermione so I did that! I'm glad you liked it! I loved writing Ron's reaction! It was so fun! Ok, bye!