Chapter 11: Familiars

Harry and Amelia were up early practicing their ti-chi by the lake. They both enjoyed the exercise and the fresh morning air. They got done with their exercise and were sitting by the lake enjoying each other's company. Harry looked over at Amelia and he couldn't get over how beautiful she looked. She was wearing black yoga pants and tank top with black and white trainers. She had her hair pulled back in a French braid that came all the way down to her waist and her eyes, those beautiful blue-green eyes. Harry remembered that it was her eyes that had first caught his attention. He was too busy studying her to notice her doing the same to him. Amelia was watching Harry studying her. He is always so open when he believes she is not aware of him studying her. She had to admit she did enjoy his open appreciation for her. She also openly admirer him sometimes when he wasn't watching. He'd changed a whole lot from the scrawny uncertain boy in the park. He'd gotten taller and his shoulders had gotten wider. It was kind of funny to her that he wasn't the least bit aware of how sexy he was. He was sitting next to her in only his sweat pants and trainers. She was admiring how tight and lean his muscles were across his back, his arms and tight flat stomach. She was so absorbed in her admiration of his body she didn't even hear him until he spoke in her head.

"You keep staring like that and I'm going to have to charge you."

"Then maybe I should start charging every time I catch you looking?" she returned giving him a once over.

"You can't do that, I'll be broke within a week from just looking at your bum alone." He laughed at the look on her face.

"Why you cheeky devil, oh I'm so gonna get you." She was laughing too.

"You know I'm a slave to your beauty," he continued causing her to laugh even harder. "Sweet lady I beg of thee do not deprive your servant of thy beauty, for without it I shall surely die." He continued with his hand over his heart. Amelia was in stitches now, he always know how to make her laugh.

"You know" she began trying to control her laughter. "A Shakespearean actor you are not. But what you lack in acting abilities you make up for in pure animal magnetism and boyish charm." She finished doubling over with laughter. They were both lying on the ground trying to recover from their laughter when the tiger and the black jaguar came over to lie next to them. Harry got to his feet bringing Amelia with him.

"Come on there's someone I want you to meet." He told her as he led the way to Hagrid's hut. Hagrid who'd seen them coming from his window met them at the door.

"Nice ter see yeh, Harry," Hagrid called. "I was wondering when you'd git aroun to seein me." He continued with a bit of hurt in his voice.

"I'm sorry Hagrid it's just that I had a lot to explain yesterday and the time got away. But I have something that'll cheer you up. But first I would like you to meet my friend Amelia Emrys, she'll be attending Hogwarts this year."

"Any frien o Arry's is a friend of mine." Replied Hagrid pulling Amelia into a giant hug.

"And now," continued Harry "Hagrid we have someone else for you to meet." and with that Amelia placed two fingers in her mouth and whistled. There was a load flapping of wings and then the sky darkened a bit and then right next to them landed the most beautiful dragon Hagrid has ever seen. It was about twenty feet long; black with brilliant purple eyes, rough scales, and sharp shallow ridges along it's back. It had bat-like wings and a spear shaped spike at the tip of its tail.

"It's a Hebridean Black," Hagrid exclaimed in awe. "He's beautiful, what's is name?" Hagrid ask. He was like a kid in a candy store.

"His name is Osirus." Answered Amelia. Smiling at the look of pure delight on Hagrid's face.

"Hagrid, there are a few more friends I would like you to meet." Continued Harry pulling the large man away from the dragon. "I would like you to meet Isis and Beowulf." He continued pointing first to the white tiger then to the black jaguar. I have two others for you to meet but it'll have to wait till later. I guess they're off somewhere." He finished.

"Arry they are beautiful. Yeh afta tell me how yer came by them." Hagrid said, fondly stroking the big cats and admiring the dragon. Hagrid was in heaven. Just then Ron and Hermione showed up.

"Blimey Hagrid that's a bloody dragon." Ron exclaimed looking up at the twenty-foot monster.

"Ain't he a beaut?" Answered Hagrid stoking the dragon's scaly hide as if it was Fangs.

"Where'd you get it Hagrid?" Asked Hermione. "You know what happened last time you had a dragon Hagrid." She continued before he could answer. "You know you can't keep him Hagrid? What would happen if-"

"He ain' mine Hermione," Hagrid cut her off. "He belongs to Arry."

"Well not exactly." Harry interrupted. "Actually Osirus there is Amelia's Dragon not mine. The black jaguar over there is mine and his name is Beowulf. The tiger is Amelia's and her name is Isis. You two have already met Godfrey who's mine and you all have yet to meet Horus he's Amelia's falcon, I think he's off somewhere with Hedwig hunting. So what brings you two down here so early anyway? I thought you'd be having a lie in since there are no classes." He finished looking at his two friends.

"Oh right." Answered Hermione, "we came to find you two. Everyone has to meet in the Great Hall for breakfast so Professor Dumbledore can make his announcements since he didn't get to do them yesterday." She finished looking at Harry who was now looking at his feet.

"Well come on then we haven't got much time." He started off pulling Amelia behind him. "Ron, Hermione we'll meet you guys in the Great Hall. Keep an eye on the guys for us will you Hagrid." He called over his shoulder as they ran towards the entrance of the castle.

"Sure thing Arry, don yeh worry about a ting." Hagrid called back grinning from ear to ear.

Harry and Amelia met their friends a few minutes later in the Great Hall. Shortly after everyone were finished eating Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair at the staff's table, the hall fell silent.

"Firstly I would like to welcome you all back for another year. And now I have a couple introductions to make. I would like to introduce you to your new DADA teacher Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt."

There was a lot of applause as Kingsley gave a slight nod of his head.

"So that's why he was here so fast yesterday." Ron thought out loud.

"Next" continued Dumbledore. "I want you all to join me in welcoming a new student to our midst. She was supposed to have been here six years ago but because of circumstances beyond our control she wasn't able to until now. She arrived last night after the ceremony so you hadn't had a chance to meet her yet. Her name is Amelia Emrys and she is in Gryffindor house."

Amelia stood to the thunderous applause from all the tables except the Slytherin's. She smiled and nodded to the other houses before taking her seat.

"That is all," continued Professor Dumbledore "you can all go back to doing what you were doing in preparation for classes on Monday." He finished looking at Harry and Amelia with a twinkle in his eyes.

"I think he knows about you two." Commented Ron to his best friend.

"Doesn't miss a beat, that one. I swear he must have extendable ears or something. He always seems to know exactly what is going on." He finished shaking is head.

They were leaving the Great Hall when Luna joined them. Ron was still pondering about how Dumbledore seemed to know everything that goes on when Luna exclaimed. "Maybe Hogwarts tells him things!"

Ron just stared at her without a word. He was used to her saying weird things but this took the cake. He was about to tell her she was a complete nutter but Hermione got there first.

"Don't be absurd Luna, of course Hogwarts don't tell Dumbledore things. It's a castle for crying out loud not a being."

Luna just stared at her and replied in that dreamy voice of hers.

"You seem to find a lot of things absurd don't you? Well just because I am enlightened and you are not is no reason for you to think that everything I say is complete nonsense. Besides you don't hear me saying that your fight for house elf equality is absurd do you? Even though it is."

Ron snorted and was rewarded with a jab in his side from a furious Hermione.

"Well actually" started Neville before Hermione could respond. "Hogwarts is alive and she does speak." He finished looking at a dumb struck Hermione, Ron and Ginny.

"He's right you know?" Continued Harry.

Ron and Ginny were staring at Harry, Neville and Luna as if they'd lost their minds. Hermione just shook her head. She was not standing here listening to this.

"Are you three trying to tell us that the castle talks?" She asked incredulously

"YES." Replied Harry, Neville, and Luna and to Hermione's surprise Amelia.

"Not you too Amelia?" She cried. "You're all trying to pull one over on us, aren't you?" She asked looking at them.

"No we're not." Answered Amelia. "Hogwarts does speak, but not everyone can hear her. Like Professor Dumbledore for instance, he can't hear or speak to her. He can enchant things within her to do what he wants, such as the moving stairs and the ceiling in the Great Hall. Which by the way annoys her to no end." She finished.

Ron and Ginny seemed to grasp the concept but Hermione still couldn't wrap her brain around it.

"It's alright Hermione, I'm pretty sure you'll figure it out soon." Ron assured her putting his arm around her shoulders.

"Well, well, well what do we have here?" Said a sneering voice behind them.

They turned around to see Draco Malfoy and his goons.

"Hello Potty, I thought you were dead. So where've you been hiding? You know you can't hide forever right? One day the Dark Lord is going to catch up with you and then you'll get exactly what you deserve. Do you honestly believe this lot can help you Potter? They're just as dead as you are." He continued sneering at them until he spotted Amelia standing next to Harry.

"I see the new girl is a fan of yours Potter. Too bad she don't realize you're doomed." He continued turning to Amelia. "You know you could do so much better than Potter here? What you need is a real man who can protect you and give you what you want." He finished looking her up and down.

Harry didn't like the way he was looking at Amelia. He wanted to rip Malfoy's eyes out and shove 'em down his slimy throat. If it wasn't for the death grip Amelia had on his arm he probably would have.

"Is there something you wanted Malfoy? Or maybe you just missed me and couldn't go on with your day without seeing my face." Harry asked looking at the pale-faced boy. "Oh I've got it, it's because your daddy is in prison and you are lonely and insecure and require the consul of someone more mature than you are."

Ron started laughing at the sour look on Malfoy's face.

"What are you laughing at Weasley king of the hand me downs." Before Malfoy could say another word there was a resounding slap and he was looking in the blazing eyes of a petite redhead.

"Malfoy, don't you dare speak about my family like that again. I will have you know that even though we don't have a lot of money we are way better off than you could ever dream of being you pompous egotistical slime." Stated Ginny.

Draco just stared at her holding his cheek. He couldn't believe she just smacked him. He had to admit the little weasel was kind of cute when she was mad. Now where did that come from? He had to leave before anymore-such nonsense came into his head.

"Come on you two we'll deal with Potter later." He turned dragging his two goons behind him.

"Ginny that was bloody brilliant, you just nailed Malfoy right in the kisser. Wait till Fred and George here about this, they'll probably throw you a party or something." Her brother finished patting her on the back.

"Ginny that was truly awesome." Harry added also patting her back. "Come on I have something to show all of you."

They walked the rest of the way to Hagrid's cabin talking about what just happened with Malfoy. When they got there Hagrid was sitting outside with the animals.

Neville, Luna and Ginny were staring opened mouth at Hagrid who was stoking Osirus' head.

"Is that a Dragon?" Asked Neville pointing to the thing laying its head on Hagrid's lap.

"Oh my goodness Hagrid, where'd you get it?" Asked Ginny

"It's beautiful," cried Luna.

"He is a beauty ain't he" replied Hagrid staring at the dragon lovingly. "But he ain mine. He belong te Amelia over there." He finished nodding towards Amelia.

"Explain." stated Ginny staring at Harry and Amelia.

"Well this is what I wanted you to see, our Familiars." Said Harry. "The dragon over there with Hagrid name is Osirus, he's a Hebridean Black and he belongs to Amelia. Trust me he gave me a start too the first time I met him. That's Beowulf" he continued pointing at the black jaguar "he's mine. I got him while I was in Alfheim. Then we went to Borneo on one occasion and I got a snake from there. He's over there." Harry indicated pointing to a sunny spot next to Hagrid's hut. "I thought he might a been yers." Exclaimed Hagrid. "Been lyin there all mornin sunnin himself. He finished with a laugh.

"He's a very interesting creature." Harry continued. "He's a two step viper. Which means if he bites you, you take two steps and die. His name is Seth."

Everyone looked at the snake in awe he looked harmless. He was about two feet long and about three inches around his scales were black with brown diamond shaped markings and he was laying on a rock seemingly asleep.

"Harry you mean to tell me that that little thing there is actually very deadly?" Asked Ron.

"Ron you of all people should know that looks can be deceiving. Wasn't that what your brothers have been saying all last year?" Hermione asked him rolling her eyes.

Harry continued before the two could get into a row. "The white tiger over there is Amelia's." Continued Harry. "Her name is Isis and I must warn you she is very temperamental."

Just then two shadows appear from above. And down swooped Hedwig and a dark brown falcon. "Oh yes." Continued Harry. "You all remember Hedwig, and her friend right here is Horus. That's Amelia's falcon."

"Wait a minute Harry you said that's a white tiger so how come she hasn't got any stripes." Asked Ron.

"Honestly Ronald," replied Hermione smacking him in the back of the head. "She is a Snow White Tiger, don't you ever read anything not pertaining to quidditch?" She asked rolling her eyes.

"Nothing else seems to be interesting." Replied Ron rubbing his head. Everyone was sniggering at the pair. Then Harry continued.

"And of course you all have met Godfrey, except Hagrid. I'll bring him down to meet you soon Hagrid." Harry told the big man.

"Now," he began turning towards Neville, "I think Neville here have something he would like to share with us." He finished looking at Neville who was looking at his feet.

Looking up he asked Harry, "how did you know? I haven't told anyone about it. And it happened over the summer while you were away so there is now way you could have known." He finished lamely.

"I found out the same way you did, but I think you got yours before I did. It's some ancient rule that state that once we are sixteen that we've come of age. And when they're special circumstances surrounding that person then they come unbidden as in your case and mine. But let's say the others want to find theirs. They would have to recite the incantation at sixteen."

"What are you two going on about?" Asked Ron.

"I think I know." Replied Hermione. "Just think about it what is it that Harry and Neville have in common?"

"Their birthdays and that prophecy." Answered Ginny.

"Exactly! So what could Harry have that Neville is suppose to have and have gotten it before Harry did?" she asked looking at them.

"Familiars." Answered Luna looking at Neville dreamily.

"Wait a minute." Began Ron turning to Hermione. "If that is the case, shouldn't you and I already have familiars then since we are older than they are?"

"Yes technically that would be true, but Harry just explained that when he said; if they're special circumstances they come to you otherwise you have to recite an incantation."

"You were right about her." Amelia said telepathically to Harry. "She is brilliant."

"I know." Harry responded. "That's our Hermione for you, she doesn't miss a beat."

"So what is this special circumstance that they have?" Asked Ron looking at Harry who in turn only raised an eyebrow.

"As you know I am the Heir of Gryffindor and that's how I came by Godfrey. So," Harry paused looking at them. They were all looking at him expectantly except for Amelia who already knew what was happening.

"Oh come on. Don't tell me you haven't got it; Neville is one of the Heirs." Everyone just stared at him.

"It makes perfect sense, Tom Riddle is the Heir of Slytherin, I'm the heir of Gryffindor, and Neville here is the heir of Hufflepuff. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff all stood against Slytherin right? So now that it is happening all over again it makes perfect sense that the Heirs should be named."

"How did you figure it out when no one else has?" Asked Hermione looking petulant.

"Because I read a lot and comprehend." Returned Harry with a smirk.

"You? Read a lot? Oh please." Laughed Hermione.

"Yes Hermione, I read a lot of books. Do you think that all my training have been practical? I'll have you know I've read more books than you've dreamed about." Said Harry then mumbled. "Well maybe not that many."

"What was that Harry?" Asked Amelia with a smirk. "I didn't quite catch that, you seem to have been mumbling."

"Don't you have somewhere you need to be?" Harry asked her telepathically.

"Oh right." Returned Amelia. "You could've reminded me earlier." Then added to the others as she rose to leave. "I have to go but I'll meet you all in the Great Hall for dinner."

Turning back to Neville Harry asked. "So Neville are you going to call them?"

"I don't know how to call them. I never called them one day they were just there. And that's when Grams told me I was the Heir of Hufflepuff. I asked her how I could be the Heir to Hufflepuff if I was in Gryffindor, but she said that some things just happened, and that the reasons are usually revealed later."

"She is absolutely right about that. Now to call your familiars all you have to do is just think about them. And while you are thinking project your thoughts that you need them and then they'll come." Harry finished.

Neville closed his eyes and started thinking. Then there was a collective gasp from his friends. Neville open his eyes to see his familiars standing next to him. He reached out and started stroking their coats lovingly.

"Oh Neville they're beautiful." Cried Luna, coming over to touch them.

"What are their names?" Asked Ginny also coming over.

"Brilliant." Shouted Ron

"That's a couple of magnificent beasts you got yerself thar Neville." Exclaimed Hagrid.

"That's a Pegasus!" Exclaimed Hermione.

"Neville they are fantastic." Harry added beaming at his friend.

"Thanks everyone, their names are Hercules and Kronos. The Pegasus is called Hercules and the lion is called Kronos." He finished patting both their heads.

"That's a good one Neville." Laughed Hermione. "Calling the Pegasus Hercules being as it was Hercules who had called the winged horse of Zeus Pegasus in the first place." She finished.

"Not only that." Added Harry. "Wasn't Kronos Hercules grandfather?"

Neville colored slightly as everyone laughed. "You try coming up with names to fit something as rare as a Pegasus." Laughed Neville. "It took me a whole day to come up with it. Every time I would come up with something he would hate it and then I'd have to start all over again. Luckily I got Hercules first so when Kronos came I didn't have any problems naming him. I think he liked Kronos since Kronos was a king and I believe he considers himself a king also."

Just then Kronos growled at them. "See what I mean. I'm sorry he is king." At that Kronos laid his head on his paw and closed his eyes. Everyone had a good laugh at that. They admired the Pegasus and lion for a while. The Pegasus was pure white with a black muzzle, deep brown eyes and magnificent wings. The lion had a rich golden yellow coat with a proud mane of rustic orange. He has deep grey green eyes and huge powerful paws.

"How could something so powerful and deadly look so soft and cuddly?" Ginny asked looking around at all the big cats.

"Harry." Ron called. "You said there is an incantation we could say in order to get our familiars right?

"Yes Ron there is."

"Well out with it then. I want to see what my familiar is going to be." Ron finished rubbing his hands together.

"Don't be so hasty Ron. What if your familiar turns out to be a giant hairy spider?" Teased Harry.

"I don't find that the least bit amusing." Returned Ron starting to look around.

"Who said I was kidding?" Harry asked laughing at his friend's discomfort. "What about you Hermione are you ready to try and call your familiar."

"I'm ready, I'm just wondering what it's going to be. I think it might be a cat or something being that I love cats." She answered.

"Ginny and Luna you to can practice the call so when the time comes you'll know what to do. Okay here we go just do what I tell you. First close your eyes and concentrate on your familiars it doesn't matter what you think they are because the one for you will come. Now repeat after me familiaris comedo."

"Familiaris comedo." Everyone repeated. Nothing happened. Ron and Hermione looked at Harry who assured them that they just need to concentrate more.

"I hope my familiar turns out to be a Roc." Cried Luna

"Oh here we go again." Groaned Ron.

"Don't be ridiculous." Cried Hermione. "Everyone knows that Rocs are extinct. So how is your familiar going to be a Roc, Honestly."

Harry quickly interrupted them before they could get into another row.

"Come on guys let's just try again, okay?"

They closed their eyes and once more recited the incantation. Then Hermione felt something soft and furry rubbing against her leg. She opened her eyes to see a beautiful tannish brown cougar looking at her with yellow eyes. Just then there was a squeal from Ron. They looked over and saw him hugging a magnificent yellow and black spotted cheetah with golden eyes.

Harry was smiling down at his friends. He was very happy for them.

"Oh Ron he's beautiful." Cried Hermione.

"So is yours." Commented Ron. "What are you going to call her Hermione?" Ron asked his girlfriend.

"I think I'll call her Sekmet." Replied Hermione "what about you?"

"Oh I don't know, he's a cheetah so that means he's incredibly fast so I think I'll call him Mercury." Answered Ron still stroking the cheetah's beautiful coat.

Just then there was a giant shadow cast from above. The five friends look up to see a giant bird that looked like an eagle. It circled around the castle a couple of times and then came to land next to Luna. Everyone was speechless except for Luna who was gently talking to the great bird.

"So Hermione do you still think rocs are extinct? Or maybe this magnificent bird right here does not exist and it is all a figment of our collective imaginations."

The color rose to Hermione's cheeks she was livid. "Harry I thought you said a person had to be sixteen in order to receive their familiar."

"Well if you also remember Hermione there can be special circumstances surrounding a person which causes them to receive theirs."

"Special circumstances? And what is her special circumstance?"

"It could mean that she is the heir of Ravenclaw." Said an elderly gentle voice behind them. They all turn to see Professor Dumbledore looking at them eyes twinkling. "This is quite an interesting turn of events." Continued the Headmaster. "But if memory serves me right I believed that Lady Ravenclaw also had a roc as a familiar. I see you've all been very busy indeed." Commented Dumbledore looking around at the animals. "I take it the dragon sleeping on Hagrids' lap belongs to Ms Emrys." Continued the Headmaster. "I know the Pegasus is Nevilles' since I spoke to Mrs. Longbottom over the summer. Now tell me about these magnificent cats." They all took turns introducing their familiars to the Headmaster then it was Luna's turn. "As you all know by now this is a roc." She said looking at Hermione. "I believe I'll call her uhmm… I don't know uhmm maybe oh yes I've got it her name is Haast." She finished in her usual dreamy voice looking at Hermione.

"Oh yeah, that is so creative naming her after a type of eagle." Countered Hermione.

"Oh and I guess Sekmet was an extremely creative name on your part." Retorted Luna

"Ladies, Ladies there is no need for us to be fighting." Harry interrupted stepping between the two. "Besides we have a lot of things we need to do."

"I have to go myself." Said Dumbledore turning to leave. "It was nice meeting all these fantastic animals. Oh and Harry don't forget you and I have a meeting after dinner this evening."

"I won't Professor." Answered Harry then turning to his friends he continued. "Ginny I don't want you to feel slighted because your familiar didn't come." Harry said looking at the sad look on her face. "I want you to continue practicing the incantation with Luna for if I'm not mistaken Luna should be getting another friend." He finished turning towards the others. "I know you all want to sit around and play with your new friends but you'll have to do that later. As I've said before there are a few more things I need to show you today. Don't worry about the animals they'll stay here with Hagrid until they're ready to leave. Then you'll just have to call them whenever you need them. Is that okay with you Hagrid?" Harry asked him smiling.

"You know ther welcome here Arry you jes go on we'll be jus fine." Replied Hagrid looking lovingly at the animals. They were on their way to the castle when they heard a rumbling sound. Everyone turned to look at Ron.

"What do you expect I'm starving, I only had one helping of breakfast this morning okay." Replied Ron

They sat at the back of the table eating and talking of all the things that had happened that day. Then Harry rose to leave.

"I'll see you after dinner, I have to run or I'm going to be late." He stood grabbing a piece of toast and heading for the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Hermione.

"Oh I forgot to tell you." He replied pulling open the door. "I'm sitting my O.W.L.S for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes this afternoon."

"WHAT?" Cried Hermione running after him. But Harry was nowhere in sight.

Harry was laughing to himself when he approached the room the O.W.L.S were being administered. Professor Dumbledore was standing outside.

"Care to share with an old man what is so amusing?"

"I was just thinking of what Hermione is putting the others through, since I just told her I was sitting my O.W.L.S and didn't give her a chance to ask any questions."

"Oh I see'" chuckled Dumbledore. "That is very amusing. A little devilish but nonetheless amusing."

They were laughing so hard they hadn't noticed the approach of the Ministry Official.

"Ahem, Mr. Potter we are ready for you."

"Oh right then, see you later professor."

"Ah yes Harry, actually I came down to ask you to report to my office once you're done here. The password is Bizzleberry gobstop."

"Okay Professor I'll see you soon then." replied Harry following the Ministry Official into the classroom.

After finishing up their O.W.L.S Harry and Amelia went up to Professor Dumbledore's office.

"Ah Harry, Amelia come on in, have a seat. Would you like some tea?" Professor Dumbledore asked as he poured them each a cup of tea.

"Thank you Professor." Both replied as they accepted the offered cups.

"Harry I wanted to ask you what your plans were concerning the D.A.? Do you plan to continue it?"

"As a matter of fact Professor," began Harry "I do plan to continue the D.A but I plan to open it up to whomever would like to join." He finished looking at Dumbledore. He knew that Dumbledore had more on his mind than just the continuation of the D.A. Harry was starting to get angry with the man again. Why couldn't he just say what was on his mind.

"Rome was not built in a day honey, so why do you expect someone who's been set in their ways for over a century to just change in one day?" Amelia asked in his mind. Harry turn to see her smirking at him. He was about to tell her to cut the philosophical crap but was interrupted by Dumbledore speaking once more.

"Harry the reason I am asking about the D.A is this time I would like for you to have a teacher as a liaison."

"I knew it." Thought Harry to Amelia. "I knew there had to be a catch. And I bet he has someone in mind too."

"Well why don't you go along with the suggestion, being as it is not a bad one. But as you know what two can play that game, so we'll go along with him but on our terms." Harry quickly took a sip of his tea to cover the grin that was starting to form on his face, he swore she could be so devious at times. Then turning to The Headmaster once more he continued. "Okay Professor I think a liaison is a great idea. I guess you have someone in mind already don't you Professor?" Harry asked nonchalantly.

Dumbledore was taken completely by surprise. He hadn't expected Harry to just agree like that.

"Well actually I do." Answered Dumbledore. "I was thinking of you having Professor Snape acting as the teacher liaison."

Harry just stared at Dumbledore. He knew he couldn't possibly be serious. He wanted he Harry to allow Snape to sit in on his D.A meetings. Is he crazy, has the man totally lost his mind. Harry looked over at Amelia who just raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why do you look so surprise you knew that's who he was going to suggest. I take it you have someone else in mind?"

"I do."

"I thought you might."

Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts and turn to Dumbledore once more. "I don't think so Professor. I will agree to have a liaison but it will be one of my own choosing and I am sorry but I will not choose Professor Snape."

Dumbledore sat back in his chair regarding Harry.

"Harry Professor Snape and yourself are fighting for the same side. You both need to get over whatever animosity you have for each other because that won't help in the battle ahead. Why can't you see that Severus can be trusted?"

Harry regarded the man sitting across from him a few moments before answering.

"I don't know Professor maybe it has something to do with that old saying that a leopard can't change it's spots. Or maybe it's because Snape has yet to show me that he can be trusted. Or maybe it's because the man has a deep seeded hatred for me based on the childish antics of a dead man. I don't know Professor take your pick." Harry finished coming to his feet.

"Okay Harry if that's the way you feel, but I must tell you I trust Professor Snape with my life."

"And that is your prerogative to do so Professor as long as you don't trust him with mine." Harry responded.

"Okay Harry I will respect your opinion on this matter, so who do you propose I delegate as liaison for the D.A?" Asked Dumbledore.

"I was thinking of Professor Lupin, he would be ideal for the job being as he's been the best DADA teacher we've ever had. I know that there may be official forms and such that may need to be taken care of with the Ministry but I'm sure you can take care of that. Don't worry about the making of his wolfbane potion Amelia and I will brew it." Harry finished taking his seat once more.

"Harry if you distrust Professor Snape so much why did you have him present at the revealing of the prophecy? Asked Dumbledore. "Surely that would have been something to keep from him."

"Oh yes the prophecy." Began Harry with a smirk. "Have you spoken to anyone about it since yesterday?"

"Well no." Replied Dumbledore a little confused.

"Okay Professor I was going to wait until you found out to explain but since you asked about Snape I'll tell you."

"Professor Snape Harry." Dumbledore added softly.

"Okay," continued Harry. "But as I was saying the revelation of the prophecy has a sort of charm on it. It is not wizard magic so I'm not worried about it being broken. It is Elvin magic and it prevents anyone discussing the prophecy in part or in whole with anyone not in the Order or outside of this office. And when the time comes I will adjust it to include headquarters also."

Dumbledore was impressed. "You're telling me that once I walk out this door I won't be able to even mention the existence of the prophecy?" He asked eyes twinkling.

Harry nodded in response.

"So what if I was suppose to write it down? Continued Dumbledore looking intently at Harry.

"No professor you would not be able to speak it, write it or even recollect it. So even if someone used legilimency they would not be able to retrieve it unless I want them to." Harry finished looking at his Headmaster.

"My word." Commented Dumbledore. "That is quite a bit of spell work there Harry. Okay I will contact the necessary individuals and have everything in order for Professor Lupin's return. All that is left now is allotting a classroom and the rest is up to you. I'll have the notice posted that the D.A will be continuing and that anyone who wishes may join." Finished Dumbledore.

"Thank you Professor now if you'll excuse us we'll like to go to dinner."

"Of course my boy by all means. If there is any thing else I'll just send for you."

Harry and Amelia left Dumbledore's office and headed down to dinner. They saw a scowling Hermione as soon as they walked in the great hall. Amelia leaned over and whispered, "you're on your own." And went to sit on the other side of Ron, leaving Harry to deal with a furious Hermione.

"Harry James Potter why didn't you tell us you were going to be sitting two additional O.W.L.S? And what's the meaning of you just running off like that when I was trying to question you?"

Harry was paying particular attention to his plate which he had filled while Hermione was ranting. He snuck a peek over at Ron and saw that he too was very interested in his food as were Ginny and Neville. He looked across at Amelia who seemed to be very amused by his predicament. Then turning to Hermione he put on his most innocent face and voice.

"I'm sorry Hermione for not telling you earlier, but I sort of wanted it to be a surprise. Can you ever forgive me?"

Hermione deflated immediately. "Of course I forgive you." She answered then more softly added. "I just wished you'd told us is all."

"Smooth move tiger." Commented Amelia in his head. Just then Ron was caught with a fit of coughing and Amelia reached over to pat his back. When he could finally breathe again he was looking at Hermione and Harry as if they'd just sprouted new heads.

"Oh don't tell me you're going to fall for that disgusting display." Ron cried putting his fork down. "Put me right off my dinner it did. I'm sorry for not telling you, can you ever forgive me?" Continued Ron imitating Harry's innocent voice. "Oh brother I hope I never have to see that again." He finished, rolling his eyes at Harry and Hermione.

"Shut it Ron, you're just jealous because I'm better with the ladies than you." Harry replied with a smirk

"Oh please Harry if you call groveling like a pansy and making us all sick to our stomach better you can have it." Countered Ron. Everyone within earshot of the two erupted in laughter. They ate and joked around like that for the remainder of dinner.

After dinner they went to the room of requirements to discuss the schedules for all the activities they had planned. Harry and Hermione ironed out the details for the first meeting of the D.A and set the date and time on his Galleon. Next they discussed the times they will set aside for themselves for special training. And then Amelia told them about her idea on how to finally be rid of Voldemort. After a few hours Neville left with Luna to walk her to her dorm. Then Ginny, Ron and Hermione left to go take care of some prefect business. After everyone left Harry and Amelia decided to just cuddle for a bit before going back to the dorm.