Chapter twenty-one
Dumbledore's Army Restored
Harry began to mope around after Christmas. It seemed he couldn't figure out what was happening in his life. In a few short weeks he went from having a girlfriend and a sister, to avoiding his sister at all costs and without a girlfriend to share his time with. He agreed with Serena that he felt something, though he couldn't figure out what. It wasn't the feeling that he felt when he was with Ginny. He wasn't sure what that meant however.
He decided it was best to talk to Remus about this matter. He dragged Remus to Godric's Hollow again, knowing this was one of the few places of complete privacy he would find. When they appeared there, he began pacing nervously, trying to figure out what to say. He had no idea how he was going to do this, so he figured best to just make everything clear.
"I don't need a father right now, Moony. I need my friend, can you do that?" Harry asked, sitting on the ground. Remus sat across from him.
"Yes, Harry, I can do that." Remus said smiling warmly.
"What does it mean, when two people go at each other during times of sadness, or times when they are sharing a private moment?" Harry asked suddenly.
"It could mean that they care for each other, or it could mean it is their way of dealing with grief at the time." Remus answered.
"Could that be true, in my case?" Harry asked.
"It could be, Harry. I will confess that Serena herself was saying that she was confused that night you stumbled upon our conversation." Remus stated. "She said there were times she would give anything to be with you. That's what Albus meant when he said she had to find out how far your feelings went towards each other, and how you felt towards Ginny."
"What do you mean Remus? I love Ginny." Harry said, confused at what he was hearing.
"Yes, Harry, but none of us are entirely certain which of those two you love as a sister, and which you see as more than that." Remus said calmly.
"I get what your saying. You guys weren't sure whether I thought one or both of them were my sister, and me not really having experience with love, was confusing it." Harry said in a questioning voice.
"Exactly. You have been...intimate...with both of them, and I know that must be even more confusing now." Remus said with sympathy in his voice.
"No, Moony, not really. I've been thinking about it the past few days. Serena being something other than my sister, kind of scares me honestly." Harry said, smiling lightly. "Try as I might, I cannot see me ever kissing Serena again now. Thinking about what happened between us, I'm only confused about why I let it happen."
"I understand. That is why you asked that." Remus said.
"Exactly. The first time, I was upset that I was about to loose Serena as my friend, and my sister. Never did the thought of her as anything else cross my mind." Harry said, looking perplexed. "Then the next morning, after everything happened, I couldn't even bring myself to think about it. I felt a calmness come over me, but I just couldn't think about what happened."
"I understand the calmness. That is natural." Remus said laughing softly.
"Then, on Christmas night, I was looking through the journals that Sirius left for me, and Serena and I started talking. After a few moments she kissed me, and again I couldn't force myself to stop right away. But I did stop it shortly. She said, 'I felt it too' but neither of us knew what it was. I know it isn't what I feel when I kiss Ginny. In a way, it felt wrong. I just need to know what it means."
"I think you know, but you don't want to admit it." Remus said quietly.
"I love Serena, but only as a sister." Harry said calmly.
"I believe you are right. Have you ever…done anything...while you weren't already feeling another strong emotion?"
"No, Moony. We only did something those two times I told you about." Harry said.
"Then I will offer you a way to know, once and for all. Just kiss her while neither of you are feeling grief, sadness, or anything that could cause you to need a great comfort." Remus said diplomatically. "If you still feel that it is wrong, then you have your answer. If it doesn't, then you still have your answer. Either way you will know."
"Great idea Remus!" Harry said sarcastically. "Do the one thing that caused me more confusion than before."
Remus laughed at him. "Sometimes the only way to get out of trouble is to run right into it. Didn't you learn any of that from Sirius? I swear he should have told you more about girls." He said.
"Yeah, then I wouldn't need to be sitting here, talking with you about a confusing situation." Harry said, laughing as well. "Of course, Sirius would say something like, 'Play the field, kid, why get tied down to one woman so quickly!' or something rather close."
"You are probably right." Remus said. "I'm sorry, Harry. I was never much good with women. That was Sirius. James was the charmer, causing women to swoon while he only looked at Lily. I had a few girlfriends in my time, but most got shrugged off because of my condition."
"You're actually pretty good, Remus." Harry said honestly. "You confuse me with your ideas at times, but I'm sure your ideas are sound. Just a bit nervous about trying this next one."
"Take it as advice, Harry. Choose your own path, as I have told you from the beginning." Remus said cheerfully. "If it doesn't work you just become frustrated and say 'Damn that Moony and his awful ideas!' and I will nod and sit uncomfortably with you while you try to figure out what to do."
This caused Harry to laugh, and nod in agreement. No other words were said, though they sat there for a while, then looked around the Potter house briefly. They returned home, both feeling as if their friendship had become stronger than it was before the summer. Harry, now determined to fix his life in whatever way he could, walked into the parlor, and dragged Serena from the room.
He brought her upstairs and into his trunk. He looked at her and knew she was as confused as he felt at that moment. Good this does not need consoling. He suddenly kissed Serena and both of them stood there for a moment neither moving. When they broke away from each other, they just stared at each other for a moment.
"Oh my god." Serena said.
"Yeah I know." Harry said, equally confused.
"That was bloody horrible!" Serena said suddenly.
"How did we ever enjoy doing that?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, but promise it will never happen again." Serena asked, her face still scrunched up from what had happened.
"I promise. Still my sister?" Harry asked smiling.
"Of course, Potter, that hasn't changed." Serena said laughing at him.
They walked back downstairs and sat at opposite ends of the room, their looks of disgust still firmly on their faces. Remus came in and seeing them both fell into fits of laughter, while Ron, Hermione, and Ginny just sat there looking even more confused than before. Finally Remus decided to ask the important question.
"So did you do it?" He asked. Harry glared at him.
"Moony, remind me to make you suffer for this some day." Harry said angrily.
"You were to blame for that Moony? I could kill you!" Serena said, as angrily as Harry.
"I take it you two didn't enjoy yourselves." Remus asked still laughing.
"Oh god no! Gin, you can have him! Don't know what possessed us to think that was fun, or even good!" Serena said, shuddering violently. "Just the thought of it now! Ugh!"
"Good to know I feel the same way Black, but you can wreak havoc on a blokes ego you know." Harry said, laughing despite himself.
"What are you three on about? Is this some kind of Marauders joke?" Ron asked.
"No it can't be Ron, as Ginny would know about it!" Hermione said.
"I'm not sure if I want to know." Ginny said quietly.
"Trust me, Ginny, you don't want too. Though, if you decide you want your boyfriend back I will not stand in your way." Serena said smiling at her. "Though I would ask that you never mention kissing him again. ugh!"
"What happened to you two? I thought you...well...you know what I thought!" Ginny said. "Now you two look like Ron when he see's a spider. What happened?"
"An idea successfully masterminded by an original Marauder, Miss Weasley." Remus said. "And executed to perfection, if I may say so myself. Harry can explain what happened to them now, so feel free to talk amongst yourselves." Remus finished and left the room, grabbing Hermione and Ron, who became suddenly very interested in the conversation.
"So, Harry, you know why we...well why we did what we did?" Serena asked.
"Yeah, at least Moony thinks I'm right." Harry said.
"Well, out with it!" Serena shouted.
"I talked to Remus today, as you know. I asked him why when both things happened, both of us were feeling strong emotions and we needed comforting that would happen." Harry started, suddenly looking at the floor to avoid Ginny's gaze. "The second time, I told him that it just felt wrong. He came up with the idea to do what I did, to find out if it was just guilt, grief, or whether we were just in need of comforting and neither of us had a proper way of dealing with it."
"And now we know." Serena said, smiling. "Still, no matter how much grief, never again."
"Agreed." Harry said.
"Wait are you telling me you did this stuff, as a way to comfort each other?" Ginny asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Best way to say it, Gin. We needed someone who cared about what was happening. Serena didn't have you to talk to and I didn't have you around to tell me everything would be okay. Not that I'm blaming you, of course. Its just that with you gone, we didn't have the person we normally turned to. Turning to each other just turned out wrong. We found that out today." Harry said calmly.
"How?" Ginny asked.
"He kissed me, and it was bloody horrid!" Serena said.
"I agree with you Serena. It felt like..." Harry said, trying to find the right words.
"Kissing my brother!" Serena said, a disgusted look coming on her face again.
"So what does this mean, Harry?" Ginny asked quietly.
"It means me and Serena made a horrible mistake. We confused one love for another, and it took this long to figure it out. I only hope one day you will forgive me." Harry said sadly.
"Believe me, Ginny, that is not a mistake I wish to make again." Serena said. "I will remember this lesson till my dying day. I will do anything to make it up to you."
"Can you leave me and Harry alone for a minute?" Ginny asked. Serena nodded and left quickly. "Is that how you really feel, Harry?"
"Yeah Gin. I should have realized it on Christmas when I told you I love you. I was just so confused myself, wondering why I did that, why I let it happen. I was afraid to look at you long enough to figure it out." Harry said, still speaking sadly.
"Can I really trust you, Harry? Next time you are overcome with grief, will you do the same thing?" Ginny asked, tears now streaming down her face. Harry came and sat next to her.
"Gin, the night you found me and Serena in bed, nothing happened. I was a complete wreck after seeing the things Sirius left me, but I didn't fall into that mistake again. I realized it was wrong, even before I knew it for a fact. The morning after it happened, I couldn't even think about it, I was so confused. It all seemed so wrong, even then." Harry looked into her eyes. "I made a mistake, and a terrible one. But I can promise I will never make that mistake again. I love you too much for that Ginny."
Ginny let the tears continue to fall from her eyes freely as she hugged Harry, who put his arms around her protectively. He swore to himself in that moment he would do everything in his power to keep Ginny safe and happy till the day he died. When she finished crying she still clung to him, and Harry refused to move. When Ginny finally pulled away from him, she had a smile on her face.
"It will take some time to trust you both again, as much as I did before. It will be very hard not to feel jealous if you two start playing around about dating and stuff like that for a while probably." Ginny said, then she spoke firmly. "But something is going to change right now, Harry Potter. You are going to make this up to me now." She spoke with such authority that Harry nodded dumbly, as she dragged him upstairs.
Neither of them knew that two people were listening in on their conversation. Remus smiled at Serena warmly, and she beamed at him.
"Another plan a success, Moony." Serena said cheerfully.
"Should we break them up?" Remus asked, not knowing whether to be a parent or friend at the moment.
"Bloody hell, Moony! Let them make up in peace. If they went to the trunk you wont be able to get in anyway. With all the damage I caused, I think they deserve a little time alone." Serena said.
"Did you really hate it?" Remus asked.
"What we did was something I will remember as a wonderful night. Harry probably does too. I could never do it again though. As he said, it just felt wrong." Serena said. "It's kind of sad though. One of the few people who understood me and we never stood a chance. I suppose it's better that he's still my brother. We work better that way, anyway."
"You love him don't you?" Remus asked quietly.
"More than you will ever know." Serena said softly, a tear falling from her eye.
Harry and Ginny were not seen till dinner that night, both smiling, acting like the past few days were of no importance. They seemed to be caught up in each other again, while Serena let them have their time. Not knowing whether she could cause more harm for them, she chose to watch them happily. Remus would catch her eye occasionally and offer sympathetic glances.
As the rest of the vacation went on, Harry and Ginny started spending more time around Serena and soon they seemed to be as they were before. Soon the jokes and plans began to roll from them quickly. It seemed that the holiday was over as soon as it began. Before they realized it they were back on the train, headed to Hogwarts.
"Bloody hell, I need a holiday from this holiday!" Harry said, sighing. "It seemed all we did was work!"
"Oh really, Harry?" Ginny said, smiling wickedly. "Is that what you call it then?"
Serena laughed at them both. "Great trip. Good time, good time!" She said laughing, while Harry blushed.
"Serena you promised!" Harry said, suddenly laughing. "I was a bit of a git huh?"
"A bit of a git? You almost gave Malfoy a run for the title with that one!" Serena said laughing.
"Did you notice he is on the train?" Ginny asked.
"Well, I guess Dumbledore had to give us someone to play with, seeing as how Harry destroyed Snape for us." Serena said, glaring at Harry.
"Sorry I lost my head for a moment. I was just angry." Harry said, avoiding their eyes. "No one gave me anything constructive to do about it either."
"Well, we still have the rest of Slytherin house to play with so we should be fine. Speaking of which, are we going to be using our plan for the train?" Ginny asked.
"Of course, love. As soon as Ron and Hermione return from that awful prefect meeting. I think Ron may need a good laugh afterwards." Harry said smiling.
They sat like this, discussing plans and groaning over bad ideas, laughing at jokes and some of their better ideas, generally enjoying themselves. Harry noticed a strange look in Serena's eyes at times, but shrugged it off to anticipation of their great attack on the Hogwarts Express. He would never admit that he still sometimes became confused about what he felt after that night. He refused to think long on it, allowing Ginny to let him forget everything.
He and Ginny had become closer than they were before in the week following Christmas. However what Remus said to him at Godric's Hollow still plagued him at times. No one could tell which one he felt was like a sister to him. That thought is what caused him to doubt everything. Remus didn't seem to be too cheerful about his decision either, which confused Harry. He almost seemed like he wanted Harry to be with Serena. Refusing to think like this anymore he pushed these thoughts to the back of his mind, planning to talk to Remus about this one day. He was about to begin planning another prank when Hermione and Ron came in looking exhausted.
"That could not have been more boring." Ron said falling onto the seat.
"I almost wished you three would get into trouble, so we could leave." Hermione said, surprising them all. Harry smiled as his two accomplices.
"Your wish." Harry said.
"Is our command." Ginny said, her grin becoming mischievous.
"Dear Friend." Serena said, her grin matching Ginny's.
They stood and walked out of the compartment. Searching out the largest group of Slytherins they could find, they smiled happily. Among the group was Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, and Millicent Bulstrode. They knew this would be an easy trick.
"Did you hear Ginny? Snivellus has finally cracked!" Serena said, laughing.
"Really? I knew the git couldn't hack it. All Slytherins are alike it seems." Ginny responded cheerfully.
"Yeah, he went running off screaming about werewolves and saying 'Potter! You will pay for this!' Really quite sad." Harry said laughing along with Serena. This caused just the reaction they were looking for.
"Sod off, Potter. Snape is perfectly sane, and you know it!" Malfoy said, looking smug.
"Really, Malfoy? Than why is it when Dumbledore came to my house for Christmas, he was so saddened by Snivellus being in St Mungo's?" Harry asked, curiously, while his arrogance returned in full force.
"Whatever, Potter. I will not fall into one of your traps again." Malfoy spat. "I am not stupid."
"Well then Malfoy, how bout a bet?" Ginny asked, sounding bored. "Take it for all of Slytherin, and we will do the same for Gryffindor."
"What kind of bet would you possibly be willing to make with me when I am so obviously right?" Malfoy asked, still sounding too smug for Harry.
"If we win, the Slytherins loose every quidditch game from now on, as well as face the humiliation of wearing robes that say 'Gryffindor is the greatest house.' for the next month. If we win, while we can't throw quidditch matches we don't really need to as our team is horrible this year. We will do one better. We will be your loyal servants for the next month, doing your every wish and command."
"Sounds good to me. Quite a few Gryffindor girls caught my eye. Especially your girlfriend, Potter." Malfoy said arrogantly. Harry smiled and cast a spell.
"There now you are forced to honor the agreement as are we." Harry said. Then he nodded at Serena.
"Professor Lupin! Professor Dumbledore!" She shouted at the top of her lungs. When they appeared quickly beside her looking anxious, she smiled at them.
"Hello, Professors." Harry said, smiling innocently. "Could you tell us what happened to Snivellus?"
"Harry, I am sorry to say that Professor Snape will no longer be able to teach, due to an unfortunate break in his sanity." Dumbledore said curiously.
"Yeah, Harry. Snivellus finally went off the deep end, it seems. Cracked like bad egg." Remus said, smiling slightly at Harry.
"Well, Moron, I mean, Malfoy, it seems you lost again. Also seems you took all of Slytherin house with you!" Harry said laughing suddenly as their robes changed to say 'Gryffindor is the greatest house' on the front and back. "I can't wait to see you at quidditch."
"You think we would loose because of a bet, Potter? I will not honor my word to you!" Malfoy said, not as arrogantly as before.
"That's what you think Malfoy. I know old magic, now. Older than even Tom himself knows. You entered your word as a wizard when you agreed. The spell I cast is a bond between two wizards. If one looses a bet, he must honor his word whether he meant to or not!" Harry said, his laughter rising with Serena and Ginny's. "If you try to back out of it, you will be forced to honor your word no matter what!"
"Woo!" Serena shouted. "We win again, Malfoy!"
"You never stood a chance. Honestly, it's just too easy!" Ginny said laughing.
A large crowd was forming around the three, as was becoming standard when they did something. Slytherins through the train began yelling in outrage as they saw what was appearing on their robes. Harry heard laughter behind them and turned to see Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Gryffindor prefects. They didn't notice right away that Malfoy was planning his attack. Serena saw him move first. She turned and glared at him quickly, causing Harry and Ginny to turn.
"Now, prepare to meet the amazing bouncing ferret!" She said as she waved her wand, as Malfoy stood shocked. Quickly he was transfigured into a ferret, and Serena started laughing as Ginny started waving her wand up and down lazily. Harry just stood smiling.
"This is no fun for me guys! I'm bored. I want to play too, you know!" He said in mock frustration. They smiled sweetly at him while he drew both wands. "Besides, there's no style with that." He said sound disappointedly.
Harry waved his wands as the rest of the Slytherins from the compartment all turned into ferrets, and began dancing in a musical production only Harry could create. He smiled innocently at Ginny and Serena, then wiggled his eyebrow.
"Now that is style, ladies. Care to join me, it time for the big finish!" He said, barely controlling his laughter. Just then, all the ferrets jumped, twirling briefly and landed bowing to the crowd. "Well I'm bored again. I'm going back to our compartment. Hope you all enjoyed the show!"
"Harry, would you please return the students to normal?" Dumbledore asked sounding irritated.
"Sir, I quite think everyone prefers their new appearance really. It seems a shame to take the happiness I see in their eyes away." Harry said innocently, a charming smile playing on his lips. This only furthered the riotous laughter coming from the students.
"Harry, please do not make me punish you before we even return to school. I admit this was funny, but you must remember that enough is enough." Dumbledore said, sighing briefly.
"Sorry, Professor, it's just so funny!" Harry said finally laughing himself, unable to control it anymore. "Right away sir, right away." He waved his wand and all returned to normal except Malfoy. Confused he tried again, and again Malfoy stayed a ferret.
"Damn!" Serena said loudly.
"Miss Black, watch you language. 10 points from Gryffindor." Dumbledore said looking at her sternly. "What is the problem?"
She waved her wand at Malfoy, as did Ginny, then Harry again. "Sir, we can't fix Malfoy." She said quietly. "I fear he is stuck as a ferret."
"Children, please return Mr. Malfoy back to normal." Dumbledore said, growing impatient.
"Professor, we really can't." Ginny said.
"Harry." Remus said firmly, eyes narrowing at Harry. Harry's eyes looked honestly confused.
"Really, Moony, we can't fix him. With Snivellus gone, who are we going to prank on if Malfoy isn't human? Why would we do that to ourselves?" Harry asked honestly.
"Remus, please bring Minerva here immediately. Children, as soon as we return to Hogwarts, I will expect to see you in my office to explain this. Now return to your cabin." Dumbledore said, looking at them with disappointment in his eyes.
The three Marauders, suddenly quite hurt at Dumbledore's disappointment, turned with their heads hung low and walked back to the compartment. They sat there not saying much of anything as Ron and Hermione began talking about what they had done and how funny it was.
"That was brilliant, Harry, how did you manage to make them dance?" Hermione asked.
"Really, Harry, good job mate. You girls did rather well too, with the bouncing ferret bit." Ron said.
"We went too far this time guys, and we didn't even do this one." Harry said softly.
"The reversal charm should have worked on him, Harry." Serena said, matching Harry's tone.
"He's definitely not happy about this. What happened? That should have fixed him." Ginny said.
"What are you three talking about?" Hermione asked them.
"Hermione, Dumbledore was always behind our jokes for the most part. Even at the welcoming feast, he was upset that we would take it as far as we did, but he wasn't disappointed. Every joke we did, Dumbledore said when enough was enough and we stopped. When we couldn't fix Malfoy today, I think he really thought we weren't trying, and he was disappointed in us." Harry said calmly, looking upset.
"Yeah, Dumbledore may seem a bit hard on us at times, but at those times we know we deserve it. We serve our detention happily for it. We are bored out of our wits, but we know we deserved it. Most times though, Dumbledore seemed happy we did these things." Ginny said looking confused.
"When we couldn't fix him, even I got upset. More because I couldn't do something that seemed so easy. But that look on Dumbledore's face after we tried to change him back. We are going to be in a lot of trouble." Serena said worriedly.
No one in the compartment talked for the rest of the trip. Harry, Ginny and Serena all looking depressed, while Ron and Hermione didn't think it appropriate to talk while their friends looked so sad. They exited the train downtrodden and walked to the castle. Without speaking to anyone, they walked slowly to the Headmaster's office. At the gargoyle they met Remus, who gave the password and allowed them to enter. He followed them up, and when they reached the door, Dumbledore told them to enter.
They stood in front of Dumbledore, their heads still hanging on their shoulders. Dumbledore looked surprised at this, as they had never looked upset upon seeing him. This time, however, he could tell that they were distraught. When he spoke he had concern is his voice.
"Is everything alright children?" He asked.
"No, sir." They said, their voices sounded more sad then he had ever heard them.
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked. He looked at Remus with a raised eyebrow. Remus merely shrugged and shook his head.
"Sir, you are disappointed in us." Serena said, still looking at the ground.
"If we had not done what you asked we could understand." Ginny said.
"But we really tried to change him back. We just couldn't." Harry said, being the only one to look at Dumbledore.
"Children, I was only disappointed when I thought it was purposeful. Minerva seemed to not be able to reverse the spell on Mr. Malfoy with the reversal charm you used. She fixed him with another, and said the one you used had no effect even when she tried. She seemed as confused about this as you. I am sorry I blamed you for that children. Though I would like to know how it happened that he was unaffected." Dumbledore said, smiling briefly.
Serena suddenly gasped and put her hand to her mouth. "Oh my god! I can't believe I didn't pay attention!" She said, the other two looking at her perplexed. "I used the wrong spell. I'm sorry Professor, I wasn't thinking about it when I did it. I was mad at Malfoy and acted quickly. I used a spell similar to Harry's, but the reversal charm is different." She finished her eyes wide.
"Ah, that explains it. Were you aware of this before now?" Dumbledore asked.
"No sir, that's why I was so confused when the reversal charm didn't work. I didn't think to try the other one. I'm so sorry Professor." Serena said sincerely.
"Very well, no punishment for you, as it was a misunderstanding." Dumbledore said, smiling at them again. "We need to talk about the DA. As you have asked Harry, you have two rooms provided to you with all the training objects you have requested. You should begin immediately. Miss Weasley, your friends have volunteered your services as well. Would this be a problem?"
"No, sir we actually discussed it during summer, however not to the degree we are doing now." Ginny said smiling at Dumbledore.
"We will announce it at dinner tonight, but I have something to ask you sir." Harry said.
"What is it Harry?" Dumbledore asked, raising his eyebrow.
"I request permission to use legilimency before accepting anyone." Harry said.
"Why?"
"Because sir, you can never tell who to trust." Harry said calmly. "Wormtail came from Gryffindor."
"I understand, Harry. Use your discretion. If you feel you cannot trust someone, you may use legilimency. Be nicer with it than you were with Severus though will you? And no insane students should exit these rooms. That must be perfectly clear." Dumbledore said calmly yet firm.
"Yes, sir. I understand completely." Harry said.
"Very well, then. You may go." Dumbledore said. They nodded and left. "Remus, check on them from time to time. I will not interfere, as it will be bad for Harry, to be seen criticized by me at this time. Students may expect him to retaliate. You, however, they know he respects for more reason than being a teacher."
"I will, Albus. As often as possible. I may even teach him a few things." Remus said, then smiling proudly. "They were amazing on the train today weren't they?"
Dumbledore, laughing softly and merely nodded. "Yes Remus, and they did nothing to be in trouble. They are getting better at it. Learning how to make others laugh, yet not go so far as to be in trouble."
"Don't worry, Albus. I have a feeling they will be sitting in my classroom for detention soon enough." Remus said laughing and left Dumbledore's office.
Shortly after arriving at dinner, the Marauders began discussing what they should do about announcing the DA's return. Hermione had talked to Ron shortly after the meeting and he agreed. With the five of them unable to decide when to announce it, Harry became frustrated. He walked to the staff table and nodded at the Headmaster, who nodded in return. He was shortly followed by Serena and Ginny, and they began their announcement.
"We have some very important news!" Harry shouted, and the entire school quieted. "The Marauders have decided that you should all know how to defend yourselves better, to help prepare you all for the upcoming war!"
"After deciding this, we were quickly suspended, as many of you know! You may all thank Malfoy for our departure, that slimy git!" Serena said, causing the students to laugh.
"Seriously, though. After we returned to school, we began serving so many detentions that we could hardly teach you, and we were still learning our trade. We had a lot to learn as you can see, as it took the better part of four months for to be detention free, though I'm sure you all loved every minute of it!" Ginny said, causing more students to laugh.
"However, we have decided that now is the time, as we have noticed events moving quicker than we expected." Harry said. "Just goes to show even Marauders can't tell the future! Trelawney didn't warn us either so I guess the sight eluded her!" He paused as people began to laugh again. "Now we wish to announce the return, with the Headmaster's approval, of,"
"Dumbledore's Army!" They shouted in unison. The school erupted in cheers upon hearing this.
"Wow apparently, that was a bit more popular than you let on Harry!" Serena said smiling at him.
"I guess so." Harry said.
"Also, we are allowing anyone who wishes to defend themselves from dark magic, and are willing to fight by our side if necessary to join." Ginny said, then looked at Harry and nodded.
"I won't lie to you. What we will show you is tougher than auror training, or at least will grow to be. Also, this will no longer be discreet. We will be doing physical exercise as well as magic defense, hand to hand combat, and dodging." Harry said calmly, then his face turned grim. "This will not be easy. I tell you now, because if you choose to fight beside us, you will face death eaters, many of them possibly. This is not to help with schoolwork anymore, this is preparation for war. Have no doubt there is a war occurring as we speak, though it is kept quiet. I will not keep it quiet. I will raise hell about it! I will walk up to Voldemort myself and laugh in his face! I do not fear him, and neither should you. Instead fear what will happen if he wins. A world of darkness is a world I can not live in. I will not live in! I will fight with my last breath to end this war, and any who train with me must be prepared to do the same."
"We won't blame you or look badly upon you if you don't come. We understand that many people are afraid. Its ok to be scared. But know that it is far worse to lay down and surrender. Though you may live if you do this, you will have to look in the mirror every day and face yourself. You will have to know that your friends died fighting for what is right, while you cowered only to live in fear." Serena said, her voice as grim as Harry's.
"No pressure though!" Ginny said, laughing lightly. "Join or don't, fight or hide, be weak or be strong. The choice is yours. But remember, it is your choice that we fight for. We should not have to fight for it alone."
"Anyone who comes to us and asks to fight may be put to a test that I have been given permission to use at my discretion." Harry said, then glared at the Slytherins. "Remember I know who are Death Eaters and supporters in Slytherin house. You do not want your memories in a pensieve, where the ministry can find them. If you wish to join, find one of the Marauders, Hermione Granger, or Ron Weasley, and we will tell you when and where. You have a week to consider this, after that we will conduct the first meeting. If we are the only five there, then I feel sad for everyone in this school, because if only five are willing to fight an army, what chance do we have of being free of Tom and his reign of terror?" Harry finished and walked to Dumbledore.
"Did I do well, Professor?" Harry asked, his voice low.
"Harry, you inspired me to fight by your side, and I was already there. You did splendid." Dumbledore said smiling.
"Mr. Potter, I will need to see you in my office at eight o'clock tonight. I believe no explanation is necessary." McGonagall said to him. Harry nodded, smiling briefly and walked to the table with his friends.
Before dinner had even finished all of Gryffindor agreed to join the DA. On the way to the Gryffindor tower, people would stop all five of them in the halls, asking when and where everything would take place. Harry was very pleased with this, and began thinking up ways to make this fun as well as teach, like Moony would do. He also wondered if Dumbledore would teach some of the spells he used in the battle on Christmas eve. He planned on asking him.
Harry reported to McGonagall's office promptly at 8, Ginny and Serena right behind him. McGonagall looked at them with a raised eyebrow. None of them smiled, or laughed an explanation. Instead they sat in three chairs directly in front of her and looked at her with determination and seriousness.
"We are ready when you are, Professor. We left all but our determination outside, so no jokes. We want to learn and learn quickly." Harry said.
"We, Mr. Potter? You told me it was you." She said frowning at him.
"Sorry, Professor, but Serena already knew, and told Ginny. Ginny is not in the dark on anything we do, even Order business. She has a right to know I feel, seeing as how she is almost as popular a target as me and Serena, for obvious reasons. They said that I was not allowed to do this alone, as this is but another adventure. I cannot say no to them unfortunately Professor." Harry said.
"Besides, we are as good as him in Transfiguration, and my father had a knack for it as well. We won't disappoint you Professor." Serena said.
"I don't have an animagus in my family, but I am willing to work as hard as they will to do this." Ginny said. "None of us have really done anything alone since summer. I don't think we could start now."
"Very well. Since I cannot stop you from joining Potter, know that I will work you two just as hard as Harry, maybe even harder. He seems to have it in him to do whatever he wishes, though I cannot say the same for you two." She said eyes narrowing. "Now this is not a traditional class and will be rushed, due to Potter wanting this done before returning to those muggles during summer. If you two cannot handle this idea, then I suggest you leave now."
"Ma'am, no offense, but whose idea do you think it was for Harry to learn it quickly?" Serena asked.
"She's right, we want him to have a secret weapon that is hard to get in trouble for outside of school, even if it is only a way to run away." Ginny said.
"Very well let us begin." McGonagall said.
For the rest of the week, and even the weekend, the Marauders were tired through much of school, animagus training lasting until 11 every night during the week, followed by whatever homework they didn't finish, as well as training. On the weekend they surrendered completely to McGonagall's will and trained all day.
They talked with her on Monday after Transfiguration about not doing animagus training two nights a week, due to the DA needing a lot of time to practice. She agreed, and they promised to train as much as possible on those nights on their own. At this time they were still reading information on animagi, and Serena seemed to laugh about this mostly, saying she gave up the ability to turn into other people just to turn into an animal at will.
After talking with Dumbledore the day before the meeting, getting him to promise to teach the spells Harry wanted to learn when the DA was further along, and getting Remus to teach them some spells that he knew of as well Harry felt good about the meeting. He knew it was not going to be easy, but he was going to teach them everything he could. He would show Dumbledore that the students of Hogwarts are stronger than even he thought possible.