Author's Note: Don't recall what the original Slytherin Quidditch players in the book were, just know Draco was seeker. Hope there are no overzealous HP fans that are going to be gunning after me over that. Oh well, my new world, my new system. So there. Remember to leave lots of reviews for me! Yeah, I like those.
NIGHTLY PROTECTORS
By the time weekend rolled around, the Slytherin Quidditch team was complete and practices were already scheduled for the following weekend. As Draco had announced, he would remain as seeker with Duo, Heero and Nott as Chasers. Since Nott was better than the other original Chaser, it was agreed upon that he would remain while the other unlucky fellow had to play as an Alternate. Not that the Alternate complained for he found his position was better suited for either Heero or Duo.
Blaise and Avery remained as Beaters, though the place of Keeper had to be replaced since the original one had quit, most likely due from sore feelings between him and Heero and Duo. Well, more like him toward the two new Chasers, he having taken the tryouts personally. A burly looking sixth year was chosen to be his replacement. The new Keeper was called Melvin McCoy, but even at sixteen he looked to be about twenty-five or so. The heavy jaw and scraggly unshaven face did not help his would-be youthful appearance.
That Saturday evening found Harry, Ron and Hermione clustered together at the dinner table. They were discussing something quietly amongst themselves until it appeared as though they reached a sort of agreement, given the slight nods they gave to one another. Harry turned toward Trowa who sat an empty seat away. The taciturn boy was toying with the last bits of his supper, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, which ceased once Harry tapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"Here," whispered Harry, "make sure no one sees you read it, especially the professors. We'll understand if you choose to decline." Trowa nodded once, curious green eyes focused on the thickly folded piece of parchment that seemed heavier than it should have been.
Gazing over at the staff table and around his fellow peers, he made sure that everyone was too distracted in their evening chatter to notice him (not that they would have seeing as how not-so-talkative he was), before opening the tiny package under the table. An ordinary looking coin fell into the palm of his hand. It was a galleon. How strange, he thought, why would they give him money?
Unfolding the rest of the parchment, he saw a short message and a small picture were scrawled over the paper. It read:
"Come to the Room of Requirement (trustworthy friends welcomed), you'll know when to come once the coin changes."
Beneath the message there was a crude map that was drawn, indicating where the room ought to be and what floor. Trowa pocketed the coin and piece of parchment before standing. As he walked out of the Great Hall, he made quick glances over to the other four former pilots, indicating for them to follow. Heero, Duo, Quatre and Wufei understood what Trowa had wanted and waited for the proper time to leave.
They left in intervals, allowing a few other students to mill out first before one of them exited to dissuade any suspicion than if they were to move out in one big clump at the same time. Quatre was first to leave then Wufei. Last were Heero and Duo. No one really questioned why they left together. After all, they were in the same House and thought to be close friends.
The two of them met with the other three in one of the deserted corridors, near the classrooms. Quatre was already nestled up against Trowa's side and the taller boy in turn wrapped an arm around his blond angel's waist. Having been so long denied being able to hold one another, they would take every chance they could get. In actuality, it had only been a few days, but to the couple it felt too long.
"'Sup Trowa? Did somethin' wrong happen," asked Duo, who was tentatively leaning against Heero's shoulder.
A tiny thrill made its way up Duo's body, happy at being able to touch his crush without being brushed off with a grunt. To Heero, he welcomed the touch as warmth spread out in his own chest, glad that Duo wanted to be near him. The more Heero spent time with his partner, the more he realized the American's feelings were in fact genuine, his own growing stronger along with.
Trowa pulled out the galleon and showed it to the others, along with the patch of paper.
"Potter gave this to me."
Quatre was the first to take the coin and paper, looking it over once before handing it to Wufei, who then passed it along to the others until the items came back to Trowa. .
"Do you think we ought to go check it out," inquired Quatre, concern could be noted from his tone of voice. Trowa gave a reassuring pat to his lover. "I don't think this is a trick. They're good people."
"One of our goals was to gain the students' trust. This is an opportunity, one that is too good to waste. We should go," said Wufei with a sense of finality to his words. "The Potter boy is not the enemy that we should be wary of. His reaching out to us is a positive sign. In fact, I believe it's your friend that we should be concerned with."
Duo quirked an eyebrow as the Chinese's last words were obviously directed at him and Heero. They exchanged glances before Duo offered his two cents.
"Ya mean Draco? The snot's harmless, don't think he plans on ever following in dear ol' dad's footsteps. I figure he just doesn't have the stomach for such business," he explained, "The brat more likes to bluff his way through power trips, nothing big, just your average bully. He's not likely the one feeding information to Mr. Big Bad or recruiting kids, maybe some of the other students, but I take it out of fear rather than true loyalty. If we can chummy them up some and get them to where we want, away from the lunatic, they won't be skipping merrily towards the monster's jaws."
"And how do you expect to accomplish that, Maxwell? It's not enough that you only win over those twittering onnas," was the disgusted retort, "you need to get to the boys, too."
"Simple. Me and Heero here will be playin' the cool jocks that everyone wants to be like," joked Duo, his face bright with a dashing grin, "They'd do anything we say."
"Saving people, especially from themselves, is not an easy task, Duo," said Quatre, his features somewhat saddened at the truth of his words. "For many, it could be too late, they might have already fallen through the cracks."
"Then I will catch them."
All eyes turned to Heero, the Japanese's words firm and resolute. There seemed to be a sense of foreboding hovering over those words. The four boys knew their friend was planning but it was clear he was not inclined to share what exactly. Worry flickered over Duo's face, erasing the grin that was there only moments ago. He shifted so that he now faced Heero.
"What do you mean by that," he asked voice thick with suspicion. "You're not plotting some suicide mission, are you?"
Amethyst eyes turned imploring as they searched Heero's own oceanic hues. The American's expression looked as though he were begging for Heero to, not only trust them all, but him especially. It broke something in Heero that he did not know existed to have to keep his friends in the dark, to lie to them. To lie to Duo. His face was a blank mask, giving no hint of which way or another.
They knew the issue was closed, Heero would not talk, the only thing they could do was trust their comrade and offer support if he needed help. However, Duo was having none of it for he cared too much about Heero to let the stubborn boy run towards his own death alone. If he couldn't stop him, then Duo could have at least run alongside with. He would never allow Heero to die alone.
He'd be there for him. Always.
"So that's it," it wasn't as much as a question than a statement, "you're just gonna play the Perfect fucking Soldier and have us ditch you in the den to face the lions by yourself?" The words came out quiet at first, growing in volume and becoming more heated until it was an angry yell. Duo's face was twisted up in disbelief and frustration. He had thrown up his hands in a defeated gesture.
"After all the shit we've been through together, you're gonna pull this on us now? Dammit, Heero! I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's not your responsibility to keep saving the world on your own, we're all ass deep in this together."
"Yelling at him isn't going to help, Maxwell," joined Wufei. Brotherly instincts kicked in when he sensed how uncomfortable Heero was at the moment. He tried putting his hand on Duo's shoulder, attempting to not only quell him but keep him back from Heero, but the American shrugged it off aggressively.
"No! You don't get to have a say in this, Chang, not this time. I don't understand why none of you are trying to make him change his mind!"
"Duo," tried Quatre, calmly, "we should trust him. We know he wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt us. I'm sure there's a good reason why Heero won't tell us as of now, it isn't a question of trust, just the current situation."
Duo was about to continue his argument, body language indicating he was ready to burst out screaming at the empathetic Arab who was merely trying to ameliorate the tension, but Heero had had enough of the others speaking for him. He gave a light slap to Duo's left cheek, not hard enough to bruise, only to get his attention. Duo immediately faltered, blinking down at the shorter boy in surprise, not having expected to get smacked. Returning to his senses, he realized he was overreacting, that his feelings for Heero were causing his concern to spiral out of hand.
"This is war," his voice a low monotone, "nothing can change that fact." Heero paused. Allowing the mask to slip for a sheer second, he looked at each one of his dear friends, his only family, letting them know for a fact of how difficult this was for him with forlorn features. "We didn't start it, but we can end it…by doing whatever necessary."
"And you decided this is necessary," stated Duo, adding to the Japanese's last thoughts. Heero nodded his head, "It must be done." Duo released a heavy sigh.
"I'm not going to like whatever this is much, am I," asked Duo with a slight whine, his head lowered in dismay. His head snapped back up with barely an upturn to his lips. He was trying to make light of the situation to rid them of the earlier tension, though the smile only came halfheartedly, still bothered by the fact Heero was doing things the "Perfect Soldier" way.
Heero shook his head with mild amusement. A feather-light touch was given to Duo's left cheek with his calloused hand, barely a caress of the skin as though to apologize for offending the area, which surprised the taller American. Duo's eyes widened in shock, he was about to ask the Japanese what was the matter but was made utterly speechless when Heero actually hugged him. Swallowing hard, Duo couldn't believe that those strong arms wrapped around his waist were real.
"Thank you for trusting me," whispered Heero, the words so quiet that only Duo could hear. Heero was about to pull away but long arms brought him back against that hard chest, tightening around his smaller frame in an almost crushing hug. Duo held Heero wrapped in his arms, face buried in the nape of his neck, trying so desperately to convey how much the Asian boy meant to him without saying anything at all. "Always, Heero."
Quatre smiled broadly at the scene. Finally, Duo was starting to allow himself to pursue his own happiness and not be so consumed with the fear of rejection. Trowa and Quatre gazed at each other, both smiling knowingly before pecking each other on the lips, glad that their friends were at long last coming together. Or at least starting to.
Wufei stood there; content to watch on over the pair. He didn't feel awkward in the least, but rather glad Heero was finally expressing his emotions for Duo. The Japanese's happiness was important to him, he was like family, and he knew Duo would be good for the other boy. Of course, if Duo wasn't, he'd have to rectify that. Friend or not, an injustice was an injustice, he'd make sure nothing of the sort occurred between them.
When Heero and Duo parted, they had the grace to look embarrassed, having been so caught up in the emotional drama that was stirred between them.
"Anyhoo," said Duo cheerily, "should we wait in the room for them? Or shall we go wait in the rumpus room?"
Since their first day at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had informed the other staff members that certain rules would not be applied to the new students, that they will not be punished for breaking. For instance, they did not have a curfew nor were they restricted from access to any of the rooms, unless if the rooms were currently occupied by class. Many of the teachers were perturbed, some outraged like Snape at how unfair the Headmaster was being, playing favorites especially to those who weren't even original Howarts students, who were not "their own." The Headmaster ended the prejudiced thoughts with a mere glance at the staff over the rims of his half-moon glasses.
Dumbledore, as of yet, was the only one who knew their true identities, that not only were they not originally from Hogwarts, they weren't even from their time. Special arrangements were made for the five teenagers, allowing them private quarters whenever they needed time away from the student body in order to come up with strategies, to train, or even just for some private space. They practically had free reign over the school. The only restriction was that they were not allowed to let the other students know they were getting special privileges or else they'd be faced with chaos. Childish and easily contained chaos, but chaos nonetheless as school was concerned.
If, however, they deemed it the right time to reveal themselves then they could. It was entirely their call. Dumbledore had basically entrusted the safety of Hogwarts to them while he attended to Order business. The old man was either very knowledgeable and had high faith in those of good character or was completely off his rocker and foolishly willing to endanger hundreds of children's lives at the hands of five deadly soldiers. Albeit soldiers with a conscience, but trained killers all the same.
The five of them were betting on the latter. Of course, with their life experiences, having faith in others was often a touchy subject. After having the entire human race gang up against and villainies you, you'd be cynical about and a nonbeliever of "having faith in" and the "goodness of people" too. But they weren't complaining, if it made the job of protecting people from destroying themselves easier, they'd take it.
"I think it'd be best if we go wait in one of the rooms instead of splitting off to our separate common rooms," suggested Quatre, "That way, when the coin signals, we'll all be there to see it and we can go straight to the Room of Requirement in one group without having to have to search everyone out."
"Sounds good to me."
It was around ten o'clock at night when the galleon notified them it was time to go. Before then, the five of them had been lounging in one of the spare Transfiguration rooms, the space altered to look like a homey living room with fire pit and all, and they were sitting cozily on a circle of squishy beanbag chairs (Duo's idea). Heero and Wufei were playing a game of wizard chess as Duo, Quatre and Trowa were amusing themselves by transfiguring different objects. Their last transfiguration was changing three pillows into stuffed dolls, little munchkin look-alikes of themselves, and letting them run around.
Little Trowa and little Quatre had settled down to busying themselves in cuddling and kissing one another, causing real Quatre to giggle and real Trowa to smile pleasantly. Little Duo had simply made a disgusted face, faking to gag with his digit-less, nub of a hand. When the two still continued with their shameless public display of affection, little Duo looked on glumly at them, wanting someone to hold and smooch, too. Turning away from his fellow munchkins, he spotted Heero who was concentrating on the wizard chessboard, and grinned broadly before setting off for him at an eager run.
Wufei had banished them all when little Duo decided to interrupt the chess game by stomping over the board carelessly in trying to reach real Heero for a big fat kiss. It was funny at first but had gotten out of hand when the disgruntled chess pieces revolted against little Duo, shouting that the munchkin was declaring war on them by making the first attack. The heckling chess pieces had been carrying off the protesting little Duo, little Quatre and little Trowa trying to save him, until Wufei waved his wand over the havoc irritably. They all disappeared with loud "pop."
They reversed the room back to its original state before leaving for the Room of Requirement. They arrived just in time with some other students who looked at them curiously, obviously not expecting the new transfer students to have joined their exclusive club so quickly, especially two Slytherins. It was true that the group consisted of many students from differing Houses, but Heero and Duo would have been the first Slytherins to have ever joined.
Upon entering the room, Trowa was the first to greet Harry and his friends, and then motioned over towards the other four indicating that he wished to include them with the invitation that was given to him at dinner. The three Gryffindors smiled over at the rest of the former pilots, having expected Trowa to have invited them, already knowing that they were his friends. They waved the four on over, welcoming, then calmed down the group before making their announcements.
Harry gave a brief rundown of the group's purpose, allowing the newcomers to get a gist of why they were asked to join and what the Defense Association, or Dumbledore's Army, was all about. The beginning of the meeting was nothing new. The students were taught how to perfect their dueling skills while learning a small portion of some advanced spells that were not included in their regular school curriculum. Then the group was split into sections. While Hermione and Ron looked over the older members through their lesson, Harry watched over the newly admitted members.
"Now, one of the first spells that members learned in DA was the calling of their Patronus. Do any of you know how to conjure theirs," asked Harry, not really expecting any of them to say yes. He was surprised, however, when Trowa and his friends raised their hands. It wasn't so much that he thought them inferior, just that the Patronus charm wasn't really a common spell that professors taught their students, having been deemed too difficult and require too much time to teach in one school year. "Really? Would you mind giving those who don't know a demonstration of how to do the charm correctly?"
If these five were more advanced than he had hoped, thought Harry, then they could help manage the DA and quicken their advancement without the worry of being dragged behind by new members. With the outside world at war, time was of the essence for Harry and his friends to prepare the students of Hogwarts as much as they could, in as little of time as possible.
All five of the boys stood up from where they sat amongst their fellow students. Taking their place in front of the group, Harry stepped aside to allow for them more room to cast their charms. They stood side by side, making sure that everyone could see their hands and wands so they could observe how the movement went along with the cast. At the same time, they spoke the words "Expecto Patronum" and gave a rhythmic wave of their wands.
A burst of silver light shot from the tips, spilling out seemingly nonstop. The intense light filled the room, almost blinding everyone there. The other group that Hermione and Ron were managing stopped what they were doing to watch on as five different animals appeared, each a solid, glowing figure. Practically everyone had a surprised expression on their faces, eyes wide with mouths making little "o."
The patroni each stood dutifully beside their casters, keeping a diligent watch over the mass of students, making sure their wards were guarded. No patronus was the same for everybody, such was further exemplified by the given fact standing right in front of them.
Alongside Trowa was a silver fox, completely solid and well formed to the point it was actually tangible. The tall youth gently scratched its furred head behind a triangular ear. The fox moved its head into the scratch, giving the hand of his caster a lick here and there.
The fox was a symbol for camouflage, adaptability and quickness.
Wufei's patronus was a ram, body bulked and thick with sinewy muscles, especially the neck that had to support the set of weighted horns that curled elegantly, but deadly. The silver ram pawed at the floor with its heavy cloven hoof, snorting.
The ram was a symbol for strength and determination.
"Huh," said Duo with an amused but thoughtful look, "I've always pictured ya with a bull or mule, 'Fei. Didn't think you had a cool lookin' goat."
Both Wufei and his patronus glared daggers over at Duo. Wufei for the remark about the bull and mule, the smart mouthed American obviously mocking his stubbornness. The ram for the insult at being referred to as a goat. The ram snorted again, this time angrily, both front hooves clawing at the floor in a temper.
"Whoa, now," Duo held up his hands as if in surrender, trying to placate the ruffled ram, "no need to get all fussy there, Billy Goat Gruff."
Standing at Duo's side was a coyote. Its eyes were narrowed out since the mouth was opened in a pant, though it wasn't breathing in pants it looked more like it was smiling, silently laughing with Duo at Wufei and his patronus. The coyote weaved its tail from side to side, wiggling it at the ram's direction once in a while as if the appendage were a lure, taunting it. This seemed to make some of the DA members laugh. Harry coughed into his hand, trying to hide the smile that crept up on him.
The coyote was known as The Trickster and a symbol for humor, charm and self-deception.
"Your mongrel is as ill-mannered as you are, Maxwell," spat Wufei, the ram swung its head down once, as if nodding in agreement with the Chinese. Duo just shrugged.
"Can't help it if he at least has a sense of humor."
"He is of your creation, which means you can help it. It is your doing and your fault." The word "can" had been emphasized.
A soft whinny was uttered from the majestic equine that stood humbly beside Quatre, effectively shutting the two former pilots up. Quatre's patronus was the largest of the bunch, but appeared to be the most submissive and meek. The horse was a Fresian breed, its body was solid silver instead of the natural black. It kept its huge head low, lovingly nuzzling Quatre's hand which was petting along its velvety nose.
The horse was a symbol for loyalty and devotion.
Heero's patronus was a wolf. Not just any wolf, however, but a massive one about the size of a small pony. Harry noted how this wolf looked much different than Tonk's wolf patronus, the slight variation was that Tonk's wolf was a were one (depicted after Remus Lupin), not a natural one. Though, thought Harry, this wolf didn't appear all that natural, either. The wolf simply stood there, not moving one muscle or even batting an eye.
The wolf was a symbol for balance between loyalty and independence, perseverance, wisdom, teacher, pathfinder on journey of survival, and the shadow.
Heero neither petted it nor spoke to it. The wolf merely remained standing half curled about its caster's waist, eyes sustaining its unwavering gaze over the crowd, empty. It was a beautiful creature, but the type of beauty that could rip your arms off with one bite. The wolf appeared tame enough though there remained a sense of wildness about it that clearly warned you that you may look but never touch.
As instantly as the patroni appeared, they vanished without a trace, no longer needed by their wards. Some students clapped, obviously impressed by the demonstration and eager to learn how to call their patronus, too. Harry approached the five boys and offered for them to help instruct the classes. They agreed to do so.
The five gundam pilots would do everything they could to ensure that these children knew how to carry themselves in battle. It would be their only chance, as well only hope, for survival. With that in mind, the group was split up yet again to allow two members to each of the five boys. The lessons continued on after that without further disturbances.
After the meeting was over with, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked tiredly up the stairs to their common rooms. They moved awkwardly underneath the invisibility cloak, at times stumbling or stepping on the other's foot, their efforts to move as one made clumsier by the fact they could barely keep awake. Harry and Ron bid Hermione goodnight as she left for her side of the tower, sneaking back into the girls' dormitory. The two boys went up to theirs, slumping onto the canopied beds.
Ron fell instantly asleep, not bothering to change from his clothes to pajamas. Harry, however, changed into his night clothes before peeling back his bed covers and sinking into soft mattress. He took off his round framed glasses before bringing the edge of his blankets up to his chin. Yawning, he shifted to a more comfortable position before allowing sleep to drift him up and over into the realm of the unconscious.
The last thought to have run across his mind before fully succumbing to slumber was the prayer that he would not receive anymore visions of death and carnage for that night. If but for one night, he could rest. He could be at peace. Maybe he could even dream pleasant dreams of a life not so dismal.
Maybe.