Chapter 9: Fanning the Flames

"I believe you reach a point in life when your goals stop having the same sense of drive when focused wholly inwardly. Indeed, once you learn your actions have the greatest impact on the future, you turn away from yourself and begin to impart knowledge upon those who go forth to explore that future." Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.

"But, Harry.." Hermione said for what seemed like the hundredth time at breakfast a few days later. "Malfoy was probably just hiding something in that room. You said it yourself, there was a lot of other junk inside."

"Yeah, and why didn't you follow him in anyway?" Ron said, shovelling handfuls of food into his mouth. Neville were staring at him aghast.

"Hermione, how are you not staring. It's like a show Ron's performing." He said.

"Unfortunately, you get used to it." She said casting Ron a look of disapproval.

"Something about going in there felt off," Harry replied anyway, thinking back to his new wand and how it had reacted when he came close to the door. "I'm telling you," he continued, determined to get his point across. "Normally, I would have just been suspicious: Malfoy's either smirking or brooding. But when he came back on the train he looked so sullen, haunted almost. Yet, ever since the night he entered the Room of Requirement he's done a complete switch around. Now, you can hardly keep the smile off his face." He turned to look at a smirking Malfoy on the Slytherin table, jostling with a few of his closest house members haughtily. Daphne sat a little way down the table with some of her own Slytherin friends. Her expression was unreadable, but Harry thought she was trying not to look in Malfoy's direction.

"It's not helping that he's still been out performing the rest of us at potions too." Neville said glumly.

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "Yes, I do admit that part is suspicious. He was never terrible at potions, but come on. He was far from the top. Neither, him nor Greengrass, have ever been that good at potions, but when something as rare as Felix Felicis is on the line, somehow they're both perfectionists." She said outraged, as if their success in potions was more mysterious than Malfoy's behaviour.

"Look mate, yes he's acting different. Maybe even, more - well, Malfoy than usual," Ron said gesturing to blonde Slytherin, who was now cockily aiming small jinxes at passing Hufflepuffs. "But that doesn't mean there's anything suspect going on. Probably just the extra praise from Slughorn."

Neville and Hermione seemed to buy it, but Harry was less than convinced. Unfortunately, he'd not seen Malfoy reemerge that night on the map once he'd gotten back to his dorm, then he'd at least know how long he was in there for. He resolved to keep an extra close eye on him from now on. For some reason, the thought of a Malfoy even more confident than now, was something Harry was far from excited about, and from the looks of the passing Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, he wasn't the only one. It was as Harry was pondering on this that he was approached by a very nervous looking Cherrie.

"Hey Harry." She said tentatively.

"Hey Cherrie. How's your first week been?" He replied.

"Oh, its been nice." She said before turning a fair shade of pink and seemingly forgetting why she'd come over.

"What's the matter?" Harry enquired. She scuffed her feet on the floor as if she wasn't quite sure what to say. "It's okay, you can tell me."

"Well- you never told me you were famous, Harry. Everyone in my house knows you waved at me on the train and now they've been asking about how I know you. They're calling you the Chosen One. And some people are even asking if I can introduce you to them."

WOW! Harry lifted his head to find several of her older female housemates hastily diverting their eyes and hiding behind a book or finding something fascinating in their goblets to stare at. As he brought his gaze back, he saw Hermione smirk in an I told you so type of way, which he pointedly ignored. "Wow, well, I'm sorry Cherrie. I didn't mean to surprise you with that." He said awkwardly, but he hoped genuinely. "Has it been annoying?"

"No, not yet, although a few of them wanted me to pass you some enchanted love notes. I told them I wouldn't." She finished strongly. Harry felt a sudden warmth towards the first year in that moment.

"Thanks for that, Cherrie. And listen if they keep bothering you," Harry glanced up to check she was at the table, "you can let that girl know in your house." He pointed towards Susan Bones, whose long bright red hair could be seen from far off. "She's a friend. Plus, I happen to know she's very good at the Bat-Bogey hex, -err it means if someone bothers you she can make their bogey's turn into bats." Harry explained at the confused look on her face, thinking back to when Dean and Seamus had joked in the D.A. last year that it must be a redheaded fury thing that made them so good at it. Ginny and Susan had then proceeded to catch them both in the face with that same hex.

"Cool! Thanks Harry!" She said smiling once more. Hermione, looked like Harry had just given a first year a bomb. Cherrie turned to skip away, but caught herself half way. "I almost forgot, I was told to give you this." She handed him a note, which Harry unveiled to find the Headmaster's telltale curvy lettering.

"It's from Dumbledore." He exclaimed to his friends. "Thanks Cherrie." She smiled happily and skipped back to her table.

"Well, what does it say?" Ron asked.

"He wants to begin our private lessons next weekend on Saturday!" He said as he scanned the note. Harry's heart began to pulse in anticipation. Despite all of his efforts over the summer, all the secrets and the gap that had opened at the end of last year between them, it was hard to deny he was looking forward to seeing the headmaster on a regular basis once again. That and the thought of what new spells he might learn, made him hotly anticipate their first meeting. Something Hermione seemed to be thinking as well.

"Harry, this is great! You'll probably get loads of extra tutoring and learn countless new spells." She said, seeming to become more deflated as she went on.

"Don't worry Hermione, whatever I learn, I'll teach you guys as well." As if she'd just ingested one of Madam Pomfrey's pepper up potion's, she perked right up.

"That is assuming she doesn't already know them, of course," said Neville, who was swiftly elbowed playfully by Hermione. She blushed and laughed along with the others. The atmosphere was broken by the calls of the mornings mail. Harry held out his arm as Hedwig sailed down and landed elegantly.

"Hey girl." He said, stroking her brilliantly white feathers, he removed the Daily Prophet and picked up a crispy piece of bacon for he. Nipping Harry's hand gratefully, she flew off again. Pulling the paper open, Harry stiffened as he took in the latest attack. There were few details, Remus had mentioned the Ministry was interfering with the profit, diluting the severity of attacks. If this was true, then it made Harry's blood boil to think of how bad the actual devastation must have been when he glanced at the headline. Splashed on the front page was the dark mark as it hovered over a muggle town and above it read, The Dark Mark: Real or elaborate hoax?

As expected, the article went on to give few actual details and attributed the likely prank to some young wannabe Death Eaters, suggesting the Aurors had not yet found any evidence to link it to You-Know-Who. Meanwhile, nothing was mentioned of any actual Death Eater activity, or progress in apprehending them.

Scrunching up the paper, Harry said, "I can't believe it. I thought this would have been over with as soon as Fudge was ousted. But No! Same Ministry, Same Prophet, Same cover up!"

Hermione who had been reading her own copy of the Daily Prophet, sighed, "I'm surprised they're allowed to get away with this, now that Dumbledore's back and being listened to again."

"Dad said Scrimgeour has been hold up in his office planning something, but nobody knows what."

"Conspiring with the paper to call the dark mark a hoax must be a tiring job." Harry said through gritted teeth.

"They want to show that things are going well. They don't want people to feel afraid," said Hermione.

"Trouble with that is they should be." He replied.

"But Harry, not that agree with the Prophet, but I don't think you can blame people for wanting to feel secure."

"The fact is Hermione, no one is secure. It's just not reality. The more Voldemort is swept under the rug of the Ministry, the more people will feel like there's nothing to worry about and therefore no action taken. People won't prepare as much because they feel like there's no need, that he isn't that much of a threat….they won't be ready when things really turn bad." That thought hung around them and seemed to magnify the silence in it's wake. Harry noticed several people in the Great Hall having similar conversations. Alarmingly, most seemed to buy into it, as few others were shaking their heads in refusal. Uncertainty plays right into Voldemort's hands, Harry thought morosely. Now more than ever they needed to be ready, to know the truth. Otherwise, how else would they fight it. Harry made sure to take that thought to his next training sessions and to the D.A. as well.

"Most people at the ministry know things aren't right though," Ron said helpfully. "Dad, Bill and the twins are spreading the truth as far as they can. And now that Dumbledore is a saint again, Scrimgeour is fighting a losing battle trying to cover things up."

"Yeah, I just wish there was more we could do to counter it." Harry said, relaxing a little more now. Hermione's face scrunched in thought, the same as when there's a problem to solve and only a library book could have the answers. Meanwhile, Ron belched and Harry and Neville couldn't help but laugh.

As they were leaving for their first lesson they ran into a chipper Professor Slughorn. "Oh, well what have we here. Hello, Harry m'boy."

"Morning, professor." Harry replied, casting a curious look at Slughorn, who appeared as if he was lying in wait.

"Well now, Harry. It's good to see you hanging around with such promising company." He gestured to Hermione and Neville, both of whom had been performing well in the potions lessons since their first, ignoring Ron's presence entirely. "Speaking of which, I was wondering if you would join me for our first Slug Club dinner of the year. Ah, you two as well, , ." Hermione beamed next to him.

"Um well, Sir-" Harry began to answer, thinking he'd rather spend his time training and going over new spells rather than being stuck in a room being fawned over by Slughorn whom had a distinctive glare in his eyes at the moment. To be honest, he'd rather be doing homework or cleaning out Snape's underwear draw.

"Now, it's next Saturday, Harry. You can make it no doubt?" There is a god.

"Oh-, I'm sorry, Professor. I've just received a note from Dumbledore that I'm to have a lesson with him that night."

"Really? Well, I shall have to have a word with Albus about that. He's been known to change schedules in order to meet my party requests before, you know-" Slughorn said loudly as he marched off in the direction of the head table, a man on a mission.

"Pff, what a toff." Ron exclaimed.

'Ron! Just because you didn't get an invite." Hermione said indignantly.

"That's not…Whatever." Ron said. Harry meanwhile let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

"Well, that's one bullet dodged."

"Harry, you don't even know what they're like yet. Perhaps they'll be fun." Hermione was somehow convinced of their potential based on no evidence whatsoever. The boys, however, all looked skeptical.

"What's wrong, Nev?" asked Harry, who appeared particularly unhappy about the invite.

".…he caught me after class the other day and asked me all sorts of defence questions, then went on about how talented my parents were, seems to think I'm some kind of Auror prodigy…then he went on to ask me about parents, -and if I see them muc…" Neville finished uncomfortably, his last word tapering off.

Harry caught Hermione's eye; they had all seen Neville last Christmas while they were in 's visiting . He was visiting his parents, whom had lay motionless in hospital since they were tortured when Neville was a baby."Don't worry about it, mate." Harry said while Hermione rested her hand on Neville's shoulder. "No one's going to judge you for not going. We'll probably be jealous we didn't end up doing the same to be honest." Ron laughed at that and they headed off to Defence continuing to make jokes about Slughorn to cheer Neville up.

One week later, Harry was sitting in the Room of Requirement going over in his mind what he was about to do. The six of them were all already here and the room once again looked like it had last year for the D.A: rusty mirrors adorned the walls and a large practice space had been erected around the room. This time yesterday, Harry had gotten out his old Dumbledore's Army coin and wrote to anyone still using them that tomorrow would be the first lesson. He had also spread the word when he saw any old members, that it would be returning and to be here at 7pm on the dot tonight. It was 6.59pm and nobody had arrived.

Harry was beginning to get suspicious. So many people had wanted to come. Susan had actively asked him about it and the Creevey Brothers had bounced out of their seats in the Gryffindor common room - nearly landing in the fire - when he whispered it to them. Something was wrong. But as he got up to investigate he heard the door to the Room open and over two dozen people walked in. Harry was amazed! More people than last year were strolling in chatting with one another.

What the hell? "How?" Harry managed.

"Word obviously spread, Harry." Ginny said conspiratorially coming up behind.

"You?" He inquired surprised.

"Not just, but people asked, and then more asked and then they wanted to bring their friends and here we are." Harry noticed several 7th years there, as well as most of the people from his year, except Slytherin, and the year below. Even several of the giggling Hufflepuffs from the other day and Romilda Vane from Gryffindor had shown up. She batted her eyelids trying to catch Harry's eye.

"Some, however, I didn't invite." She said glaring at the pretty Gryffindor in her year. "Careful what you drink around her, Harry. I heard her say she's practising making a love potion to slip you."Harry audibly gulped and thought he'd have to make efforts right away to let people know what kind of class this was going to be.

"Sorry, we're late Harry." Seamus called out. "But someone was disillusioned and tryin' to get into the door on the other side. 'Cept it wouldn't open for him, he was cursin' blind as well. We had to wait until he gave up before we came around the corner."

"Do you know who it was?" He said eagerly, one person jumping right to the top of his mind.

"Nah, the voice was muffled so we couldn't hear him right, some kind of spell." Harry made a mental note to investigate later.

"Thanks, Seamus." The boy nodded and Harry took in all gathered before him. Everyone was whispering loudly and joking around, anticipation filled the air. A sadness descended over Harry as he briefly understood what Hermione had been talking about earlier with regards to the Daily Prophet. People wanted to be happy. Perhaps even if it was in ignorance. But he knew he needed to do this. Their lives very well may depend on it. He wiped a bead of sweat that had formed from his forehead and concentrated on the large group before him.

"Alright everyone." Harry shouted, drawing the attention towards him. Suddenly, the room felt very large as far more eyes turned to peer towards him than he could count. He was sure he heard his heart quicken as silence descended and all waited eagerly. Harry just hoped he could convey what he needed to. After all, he knew the importance of what he would be trying to teach them this year could go far beyond school: he was preparing them to fight. "Firstly, thank you all for coming. I know a lot of you have busy schedules this year with homework and, well everything-." Seamus and Ron scoffed, while a few others giggled. "But listen," he continued. "This year is not going to be like any other. You've all noticed the change in Hogwarts, in our world. Every day the Prophet brings more news of abductions, disappearances… of deaths. The school may have added extra protection this year, but we won't be safe inside it forever. Soon the war will be on our doorsteps. Soon we will have to act. And when Voldemort and his Death Eaters come," almost everyone flinched, but Harry carried on, "I want you to be as smart and as prepared as possible…because when they do, they won't take prisoners. They won't use Stupefy or Expelliarmus….they will kill you."

Dozens of eyes stared unblinkingly at Harry. He swore he could hear a pin drop in the room. Hard looks had come over several of the room's occupants, while others had reacted with shock and some horror. Romilda Vane was no longer batting her eyelashes at him and Ernie Macmillan's face had gone white. Hermione looked like she wanted to interject, but Harry shook his head.

"What we are going to be learning this year is not just spells for our exams, its going to be defence and offence, dueling strategy and how to fight, so that when the Death Eaters come, you will have a solid chance… to run."

"What?" Several people said confusedly. "Did he say Run?" -"Then why are we here?"

"But, Harry, you just said-." Dean began.

"-I said I would train you as best as I can to fight. But make not mistake about it, the Death Eaters know what they're doing. They always attack in greater numbers with the advantage. Not to mention the years of experience they have over us. It would be stupid to engage them alone or in small groups and think you can win." The room quietened down as they each took that in. "What I want to teach you is how to fight when necessary, but how to be ready so that when they do come, you can defend yourself long enough to escape or until help arrives."

Harry took a moment to consider the room. His friends were all wearing different faces, but their support shone through; Hermione looked uncertain of the seriousness Harry was talking about, and Ron looked uncomfortable with it, Neville however looked back at Harry, a strong determination had crossed his brow. Ginny and Luna both gave him affirming nods, though Luna did seem to be staring through Harry somewhat.

"Now that that has been said, we're going to pick up where we left off last year. For those of you who are new, we covered the Impediment Jinx, the Disarming Spell, Reductor Curse and Stupefy. It's important these are mastered as they form the fundamentals of duels and can be performed with relative ease and speed, not to mention getting you out of a tight jam when you're in one." Their fight in the Ministry a few months ago echoed in his mind. "We'e going to begin today, with these same charms," there was a groan from a chosen few in the crowd. "But you're going to pair off and practice blocking and attacking using any of those curses." There were mumbles of excitement from them now.

"Hermione and I will demonstrate quickly, with her attacking first." The crowd parted as Harry took his place at the opposite end of the room to where Hermione had been standing. They left a larger gap than normal between them so that everyone could see. Harry thought he heard someone say, "this out to be good!"

"Ready and go." As they'd talked about, Hermione shot several varying curses at Harry, who blocked saying Protego each time. For the demonstration, Hermione had suggested saying the spells out loud so everyone would understand and Harry had agreed. After the first few spells, Harry began to move out of the way instead of block. This was made easier because of the distance between them, but still, he wanted to get people used to this strangely rare tactic.

As he did this, Hermione began firing faster at Harry. Expecting this, he used a combination of evading and blocking. After a short stint, Harry used a spell he'd learnt about to throw Hermione off guard. "Protego Refraxius!" He exclaimed, as an impedimenta jinx shot towards him. The spell hit his shield, but instead of being absorbed, it reflected right back at Hermione. Surprised, she barely raised a normal Protego shield in time.

Smiling, Harry called an end to it. "Thank you, Hermione." He said with a wink. "There are two things to practice here. Firing different spells rapidly: we will continue to practice this and add variations throughout the year so this is a good place to start. And does anyone know the second?"

The room seemed quite after their little demonstration. The ease at which he and Hermione had back and forthed several spells and shields seemed to have some transfixed. After a few seconds, Colin Creevey, offered uncertainly, "you dodged?"

"Yes, well done, Colin." The boy blushed pridefully. "It may not seem like a very wizarding thing to do, but I can tell you, simply moving out of the way is the most effective way to negate a spell. After all, that is one of only two ways to deal with any of the unforgivable curses. Not to mention, dark spells you're unaware of. Combining shielding with evading is a very useful tactic and keeps you agile, ready to go on the counter offensive." Harry thought he sounded like the dueling book he was quoting from here. He caught Hermione giving him an appraising look.

"What was that spell you used, Harry?" Susan asked. "That shielding spell?"

"It's called Protego Refraxius. We'll be learning it in a few lessons time." Susan nodded and smiled back. Harry thought he felt his stomach float for a moment. "For now, everyone pair off and begin with one of you attacking first. Please use only low level, non harmful jinxes and shielding only for now. I'll walk around and help where I can." He nodded to his Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and Ginny, whom Harry had already practiced with. He'd asked them to spread out around everyone and practice so that people could see how the spells were supposed to be performed. Something he was thankful for now that the group was so large.

Harry was in awe of how many people had shown up. He actually thought it would have been smaller than last year, what with a few 7th years leaving and others thinking Snape was more competent than Umbridge, which Harry grudgingly had to admit was true. Yet, several more than last year had turned up. Almost all of the upper 3 years of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had come: Harry noticed all of the Creevey brother's friends seemed to be here, they were conversing together as they split off into pairs. This was a great start. He just hoped they were here for the right reasons.

Some, however, he seriously doubted. Romilda Vane kept sending shy smiles his way. Strangely she seemed to be very good whenever Hermione, who was walking around helping people, was near, yet when Harry got close she couldn't seem to get it right. He peeled off as quickly as possible and went over to a younger blonde haired Ravenclaw fifth years whose name he thought was Orla. Her face was scrunched in concentration as she produced a shield that very nearly broke every time her partner's spell struck it.

"Hold on a second," he said. "It's Orla, right?" She nodded as if she'd been caught failing in class. "It's not a problem Or-."

"-But, I promise I can usually do it," she blurted out over Harry. "I just can't seem to get the spell to be very strong." Her shoulders sagged as she finished.

"I had that problem too when I first began to practice. Try tightening your grip on your wand, but most importantly, relax." He said, trying to make his voice sound soothing. She looked up at him as if he'd just produced a stink bomb and told her the solution required her to eat it. "Look, I know it seems strange, but the more frustrated you get, the more your magic can't get out. It becomes blocked by your uncertainty in yourself. Take a few breaths and try not to beat yourself up when you can't do something. Usually that only makes it worse." She nodded and refocused.

"Protego!" She exclaimed and this time the shield held far stronger than before as it absorbed the spell. She smiled, "thanks Harry!"

The rest of the class went as expected. His group from last year were more advanced, catching onto the nature of dueling back and forth much quicker and eventually using the same spells as he and Hermione had. Harry didn't want to separate the classes, but thought he'd have to come up with a way to get everyone on the same level. While, of course, there were differences in age and ability, he felt propelled to get everyone to the same point, whereby they could handle themselves when paired off with anyone. If he could do this by the end of the year, then he could feel proud he'd prepared them as best as he could.

In a similar way, his friends had seized their roles in the class this year too. Ron and Hermione were their usual supportive selves, following his requests without question. But it was Neville whom Harry thought shone the brightest. No where more than here was the boy's change since the ministry more evident. Harry noticed that his friend had stopped dueling several times to help the younger years beside him and even more interesting, was that he seemed to be doing this intuitively, instructing them as if it he'd done so hundreds of times before. He'd make a good teacher, was what Harry thought before he heard his name being whispered loudly across the room. It was Hermione who was pointing at a small clock on the wall next to an even smaller half formed version of the Hogwarts symbol. He thought he recognised it, but with only 15 minutes before the new enforced curfew, he put it out of his mind and sprang into action.

"Okay everyone!" He shouted, bringing a halt to their exercise. All eyes were staring at him once again. "Um-, thanks so much for coming to our first session. You all did really well and I've seen a lot of improvements, in this last hour alone." That was certainly true. Everyone appeared a little rusty from last year and he was glad for this little warm up lesson, to get them ready and to get the new people caught up. "Next time, we will be learning Protego Refraxius and can start to dodge curses you're not sure about. If you have any questions feel free to grab me at any time before our next lesson. For now, thanks and I'll see you next week."

Everyone began chatting amicably as they headed towards the grand door and back to their common rooms. Quite a few came to thank him on their way out, and said they were looking forward to more. Ron and Hermione waited behind and Harry noticed Ginny leaving with Dean, looking happy arm in arm. They were followed by several giggling girls who winked at him on the way out.

"Hey, Harry," said Cho, who had tentatively approached alone. Harry had noticed Cho returning this year despite what had happened at the end of last. Although she hadn't brought her friend Marietta with her. "Listen," she said before he could reply. "I'm so sorry again - for what happened at the end of last year! Marietta feels really bad about it too…she- she wanted to come tonight, you know, with everything that's happened over the past few months- but she was afraid of what you'd think…that people wouldn't like her-."

"-I see…" Harry replied just as Ron cut him off.

"Yeah, well she should be." He said angrily. "She ruined everything last year. It was her fault that -."

"-Ron!" Harry said with force. "I know what she did and why. And although I don't agree with it, it wasn't her fault. She did what she thought was right. What her mother told her… she was scared." He finished refocusing on Cho now. Her head turned downcast, but she nodded nonetheless.

"Look, thanks for saying sorry Cho. I'm glad you're here…And if Marietta wants to come this year too, I'll be happy to teach her." Harry wasn't looking at Ron, but he could tell from his sputter to the side that he couldn't believe what he was saying.

"Thanks, Harry. I'll make sure to tell her." She smiled kindly before turning to catch up with her friends.

"Are you mad?!" Ron rounded on him barely waiting for Cho to be out of earshot.

"No, but I don't blame her. She deserves to be here; anyone who wants to learn to fight the Death Eaters should."

"But Marietta betrayed us." Ron half yelled, as if Harry didn't know. "She caused Dumbledore to leave! Have you forgotten that?"

"Ron!" Interjected Hermione.

"Look, mate. I get it. She did ruin everything last year. But considering the pressure that was on us… on everyone… It was just a matter of time before someone talked. People were afraid then and they are now. The only difference is, I won't have let us be divided anymore. We all know the enemy. And no matter who, if there's even a small chance she could learn something here that would save her life, I'd teach her."

Ron still looked angry, but at least for the moment seemed mollified. "Fine. Although, I'm sure she'd love to get her hands on Hermione. I heard she had to go to 's to get the words SNEAK removed from her forehead."

His bushy haired friend had the decency to look regretful. "Well, I didn't want to do it." And then the look was lost, "But she did deserve it though." She said, to which Ron couldn't help but laugh.

From here, they left the Room of Requirement and headed back towards their tower. As the door swung shut behind them, Harry was reminded of what Seamus had said at the beginning of class. Ron and Hermione both thought that Malfoy being the one disillusioned was possible considering what Harry had recently witnessed, but they couldn't offer any theories as to why. From what Seamus had described, Malfoy seemed desperate once again. A far cry from his recent high and mighty attitude he'd been sporting.

Later that night, Harry made his excuses and left to grab some sleep while the rest of his dorm mates were still in the common room. He'd picked his time strategically, Hermione was buried in homework and Ron and Neville had just begun a game of Wizards Chess, although Ron's attention seemed to be wavering between the game and trying to avoid Hermione's reproachful look for making too much noise. Still, knowing his time was short before someone trudged up the stairs, he pulled out his two way mirror and tried calling for Remus. As soon as the his friend appeared, almost the first thing out of Harry's mouth were his theories on Malfoy.

"Harry, if Malfoy had become a Death Eater, then we'd know about it." Remus began. "Snape would have said something." Harry didn't exactly think Snape was the most reliable source here, but decided not to share that thought until he had proof Malfoy was up to something and of Snape collusion. Apparently, Moony interpreted his thoughts as if he'd said them out loud. "Oh, come now, Harry. I know you don't trust him, and after the way he's treated you over the years I don't blame you. But that doesn't mean that Snape is lying. Besides, Dumbledore trusts him and for me that's all that matters." Harry wanted to argue the point further, but couldn't find a way to beat that logic, so moved onto other matters.

"Anyway, have you got any news from the Order now that you're back?"

Remus took a deep breath before he spoke. Harry knew he wasn't exactly comfortable revealing things he'd promised to keep to the Order of the Phoenix, but in the end he knew the dangers of a lack of information and agreed Harry should know. "The disappearances are beginning to increase. Whether people are fleeing or are being…well,- hunted by the Death Eaters, we're not always sure. Some people just vanish."

"And the Ministry, are they doing anything to fight back?"

"It doesn't seem like much progress is being made on their part. Scrimgeour is making random arrests and calling it progress. People at the Ministry are scared, more than ever." Harry thought it mirrored the recent mood in the Great Hall. "Nothing really came of the the Death Eaters that we managed to capture after the attack during the summer: several were under the imperious and the others were far to new to know anything. Just pure blood believers from overseas."

"Right, well… Any good news?" Harry tried hopefully.

"Well, thanks to you, Ollivander is safe. He's in hiding,-although he's not happy about being away from his wand shop, but he agrees going back is too dangerous."

"Does anyone know yet why Voldemort wanted him?"

"Unfortunately not. We can only guess it has something to do with his knowledge of wands, however so many people are being targeted now that it's hard to say whether it's something that specific. Speaking of, you mentioned your new wand has been acting up?"

"Oh, yeah well,-not exactly acting up, it's just as cooperative as when I first got it. I don't know. I can't place it, but I feel like it warns me sometimes."

"Warns you?"

"Yeah, like it vibrates and -, I'm honestly not really sure how to describe it."

Remus pondered over what Harry said for a moment. "Well, I've never heard of a wand acting of its own accord before. Wands are sentient to a degree, the wand chooses the wizard after all. And there is definitely something strange about it. Particularly, the way it came to you."

"Couldn't agree more." Then an idea hit Harry. "Actually, do you think it would be possible for you to ask Ollivander about it? I don't think it would be a good idea for me to reach out to him. Just in case owl post is being monitored."

"I should think that would be possible kid. I'll let you know."

"Great, and listen Moony, don't think I haven't forgotten your promise you made before term started." Harry said with a smirk.

"Nor have I, Harry. But I didn't anticipate that the school would be as tightly locked up as it is. It's easily the most secure place in the country right now. Getting off the grounds is not only dangerous but damn near impossible…"

With a smirk, Harry let that thought hang there before he struck, "that would hardly stop a true Marauder like yourself now would it Moony?" Remus threw his head back and howled with laughter. It took him a few seconds to bring himself under control.

"You've got me there, Harry. However, I happen to know that all of our Marauder discovered passageways have been covered. And you can hardly just walk out of the front door…"

"Walk no. But maybe something else…" Harry said conspiratorially, "don't worry about me Remus, I'll get out and will let you know when so we can finish our apparition lessons."

"Fine, Harry. Although I still don't understand the rush. I mean you'll learn in school by the end of the year."

True, but that might be too late, he thought. "Always good to be prepared Moony." Was all he said. Remus didn't seem to believe him, but moved on anyway, something else apparently eagerly tickling his mind.

"Fine fine. Now, shall talk about our mystery helper in Diagon Alley. Did you find out more about her and what she wants?"

Here, Harry paused. "Sure. To a degree. She um, seemed open to keeping my secret, as long as I kept hers."

"Wait, so how did you talk to her? What was she like?" Moony bombarded him with questions.

Harry explained what had happened, how she'd contacted him, and their talk, but the old wolf seemed skeptical. "I don't know much about their family," he said. "The Greengrasses that were her parents, left as we got to school, if I remember rightly. I do know that they have traditionally been dark wizards…" For some reason, that was a revelation Harry thought he didn't want to hear. "They're quite wealthy, due to their export business."

"That's not to say that she is though, I mean she did help me in Diagon Alley, when she didn't need to." Harry said.

"True, but we don't know what her motives were behind that. Why was she truly hiding herself? Why was she even there? And why be so secretive?" He replied.

"I'm being as secretive as she is, maybe she's afraid…."

"Maybe, kid. But all that surrounds her are if's and maybes. And that leaves a lot to chance." Harry wanted to argue the point, but Moony beat him to it. "I'm just concerned for you, Harry. She could be dangerous. No matter what her actions have been, we simply don't know enough about her to rule her out as a threat. If she's somehow connected with Voldemort through her family, then her knowledge about you becomes more valuable than yours about her."

Harry let that sink in. It was hard to deny the truth in there. After all, Remus was just being cautious. Yet, something about her in their meeting seemed genuine to Harry. She was curious about how he'd saved them. She wanted to save people and help him that day, but was for some reason unwilling to reveal anything about Malfoy. It didn't make sense.

"Harry, I'm going out on a limb here, and I'm sorry if I'm presumptuous, a wolf's intuition, as your mother called it. But this girl doesn't happen to be pretty does she?"

Harry's eyes widened. "Remus…" The aged werewolf chuckled back. "That has nothing to do with this, she has my secret and that's my concern. Nothing more." He said, cheeks feeling like they were rapidly heating up.

"If you say so, Harry." He said, on the verge of chortling.

Harry had no idea how to react. Was he being blinded by her looks? I mean, only an idiot would deny how beautiful she was, he thought. In fact he'd noticed, while observing her, how she constantly received looks from boys throughout the school. Several times he'd seen Justin Finch Flechley nearly trip over his robes as she walked into class ignoring all such ogling. Interestingly though, not once had anyone dare approach her. Harry thought this was likely due to the stone cold persona she fostered. No! His interest in her was purely for safety over his secret, he told himself, and squashed the butterflies in his stomach down.

"And she didn't ask for anything else? Nothing from you?" Remus inquired, letting Harry off the hook.

Harry's eyes shot open for the second time in a minute. "Oh, crap! Remus, I've got to go. We'll talk soon okay." Harry hurriedly put down the mirror and leapt from his bed. Thankfully, Ron and everyone hadn't come up to bed yet. He tapped his trunk with his wand and the lid wrenched open. Jumping down the stairs, he saw the piece of paper Daphne had given him laying on the kitchen counter. He hastily wrote the name of the book she wanted to know on it. The scrunched up paper glowed a faint blue for a second and then the writing disappeared, melting into the paper like water absorbed by the earth. Harry hoped that had worked. He was so busy thinking about what Malfoy was doing and about Daphne's intentions that he had completely forgotten the deal they'd made. If he was lucky she wouldn't hold it against him. Suddenly the thought of what Dumbledore would do if he found out shot ominously across his mind.

—HP—

"I cannot believe he did this." Harry said for what seemed like the twentieth time a few nights later. "I mean he must of had to reschedule with everyone in order to make it happen."

"Oh Harry, what are you worrying about? It might even be fun." Slughorn had apparently bent over backwards in order to move the dinner from the originally proposed Saturday night to tonight, the Friday.

"Easy for you to say. He doesn't eye you like the holy grail every time you're near him." He said. They rounded another corner of the castle, the light from the moon already shining through the large windows, on their way to Slughorn's quarters. Despite Harry's mediocre performance in potions since their first lesson, Slughorn had caught wind that Harry's spellwork in other classes was some of the best in the year and as a result, had not let him forget it. 'Nothing but remarkable things, I hear from Minerva….Filius is the same of course,' he said conversationally to Snape of all people as they had passed their table at breakfast. Snape's accompanying sneer was enough to make Harry's skin crawl as he muttered something about the sun shining even on a Hippogriff's backside someday… Harry had responded by gritting his teeth and hand palming his face.

"Well, it might be a good way for you to get some more potions tips then." She said imperiously strutting along. Harry'd noticed Hermione's pricklier side coming out a lot more since their first day of class. Even though he'd explained the majority of his performance this year to his summer studies, Hermione was nothing if not chagrined at his accomplishments. Every time they practiced a new spell in class and Harry was first to master it, Hermione would all but ignore him until she had mastered the spell herself, whether that be moments later in the same class or in the library until an irate Madam Pince forced her out for curfew. It was a side of Hermione Harry was beginning to see more of, and one he wasn't sure he liked too much.

In fact, right now he was missing the presence of Neville, who had opted not to come. While his friend's abilities in potions were far more pronounced this year, his fawning over by Slughorn, who couldn't help but compare him to his parents, had caused the boy to revert to his shier demeanour and thus had declined the offer. Harry was worried that if Slughorn kept on, he'd reduce his friend's performance in class and that would be a shame, considering the steps he'd made since Snape had stepped away from the position.

As they arrived, Harry wondered out loud if Malfoy would be here. "I doubt it," Hermione replied. "I mean we still don't know how he's doing so well in Potions, but Slughorn doesn't seem to be warming to him as he is you." Something he found himself strangely jealous of the blonde haired Slytherin for. He shook his head to rid himself of that thought.

Pushing the door open, Harry immediately realised who else would likely be present. And sure enough, sitting next to Blaise Zambini, was Daphne Greengrass. She was wearing an elegant dark jacket over a purple blouse and her long brown hair shone with the warm candle light on one side and the bright moonlight on the other. Harry had a hard time not staring, his mind working over time to control his rapidly firing hormones, as he walked in and greeted everyone with a nod, including a very pleased looking Slughorn. They were the last to arrive and as they sat Slughorn clicked his fingers and the Hogwarts House Elves immediately appeared with the starters.

From the get go, Slughorn weaved the conversation like a master composer shaping his grand symphony. As the various courses were served, and he continued to intertwine himself and his world renowned connections into the topic of discussion, Harry couldn't help but notice that Slughorn wasn't delving into any topics of real concern within the wizarding world. Every time the conversation turned towards Voldemort and his Death Eaters, Slughorn stepped in to skilfully divert the discussion back to a friendlier tune. By the time they were eating desert, Harry thought they'd managed to cover all manner of benign chitchat without actually having talked about anything. It was a sight to behold, the coveting look the aged professor had while his gleaming eyes roamed over the gathered talent, made Harry imagine those present were like Slughorn's versions of Chocolate Frog Cards. With that in mind, the Professor turned to Harry, a look on his face like this was his 9th Symphony. And like any master, Slughorn disarmed him from the get go.

"So, Harry m'boy," he chuckled jovially, twirling his brandy in one hand. "I don't suppose you'd be so disposed to tell us what happened at the Ministry last year? I mean, I can't believe you like the rumours that are being circulated without having your say of what actually happened now, do you?" The portly man stated, twirling his long wispy moustache conspiratorially in the other hand.

Harry felt like he'd just been sideswiped; this was a hasty departure from tonight's other mindless chatter. "There's not much that's not already known, Sir. Even if the facts are somewhat muddled."

"Mmm, that's indeed my point m'boy," he continued. "better to address the press head on, wouldn't you say. Otherwise, who knows what the gossipers will run with and before you know it you'll be front and centre of the Daily Prophet with old Skeeter questioning your chosen one status?"

All sets of eyes in the room were now focused on him. He chanced a look at Daphne, who stared back with interest. To his relief, Ginny and Hermione were here, and he could practically feel their fists clenching at the provocation. "That's hardy the point, Sir." He replied. "No matter what I do, or what I say, the Prophet paints whatever picture the ministry tells it to, which as it happens at the moment appears to be along the lines of last years 'everything's fine' mantra. Even though we all know different."

"Like hell, Potter." Zambini responded. "the dark lord may have returned, but few things have been reported yet. He's nowhere near what he was last time."

"Speaking 'cos you're certain are you, Zambini?" Ginny cut in, to receive a glare back from the Slytherin boy.

"Now, now, settle down." Slughorn interjected uneasily. "You know, Harry, I have friends at the Prophet who would no doubt be happy to print your story, word for word I'm sure, if you wanted…" He seemed desperate now to get the conversation back onto his track.

"That's very kind, Sir." Harry said, resisting the urge to grit his teeth. "But what happened in the Ministry really wasn't that exciting; my friends and I were lucky to survive. The truth is Voldemort's back and stopping him is all that matters."

"And what of those who still don't believe what your saying is real, Potter?" One of the younger Slytherin twins asked dismissively. In that long moment, Harry felt a strange calm wash over him, just as he'd done when he was in the throes of teaching the D.A. or even when he was training. He knew what he was saying and doing was right and he wasn't going to be distracted by anyone.

"It's obvious isn't it." He replied firmly. "People are being removed from class. Parents are being killed. Entire families go missing." Thinking back to last week when Hannah Abbott was removed because of a Death Eaters attack. She hadn't returned to classes yet. "If that's not real enough, I don't know what is."

A sharp silence seemed to follow the strength in his last statement. Slughorn stuttered having seemingly lost control of his perfect instrument which a minute ago was humming brilliantly. "Yes-, well. I think it's time for a quick break while we- err… wait for our coffee." He said hastily. "Do excuse me, while I use the loo. Feel free to look around in the meantime." He then hurried off and out the door.

Most of the Slytherin's present glared at Harry and got up to look around Slughorn's office. Daphne, he noticed, split off from the rest.

"Nice." Ginny said, turning to him. "That'll teach Slughorn for prying so hard."

Harry had to laugh. "Thanks Gin."

"I can't believe how Slughorn was trying to bait you." Hermione said incredulously.

The girls continued their tirade while Harry zoned out as he sipped Slughorn's expensive wine with a growing distaste. And then an idea hit him. Excusing himself, he walked over to an adjacent wall by the window where dozens of photos from each year of Slug Club hung. Scanning the years, Harry found the one he was looking for and stopped. His mother was simply beautiful. Her radiant red hair cascaded down her side as she stood proudly, the Gryffindor seal appeared large on her cloak, and smiled with her fellow Slug Club members. Thankfully, nobody was close enough to see a tear form in the corner of his eye. He caught it quickly and moved on before more had the chance to appear.

Moving sideways, Harry's eyes were glued to the wall as he searched for a specific year until… It wasn't here. The years in which a young Tom Riddle would surely have been a member were missing. That can't be a coincidence, Harry thought. Slughorn must have removed them, knowing who or what Riddle had become. Then he seemed to notice where he was standing. Just a few feet away stood Daphne Greengrass, looking intently at some books on a nearby shelf. Trying not to seem to obvious, Harry stepped a little closer.

"Congratulations…the - errr - potion," he stumbled over his words, "it was perfect." She considered him and then glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching.

"Thanks…I suppose a close second is relatively admiral, Potter." She said with a smirk.

"I bet that's considered humble for a Slytherin." he said, trying hard not to rise to the bait. "Still, its almost chivalrous compared to your other winner." She shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Malfoy and suddenly seemed more aware of their surroundings.

"I guess you'll just have to do better next time ay, Potter?" she said, and began to turn away.

"Potions was never my best subject…" His words stopping her mid-turn. "Then, if I remember you saying, it wasn't yours either, which would mean..." she looked at him out of the corner of her eye with a dangerous glint."...that you've practiced that particular potion before. Keen to be an Animagus are we, Greengrass?"

She went to turn fully to face him, then seemed to catch herself as she looked around, still checking no one was watching them. "Observant much, Potter." She continued. "I suppose, considering your own sudden talent for potions and that your first thought about me ran to Animagus, I'd imagine you're equally eager. Slughorn would frame you on his mantle if he saw you turn into a slug right here."

Harry let out an involuntary laugh, although he quickly controlled himself, he didn't think it was a good idea to give her the satisfaction. Too late, she smirked back at him knowingly. Although, she didn't seem like she had to leave anymore. Harry narrowed his eyes and kept on looking forwards. For all intents and purposes, they were just two people examining photos on a wall who happened to be standing near each other.

"Nice reply, by the way." She said. "Slughorn will think twice before he accosts you again."

"I hope your housemates feel the same." Harry said, "I didn't think I'd be interrogated so heavily during our first dinner."

"They're just goading you. You should try not letting them get under your skin so much." She said, smirking again. Maybe she had a point there; the irony of the statement was not lost on him as he felt his stomach leap as their eyes met.

"I guess I'd probably be wise to listen to your expertise in that area then." Her eyebrow arched. "Surely you've noticed, Greengrass. You have almost everyone at school afraid to get within 10 feet of you. And those who do, are met by that famous icy indifference of yours." Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the look on her face, which he definitely wouldn't describe as icy or indifferent right now.

After a few short pause, she answered. "That's a lot of observation you've been doing. Keep this up and I'll start to think you're stalking me, Potter."

Harry didn't know what to say to that so just let the silence hang between them. His mind was racing trying to think of something, but he couldn't."Thanks for the book title," she said, changing the subject, her hair shimmering beautifully in the candle light. "…finally. Although, I haven't been able to find it in the library or in the Flourish and Blotts catalogue yet."

"The book's only really a stepping stone, its not the most useful when it comes to application."

"Oh? And where do you get your other information from then, Potter?" She asked challengingly.

Harry shrugged. "That's... let's say tough to explain," thinking about the mixtures of training and studying he'd pushed himself to do.

She considered him for a moment. "Fine, I'll get it… one way or another, and then I'll learn what I can-." For a moment, Harry thought he heard her say 'I have to', under her breathe, but in the next she'd turned her head away. When she turned back again she was wearing a playful look "-and who knows, might help me detect when I'm being spied on, ay Potter?"

"Well, don't worry, Greengrass. In the meantime, a close second is relatively admirable." He said jokingly and walked away.

Harry's heart was summersaulting as he walked back to where the rest of Slugclub were now gathered. He'd never been so confident in his life, especially in front of a girl. She just had a way of pushing his buttons while simultaneously making his heart race. It didn't help that she only seemed to get prettier every time he saw her.

Sitting back down, Hermione eyed him suspiciously as Daphne rejoined moments later, but Harry ignored it as coincidence. The rest of the evening past with little affair, with no one wanting to question Harry further and Daphne's demeanour returning to normal. At a few minutes before curfew, Slughorn bade them goodnight. It was as Harry was leaving that he was reminded of something. Above the door was a small almost indistinguishable seal. It appeared to be the crest of the Slytherin house, but it was different, archaic looking almost; indeed it seemed to have faded into the wall. Harry was only able to glance at it before he was hurried out by Hermione, who was eager not to break curfew, but that one look was enough.

He'd seen that crest somewhere already. It was on a much older version of the Hogwarts seal as he knew it now, which consisted of all four houses. He'd seen the same seal above the door and next to the clock in the Room of Requirement when they were training, but it hadn't been complete. It was missing the Slytherin section. Now that Harry had seen that, he remembered where he'd seen the complete seal before. The old journal he'd bought months ago from the since destroyed Obscurus books.