Hey everyone,
I have three things I want you all to know. One, my favorite YT'er when it comes to Kingdom Hearts is almost done with his first playthrough of Kingdom Hearts III. I know it's surprising that it took him this long, but I prefer quality over quantity and he delivers on that. When this series is finished, I will use it as motivation to edit this story. When that's done I'll make sure to post the newest chapter so you can be made aware of the editing being done.
The other two concern this and future chapters. One, I cannot say for certain this will be a long chapter. It's going to focus on Ron and him getting over his anxiety when making a mistake as a Keeper and I really can't say for certain how much of that I will cover. But because of that will this chapter also take out quite a few more characters for the coming chapters. But rest assured, Harry will return sometime during the reading.
Alright, let's do this,

Venquine1990
Shout-Out To:
Guest#01
Wishfull-Star
Guest#02
V.L. Crawford
Crystal (guest)


Chapter 51
Pleasant Training, Unpleasant Reading

15th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Angelina's POV

"Alright! I'm sorry, but I've had enough of this. This year is going horrible and I need to get my mind off of all the bad news we keep getting. Ron, it's time to get some training done. You in?" I ask my potentially future team mate and the redhead nods, his face and that of others around me proving that they fully agree with me. The others also nod and James says:
"You're right, Angelina. Luna may have told us that we need to keep reading, but there are those among us who are better off taking breaks from time to time. Not to mention that, if they do, they can clear their own minds and help us clear ours when they come back." More nods follow this and then Alicia asks: "Would anyone be opposed if the team leaves then?" But to this the twins say:
"Sorry, we're not leaving.""Harry will need us when he comes back.""We don't want him to worry." "And we want to be there for him.""When we get to the harder parts of the story." To this I nod with a smile as that is such a thing for the two of them to do and then Luna says: "We're closing in. The next two will have bad news all over it, the two following will be lighter, but only neutral at best. Though at the end of the fourth – it will begin."

At this I stand up and say: "Then all the more reason for us to go. Dean, Seamus, would you two mind coming with us, so Fred and George can stay?" The two shake their heads and I then turn to the new guests as I ask: "Hercules, I would like you, Tarzan, Even, Ienzo and Aeleaus to come as well. I have a plan that requires two teams, not just one. Don't worry, Ron, you'll only practice against one."
The boy nods and the guests, who have actually been mostly silent for the last few chapters, stand up from their own seats, my friends joining me alongside them as James says: "You'll find the Quidditch pitch on the other side of that small forest over there. I know you can't see it, but it's there." And while I wonder how large this pitch might be, do I nod and thank the man before leading the large group out of the arena.
"What we do?" Tarzan asks as he walks on hands and feet beside me and I say: "I'll tell you once we get to the pitch. I need to know the size of it before I can determine how well the plan might work and whether or not I need to make some adjustments." The king of the Jungle – as Alicia told me he is called in his movie – nods at me and then dashes for the forest. At this I smile as I can only imagine that he must be feeling quite homesick, even with his own rooms.

We ourselves pass the forest and move around it and when we do, do I see a pitch that, in my eyes, is exactly the right size for my plans. "Perfect. That is exactly the size I hoped it would be." I mutter and Hercules asks: "For what?""I want to use the mirror-mirror technique. It's a technique that my mum taught me and that will help the team prepare for when we have our reserve team set up.
And Ron, you are going to love this training technique, it concerns a lot of team work, communication – and strategy." Instantly the redhead looks quite intrigued and after collecting Tarzan and finding a nice set of brooms that were obviously newly bought just before the Potters went down under, do I focus back on my explanation. "Okay, here is how the mirror-mirror technique works.
First, Dean, Seamus, I would like you boys to lead the other team instead of taking Fred and George's place, that way the others have someone who can further explain the game to them, more than the book did so far, I mean." The two nod and I say: "Tarzan, Hercules, I would like you to take their place and be our Beaters. However, while we have two teams, there will only be four players in the air at the time."

The group looks intrigued and I say: "This is how we're going to do it. Ron and one other, I think Vexen would be best, will be at the goal and one of us, one Chaser or Beater, will be opposing them at the same time. The others will switch with them, one Chaser for another, one Beater for the previous Chaser, etc. etc. etc. And for every Chaser and Beater that comes into the air – one of the Keepers decides a maneuver for them to play and that the Keeper will have to block.
And after Ron names one – or thinks up one of his own design or invention – Even will have to mirror that same maneuver. After which, as I said, the Chaser will be replaced for the next player on the team. Do you get all this?" Everyone nods, but then Seamus says: "Though I think it's better if I take Even's place. He is more defensive, but I know more Quidditch maneuvers." And both Even and I nod in acceptance to this.

"What do you think, Ron? You think this will work?" Alicia asks the redhead and he rubs the back of his head as he says: "To be honest, I – I'm not sure. If – if Seamus does better –.""There's little chance of that, mate. You've been playing way longer than me and you're way more strategic than I am. You are the Chess Master of our dorm, after all." And this seems to make the redhead feel better, smiling at his dorm mate and nodding as he says: "Yeah, you're right."
"Alright, let's take our brooms and head into the air. You lot, if you want, you can stay on the ground for the first few minutes and watch us warm up so you know how to mount your brooms and everything." At this the foreign guests nod in gratitude and I take the whole group, now consisting of two teams as Aeleus found robes for us all to wear which had either a red or a white trim.
We head out and reach the center of the pitch, the pitch itself being just about big enough to fit a full Gryffindor party in full swing, perhaps even slightly better than the common room itself did the last few times there was a party. My team and I mount our brooms and while it still doesn't feel the same way as how Harry described in the book, do I still love the sensation of being up in the air.

We do a few rounds and then I stop and look down to the others. Even nods at me and then guides his own team to actually mirror some of the moves of me and my own. And while it's quite obvious that most of them have never been on a broom before, do they actually fly with more finesse than most First years. Though I smirk at this thought as I add the thought: "Most, but not Harry." To it, which fills me up with pride.
After a few minutes does it look like the whole group, including those who are from the other universe, have gotten used to flying a broom, Hercules being the first as he must have flown his mystical Pegasus a lot and just needed to adapt to the size difference and I motion my team to the ground, Even doing the same with his own. I decide to start and say:
"Okay, we'll do a switch-up like of practice. A Chaser goes first, then a Beater, then the next Chaser, the second Beater, the third Chaser and then the first Beater again followed by the first Chaser. And the same will count for the whole mirror thing. First Ron will think of a move that the Chaser will have to play at him and then Seamus will have to mirror and then Seamus will."
The two teams nod and while it does a few minutes every time a new move is thought of as either Ron or Seamus has to explain the move to the other team, do none of them feel awkward or embarrassed and do they actually all take to their roles as Beaters and Chasers in a way that really impresses me. And this makes me feel very confident that this practice will bear brilliant fruit.


Hey everyone,
So some of you might think that I could probably put in a time skip or something, but that won't work, because I can't say for certain how long reading the next two chapters is going to take. Because of that – and because this chapter actually only ended up being two pages long – which is too short by my standards – did I decide to add the next CR chapter to this chapter.
Have fun,

Venquine1990


At the same time
Back at the Arena
Belle's POV

"Would anyone be against me reading the next chapter?" I ask and while some people turn to Luna, does the girl say: "It's probably better to wait for these next few chapters to be read by new people. They don't have the same connection to Hogwarts, the Potters and others that Ron, Hermione and I do." And while this worries me, do I take the book.
I page through it, Beast moving to sit closer against me and wrapping his warm soft arm around my form to offer me reassurance and I give him a small smile by turning my face just a little while finding the latest chapter. And just the chapter title proves the little blonde girl right, though I can't say for sure if everyone will be able to catch up on this or why. And after taking a deep breath to collect and prepare myself, do I start to read.

The Centaur and the Sneak

I sneak a quick look up and can easily see that I was actually wrong as everyone is either grimacing or tensing up, Sirius, James and those that are going to Hogwarts this year actually doing both and Fred mutters: "Guess this is the end of Harry's only reason of having come back after Christmas." And this makes George grab his hand to offer him a bit of reassurance as I start the chapter.

"I'll bet … wasn't she?"

"I'm actually not sure who I think is worse." James mutters and we all turn to him as he sighs and says: "I hate Trelawney for her part in killing Lily and ruining the last 14 years of Harry's life, but in my eyes is Umbridge, at least in the book, killing the last bits of my son's innocence and childhood and I hate that just as much." We all nod in empathy and understanding at this and I read on.

"I've got … saw Firenze."

"You fought the spell." Luna tells Hermione, who looks at her confused, but Neville says: "She's right. No-Name is probably using the spell to make you like her, to make you believe that things will be alright and to believe in the adults. But here you prove that your own beliefs in Umbridge and how horrible she can be is stronger than the spell." At this Hermione turns a little red and mutters: "Let's hope I can keep that up." I nod and read on.

After breakfast … stood Firenze.

"That's actually possible? Why don't other teachers do that?" Hermione asks shocked and the Headmaster gently answers her: "Because it's only possible if the Headmaster casts the charm and unfortunately I will have to recast the spell every week and at the end of the week it actually weakens me a little and I would only have the weekend to recuperate." Hermione winces and mutters: "Right, that makes sense." Yet Dumbledore only keeps smiling gently at her as I read on.

"Harry Potter," … the chest.

My beloved turns to Dumbledore at this and says: "If you want, I will head for the Forest after we finish reading this book to set this right. Perhaps seeing my form and finding out that I am living in a castle like you want Firenze to will make it easier for them to understand that there doesn't need to be this badly a barrier between you and them." Dumbledore nods at him and I give him a warm hug to prove how proud I am of him for this as I read on.

"Let us … planetary movements."

"That's not true." Luna states strongly, making us all turn to her and she says: "Firenze is really underestimating the whole thing there. It doesn't just have to mean a small burn like a camper burning himself on a campfire. It could also predict that someone might try to burn Hogwarts or Hogsmeade down or something." And while the very thought does terrify me, do I also give the girl right and Beast mutters: "I'll remember that." As I continue the chapter.

"Professor Trelawney –" … are seeing."

"With great power comes great responsibility." Hermione says, making us turn to her and she says: "It's a Muggle saying that actually comes from a comic book. And personally, I don't think the Centaurs are living up to that saying. They have the power to predict the future, probably even better than any other, and they do nothing with it. That's not responsible." We all nod at this and I hear my love mutter the same thing again as I continue the chapter.

Firenze pointed … was foolproof.

"I'm starting to wonder if he really is the best choice." Professor Dumbledore mutters with a frown of concern on his face, yet to this Hermione says: "Well, you do have the rest of summer to find a replacement and you won't have to worry about DADA anymore." The man nods at this, smiling at his student and Lea says: "And maybe one of our friends could help." And while others mutter in intrigue over this, do I continue the chapter.

"He's not … Arts OWLs.

"She would have taken all the credit and glory, though – wow, this was a really bad idea." Hermione suddenly tells herself and when we look at her, she says: "The other students. Because they're not getting the same classes, there is going to be a major difference between our group and the others. That would make it like a red flag that something strange is going on.
It will instantly alert everyone that the students who got good grades probably either did a lot of Independent Studies or got lessons from someone else." At this we all turn pretty uncomfortable, but then Neville shrugs and says: "No problem. Harry could just ask us not to use his lessons to pass our OWLs." But to this Kairi shakes her head and says: "That's not Harry. He's doing this for your futures and your OWLs are a part of that."
Neville rubs the back of his head and says: "Right, didn't think of that." I notice Dumbledore looking even more uncomfortable than before. "I'm afraid that, perhaps through either Molly or Umbridge working the Heartstamp Spell on me, that's exactly what I seem to be doing. Waiting for the OWLs so that the scores can prove Umbridge to be the failure she is.""You are the kind of guy that likes long-term plans." James mutters and I cringe as I continue the chapter.

They had … both nearer –

"Okay, if I decide to do this, if it even becomes necessary with Mr. Diggory teaching, and the Ministry or someone else decides to cause trouble, I will have to remember to teach the group to evacuate in a more timely and well-planned manner. Will have to remember that." I suddenly hear a familiar voice say and look up, a few of us shocked and others pleased to see Harry, Sora and Riku standing at the edge of the arena.
"When did you guys get back?" Kairi asks and Riku answers: "When Book-Harry spotted Dobby at his feet. Oh, and Harry's lessons to create Occlumency shields are going much better. I dove into his heart and managed to bring a mental version of him in there as well. From there Harry cast a Shield Charm at the edge of his heart and then focused to expand the spell around his heart. Now all he needs to do is learn to do the same for his mind."
This makes all of us smile at the boy, who goes to sit between Fred and George while Sora and Riku go to sit at the bit of empty space next to James and Sirius. "Where are Ron and the others?""We already read another chapter before this one, so Angelina decided to start Ron's insecurity training. She took Seamus, Dean, Even, her friends, Ienzo, Aeleus, Tarzan and Hercules with her to have two teams to train with." Hermione explains him.
This seems to confuse the boy, but Fred says: "She's probably planning to use the mirror-mirror technique. You know, four players in the air at the time, two of them being Keepers and the two other being either Chasers or Beaters and one Keeper telling their teammate what move or technique to use and then the other Keeper needing to mirror that with his teammate." And while I can really see this helping Ron with his issues, do I read on.

"Harry, come … got one!"

"I should have stayed inside." Harry growls to which Hermione shrieks: "You would have been caught!" But Harry shakes his head and says: "Not necessarily. I could have used the room in various ways. I could have made it look like a private study where I'd be doing my homework, a room where I could relax and recuperate, a room filled with pictures of my friends to remind me of what really matters, stuff like that.
Yes, it would have ended the secrecy of the room itself – and Umbridge probably would start using it for her own nefarious needs – but it would've also given me the chance to have an alibi in case Umbridge tries to catch us. Though –." But before the boy is able to continue, does Sirius say: "They knew what they were getting into, Harry. That's their responsibility, not yours." Yet Harry doesn't seem to agree to this.
"Harry, if anyone is responsible for this, it's the teachers. We should have protected you against Umbridge, given you chances and inspired you to take up Independence Studies, could have put small bits of DADA classes into their own lessons. Long story short, there were countless things we of the staff could have done that we didn't. And that's on us. Heartstamp Spell or not." And this seems to reassure Harry after all, making him smile at the man as I read on.

Umbridge came … so good…

Harry's eyes widen and he mutters: "Wow, we got lucky." We all turn to him and he says: "Seamus. He must have been wondering why he had the dorm room all to himself so many times a month. He could have reported this to either McGonagall or even Umbridge at any point over the year." We all gape at him and Sora mutters: "Wow, you guys really did get lucky." And while Hermione rubs the back of her head in embarrassment, do I continue the chapter.

"Fizzing Whizzbee," … well, well…"

"I am so glad that this is no longer possible – and not just because Cornelius now knows of the contract between Umbridge and my mother." James states to himself, yet he then still turns to his sons and says: "Still, just to make sure you are never face with officials who want to pressure you without taking your rights into account." And he starts to wave his wand over his open palm, creating two bracelets made of gorgeous night-blue gem balls.
"These bracelets, once they pass through the Hogwarts or Ministerial wards, will tweak the Anti-Port-Key ward to make an exception for them. They will also work as a way to warn Sirius and me that you need us. Make sure you wear them at all times, understand?" But while Sora nods, does Harry turn from his mother to Dumbledore, only for Neville to get his attention.
We all turn to the boy and he rolls up one of his sleeves, showing a similar bracelet, but then with the beads being grass-green colored. "Every Heir to Ancient and Noble Houses has one, Harry. Malfoy, Susan, Cho, Angelina, I myself. They've been part of our culture for centuries, really." Harry nods at this and smiles before accepting the bracelet. And while I smile at how caring the boy is to worry over something like this, do I continue the chapter.

Harry replied … right now.

"And personally, I'd prefer that. If not for one simple fact. No-Name is at London and she's just as bad as Umbridge. It'd just be changing one bad situation for another." James sighs, yet Sirius looks thoughtful and says: "To be honest, the situation at London could go either way. It would either give Harry the chance to uncover No-Name for the witch she is – or give her an even bigger chance to put him under her control, though that might make me catch on instead."
"So it would probably have been fortunate and useful if I had let Harry take responsibility and get expelled instead of trying to take responsibility myself." Yet to this Augusta says: "Though that also has its benefits, Albus. As that will give you more of a chance to be the Leader the Order needs. Though it will also give Molly a chance to increase her spellwork on you."
"Can we just quit thinking up all these what-ifs. We keep going back to the more negative ones and we all know that there really is only one person among us who can really predict what will happen." And at this do we all turn to Luna, who seems to hum and mutter: "I'd say Harry's expulsion would have a 50/50% chance to go either way, but Dumbledore leaving – will definitely end in the latter." And with that depressing news, do I continue the chapter.

"So, it's … his head.

Harry glares at this and hisses: "Oh, so now he's willing to listen to a witness even if he or she is underage, but you weren't willing to do the same when it came to my father. Yeah, Fudge – hey, wait a second! I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!" Harry yells in the end. We look at him, but he says: "I don't want to share it, not yet. I want to keep this to myself in case Fudge tries something." At which I decide to just continue the chapter.

There was … you know."

"Is Mrs. Edgecombe part of the Alliance?" Harry asks, sounding timid and concerned and Madam Longbottom nods before she says: "Yes, but she's just Mss. Edgecombe, Harry. Her husband died of some unknown illness a year before Marietta went to Hogwarts and she's been a victim of the Financial War ever since. They probably offered her a raise or something of the sort in return for her doing this." I read on, emphasizing with the Edgecombe line.

"Jolly good, … word SNEAK.

"I have so many thoughts about that. For one, Hermione, that was excessive and even rude. Just a single spot at a certain point on the face would have been more fair, especially seeing that there are members of the DA who could have been blackmailed into exactly this." I gently tell the girl, who nods at me in understanding. I notice the others still looking at me and say:
"On the other, that word will definitely draw students attention and if they heard how it happened, they'd probably think you all very brave for your effort. It would draw them to support you and your cause. Which I suppose, seeing as how Dumbledore will be leaving in the near future, will work in your advantage. Have not the staff's support, but that of those more closer to your own age." Harry smiles at this and whispers: "Thanks, I'll need that." As I continue the chapter.

"Never mind … Dumbledore softly.

"Wait, is he an ancestor of the current Fortescue? The one who runs the ice cream shop in Diagon Alley?" Neville asks shocked and his gran nods as she says: "He is. He is also the reason Florian is an unofficial member of the Order. His ancestor was actually even the one to inspire Albus to found that Order, if I recall correctly." Dumbledore nods at this, intriguing us all and he says:
"Barlon was working as a rogue – anti-hero, I suppose you could call him. He would go from town to town all over England and take justice into his own hands, usually with his victims ending up so desperate to be arrested, they would have admitted to all of their crimes even before entering the Wizengamot chambers.
In the end, Barlon made a deal with the Ministry. They would never let criminals or people like him go and he would teach and be Headmaster of Hogwarts to ensure that less students would want to graduate and become someone like him or take to the illegal side of our world. Though he did spent his final years, after retiring, serving for harassing and attacking the criminals so ferociously, most think him to have died a hero." Everyone looks intrigued and I continue the chapter.

"The purpose … nothing there.

"Kingsley, would you mind coming with me for a minute?" James suddenly asks the man in question and the look on his face says it all. This isn't a friend asking a favor from another friend, this is the Lord of the House demanding something of one of his guests. And Kingsley recognizes the same as he silently joins James, who walks out of the arena without another word.

A little bit away
James' POV

"I'm really in two-battle over this, Kings. On one hand I am grateful that you, obviously, enchanted Marietta to make sure that she can't betray Harry and are helping Albus keep Harry where we all thought he would be safe. On the other, do I know that you've been Harry's guard for the better part of the year, thus you know that's not true and I don't like that, especially the fact that you knew this and did nothing to absolve it, to make things easier."
The Auror sighs at me over this and says: "I understand that, James. Is there anything I can do to pay you back?" I nod and say: "Once you are done with your paperwork, I want you to go to Amelia. Tell her that I am hiring you as Lea's personal trainer, to make sure he has more than his Chakrams and Keyblade to be the Dominant, protective mate I know he can be. Do that and I will consider the months you, in the book, failed my son repaid." Kingsley smiles at me and nods, the nod proving he will do so at earliest convenience and we return.

Back at the Arena
Belle's POV

The fact that the two seem to have only needed a minute or two makes me feel even more confused as to why James felt the need to leave the arena. "You got it solved?" Sirius asks and James nods before the first of the two says: "Some things are dealt as a group, some by the individuals best suited for the job. Just trust us." I nod at this, understanding without the man saying it that he is onto whatever his mate was thinking and just continue the chapter.

"Evidence?" repeated … Harry's mind.

"You wiped her mind!" Hermione gasps, but then suddenly Luna mutters: "He was asked to." We turn to her and she says: "He was at the Ministry when the other Auror was called. But he was contacted before the other Auror was, just – not by Fudge." And instantly I get it and say: "By Marietta's mother. She asked you to wipe her daughter's mind to protect her." And this makes a lot of those around us smile at Kingsley before I continue the chapter.

"Dolores," said … to Fudge.

"This one's on me." Sirius says, startling us all and we turn to him as he says: "I knew about the club and Harry probably told me about the form. I should have taught him the charm work that makes the Map able to clean itself out, so he could use it on that list." Yet while it's obvious that no one blames the man for this, does Harry smile at him and ask:
"Maybe you can help me make a new one? One that focuses on locations outside Hogwarts? Or one that is updated with the stuff I found out about Hogwarts, like the location of the Chamber of Secrets and the Room? Or maybe even one that is set specifically to those I care about like you and mum?" His father smiles at him over this and says: "Definitely. We'll think of one." And while I love this new chance for them to bond, do I continue the chapter.

"The moment … destabilize me?"

"Ehm, did I miss something? Does Mrs. Tonks need to check my hearing or did I go temporarily deaf or something?" Erik asks and Harry sighs as he says: "You might as well get used to it, Erik. It's a Wizarding thing. If a witch or wizard gets this excited about something, they usually exaggerate about what makes them excited right after." And while most of those around him glare at him, do they not correct the boy, making the continue the chapter while grinning.

"Yes, sir, … do next.

"How did that guy get Outstanding on all his NEWTs?" Hermione asks horrified and James sighs as he says: "Lily helped him. That's why he's looking so lost. He wants to do his job, but Harry is right there between him and Albus and he must be fearing that any duel that might ensue between him and Albus could hurt Harry." This astounds the girl and makes Harry smile at his mother in amazed glee as I continue the chapter.

"So," sneered … your mind –"

"Close your heart." Riku suddenly states and I see him looking at Harry. The boy nods and closes his eyes. And after waiting a couple of minutes can I tell that the boy is indeed able to do this as a look of passive acceptance comes across his visage and when he opens his eyes again do they seem to have lost some of the shine of their emerald green color, yet otherwise I can't really say anything else has changed about the boy.
"Well done, that's three minutes faster than last time." Riku compliments him and Harry only shows off a small smile at this, yet that seems to satisfy both his parents and Dumbledore. Sirius then turns to Riku and says: "Thank you for this. This will really help Harry when he needs to address the kids from the Alliance. Being able to keep his cool will make it easier for him to earn their respect." Riku nods at the man and I continue the chapter.

But as … this school –"

"Except that the Headmaster is automatically attuned to the wards and can adjust them to his liking and can also work around them when necessary, same as with the bracelets." Neville states and his grandmother smirks as she says: "That just proves it. She's not Pureblood and even if she works alongside Lucius, she has yet to be accepted by his social circle to parties or anything." And this makes a lot of others smirk and grin as I continue the chapter.

"The stairs!" … got style…"

This makes Dumbledore himself smile, yet Hermione whimpers and says: "I really don't like this. I really don't like the fact that we need to get through one more bad chapter before we can catch a break." To which Sirius stands up and says: "Then I guess it's a good thing that it's your turn. Come on, time to study that book I gave you." And the girl follows him out of the arena, tears of relieved gratitude leaking from her eyes as she leaves.


Poor Hermione.
And to be honest, there is a strong chance that her lessons will have the same result as Ron's training, in other words it will be so short I will put it together with the rest reading the next CR chapter. And while part of me wanted to add Luna and have her make a comment on Harry's fight with Cho, do I not want to turn her into some kind of deux ex machina or something.
Next chapter: Hermione learns various new lessons, discusses what she learned in chapter 34 and even partakes in a bit of roleplay to see if she can put her latest lessons to use. She even learns when to and when not to use her lessons and asks Sirius if he could help her with one other thing she really – really – wants to learn.
What could it be,

Venquine1990