A/N: Thanks to chem. prof for his beta work.
Chapter 3: The DA
Harry was awake early. The anticipation of a new school year had kept him up most of the night, as did his mind as it whirred at the revelations and events of the previous day.
His roommates were also waking around him. He could make out the dulcet tones of Dean, the consistently noisy Seamus and the familiar voice of Neville amongst the sounds from outside. Nobody could miss Ron's continued snoring.
Harry fumbled for his glasses that were on his bedside table. Putting them on, he sat up and opened the curtains that surrounded his bed for privacy and was greeted with the tired but smiling faces of three of his fellow roommates.
"Morning, Harry!" The three of them said in messy unison. Harry greeted them in turn.
"Ron's still asleep?" Harry asked Neville, yawning at the same time.
"Looks and sounds like it," Neville replied. "It's still only seven so he's got plenty of time before breakfast and classes."
There was a shuffling noise behind Ron's curtains followed by a groan that suspiciously sounded like 'breakfast'.
"Meet you down there, Ron," Harry chuckled and followed Neville, Dean and Seamus down the stairs to the common room.
Coming down at the same time, from the girls' dormitory, was Katie.
"Harry," she greeted warmly. "I heard you got the Quidditch captain position. I knew you would."
"Thanks, Katie." Harry said and the pair slowed to walk together. He was slightly taller than her now after a short growth spurt during the summer. Neville, Dean and Seamus went ahead through the portrait hole. The two followed suit a moment later. "Quidditch practice will have to start soon, I guess. We'll need two new Chasers and Beaters."
"I still need to try out, Harry," Katie chastised. "You can't start off with favoritism. That also means Ron has to try out again."
Harry gave Katie a confused look. "How come I never needed to try out again?" he asked.
"Nobody ever applied against you, Harry," Katie responded with a grin. "They all knew you would wipe the floor with them if they went up against you. This year shouldn't be any different."
Nodding, a little disbelief kept him from responding. The pair rounded a corner and descended one of the moving staircases. Neville, Dean and Seamus were waiting for a second set to come their way. His conversation with Hermione fresh in his mind, Harry decided now was as good as ever.
"Neville!" Harry called out. The round-faced sixth year answered his call and ambled over.
"Morning Katie," Neville said. Then, facing Harry, he asked, "What's up?"
"Neville already knows that I am going to continue the DA this year." Harry said, attempting to find the right words. Katie looked thoughtful and interested at this. "Professor Dumbledore has allowed it to be an official 'club' so there won't be any trouble. Hopefully. At any rate, he's allowing me to run it how I choose to and I have decided that this will be very limited. This won't just be learning Defense on our own. This will be something more important."
It was vague, that much was certain. But Harry couldn't risk freely offering people who might decline information on what he was going to. What was the point of trying to maintain secrecy if you lacked discretion?
"If you're interested, we'll meet on Friday night and I'll explain properly."
Katie and Neville both nodded.
"After the Ministry last year, Harry, I'll be glad to be a part of whatever you go through." Neville said. "I know that I don't understand a lot of what happened that night, but I've never felt as good as I did – as confident or as… strong – when I was fighting side by side with you against the Death Eaters."
His eyes hardened and his tone did too. "I want to get stronger. I won't let people like Bellatrix Lestrange destroy other people's lives if I can help it."
Harry studied Neville for a moment. He in turn returned it with surprising intensity. "You've grown up, Neville."
"Really? I guess I have." Neville responded slowly, and a little embarrassedly. "What happened was a bit of a reality check for me. I didn't understand how serious the threat really was until then. I experienced what it was like on the front line, like you had been for four years already. Merlin, I felt weak and useless until you started teaching me in the DA. I don't want to ever feel helpless again, so it's time I got serious, you know? And if you're going to be in thick of this, you're going to need help. I'll be there."
Harry had never seen Neville so determined, so filled with resolve. He had known it was in there, but rarely surfaced itself. Confronting Ron, Hermione and himself at the end of their first year had been the first time Neville's strength had surfaced. Had he finally grown into it?
"I'm glad to have you." Harry replied with a grin. If last June helped Neville overcome his self-worth problems, then it was worth it.
"I don't think I can compete with that." Katie said wryly, reminding them of her presence.
Harry chose his words carefully. "I won't think any less of you if you decide not to, Katie. You've already got enough on your plate being your NEWT year and all. You've never been a part of this."
Katie was quiet for some time. The moving staircase finally swung by and collected an oblivious Dean and Seamus.
"I'll come." Katie finally responded. "I want to hear what you've got to say before I make any commitments. I can back out at any time, right?"
"Of course. I may need your word that you won't repeat what we're doing, but you can leave whenever." Satisfied, Harry nodded and smiled at her. "Let's go have breakfast then, shall we?" The three descended the stairs and waited for the moving staircase to return.
"Now that that's out of the way, how was your summer?"
"Great, actually." Katie replied warmly. "My mother and I went to –"
"Morning Harry, Neville, Katie."
Hermione stood at the top of the stairs with a tired smile on her face. She looked like she'd spent most of the night awake too. She joined them just in time for the moving staircase to pick them up.
"You all right?" asked Harry at Hermione's massive yawn.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Let's not talk so late when we've got classes…" Hermione said, and then yawned a second time.
Truthfully, it had been her dreams rather than the late conversation that kept her from good rest. She'd had a strange, exceedingly vivid dream. Never in her memory had a dream felt so real, and the contents had kept her mind active much of the night.
The details she could remember were sketchy at best, but Hermione was certain that it had been a conversation between Mrs. Weasley and herself. The details of the conversation were even sketchier.
"Hermione," Harry's voice broke into her thoughts, followed by his hand pulling her down the stairs. "Zone out when you're not on a moving staircase."
"Sorry, Harry. I'm all right."
Harry's skeptical look lasted several more seconds.
"Honestly."
"Right." Harry's tone made it clear that he was still skeptical but was ending the topic. "Neville's with us, and Katie's willing to hear what I've got to say."
Hermione, acting more herself, processed this in moments. "That's great."
"I've said to meet on Friday night to discuss it all." Harry explained. "Explaining everything might take some time, and it'll give us time to find and talk to everyone alone. We can get their word – or oath – not to repeat anything."
Hermione was surprised and pleased at the initiative Harry was showing. When compared to how she used to have to explain everything and force Harry to work, even more so.
"Well done, Harry." Hermione said. The three started walking again. "Who and how should we speak with next? I imagine Daphne will be the most difficult to approach."
Neville had a misstep. "Daphne? As in Daphne Greengrass?"
"Are there any other Daphne's in Hogwarts?" Katie replied, the question more rhetorical than anything.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, furrowing her brow at Neville.
Neville grimaced. "We… well she… I think she hates me."
"Why?" Harry asked the inevitable.
"I don't recall." Neville shrugged. "She just snaps at me whenever we walk by each other. It happened the first time I saw her here. I know we met before Hogwarts but nothing more. Something must've happened then, and with my memory as it was it's not surprising I've forgotten."
"I thought this was for people you trusted, Harry." Neville continued after a brief pause. "I haven't seen you two ever talk."
"We haven't." Harry replied.
"Oh."
Hermione huffed. "I'm vouching for her. We've spoken in Ancient Runes and she strikes me as someone who can help. She doesn't even try and hide the fact she despises Malfoy."
Neville scowled slightly. "That doesn't make her trustworthy. She'll have her own agenda. Like they all do."
"Hermione is vouching for her and I'll trust her word." Harry replied. "I'm not without reservations. If she agrees to join, I'll make her take an oath. She won't have the option to betray us."
Though not entirely satisfied, Neville let it slide. He trusted Harry and Hermione, and if they were willing to trust a Slytherin, he'd give her a chance. But that didn't mean he wouldn't be watching her.
-x-x-x-x-x-
Breakfast was standard for the start of the year. Tired students, having spent too much time catching up with their friends and not enough sleeping, were everywhere. However, there were the academics that were bright-eyed and raring to go littered amongst the tired crowd.
Hermione and Neville sat with Harry while Katie joined her year mates further up the table. Professor McGonagall appeared within moments of starting their meals.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Granger, your timetables," McGonagall handed out three slips of paper. "I wish the three of you luck this year."
"Thank you, Professor." The three chimed and returned to their breakfast as McGonagall moved on to other new arrivals. The three gave their timetables a quick once over.
"Just looking at this is making me glad Dumbledore exempted me from homework." Harry said, glancing over at Neville's timetable and comparing their free times. Most of Harry's free periods were taken with extra lessons, in addition to a few in the evenings. "Looks like I'm going to be busy."
Ron appeared beside him and sat down with a grunt. "Mornin'," he yawned. "I was looking for you lot. How come you didn't wait?" The second he stopped talking his mouth was filled with food.
"I said I'd meet you here." Harry replied. "You were probably too busy dreaming of breakfast to hear."
Ron shrugged and continued devouring the rather large contents of his plate noisily. Raising an eyebrow, Harry gave Hermione a look that said: Are you telling me you can't decide if you like this guy? Hermione gave a disapproving look at Ron and sighed, shaking her head.
Something's never changed.
Harry soon had his fill and resumed examining his time. First class was Defense with Snape for second period, same as Ron. Hermione and Neville respectively had Ancient Ruines and Advanced Herbology first up. The four parted outside the Great Hall.
"Game of chess, mate?" asked Ron once they were alone.
"Sure," Harry replied.
The next hour went painful slowly for Harry as he was decimated in three consecutive matches. Ron somehow could plan several moves in advance, and even when Harry had taken more pieces, Ron was still firmly in control. If he could transfer that ability to a real battlefield, Ron would be a great strategist in the future.
If.
At the end of the hour, the pair lined up outside the Defense classroom. Hermione joined them, arms laden with books and parchment, her bushy hair already mussed.
"Lots of homework already?" asked Harry. He collected a few of the books from her as Hermione struggled to sort herself out.
"Thanks, Harry," she replied. "Fifteen inch essay due Wednesday, and this book here," she took one of the three Harry had taken from her and stored it in her magically enlarged backpack. "I need to read by next Monday."
"Right shame we didn't take that class, right Harry?" Ron yawned.
Harry shrugged as Hermione took the other two from him. "With Divination as bad as it is, I should've done it instead. Homework's a bit full on though."
Ron didn't get time to make a response to Harry's rebuke as the door to the classroom opened, revealing Snape's scowling face. "In."
The trio entered silently, having experienced Snape's wrath more than enough times. Gryffindor was, unsurprisingly, paired with Slytherin again, and the latter groups disquiet went unnoticed. Snape strode the length of the classroom as the students took their seats. His cloak billowed around him as he faced the class that immediately quieted.
Snape surveyed the class. "You've had five teachers so far."
And you've been waiting for each of them to leave, haven't you.
Snape's lip curled as his examination of class reached Harry.
"Your teachers have all had different curricula. Given the circumstances, I'm surprised so many of you managed an OWL." Snape began pacing the side wall, which was adorned with paintings of people in various states of pain; the results of numerous Dark magic's. "This class will be unlike any before. I'll be surprised if all of you manage to pass satisfactory."
Snape began an impassioned speech about the Dark Arts. Harry noted the adoration that crept into the man's voice. For the millionth time, questions of the man's loyalty passed through his mind but were quickly quashed. He needed to focus, to learn, even if the man teaching Defense was Snape.
"Non-verbal magic is the best defense for any attack you can come up with. Does anyone know why?" Snape asked.
Unsurprisingly, Hermione was the one who raised her hand. Snape looked for another hand but was forced to acknowledge Hermione. "Granger."
"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform which gives you a split-second advantage." Hermione answered.
"An answer directly from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6 is not appreciated Miss Granger. I want answers in your own words." Snape replied dismissively. Malfoy laughed quietly in the corner; though the whole class heard him, Snape did nothing.
"Nevertheless, you are correct. Not all wizards can perform non-verbal magic. Some are simply unable to gather the required concentration and mind power." Snape said this last part looking directly at Harry. Harry remained unfazed.
I'm not the same Harry Potter that you knew.
Snape curled his lip again and looked away.
"You will now divide into pairs and try to perform spells non-verbally," Snape continued. "One will perform a low-level jinx while the other will attempt to repel that jinx, both silently."
Harry found himself teamed up with Ron, and Hermione with Neville. Hermione and Neville immediately went to work, sporting looks of intense concentration, and Harry joined them. Not willing to let anything Snape ask him to do beat him, Harry put his whole mind to work.
After several minutes, Harry could feel the beginnings of a shield, and after several more, could see the outline of it. The more time that passed the clearer the outline became. Conversely, Ron, with usual lackluster enthusiasm for classes, failed to cast anything after ten minutes and grew increasingly frustrated.
Snape mingled throughout the class, giving pointers to the Slytherins while criticizing the Gryffindors. This biasness only served as further motivation for Harry.
A few minutes later, Snape came up behind Ron and watched his lack of success with disgust. "Pathetic, Weasley," said Snape. "This is how you do it."
Snape turned to Harry and cast a spell that he recognized to be a hair-lengthening charm. Harry didn't have time to think of the strange choice in spell for he put all his concentration on casting the Shield Charm.
The spell connected with Harry's shield and rebounded harmlessly into a wall nearby. The class was instantly silent. Even Snape took several moments to collect himself, surprised as he was. He wasn't the only surprised one; Harry could scarcely believe he pulled it off so quickly. There was something to be said about the right motivation.
Snape finally scowled at him and turned away, facing the rest of the class, who had paused to watch. "Switch places and continue!" he barked.
Harry turned to Hermione and Neville and gave them a grin. "One for me," he mouthed. They both caught the meaning and gave him a grin back. Harry turned back to Ron and concentrated on casting a jinx this time.
By the end of the class, Ron was twitching violently, sporting ankle length hair which was now colored with rainbow streaks. Snape, despite that it was Harry had who had performed the spells, smirked appreciatively at Ron's appearance. Harry had only tried to cast several low level jinxes and succeeded in most cases. The class had gone better than he would ever have imagined.
Hermione had also succeeded in casting a shield and Neville, surprising everyone, managed to cast a Tickling Jinx at Hermione in the closing minutes. Neville was living up to his words and Harry and Hermione complimented him for it.
Ron however, failed completely at casting non-verbal spells. His inability was only compounded the more frustrated he became.
Harry didn't feel sorry for Ron though. The aim of the lesson was to cast non verbal spells and Harry had succeeded where Ron hadn't. He wasn't going to feel sorry for him because he couldn't do something Harry could.
"He loves the Dark Arts." Neville remarked as he walked with them. The trio and Neville were on break now.
"He used to be a Death Eater so he naturally knows a lot in relation to the Dark Arts." Hermione responded, giving Harry a look when she emphasized 'used'. Harry grunted.
"I don't know why Dumbledore trusts him. He won't tell me, but I know I can't trust him. You've seen how he treats me; he barely restrained himself in there. That's partly why the other houses think unity with Slytherin is a total joke."
Before any other comments could be traded, Harry was hailed down by a semi-familiar face.
"Hiya, Harry."
"Jack?" It turned out to be Jack Sloper, one of last years new Beaters.
"Professor McGonagall told me to give this to you." Sloper passed Harry a piece of paper. "Do you know when you're going to hold the trials?" he asked.
"Not yet." Harry thought for a moment. "I'll talk to McGonagall later and try for the weekend but wait till the notices go up for confirmation."
Satisfied, Sloper bade farewell and disappeared down the hall. Harry barely noticed; he recognized the handwriting to be Dumbledore's. Harry opened the scroll and read the contents.
Harry,
I would like to begin our private lessons this Saturday evening around eight p.m. I am pleased to hear of your…exploits in your Defense class this morning. I hope to see you continue with such a fine start to the year.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
PS: I enjoy Acid Pops.
"Acid Pops?" Ron asked, having forgotten to act sullen in light of natural curiosity.
"It'd be the password," Harry said. "I'm surprised he already knows of Defense when we just left ten minutes ago. Though he does seem to know everything…"
The four of them spent the next hour pondering what Harry would be taught by Dumbledore on Saturday. All too soon, though, Hermione left them for Arithmancy while Harry, Ron and Neville returned to the common room. Ron offered another game of chess to Harry who declined, instead deciding to continue to work on non-verbal magic. Neville, pleased at his progress, joined in. Ron left them to it.
By the time Hermione joined them after lunch, Harry was halfway through the Charms he remembered from first year. When Hermione asked how he was managing it so easily, Harry hadn't the faintest. He was appreciative for the good fortune.
Soon enough it was time for double Potions. Harry, Ron and Hermione, joined by a few other Gyffrindors, trudged their way down the steps into the dungeons, for once not dreading entering the classroom.
Harry entered the classroom behind five Slytherins, four Ravenclaws, including Padma Patil, and three Hufflepuffs, including Ernie MacMillan. Professor Slughorn had taken a different approach to decorating the classroom than Snape had. Instead of a multitude of jars containing things that Harry didn't want to know about, Slughorn had several cauldrons filled with ready made Potions that Harry wasn't familiar with save one, one that he wouldn't forget any time soon – Polyjuice Potion.
Slughorn took Harry aside as soon as he entered the classroom.
"Harry, m'boy," Slughorn's walrus moustache twitched. "I heard about what happened on the train. Nasty business… Most disappointing you couldn't attend my little get together, but you certainly showed those Death Eaters!"
Slughorn leaned a bit closer, and Harry began to feel uncomfortable. "I will be having a dinner later on in the week and I would like for you to join me." Harry couldn't help but nod with the intimidating frame of the largely overweight man's body looming over him.
Moustache twitching again, Slughorn stepped back and Harry managed to race up to the back to sit next to Hermione. She gave him a quizzical look. Harry mouthed 'Later' as Slughorn began to talk.
Potions class was a completely different experience without Snape around. Unfortunately, having expected not to qualify for Potions, Harry and Ron lacked supplies. Slughorn offered the used books in the storeroom until the pair could owl order in their own. Ron's copy appeared to have been the victim of several vomiting incidents. Harry's was far more interesting. His copy was littered with another persons edits to potion recipes, and several unfamiliar spell notes were in the margins. The writing claimed it was property of 'The Half-Blood Prince', whoever that was.
Hermione disapproved of Harry following the edited instructions in an effort to win the prize of the lesson – the luck potion Felix Felicis. She disapproved further when his potion turned out better than her own.
The bell rang soon after Harry pocketed his vial of Felix Felicis, and the class packed up. Given Padma and Ernie were both present, two of the people he and Hermione had chosen to approach, Harry decided to take advantage of the situation.
Hermione, still miffed at Harry's actions, realized what Harry was intending once he'd gotten her attention and nodded in Padma and Ernie's direction. Ron had disappeared the moment class ended, muttering a few choice words. His potion had turned out poorly, and smelled even worse, earning him a ribbing by Dean and Seamus before he'd stormed out.
Harry decided to have a chat with him later but first things first.
"Ernie, Padma, can we have a word?" Harry asked, with Hermione drawing up beside him. The classroom was now empty, save Slughorn, who was failing to be inconspicuous and hide his curiosity.
Ernie viewed Harry with skepticism, and slight irritation, likely a result of his sudden exceptional potion making skills. Padma had an expression of mild curiosity.
"Not here, Harry." Hermione whispered, nodding in Slughorn's direction.
Padma raised an eyebrow at this, her curiosity suddenly spiking. Harry gestured for them to follow. Hermione and Padma were right behind him; Ernie hesitated for a moment before joining them. Harry entered a small, unused room nearby. Hermione cast an Imperturbable Charm on the door after she closed it behind them.
Harry faced the pair. Ernie was stout-looking, blondish haired, and blue eyed. He was a good several inches shorter than Harry. Padma, being an identical twin, shared the long, black hair, black eyes and brown skin of her sister. She was just shorter than Harry. Two years prior Seamus had stated that she and Parvati were the most attractive girls in their year. If they weren't, they were in the top three.
Ernie's skepticism had given way to his own curiosity once Hermione had cast the Imperturbable Charm. Padma simply ran a hand through her hair. A nervous gesture? Harry noted. He held up a hand to stem any incoming questions.
"I've decided to restart the DA this year," Harry said.
"Excellent." Ernie said. Padma did and said nothing for a moment.
"That can't be it," she eventually said. "You wouldn't go to this effort to prevent us from being overheard for that."
Hermione was right; she did catch on to things quickly.
"You're right, there's more to it," said Harry. "The DA won't be the same as it was last year. This isn't about just learning to defend ourselves anymore. It's more than that."
"How much more?" asked Ernie, folding his arms.
"Voldemort is back." Harry said. Ernie shuddered. Padma closed her eyes for a moment, her only visible reaction. "The world finally understands that. But that also makes the world a lot more dangerous. The Death Eaters no long need to work in the shadows. The deaths of Amelia Bones and other Ministry employees should make that clear."
"Voldemort keeps coming for me and I'm sick of being unprepared. He wants me dead and is willing to do a lot to achieve that. Next time he comes, I'm going to be ready."
"What do you want from us?" Padma asked. "We're not equipped to fight a Dark Lord."
"I can explain what I want from you but I need your word."
"An oath, you mean."
Harry glanced at Hermione and then back to Padma. She is smart.
"Yes. Look, I know I'm not telling you much. We're going to meet on Friday night and, if you want to, you can hear what I've got to say. I don't need an answer today, just let me know if you want to come before Friday."
Hermione, who had been silent for the duration, added, "You're under no obligation to join. Come along and listen. If you're not convinced or not interested, then you can walk away with a simple oath to not reveal what we talked about or what we're doing."
Harry and Hermione let that hang in the air for a moment. Then, just as they were about to give them time to think it over, Padma said, "I know it doesn't mean a thing now, but I would've come with you to the Ministry as well. Most of us would have. We owe you far more than our Defense OWLs." Harry could see a fierce determination in her eyes. It made his heart flutter a little.
Padma paused and looked away for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was a softer. "The night after Madam Bones was murdered, one of our family friends was attacked and murdered in their own home. If that had happened to us…" she shuddered a little. "I want to be strong; I want to be able to protect myself and those that I care about. If I need to follow you to become a stronger person, I will."
Harry didn't quite know how to respond to that. He was saved the trouble when Ernie chipped in.
"I'm a ninth generation pureblood," Ernie stated. "My family has never supported the Dark Arts and that has made us a target. I agree with Padma, I won't let my family get killed because of my own lack of skills on the battlefront."
It took Harry several moments to process what had just happened. Two near strangers, no matter how friendly they had been in the past, had agreed to join him in a group that would one day intentionally walk straight into danger. They still needed to hear what he had to say, but…
Maybe this won't be as hard as I thought.
-x-x-x-x-x-
Despite the extra classes for each of his subjects, Professor Sprout and Herbology excluded, Harry still had a number of free periods. Instead of relaxing and bludging them away like he would have a year ago – and Ron was doing currently – Harry kept himself busy practicing whatever spells he'd learnt during the day, or reading Hermione's old textbooks from their first year and practicing those spells silently. By the end of the week, he'd completed the entire first year course without uttering a single incantation. He'd noticed a number of useful every day spells he'd not learnt the first time around due to his slacking nature. This resulted in further resolve to work harder.
Although, some of the spells he'd discovered in the books were worrying. Who really needed a spell that made nose hair curl? Not even the Weasley twins would do something so useless anymore, if they ever stooped so low.
Ron had a negative attitude towards Harry's newfound Hermione-like attitude. More than once Ron had left Harry to his own devices after receiving no sympathy about their already substantial workload.
Conversely, Hermione was delighted by Harry's new studious nature, and not only because he was taking the continued threat to his life seriously. It meant she had more to relate to with him than ever before. Somehow, with her two extra subjects and homework on top of that, she'd found the time to practice her own non-verbal magic with Harry in a spare classroom near to Gryffindor tower.
Harry had accidentally cast the Levitation Charm on Crookshanks, who'd run in front of the spell, flinging the gigantic cat off the ground and straight into a passing third year. The resulting mess left several people with scratches, a teary first year, and Harry deciding to practice outside the Common Room from then on. But not before he'd had to console a worried Hermione and received slaps on the back by several sarcastic admirers.
Elsewhere, Harry had booked the pitch for try outs for the Sunday coming. Several hopefuls could be seen spending their free afternoons or evenings practicing.
Regular lessons proved to be passing well for Harry, Neville and Hermione. Snape continued to goad Harry into doing something stupid to provide an opportunity to take house points from Gryffindor, but Harry was too focused on completing his work to let himself get riled up so easily. Slughorn continued to praise Harry's potion brewing skills after Harry had followed the Half-Blood Prince's notes a second time. Hermione had been displeased with this and cast a variety of spells designed to reveal magic or evil intent on the book to no avail.
Harry's extra lessons weren't going too badly either.
Professor Flitwick started lecturing Harry on the use of various Charms in combat. He recalled someone mentioning that Flitwick was a champion duelist and took everything he was taught very seriously. Flitwick promised Harry to help him to learn to duel using a full range of Charms, Transfiguration and regular jinxes, hexes and curses later in the term, once he'd covered a bit of the theory. Professor McGonagall taught him similarly.
Professor Slughorn was teaching Harry, from first year Potions upwards, the use of Potions in combat, healing and everything else Snape should have been teaching his students rather than yelling at them to make Potions without an explanation. Harry began to enjoy Potions, something that surprised him, under Slughorn's tutelage. Slughorn was noticeably trying to get into Harry's good books, no doubt for a favor one day, but Harry managed to ignore the man's eccentricities and concentrate on learning.
Snape's lessons were the hardest. The material in itself wasn't terribly complex; dealing with Snape without retaliating was harder. What he did attempt to teach was a combination of strategy and the discipline to know the right spell for the right situation. Whatever Snape's personality problems were, Harry grudgingly agreed with Hermione. Snape knew the Dark Arts well, and what he was teaching was going to be valuable in a fight.
Extra Potions were the only classes that Harry wasn't exhausted after. Hermione waited for him every time he had a night class and he filled her in on what he had learned before retiring.
On Thursday, Hermione had gotten Su and Daphne alone together in a room with Harry after Ancient Runes. Su, a diminutive Asian with long, black hair and brown eyes – who Harry found to be exceedingly quiet, though undeniably intelligent – had agreed to hear him out after hearing Padma had agreed. Daphne was another matter.
Daphne Greengrass was the main competition for Parvati and Padma Patil as the most attractive in their year. She had long, blonde hair, pretty ice-blue eyes, and a face that suited a model. Her reputation, however, prevented her from being more than a silent object of admiration of the opposite gender. She was infamous for being an outcast in Slytherin, and biting the heads of those who spoke to her. How Hermione had talked her into meeting Harry was beyond him.
The young woman wasn't quiet but didn't give away much when you asked her questions. She had projected a confrontation personality in their meeting. Hermione later assured him wasn't her normal persona. If that were the case, Harry found her act very convincing.
"I'll come along." Daphne had finally said after fifteen minutes of to-and-fro. "I want to hear want Golden Boy here has got to say."
Ginny, one of six people Harry had left to ask was rarely seen, and when she was she was with Dean. It became clear that Ginny was far too absorbed with her relationship. Harry decided not to take her away from that. Why bother her if she was happy with Dean? She should as normal life as possible after being possessed by the Diary.
Harry found Luna on Thursday afternoon and ended up speaking with her for an entire hour. Her company was surprisingly enjoyable. Something about her, for all her quirks, endeared herself to him, and her company had been so enjoyable he'd almost forgotten to talk to her about the DA, to which she had agreed.
Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot, a pair of bubbly Hufflepuffs, were almost always seen together. Harry cornered them after Herbology Thursday evening. Susan was a strawberry blonde, her hair tied into a plait reaching down her back. She had kind, and slightly mischievous blue eyes, something that had appeared in recent times, though somewhat diminished by a darkness in there. The death of her final family member – Amelia Bones – would've hit her hard. Hannah had blonde hair, not constrained by any means, and similar blue eyes to her best friend. Her cheeks were naturally rosy.
The two Hufflepuffs were eager to assist Harry however they could and agreed to the meeting almost immediately. Harry couldn't help remembering Hermione's words about the pair: They adore you. Harry tried to offer his condolences to Susan about her Aunt. Unlike his attempts to cheer Cho up, Susan was appreciative and not teary.
Ron's presence began to become noticeably absent as the week went on. He often disappeared in the evenings and avoided Harry when he was working on his silent spellcasting. Any time spent together was in class or at meals, neither a suitable place for a conversation of this importance.
Harry hadn't talked with Hermione again about her standing on the idea of Ron and a relationship, and didn't exactly plan to push her into one, but something seemed off about her a few times later into the night. Harry put it down to her being unused to the hours at Hogwarts after the summer and told her to get a good sleep.
Soon enough it was Friday night. Harry found himself outside a classroom near Trelawney's around eight p.m. It had taken a bit of doing, but he'd found everyone and told them to meet them here after scouting it out on the Marauder's Map earlier in the week. The corridor was seldom used and paintings were scarce. Hermione said it was paranoia, but Harry had seen portraits gossiping on student activities and didn't want to take the risk.
Ron had once again disappeared after dinner before Harry could get a chance to talk to him. He'd left claiming he wanted a practice flight for the try outs on Sunday. Hermione told him not dwell on Ron's strange behavior as the try outs were close and they both understood how much the Keeper spot meant to him. They'd tell him later.
The classroom was practically bare, minus a few dusty tables and a dozen or so chairs. Hermione cast a few cleaning spells while he transfigured the tables and chairs into simple cushions. His transfiguration skills needed work, but the cushions were reasonably soft and comfortable. They'd suffice.
Susan and Hannah were the first to arrive. They greeted Harry and Hermione warmly and took a pair of cushions at sat together, speaking in hushed tones. Hermione pointed out that Susan was already looking better than she did a week ago. Perhaps being surrounded by friends and peers was helpful. Before any more thought could be had, Neville and Katie arrived. Padma and Su arrived a few minutes later, then Luna and Ernie.
Daphne arrived last. Her entrance was met with a plethora of surprised, curious and lukewarm expressions. Neville avoided looking at her.
Harry closed the door behind her and cast the Imperturbable Charms. He took a seat beside Hermione at the front of the group.
All eyes were on him when he sat down and cleared his throat.
"Thanks for coming, everyone." Harry said. "You know – well, sort of – why you're here. I promise to clear things up. But I need your word, your oath that nothing I say will be repeated to anyone except those within this room. If you can't accept that, you're free to leave. If you don't want to be a part of this, you're free to leave at anytime. I just need your word you won't repeat – willingly or unwillingly – anything to those not here."
It took several moments, but Susan raised her wand and spoke an oath. Hannah and Padma followed suit, and one by one the others followed. Daphne was last. The further odd looks she received appeared to not concern her.
"Brilliant." Harry said once they'd all made their oaths. He made himself more comfortable, as this was going to take awhile. "I suppose you're all curious and impatient for answers. I'll have to ask you to be a little patient. There's a lot to explain."
Hermione had suggested that a brief outline of his life, specifically the Voldemort related events, of course, would be advantageous. The group had to understand what they were investing themselves in. But he wouldn't say everything. He needed to know who would follow him before he told them the complete truth.
With a breath, Harry began. "Fifteen years ago, my parents were in hiding from Voldemort." A collective shudder went throughout most of the room. "They'd been part of an underground group fighting against the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself. Lily and James Potter had fought and escaped from Voldemort's clutches three times – I don't know the specifics – and for some reason Voldemort took particular interest in them."
Harry and Hermione were the only ones that noticed the pensive expression on Neville's face. Given Neville's presence in the Hall of Prophecies, it was only a matter of time before he would figure things out for himself now.
Luna was the opposite. She was staring at something above Harry's head. He knew her well enough to know she was paying him her full attention, however.
"Knowing that Voldemort was after them, my parents went into hiding using the Fidelius Charm." Harry paused for a moment. "You all know how it works, right?" Everyone nodded, minus Luna who continued to stare above his head.
"The Secret Keeper was going to be my Godfather, Sirius Black." This earned him a series of gasps.
"Sirius Black was your Godfather?" asked Padma, her incredulity obvious.
"Yes, he was." Harry replied calmly. A bit of spite entered his voice, "And he was innocent." Harry's demeanor completely changed at the mention of the injustice towards Sirius. "Sirius Black was never the Secret Keeper and never killed those Muggles. He was a man who was innocent from the start. The Ministry never gave him a trial, never had any proof and never gave him a chance to show his memories to prove his innocence."
The reactions that brought out – ranging from cries of outrage, to a non-reaction from Daphne – made Harry realize he had a lot of explaining to do.
So it began. Harry explained how he believed the Ministry was corrupt, incompetent or both, how Peter Pettigrew framed Sirius, Voldemort's fate – becoming a formless spirit – and how Harry was left with the Dursleys.
"I think I'm beginning to understand why Auntie came home so angry sometimes." Susan said sadly. "I remember her being upset, having arguments with other people I knew worked at the Ministry… she worked so hard to do the right thing."
Having only met her the one time, Harry couldn't agree or disagree. However, she'd been tough but fair at his trial. Considering those around her, he respected her for that.
Hannah had an arm around her friend as her mind strayed down the inevitable path towards her Aunt's death. For Harry, thinking of Sirius was not as difficult as it once was, but it was never easy. But he knew it would grow easier with time. It already had.
Harry continued onwards with his story. He spoke about how he grew up, glossing over details about why he appeared so malnourished when he arrived in his first year, and how he knew nothing about magic until his letter arrived. He spoke of his first year, meeting Ron and Hermione, and the troll, Fluffy, Quirrel and Voldemort possessing him.
Neville flushed a lot at Harry's mention of Neville confronting the trio on their way to the Philosopher's Stone. Katie patted Neville on the back in a mock consoling gesture after a few light laughs at his expense. It was playful laughter, however, and it was forgotten as Harry continued his tale.
Harry never lied in his tale, only sometimes speaking half-truths and omitting details. Padma and Daphne appeared to notice, if their respective curious and hard expressions were anything to go by.
"That was my first year at Hogwarts."
"This is interesting, yet I don't see the relevance." Ernie said in his pompous tone. Harry could see that he was not the only one, though if the looks Susan and Hannah gave him were any indication, others wanted to hear more, relevant or not.
"You will soon." Harry replied. "To understand properly, you need to know what's happened in my life."
After a few minutes break, Harry began his second year. He spoke of Dobby, how he was the reason for Harry arriving in a car – though in hindsight he should've just used Hedwig to send a letter to the train, or McGonagall – and the out of control Bludger. He spoke of the voices in the wall, and the incident at the Dueling Club.
"I'm sorry," Hannah said at this point. "I shouldn't have believed all the rumors about you being the Heir of Slytherin, but I did. You'd never been anything but nice to me before, during and after."
"It's water under the bridge now." Harry said, with a careless wave of his hand. "I couldn't believe it at the time. The wizarding world seems to believe everything they're told in the Daily Prophet. It's unimaginable how people can turn on their peers because of the slightest hearsay and the words of a newspaper."
"The Ministry is supposed to provide us with the truth." Padma added. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and Harry found himself watching it a little too intently. "The Daily Prophet was a pawn of Fudge. Whatever he didn't want in the papers wouldn't make it. Whatever he wanted, whether it was the truth or not, would make publication. We saw that last year."
"I don't know much about Scrimgeour." Harry said. "What's his story?"
"He's the former head of the Auror office." Padma supplied. "He was elected because we needed a wartime leader, and he's the best we've got with enough popular opinion. He's proven to be more honest than Fudge. However, that isn't saying much. It's hard to say what his agenda is."
"What makes you say he's got an agenda?" Katie asked. She'd been relatively quiet up until this point.
"Don't be naïve, Bell." Daphne said in a cold tone. "Everyone wants something. Politicians even more so. You can bet your life Scrimgeour has an agenda."
This generated a round of disapproving looks, glowers and glares at Daphne. She was unfazed and undeterred by her lack of popularity. Harry figured it was nothing new to her.
"Let's move on." Harry wisely said and defused the situation before anything could begin.
He then continued his second year tale. He spoke of their peers being petrified, the Diary, losing Hermione, Aragog (at this point Padma quickly conversed with Su in hushed tones, having figured out who Myrtle really was), Lockhart, and briefly on the Chamber of Secrets. All Harry said was that he managed to kill the Basilisk and save Ginny. Most of the group was unsatisfied with the explanation of what happened in the Chamber. However, only Padma and Su, and perhaps Daphne, though she was inscrutable, were curious as to the why more than about what happened.
Third year was next, with Sirius escaping Azkaban, discovering the true identity of Scabbers a.k.a. Peter Pettigrew, and, briefly, the confrontation in the Shrieking Shack and the aftermath. Again, Harry left out the specifics, such as the use of Hermione's Time Turner in Sirius escaping from Hogwarts. He also mentioned Trelawney being an actual seer, much to the disbelief of the group.
Harry then spoke of the Quidditch World Cup, the Tri-Wizard Tournament, how he was unknowingly entered by Barty Crouch Jr. in a plot to send Harry to Voldemort and unwittingly and unwillingly revive him. Harry witnessed several guilty looks. Few believed he hadn't entered himself.
Harry then spoke of the night of the Third Task, Krum under the Imperius, his and Cedric's race to the Tri-Wizard Cup, how the Cup was a portkey, and how it transported Cedric to his death and Harry directly to Voldemort's clutches. He left out a lot of details again, but covered the main aspects; witnessing the reunion of the Death Eaters he'd named in the Quibbler last year, his and Voldemort's duel, and that he escaped.
He spoke even less of fifth year. Most of what had transpired was public knowledge, but Harry explained that he received a vision of Sirius captured.
"Hermione was convinced it was a trap," said Harry with a little self-recrimination in his tone. "And eventually convinced me to check to see if he was where he was living. But the house-elf there lied to me and said Sirius had left and gone to the Department of Mysteries, the place where I had dreamed he was being held."
"You know most of the rest. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna came with me in a rescue attempt. It was a trap. Voldemort wanted me there. But we managed to fight and hold our own long enough for backup to arrive. Sirius and some friends came. Bellatrix killed him right in front of me."
Susan looked like she could barely resist giving Harry a hug. On top of her affection for him, she knew what Harry was going through. Amelia Bones had been her last family member, after all.
"Still, our side was winning the fight and the Death Eaters began to retreat." Harry continued. "I didn't care. I went after Bellatrix. We were beginning to duel when Voldemort appeared in the Atrium. Dumbledore appeared and he and Voldemort fought to a standstill. The Aurors and Ministry employees finally arrived and Voldemort left with Bellatrix."
Harry, somewhat emotionally spent after going through his life, was quiet for a couple of minutes. Everyone else was busy digesting this flood of new information. A significant number of opinions on the Ministry, on the war, on Harry himself were being changed in this room tonight.
"There," said Harry. "Now you know the background to this."
"It's difficult to comprehend that all of this happened to you while the rest of us led relatively normal lives." Ernie remarked. "Yet it's all true, isn't it?"
"It is."
"I still don't understand what you want, Harry." Katie said. "That was all very interesting to hear but you still haven't answered the question."
Hannah gave the seventh year girl a dirty look, to which Katie was oblivious to.
"Voldemort, for whatever reason, wants me dead." Harry deadpanned. "I'm not going to sit by and be taken by surprise by another of his plans. I'm going to be prepared for when he strikes again. More than that. I'm going to go out and do what I can. I'm going to practice, get stronger, and I'm going to fight back."
"Our generation is growing up into the war. We've already taken a serious blow in the last war when a large number of children and parents were murdered. If we don't start doing something for ourselves, we'll lose more people we care about. I can't, no, I won't let that happen."
Harry leaned forward, elbows on knees, hands in a steeple. Quietly, he said, "Voldemort wants me dead. He's gone to great lengths to remove me from the protections at Hogwarts. I'm a threat to him."
"I don't expect anything from you. What I want is for you to help me. Train with me. Fight with me. Do something, and not hide here, hoping the Aurors can win."
"What makes you so certain they can't?"
The group turned to face Daphne. Her arms were crossed and her entire focus was on Harry, oblivious to the attention of the others. He locked gazes with her. He could almost feel the intensity of her focus, feel her will. It would be prudent not to take her lightly.
"Personal experience," said Harry. "The Aurors took at least twenty minutes to react to an attack in the Ministry. Aren't those who live in the wizarding community meant to rely on the Aurors to defend their homes? Twenty minutes. You'd be dead, worse than dead, in half that."
The unspoken implications of Harry's statement were left hanging in the air.
"It's unfair of me to ask this of you, and arrogant for me to expect anything from you. You all have the option of walking out of this room and never speaking to me again if that's what you want. I won't stop you. You'll become a target, just like me, just like Hermione has, if you agree. This won't be fun anymore. This is dangerous, life threatening dangerous. But I believe with every fiber of my being that what I'm doing is right, and I will do this with or without you."
The room was quiet except for the sounds of breathing. Harry turned to Hermione, and she gave him an encouraging smile which did little to quell the nervousness he felt. She'd been silent for most of the night, only adding in a detail or two that Harry had forgotten. Harry faced the rest of the group again, watching everyone in turn, wondering what was going through their minds. He never doubted for a second that he was doing the right thing.
"Look, this is a huge choice to make." Harry said softly. "You should sleep on it at the very least. This isn't a choice to make in the moment."
Neville shook his head. "I've made my choice already. I know I've got limited experience, that I probably don't truly understand what I'm getting myself into, but I want to help you. I will help you."
He lowered his head for a moment, took a breath and looked Harry in the eye. "I'm in."
"Me too."
Harry looked over to see Padma give him a small smile. "I feel a bit like Neville. I don't truly understand what I'm getting myself into, but I want to help. I don't want people to keep dying. The Aurors arrived only after friends of the family were murdered in their homes. The Death Eaters were long gone. They can't protect all of us. We can do something. I'm in too."
"Padma…" breathed Harry. He barely knew this young woman and she was pledging herself to walk into danger with him. Before he could say anything more, Luna spoke.
"Harry," her voice was missing the calm serenity it usually had. "I came with you to the Ministry because you are my friend and I wanted to help. I will do the same again whether you asked for help or not."
"Luna…"
"Don't forget us." Susan chimed in. She gave Hannah a small smile, to which she nodded in response. "We might not understand either, none of us probably do. But we want to help."
"Su's in, too." Padma announced. Harry gave the quiet girl a look and she nodded her confirmation.
Katie spoke up. "I'll help. I'm not sure if I'll regret this or not. What I do know is that you're younger than the entire Ministry and you've done in one night more than they did in an entire year. I believe you when you say the Ministry isn't going to win the war. That leaves us, the next generation."
"I agree with Katie," said Ernie. Harry turned to face him, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the responses. "I'm not sure if I'll regret this or not but you make sound and convincing arguments."
"Thank you, everyone," Harry said with amazement evident in his voice. "Really."
Hermione was looking ecstatic. Harry was staring at the faces in front of him, barely able to fathom why so many were willing to follow him in certain danger.
"What about you, Daphne?"
Harry's heart skipped a beat. He'd been so swept up in the moment that he'd forgotten she had yet to reply.
Hermione was watching her, biting her lower lip. She'd been the one to speak. As the one who was vouching for her, it made sense that she was worried about her response.
The atmosphere of the room changed almost immediately.
"If I get caught with you, Potter, I will be in more danger than you." Daphne said after some time. "My 'housemates' will attack me, probably rape me and they'd get away with it." Harry's eyes widened.
"Malfoy's group goes that far?" he asked in disbelief.
"Not yet but they're getting older and braver," Daphne replied, seemingly unfazed. "Well, older and stupider, at least. It's been coming for years."
"Why doesn't Dumbledore do anything?" asked Ernie, his expression guarded and tone uncertain.
"Snape wouldn't rat out his charges." Harry guessed, looking at the stone floor, lost in thought. "And the victims would be too afraid to say anything for fear of repercussions. Right?" he looked at Daphne pointedly at the last part.
"Essentially."
"We can avoid talking to you directly in public." Hermione assured her. "Last year we used charmed galleons to communicate. We can use something similar – a ring, perhaps?"
"Would that work for you?" asked Harry, and he surprised himself by the slightly hopeful tone that crept into his voice.
Daphne took several moments to reply. "All right. I'm in."
Hermione let out a sigh of relief that only Harry probably heard. "Thank goodness," she said under her breath.
"Don't misunderstand me, Potter." Daphne added as she rose to her feet, smoothing out her robes and tossing her hair behind her head – a surprisingly attractive gesture. "We are not friends.
"And the rest of you," she looked around at everyone. "Make sure whenever any of you talk to me, it's not in public," Daphne advised. "Once or twice I might get away with some of you," she pointed around at Susan, Hannah, Padma and Su. "But not outside of class for you," Hermione was next. "And you in general," Harry was last. "I'll have more trouble than I want."
"I get you."
Satisfied, Daphne nodded at him and then took her leave. Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. Hers was pleased and it was infectious. Everyone had said yes.
After a brief exchange of words amongst the groups, the others started to leave as well. Harry and Hermione were the last to leave.
"I never seriously believed they'd all agree." Harry said, closing his eyes and basking in the hopeful feeling inside of him.
Hermione smiled. "You underestimate yourself and the others around you. You're a good leader, Harry."
A good leader, huh?
For the first time since he heard the prophecy, Harry truly believed that maybe, just maybe, he could survive the coming trials.