"Memorize today's date," Fred Weasley called as the D.A. met later that night.
"Why?" Terry Boot asked. Fred purposely exaggerated his eye roll so that even Hannah, who was in the furthest corner of the room, couldn't possibly miss it.
"Why? Why? Our Defense professor's going on trial for physically abusing students, and you ask why?" Fred shook his head as if he were disappointed. "Honestly, Terry – this is one for the history books, my friend, a story your grandkids' grandkids will marvel over. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if they updated Hogwarts, A History to include all the details of this dastardly tale!" Fred grew more and more impassioned as he spoke, accentuating his little speech with grand gestures and dramatic tones.
"Fred, honestly," Angelina said, contributing an eye roll of her own. "You're being a little ridiculous."
"Just a little? My dear Miss Johnson, I assure you that I strive to be as far from 'a little' ridiculous as possible – it's wholeheartedly, or not at all." Fred gave her a cheeky grin.
"As much as I hate to interrupt such an exceptional show, might I remind you all why we're here?" Harry called. He, Hermione, Draco, and Ginny were hovering over the rest of the D.A. on their broomsticks, their wands drawn.
"My sincerest apologies, O Chosen One!" Fred called back, then yelped when Harry promptly shot a hex his way.
"Oh, you definitely deserved that one," Harry said. "Anyway, in light of all this Umbridge business, we've missed out on a few things – namely, four more Death Eater attacks."
"Four?" Daphne repeated, looking as if she was hoping she'd misheard him.
"Four," Harry confirmed. "Nothing like what happened with the Express at Christmas, and I'm not even sure most people caught them for what they really were – two Muggleborns' families went missing from near Dundee last Thursday, for instance. Two of the others involved missing people as well, and the fourth was an attempted break-in at the Ministry of Magic."
"The Ministry?" Dean Thomas asked. "I didn't think the Death Eaters were stupid enough to attempt to break into the Ministry."
"They didn't – they got someone on our side to do it for them. Imperius curse," Harry said when several people looked confused. "That person was not only a trusted Ministry official, but a trusted Order member as well. He's now in Azkaban, and given what he was caught trying to do, and how he was forced to do it, he's probably going to be there for a while – someone who's that easy to control is a huge liability." Harry paused for a moment, then continued, "Anyway, we need to get back to work – the papers didn't say so, but there's no way Death Eaters weren't involved in the disappearances or the break-in, and if subtlety's the game they're choosing to play, we're going to have to be even more careful.
"For tonight, we're going to simulate a battle – we'll split into two teams, and whichever team has the most people still standing at the end wins. As always, no Dark magic allowed, but anything else is fair game. We'll call Stupefy our death curse for tonight – if you get hit with a Stunner, you're 'dead' and your teammates can't revive you. All other spells, go ahead and 'heal' if you can, but keep in mind that you're not in a safe zone or anything if you do – if you stop to heal someone, the other team can still take you down. Draco, Hermione, Ginny and I will play as well, two of us on each team, and we'll also referee – if we see anything that's against our rules, we'll Stun you ourselves and you'll be out for the rest of the duel. Understood?" Murmurs of assent rippled through the room, and Hermione flew forward, a piece of parchment in her hand.
"This is a list of everyone who's here tonight," she said, tapping it with her wand. "In a moment, we'll have our teams." True to her word, less than a minute later, large glowing letters began forming two lists of names, one on either side of the room.
"Split up!" Hermione called out. She followed Harry to the left, while Draco and Ginny joined the team on the right.
"We duel for twenty minutes or until one team loses all its players, whichever happens first. Three…two…one…GO!"
The D.A. immediately leapt into action, firing spells at their opponents while doing their best to keep themselves safe. Some of the older students used their N.E.W.T.-level skills to their advantage – Adrian Pucey was exceptionally skilled with Transfiguration and created a barricade of large boulders, while Lee Jordan cursed his opponents with a loud ringing in their ears if they got too close. Ginny fired Bat Bogey Hexes in every direction – as nobody else seemed to know the counter curse, her unfortunate victims were soon hit with Stunners and eliminated from the mock battle – and Hermione sent a small waterfall's worth of water cascading onto Susan, Dean, and Alicia. Draco and Harry traded jinxes in midair as they simultaneously picked off their opponents below, and the Weasley twins took full advantage of the Dungbombs they had in their pockets, as well as a powder that nobody recognized which rendered its victims incapable of seeing anything in its immediate vicinity.
"Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder – one of our latest testers. Sorry Neville!" George called as he dropped a load of it right in front of his fellow Gryffindor, who was then left completely helpless until he managed to stumble away from the impenetrable black cloud.
"Impedimenta!" Hermione shouted, effectively stopping Luna in her tracks. She hastily dodged the curse Daphne sent her way in retaliation and began searching for her next target.
"Hey, Draco!" Ginny called, flying up close so that they could keep dueling while they talked.
"What?" Draco threw up a Shield Charm against Ron's attack and quickly shot a hex his way.
"We need to take down Harry and Hermione!" Ginny said. "We'll never win otherwise – they're both too good."
"Very true," Draco acknowledged. "Got any ideas?" Ginny smirked.
"A few."
Roughly two minutes later, they executed phase one. Hermione, who was busy directing some sort of vine, didn't notice her attackers until it was too late, and a strong Cushioning Charm ensured she wasn't injured as she toppled off her broomstick. Draco was counting on Harry having a specific reaction to Hermione's fall, and he got exactly what he wanted – Harry gave an enraged roar and upped the intensity of his attacks at the expense of his accuracy and concentration. Phase two was underway, and Ginny took advantage of Harry's discombobulated state to throw a Disarming Charm his way. Weaponless, Harry was forced to retreat while Draco and Ginny met in midair for a triumphant high-five. The clock went off just as he landed, and Draco and Ginny's team was declared the winners.
"Well done, everyone," Harry said once everyone had been revived. "Although I won't comment on some people's underhanded tactics…" He glared at Draco and Ginny, who merely shrugged.
"Hardly underhanded at all. It's just like those duels we did last year with Peter and Fleur when Blaise didn't want Tracey getting hit," Draco said. "Hermione's like your sister, so we knew taking her down would get a reaction out of you – you're a bit predictable that way, you know." Harry looked properly chastised.
"I suppose you're right – that's something I'll have to work on," he said. "Congratulations on finding a weakness then." Draco laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"That's why we practice, isn't it? Now, let's get off to bed – I'm exhausted."
Harry was immensely relieved when the Easter holidays finally arrived – the amount of homework they'd had lately was unbelievable. Going home wasn't going to make their essays disappear, but at least they'd have a break from actually being at school – and as it was only a short break, they'd gotten the okay to go home to Surrey instead of staying at Grimmauld Place. Not that Grimmauld Place wasn't exciting, of course, what with Order members constantly dropping in and the fun they had exploring or playing pranks with Tonks, but it just wasn't…home. On top of that, Harry was itching to talk to his mum and Sirius. Ever since their discussion about Margery Braeburn and the Salem Witches' Institute, he had been eager to learn if the adults could shed any additional light on the prophecy. They still had no idea where even to begin looking for the Gryffindor and Slytherin rings, and the Ravenclaw lead was really nothing more than a shot in the dark. Hopefully they'd get something a little more concrete.
Hermione's parents were the ones to meet the trio off the train this time.
"Oh, it's wonderful to see you, my dears!" Hermione's mother said as she hugged each of them in turn. "Harry, are you sure you haven't gotten taller again? And Hermione and Draco…how are you?"
"Helen, don't smother them," Hermione's father chuckled, coming forward to embrace his daughter. Hermione laughed outright when he picked her up and spun her around, just as he'd done when she was a little girl.
"Dad, honestly," she said, though she grinned. Her mother checked her watch.
"We'd best get going – we're supposed to meet the others soon," she said. At the trio's confused looks, she added, "Lily and Sirius are joining us for dinner downtown – said you three might have something to celebrate." The confusion turned to satisfied grins. Umbridge's trial had been that morning, and they'd followed every minute of it on a wireless that Lee Jordan had charmed to broadcast to the entire train. Cheers exploded up and down the Express as Umbridge was stripped of all authority, permanently banned from Hogwarts, and thrown into Azkaban. Worthy of a celebration dinner indeed.
"Of course, there's the part about us no longer having a Defense teacher," Harry pointed out as they made their way to the Grangers' car, "but honestly, that's hardly a problem, all things considered."
"We've basically been teaching ourselves all year anyway," Draco said. "Our exams are less than two months away – unless they find someone unbelievably amazing to replace her, I highly doubt our lack of a teacher is going to make much of a difference." They finished loading the car and clambered in, ready to thoroughly enjoy their celebration.
The Easter holidays were far from relaxing, but as this was the norm, nobody really commented. Harry and Lily spent a boring afternoon with the Dursleys to renew the protective magic there, and the Potters, Blacks, and Grangers passed nearly an entire day in lively discussion about magical careers. The fifth years were to meet with their Heads of House after the holidays to discuss their plans for the future – their O.W.L. marks would affect their N.E.W.T. options, and by extension, their career choices. They'd been sent home with large stacks of brochures, each one detailing a profession and the credentials needed to pursue it. Harry was almost positive he wanted to be an Auror, but many of the other options sounded just as exciting, and Draco and Hermione were also having trouble choosing.
"At the very least, do your best in Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, and Defense," Sirius advised. "Herbology as well, if you think you might be interested in Healing – actually, it'd be useful for Auror training too, I suspect. Those subjects are the most commonly requested, anyway – anything else you have tends to be a bonus, unless you're doing something that requires the more specialized courses."
"N.E.W.T. classes are a lot of work, so you'll need to think carefully about which subjects you really want to continue with once you get your results, but you'll all be fine," Lily reassured them. "You've all gotten excellent marks throughout your schooling so far, so I see no reason to worry. Just do your best." The Grangers didn't necessarily understand the finer details of each specific subject, but they understood just fine when Hermione compared the exams to their corresponding Muggle equivalents and agreed with Lily's sentiments that the children were well prepared. The discussion of exams died down then, and Harry decided it was time to speak.
"Mum…what do you know about prophecies?"
"Prophecies?" Lily asked sharply. "That's an interesting question – why do you ask?"
"Do you remember, back at the end of our second year when we had that meeting in Dumbledore's office after the whole Chamber of Secrets thing, that the Sorting Hat spoke?"
"The Sorting Hat?" Hermione's mother asked.
"Sorts us into our houses – not really important, we can explain what it is later," Harry replied. "Anyway, Dumbledore thinks it's a prophecy, and we've been working on understanding it since then."
"Why don't you remind us all what it said?" Lily suggested. "I did only hear it once, after all."
"Sure," Harry said. "Maya?" Hermione dug in her bag for their notes on the prophecy and began to read:
"Three join four when six are gone
And the Chosen One teams with his closest
To bring down darkness immortal.
The legend in her sacred vault
Unlocks magic within the stone.
Bronze and black together in friendship,
Silver and gold given freely
In the name of the enemy's ignorance.
Learn who your friends really are
To break a blood chain forged at birth:
Not all is as it appears –
Look to the safe for the answers.
Blades and bonds join wands and words.
Ghosts will be your cloak
As Hogwarts herself joins the chase.
Let strengths be your guide,
Let differences unite you,
And evil will meet its end."
Hermione set the parchment down and looked up at the adults. The room was quiet for several long minutes.
"That…made very little sense," Sirius said at last. "Can I see the parchment, please?" Hermione obligingly handed it over, and Lily leaned closer to read it as well.
"Definitely a prophecy – what else would be so cryptic?" Lily chuckled. "Divination always was rubbish. Do you three have any idea what any of this means?"
"Actually, we do," Hermione replied, holding up the rest of the parchment. "We know what the legend is, and that's what we wanted to talk to you about."
"Go on."
"It's called the Legend of the Founders' Rings," Harry explained. "The founders of Hogwarts created four rings that, when worn by people who embodied the ideal characteristics of the four houses, could be used to call upon the magic of the school itself, to protect it in times of need. We've seen one of them – Hufflepuff's. It's at Hogwarts, along with a letter written by Hufflepuff herself that explains how the rings work."
"How do you know this ring is the real deal?" Sirius wondered. "Hogwarts was founded almost a thousand years ago."
"There's a special charm on the rings that make them look worthless unless worn by an acceptable candidate," Draco chimed in. "When we first saw Hufflepuff's ring, we all decided that it looked like it was made of cheap plastic. But when it transformed…"
"It was beautiful," Hermione gushed. "Black onyx and the purest band of yellow topaz I'd ever seen."
"So you know who has to wear the…Hufflepuff ring?" Hermione's father confirmed, pausing to make sure he got the name right.
"Well…no," Harry said, his face falling. "You see, the person who the ring transformed for was Cedric Diggory."
"Oh, dear," Lily murmured. The Grangers didn't recognize the name, so Lily added, "He was the boy who was killed at the end of the Triwizard Tournament last year."
"Yeah. So…we need to find someone else to wear that one," Harry managed.
"What about the other three?" Sirius wanted to know.
"That's the problem," Hermione said. "The only one at Hogwarts is Hufflepuff's, and we haven't the faintest idea where Gryffindor and Slytherin's are. We have a lead on Ravenclaw's, but it's nothing definite."
"What's that?"
"The Salem Witches' Institute, in America. One of our friends learned through a History of Magic assignment that that school was founded by a descendant of Ravenclaw's – the ring might not be there, of course, but they still might be able to help us."
"Well, then we must go," Hermione's mother said. Hermione looked at her in shock.
"You're…ok with that?" she asked incredulously. Her mother smiled.
"I have no problem with taking you on holiday, if that's what you want to do," she said. "We'll visit your aunt Diane and make a trip out of it – you did mean Salem, Massachusetts?" When Hermione nodded, her mother said, "There you go. Just tell me when you'd like to go, and we'll make it happen. Goodness knows I'd love to catch up with Diane, I haven't seen her since she moved to the States."
"Oh, Mum!" Hermione cried, jumping up from her seat and engulfing her mother in a hug. "You're wonderful!" Her mother chuckled.
"We just want to be able to help, darling," she said. "Maybe we can sort out the details tomorrow – I think you need to finish discussing this legend first, no?"
"Thank you," Draco said sincerely. "This is a huge help, really. About the other two rings…we honestly have no idea where to start." Lily looked thoughtful.
"I'm thinking you might want to talk to Bathilda Bagshot," she said finally. Hermione's jaw dropped.
"Bathilda Bagshot – as in, the author of A History of Magic?" Lily laughed at the utterly awestruck look on the younger girl's face.
"The very same," she assured her. "She lived just down the road from us when Harry was born, and as far as I know, she still lives there."
"Where's 'there'?" Hermione asked. It was Harry who answered, looking as though he'd just remembered something important.
"Godric's Hollow – of course!" he cried, snapping his fingers. "The village is named for Godric Gryffindor, isn't it?"
"Glad to see you at least somewhat pay attention in class," Sirius joked. "Yes, it was. And if anyone can help you out on that front, it's old Bathilda – she's lived there for well over a hundred years, after all."
"I'm afraid I don't have any decent ideas about the Slytherin ring, but that doesn't mean I can't think about it," Lily said. "In the meantime, I'll write to Bathilda and see if we can drop by sometime over the summer holidays."
"Mum, you have no idea how much help you've all been tonight," Harry said, standing to hug her. "Thank you so, so much."
Later that night, Draco trotted up the stairs, intent on saying goodnight to Hermione before he and his family went home for the night. Hearing voices, he paused halfway up – it sounded like Hermione was arguing with her parents.
"Please, just think about it-"
"Hermione, that's really rather a lot to ask," her mother replied, the frown evident in her voice even though Draco couldn't see her face.
"I know it is, I'm just…I'm worried, and-"
"It'll be alright, pumpkin. We promise to think about it – we won't make a decision right now. Get some sleep, and we'll talk about it more tomorrow, ok?"
Draco heard Hermione sigh in obvious defeat.
"Alright, Dad. I can't really ask for more than that."
"Everything alright?" Draco asked, deciding it was best to make himself known. Hermione's mother smiled softly.
"We're fine, dear – just talking, that's all. You need something?"
"Just wanted to say goodnight – we're heading home," Draco said. "Although I think Mum might've already said something to that effect."
"Never hurts to say it again – although we'll see you soon enough."
"Of course. Wouldn't have it any other way." Draco accepted hugs from the elder Grangers, then stepped forward and kissed Hermione softly – not nearly as long as he would've liked, considering they weren't alone, but it was far better than nothing at all.
"Goodnight, Lotte," he said quietly. "I'll see you soon." Hermione smiled slightly.
"Goodnight, Dragon."
Lily called for Draco then, and he bid the Grangers farewell once more before hurrying back downstairs. As they crossed the lawn and returned to their own house to ready themselves for bed, he couldn't help but wonder…what had Hermione and her parents been talking about?
A/N: Apologies that this chapter's a bit later than usual - real life got in the way today. Babysitting's fun, doing taxes not so much. At least I'm getting a decent refund!
Thank you for the follows/faves/reviews, & for reading! Would still love to hear your thoughts re: the prophecy (or anything else, really)!
JKR owns all things Potter, I just play. Please R&R, & enjoy! :)