It's Monday again, and you all know what that means. And let's face it, you wouldn't be here if it wasn't time for another chapter. This time, we find out that it can always be worse.

Thanks to all of you who have read, and even more thanks to those of you who have reviewed. To the ever faithful KRP, you have to remember that Umbridge is so convinced that Ministry dogma is true that she would believe the sky is red if they told her. Esdras wouldn't need the Transphasic cloak to hide; he could just fly out the common room window and reenter the castle wherever he wants, easily avoiding anyone trailing him. And as for Esdras getting a detention, I just can't see that happening. You've said it yourself, Esdras is a politician, he'd be able to talk himself out of trouble or know when and how to avoid it to begin with. To our new friend Snood, I figure you wouldn't be able to make admiral in the Azkaban Guard if you didn't consider the unusual solutions on a regular basis. And as for the height difference, well, Esdras only has more reasons to look down on the toad.

All of y'all out there who haven't reviewed should hop on board and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your opinions, both good and bad. So press the little button at the bottom and let me know what you think.

And my usual notes apply. Text in italics is in Azkabaaner, and I don't own HP.

Chapter 8 – Gryffindor vs. Slytherin

Esdras huffed slightly from where he lay on the incredibly comfortable, Dementor sized sofa that had magically appeared on the ceiling of the Room of Requirement just after he had entered. He looked down at the mortals on the floor and made his opinion known. "I really think a name is the least of our concerns at the moment."

Cho looked up and glared playfully. "Stuff it, you." She returned her attention to Harry and smiled softly. "We could always call it the D.A., short for Defense Association."

Ginny laughed at this. "Even better, we could call it Dumbledore's Army, since that's what Fudge is so afraid of."

The Dementor rolled his glowing green eyes at this and laughed. "Oh yes, let's make even more, more powerful enemies."

Katie looked up at Esdras and glared. "You either be helpful or don't say anything at all. Now get down here before I have this room make me a stepladder and I come up there and bring you down myself."

Esdras descended gracefully and came to a rest just to her right. "Yes, my dear."

Harry, at the front of the crowd, smirked slightly at the display. "Actually, Katie, Esdras is done here for the moment. We're all going to start practicing the Expelliarmus charm today. Esdras, I think you said something about reconnaissance?"

Nodding, Esdras headed for the door. "Right, I'm going to set up some standard Azkaban security and surveillance charms so we'll have some forewarning if someone who doesn't belong here decides to show up. You all have fun now."

With a wave, the Dementor exited the magical room and floated to the ceiling of the hallway, where he hid among the shadows. From this vantage point, he began to observe his surroundings, picking the most strategic locations for the charms that would eventually serve as the first line of defense for the newly formed army. He began casting the first of many charms, setting them to register within the current room if anyone set them off. Only the DA room would respond to the spells, not any other variation of the Room of Requirement.

So deep into his work was he that he didn't even notice the door opening to let out the first group of students. He continued to work silently in the shadows of the ceiling until a quiet voice called up to him. "Esdras, are you there?"

Looking down, the Dementor noticed Katie looking deeply into the shadows with Alicia and Angelina. He finished his charm and glided down, appearing as if by magic out of the darkness. "Hello, dear. How was practice?"

Katie smiled and switched to English for the sake of her friends. "Practice went fine. I think it's going to be a good group. I can't wait for the next one, Harry is an exceptional teacher."

Esdras nodded and glided along with them towards the Gryffindor common room. "That's good. And the teaching will only serve to make him stronger in the long run. This is a good experience for him."

The mortal slipped an arm around the Dementor and leaned gently into his side. "Harry also wanted you to stick around the common room until he got back. He said something about wanting to ask you a training question."

They had reached the portrait hole by this time, so Esdras flashed his Guard badge and stepped inside with the girls. Katie playfully led him over to a couch by the fireplace and kicked a pair of snogging third years off of it, only to push the Dementor onto it and proceed to snog him. Time held still for the pair, but they were eventually interrupted by a rather embarrassed mortal voice. "Umm, Katie, thank you for keeping Esdras…occupied."

The blonde girl looked up to see that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing behind the couch. She smiled shamelessly and nodded to the three. "No problem, Harry. It was my pleasure." She turned to the Dementor and winked. "His pleasure, too."

Esdras rose up slowly and laughed at the blush that had covered the faces of the three younger students. He turned his attention to the raven haired one. "You wanted to talk to me, Harry?"

Harry nodded. "I just wanted to get your opinion on a lesson idea I had. I was thinking about trying to teach the DA how to throw off the Imperius curse. You and Katie are the only ones legally allowed to cast it, but Katie would have to learn how to throw it off, too, unless you've already taught her how. Anyway, I was wondering if you would help out."

The Dementor let out a low whistle. "You know that that's a pretty advanced technique. It takes aurors months to master it. And I haven't even taught Katie how to cast an Imperius yet, let alone throw it off. I think your time would be better served with the basics of Defense."

The mortal laughed. "Oh of course, I'm just trying to get a lesson plan organized. I'm going to spend most of my time with the basic spells, but I was thinking we could try working on the more advanced material later in the year. Maybe after we've taught the Patronus charm."

Esdras smiled. "In that case, certainly. I'll gladly help. I should be able to teach Katie the Unforgivables by then, so she can help me out, too." He looked to his watch and sighed. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a potions essay."

He glided over to the window with Katie at his side. The mortal smiled brightly to him and spoke with a playful whisper. "Am I the only one who thought that the Room of Requirement could be used for more exciting purposes?"

With green eyes glowing, Esdras leaned in and whispered softly into Katie's ear. "You don't even know the meaning of the word exciting yet."

By the time the mortal had recovered from the shiver that went down her spine, the Dementor had already disappeared into the night.

The pitch blackness over the calm lake waters had become the most reasonable place to hold meetings these days. Esdras the student dared not venture too far from the castle for fear of the wrath of Umbridge, yet Esdras the admiral had to command his fleet. Currently, he was hovering a few hundred feet over the waters with his captains. "Report."

Micah Redoubt was closest and began with the most pertinent news for the Lord Admiral. "Patrols around Bellmont have been uneventful. There's been no activity at all."

Esdras sighed and nodded. "Good. Keep up the patrols, and make sure that your men are visible. I sent off the request for an extra month to consider Voldemort's request half a month ago. I don't want him to get any ideas about swaying my opinion." He turned to face his best friend, who was hovering at his right. "Aaron?"

Captain Reaping nodded and began quickly. "There's been no news from Veras yet on the island. Whoever is helping Voldemort is being very quiet about it, and there are no outward signs of insurrection. Just the usual complaints about life under the Treaty." His hood narrowed slightly. "However, there has been an incredible amount of requests for families in other fleets and divisions to take up residence in New Demnin. So many that we'd need to expand the town."

Esdras cursed softly. "They wouldn't be abandoning Azkaban without a reason. We must take this to mean that something will be happening soon. Tell Veras to be on the lookout and to recruit another loyal unit to help. His best bet would be the First Infantry, their loyalty to the royal house is almost as strong as their loyalty to the Oracle."

The captain nodded. "What about the families?"

The admiral sighed and looked across the lake to where the town of New Demnin lay. "I will send a dispatch to Admiral Grim tomorrow. I will ask for the 778th Engineering Division again. I will not refuse any who wish shelter from that which is about to come. These are dangerous times, we must protect ourselves." He turned to the other floating forms. "Michaelis, can your medical division handle more families?"

Dr. Michaelis Transom laughed. "Yes, young prince. We can easily handle at least five times the capacity we have now in town without any loss in service. After that, we'd need to bring in another division."

Esdras nodded and turned to the last form, the lone Dementress. "Kira, how are the Quicksilver Projects proceeding?"

Captain Kirin was happy to be giving the only good news of the evening, and it showed in her voice. "We're still working on the division of labor between the different projects, but we have control of them all and they're coming along great. I think we may have a working prototype of the Castcloth project before the end of the month."

The admiral laughed happily. "That's great. I can't wait to see it in action." He looked around to his friends and sighed. "Any other news?"

Aaron scratched his hood. "Well, on a personal note, Malachi and Stephanie got into a fight the other night. He ended up sleeping on the couch at my place, but the two of them patched it up the next morning."

Esdras arched his hood in surprise. "Their first major argument, then? Well, it looks like they handled it well enough." He sighed sadly. "Alright then, I wish there was better news. I'll swing by town when I can. I'm just hesitant to leave the castle with Umbridge around. I don't trust her."

The captains nodded and Aaron sighed. "I don't blame you. Just stay out of trouble, my Lord." His attitude brightened sharply. "Oh, and wish Katie luck in her match tomorrow. I'll be there to watch with Christine and the cloaklings."

The other captains also passed on their well wishes and saluted sharply to the Lord Admiral. Esdras smartly returned the gesture and dismissed his officers. They broke from their high hover and retreated to their places of origin, Esdras to the castle and the captains to the town of New Demnin.

Esdras leaned against the side of the box and gritted his teeth as he scanned the air above the pitch with his cobalt tinted glasses. "I wish those damned Slytherins would stop singing that damned song."

Cho, at his right, nodded sharply, keeping her eyes on the Snitch as it weaved its way unnoticed behind both Harry and Draco. "As much as I agree with you, it does seem to be having the desired effect. How many shots has he missed so far?"

The Dementor sighed. "All." He followed the action as Katie took the Quaffle across the pitch and fired a perfect shot through the middle Slytherin hoop. Esdras cheered loudly, drowning out the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Luna's incredible roaring lion hat, and the myriad Dementors that had taken time off to enjoy the match. "That's my girl!"

Roger, standing next to Cho, watched as Slytherin returned the Quaffle across the pitch and score easily. He groaned as yet another chorus of 'Weasley is our King' started up. "At least Gryffindor is keeping the margin close. So long as Harry can close this game up quick, they'll be fine."

They were joined by the floating form of Aaron Reaping, who hovered in the empty space between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff stands. Holding the captain's hand was his son, Jacob Reaping. Both wore the customary cobalt tinted faceplate that allowed Dementors to see the motions of the Quaffle, Bludgers, and Snitch. But around the young cloakling's neck was a maroon and gold scarf that was far too large for the four foot tall Dementor. Esdras diverted his attention away from the match for a second. "And where did you get that handsome scarf, Jacob?"

The young Reaping floated up to hug his godfather and pointed across the pitch to the Gryffindor stands. "The pretty mortal with the red hair said that I could wear it during the match."

Esdras' sharp eyes scanned the Gryffindors and finally settled on the cheering form of Ginny Weasley. Sure enough, she was the only one in the stands not wearing a maroon and gold scarf. The Dementor smiled and tousled his godson's hood. "That was very nice of her. Remember to thank her properly when you give it back to her after the match."

Jacob nodded solemnly. "Yes, Lord Esdras."

A loud cheer snapped ever head towards the pitch and Esdras quickly found the source of the commotion. High above the pitch, Harry and Malfoy were neck and neck in a high speed dive for the Snitch. In a flash it was over, and Esdras let out the breath he didn't know he had been holding. Harry was flying level with the pitch, the Snitch flapping helplessly in his hand. The Dementors and the Ravenclaws cheered loudly and Esdras watched the resolution of the match, happily intent on seeing the victorious smile that Katie constantly flashed him.

She flew with her teammates for a few moments before dashing over to the Ravenclaw stands. Esdras smirked to Aaron and Jacob and floated over the railing. "I'll see you all later." He turned and quickly floated out to meet her in midair. The Dementor grabbed her about the waist, and spun her in a tight circle. "Congratulations, my dear!"

Katie leaned in to kiss him, but was interrupted by the unmistakable sounds of a fight coming from below. Both looked down to see Harry and one of the Weasley twins being pulled away from an irate looking Malfoy. Katie's joyous expression evaporated. "Let me down."

Esdras nodded and lowered them down to the pitch quickly, seeing that a resolution to the fight had already occurred. By the time he touched down, the offending pair was already marching off the pitch, followed by McGonagall. Esdras turned to the nearest person, Angelina. "What happened?"

The chaser shook her head sharply. "I didn't hear it, but apparently Malfoy was mouthing off like usual. All I saw was Harry and George jumping him. McGonagall looked furious."

Katie nodded. "Understandably so." She sighed and looked around. "Hopefully they won't get in too much trouble. We can't delay practice any more." Her attention was diverted to a nearby redheaded form, which she caught around the shoulder. "We did it, Ron. You did alright out there."

Ron laughed slightly. "I don't know who you were watching. I was horrible."

Esdras sighed and took the pair by the shoulders, pushing them towards the locker room. "You did as well as could be expected for a starting keeper being heckled by an adversarial crowd. Besides, the first time game I ever played in, I broke both my arms. I think you did far better than me."

Katie laughed and thumped Ron on the shoulder, causing him to wince. "See, you could have broken your arms. It can always be worse."