Chapter 11: DA Recruits

Hermione knocked timidly on the door to the staffroom the next afternoon after she got out of Transfiguration class. Professor Snape opened the door and looked down at her raising an eyebrow.

"Something you wanted Ms. Granger?"

"I…well I was hoping I could talk to you and Professors Smith and Reynolds privately," she stated a little nervously.

Severus stepped aside and allowed her into the staffroom where Sabrina was lounging on the couch. It was clear she had been sitting with Severus the way her hair was slightly messed up. Tabitha was sitting cross legged on the counter with a bowl of cashews in her lap. She was idly throwing the nuts up in the air and catching them in her mouth. After every third one she tossed one out far and Padfoot jumped in the air catching it. Tabitha actually had a fairly good arm.

"Hi Hermione what's up?" Sabrina asked as Severus shut the door and sat back down next to Sabrina.

"I wanted to um talk to you about Defense class…we aren't… well we just aren't learning anything. We're going to fall very behind and I can't fail my OWLs! Plus we're never going to be able to go up against Vol…Vol-Voldemort," Hermione replied.

"Of course you aren't. You can't possibly be expected to learn a spell by reading about it. Spells are technique and will power you can't learn it from an essay," Tabitha stated, "Dolores is a toad. I've seen her records. She barely got an A in her Defense OWL and NEWT. She's not qualified to teach and I should know!"

"How'd you get her records?" Severus asked looking over the couch.

"I put myself through school by undercover work with the American Magical Defense. I can get anywhere I want," Tabitha smirked.

"The point is the kids need help," Sabrina stated bringing everyone's attention back to Hermione.

"Granger what did you have in mind?" Severus asked.

"You three could teach us. Professor Snape you have first hand experience with what Death Eaters know," Hermione stated.

"Don't remind me," Severus groaned.

"And Professor Smith…"

"Ahh…"

"Sabrina…you're an auror! You can teach us all sorts of combat," Hermione exclaimed, "And you Professor Reynolds. You were a world winning duelist when you were my age. There's no telling what spells and moves you can teach us!"

"I'm game for it," Sabrina nodded.

"I don't think it wise," Severus shook his head. Padfoot barked happily at Hermione.

"No," Tabitha stated causing everyone to look at her.

"I'm not going to teach children how to battle. It was stupid when I was a kid and it's stupid now. Wars were fought with people not much older than your age Miss Granger. History; both muggle and wizarding, is full of children who fought and died in war. I'm not taking part in sending children to their death," she explained. She jumped off the counter and left the room.

"Don't worry about it she'll come around. Tabby just needs the right buttons pushed," Sabrina explained.

"So you'll help us?" Hermione asked.

"Get the kids together and we'll work on everything else," Sabrina nodded patted Severus' leg. He just looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Oh thank you Sabrina. Thank you so much," Hermione exclaimed hugging the woman tightly.

She looked over at Snape and gave him a quick hug as well. "Thank you too Professor Snape!" she said and ran out of the room.

"I hate you. They aren't afraid of me anymore," Severus pouted.

"Aw it's okay. Now where were we?" she smiled pulling him back to her.

By Saturday Severus and Sabrina had decided they'd meet with all the children in Hogsmeade for a secret meeting. They'd had a lengthy conversation and in the end decided that the best place to have the meeting was in the Hog's Head. They'd had a conversation with the owner and scored the room upstairs.

That morning after breakfast the couple dressed in warm clothes and headed out with the children to Hogsmeade as chaperones.

"They're not going to want to learn from me," Severus sighed as he and Sabrina walked through the snow. They watched the children as they headed to the Hog's Head.

"Severus you're mellowing out. Just give yourself and the kids a chance," Sabrina sighed leaning her head on his arm.

Severus sighed as they entered the pub and threw a few coins at the barman before heading straight up to the room.

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"You're sure others are coming?" Harry asked as he Ron, and Hermione walked toward the Hog's Head.

"Yes," Hermione nodded.

"Didn't tell them Snape would be here did you?" Ron smirked.

"Um…it never came up," Hermione said as she entered the pub and the three headed upstairs.

Several minutes later the room was full of students from third to seventh years and from three of the four houses. Severus was not sure if he was disappointed or not to see no Slytherins. He and Sabrina were in dark corners of the room observing the students waiting for their cue to come out.

"Right well…you all know why we're here. We need a teacher…a proper teacher. One who has first hand knowledge of fighting the dark arts," Hermione stated.

"Why?" A boy asked.

"Why? Because you-know-who is back you toss pot!" Ron snapped.

"So he says," the boy snapped angrily.

"So Dumbledore says," Hermione stated.

"So Dumbledore says because he says. The point is where's the proof? If Potter could really tell us what happened the night Diggory died then…"

"I'm not here to talk about Cedric so if that's why you're here you can just forget it," Harry snapped standing, "Let's go guys they're just here because they think I'm a freak."

"Is it true you can cast the Patronus Charm?" Luna Lovegood asked.

"Yes! I've seen it," Hermione nodded.

"Blimey Harry I didn't know you could do that," Dean said.

"A-and he killed a Basilisk with the sword in Dumbledore's office," Neville stammered.

"It's true," Ginny replied.

"And third year he fought off about a hundred Dementors at once," Ron nodded.

"And last year he really did fight you know who in the flesh," Hermione stated. Severus snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Wait…it all sounds great when you say it like that but most of it was luck. I didn't know what I was doing half the time and I nearly always had help," Harry sighed.

"He's just being modest," Hermione replied.

"No Hermione," Harry snapped and sighed, "You don't know what it's like to face this stuff in real life. It's not like school. In school if you mess up you can try again tomorrow. But when your out there a second away from being murdered or watching a friend die before your eyes…you don't know what it's like," Harry sighed.

"No we don't Harry but if we're going to have any chance of beating…Voldemort then we need your help," Hermione stated.

"So he's really back?" asked a third year. Harry nodded.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Fred asked.

"Wait," Hermione sighed standing, "We do need Harry's help…but we need more than that. Harry can only help us so much."

"That's why they called some professionals," Sabrina quipped as she and Severus emerged from their corners.

The students gasped in anger and fright as their heads swiveled from the professors to Hermione.

"Miss Granger is right. You will need more than Potter's help on this and we are willing to teach you," Severus nodded.

"Is this some sort of trick?" a Ravenclaw asked.

"I assure you this will not be easy. If you commit to this task you can count on being the bearer of a secret. Betraying the trust of those around you will end in extreme consequences," Severus warned as Sabrina conjured a quill and parchment.

"Who's first to join Dumbledore's Regime/ Army?" Sabrina asked.

"Dumbledore's Army?" George asked.

"Dolores thinks that's what Albus is doing. Why not making her nightmare come true," Sabrina shrugged.

By the time everyone left they had all signed the parchment and only the Trio and the Professors remained.

"You're really going to help us then," Harry asked?

"Believe it or not Potter I'm not what everyone thinks I am," Severus replied.

The group existed and began heading up to the castle again as it was the end of the day by then.

"So where will we meet?" Ron asked.

"The Room of Requirement at seven Monday night. Spread the word that it's the seventh floor corridor by the tapestry of the troll battle," Sabrina replied.

"You've already planned everything," Harry asked?

"Well we are adults. We have to be prepared," Sabrina laughed.

"I can't wait for some of Tabitha's lessons," Ron sighed dreamily.

"You won't get any. She's not participating. She doesn't want to see you all hurt," Severus stated as they headed into the castle unaware of Umbridge and Flitch having seen them all together.

The next day a new decree was issued about students and professors meeting in large groups together not being allowed. In answer to it Tabitha kept a group of boys and girls following her at all times. Severus and Sabrina constantly pulled students to them for whispered conversations when ever Umbridge was close by.

But even so the DA meetings began and were a huge hit. Severus and Sabrina pushed their students hard but the lessons were with students against students and it honestly helped them improve having to battle each other.

The weeks passed by and the students seemed to have smirks on their faces every where you went. The staff knew they had a secret but because they hated Umbridge as well did not try to figure out said secret.

However; a few students weren't getting the spells. After several failed attempts Severus and Sabrina started to concentrate on the ones that could learn the spells quickly and left Harry and Hermione to teach the others.

Tabitha still refused to help and it bothered Padfoot but he didn't say anything. He had a feeling the pink letter that had just been dropped into her rooms would get her to join the DA for sure.

Tabitha entered her rooms with a small creature in her arms. The animal looked to be a cocker spaniel but with a forked tail and red eyes with scars all over it's face.

"What is that thing?" Sirius asked transforming as soon as she closed the door.

"A Crup. I found it while wondering the woods a few hours ago. I'm going to call him Gary," She said smiling as she laid the creature on the floor and conjured some food for it.

"Why Gary? And am I being replaced?" Sirius asked wrapping his arms around her from behind. She leaned into his arms sighing softly.

"Gary for Gary Oldman the man that plays you in the movies. And no I'm not replacing you…but he's a baby and all alone. He needed someone," she answered as he nuzzled her neck.

"Hmm there's a letter on the desk," he replied.

"Oh?" she asked breaking their connection and walking to her desk. She opened the garishly pink envelope and took out the scented paper.

"Ugh who scent's a letter to a colleague?" she asked in disgust. He laughed sitting on the couch and the Crup jumped up on it lying it's head on his lap. Sirius grinned and started to scratch the creature behind the ears.

Tabitha smiled at them before reading her letter. She frowned and her eyes narrowed as a growl emanated from within her.

"Bad news?" Sirius asked.

"I'm on probation and will be reevaluated after Christmas to see if a new Creatures substitute should be found," she snapped and threw the paper in the fire.

"Where are you going?" he asked watching her head to the door.

"Watch Gary. I'm going to teach a lesson," she snapped slamming the door.

"Gary my furry friend. I think we got mama to show her true colors," Sirius grinned. The dog barked happily at him.

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"This is ridiculous! We can't teach them when they aren't learning!" Severus snapped.

"Severus you said Neville wasn't dumb. Be patient," Sabrina said softly.

"I have no more patience for them woman!!!" Severus snarled as there was a knock at the door. Everyone gasped and pointed their wands at the door as Sabrina answered it.

"Tabitha!? Wait…what's you're adoptive mother's maiden name?" Sabrina asked not sure if it was her cousin or not.

"Constant vigilance. I like," Tabitha grinned, "The answer is simple. Ashlyn Corbin Waters was my adoptive mother."

"All right what are you doing here?" Sabrina asked letting the woman in.

"I'm on probation for insubordination. I want to stick it to the man…well toad. So what do you want me to do?" she smiled.

"Take them," Severus stated pointing his wand at Neville and a small group that were obviously the rejects. Tabitha nodded and walked over to the group as the lessons started up again.

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"Ah Neville my darling what's the problem?" Tabitha asked.

"We can't really do any of the spells right," Dash stated.

"Well let's see. Uh Neville…Jason, Stupefy each other," Tabitha stated.

The boys took a few steps back before they pointed their wands and shouted, "Stupefy!" The boys didn't move and nor did their wands.

"Hmm," Tabitha mumbled as she stood slightly tilted and crossed her arms. She observed them for a moment before walking around Neville and standing behind him.

Already the teen felt a flush come to his cheeks. He quiet fancied the professor though he'd never admit it.

She kicked his feet apart with her boot and gently but firmly pulled his wand arm down back to his side. She put her mouth to his ear so only he heard her. The others saw his face turn bright red.

"Neville I want you to visualize this…you have a beautiful wife. She's holding your brand new baby girl in your arms when Bellatrix Lestrange enters and fires a curse at them. What do you do?" Tabitha asked.

"STUPEFY!" Neville shouted at Jason as the boy was blown backwards with the shear force of the spell.

Everyone gasped and turned to look at Neville.

"I want you all to keep a sight in your mind's eye. Your future or your present it doesn't matter. All you need is the mere dream of love and you can do anything. Remember that and you have all the power you need," Tabitha grinned.

Several students came up to congratulate Neville on his job well done as Sabrina and Severus stood watching.

"How come she always gets her students to perform so well?" Severus asked.

"Beats me. But I think it has something to do with the envy and crushes they have on her. I knew they'd learn something with her," Sabrina laughed.

Thirty minutes later the three professors were standing in front of the students. The girls were beaming and Severus was his usual sneering self.

"Well done," he nodded, "This is the last lesson until after Christmas so practice and don't forget your homework."

They set them short essays to do for extra credit house points since Slytherin was unfailry winning thanks to the Hogwarts Inquisitorail Sqaud.

"Yes professor," they nodded and filed out.

"Albus…Albus what happens if Tabitha gets fired?" Minerva asked as the two were curled up together in her study.

"Nothing my dear Tabby. I will make sure she stays safe," Albus nodded kissing her head. Minerva sighed happily snuggling into his chest when they were interrupted by a frenzied knocking.

Albus made himself invisible as Minerva tied her dressing gown tightly around her nightgown and opened the door.

"Mr. Longbottom? What's wrong?" Minerva asked frowning.

"I-It's Harry professor. Something's wrong with him. He's having a terrible fit," Neville replied.

Minerva dashed out of her room with the boy hot on her heels knowing Albus would head to his office and wait for them.

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"Y-you do believe me don't you professor?" Harry breathed clutching her wrists that were holding him. He'd just finshed telling her about his dream/vision of Mr. Weasley being attacked.

"Yes I do Potter. Come with me," she stated, "Mr. Weasley we will gather your siblings and bring them as well."

Ronald nodded as he quickly went to wake his brothers.

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Sabrina, Severus, Tabitha, Padfoot, and Gary tiredly approached the Headmaster's office door as they heard Harry shouting, "Look at me!"

They entered and saw Dumbledore staring worriedly at Harry.

"You wished to see us headmaster?" Severus asked.

The three had clearly been woken up as Severus was in black pajama pants with a black t-shirt, Sabrina was in a pink night gown that went to her knees and was spaghetti strapped with her black school robe over it, and Tabitha was wearing black bottoms with an emerald spaghetti strap tank top that had a silver snake emblem on it. Tabitha was barefoot while the other two were wearing their boots. Padfoot looked around with a worried doggy look. Gary sat by Padfoot panting happily.

"Oh yes Severus I don't think we can wait …not even till the morning," Albus stated, "Sabrina will assist you."

Severus nodded and pulled Harry out with him as Sabrina followed.

"Padfoot I think it's time you returned home. Molly will need help with the children," Albus replied. The dog nodded trotting over to the Weasley children and morphing back into himself.

"Gary stay!" Sirius stated as the crup looked sadly at him, "Protect Tabby," The animal barked and nodded sitting close to Tabitha's feet with a watchful eye.

Albus made a port-key and handed it to Sirius just as one of Phawkes' tail feathers appeared in a flash of fire. "The signal. Minerva, Tabitha stop her. Tell her anything!" Albus replied.

The women and the crup left and hurried down the hall meeting Umbridge on the last step.

"And what are you two doing here at this time of the night?" Umbridge asked.

"I could ask you the same thing. Are you here to try and seduce my fiancée again?" Minerva snapped.

"Y-y-your fiancée?" Umbridge asked with quill and clipboard in hand.

"Certainly we were all discussing wedding plans," Tabitha replied falling in with the lie remarkably quickly. One could say it was the Slytherin in her.

"At this time of the night?" Umbridge asked.

"Well we're too busy the rest of the time," Tabitha explained, "And now that we are done we must go to bed. Don't you have more important things to do?"

"Yes I'm alerting Albus of missing students," Umbridge replied trying to get past the women. For being thin they were hard to budge.

"Who's missing?" Minerva asked as she and Tabitha crossed their arms.

It was really strange how like in personality Sabrina was to the Deputy and how like in demeanor and physical manners Tabitha was to her.

"I ...well…Gryffindors," the witch replied.

"Poppy cock. They're all in bed. I should know," Minerva snapped.

"Didn't I tell you to make sure of yourself before you came up against us again? Shame you can't teach an old toad new tricks eh Aunt?" Tabitha grinned.

"Shame indeed. Well good night Dolores," Minerva smiled pulling Tabitha with her. "Say good night Tabitha."

"Good night Tabitha," Tabby smirked as they walked down the hall and around the corner leaving Umbridge staring at them. The crup followed happily.

"Albus will kill me for that later…but it was fun," Minerva laughed.

"True…maybe he'll actually propose after Dolores shouts that in his office," Tabitha laughed.

"Maybe," Minerva said dreamily as the women parted ways and went to bed.