A/N: Thanks for all your reviews! In response to some of you asking how my Halloween was, it was good. I didn't go trick-or-treating, but just stayed home...
Other answers to questions: You'll eventually find out what the laughter was, and why Harry is so distant (though it's part of his character). As for Lucy/Lysander, you never know... :) Yes, there will be others beside family in the DA-like group. I fixed the error with the Headmaster/Dumbledore's office. As for all the randomness—well, these are the first few chapters, so it's basically just setting up the plot and the characters, so it might be a bit random.
Hugo headed down to the Quidditch pitch with Connor Parker, his best friend, and Layla Longbottom, another of his friends. Layla normally hung out with Lily or the other Gryffindor girls, but Lily was trying out for the Quidditch team today, and Elena and Olivia (the other Gryffindors) decided to stay inside to study. So Layla just tagged along with Hugo.
"Let's sit in the top row," Hugo suggested, and the other two followed him toward there. The stadium was quite full, but most people were sitting near the front. They must not know much about Quidditch, Hugo thought. Unlike other events, the top row was the best spot for Quidditch, since you could watch them fly around without having to crane your neck to watch.
In about five minutes, James, the Gryffindor captain and one of Hugo's cousins, appeared on the pitch, dressed in Quidditch robes. He yelled something and about twenty people stepped out of the stands and mounted their brooms. James split the students into two teams. Then he released three Quaffles—not the usual sole Quaffle so more people could score—and two Bludgers and told everyone to start flying.
Twenty brooms lifted into the air, and twenty people shot toward the Quaffles. "Go Lily!" Layla shouted from down in the stands. Up in the air, Lily looked down from her Nimbus 2004 and waved at Hugo and his friends.
Hugo had always been a fan of Quidditch. He'd played it with his family ever since he was young, but then he'd decided that he would stick to watching it. At last year's tryouts, he had found out that he wasn't too skilled at it compared to the others. Still, it was fun watching the others play.
Fred Weasley and Peter Gladwell, a seventh and a sixth year respectively who had been Gryffindor Beaters for four years, pelted bludger after bludger at their fellow Gryffindors. They worked really well together, probably because they've played together for four years. James made a good decision keeping them as beaters. Even if he did find other players who was better, chances were that they wouldn't cooperate as well as Fred and Peter did.
Twenty minutes into playing, both of the teams had scored a lot of points. Hugo had tried to keep track of who scored the most points as they played, but he couldn't tell who scored the most. It would be very difficult to get onto the team. There were only two open spots for Chaser; James already occupied one spot.
After a few more minutes, James called out, "Stop!" All the people stopped moving, and they headed back toward the ground. Hugo perked up his ears to hear what James was saying. "As you all know, we can only accept two chasers this year—I'm one of them. So, this means that it's quite hard to get on the team. Don't feel as if you're bad if you don't make it."
James paused and stared around at the aspirant chasers. "Alright," he said. "I've decided. The first chaser is somebody who helped their team score the most points."
The students started whispering to each other. "It doesn't mean you have to be on the winning team to get in!" James shouted. "I'm just saying that this person was on the winning team. This person cooperated quite well with the others, not hogging the Quaffle all the time. Also, she managed to score five goals in total. Congratulations, Roxanne Weasley."
"I knew she'd be chosen," Layla commented from her seat next to Hugo.
Hugo nodded in agreement. "James always has to make these long speeches before choosing who he's going to put on the team. Anyway, who do you think the other person is?"
"I dunno," Layla responded. "I hope it's Lily, though."
"I hope so too," Hugo said, though he knew that she probably wouldn't get on the team. She was, after all, only a second year.
"The second member of our team is another person who worked well with the others," James continued. "This person has been on our team before, so I know he'll do good. Andrew Stein."
Andrew Stein, a sixth-year who had been on the team last year, nodded at James. "When will the first practice be?"
"I'm not sure yet," James responded. "I'll decide after the rest of the team is chosen. Now, we already have beaters, but we need a seeker and a keeper. You've got to help me choose!"
The two chasers stayed behind while the rest of them dispersed. Lily, instead of going to the changing rooms, ran straight up the stands toward Hugo and the others. "You were really good!" Layla said. "It's too bad James didn't choose you. I bet in a few years you'll get on the team, though."
Lily nodded. "It doesn't matter. The others were better." She sat down next to Layla and watched the Quidditch pitch, which now held keepers. James, the other two chasers, and the beaters threw Quaffles into the goals while the other students tried to save as many as possible. Some random fifth-year, Scarlett Lestrade, managed to save all five and earned herself a spot on the team.
After Lestrade happily joined the rest of her team members watching in the stands, the seekers were now preparing to catch the most golf balls so they could get on the team. Among the hopefuls were Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter.
"Who do you want on the team?" Connor asked, sitting next to Hugo.
"Me?" Hugo asked. "Honestly, I don't really care. Obviously, I want Albus to be on the team, but if somebody else gets on the team, I don't mind."
"What about Scorpius?" Lily said from Hugo's other side. She was standing up and jumping up and down, watching as the students flew across the field.
Hugo shrugged. "They're good friends, so it would be fun to see one of them get on the team and the other not make it." He knew some of his family, especially his dad, was biased against Malfoy because he was a Slytherin. Hugo, however, didn't really care. If Scorpius got on the team, all that mattered was his skill. It didn't matter what his background was, as long as he helped the team win the Quidditch Cup.
After ten minutes, the players were huddled on the ground and James was telling them who made it. "Albus Potter," James said. "Congratulations."
"Good job, Albus!" Lily shouted from the stands. Albus looked up and gave her sister a wave.
"Scorpius must be mad," Hugo said under his breath, watching him and Albus start talking about something. Hugo stood up and started walking down the stands, back toward the castle.
"I wonder what the others will say about this, though," Layla commented. "Four Weasleys on one team? Maybe they'll think James is biased."
"Well, that's because all of them are actually really good at Quidditch," Connor said. "I mean, they all have parents who are skilled at Quidditch."
"When the end of the year comes, nobody will think they're not qualified to be on the team," Lily said confidently. The four second-years reached the pathway leading toward the school. "Gryffindor's won the Quidditch cup for 8 years in a row. This year will be no different."
"Don't be so sure, Miss Potter," called a voice from behind the second-years. Hugo jumped, seeing his History of Magic teacher, Professor Watson, walking toward them. Professor Watson was a really nice teacher, but he told his students that he had been a Slytherin when he was in school. Hugo put aside house differences; Professor Watson was a friendly and helpful teacher, which was all that mattered.
Lily gave Professor Watson a grin. "Why don't you think we'll win?"
"We've got a new captain this year in Slytherin," Watson replied. "He plans on training our team very well. But I wish your team luck."
He patted Lily on the back as he walked past them. Lily and Layla exchanged looks. When Watson was out of earshot, Layla whispered, "What was that all about?"
Lily shrugged. "I dunno. But he wasn't being mean. He was just trying to be funny, I suppose."
"He likes you a lot," Hugo said, turning to watch the professor walk away. "That's why you always get Outstandings on all you assignments."
"I get Outstandings because I study hard, not because he likes me!" Lily replied, indignant.
"Maybe, but you are his favorite student," Hugo said. "I guess it's because you just look so adorable and innocent whenever you smile."
Lily smiled wide. "Yep."
"But he doesn't know that she can be quite evil when she wants," Hugo whispered to Connor.
"Are you sure you're feeling better?" Madame Pomfrey asked.
Roxanne nodded. She had been in the Hospital Wing for two nights, after breaking an arm during Quidditch Practice. "I'm fine. It was only a small injury, and you fixed it perfectly. Besides, I really don't want to miss more classes."
Madame Pomfrey sighed. "If you really feel that way. But no Quidditch practice for three days, minimum."
"Thank you," Roxanne said. She gathered her books and followed Dominique and Charlotte Wilkinson—another Gryffindor—who had been watching as Roxanne argued with the nurse, out of the Hospital Wing. "What class do we have next?"
"I have History of Magic," Dominique said. "I don't know what you have; you got a troll in History of Magic, didn't you?"
"I got a dreadful," Roxanne replied. "It's not as bad as a troll, but it wasn't enough to make it into NEWT History of Magic—not that I wanted to take it. I think I have a free period now. How's History of Magic?"
"It's so much fun," Charlotte said. "Professor Watson is so funny. He's not boring at all like Binns. He manages to make history interesting, as if everything's a drama, even if it's about the most boring kings and queens ever. Last class he told us all about Merlin and his school years; it was so funny the way he described it."
If Charlotte was entertained by History of Magic, Roxanne knew that the professor must be good. "Is this the second class so far?"
"Third," Dominique reply. "Why?"
Roxanne looked down. "Do you think he'd let me join? I mean, I know I got a dreadful, but it's not like I have anything else to do this period. And if I get bored, I'll just leave."
"We could go talk to Professor Watson and see what he says," Charlotte told her friend. "I bet he'll agree."
The three friends walked toward the History of Magic classroom, chattering about schoolwork along the way. When they got there, the classroom was nearly empty, except for two Hufflepuffs, Molly, and Professor Watson.
Molly looked up when the three sixth-years entered. She was the busiest out of all of them, having gotten an Outstanding in every class or elective offered. Unlike the others, who had come from a free period, she had come from astronomy, which the others had quit.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. Roxanne didn't reply, but walked toward the professor with Charlotte. Dominique went to sit by Molly.
"Professor Watson?" Charlotte asked.
The professor turned from the board, where he was writing some notes. "Hello, Miss Charles Wilkinson," he said. "What do you require assistance with?"
"I have a friend," Charlotte began. "Roxanne."
"I've heard of you," Professor Watson said, looking at Roxanne. "You're a Weasley, aren't you?"
Roxanne nodded. "Yes, sir. Anyway, I failed my History of Magic OWL last year, so I wasn't able to continue to OWL level. But I just wondered if I would be able to sit in and listen; I have a free period this time anyway. I promise I won't be disruptive. The only reason I failed was because Professor Binns was a bit difficult to follow."
Professor Watson chuckled. "Ah, yes, I'll allow you to sit in. If you wish to continue in this class after a few weeks, I'll talk to your head of house and arrange something." He lowered his voice. "I had Professor Binns when I was here… I don't like to speak ill of my coworkers, but he was, let's just say, a bit dull."
"Thank you, professor," Roxanne replied. "I'll try my best."
Roxanne and Charlotte returned to their seats while the rest of the class came in. "Charles Wilkinson?" Roxanne whispered to her friend. "What was that about?"
"I'm not exactly sure," Charlotte responded. "He gave all of us nicknames. Mine was Charles, probably because I asked this question about the kings of England. One of them was supposedly named Charles, and that's similar to Charlotte, so I guess that's why he calls me that."
"Interesting," Roxanne commented. "But at least he seems like a nice teacher." She doodled on a scrap of paper until the bell sounded and the class settled down.
"Good afternoon class!" Professor Watson announced, turning around from the board.
"Good afternoon, Professor," the class repeated.
"Where were we last week?" Watson said. "I'm not entirely sure."
"Sir, we were just talking about Merlin's seventh year at Hogwarts," said somebody from the first row.
"Ah, yes," Watson replied. "I thought that was it, but I just wanted to make sure. History of Magic is only once a week… it must not be as important as your other classes, which are twice a week.
"So onto Merlin… it was the end of his seventh year and he graduated, top of his class. Of course, he was a typical troublemaker, blowing up toilet seats and that kind of stuff. Like somebody here," Watson stopped and gave Euan Weiss, sitting near the right side of the room, a glare. Weiss was the biggest troublemaker in sixth year, and evidently Watson knew it.
"Me?" Weiss acted innocent. "I never blew up a toilet seat in my life."
"Sure," Watson said, shaking his head at the left side of his room. "Anyway, Merlin immediately wanted to gain power, so he managed to get a job in the Ministry of Magic…"
Professor Watson talked for the rest of the period about Merlin's life, but, unlike Binns, he included funny parts and managed to keep everyone awake. When the bell finally rang, Roxanne didn't even want to leave. "Homework!" Professor Watson announced. Everyone groaned. "The same as last week. Summarize what you learned today – five inches. That's not too bad, is it?"
Everyone shook their heads. "So, how did you like class today?" Charlotte asked Roxanne as they packed up their bags.
"It was great," Roxanne responded. "Professor Watson is naturally funny. I don't feel like doing homework, though…"
"You don't have to – you're not officially in this class. But you should probably ask Professor Watson to make sure."
Roxanne nodded and walked up toward her teacher. "Excuse me?" she asked. "Should I do the assignment?"
"Well, considering you're not an actual student in my class, I can't force you," Watson replied. "But if you have extra time, please attempt to do it. My homework assignments are simply to help you review, so you won't forget what you learned in class. Alright?"
"Thank you, professor," Roxanne replied. "Can I come back next week?"
Waton nodded. "I'm glad you want to."
"I honestly don't understand why Rose wants to do this," Fred muttered as he climbed the steps toward the seventh floor. "It's not like we need to defend ourselves. There aren't people outside wanting to kill us."
"You never know," James said seriously. "I have experience to back that up," James added, when Fred looked at him strangely. Fred knew he was referring to the end of last year, when he was kidnapped. "Besides, you were the one who wanted to go help them. Why are you complaining?"
"I only offered to help because I didn't want her to stay mad at me," Fred answered. "It was the only way I could get Rose to stop looking like she wanted to murder me whenever I appeared."
"Why is she mad at you anyway?" James asked. "What did you do?"
"I told you already, we were developing these buttons that caused pain, and Rose didn't like them," Fred replied.
"That's the only reason why she's mad?"
"Yep."
James didn't look convinced, but Fred didn't feel like telling him the whole truth. What really happened had involved much more arguing. On the Hogwarts Express, Fred had been walking down the corridor to use the bathroom when he bumped into Rose.
"Hey Fred!" Rose had said enthusiastically.
Fred halfheartedly said hi.
"We wanted to start learning all these spells," Rose said, talking really fast. "But we need other people to help us learn. Sort of like what our parents did back when they were at Hogwarts."
"It sounds fun, but I don't think I'll be able to help," Fred replied. "Sorry."
"Please?" Rose had begged.
"Maybe," Fred said. Maybe's always meant no. "This year's NEWT year and I'll be quite busy."
Rose sighed.
"You have Albus to help," Fred told his cousin. "And I bet you can get your other friends."
Rose nodded. "Like Scorpius or… or Emma, or Rachel, I guess."
Fred had no clue who Rose was talking about. "Who?"
"Emma and Rachel are other girls in my year," Rose said. "I don't really talk to them much… but Scorpius is one of my best friends, along with Al."
Fred frowned. "Don't you have any friends who are girls?"
"Some," Rose said nonchalantly. "Why does it matter to you?"
"I just want to make sure you get company with some other people your age," Fred replied.
"Well, I'm perfectly fine with my friends," Rose said crisply. "I don't need you poking your nose in my business. And I have two best friends. Al and Scorpius."
"Scorpius Malfoy?" Fred ask. "Draco Malfoy's son? He's your best friend?"
"We've been best friends for four years," Rose retorted. "He's very nice. And you should have known that if you ever paid attention to anyone besides yourself."
It got bad after that. Fred wasn't sure exactly what happened, but he had shouted something at Rose about Scorpius being a bad example. He hadn't meant to be so harsh, but Rose had looked at him like he'd just said the word 'mudblood.' Then she had stomped off in the other direction.
Fred shook his head, clearing his mind from his memory. They had reached the seventh floor. "Want to do it?" James asked.
"You can do it," Fred replied, and stood back as James walked back and forth three times. A door appeared.
"I wonder who else is here," was all James said before he pulled open the door. Fred entered after him, closing the door tightly behind him. Inside was a room that was just a bit too bright for him. Otherwise, it seemed perfect for practicing spells.
In the middle of the room was a group of chairs forming a circle. Students were sitting on the chairs, talking among themselves. There were about twenty-five or so people in total; some were part of the Weasley/Potter clan, some others were probably just friends. Most of them looked quite young.
"Too bad Oliver couldn't come," Fred commented, staring around. "He's good with children." Oliver had to be on head duties at this time.
James walked over to the group. "Hey James," Rose said, from a seat in the circle. "We'll make room for you." She closed her eyes and two chairs appeared in the center of the circle.
"That's so cool!" said a girl nearby, sitting next to Lily. Fred believed that was Elena or somebody like that, one of Lily's friends, but he wasn't sure. He grabbed a chair and pushed it toward an empty spot in the circle.
There was an awkward silence as Fred and James sat down. Fred looked around and noticed that all the students were looking at him and James. "Why are you all looking at us?" he asked. "This wasn't our idea… it was Rose's."
"Well, you two are the oldest, so you should know the most," said a small boy sitting across from Fred.
Fred met James eyes. "Alright," said James, taking charge. "Has Rose told all of you why we're here?"
"She said something about learning spells," said a girl who looked like she was in Rose's year.
"Well, that's what we planned to do," Rose interrupted before James could say anything. "But I don't think it has to be restricted to just learning spells. I mean, we can learn advanced magic… but not just spells."
"What Rose is saying," Albus added. "Is that we wanted to learn other stuff too. Like making advanced potions—Felix Felicis, for example, or Polyjuice Potion. Or we could even learn… Occlumency."
"Polyjuice potion is illegal," Lucy spoke up. She was sitting next to one boy that Fred had never seen before, while Louis and the Scamander twins were on her other side. "And Occlumency's really advanced. It's really difficult to learn."
"I asked my father to teach it to me last summer," James said. "He didn't want to, but eventually I convinced him to teach me. But I gave up after the first lesson. It takes so much concentration, and it just gives you headaches at first. Besides, it's not like anyone would use Legilmency on us. Doesn't it sound a bit odd, having the ability to look into other peoples' minds?"
"Okay, so no Legilmency/Occlumency," Rose said. "But we'll still learn other stuff."
"I think, before we start, we should first go around and introduce ourselves," Fred said. "We won't be able to learn unless we know who we all are."
They nodded in agreement. "I'll start," Fred said. "I'm Fred Weasley. This is my last year at Hogwarts, and I'm in Gryffindor."
"James Potter. I'm a Gryffindor and a seventh year."
The girl on James's left said, "Emma Stone, Gryffindor, fourth year."
"Rachel Rubin, Gryffindor and fourth year too."
"George Harris, Ravenclaw, fifth year."
"Nicholas Schwab. I'm in Ravenclaw and a fifth year."
"Lucy Weasley. Gryffindor, fifth year."
They continued for a while until everyone said their names. Fred counted as he listened; he and James were the only seventh years. Dominique and one of her friends had shown up, making two sixth years. Fred's other sixth year cousins were probably too busy. There were six fifth years, ten fourth years—Rose must have told a lot of her classmates—no third or first years, but seven second years. There were no Slytherins and mostly Gryffindors, but there were an equal amount of Ravenclaws as Hufflepuffs. That made twenty-seven people in all.
"Okay," said James after the last person, Connor Parker, had said his name, house, and age. "Since we have so many people with so many different ages, I think it might be better if we divided into two groups."
"No," Albus said loudly. "We don't need to."
"Why not?" James asked. "There are second years and fifth years; we're all of different abilities."
"That's why we're here to learn," Albus responded. "So the older ones can help the younger ones."
James sighed. "Fine. So, what do you want to learn first?"
Sorry for the sort-of cliffhanger ending. This chapter was almost 4000 words already, so I didn't want to make it too long.
Do any of you have an idea what this DA-like group should be called? I don't think it should be Dumbledore's Army, since Dumbledore is gone. A new name would be better. Ideas? I'll use the best one! (I'm not the best at names - that's partly why my chapters are just called Chapter #)
I know these first few chapters are a bit boring, but I promise there will be something exciting in the next chapter!
Please review?