I do not own Harry Potter. Charlotte Potter and most of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team members are my OCs.

Gathering the Team

Two weeks passed by without her friends asking if she had reached a decision. Charlie did think about their proposal on and off, but she had yet to make up her mind. When she wasn't thinking about whether or not she would make a good Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, she was focussing on her schoolwork.

Her detentions with Umbridge finished, and she managed to make it through the next couple of classes without incident. The words now stood out against her pale skin, and she knew that they would never fade away. It was just another scar to her collection, though she hoped she wouldn't acquire any more.

She continued attending Ron's practices to offer her support, and he managed to get through two of his four practices without Slytherins plaguing the pitch. Her own practices went fine, when she managed to attend them after her detentions. Tommy gave her the silent treatment for a few days, but eventually apologized for shouting at her, and they were back on good terms.

Charlie was sitting in the library, the wind howling outside the windows, sitting with her friends at their usual table. Ron flipped through a library book on potion ingredients with a soft frown. "Why do we have to do further research?" he grumbled. "Why can't we just use our textbook?"

"There's not enough information in there," returned Hermione. "Besides, it's always good to look in other source material for more information."

Harry flicked his gaze over to his sister. "Have you thought about our idea?"

"Yeah," she admitted, setting her quill down. "But I still think you guys are crazy."

"No, we're not. You'd be the best teacher ever!" insisted Ron. "You know loads of spells."

"Not really. I know a handful of spells that I tend to use repeatedly."

"You can cast a full Patronus," put in Harry. "No one else in our year can do that. I don't even know if there are any sixth or seventh-year students who can do it."

"Plus you can completely throw off the Imperius Curse," added Hermione. "It's not just us who think this. Viktor said that you can do things that he couldn't do, and he was in his final year at Durmstrang."

"He mentioned," said Charlie with a sigh.

Ron frowned at her. "You're pen-pals with Krum?"

"Yeah, and Fleur. We promised we'd keep in touch, so I've sent them a few letters. They both think your idea is a great one." Charlie rested her chin against her knuckles, eyes uncertain. "It'd just be you guys?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, we were thinking that you could teach anyone who wanted to learn. It wouldn't be fair not to include anyone who wants to defend themselves against You-Know-Who."

"I'm not against it, but I sincerely doubt anyone is going to want to learn from me."

"There will be a few people," assured Hermione. "We can tell people we know are trustworthy, and ask anyone who is interested to meet us in Hogsmeade and we'll speak of it there. We have a visit coming up in October, so it gives us time to spread the word. Be careful, though."

"Does it have to be outside of school?" asked Ron.

Charlie snorted. "Absolutely. I'm with Hermione on this one. If Umbridge finds out, then we'll all be sorry."

…

The day of the Hogsmeade visit arrived, and the Golden Quartet joined the massive line of students waiting to get past Filch, who was armed with a quill and ensuring that the students did indeed have permission to go to the village.

"Exactly how many people did you tell to meet us?" asked Charlie.

Hermione, for the fifth time, did not give a straight answer. "Oh, I already told you, just the ones who we thought would be interested."

"That's not a number."

"You want people to defend themselves, don't you?"

"Yes. But I also don't want them to get mangled hands, which is what will happen if we get caught by Miss Toad," said Charlie, holding out her scarred hand for further emphasis.

Ron rolled his eyes and pushed her hand down. "Don't worry about it. We'll get to Hogsmeade soon enough."

Charlie frowned. "I feel that I agreed to something that's going to be much more than what I'm expecting."

They finally reached Filch, and he crossed their names off his list. He gave a rather obvious sniff in Harry's direction before grumbling under his breath and motioning the Hufflepuff along.

"That was weird," remarked Ron as they went down the stone steps. "What was that all about?"

"Remember the letter I sent for Charlie? And he thought I was putting in an order for Dungbombs? Took me forever to get out of there. Cho had to save me."

"Oh, right. Wonder why he thought you were ordering Dungbombs."

"Someone must have said something," said Harry with a shrug. "I just happened to be the only one in there at the time and he suspected me." He turned to glance at his sister. "Sirius coming today?"

The raven-haired girl shook her head. "No. I kind of didn't tell him when our Hogsmeade trip was."

"Why not?"

"I think it would be best if he stayed far away from Umbridge's reach, as well as other Order members. For the time being."

Hermione sighed. "You worry too much about other people."

She shrugged. "Can't help it."

They reached the village and Hermione led the way down the main street. They soon made a turn down a street Charlie was not familiar with and they stopped outside a small, grungy inn with a broken wooden sign that read Hog's Head.

"This is not the Three Broomsticks," said Charlie, eyeing the rusted door apprehensively.

"Well, everyone goes to the Three Broomsticks," said Hermione reasonably. "But hardly any students go here. We'll be able to speak without being overheard."

She nudged open the door and the four teens filed in. Charlie glanced at the interior, which was much darker and dirtier than the Three Broomsticks. It didn't help that the windows were coated in grime, letting in little sunlight. Small candles flickered on the wooden tables and there was a funny stench to the place.

"Is it just me, or does it smell like goats?" muttered Harry as they inched towards the bar.

"Huh. Is that what that is? All right, then." Charlie flicked her green eyes over to Hermione, who looked just as nervous as the rest of them. "There are some shady figures in here," she said lowly. "You sure we're old enough to be in here?"

Hermione nodded. "Positive. I asked Professor Flitwick if students were allowed in Hog's Head."

"Geez, I bet he liked that."

"He wasn't entirely happy, but he didn't discourage me. He advised me to bring my own glass."

Charlie set her hands on her hips. "I don't see any glasses."

"I didn't bring any."

"I'm pretty sure that Professor Flitwick said that for a reason. Actually, I can see why. This place looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the Dark Ages."

Hermione did not respond, as the barman approached the counter then. He had lots of grey hair, a long beard, and looked rather familiar. Hermione asked for four bottles of Butterbeer and Charlie paid for them. They snagged a table in the back and Charlie took the rusted top off of her dust-covered bottle. "I wonder how long these things were sitting back there."

"I could probably order Firewhiskey and get it," said Ron thoughtfully, glancing at the bar. "So long as I pay for it. Bloke doesn't seem like he would give a toss if I asked."

Hermione shot him a scathing look. "You're a prefect."

Ron flicked his gaze over to Harry. "You're the deciding vote."

"Sorry, but I'm not facing Hermione's wrath," replied Harry. "I'm with her."

Ron pouted and sipped moodily at his drink. "Thanks, mate."

"Exactly when are the people coming?" asked Charlie.

Hermione glanced at her watch. "Soon. We told them where to meet us."

The door creaked and four heads swivelled to see who was entering the pub. Charlie's eyes widened as a slew of students poured inside.

This is more than just a few people.

Leading the crowd was Neville, followed closely by Dean and Lavender. Following behind were the Patil twins, Cho and her friend Marietta Edgecombe, Luna, the Gryffindor Chasers Katie, Alicia and the new girl, and the Creevey brothers. Taking up the rear of the crowd were Ernie, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, her fellow Ravenclaws Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, Terry Boot and her entire Quidditch team, along with Ginny, a tall blonde boy that was on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, and finally the Weasley twins with their best friend, Lee Jordan.

"Afternoon, lot," said Fred cheerfully, a large paper Zonko's bag swinging by his side. "I'll collect some Butterbeers. Get your gold ready, I'm not paying for all of you."

Charlie stared as the twins went up to the bar to order the drinks. She looked at Hermione with a disbelieving expression. "I'm not entirely certain what I'm supposed to say to you."

"So it's quite a few people. The idea was very popular," said Hermione, looking rather happy about the fact.

"Are they expecting anything I need to know about?"

"I'll talk to them first, don't worry. They just want to hear what you have to say."

"Hi, Charlie," greeted Neville, taking the seat across from her.

Charlie managed a smile. "Hey, Neville."

Cho and Marietta took the seats beside Ron. Marietta did not look happy to be there, and Charlie suspected the sixth-year was not there of her own accord.

Looks like I'm going to have some tough customers.

Soon, everyone was settled, and eyes focussed on Charlie, who tried not to squirm under their stares. Hermione cleared her throat, and their attention redirected towards her. "Hi, everyone. Um, I know you're here because you want to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts, due to Umbridge's rubbish lessons not teaching us anything."

"I hear that," said Anthony, Hermione's fellow prefect.

Hermione smiled. "As such, I thought it was time for us to take matters in our own hands. Not just so we can pass our O.W.L.s, but so we can defend ourselves, using real spells, not just theory, against Lord Voldemort."

As per usual, there were gasps, shrieks and frightened expressions following the Dark Lord's name. The blonde Hufflepuff frowned and asked, "But what proof is there that says You-Know-Who is back?"

"Dumbledore believes it—"

"No," corrected the boy. "Dumbledore believes her."

Ron scowled. "And who are you?"

"Zacharias Smith," put in Harry, a frown on his face. "Zach, knock it off."

"What? I think we have the right to know why she thinks You-Know-Who is back," snapped Zacharias.

"But that's not the point of this meeting," said Hermione firmly.

"Don't worry about it," said Charlie. She faced the crowd, knowing that their main reason for coming was to see if they could hear the story of what she experienced a few months ago in the maze. "I don't think he's back. I know he's back. I saw him, and I told Professor Dumbledore, who then told all of you. But here's the thing. If you're not going to believe him, then there's a good chance you're not going to believe me. So is there a point in saying what I have to say?"

There was silence, and Charlie was pretty sure that the barman was also listening in, due to the fact he kept swiping the same mug with a filthy cloth.

"Dumbledore didn't give us any details," said Zacharias. "He just said You-Know-Who killed Angelina Johnson and that you brought her body back to Hogwarts."

Charlie clenched at her robes, avoiding the looks of Katie, Alicia, and the twins, who had known the girl well. "I'm not going to tell you the details of her murder," she said softly. "She deserves more respect than your morbid curiosity. So I'm afraid you're just going to have to take my word for it."

No one stood up to leave, and Hermione took this as a good sign. "Like I was saying, we're going to have to figure out where we're going to learn and how we're going to go about it."

Susan spoke up. "My aunt was shocked when you told her you could cast a full Patronus. I told her all about the Quidditch game in third year, when you knocked Malfoy and his goons right off their feet with your unicorn. She was really impressed."

"Your aunt?" said Charlie, puzzled.

"Yeah, Madam Bones."

"Oh." Charlie grinned. "Should have made the connection."

"You killed the Basilisk, didn't you?" asked Cho, attempting to booster her friend higher into favourable light.

"Well, yeah. But Ron helped."

The ginger blushed.

"She also got the Philosopher's Stone from You-Know-Who," piped up Clancy.

"And went through all that stuff in the Triwizard Tournament," added Katie with a small smile in the Ravenclaw's direction.

"Look, I had lots of help when I went through all that—" started Charlie.

"That flying was all you," informed Michael. "And the Sword of Gryffindor? That was phenomenal."

"Yeah, but—"

"You scared off those Dementors this summer by yourself," said Susan.

Zacharias crossed his arms. "Are you trying to slither your way out of teaching us?"

"Shut up," growled Ron.

"That's not what she's saying," said Fred, glaring at the Hufflepuff boy. "So I suggest you listen up before you shove that foot in your mouth further."

"Or I can sock you one," suggested Aurora. "Either way works for me."

Zacharias fell silent and Hermione took this opportunity to speak up again. "Are we all in agreement that we want to learn from Charlie?"

Everyone at the table nodded, even Zacharias, though he still looked hesitant, and Marietta didn't look entirely certain.

Hermione smiled in relief. "Good. I don't see a point in meeting less than once a week-"

"We can't let this clash with our Quidditch practices," said Alicia.

"Yeah," agreed Eliza. "I think learning defense is really important, but there's also other things to take into consideration."

"We'll find a night that works," assured Hermione. "But do remember that we're talking about defending ourselves against Voldemort. This takes priority."

"Certainly," agreed Ernie. "I think it's a travesty that the Ministry is denying all this. But I don't understand why they would send a teacher that's only teaching use the theory side of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Mr. Fudge thinks Dumbledore is going to try and form his own army," said Charlie, resting her chin against the palm of her hand. "So Umbridge is here to make sure that doesn't happen. Uh…well, I guess she's doing a horrible job then, actually."

Luna peered at her thoughtfully. "Funny. The Minister has his own army to worry about."

"An army of what?" asked Charlie in disbelief.

"Heliopaths. They're spirts of fire."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Luna, they don't exist."

"Yes, they do!" she snapped back.

"We don't have time to argue over such inane things," said Hermione dismissively.

Luna's face flushed red. Charlie quickly said, "Yeah, once a week sounds good. We just have to figure out where we're going to meet."

"How about the library?" suggested Katie.

"I don't know about you, but I'm not getting my head swiped off by Madam Pince," said Charlie feelingly.

"We'll think about it," said Hermione. "We'll send the time and date of our first meeting once we have it all sorted."

She removed a quill and parchment from her bag and spread it on the table. "I think it would be best if everyone signed this list. I also think no one should go around saying what we're doing. You all have to agree not to tell Umbridge or anyone else of our plans."

The twins and Lee signed without question, followed by Charlie's Quidditch team members. Danny tried passing it to Zacharias, but he looked rather wary. "Can't Ernie just tell me when the first meeting is?"

But Ernie also looked hesitant. Hermione arched an eyebrow. "I thought you were on board with this."

"I am," said Ernie quickly. "It's just…"

Charlie smiled at him. "Don't worry. This list will be tightly under wraps, and on the off chance Umbridge does find out, I'll take the blame, full-shouldered."

"No, you won't," said Tommy with a frown.

Charlie removed her hand from her sleeve and extended it across the table, so that everyone got a clear view of the white scars on her hand that spelled out 'I must not tell lies'. "You land yourself in detention with Umbridge, this is what you get."

Everyone stared in horror. "No way," whispered Cho.

"Why haven't you told a professor?" asked Fred urgently.

"Because Umbridge has the power this year. The Ministry is behind her. If anyone dares to tell her what she can't do, I fear her response. The Blood Quill is not the worst thing I've had to face." She drew her hand back. "But I don't want you guys to have these words permanently imprinted in your skin. Don't worry about it." She smiled easily. "I've got Umbridge covered."

Perhaps it was her promise to protect them that dissolved any lingering reluctance. Everyone knew Charlotte Potter kept her word, and all felt rather safe when she was around. Soon everyone's name was scrawled on the parchment and Hermione took it back.

"Thank you. We'll be seeing you soon."

The group departed in groups of twos and threes. The Golden Quartet were the last to leave. "Sorry about Zach," apologized Harry. "I was talking with Hannah and Ernie and he showed up. I couldn't do much about it."

"It's al lright," assured Charlie. Zacharias hadn't been entirely pleasant, but he was far from being like Draco or Pansy. "But a lot of people showed up."

"The more the better," said Hermione as they stepped outside. "I told Michael and his friends about it, but I didn't think he'd come. I suppose it helps that he's dating Ginny."

Ron jolted so violently that Charlie feared for an instant that he was having a fit. But then he regained himself and turned to Hermione with wide eyes. "She's what?"

"Didn't you know? They met at the Yule Ball and got together at the end of last year."

"No, I didn't bloody know! Which one was he?"

"He's the dark one."

"I don't like him," said Ron instantly.

Charlie shook her head and playfully shoved him. "He's a good guy."

"That's yet to be decided," grumbled Ron.