A/N Hey guys, here is the next chapter. It is a bit short but I am too tired to care. I live in Aus its currently about 7 and I havent slept since I woke up at like 11 yesterday and I have to work in 2 hours oh joy for like 5 hours. I couldn't sleep so I wrote this I hope it is okay. I will admit the bit at the beginning is a bit useless but in the book it has a little section like that and I wanted to develop a little more on the Draco/Mina friendship
I hope you like the chapter though. Even though I was tired I like it! Also the part about Mina's developed powers she isn't the only one with extra powers the others do too it just isn't mentioned as much. Like say Ami would be able to manipulate ice slightly, Rei with fire etc etc.
Please review guys, I do not know how many people are actually reading this story and if they are enjoying it or not. It is nice to know what I am doing right and stuff.
Thanks to those that do review. You guys are awesome!
The next two days at Hogwarts passed without great incident, except for the gossip caused by Minako. She had decided to sit next to Draco during potions shocking Malfoy and those around her. Minako gave them a valid excuse that she didn't have anybody else to sit with since Ron and Ami partnered up and so did Harry and Hermione.
She also stated it was because she wanted to try and be friendly to Draco. The other Gryffindors glared slightly before letting it slide since she used her puppy dog eyes on them causing Draco to raise an eyebrow at how quickly she could get what she wanted.
At first Draco tried to ignore her and keep up his usual attitude but he found it increasingly hard to do. She would just keep chatting away to him, whether he was listening or not. Her bubbly attitude and warmth made his cold exterior slowly melt away. He soon found himself listening to what she had to say and occasionally he would let out a small smile.
When it was just those two, they got along fabulously but when he said something mean about Harry or Ron she got angry. She couldn't understand why they had their stupid rivalry over nothing.
Though he insulted Harry, Ron and Hermione, he wisely didn't say anything bad about Ami which helped to keep the peace. Though the smug looks he threw Harry was bound to get him in trouble if Mina realised the looks the two were exchanging.
It was finally time for their first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. Many of the Gryffindor's were looking forward to it after seeing how Moody turned Malfoy into a ferret but Mina wasn't like the others. She didn't want to go to those classes still hating the way Moody treated Malfoy.
Nevertheless Minako joined her classmates as they sat down in the Defence Against the Dark Arts room. They were sitting in a line Ron, Ami, Minako and Harry, each with their text books sitting in front of them.
Hermione who was running late because she was in the library dashed in just in time taking a seat on the other side of Ron.
Professor Moody entered soon after and glared at the books on the tables. "You can put them away you won't be needing them. Right then, I have had a letter from Professor Lupin about this class. Seems you've had a pretty thorough grounding in tackling Dark creatures – you've covered Boggarts, Red Caps, Hinkypunks, Grindylows, Kappas and Werewolves. Though it seems you are all very behind... on dealing with dark curses. So I am here to bring you up to scratch on what wizards can do to each other. I've got one year to teach you how to deal with the dark curses.
I am not meant to teach you about these to sixth year but Dumbledore and myself believe you should be knowledgeable about the Unforgivable Curses. There are three of them and using them on another human being is instant imprisonment. What are the three called?"
Several hands rose slowly into the air including Ron's and Hermione's. Moody pointed at Ron.
"My dad told me about one... is it called the Imperius curse or something?"
"Ah yes, your father would know about that one. Gave the ministry a lot of trouble at one time."
Moody proceeded to open a draw and took out a glass jar. Inside were three large black spiders. Ami felt Ron recoil slightly beside her and looked over at him. He smiled reassuringly at her and they both focused their attention back on Moody.
Moody had caught one of the spiders and pointed his wand at the spider muttering, "Imperio"
The spider then began to do tricks, it swung backwards and forwards on its silky thread before cutting it and flipping through the air. When on the table it began to cartwheel in circles and then began to tap dance.
Many people in the class were laughing except for Minako and Ami. They were not laughing because they had read about what Voldemort had done in the past. They had to learn about Voldemort before they came to Hogwarts. This was so that they would be able to protect Harry as best as they could.
They were horrified at seeing the spider doing all those tricks, knowing that people had been made to do things they didn't want to do because of that curse.
Moody growled at the class for laughing. "Think it's funny do you? I could make it jump out the window, drown itself, and throw itself down one of your throats... I could make it do anything. Though the imperious curse can be fought and I'll be teaching you how. It takes real strength of character to fight it and not everyone can fight it. Better avoid being hit with it if you can. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" He barked causing nearly everybody to jump in fright.
Moody picked up the spider and threw it back in the jar. "Anyone else know another illegal curse?'
Neville's hand surprisingly flew into the air along with Hermione's. Moody looked at the boy and nodded at him.
"There's one – the Cruciatus curse."
Moody looked at Neville and nodded seeming to share something private. He then picked up a different spider and pointed his wand muttering "Engorgio" The spider swelled it was now larger than a tarantula. Ron looked as if he was about to run out of the room screaming, his eyes were wide, his hands were in fists and his face had turned white.
Ami shot Minako a confused look and Minako closed her eyes and concentrated. She unblocked her mind allowing her to use her empathic abilities. She focused on Ron's emotions blocking out everybody else's. She smiled softly at Ron before she turned and mouthed to Ami "He is afraid of spiders."
Ami nodded and reached over to Ron, grabbing his hand. He slowly relaxed his hand and turned around to Ami giving her a small smile of thanks. Ami smiled at him and he turned back to the front of the room, his face regaining some of its colour.
Moody stared at the spider and pointed his wand at the arachnid.
"Crucio!" Moody yelled.
The spell hit the spider and the room watched with a mixture of amazement and horror as the spider's legs to bend upon its body. The legs kept bending at an awkward angle until it rolled over and began to twitch horribly rocking from side to side.
Minako suddenly felt a wave of terror rush over her. After she had checked Ron's emotions she forgot to put up the strong mental block she usually had up. Usually she was able to block out all emotions from others even the strongest emotions but she had only had a weak mental block up because she had checked Ron's emotions.
She focused her mind on the feeling and looked over to see Neville staring at the spider with wide horrified eyes. His hands were clutched into fists and were slowly turning white.
The spider began to shake and jerk more violently and the emotion got stronger. Mina tried in vain to block out the emotion but since she was already in tune to Neville's emotion it was harder to block out the feeling.
She gripped tightly to the table in front of her and squeezed her eyes tightly shut. The emotion was still too strong; Neville was truly terrified of what he was seeing. Unable to handle Neville's strong emotional reaction she screamed.
"Stop it! Please stop!"
Harry looked over at Minako, she looked pale and like she was about to get a headache but still concern shone in her eyes. He followed her vision towards Neville and knew why she was so concerned.
Harry looked back at her to see her eyes closing slowly and a single tear fall down her cheek; he reached over and grabbed her hand.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him; trying to reassure him she was fine. He didn't quite believe it and gripped onto her hand.
Mina leant back against her chair trying to relax. She could still slightly feel the emotions from Neville but it seemed as though he was starting to go blank, like all the emotions were too much for him to handle.
Mina kept holding Harry's hand revelling in the emotions he was feeling. He was showing genuine concern for her and Neville and she could feel that he wanted to protect them both. She smiled as she drew strength from him.
Moody had taken the curse of the spider and nodded towards both Neville and Mina. He then returned the spider to its normal size and placed it back into the jar. "There is one more. It is the most dangerous curse known to wizards; it is also the most famous. Who knows it?"
Hermione shyly raised her hand and whispered. "Avada Kedavra"
Moody nodded grabbing the final spider from the glass. It scurried around trying to get away but was soon caught. Moody pointed his wand and yelled "Avada Kedavra"
There was a flash of green light and a rushing sound. The students covered their eyes from the bright flash of green. Once the flash was gone, gasps were heard around the room as they saw the spider roll over onto its back dead.
"That is the killing curse. It is not nice, not pleasant. There is no known way of blocking it, no counter curse. Only one person has survived it and he's sitting in front of me."
Again Minako felt a strong rush of emotion this time coming from Harry. She was unable to block it because she was still weak from the onslaught of Neville's emotions.
She tried to ignore the feeling of immense sadness, confusion, hate and love. Mina through her pain marvelled at the mix of emotions that Harry was feeling.
She looked over to Harry and silently begged for him to stop imagining whatever was going through his mind. He didn't seem to notice and stared straight ahead, lost in his thoughts.
He eventually stopped but Minako felt weak and was unable to concentrate for the rest of the lesson. She silently thanked the gods when the bell rang and slowly started to get up.
Harry looked over to realise that Mina still looked like she was going to faint, she was pale and her eyes held a blank look. He walked up to her and placed his hands on her arms. He gently rubbed her arms breaking her out of her thoughts. She smiled but the smile never reached her eyes, she was still lost.
"Are you okay?" He asked her, she nodded slightly and looked back down.
Harry sighed and gathered her into his arms in a warm embrace. Minako fell into the embrace but as soon as she looked up, she abruptly pulled away.
Harry felt the rush of embarrassment, thinking she didn't want him to touch her. That thought was soon forgotten as she rushed over to Neville who was staring at the wall opposite him with the same horrified expression he wore when Moody demonstrated the Cruciatus curse.
Minako stood in front of him and gently placed her hand on his face.
"Neville are you okay?"
Neville was still a bit out of it and didn't even blush at the fact that Minako was slowly caressing his face.
"Hello, interesting lesson wasn't it? I wonder what is for dinner."
Minako made him stare into her eyes so he could see the concern and understanding in her eyes. He felt calmer staring into her beautiful blue eyes. He found himself slowly getting lost in her eyes; they were as blue as the clear blue skies.
"Neville are you going to be fine? I felt... I mean I saw the way you reacted in there. I am worried about you."
"I am fine Minako, thank you for your concern."
Minako knew he wasn't fine as she could still feel his emotions. She sighed as Moody appeared to make sure he was feeling better. She smiled slightly at Moody before walking back to the small group. As she walked back over to the group she stumbled slightly using the wall to steady herself. Harry and Ami rushed over to her and supported her. Ami knew how weak she could feel after an onslaught of emotions but Harry had no idea why she was feeling like that and just wanted to help.
Ron was anxious to discuss what they had seen that lesson but Minako felt deeply affected by the strong emotions she felt. Harry didn't want to talk about it, Ami was too busy worrying about Mina and Hermione had quickly eaten and run off to the library. Due to this dinner passed in relative silence.
After dinner the four of them then headed towards Gryffindor tower. Harry, Ron and Minako had decided to work on their Divination homework and Ami decided that she would write a letter to the other senshi and see if she could figure out a way to make their communicators work.
Mina and Ami both enjoyed writing to their friends but they wanted to see them, they didn't know how they would go a whole year without seeing their faces. They had been through so much together and would not cope not hearing their voices or their smiling faces.
The four of them quickly grabbed what they needed from their rooms before heading down to the common room. Harry, Ron and Minako crowded around a table to work together on their assignments while Ami sat off to the side so she could have some privacy.
"I haven't got a clue what this lot's supposed to mean." Harry said as he stared down at a long list of calculations.
"Agreed, I just keep having Venus stand out and the others following in a straight line!" Mina moaned as she looked at her parchment.
Ami looked up from her writing and gave Mina a look. "You just keep having the other planets following Venus?"
Mina nodded and stared at Ami in confusion. Ami gave her another look and she started to giggle once she got what Ami was trying to say. Ami laughed along with her as the two boys watched on captivated by their laughs but also thoroughly confused at what was so funny.
"What's so funny? This is so stupid! I think it is back to the old Divination standby." Ron said as he threw his calculations across the room.
Harry smiled and nodded. "Yeah okay"
Minako looked between the boys and looked at them in confusion. "What is the old Divination standby?"
Ron looked over at Minako and smiled widely, "Make it up and make them bad things. Trelawney loves stuff like that. For example next Monday I am likely to develop a cough owing to the unlucky conjunction of Mars and Jupiter."
Mina's eyes widened, "but isn't that kind of cheating?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "I guess but even if we could predict the future she wouldn't appreciate it unless it's all misery... On Monday I will be in danger of – er – burns!"
Ron laughed and agreed, "Maybe you will, we are seeing the Skrewts on Monday. Give it a go Mina."
Mina looked over at Ami and Ami merely shrugged her shoulders. Divination was not a subject she could give help on. That was all Rei and Setsuna's area.
"Okay let's see. On Monday I will have a mild fight with a friend due to the crossing of Mars and the moon."
Mina giggled as she thought back to the fights between Rei and Usagi.
Harry nodded and smiled, "Good one Mina. Okay let's think of some more.
By the end of the hour they had each come up with many horrible things that were bound to happen. Harry's included losing money on a bet and getting stabbed in the back by a friend. Ron's included losing a fight and loss of a treasured possession and Mina's included the death of a loved one due to Saturn, getting a mild case of frostbite thanks to Mercury and almost drowning caused by Neptune.
Mina giggled at hers because she based them all around the senshi and their powers.
At the moment they finished their homework Hermione walked into the common room. She was smiling brightly, carrying parchment and a box that rattled as she walked.
She then proceeded to open the box she placed and showed the group about fifty colourful badges all bearing the same letters: S.P.E.W.
Harry grabbed a badge and studied it as he raised an eyebrow. "Spew?"
Hermione gave him a glare and scoffed at him, "Not spew! It's S – P – E –W. It stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare."
"Never heard of it" Ron said as he picked up a badge and rolled it around in his hand.
Hermione snatched it back, "Well of course you haven't! I only just started it Ronald."
"Yeah?" Ron said looking mildly surprised. "How many members have you got?"
Hermione shifted her eyes around nervously, "Well... if you four join... five."
"Why do we have to join Hermione? I don't want to walk around wearing badges that say spew." Mina commented as she flicked a badge further away from her. Hermione had been nothing but suspicious and slightly jealous of them since the day they met, and now she wanted them to join this stupid group.
Harry nodded in agreement, "She has a point there Hermione, couldn't you find a better name?"
Hermione groaned and glared at Harry and Mina. "It is S – P – E – W! I was going to put Stop the Outrageous Abuse of Our Fellow Magical Creatures and Campaign for a Change in Their Legal Status – but it wouldn't fit. So that is the heading of our manifesto."
Ami who had been quiet up to now reached over and grabbed the sheaf of parchment. "Wow Hermione, I am a little impressed. You have researched this thoroughly. It says here that elf enslavement goes back centuries. "
Hermione scoffed slightly at Ami and snatched back the paper, a little offended. "Of course I researched it thoroughly. I researched it all in the library and can't believe no one has done anything about it before now!"
Ron shook his head at her, "Hermione, open your ears. They like being enslaved."
Hermione simply ignored Ron's outburst and Minako and Harry gave him a sympathetic shrug of their shoulders, there was no way Hermione was going to drop this.
"Our short term aims are to secure house elves fair wages and working conditions. Our long term aims include changing the law about non-wand-use and trying to get an elf into the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures because they're shockingly under-represented."
Ami was slightly interested in the idea even though she believed house elves wouldn't want the help and the fact that Hermione didn't seem to like the girls too much.
"Okay if we were to agree to this, how do we do it all?"
Hermione beamed at Ami, momentarily forgetting her suspicions about the two new girls. "We start by recruiting members. I thought two Sickles to join. That will buy a badge and the proceeds can fund our leaflet campaign. You're Treasurer Ron – I have a collecting tin upstairs, Harry you are the secretary – so you might want to write down everything I said as a record of our first meeting. Mina and Ami you two can just be members.
Mina groaned and whispered to Harry. "Two sickles! I don't even want to join!"
Harry smiled apologetically at Mina and shrugged his shoulders.
"I heard that Mina and you should be ashamed for not wanting to help the house-elves. They deserve better treatment for all the work they do. "
Harry sat torn between exasperation and Hermione and amusement at Mina's face. She looked as if she was dumbstruck and couldn't believe what he had been roped into. In fact her expression matched Ron's. Harry could tell by just looking at them, that they both really hated the idea and wanted nothing to do with S.P.E.W.
A soft tap on the window broke the momentary silence. Everybody looked over to the window to see a beautiful snowy owl perched on the window-sill. It hooted softly and tapped on the window again with its beak
Harry jumped up and launched himself at the window opening it to let the owl in. "Hedwig, it's about time you got back."
Mina and Ami stared at the beautiful bird. Ami had an owl but hers was cute rather than beautiful and so both were captivated by the majestic creature.
"She's got an answer!" said Ron excitedly, pointing at the grubby piece of parchment tied to Hedwig's leg.
Harry hastily untied it and sat down to read it. Hedwig fluttered down onto his knee and hooted softly.
"What does it say?" Hermione said breathlessly. Harry opened the letter and was about to read it out loud when he remembered Ami and Mina. He hadn't told them about Sirius yet and hadn't planned to any time soon. He didn't know if they would be on his side or try and turn Sirius in.
Harry turned to the two girls, "Ami, I know you have an owl and was wondering if you have any owl treats for Hedwig, I forgot to buy some. Could you and Mina go and grab some for her? She had been on a long journey and is probably hungry."
Mina and Ami looked at Harry suspiciously but decided to do as he said. The two didn't want to push him to tell them anything, if they were to win his trust they needed to do as he wished.
"Sure no problem Harry, Mina and I will just head up to our room to grab them." Ami smiled sweetly as the two headed upstairs.
When the two were far enough away Mina turned to Ami. "Do you think that was something we need to worry about?"
Ami shook her head lightly. 'I don't think so; maybe we should just keep an extra eye on him or something."
Mina nodded reluctantly as the two got to their room.
When Harry saw the two leave his sight he quickly read out the letter. "Sirius says that he is flying north immediately. The news about my scar is the latest in the series of strange rumours that have reached him. He also told me if my scar hurts again I should go straight to Dumbledore and that he will be in touch soon. Oh he also says to give his best to you two."
Hermione widened her eyes slightly, "He's flying north? He's coming back?"
Harry just sat up and hit himself in the forehead jolting Hedwig out of his lap. "I shouldn't have told him! It's made him think he has to come back. He is coming back because he thinks I am in trouble and there is nothing wrong with me!"
Harry started pacing back on forward mumbling things under his breath and hitting himself lightly. Hedwig began to bother him for food; he swatted at her and snapped. "I haven't got anything for you!"
At that moment Mina and Ami stepped back downstairs. Mina looked at Harry with concern and a slight bit of anger. "Don't treat her like that. Here Hedwig have some of this then go to the Owlery. Harry doesn't mean to be mean to you."
She handed over a handful of treats and Hedwig landed near her. Hedwig stared at Mina for a few seconds before she began to eat the treats happily. She hooted slightly and nuzzled her hand once she was finished. After one more soft hoot towards Mina she set off for the window, cuffing Harry around the head with her outstretched wing.
Mina walked slowly over to Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, are you okay?"
Harry shrugged her hand off. "I'm going to bed. See you all in the morning."
As Harry walked off Mina and Ami gave the other two a questioning glance. Ron shrugged his shoulders as Hermione gave them a polite smile trying to explain.
"Sorry about Harry, he just is having a hard time. He might tell you one day but for now just give him his space."
The two girls nodded and said their goodnights before heading back upstairs.
"We should try and find out what's wrong. If it is affecting him that badly it is worth knowing." Ami said as she crawled into her bed.
Mina nodded as she sighed slightly. "I know Ami but we only just met him! How are we going to get him to tell us everything?"
"I don't know Mina, I just don't know."
"That's okay Ami, you can't know everything. Let's just go to sleep and maybe we can figure things out a bit later. Goodnight."
Mina turned off the light and walked towards the bed. She slipped in between the covers and stared out the window.
"Harry, I hope we can protect you but if you hide things it might not be possible. I really hope you learn to trust me. "
She let out a final sigh as she closed her eyes letting sleep consume her.
I hope the chapter wasn't too bad! I loved the DADA scene to be honest how Mina was helping Neville and Harry and how Harry cares and their predictions, I had to come up with some for Mina and I was drawing a blank and then it was like using planets so I though of the powers and stuff lame i know but oh well.
Anyway please review, I do love feedback!