Chapter Fourteen - Auror Baldi

On a Tuesday morning in the middle of November, Professor Umbridge fulfilled one of her promises to the Defence class. As the Slytherins entered the room, they saw a strange man standing with her. He had a full head of flaxen hair and wore it in numerous small braids. He looked rather like a Viking. Harry imagined him with a horned helmet, holding a battle-axe, and had to supress a snicker as they took their seats. The bell chimed the beginning of the lesson, and Professor Umbridge called them to order.

"Hem, hem. If you could all please welcome Auror Ian Baldi, who has been given the time by the Ministry to have a talk with you all."

They clapped politely. Umbridge stepped to the back and sat down at a desk. Auror Baldi waved to the students. He wore the standard grey uniform robe and looked very imposing. Harry was not set at ease by his smile; it seemed a bit ferocious, which didn't help dispel the mental picture of a Viking.

"Good morning. It is a pleasure to speak to you today. Being an Auror requires many hours on the job, so this is a real nice treat, let me tell you. Anyone here thinking of going into the Aurors?"

Harry raised his hand. None of the other Slytherins did.

"Well, it's a very challenging journey. You've got to get top marks on the OWLs, and there's a whole raft of NEWTs required as well. I know Slytherins are capable of doing it. My first mentor was a Slytherin. He taught me a great many things that saved my life multiple times. I'm going to share some of them with you today."

Harry readied his quill. Everything Auror Baldi was going to say would surely be of vital importance.

"One of the first things he told me is that a duel is eighty percent mental, ten percent magical, and ten percent physical. It is pointless to be stronger than your opponent only to be caught off-guard by a sly trick. If your opponent thinks faster or better than you, you'll be dead. Don't do what he expects you to do. Be creative and inventive with your spells. Magic is art, and we are the artists."

Harry already knew the advantages of being sneaky. Slytherins were the best at it. It was one of the many reasons they were the greatest house at Hogwarts. It was nice to hear Baldi confirm that it was better to be clever.

"You must be as tricky as possible. Nonverbal magic is harder to cast than verbal magic, but can become routine with practice. Once you master casting without words, there are great possibilities for deceiving an opponent. Disguise your spells if you can do it. Saying one spell but casting another is very difficult, but can be done by a properly developed mind."

Harry was taking no notes. He had totally forgotten about the quill in his hand. Baldi was mezmerizing in his presentation. Harry had never conceived of trying such a fake. He wondered if he could manage the trick.

"The best defence for any spell is to not get hit by it. Having awareness enough to place objects in the path of curses will save you much effort. If all else fails, duck out of the way. Seek cover. Anyone who stands there and waits to get hit is a moron."

Harry knew that to be true. He was very good at dodging spells. He'd had so much practice while training for the Triwizard Tournament that he barely flinched when bolts of light passed inches from his face.

"Another good way to not get hit is to Apparate. Apparating short distances is relatively easy, especially when you can see them. Your opponent won't know which angle you're coming at next."

Harry could Apparate, but only barely. It was still exhausting, and he couldn't do more than two in quick succession. The idea of doing it while duelling seemed impossible.

Auror Baldi continued to lecture, and Harry did eventually take some notes. The whole lesson was taken up by the talk. They cast no spells, everyone's favourite part of Defence class, yet they were all raving after they were dismissed to go to lunch.

"That was one informative lecture," Draco remarked.

"He had a lot of smart things to say," Harry replied.

"That bit about the dodging was spot-on. We learned that from Moody."

"Moody knew his business."

"That he did."

"I liked the idea of casting one spell while saying the words to another. I didn't even know you could do that."

"It's supposed to be really hard. Dumbledore probably could do it. I wonder if V-voldemort can? Of course, the only spells he needs are the Unforgiveables."

Lunch was marred by tragic news. Professor Flitwick stopped a Ravenclaw boy as they were entering the Great Hall. After a few words, the boy wailed loudly and began sobbing. Harry knew he had just been told that his family had been attacked. One or more was dead. It was all anyone could talk about during the meal.

Harry's heart ached for the boy. More names added to the list of those who would be avenged. Anger stole his appetite. He poked at his tuna fish sandwich and broke his crisps into smaller and smaller pieces.

From the Ravenclaw table, a boy's voice rise above the din. "Is it even possible to fight against the Dark Lord?"

"It is," Harry said in a voice intended to carry. "Voldemort can be fought. He's not invincible."

"No one's been able to stop him before."

"I seem to recall there was someone who did," Harry said off-handedly. He was secretly thrilled that this mouthy Ravenclaw had forgotten who Harry was.

"Oh. Right." The boy had the grace to turn red. "So what are you going to do about him now?"

"Well I can hardly get to him, can I? Nobody remembers where his fortress is. If he comes out, we'll get him, and if he stays there, so much the better. If he just sends out the Death Eaters? We can definitely fight them."

"Don't forget about Dumbledore," Laine piped up from a few seats away. "You-Know-Who's afraid of him, so there's one more person who can beat him."

"That's true," the boy admitted, "but it was probably just Death Eaters that got Jamie's family. His dad's a Muggleborn, and his mum's a Muggle. No wonder they were targeted."

"Go to the duelling club meetings," she replied. "What we're learning there is useful stuff that will help keep us alive."

Harry turned back to his sandwich but still wasn't hungry. How many others were there who thought exactly the same thing? Voldemort was awful. He'd been winning last time, and everyone knew it. Only a miracle had interrupted his rise. What would prevent him from triumphing this time?

Me. I'm the one with the power to defeat him. Nobody else can do it. Talk about a big responsibility.

Harry generally tried not to think about it too much. If he let it occupy his thoughts, he'd constantly be depressed and anxious. He was somewhat safe behind the walls of Hogwarts, and the confrontation would happen as it would. He was determined not to let his destiny ruin his life. That was why he played Quidditch, listened to music, and kissed girls.

Harry leaned around Goyle. It was like hiding behind a tree.

"Hey, Laine. May I walk you to class? I've got a few Seeker things to talk to you about."

"Of course, Harry."

Harry returned to his glass of pumpkin juice.

"I thought we were going to talk reserve team stuff," Draco inquired.

"We are."

"When? You'll be chatting up Slater the whole time."

"Why not chat up one of the other fourth years? We'll talk on the way to History. We can be late. Binns'll never know."

"Just which lass ought I ask?"

"Well, Ginny's always around."

Draco raised one eyebrow. "Ginny has a profound dislike of me. I thought you understood that. If I asked to walk her to class, she'd probably hex me."

"I was joking. Obviously it wasn't funny."

"Or perhaps I should chat up Holt. She's ever so popular."

"She'd probably welcome the attention." Harry's second date to the Yule Ball had been shunned for the rest of last year because Laine had been crushing hard on Harry. Having her supposed best friend go after the object of her affections had driven Laine to some very vindictive invective. Things seemed to be a bit better this year, but Michelle still didn't hang around with the other girls.

"Shawna or Sarrah?" Harry suggested.

"Shawna's teeth are uneven, and Sarrah's too quiet."

"Well you're right out of luck, then, aren't you?"

"I guess so. Weasley it is."

"Do you have a desire to get hexed?"

"I enjoy a challenge."

Draco stood up and moved a few seats down to where the fourth years sat.

"Ginny, may I carry your books for you?"

"You'd lower yourself so much as to touch my secondhand books, Malfoy?" Ginny said scornfully. "What prank are you playing?"

"No prank. Harry's going to be walking with Laine, and I didn't want you to be deprived of witty conversation."

"You walking with me would help that how?"

"I happen to be extraordinarily clever. I'm also quite funny. I will share my humour with you, and you shall laugh."

Ginny was nearly laughing now. "Oh please, Malfoy. Go sit down. Forget it."

Draco bowed his head slightly and walked away.

"That could have gone worse."

"It could have gone better, too. Oh well, this was only a first attempt. I didn't really expect her to say yes. Give it time."

When lunch was over, Harry collected Laine, and they waited for the big rush of people to leave the Great Hall. When things were a little more calm, they set out up the stairwell.

"So what was this Seeker stuff?"

"Oh, nothing at all. I just wanted to walk you to class."

Laine giggled. "Sneaky. Well, let's walk then."

Harry slowed his stride down to match her pace.

"OWL year still being grossly difficult?"

"Of course. Why should things change?"

"I am not looking forward to next year."

"Nor should you be."

"How much sleep do you get?"

"Seven hours a night. Mostly. Sometimes we have a whole bunch of homework and or studying all lumped together. Then it's miserable."

"Hey, did you hear that?"

Harry stopped and cocked his head. "Sounds like arguing. Excuse me. Must go be a prefect."

"Oh, this should be fun. I'll come watch."

An audience. Wonderful. "Please just hang back and don't get involved."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Harry followed the sound of the voices down a side corridor on the second floor. He peered around a corner and saw two Gryffindors and three Ravenclaws in a heated discussion. They seemed to be second years, maybe third. One of the Ravenclaws had his finger pointed right in one of the Gryffindor's face.

"Take back what you said about my sister, Bowyer."

"I know where you can stick that finger, Ackerly."

The other Gryffindor was poking another Ravenclaw in the chest.

"Say that again, McCall. I want to make sure to get it right when I tell my brother."

"Deaf as well, Creevey? Mother must've dropped you a few too many times."

Creevey turned beet red and went for his wand.

"Shut up!" he screamed.

The situation was now out of control and about to get dangerous. Harry stepped around the corner with a stern expression.

"What's all this then? Duelling? Outside of the Ministry Youth club? Put that wand away, Creevey. Ten points from Gryffindor."

Muttering darkly, shooting murderous glances at McCall, the Gryffindor did as he was told.

"Now then, the rest of you." Harry considered them a moment. The five boys looked ashamed at being caught, but one of the Ravenclaws looked relieved as well. He was probably glad that Harry had arrived to defuse the situation. Still, couldn't play favourites.

"Names."

"Stewart Ackerly."

"Evan McCall."

"Benjamin Macer."

"Dennis Creevey."

"Leo Bowyer."

"Ackerly, McCall, and Macer. Five points each from Ravenclaw for a total of fifteen. Bowyer, five points from Gryffindor. Added to Creevey's ten, that makes fifteen as well. I like the symmetry. Now you lot clear off to class."

Chastened, the two groups went their separate ways.

Laine smiled at Harry as she rejoined him. "Well done, prefect. You really took charge of that situation."

"It was definitely about to get out of hand."

"I wonder what they were arguing over?"

"Could be anything."

There was a lull in the conversation, and only the sound of their footsteps could be heard. Then they had arrived at the Charms classroom.

"Here we are," he said for lack of anything else.

"So it is. Thanks for walking me, Harry."

"My pleasure. Don't forget we've got a practice tonight."

"I'll see you then, handsome."

Harry blushed. "Until then."

Laine gave him a quick peck on the lips and slipped through the door. Harry stayed there for one moment longer. He could still smell her light perfume lingering in the air, the scent of jasmine and sandalwood. It suited Laine very well.

He shook off his bemusement and headed for History of Magic, which was a double. He slipped in without Binns noticing (the castle could probably collapse without Binns noticing) and took the nearest seat, which was next to Goyle. Harry found it difficult to concentrate over Goyle's snoring, and it was a relief to head to double Charms.

Professor Flitwick had finished his review of Banishing Charms and moved on to a new subject, the Gemini Charm. It created a phantom duplicate of the spell caster and could be cast multiple times. Harry immediately took note of how advantageous this spell might be in a duel. If the Death Eaters couldn't tell which one was real, he had a much higher chance of surviving.

At dinner, Harry found himself sitting next to Goyle again. It had been some time since Harry had had a real conversation with the big boy that didn't centre on studies.

"How's your family?"

"Still safe. I don't hear from them too often. No sense in taking chances, Dad says. I hear all these stories about people disappearing and hope it's not my family next."

"We're all hoping the same thing, Goyle."

"Most families haven't turned on him the way we have."

"You're still not alone in that. I can't believe that Voldemort wants to kill your dad more than he wants Mister Malfoy."

"That's true," Goyle agreed with a grunt. "Crabbe's worried about his dad too. He hasn't had any letters since he was arrested. Word got out about what happened, you see."

"I know." How it had happened, they didn't know. One day, the Hogwarts grapevine was buzzing that Crabbe's father was incarcerated. There were all sorts of wild stories about what he was going through, each more crude than the last.

"He's really hurt by it all, even if he doesn't show it. I think it's because his dad really is a Death Eater that it's bothering him."

"He had his chance."

"I know. I'm just glad my dad chose right. I could very easily be in Crabbe's shoes right now. I'm trying to help him as best I can, but I don't know what to say."

Neither did Harry.

After dinner, Harry and Pansy headed off towards the prefects meeting room. None of the other Slytherins had finished eating yet, so the pair of fifth years was on their own.

"How are things with you and Laine?"

"Quite tally. I'm going to walk out with her after practice tonight."

"That's good. Have fun."

"That's the idea. How are things with you and Terry?"

"Getting a little boring, I'm afraid. We've been seeing each other for nearly a year now, and he hasn't gotten any better at kissing. I tried to ignore it, to pretend he'd get better with practice. Unfortunately, he's still a bit on the gross side. He slobbers."

"That's more than I think I needed to know. So are you going to break up with him?"

"I think so, now that you're safely on the path with Laine."

"I could always change my mind," he bantered.

"Then again, Terry's not so bad."

"Pansy, you wound me. Am I not suitable?"

"A bit too suitable, if you ask my parents. Mother would like nothing better than for me to bring you home."

"And you?"

"I like you, Harry, but I don't think I want to snog with you. Sorry, but I've never had that urge."

"I'll try not to be offended." With as many girls as had snogged him, it was somewhat nice to have a girl he could regard like a sister. "So do you have anyone in mind for your next conquest?"

"Unfortunately, there's nobody very interesting available. I might have to take up with one of the Chasers."

"I'll ask them at practice."

"Harry Potter, don't you dare!"

Harry grinned cheekily at Pansy. "How about Warrington the Third?"

"He's got a fine pedigree."

"He's not seeing anyone lately."

"I'll think about it, but don't you try to help. I can handle my own affairs, thank you."

"Affairs? What an apt choice of word."

"Be quiet, Harry."

Diggory's prefect meetings were always dull and boring. It was very procedural, motion-driven, and slow. The only reason Harry went anymore was because it was part of his responsibility.

With the recent snowfall, there were a few minutes devoted to handling firsties who went out in the snow and couldn't find their way back. Tethering Charms sounded like a wonderful idea. Aside from that highlight, though, it was an hour of blather. Diggory lectured them about magic in the corridors (again). Alicia Spinnet talked about the list of banned objects, complete with visual aids. They were in the middle of discussing the security arrangements for the train ride at Christmas when Bletchley raised his hand.

"Seek the floor."

"The chair recognizes the gentleman from Slytherin," Diggory said.

"Motion to adjourn."

"Second!" said Harry and all the other Slytherins.

"We're still discussing patrols on the train."

"I have a practice to go to."

"You scheduled a practice during one of my meetings?"

"No, I scheduled it after the meeting. I can't help it if your meetings go too long."

"We've only been here an hour!"

"Precisely my point."

"There's been a motion made and seconded," Heather Chandler pointed out. "By the rules of this council, it must be voted on."

"It must be discussed first, and I'm not done," Diggory said.

"Motions to adjourn are not open to discussion," Bletchley said smugly.

"All in favour?" Spinnet asked the council.

Only Slytherins raised their hands.

"Against?"

"By a vote of eighteen to six, the motion fails. Now, as I was saying."

Bletchley snorted and made to leave. The Slytherins looked around at each other. As one, they stood and began to walk towards the door.

"What is this, then?"

"Let us know what you all talk about," Heather Chandler said breezily. "Good luck voting, as without at least two representatives from Slytherin, you don't have a quorum."

"Bletchley, get back here." Diggory looked decidedly unamused.

"Sorry, Diggory, but we've got to practice. Big match coming up in March."

"If anyone's got a case for ditching, it's Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw," the Head Boy snapped. "We've got to play in a few days, but you already lost your match, Bletchley. Sit back down, or I'll put you there myself."

"Is that a challenge?"

"It's a promise. Sit down."

"Do you really want to have a duel in the middle of the meeting? Whatever would people say? There's plenty of time to worry about the train. It's not for more than a month anyway. We've got a dozen meetings between now and then."

"Don't push me, Bletchley."

"No, don't push me, Diggory. Your meetings take up entirely too much time. I'm getting a little short on sleep, so maybe I'm a little cranky, but I've had enough for tonight."

With that final warning, Bletchley left the room. The Slytherins followed, and Diggory stood there fuming.

"I find their behaviour to be very rude," they heard him say as they went down the corridor.

"C'mon, Harry. Let's go."

They hurried through the castle and down to the Quidditch pitch. The rest of the team was waiting for them. The Chasers hadn't waited for Bletchley and had started the reserves at drills. The two captains changed quickly and got in the air.

"Okay, here's how tonight's practice is going to go. Harry is going to be captain of the reserve Chasers. He'll fly you against first team Chasers, and Slater will be their Keeper. I'll be playing Keeper on Harry's side, so first team Chasers will have an actual challenge. Slater, you'll be on their team. Goyle, you as well. Everyone clear?"

"That was pretty confusing," Harry told him.

"Me, Harry, Malfoy, Bulstrode, Bulstrode, and Crabbe are on one team. Dezzy, Adrian, Charles, Slater, Slater, and Goyle are on the other. Is that any clearer?

"Much."

Practice very much resembled an actual match. Harry's team was crushed, even with Bletchley playing as their Keeper. The Chasers were just too good at what they did for Draco, Millie, and Arcen to have a chance. Harry had ignored the snitch completely, focusing on leading his team to victory. Laine had used the opportunity to sharpen her own skills.

In the locker room afterward, the seventh years took all of five minutes to bathe and dress before they hurried back up to the castle to squeeze in some more studying time. The N.E.W.T.s were only seven months away, and they were behind schedule.

Despite needing to look over his Charms essay one more time before it was due tomorrow, Harry luxuriated in the hot spray of the shower. His muscles were sore and aching. Being a captain was very stressful.

"I think I need a butterbeer after this. Anyone have some hidden under their bed?"

"I think I've still got a bottle or two, Harry," Goyle said, "but it'll cost you a few Galleons."

"A few!" Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. "They cost half a Sickle at the Three Broomsticks!"

"Supply and demand. I've got them. You want them."

"I could hex you."

"You won't. Then you'll never know where I tucked them away."

Lucas snorted. "Enough with your extortion, Beater Goyle. Lieutenant Captain Potter, I've got a half-dozen that you can have."

"What?"

"If you really need a butterbeer, they're all yours, Lieutenant Captain Potter."

"Why are you calling me by that ridiculous title?"

"That's who you are. You're Captain Bletchley's hand-picked successor."

"You are out of your bloody mind. Did someone put you up to this?"

"No, Lieutenant Captain, but Reserve Chaser Malfoy said I needed to show some respect."

Draco couldn't hold it together any longer and began to laugh. Harry joined in, shaking his head ruefully.

Outside the changing rooms, the November air was brisk, but not astoundingly cold, despite the snow. Harry was still glad for the Self-Warming Charm, one of the house secrets.

Laine and Millie were waiting for them. Millie, Crabbe, and Goyle immediately began to discuss their homework for Care of Magical Creatures. Draco engaged Lucas and Arcen with Quidditch talk, leaving Harry standing there with Laine.

"Hi," he said with a smile.

It was returned. "Hi, yourself. Feel human again?"

"It took some doing, but yes. How about you? Did Seeking wear you out?"

Laine laughed weakly. "I could sleep for days. Between dodging all the Chasers and avoiding Bludgers, I'm amazed I caught the snitch at all."

"Good job. Lots of people can't handle all that distraction."

"Thanks."

"Shall we?" he indicated towards the castle with a wave.

"Let's. You've got some studying to be doing, I suppose."

"Good guess."

"It wasn't a guess."

"No, I suppose not. Is it holiday break yet?"

"Another month, I'm afraid. Twenty, December."

"I don't think I can last. Is there another Hogsmeade weekend at least?"

"I wouldn't know," Laine teased. "I'm not a big prefect."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Just because I'm a prefect doesn't mean they tell me everything."

"They told you about the last one."

"Only when we needed to know."

Laine reached out and took Harry's hand. She squeezed it gently.

"You did good that day. Real good. I wish I hadn't run away."

"No, you did the right thing. Death Eaters are very nasty."

"I could have helped you."

"You did help me. You brought Flitwick. That was the best thing you could have done. He snared those Death Eaters like he was collecting leaves."

"I suppose. I probably would have just gotten in your way. Then you'd have had to rescue me or some rot."

"I'd rescue you," Harry said quietly. "I wouldn't let the Death Eaters have you."

She squeezed his hand, harder this time.

"This is nice, this time together like this. Usually there's always Draco, or Ginny, or my brother, but now I've got you all to myself."

Harry and Laine walked side by side and hand in hand until they reached the dungeons, where Harry kept walking past the entrance to the common room.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"The common room was back there."

"I know."

"Okay. So where are we going?"

"I wanted to show you something. We found this room during our second year. It helped us solve a mystery."

"A mystery?"

"I'd like to share it with you."

"How sweet."

Harry led her to the room filled with tapestries that had given them the final clue to unravel the mystery of the basilisk. He had also used the room to practice his Animagus transformation during fourth year. Now, he intended it for a much different purpose.

"Wow, this place is amazing."

"Isn't it?"

Laine was just as enchanted as they had been the first time in here. She couldn't tear her eyes away.

"Look at this one here."

"It's our Founder," Harry said. "That's Salazar Slytherin."

Laine shivered. "He's got such an intense look about him. That must be his pet snake, right? What was its name?"

"Silence. No, that's not his snake. That's his basilisk."

"The beast of the Chamber of Secrets? How can you tell?"

"See the eyes? Yellow."

"I see. Was that the mystery you solved?"

"It was."

"You saved Ginny."

"I guess I did."

"That's so heroic."

With that admiration, Laine threw her arms around his neck.

"I like heroes," she whispered in his ear. Then she licked his earlobe, sending tingles through his whole body.

There were no more words necessary as they sat on a box and began to kiss. Laine was definitely a more forceful girl than any other Harry had locked lips with. He found that he kind of liked a girl who wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted.

At that moment, the bell sounded curfew. Harry pulled back, regretting that the fun had to end.

"What's wrong?" she asked breathily. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were slightly unfocused. The look she was giving him made his knees feel wobbly.

"The bell. We've got to get back to the common room."

"Why?"

"Do you want to get caught?"

"Depends what we're doing."

Harry felt his cheeks start to burn as Laine laughed gently.

"No, I don't want to get caught, but who's going to catch us? Slytherins patrol down here."

"Filch?"

"Maybe, but unlikely."

"More of a risk than I care to chance."

"Not enjoying yourself, Harry?"

"Oh, I am. Believe me, I am, but we've got to be smart."

"You mean don't let people know? We're going to be coming in together after the bell. Good luck hiding that."

"No, but let's not go asking for trouble by coming in even later."

"Fair enough."

Friday was normally a quiet day. Those taking Care of Magical Creatures had a double lesson; those not had a study period. The worst part of the day was double Ancient Runes right after lunch. They were still learning the basics of Celtic runes, and it was nearly as tedious as History of Magic. At least they didn't have both back to back. That might just have killed him.

Friday was normally a quiet day, but halfway through November was no normal Friday. Harry was flipping through his Herbology text on the way out to the greenhouses when Millie, Crabbe, and Goyle came running up the path from Care of Magical Creatures.

"Harry! Theo bolted out of class! Hagrid wouldn't let us go after him."

"What happened?"

"He was starting on this new lesson. Thestrals, right? Well, Theo just starts staring bug-eyed at them. He starts shaking, and then we find out that only people who have seen death can see Thestrals. That's when he bolted. What's going on?"

Harry felt a lurch. Theo's reaction could only be due to his dad. This secret wasn't Harry's to tell. He thought fast. Theo was now an orphan.

"His mum," Harry said, somehow managing to sound normal. "She died a few years ago, remember? It probably brought up a strong memory, and he couldn't control himself."

"Oh, of course! How stupid of me."

"Someone should check on him. I'll go. Herbology can get along without me for a day."

"Sprout will be hacked at you."

"Tell her I'm comforting a friend."

"That'll work," Daphne said. "She'll go all Hufflepuff. She might even bake a casserole."

Harry ducked behind a nearby rock and pulled out the Marauder's Map. He unfolded it and tapped his wand in the centre.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Theo was in the dormitory.

"Mischief managed."

Harry tucked the Map away and went back into the castle. He moved swiftly down the stone stairs and into the dungeons.

"Unity."

The wall slid open, and Harry went to his dormitory to find the curtains on Theo's bed drawn and the sound of sobs coming from inside.

Harry pulled back the curtain. Theo flinched back from the light, covering his eyes and furiously trying to wipe away the tears.

Harry put his hand on Theo's shoulder and squeezed slightly. These sobs were the most sound Theo had made in months. Maybe he was finally starting to come out of it.

When Theo had calmed down and several minutes had passed, Harry felt brave enough to make a suggestion.

"How about we head up to the Great Hall and get some lunch? All that sobbing must be pretty tiring. Gotta keep up your strength, mate."

Theo didn't respond.

"Or we could head down to the kitchen. I know where the secret entrance is. Elves love to serve, so we'd be feasted like kings."

Still no response. Theo lay there, staring into nothing. Harry waved his hand in front of Theo's face, but Theo didn't even blink.

Harry was now very worried. Theo was in a real bad way.

"Theo, I'm going to go get Professor Snape. Don't you go anywhere while I'm gone."

Harry carefully drew the curtains again and as an afterthought, cast a Locking Hex to prevent Theo from escaping. He put a Full-Body Bind as the Hex. If Theo triggered the spell, he wouldn't be hurt and wouldn't be going anywhere either.

Professor Snape might be skipping lunch to attend to a potion, so Harry went first to his office. He knocked, signalling that he was a Slytherin alone.

"Enter!"

"Professor, I think you should come have a look at Theo," Harry said, getting right to the point. "The Care of Magical Creatures lesson really sent him around the bend."

"What was the subject?"

"Thestrals, sir."

Snape's eyes widened briefly before narrowing in anger. "Idiocy! The great oaf is barely back and already causing tragedy."

"He ran from class. I found him on his bed, and he had a good cry, but now he's just laying there."

"I will see to him. Get up to lunch."

Harry did as he was bidden. In the Great Hall, everyone was anxious for news.

"Theo's not okay. Professor Snape is with him. I don't know if he's going to the hospital wing or not."

Theo did not show up for Ancient Runes or Astronomy. He was not in the dormitory when they returned after classes, nor did he come to dinner. Harry and Draco went to the High Table before pudding to ask Professor Snape what the story was.

"Mister Nott has been shown to a bed in the hospital wing. He will not be receiving visitors for the nonce. Perhaps when classes resume on Monday, he will feel fit to join you, but he will require his rest."

"Yes, sir," they said.

"He's finally cracked, I expect," Draco said as they returned to the table.

"Probably. He wasn't responsive at all when I found him."

"Poor Theo," Tracy said with a sigh. "I wish there was something else we could do."

"Fancy a bit of time travel?" Draco asked. "Short of that, nothing can be done. He's just going to have to work through this."

"I don't really understand what happened today," Pansy said. "He did the hard part without a qualm, but now a skinny spook horse makes him bawl like Draco when he gets a skinned knee? I expect better of him."

"What are you talking about, Pansy?" Tracy asked. "What hard thing did Theo do?"

Harry shot Pansy a glare. She paled slightly, realizing her slip of tongue. Only a few people knew the truth about what Theo had done. Aside from Draco, it was only the prefects.

"Deciding to break ties with his father. Not an easy thing, you know."

"This is a bit strong, wouldn't you say? Something hasn't been right with him all year, and I think you know what it is. Tell me, please. I want to help him."

"Don't you know if there was anything to be done for him that we'd already have done it?" Pansy asked. "He's our friend."

"So you do know."

"Yes, we know. Because we needed to know."

"Well, I need to know too."

"I don't think you do. It's none of your business."

"How can you say that?" Tracy demanded, her tone very hurt. "I know last year was a wash, but are you telling me that seven years of friendship means nothing? I'm much more of Theo's friend than you anyway. Don't be snide."

"It's not for us to say," Pansy replied. "If he wants you to know, he'll tell you, but it's no one's business."

"How's he supposed to tell me when he won't speak to anyone?"

"He'll speak when he's ready to. What part of this don't you understand, Tracy? He's got to resolve it for himself before he can talk to us."

"If I knew what he'd done, I'd be better able to help him get through this."

"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you?"

Despite Tracy's repeated pleadings, Pansy wouldn't budge. Her refusals grew increasingly waspish, and she finally snapped.

"That's enough, Davis! If you ask me again, I'm going to give you detention."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

Tracy had no desire to try Pansy's will, because she slumped back in her seat. "I just want to help him," she whispered.

"You can do that best by letting him talk when he's ready. He doesn't need you to smother him."

Tracy made no retort. She twirled one curl of hair around her finger and sighed. "Poor Theo."

After dessert had been eaten, the dishes cleared themselves away, leaving the tables spotless. Most of the students departed for their common rooms, but members of the Ministry Youth stayed seated.

The ranks of the Ministry Youth Club were quite swelled with the recent infusion of students who suddenly had spare time on their hands. Not even Ravenclaws could study all the time. The initial members, who had been hit with many hexes while learning to dodge and shield, were enjoying being on the other side of the wand from these rookies. They worked on improving accuracy and precision while the new members tripped over their own feet. Harry was looking forward to hexing the snot out of Ron Weasley.

That Friday night, however, they had a surprise visitor.

"Hem, hem. Everyone please sit down. This is Auror Baldi, whom you will remember from his talks in class this week. He is here today to help prepare you all for the realities of the world beyond Hogwarts. You will give him your full and undivided attention. You will listen to his instructions. Auror Baldi?"

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge. Good evening," Auror Baldi said briskly. "Professor Umbridge has invited me here to give you a lesson in duelling. Put your wands away for now. As you remember from class, ten percent of a duel is physical endurance. If you can't move quickly, how will you dodge a spell? If you're wider than you are tall, how will you duck out of the way? Athletic ability, scorned by some, is a vital skill to Aurors. Basic exercise, such as sit-ups and push-ups, walking, running, climbing, and so on, is all easy to do and invaluable for your own survival. All Auror recruits are put through a rigorous regimen, and if you have aspirations in that direction, now is a good time to start training. It is physically demanding, so if you are not in the best of condition, you will have a rougher time of it.

Auror Baldi was talking a lot of sense, just as he had in class. Harry knew that lifting weights had helped prepare his body for the rigours of the Animagus transformation. He had trained physically for the Triwizard Tournament where being able to dodge meant not being burned to a crisp by dragonfire.

Baldi waved his wand and the house tables transformed into a multitude of blue foam mats. These he sent floating through the air and deposited one in front of each student.

"First of all, we're going to do some stretches! We've got to get that blood flowing. Arms up! Reach for the sky."

Harry was used to warming up his muscles. He followed Auror Baldi's routine with ease. The rest of the club could not say the same. Half of them were gasping for air already. They'd never last through the first exercise. He, on the other hand, felt quite invigourated.

"Come, come. That was only a little stretching. Now let's do some jumping jacks. Fifty of them!"

Harry had done jumping jacks in physical education at his old Muggle school. He had pretty good coordination. Most of the others did not. Goyle nearly fell over when he got off sync and stepped on the edge of his exercise mat.

"Now then, how about a few sit-ups?" Baldi cast a Sticking Charm, and everyone's feet were stuck in place.

"Cross your arms over your chest, and when you sit up, touch your elbows to your knees. Ready? Sit-ups until you sob! One! Two! Three!"

Harry had done a great many sit-ups in his life. He began a quick rhythm, counting under his breath. Draco, one place over, was doing the same.

"Twenty!" Harry said a bit louder.

"Bugger," Draco replied. He was a half cycle behind Harry. "Twenty-one."

None of the girls was doing particularly well. Tracy was striving to complete her tenth sit-up, and she fell back. "No more!" she cried. "I can't!"

"Don't quit on me, Davis!" Auror Baldi commanded. "You can do five more. Dig down deep."

"No! It hurts!"

"Pain is the body's way of knowing we're still alive. Relish it! Take it within yourself and use it to make yourself stronger."

Tracy struggled, but she was only able to finish two more before she started sobbing.

She wasn't the only one to have trouble. A few of the boys had some stamina for this, but not many. Harry was well on his way to completing a hundred. He and the lads were the only ones still moving. Everyone else was clutching their abdomens.

Auror Baldi finally called a halt to the sit-ups.

"Pathetic. I'd wash the lot of you. All right! Face down on the ground. Hands shoulder-width apart. Ready? Push-ups until you puke! One! Two! Three! Four! I want! To be! An Aur-or!"

Harry, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle were quite used to push-ups. The rest of the club was not. Millie did the best, puffing hard as she went, slower than the boys. Tracy, Daphne, and Pansy all laboured to do a mere handful.

Daphne collapsed to her mat, her arms splaying out to her sides. "I give up!"

"No weakness, Greengrass! You're going to give me ten push-ups, or you'll never leave this room."

"This is torture!"

"This is only some simple calisthenics. You'd never survive real torture."

"Nobody can withstand real torture," Draco muttered.

"Absolutely pathetic! All of you! This is nothing, you sad bunch of jelly-armed jerks!"

Weasley was breathing heavily. He was completing his pushups, albeit slowly. He must have done a lot in his training to be Seeker, Harry realized.

No one threw up, which was amazing considering they'd just eaten dinner. When most everyone had collapsed on the mat with arms like noodles, Auror Baldi clapped his hands.

"All right! Everyone on your feet! Now that you've all warmed up, it's time for the practical lesson. He who casts first, lives longer. The faster you can draw your wand and cast your first spell, the greater your chances of survival are. Using the Disarming Charm only, we're going to practice drawing your wand as quickly as you can."

Everyone paired off. Harry found himself facing off with Millie. This was not going to end well.

"Go!"

The results were somewhat predictable. Mis-aimed spells went everywhere. Wands went flying. Several people threw theirs, including Neville Longbottom.

Auror Baldi shook his head ruefully. "You must do better. Again."

After the first hour, their drill instructor had to leave.

"I go on duty in fifteen minutes. That should be just enough time to walk to the front gate and Apparate to headquarters. Continue practicing everything we did here tonight. I expect to see improvement when I return."

"Everyone say, 'Thank you, Auror Baldi'," Umbridge called out.

"Thank you, Auror Baldi," the club said loudly.

"You are welcome, children. I hope I may come back and do this again."

Harry wagered that quite a few of the club would be just as happy to never see the man again.

Umbridge worked them over for another hour after Auror Baldi left. Each student was given a target and had to cast continuously until they couldn't form the spell. They were trying to improve their stamina, and like any muscle you had to stretch it fully.

While they normally had quite a workout in the Ministry Youth club, tonight's session was particularly gruelling. Harry ached in places all-new to him. He'd gone longer than he'd reckoned he could, and that made him happy. All the extra training was needed, he knew. The world was a dangerous place, and there were weekly headlines in the paper of people going missing. Every so often one of the Heads of House would lead a sobbing student from the Great Hall.

Harry wanted very much to sink into a hot bath to sooth his sore body, and tonight he decided to make use of one of the privileges of being a prefect. The prefects' bathroom was inconveniently far away on the fifth floor. It would almost be easier to just head down to the Slytherin dungeons. Harry knew a secret passage from the first floor to the fifth, but the idea of climbing any steps made him groan. Still, he hadn't yet made the excuse to trek up there and use the blasted thing. Now was as good a time as any, and at least he could have some privacy up there.

Once he ducked behind the painting of the man juggling four geese, he shifted into his mongoose form. Quick as a flash - well, a slow blink perhaps - he ascended to the fifth floor. He changed back and peeked out of the passage. The coast was clear. He emerged and made his way down to the statue of Boris the Bewildered, a lost-looking wizard with his gloves on the wrong hands.

"Four doors down," he said to himself, and stopped in front of a plain wooden door.

"Dragon tamer."

The door creaked open, and Harry stepped inside. He was prepared to be suitably impressed. He was not prepared to be astounded.

The Slytherin bathroom was amazingly lavish and wonderful. Harry had never seen anything like it. Even the baths at Malfoy Manor and Grimmauld Place were a step down from the Slytherin baths. It was reputed to be only the second best bathroom in Hogwarts, and now Harry now knew that to be true.

The place was magnificent.

It was softly lit by a splendid candle-filled chandelier, and everything was made of white marble, including what looked like a rectangular swimming pool sunk into the middle of the floor. About a hundred golden taps stood all around the pools edges, each with a differently colored jewel set into its handle. These must control the varied bubbles Harry saw floating on the surface of the water. There was also a diving board. Long white linen curtains hung at the windows; a large pile of fluffy white towels sat in a corner.

There was a single golden-framed painting on the wall. It featured a blonde mermaid who was fast asleep on a rock, her long hair over her face. It fluttered every time she snored, and her ample chest rose and fell as well. Two tiny shells connected by a string of pebbles left very little to the imagination. Harry, who had seen actual merpeople, thought her a bit unrealistic. That didn't prevent his mind from wandering into naughty thoughts.

A place this swanky made being a prefect worth every boring minute of Diggory's council meetings. If he'd known about the pool, he'd have come sooner. His form was still sloppy, so some swimming practice would be most welcome.

"You look like I imagine I did when I first walked in here," said a voice.

Harry glanced towards the shallow end and saw Neville Longbottom lounging with his feet up on the edge of the pool.

"First time in here?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. "How's the water?"

"Steaming. I do this after every meeting."

"That's why I'm here too."

Harry went over and fetched a towel from the stack in the corner. He set it at the far end. Without glancing at Longbottom, Harry stripped off his robes, uniform, and unmentionables and set his wand on top where it would be easy to grab. He dove into the deep end of the pool, swimming down to touch the bottom before spinning around and rocketing himself back toward the surface.

The water was deliciously hot. Harry could already feel his aches draining away. He floated for a moment, water filling his ears so that if he closed his eyes, he was in his own little world.

It would be very easy to slip into a meditative state in here, he thought absently.

Easy, but probably unwise. There was another person present, and more might arrive. His wand was not on his person, and that was a big enough risk. There was no need to be foolhardy.

Harry lifted his head up and shook the water out of his ears. He made his way to the edge and rested his head near his robes.

"Nice, wot?"

"You could definitely say that. I can see why you come here all the time. Of course, Gryffindor tower is closer than the Slytherin common room."

"I suppose it is, at that. So what brings you here tonight?"

"Mostly curiosity, I guess. It's half-way through November, and I still haven't been in here. I've barely handed out any discipline. Being a prefect isn't really all that different, other than having to sit through those meetings."

"Diggory's meetings will be the death of my patience. You'd think with the NEWTs coming up, he'd have better things to do than waste several hours of our time every week. I'm quite nervous about the OWLs myself."

"Everyone is. You're not alone in that regard."

Longbottom chuckled. "I suppose not. How about you? You're a top student, aren't you?"

"I suppose. I don't feel like it sometimes. I'm always challenged by the material. I grew up with Muggles, so I was denied all knowledge of magic, even theory. I study very hard to get the marks I do."

"You mean you're not really plotting to conquer the world every night? You're just trying to pass classes?"

"Exactly, Longbottom," Harry said with a laugh. "Yeah, I'm nervous about the OWLs. Who isn't? They're a really big deal. I hope I get an O in Potions so I can keep studying with Professor Snape."

Longbottom grimaced. "I'll be free of that honour in only a few short months. That's what I keep telling myself."

"You haven't been absolutely wretched lately," Harry offered positively. "You just get too nervous and forget what you've already done. You need to write down things as you do them."

"Now that sounds like an excellent idea. I may just try that."

For a few moments there was only the soft sound of bubbles popping.

Longbottom cleared his throat. "So you seem like you enjoy the duelling club. You always do well in the exercises."

"I did a lot of practicing over the holiday."

"I didn't have anyone to teach me. Just my gran, but she thinks I'm hopeless."

"Sirius and Remus fought in the last war. Their experience is invaluable to me."

"You're definitely a few cuts above even the seventh years. That's good. I'm glad the duelling club is giving me the chance to really learn this stuff. Maybe some day I can be where you are now."

Longbottom's eyes got distant for a moment.

"You always give it your all. You don't let failure discourage you. You've gotten better, Longbottom, make no mistake. Your aim is much improved. Now you just need to learn to hold on to your wand."

"I know. I'm not very good at this duelling thing yet."

"That's the key word. One day."

"I just hope it's soon."

"Gotta work at it."

"I am. I have to."

"Why's that?"

Longbottom took a long time to answer. When he did, it was just a single word.

"Justice."

"Justice?" Harry repeated, quite startled. "For whom?"

"My mum and dad. They were attacked by Death Eaters after You-Know-Who disappeared. Aurors caught them, but it was too late for my folks. Those Death Eaters went to the old prison, but they're free now."

"Who?" Harry's voice was hushed.

"Bellatrix Lestrange. Her husband Rudolphus. His brother Rabastan. I'm going to kill them one day."

Longbottom's tone was completely matter-of-fact. He might have been talking about doing a homework assignment. It was so completely unlike anything Harry had ever heard or seen from the Gryffindor that he didn't know what to say, but he understood.

Harry finished his bath, toweled off, and pulled on his uniform robe. He carried his shirt and trousers, which he hadn't wanted to put on again now that he was clean.

"See you around, Longbottom."

"See you around, Potter."

A crisp, clear Saturday was always ideal for playing Quidditch. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were fortunate enough to have such a day. There was little wind, and it felt quite warm out despite being the middle of November.

Harry was cheering for the black and yellow. Susan Bones had made the team as a Chaser, and this was her first match. He'd asked Laine to sit with him, and she'd worn Hufflepuff colours so as not to clash with him. Pansy was decked out in blue and bronze for Terry's sake. Goyle was as well, for Mandy. Nobody else cared enough to support one over the other. They just wanted to see some good Quidditch.

They were not disappointed.

A bad collision took out Biff Webster, the Ravenclaw Keeper. Cho Chang had been chasing after the snitch, and as she'd closed in, Webster had gone to block a shot on the hoop. With the score at that moment, even if Chang caught the snitch, Ravenclaw would still have lost the match. The two had collided with a magnificent sound, the snitch vanished, and Chang had shakily floated away; Webster caught the worst of it and fell from his broom to the grassy pitch.

Agnes Gaud, seventh year, had been taking most of the shots for Hufflepuff, but once Webster was out of the match, Susan was able to get a few goals. She had pretty good form. Harry flashed her a thumbs-up as she flew by. In a few more months, she'd be even better. She couldn't match against Slytherin, but next year might be a different story.

Without a Keeper, Ravenclaw's Chasers could only do so much to prevent Hufflepuff from racking up the score. The Beaters tried to help, but Summers and Summerby were bigger and brawnier, and the Bludgers were redirected. Cedric Diggory led the Hufflepuff Quidditch team in trouncing Ravenclaw 330-100.

Harry thought about going to congratulate Susan, but he knew she'd be celebrating her first win with her team. Harry could still remember most of the details of his first victory party. Hufflepuff would be up late tonight.

"I wonder how rowdy it's going to be in Hufflepuff tonight," Laine speculated.

"They'll be hugging each other for hours, with the team in the middle," Daphne replied.

Harry felt obligated to stick up for Susan. "They played well. We'll have to have a good high score like that to have a chance to take the Quidditch Cup."

"Take out Webster when you play Ravenclaw," Daphne said.

"We might look into that."

"Captain Bletchley and Lieutenant Captain Potter will figure out a way," Laine declared.

"Will you please stop calling me that," Harry requested for the dozenth time.

"But it's so fun!"

"I agree!" Daphne declared.

"You would. Laine, would you like to go for a walk?"

"Of course, Harry."

The weather looked like it might snow again, so they decided not to walk the grounds. Up on the battlements, they were able to enjoy fresh air and seek shelter at a moment's notice.

They talked of Youth Club, Quidditch, and classes. Laine asked about Sirius, and Harry asked after her parents. He could barely recall her mum and dad, but he didn't tell her that. She started to ask about his plans once he finished school, but Harry changed the subject.

"Enough about me. It's always about me. Me and whatever trouble has found me at the given moment, anyway. I want to know more about you. Tell me about growing up with a twin."

"Right, because you know nothing about it," Laine replied with a giggle. "Didn't you used to date a twin?"

"Well yes, but that was a girl, and identical twin. This is totally different."

"I suppose it is. You do seem to have a thing for twins, don't you? I'd better hold on to you. Otherwise you might wind up with those Weasley twins next!"

"Ack!" Harry choked.

"Speaking of Weasleys, look who I see," Laine said with a nod of her head.

Ron Weasley had turned the corner. He was chatting animatedly with Thomas and hadn't seen them, but it would only be a matter of time.

"Should we avoid them? He's pretty hacked at you."

"Very true." Discretion was sometimes the better part of valour, and Harry was having far too good of a time to let Weasley ruin it. "Let's take the secret passage."

Unfortunately the grinding of the stone was quite loud.

"Oi, it's the great Hogwarts Champion! Hey Champ, play any good Quidditch lately? Wait! Where are you going? Got no time for your fans?"

"Weasley, it might surprise you, but I have better things to do than talk to you. You and Thomas go finish your date. Make sure you kiss goodnight before curfew."

Weasley turned beet red in an instant. "Shut up, Potter!" he bellowed.

"Was I not supposed to know? Ah. Our little secret then. Not! I'm going to tell the whole school we found you snogging in a broom closet."

"Oh, that's scandalous," Laine said with a giggle. "Weasley, you don't seem like a poof."

"I'm not a bloody poof! Gross! I mean, really! The very idea. Take it back!"

"Or what?" Harry asked.

"Or you'll regret it."

"What are you going to do? Hex me? Do you really want to take on two original members of the duelling club?"

"Duelling club? I thought it was the 'We Worship Minister Fudge Society'."

"Whatever it's called, it's still a duelling club. That's most of what we do. So Umbridge goes on a bit about the Ministry cause. So what? Obviously she wants people to finish school and go into the Aurors. There's a war on, Weasley, or hadn't you noticed?"

"I had to spend every minute of the holiday indoors because of it, Potter. What I had to go through to train as Seeker was staggeringly difficult." Weasley paused. "Worth it though, since I beat you to the snitch."

"Only on account of villainy!" Laine shouted.

"Tell people anything you want, Potter. I beat you to the snitch fair and square. I told you my Cleansweep was better. Now I've proved it. Just goes to show that good will always triumph over evil."

Harry had had enough. Why did Weasley have to come along and ruin a perfectly nice date? The interrupting imbecile could never seem to keep his mouth shut and just go on his way. Harry's mere existence seemed to offend him. It was all so bloody stupid. Harry was destined to face down the worst Dark Lord since Grindelwald, and he still had to deal with smarmy, self-righteous Gryffindors. Something inside Harry seemed to snap.

"I've had just about enough of you calling me evil. You know what? Fine. I am evil. I'm the evil Harry Potter, and I'm here to steal all your souls. You want me to be evil so badly? Have a taste of this! Serpensortia!"

Harry's rage must have channeled through his magic, because the king cobra that burst from his wand was both bigger and more poisonous than anything he'd ever summoned. It was ten feet long if it was an inch, and the hood flared shoulder-width as it hissed warningly at the Gryffindors.

"What the smeg?" Thomas whispered.

"Back away slowly," Weasley advised.

The snake advanced, slithering forward with each step they took. Eyes wide, not looking where they were going, walking backwards, the two Gryffindors reached the corner and bolted faster than a snitch.

Laine laughed mockingly at the fleeing boys. She hugged Harry tightly.

"Oh, that was brilliant! By Merlin, he's annoying, but you handled him beautifully. I've never seen anybody run that fast."

"I'm so tired of him. I've got a Dark Lord out to kill me, and he thinks I have time for his garbage?"

"Should we do something about him?"

"Like what? Anything we threaten him with is just going to convince him further that we're all Dark as the other side of the moon."

"I don't know," Laine admitted, "but we should do something."

"We should ask around and find out what his boggart was a couple of years ago. I bet it was an empty dinner plate."