Chapter 16 – Have we done this before?

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Professor Johnson's class was all the rage after Umbridge's disaster as a DADA teacher. He actually had live duels in his classes which was part of his likability as a teacher. Still Lora had the same question I had, why did Dumbledore say he was Johnson from America when he was McLaggen from Canada?

Lora and I got to avoid much of Hogwarts rumors, spats between students and strange happenings in some of the classes, it was a magical school after all. Since Draco Malfoy was in Azkaban for his Dark Mark and the attack on us at the Three Broomsticks the place was fairly quiet. Crab and Goyle were now attached to Nott who was not a motor mouth like Draco was, so things seemed fairly quiet. Our inquisitive friends only attached themselves to us in class and during meals as the rumor was they were together. This night we got a full tour of current rumors.

"Hi Mate, Great Sheppards Pie." Ron and Hermione had arrived. Lora was seated on my left while Neville sat on my right. Ron and Hermione sat across from Neville. Neville didn't look overly happy seeing Ron the food cruncher sitting across from him. His mood lightened up as Luna joined us. Neville's attitude appeared to sour further as he reached for a roll only to have Ron snatch the entire plate and take all the rolls that were left.

Luna leaned over to say something to Lora or myself but had to dodge food particles as Ron uttered, "Um ate id ou en e ha-er of seets ain?"

'Ronald! Manners! Hermione scolded as Neville and Luna got up and left for the Ravenclaw table.

"Was it something I said? Ron as always was without a clue. "All I asked was if Harry has opened the Chamber of Secrets again?"

"That's just a rumor Ron, Harry would have no reason to messing around with that awful place, would you Harry?" Hermione said as she slapped Ron's hand away from the chicken leg on her plate.

"Roor sa its appnig in Merals athroo." That's when Lora grabbed my hand and dragged me over to join Luna and Neville. About then Hermione laid into Ron about disgusting manner and driving her friends away. She left in tears while Ron just shrugged his shoulders and shoveled more food into his mouth.

"Think there is anything to the rumor that someone is opening the chamber Harry?

"Neville your guess is as good as mine. We best look into it since there has been no disasters or tournaments or stones to save this year." So far, I thought with my fingers crossed.

"Which girl do you think is in the chamber for you to rescue this year? Luna asked.

"He best not be rescuing anymore girls from sixty foot snakes." Lora scowled.

"Did someone say a sixty foot snake?" Hissed Lea.

I tried to change the subject, "Has anyone finished McGonagall's essay yet? All I got was a couple of head shakes when Lora asked, "Do you think the rumor is true about Lavender?" That at least got the gossip going in another direction.

/Scene Break/

With the rumor about the Chamber of Secrets we headed out into the Forbidden Forest to have a chat with the Centaurs. Finding them was not a problem and my good friend Bane was leading the herd that found us.

"What are you doing here human?"

"I am here to talk to you about a mutual problem and ask for your help." I replied without much hope but I did have to try.

"We do not deal in the affairs of humans, be gone humans."

"Surly your Mars is bright enough to see that war is coming to this forest."

"Don't attempt to read what is not available to humans. Nothing or no one will bother us in our forest."

"Well at least could you tell me if you know of any entrances to Hogwarts from this forest?"

All I got was an arrow shot at me from Bane. Swatting it away must have been an insult as the herd all let loose with their arrows. I called in the wind as they fitted new arrows in their bows. The wind blew them off their hooves and onto their sides. On their sides was a most difficult position for them to rise from. "Since you mules are going to hide in the forest until Voldemort comes for you I bid you good day but with a warning. Voldemort will come for you as he knows you are subhuman creatures and his solution for that is to hunt you down and kill you.

"Not very cooperative are they." Lora snickered.

"They are like most people with their heads in the sand until it's too late. I heard as poem awhile back on TV it was a poem by a Martin Niemöller

"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

/Scene Break/

The following week was a social disaster followed by eye-opening discoveries. Not to mention wanting to curse Dumbledore into the next century. The first sign of troubles was when Hermione would not be found within ten meters of one Ronald Weasley. That did not register with good old Ron until he tried to copy off her homework which was due in the morning. The argument that was set off was what legends are made from. Ron and his big mouth let slip something Hermione apparently already knew.

"Your cold... you... Know-it-all, I've been using Parvati's homework anyhow." Ron retorted.

"I thought it would be hard to copy homework in a dark broom closet." Hermione growled.

"Well she is a better kisser than you will ever be."

That's when at the other end of the Great Hall another explosion erupted. "Is that why our being together was to be kept quiet? You double timing lout." Padama was erupting.

Ron raced out of the hall with the Patil twins right on his tail. Ron's grades took a sharp and immediate nosedive.

/Scene Break/

The next time when I look in the mirror I can see Harry Potter renowned for being slow on the uptake. I was sitting in Johnson's class watching the latest duel and seeing Professor Johnson taking a swig out of his hip flask, talk about Déjà vu. Not about to be totally stupid I got the Marauders Map and there was André Arante where Alex Johnson should be. So where was the great leader of the light? Off someplace that McGonagall couldn't say. Dam he was going to get an ear full when he got back.

We had gone to eating either with Susan Bones at Hufflepuff or Luna at Ravenclaw to avoid the feud between Hermione, the Patil's and Ron. Our only salvation is that once Ron sits down and starts shoveling food he won't get up again, so it's like musical tables in the Great Hall until Ron starts feeding. I have thought of joining the Slytherin table to avoid it all.

Days later when everything appeared to be leveling out Nott shows up with the knuckle dragging Crab and Goyle. "Potter you didn't show up at the Azkaban party? To scared to make your grand appearance? You best hide because I hear that some of Azkaban's escapees are not very happy with you." Nott then walked off.

"Lora do you have the impression that all my work rounding up Deatheaters was just recently undone?"

"I could give you that as I heard what Nott just said."

"I guess I best get Hedwig out for more brown eggs. I just hope the 'Greater Good Guy' gets his old bones back here to deal with these other problems."

/Scene Break/

A couple of days later at breakfast the Headmaster made his appearance. We made a bee line to the head table. "So nice of you to join us Headmaster, would you care to fill in Lora and I in about your little trip?"

"Sorry Harry but that is top-secret."

"Anything to do about your toasted left hand?"

"This is nothing just something Madam Pomfrey is working on."

"You're of course going to let us in on why you have another poly-juiced Professor teaching DADA?"

"I beg you pardon?"

"Oh Morgana you don't know that your Professor Johnson from America is actually a poly-juiced André Arante? While that is a fact the rumors are that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Anything ring a bell Headmaster?"

"I believe that this conversation should be postponed until…"

Always my luck, a day late and a dollar short is my life style. The ward alarms suddenly started going off causing panick throughout the castle. Dumbledore sprang out from his chair and speed to the antechamber behind the head table with Lora and I hot on his heals. He opened a portrait reveling something that Dumbledore seemed to understand.

"Dark magic, multi adults exiting from the dungeons…" Dumbledore may have had more to add but we were already speeding through the great hall. The dungeons main exit was up the stairs and into the entrance hall. We were followed by several teachers as Lea hissed, "I will guard the doors." She hissed and sprang out of my sleeve while transforming. I yelled "She is on our side." I pulled the doors open to see Deatheaters entering the entrance hall from the stairs. Deatheaters must have been coming from the Slytherin's common room, apparently the Slyterin's had their own secret tunnel to enter and leave Hogwarts. Lora and Tiger transformed and the battle was on.

They kept coming like a hoard of locus. They were only slowed by the width of the stairway and a steady firing of spells by the teachers. More and more Deatheaters were gaining entrance into the room and their spell fire gave time for more Deatheaters to enter the large entrance way. They wanted across the room and into the Great Hall. Lora was restricted in using her breath as a weapon because of the friendlies in the room as did I with my elemental powers. Lora had already reverted back to human form and joined a number of older students that had joined the fight using spells and curses.

This was a no win situation. I fell back into the Great Hall and took out two brown eggs and removed the spell making them unbreakable. I transformed into my phoenix form and grabbing an egg in each claw and 'flamed'.

It was a total surprise to the Deatheaters exiting from the Slytherin common room. The stairway leading up was packed with Deatheaters while around thirty were at the bottom of the stairs waiting to head upward. Why they were not using the other exit was a question for later. I arrived near the ceiling and dropped an egg and 'flamed' to the other side of the wall and into the Slytherin common room, the second egg dropped as I 'flamed' back to join the fight.

After the Aurors cleaned up the dead, wounded and unconscious McGonagall came into the Great Hall and sat down next to us.

"So Professor how bad is it?" I asked not really wanting to hear the damage.

"Two students seriously injured and in St Mungo. Three students and two teachers with minor injuries in the Hospital wing with Madam Pomfrey. Thankfully we received no deaths." McGonagall sighed.

"I didn't see Dumbledore during the fight." I left that statement hanging to see if something would be forthcoming.

"After he sealed the tunnel entrance, that the Deatheaters were using, he took some Deatheaters to the Ministry."

"Have you seen Professor Johnson recently?" Lora asked.

"I believe he accompanied the Headmaster to the Ministry with the prisoners. I'd best be getting things back in order for classes tomorrow." With that she left looking older than normal.

"I wonder if Johnson accompanied him at wand point or if we have another Tri-Wizard Tournament being planned." That caused Lora to have me explain all about the phony MadEye Moody during the Tri-Wizard tournament.

/Scene Break/

Lora and I finally got Dumbledore cornered two days later. When we entered we started without a lemon drop or taking a seat. "Where is the phony Johnson and who is he?" I demanded.

We left Dumbldore's office just shaking our heads.

"I have never heard so many, "For a later time" or "I will take you request under consideration" in my entire life." Lora fumed.

"I liked the response "That is an area that I don't wish to discuss". Did you catch his response to the question "What time is it?"

"I'm not at liberty to say, was a sure sign he wasn't going to answer anything today. I would like to know what happened to his hand." Lora laugh was not happy.

"So would I dear, so would I?"

/Scene Break/

"Wormtail! Get your worthless carcass in here!"

"Yes Master, You called?"

"Crucio"

"Of course I called you worthless rodent. Get me Avery and Selwyn in here immediately."

"Yes Master."

Sometime later, Voldemort was unhappy at the delay and spread a 'Crucio' or five before delivering his orders.

"Avery I want the Ministry to be broken into and all loyal to me brought here, kill the rest."

"Yes My Lord." Avery got out as quick as he could.

"Selwyn I want you to take ten of the new troops and start killing in a muggle village. Then you are to move quickly to a second and then a third. Try to kill and destroy as much as possible but don't stick around for the Aurors or I will have you roasted for dinner."

Selwyn was a nobody but not stupid enough to hang around and see if the Dark Lord had another curse for him to enjoy. Selwyn left to find some recruits.

"Wormtail I want you back in Hogwarts. I want you to check on what our potion master is up too and any other information you can find especially how many of the filthy Centaurs we killed. Report to our resident Slytherin student anything you find."

/Scene Break/

With no Professor Johnson or Poly-juiced André Arante DADA was canceled for the immediate future. Christmas break was here and the train was leaving in the morning so everyone was packing. Dinner was a happy affair with everyone ready for Christmas and family. Lora and I were at the Gryffindor table with Ron eating at the opposite end. Hermione entered and made straight for us and sat down.

"Harry I was wondering if I could ask a really big favor of you. I know you will probably be locked up at Headquarters and that's one of the reasons I am asking."

"What is the favor Hermione?"

"Could I possibly borrow Hedwig for the break? I have a lot of mail I need to send and I don't have an owl. With you locked up at Headquarters it would give Hedwig a chance to get out of her cage." Hedwig landed in front of me seconds later.

"Well girl would you like to spend the break with Hermione delivering mail?" Hedwig gave an owl bow and a chirp. "Good that's settled, and Hedwig enjoy your break from Headquarters." That brought a hoot and she flew off.

"Now all I have to do is avoid Ron on the way home." Hermione moaned.

"Yes we noticed the strained relations with Ron." Lora added.

"Not something to dwell on…by the way if you get to escape here is my address and phone number. You two want to go swimming just let me know. We have a heated swimming pool in the back yard." Hermione handed over a slip of paper and started eating.

The train ride was better than anyone expected. Hermione, Neville, Luna and my Menagerie had a quiet compartment with only mild conversations over different school subjects. Lea slept as usual while Tiger got in as much scratch time as possible. Ron had joined Dean and Seamus in a different compartment to play exploding snaps and chess while discussing Quittage.

As the compartment was about to empty at our arrival, at Kings Cross, I told the compartment to enjoy the break and have a fantastic Christmas. Lora and I got off the train on the opposite side from the platform. I then tried my new mode of travel, Harry-Air. While traveling by my weather element was not as quick as 'flaming' it was comfortable and Grimmauld was just around the corner and not across England. We landed by the front door, removed the disillusionment charm and entered to an empty house. We arrived at the third floor to find a clean newly remodeled third floor with Christmas trees and decorations around every corner. Dobby and Winky had been busy. We thanked the elves who demanded our trunks for unpacking and said a light lunch was in the dining area.

"Dining area? Lora asked.

"Don't ask me I just own the place." I laughed, "Let's go exploring."

Dobby had done a number on the dingy place. There was a living room off a small dinning area with a large fireplace. Besides the master bedroom there were two more bedrooms each with there own bathrooms. The elves had definitely done a great job on the third floor. Even the new carpeting just called for you to run barefoot or as my familiars did, lay spread out on the floor.

I have never thought that I am that swift. I make mistakes as pointed out by Lora on many occasions. Albus Dumbledore has been heard to say that his mistakes tend to be larger than normal. Today I made a great big mistake but to me it only gave me something to laugh over, I forgot that 'The Order' would be trying to pick me up at Kings Cross for my escort and confinement. They of course would panic when I was not found on the train's arrival point. The magical's had a one track mind when it came to some things. I was to be kept safe which meant under their physical control, so nothing else could be possible short of a disaster.

Hermione had been questioned when they saw her with Hedwig's cage. We swore the house shook as a howler plus went off downstairs. Mrs. Weasley had arrived. "Harry James Potter where are you? You are in big trouble young man and I will…"