Chapter 12:
Dumbledore's Army
The following morning, nearly everyone was blabbing about Rita Skeeter's article. They were also commenting on the news of Umbridge's new position as Hogwart's first High Inquisitor.
Hermione and Ron had Harry walk between them, when they headed down to the Great Hall. Once they walked through the doors, all the students glanced their direction.
"Well, if it isn't the lover boy now!" Draco sneered, making kissing sounds.
"Potty-Wee-Potter. Too bad he can't go Digging in the Field with Diggory," Pansy jeered.
"Oh, just shove it!" Hermione snarled, meeting the other's girl's glare.
"What's the matter, Granger? Miss spending time with your Krum Cake?" She quipped, causing every Slytherin student to burst into laughter. "Or, maybe you're just jealous he didn't buy you any jewelry?" She cackled.
Hermione's face turned livid. Before she could reply, she felt Ron pull her towards the Gryffindor table.
"Shut the hell up!" Cedric huffed, glaring at them.
Harry turned to see the older boy entering the Great Hall.
"How cute! Pretty boy comes to the rescue." Draco laughingly retorted.
"One more word and it's detention for the both of you!" Cedric threatened, pulling Harry away from the main entrance.
"I'm sorry, Ced." Harry sighed.
"It's not your fault," he assured, as Harry took his seat.
"Can we meet in the tower later?"
Cedric nodded, then walked towards the Hufflepuff table.
Harry sorrowfully watched him leave, then noticed a few copies of The Daily Prophet on the table. Right on the front page was the picture Rita took of him and Cedric; kissing in front of Ms. Kepper's Jewelry Shop. The headline read: Triwizard Lovers! Their Relationship Deepens!
"Ah! I can't believe this!" Hermione groaned, picking up one of the copies.
"Early this past Saturday, I, Rita Skeeter, encountered our two favourite champions: Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter. The pair was spotted sharing a passionate moment in Hogsmeade, outside Ms. Kepper's Jewelry Shop. When asked if they'd be open for an interview, both adamantly refused. I wholeheartedly understood; knowing I had interrupted their special moment. However, before I left, I saw Mr. Potter had purchased a lovely platinum bracelet for Mr. Diggory. I noticed the bracelet also had an engraved inscription. Although I couldn't get a close enough look, I'm sure it was a heartfelt message. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to schedule an exclusive interview. However, I am hopeful they will agree to one shortly. Meanwhile, it's nice to see their young love is blossoming."
"The nerve of that woman!" Hermione bellowed, the page to see the other articled the Prophet had printed. Her eyes widened, when she saw a picture of herself and Viktor, dancing at the Yule Ball.
"On another note, our other beloved Triwizard Champion: Viktor Krum also appears to have a flourishing love. This past summer, he was seen exploring London, with Hermione Granger. The pair appeared to be extremely fond of one another. Alas, unlike Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter, I do not have a current picture of them. Fortunately, we still have this lovely picture of the pair. I do hope to also get an exclusive interview with them as well."
Harry glanced at his own copy of the paper, and read the article about Hermione and Viktor. He sighed, as he turned to face Hermione. "I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry too," she muttered. "At this rate, it's going to be difficult to approach anyone, without being harassed. So much for our plan."
Hermione turned the page, and saw the article, regarding Umbridge's new position. Above it was a picture of her standing in the Great Hall; beaming her sick grimace. Below it was a quote from Percy Weasley.
"She's been an immediate success! Totally revolutionising the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and providing the Minister with on-the-ground feedback about what's really happening at Hogwarts. It is this last function that the Ministry has now formalised with the passing of Educational Degree Twenty-three, which creates a new position of "Hogwarts High Inquisitor." This is an exciting new phase in the Minister's plan to get to grips with what some are calling "failing standards" at Hogwarts. The Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch. Professor Umbridge has been offered this position, in addition to her own teaching post; and we are delighted to say that she has accepted."
"Oh, God! That woman really is in charge of the school now! Harry, I don't care what they say, we have to do something!"
"Hermione, who will take us seriously now!? Everyone is laughing at us! If we try to talk to them, they'll most likely blab it to whole school. Then, the Prophet will print that!"
Hermione sighed. "I guess you're right. But, we have to try."
"I don't know if there's anything we can do," Harry solemnly stated.
The following morning, the three headed towards the grounds for flying practise. Ron mustered all his courage and asked Mrs. Diggory if he could tryout for the Quidditch team.
"I know my flying skills aren't great, but I'm getting better."
"True. Ron, it's not that I doubt your capabilities. I'm just afraid you won't make the team this year."
"Maybe if he watched our practise matches, he'd have more time to practise his own flying."
"Hmm. Good idea, Harry," Katherine replied. "Very well, Ron, you can accompany Harry to practise. It will also give me more time to coach you."
"Thank you!" Ron exclaimed.
"What role did you have in mind?" Katherine asked.
"Keeper? I know I'll never be as fast as Harry. But, I am good at dodging."
"Well, we are in need of another keeper. All right. If your skills improve, you're on the team."
"Great!"
"This is good news." Hermione smiled. "I told you not to be afraid. You just need confidence."
"Good advise, indeed, Hermione," Katherine remarked. "As for your flying abilities, you have greatly improved."
"Thanks. Although, I know I'll never be good enough to play Quidditch."
"It's not for everyone, dear. But, we all must learn how to fly. Like you told Ron, just have more confidence in yourself," she smiled, turning to face the rest of the class. "Before we begin, I think Mr. Weasley should start us off. Ron, give me ten laps around the stadium. Imagine you're dodging flying bludgers."
"Okay," he replied, mounting his broom. He quickly zoomed into the air, then towards the stadium. Both Harry and Hermione marvelled his speed. He did appear to be more confident. However, when he started to fly back, Ron started to lose control of his broom. He tried to aim it away from the class, yet he still kept racing towards them. He also tried to decelerate, but to no avail. "Look out! I can't stop this thing!"
"Ron, you must choke on your grip!" Katherine shouted. "Remember, the broom obeys you."
"I can't stop!" He cried, as the other students moved out of the way. Right after he flew past them, Ron started to ascend back the sky.
Katherine immediately pulled out her wand. "Try to aim towards us! Once you're close, I can stop the broom."
"Can't you stop it now?" Harry worriedly asked.
"I wish I could, dear. But, if I stop him now, the sudden holt would send him falling to the ground. He must be less than two meters from it."
Ron tightened his grip, and aimed the broom towards them. Katherine was ready to mouth the spell, however Ron was flying too fast. "Ron..." she started, seeing him zooming towards her. Katherine leapt out of the way, landing face down on the ground. Ron kept screaming, as he again started to ascend to the sky. "Immobulus!" Katherine shrieked, pointing her wand directly at Ron.
Ron felt himself come to a complete stop. He tried to sigh in relief, yet discovered he couldn't move a single muscle.
Katherine sighed, motioning her wand towards the ground; making Ron slowly descend. Once he landed, she flicked her wand, allowing him to move. "There! Good heavens, that was unexpected!" She exclaimed, walking towards him. "Are you all right?"
Ron quickly dismounted his broom. "I'm fine. I don't know what happened."
"You lost control. Like Ms. Granger said, you need more confidence. You're great at flying, but you're deathly afraid of landing."
"I just don't want to crash."
"No one does. But, if you allow your fears to control you, you'll never overcome them." She sighed, turning to face the class. "I sincerely apologise for this incident. I think we all are a tad jostled. We'll finish the lesson tomorrow. Class dismissed."
As Harry, Hermione and Ron headed back to the castle, Ron kept cursing under his breath.
"That's it! I'm never getting on the team now!"
"Ron, you can do it!" Harry reassured.
"Seriously? After that!?"
"Ron, you had one bad moment. You can't let that stop you. Look, I'll coach you, myself. We can meet at the stadium, after our last class. I know Katherine will give us permission."
"You really think it's worth it?" Ron asked, turning to face Harry.
"Definitely." Harry smiled, touching the other boy's shoulder.
"Thanks, mate. I appreciate it," Ron replied, smiling as he cupped Harry's hand.
"Potter. Granger. Weasley," McGonagall called, walking towards them.
"Professor?" Harry questioned. "Did we do something wrong?"
"No. I am to here to inform you that as of tomorrow, both Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley will be Gryffindor's newest prefects."
Hermione's lips curled, before she glanced at Harry and Ron. "Thank you, Professor. I...Wait! Harry also applied for this role? Why hasn't he been assigned it?"
McGonagall sighed. "I'm terribly sorry, Potter. I did assign you the role of prefect as well. However, our "High Inquisitor" revoked my decision."
"That little..." Ron hissed.
"Language, please," McGonagall countered. "I'm afraid she is now in charge of these matters. "Believe me, I share your frustration. However, my hands are tied. Now, if the two of you will accompany me, I must brief you on your duties in my office."
"Harry, I'm so sorry." Hermione suspired, touching his shoulder.
"It's fine," Harry replied, trying to smile. "Go on. I'll see you later."
"We'll meet you in the common room as soon as we're done," Hermione stated; as she and Ron walked away with McGonagall.
Nearly two months passed. During the past weeks, Ron's flyings skills had definitely improved. Katherine stated he was now ready join the team. A week later, Hogwarts had its first Quidditch match of the year. Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. It was held on a rainy afternoon. Luna had fashioned a lion hat, to show her support for Gryffindor. Meanwhile, Slytherin supporters had invented a song: Weasley is Our King, to further unnerve Ron; who was already extremely nervous. Once the match began, he promptly fell apart, but the Gryffindor team still won, when Harry had beaten Malfoy to the snitch; which caused even more animosity between them. Then he, along with Fred and George began taunting him, and the other members of the team. This invigorated Umbridge to ask the Minister for yet another degree to be passed. One that banned Quidditch all together! Sadly, the Ministry granted her request and passed the degree.
Educational Degree No. 49
All Quidditch matches are hereby cancelled! Broomsticks will be turned in to the High Inquisitor for safe keeping!
As if things couldn't get worse, Harry, Fred and George received a lifetime ban from Quidditch. Katherine was furious, when the stout woman stormed into her office.
"What is the meaning of this?" Katherine bellowed. "You have no grounds to ban the boys for life, Dolores!"
The shorter woman only laughed.
"I do indeed, dear. Those miscreants spearheaded this whole affair."
"Mere heckling hardly justifies your actions! Granted, they were in the wrong, but that's no reason to issue them a lifetime ban!"
"You see now, don't you, Katherine. How right I was in attempting to put a stop to the teams' ruthless behaviour. Dreadful tempers. So, I really think I will have to ban both from playing Quidditch."
"What of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?"
"Oh, they'll play eventually. Perhaps in the spring." Umbridge giggled.
"This is outrageous! We didn't harm anyone!" Fred blurted.
"You may hate me, but you can't do this to them!" Harry interjected.
"Enough!" Dolores hissed, making three brooms levitate in midair; then using them to smack the boys' faces.
"That does it!" Katherine screeched, using her wand to send Umbridge flying against the wall of her office; making the brooms fall to the floor. "You were warned not to lay a hand on any student. The Ministry will hear of this!" She bellowed, as Dolores hit the floor.
The boys stroked their sore cheeks, while Umbridge shakily stood. She patted her hair, then straightened her dress and sweater. "That was a terrible mistake!" She snarled, matching the other woman's icy glare. "You have no right to attack me!"
"I have every right to protect my students!" Katherine quipped.
Dolores scowled at her, then raced out of her office; slamming the door behind her.
Every single student was outraged by the degree; yet there wasn't anything anyone could do. Umbridge's word was law. During the past month, she began interviewing and questioning every teacher, during their classes; while jotting notes on her pad. She even took notes on each student; wanting to keep track of their daily activities. Hogwarts now felt more like a prison rather than a school.
Harry and Ron couldn't help but laugh when she interpreted Snape's lesson. "You applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?" She asked, strutting behind the now stoic man.
"Yes," he icily replied.
"And you were unsuccessful?" She questioned, glancing at him; now standing on his left.
"Obviously," he muttered; now fully annoyed by her, while Dolores wrote on her pad. The rest of the class silently laughed, as she left the Potions Classroom. Snape scowled, threatening assign detention to anyone who dared to make another sound.
Once the Ministry got word of her attack on the boys, Caldora was appointed to be her executive chaperone. She would make surprise inspections, and keep a record of Umbridge's behaviour. However, despite this, Dolores still managed to make their lives hell.
Cedric nervously entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom; along with the other Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students. Once he took his seat, he saw most the students whispering to each other; muttering his and Harry's name. He forced himself to stay strong and get through the class. He wouldn't let them or Dolores hinder his studies.
That will be all for the day, children," Dolores spoke, in a sickly, sweet tone; as her gaze drifted towards Cedric; who was gathering his books. "Mr. Diggory, I want to have a word in my office."
Cedric looked up to see her beckoning him to follow her. "Very well," he replied, placing the books inside his satchel.
Once they entered her office, Cedric's ears were deafened by the sound of cats, meowing incessantly. He then watched Umbridge sit behind her desk, before staring directly at him; almost as though she was trying to gaze at his very soul.
"I asked to speak with you, because it's my duty to inform you that I am hereby withdrawing you from the rank of Prefect."
Cedric's eyes widened. Despite being taken aback, he wasn't surprised. "May I ask why?"
"This is merely to set an example," she stated. "Students must learn how to properly behave. They cannot be allowed to act unruly and expect to maintain their rank or receive any favour from the staff. You and Mr. Potter have caused enough trouble this year. I revoked Professor McGonagall's efforts to assign him the role of a prefect. However, that didn't hinder any of his outbursts. Which led to the conclusion that because you were still allowed to be a prefect, he felt empowered. This will put an immediate stop to that."
"Harry and I didn't do anything wrong. You attacked him! Twice! You're the one corrupting the school with your ludicrous degrees. You and the Ministry are too damn foolish to see the truth! Voldemort is back!"
"Silence!" She shrieked, immediately standing; giving him a demonic glare. "I see my concerns are more than justified. I will not tolerate this blatant disrespect any longer. Mark my words, I'll make certain you and Potter will be expelled for this treachery! Hand me your Prefect Badge!" She held out her hand, while Cedric removed the badge from his robe and placed it in her palm. "Leave my office at once!"
Cedric grabbed his satchel and hurriedly raced out of the office; running up to the sixth floor, towards the Ancient Runes classroom.
Harry woke early, the next morning. Once again, he had slept horribly. Not wanting to wake Ron, he quietly dressed and walked down to the common room. Deciding to write Sirius a letter, he sat at one of the tabes and grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill.
Dear Padfoot,
I hope you're all right. It's getting colder here. Winter is definitely on the way. In spite of being back at Hogwarts, I feel more alone than ever. I know you, of all people will understand.
Cedric and I aren't able to meet as frequently now. But, at least we're able to see each other between classes.
We also received word from Oliver. As if things couldn't get worse, we learned that all mail he sends or receives must first be inspected by Madame Hooch, or one of the other coaches. The same now goes for us at Hogwarts. Life is beginning to feel more like a nightmare. One from which I wish I could awaken.
Anyway, I know Christmas is fast approaching us. We'll be able to temporarily escape this madness. Just thinking about that helps me get through the day.
I love and miss you.
Harry
Once he finished writing the letter, he folded the parchment and placed it in his jacket pocket; then left the tower and headed towards the owlery. After he watched Hedwig zoom away, he decided to walk towards Hagrid's hut. Even though he knew he wasn't there, it made him feel better. When he reached the empty house, Harry heard a screechy neighing sound. He looked up into the sky, and saw the same skeletal creature he had seen in front of the carriage. It appeared be landing in the Forbidden Forest. Feeling curiosity overcome him, Harry entered the forest and walked towards the sound of the creature.
When he got closer, Harry saw Luna feeding one of them with one hand, while stroking its nose with the other. Instead of wearing her school uniform, she wore a knitted, short sleeved blue sweater that was only buttoned at the top. A white blouse, and white jeans. She also had her black satchel strap placed over her head; resting on her other shoulder. Harry moved his gaze and was shocked to see she was also barefoot.
"Hello, Harry Potter," she spoke, without turning; as Harry walked towards her.
"You're feet," Harry started, as the girl glanced at him, then down at her feet. "Aren't they cold?"
"A bit." she nodded, moving her gaze back to Harry, then back at the creature. "Unfortunately, all my shoes have mysteriously disappeared," she delineated, as the creature snuffed. "I suspect nargles are behind it."
The two watched the creature brush its left front hoof against the ground, before it started to walk away from them.
"What are they?" Harry asked.
"They're called thestrals," Luna answered, as they heard it neighed loudly; stretching its wings. "They're quite gentle really, but people avoid them because they're a bit..."
Both their gazes saw a mother thestral with her young calf.
"Different." Harry finished, while they approached them. "But, why can't the others see them?"
"They can only be seen by people who've seen death."
Harry glanced at her. "So, you've known someone who's died then?"
"My mum." Luna nodded. "She was a very extraordinary witch. But, she did love to experiment," she shrugged. "And one day one of her spells went badly wrong. I was nine."
"I'm sorry."
"Yes, it was rather horrible. But, I know she's watching over me. In fact, being with thestrals makes me feel closer to her." She smiled, turning to face Harry. "I believe you, you know."
"What?" Harry gave her a questioning look.
"You and Cedric. Your story that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned. The Prophet constantly uses slander to discredit both of you; making you feel as though you're all alone. I guess that's how he wants you to feel," she remarked, meeting Harry's gaze.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cutoff from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone, you're not as much of a threat." She smiled.
Harry smiled as well, watching Luna take a piece of meet out of her satchel. She then threw it towards the young calf; who quickly placed it in her mouth.
A week later, Hermione awoke to find it had started to snow. Gazing out her dorm window, she saw the sun rising over the foothills that were now covered with snow. So much had happened this they arrived at Hogwarts. Ever since Umbridge, none of their lives had been the same. Hermione knew it was high time they start to do something about it! She knew it would be hard to face the other students, but it was the only way. They had waited long enough. Wait any longer, and they might as well let Voldemort claim the school. She hurried down to the common room. Fortunately, only Harry, Ron and Ginny were there.
"Guys, we have to talk! Is anyone else still up here?"
"Neville is in the dormitory. I think some third year boys are too," Ron answered.
"Then, we'll have to use my dorm."
"What? Go in the Girl's Dormitory!?"
"Keep it down, Ron!" Ginny stammered.
"There won't be any girls there, Ronald. Now, come on! Before somebody hears us."
The four headed up to the fifth year girl's dormitory. Once they entered, Hermione quickly shut the door.
"Harry, I know you disapprove, but we need to gather other students! We've been idle for too long. Once we do, we'll have them meet us at Hog's Head. Dumbledore needs all the help he can get!"
"How do you know they'll listen?" Harry asked.
"Aside from Slytherin, everyone loathes Umbridge. I know we can get them to listen."
"I'm ready!" Ginny remarked.
"So am I!" Ron reaffirmed.
"Then, let's hurry. We'll have them meet us there tomorrow morning. Harry, tell Cedric about the plan. He can help us rally everyone together." Hermione opened the door. Seeing no one in sight, she beckoned them to follow her down the stairs.
After they got back to the common room, Harry headed down to the Hufflepuff dormitories. When he got there, he saw Ernie exiting the common room.
"Hi, Harry." He greeted, waving.
"Hi. Is Cedric still in there?"
Ernie shrugged. "I haven't seen him since last night. He hasn't said much the past few days. We're starting to get worried."
"I am too." Harry sighed. "Well, if he comes back, tell him I want to see him."
"Sure thing."
Harry headed back to the seventh floor, towards the astronomy tower. He wasn't sure if Cedric would be there, but it was the most logical place for him to go.
"Ced?" Harry called, running up the stairs. No answer. Harry reached the landing and saw no one was there. The tower was deserted. Damn! He thought to himself. If Cedric wasn't here, where was he? It would take him hours to search the whole school. His best chance of finding him would be to wait here.
Harry sat on the sofa and starred out the window. He could see the snow was starting to fall even harder. Even though it was only noon, he still felt tired. He hadn't slept well in days. He took off his glasses and carefully set them on the floor; before laying his head on the soft cushion. Seconds later, he was fast asleep.
Harry felt lips press against his scar, which caused him to stir in his sleep. His lips curve into a smile, as he imagined Cedric pulling him out of the cold, dark room. His dreams were becoming more vivid. He almost felt as though the darkness would swallow him whole. But, just with that slight touch, his fears seemed to vanish. He knew he wasn't alone in the darkness anymore.
"Harry," Cedric spoke, making Harry softly groaned. "Harry." he gently stroked his cheek.
"Umm...?" Harry muttered, as his eyes started to open. For a moment, he thought he was still dreaming, until he felt finger brushing through his hair. "Ced? Is that really you?" He asked, reaching for his glasses.
"I think it's me." The older boy laughed, while Harry placed his glasses on his face.
"You're here."
"Of course." He smiled. "Harry, I'm sorry I wasn't there earlier. I just couldn't sleep, so I decided to walk by the lake.
"It's all right." Harry smiled, quickly standing to embrace him. "I'm just glad you're here now."
"I didn't know if should wake you. You seemed to be in a deep sleep."
"It was another nightmare," Harry murmured. "They're getting more vivid, Ced."
"Oh, Harry." Cedric sighed, kissing his scar again.
"I keep seeing the same room. Filled with crystal balls. I don't know exactly where I am, or even if it's real. I just keep seeing so many shadows. Then...I hear his voice. I know he's right behind me. But, before I can turn, I wake up."
"I wish I knew what this all meant."
"So do I. This time, instead of hearing him, I felt your lips and heard your voice." His lips curled. "You broke though the darkness."
"I hope I always will!" Cedric stated, still stroking his face.
"Cedric, I still don't think I can do it, but Hermione wants us to gather the other students."
"Harry, you must believe in yourself. You can do this."
"By the way, how are things at Puddlemore? Oliver hasn't replied recently. Whatever it is can't be worse than this."
"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure." Cedric sighed. "He sent me a letter three days ago. He told me Madame Hooch was forced to bench him. Since he's associated with us, the Ministry sees him as a threat."
"That's insane!"
Cedric nodded. "All he can do now is monitor practices."
"He must be going mad."
"Fortunately, it's not as bad for him. It's just like Hermione and Ron. They're our friends, bit not part of the scandal. You and I are the 'troublemakers' that insist on 'lying' about his return. In fact, most are starting to believe that Dumbledore is behind the whole thing."
"What the hell!?"
"Either he made us go along with it, or he planned the whole thing on his own."
"Even the dementors?"
"Yes. To further solidify our story."
"But, Oliver was there."
"Some say we or Dumbledore forced him to play along."
"This is absolutely ludicrous!"
"I agree. That's why we need you to teach us how to properly defend ourselves."
"You think we can really make a difference?"
"We'll never know unless we try," Cedric stated, feeling Harry pulling him close; before he buried his face in his chest. "I have an idea. Take my hand."
"What…" Harry uttered, while the older grabbed his hand; making them immediately disapparate.
Before Harry knew it, they were standing outside an inn, near Puddlemore stadium.
"I know Oliver will be eager to join," the older boy iterated, leading him into the inn.
The pair walked up three flights of stairs and headed towards the last door on the left. Cedric knocked on the door twice, paused, then knocked two more times.
A moment later, Oliver opened the door. "Ced!" He exclaimed, noticing he was standing next to Harry. "What are you both doing here?"
"We have to talk, Oliver," Cedric replied, pulling Harry into the room, while Oliver closed the door. "We're about to start Dumbledore's Army," he delineated, turning to face the older boy. "I know it's a lot to ask, but…"
"I'm joining!" Oliver blurted.
Cedric smiled. "I knew we could count on you. Harry, did you find a place for us to meet?"
"Hermione said Hog's Head. Tomorrow morning at nine."
"I'll be there," Oliver reaffirmed.
The next day, Harry, Hermione and Ron headed to Hog's Head.
"Who's supposed to be meeting us then?" Harry asked.
"Just a few people," Hermione answered, while Ron opened the door to Hog's Head.
Inside, they saw an elderly man standing by the bar. He gave them a quick glance, before his pet sheep started baaing; behind him. It then headed into the other room. The man then followed it.
"Lovely spot," Ron remarked, as they head a hog oink.
"We thought it'd be safer somewhere off the beaten track," Hermione stated.
"Hey! Hey! Come back here!" The man bellowed, trying to catch his sheep.
When they walked into the pub, they saw quite a few students were waiting for them. Harry still felt trepidatious, but Hermione reassuringly pulled him towards her, as all three of them took their seats in front of the others.
Hermione could sense the tension was high. She decided she should be the one to break the silence. She then stood and started to speak. "Umm. Hi! So, we all know why we're here. We need a teacher. A proper teacher. One who had real experience defending himself against the dark arts."
"Why!?" One boy snarled.
"Why!?" Ron hissed. "Because You-Know-Who's back, you toss-pot!"
"So they say!"
"So Dumbledore says!" Hermione quipped.
"So Dumbledore says, because they say!"
"The point is, where's the proof!? Potter and Diggory could tell us more about what happened to them in the graveyard!"
"Look! I'm not going to talk about the graveyard!" Harry stammered. "Neither will Cedric. You've read the papers. You either believe us or you don't!"
"Speaking of which, where is he?"
"I'm right here," Cedric spoke, as he and Oliver entered the pub. "Harry's right. We've told our story at least a hundred times, yet we're still being questioned!" He stammered, as Oliver sat on the chair next to Hermione. "If you don't believe us now, you never will. Voldemort is real! That's why we convinced Harry to come here to teach us how to defend ourselves. Even seventh years don't know what he does."
"Ced, it's not worth it! Let's just go," Harry huffed, standing. "There just think we're a couple of freaks!"
"Harry, wait," Cedric replied, stopping him leaving.
"Is it true you taught Cedric and Oliver how to produce a Patronus Charm?" Luna asked.
"Yes!" Hermione exclaimed. "It's because of that, they survived the dementor attack. I haven't seen their patronus, but I saw Harry generate his."
"Blimey, Harry! I didn't know you could do that," Dean interjected.
"And...he killed a basilisk, with the sword in Dumbledore's office," Neville added, as others turned to face him.
"And he fought about a hundred dementors at once!" Ron exclaimed.
"And last year, he really did fight You-Know-Who in the flesh. He saved Cedric's life and his own!" Hermione iterated.
"Hermione!" Harry scoffed, causing her to turn. "Look, it all sounds great, when you say it like that. But, the truth is most of that was just luck. I didn't know what I was doing half the time. I nearly always had help."
"He's just being modest."
"Hermione, I'm not!" Harry bellowed, glancing at her.
Hermione saw the intense look in his eyes. She decided to let him continue on his own.
Harry slowly turned his gaze back towards the group. "Facing this stuff is not like school. In school, if you make a mistake, you can just try again tomorrow. But, out there, when you're a second away from being murdered, or watching someone you love almost die right before your eyes..." Harry choked on his words, as he quickly glanced at Cedric; who reassuringly touched his shoulder, then faced the others.
"What Harry and I saw has never once stopped haunting our thoughts. We saw him and nearly all his Death Eaters swarm all around us. Seeing him was like starring directly at death. Both of us are lucky to be alive. But, without Harry's knowledge, we would definitely have died."
"You don't know what that's like." Harry sighed, before he and Cedric sat on their chairs. Harry lowered his head, as Cedric wrapped his arm around him.
"You're right, Harry. We don't," Hermione spoke, sitting next to Harry. "That's why we need your help. If we're going to have any chance of beating Voldemort!"
There was a dead silence in the room, until one young boy asked, "Is he really back?"
Harry nodded.
"Then, you can count me in," the boy replied.
Cedric and Hermione motioned Harry to move towards the table, by the window. Placed on it was a piece of paper titled: Dumbledore's Army.
Cedric, Hermione, Oliver and Ron each wrote their names under under the headline. Harry quickly added his, then sat at the table, so he could face the other students. Each one immediately stood, and formed a line in front of the table.
After they all had their names written, they asked where they would be meeting. Oliver noticed it was getting late. Cedric nodded, knowing he had to leave soon.
"This is great, but we don't even know where we're going to meet." Harry sighed.
"We all have to think of possible places we can use," Cedric stated, looking at the other students. "We'll meet here again next week and share our thoughts."
"I'll meet you in the tower," Oliver whispered, before leaving the pub.
After the others left, Harry, Cedric, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny, Fred and George headed to the covered bridge.
As they walked across it, they kept wondering where they would meet.
"We have to find a place to practise that Umbridge won't suspect," Harry stated.
"The Shrieking Shack?" Ginny suggested, as everyone glanced at her.
"It's too small." Harry shook his head.
"The Forbidden Forest?" Hermione asked.
"Not bloody likely!" Ron blurted.
"Harry, what happens if Umbridge does find out?" Ginny asked.
"Who cares!?" Hermione quipped, glancing at her. "I mean, it's kind of exciting, isn't it? Breaking the rules." She laughed, causing Cedric to laugh as well.
"Who are you; and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Ron sniggered.
"Anyway. At least we know one positive thing that came from today."
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"You and Cedric will see each other more often now." Hermione smiled, as they made it to the other side of the bridge.
Harry blushed. "Right. Over the next few days, we shall each come up with a couple of possibilities of places we can practise. We've got to make sure that wherever it is, there's no chance she'll find us."
Unbeknownst to them, Umbridge and Filch stood on the balcony, above the gateway entrance they used to enter the castle. Both watched them enter the school, yet couldn't hear what they were saying. "Keep an eye on those students, Angus," Umbridge spoke, as she started to walk back into the castle.