The Defense Club Part 3
Summary: Continuation of Part 2. The Defense Club is a complete success more students join, but that is the least of Harry's worries. Some members of the Board of Governors are coming to observe a meeting and Harry wants to prove he's capable of teaching the students to defend themselves. If there is anything Harry enjoys doing it's proving people wrong.
The Defense club became the talk of the school ever since the first meeting. Many students who didn't come to the first meeting wanted to know more about it. Some of the first years felt they weren't included until the announcement that anyone, no matter the year or the house, can join. It turned out that picking the Room of Requirement was the best idea Harry came up with as it accommodated a lot of students and provided supplies that otherwise would have needed to be purchased or bring from Auror Headquarters.
As the popularity of the Defense club grew, Harry's popularity grew as well. Sure Harry was well known, but the Defense Club brought him to the forefront of the school's most popular students. Some of the new students felt intimidated by Harry that is until they got to know him.
The plus side to this was that no one doubted Harry's story of Voldemort's return anymore or at least inside the castle walls. And since Harry started dating Ginny, people seemed to have backed off.
True to his word, Harry worked the schedule around Quidditch practices. And there was one that evening.
"Are you sure you're okay about not making the team this year?" Luna asked as she walked down with Ginny to the Quidditch pitch.
"Yes, there's always next year. The plus side is that I can watch Harry," She said, smiling.
Luna nodded. "Have you seen him in the Quidditch robes?" She asked.
"No but…" Ginny trailed off at the sight of her boyfriend in front of her….in his practice robes. "Merlin, I can't believe he's mine."
The robes fitted Harry well, too well.
"He is Ginny," Luna stated. "I think I'm going to go say hi to Buckbeak."
Ginny waved her off, telling her to stop when Luna said teasingly 'enjoy the show, Ginny'.
Picking up her pace, she all but ran to catch up with Harry.
"So, where's Ron?"
"He's already down here," Harry replied. "Angelina wanted to talk to him about something."
When they reached the pitch, Ginny grabbed hold of Harry's collar, pulling him to her.
"Are you forgetting something?" She asked.
Harry smirked, leaning down to kiss her.
"Oi Potter, get up here!" Angelina called from her broom.
"Wait for me after?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Ginny said. She watched as he walked onto the pitch and disappeared into the locker room. He returned a moment later with his broom in hand. He swung his leg over the broom and then in a blink of an eye, he kicked off, getting into his position.
She climbed up to the stands, finding Hermione and a few of the other Gryffindors sitting in the bleachers, watching practice. Angelina allowed them to come and watch, even promising that they would be allowed only as long as she kept it open practice. If she closed it, it would be team only and Ginny and Hermione would need to find something to do for the time practice would be.
A few of the older students kept on eye out for students from the opposing teams to keep them from spying on them.
"Is it just me is it cold today?" Hermione asked.
"It's cold," Ginny said, sitting down beside her. "What did Angelina need to talk to Ron about?"
"She found out whose keeper for Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin," Hermione explained. "She wanted to tell him so he'd be prepared. Oliver told her that sometimes the other Keepers would try and get in their head before the game."
"And she wanted to make sure Ron could handle it," Ginny concluded. "Makes sense to me, even though Harry deals with the same thing from the other seekers."
"The worse being…."
"Malfoy," Ginny and Hermione said in unison.
They sat watching practice, cheering when Ron blocked a quaffle. They made small talk as the practice progressed. The conversation paused when they spotted Sirius approaching the pitch.
"Maybe he's come to watch practice," Hermione commented.
Sirius climbed the stairs to the teachers' seats and sat down in his usual spot. Ginny noticed Harry had flown down to talk to him for a moment and then he was back in the air.
"I think you're right," Ginny said, watching as Harry returned to his spot.
Practice seemed to be longer tonight. Hermione had seen Ron yawn from the goal post, even from her place in the stands.
"Has Harry found the bloody snitch already?" Coote asked.
"Yes, I found it. Three times already," Harry replied.
"Somebody's getting cranky," Hermione commented.
"He's tired and probably hungry," Ginny said. "I've been warned by Sirius that Harry tends to get…"
"Snappy when he's tired and hungry," Hermione finished. "I know. He and Ron are the same in that regard."
Angelina decided to call an end to practice before a full out fight started. When they landed, Ginny noticed Ron approaching Harry. They couldn't hear the conversation, but judging from how close they were walking and the hand motions, the conversation must have been serious. They were still talking when they walked into the tent.
"Let's go," Hermione said.
Ginny followed her down the stairs of the stands, heading to wait near the tent for the boys to head back to the castle together.
"I hope they shower," Hermione said, while they waited.
Ron stepped out of the tent, dress in his jeans and t-shirt. "Harry's behind me," He said, knowing his sister would ask, shaking his damp hair.
Fred and George stepped out, patting Ron on the shoulder. "We would love to stay and chat, but we have business to do," Fred said.
"Are they seriously working on more joke products?" Hermione asked.
"Sirius showed them an unused classroom on the seventh floor for them to use. It's charmed for only Fred and George or Sirius and James to enter," Ron explained.
"Where did they….." Hermione trailed off, realizing the answer before completing her question.
"Harry gave them the Tri-Wizard tournament winnings, and James and Sirius agreed to be an investor, I think was the word Harry used with the agreement being that Fred and George finish school," Ron added.
"And next year, when they graduate, James is going to help them find a storefront on Diagon Alley. Mum doesn't know, but Dad does," Ginny said.
Harry stepped out, hair damp from his shower. Ginny noticed how nicely the jeans fit him along with the shirt. A part of her cursed and blessed the school uniform. She wanted this eye candy to herself and not on display for the school to see.
"What was Sirius doing down here?" Hermione asked.
"He got his grading done and decided to get out of Remus's hair and come down here," Harry explained. "I thought he was coming to tell me something, but that's what he told me when I asked him."
The walk to the castle wasn't too long. The girls talked as the boys listened and took turns yawning.
"Why are you yawning?" Hermione asked.
"We didn't get to bed last night until two in the morning. Harry and I had gone to the Room of Requirement to get some of the books on defensive spells and by the time we came back and got a month's lesson plan done to get to Remus and Sirius for review, it was after one."
"And somebody decided to walk us up at the crack of dawn," Harry said, looking pointedly at Hermione. "You do know that OWLs aren't until June right?"
"But we need to…"
"Hermione," Harry said, using a stern tone than his normal one. "Even Mum tells me to take my time. As a matter of fact, that's Remus's advice: we have time on our side. Use it."
The walk was silent after that, with only the sound of the birds chirping.
As they entered the castle, they noticed Lily was talking to Professor Williams. Harry slipped in behind Ron, hoping to get passed, Lily.
"What is it, mate?" Ron whispered.
"I don't think I got a good grade on last week's homework assignment," Harry replied, softly. "He's probably telling Mum that."
They entered the Great Hall, sitting down in the middle of the Gryffindor table. Harry had just picked up a sandwich when he felt a hand on his shoulder. A familiar hand.
"I want a word with you after lunch," Lily whispered in his ear.
Harry nodded in reply. Lily went on to the head table and began to make herself some lunch.
"Wonder what she wants," Hermione pondered.
"Did you tell her about the dreams you've been having?" Ginny asked.
Harry shook his head. "I told Dad instead. Mum tends to…." Harry trailed off.
"Worry," Ron supplied.
"That and overreact."
Ron shared with the group what Angelina had told him and the reason she wanted him down at the pitch early. Hermione's guess was correct. It was to talk to Ron about ignoring the teasing from other Keepers from the other houses. Slytherin's especially.
"I could have told you that," Harry said, reaching across Ron for the bowl of crisps. He took a handful and dumped them on his plate. He held up a hand and all five fingers. Then slowly counting backward he lowered a finger. When he had one left he pointed to his plate and an apple appeared. "I swear she's physic."
"So what are we doing for the next defense club meeting?" Hermione inquired.
"I'm not sure. I've been thinking of maybe at some point we'll go over Stunning. I haven't talked to Sirius or Remus about this yet, but I think maybe we should go over the Patronus Charm."
Ginny's eyes lit up. "I would love to work on that."
"Can't you use them for messages?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, Dad uses them for that all the time."
"I wouldn't doubt that Sirius nor Remus would say no to that," Ron commented, taking a crisp off of Harry's plate.
When lunch was over, Harry said bye to Ron and Hermione and kissed Ginny whispering that he would see her later. As he left the Great Hall, he heard his mother and Minerva talking.
"Thanks for letting me know Minerva," Lily said as she ended the conversation.
"You're welcome. I'll be by the hospital to speak with you and Poppy about what we've discussed."
When the two women parted, Lily walked to meet up with her son. As she passed him, she snapped her fingers to get his attention.
"My quarters, now," She said.
Harry didn't argue but followed his mother. He was still trying to figure out what was going on. He hadn't gotten behind on his schoolwork, his grades were near perfect (where Lily wanted them), and he was getting enough sleep or trying to. He didn't know what it was that made his mother this irritated with him.
When they reached her quarters, she said the password to Helga the nurse. When she opened, Lily entered, motioning for Harry to follow her.
Lily waited until the portrait hole closed until she spoke.
"You're probably wondering why I called you down here," She began. "Professor Williams mentioned to me that you fell asleep in his class."
Harry sighed. "Five minutes. I only closed my eyes for five minutes. He told me what I missed. It's not a big deal, Mum. It only happened one time."
"It better," Lily warned.
Harry sighed, knowing he'd better tell Lily the reason he fell asleep in class.
"I've been having dreams," Harry began. "I've told Dad and they are not visions from Voldemort, but rather things that could happen. You or Dad or both of you are dead and so are Sirius and Remus. Sometimes we're in a field fighting Death Eaters and other times we're here at Hogwarts. The other night I dreamed I defeated him but you, Dad, Sirius, Hestia, Remus, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were gone. It spooked me to the point I couldn't sleep."
Lily crossed the room, pulling Harry into an embrace. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Lily whispered.
"Because you worry about me enough," Harry said. "And I didn't want to add to your worries."
Lily cupped Harry's chin, turning his head towards her. She no longer had to pull it up gently as they now matched in height, Harry only a few inches taller than she was.
"Sweetheart, I'm going to tell you something and I want you to listen to me closely. I am your mother. It is my job to worry about you. Not telling me things, makes me worry even more." She paused to kiss his forehead. "I will admit at first I wasn't happy with you but now that you've told me the reason, I'm not. But I am going to tell you that it was just a dream and your father and I will do everything in our power as well as Remus and Sirius to make it through this war."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Mum," Harry whispered. "Would it help that Dad said not to tell you? You've been working on that one potion and…"
"Harry, you are more important than any potion," Lily said.
"I know, but…."
"You are more important," Lily repeated. "Next time tell me."
Harry nodded. "I will, Mum."
Lily pressed a kiss to Harry's forehead again. "I love you, Sweetheart."
"I love you too, Mum."
"Now, go spend some time with Ginny. Don't get into anything I wouldn't approve of," Lily warned.
"Have I ever?" Harry asked.
"Not recently," Lily admitted. "Go on. I'll see you at dinner."
"Okay, Mum. Love you"
Lily watched as Harry left her quarters. She shook her head when she was alone. It was true what she told Harry. She did worry. She worried that he was working himself too hard and taking on too much. But she didn't or couldn't express her worries as she knew Harry would have a reason for why he was tired or why he missed lunch.
"I swear that child. I love him to pieces but I wish I could get him to slow down."
Lily left her quarters and returned to the hospital wing where she worked for the rest of the day, Harry and the Defense club being the last thing on her mind.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ron sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that night. He had gone to bed early to make up for the late nights he and Harry had had over the last week, spending extra time researching spells and charms to use for the Defense club. He had even gone to sleep not long after his head hit the pillow.
But he had to get up and go to the bathroom and now, he couldn't get back to sleep.
He could hear the sound of quill on parchment coming from Harry's bed. Sitting up, Ron leaned over, listening closely to see if the sound was coming from Harry's bed.
"Harry," Ron whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Are you still working?"
"Almost done," Harry replied.
Ron laid back down and soon when the noises stopped, he went to sleep.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
It was evident that Harry didn't sleep much the next morning. He was slow at getting ready and told Ron and Hermione to go on without him.
Through the yawns and fighting the feeling of wanting nothing more but to crawl into bed and sleep, Harry gathered up his homework, textbooks, and the notes he made to share with Sirius when they met to discuss the lesson plans for the Defense that afternoon. He would give them to Sirius at breakfast so he could look them over during his break.
He was the last of the boys in his dorm to make it to the Great Hall. Ginny had already fixed his plate, put a warming charm on it, and had it ready for him when he showed up.
"You are a saint," Harry said, sitting down beside her.
"Ron said you had a late night last night," Ginny commented, handing Harry a cup of tea.
"Had another idea for the Defense club and wanted to write it down before I forgot it," Harry explained.
They made small talk as they ate breakfast. Ron and Hermione had already eaten and left the Great Hall. Harry didn't need or want to think about what they were doing.
"So I was thinking since the weather is going to be nice and warm today, we'd eat lunch outside. Have a picnic, get some fresh air, and take a break from school," Ginny wheeled.
"I'm not going to disagree," Harry assured her. "We'll meet at our tree?"
Ginny nodded.
As they got ready to left the Great Hall, Sirius approached them, asking Harry if they could move the meeting to tomorrow as Sirius was being called into the Auror office for the afternoon.
"Sure," Harry said, getting into his rucksack. "Here's what I thought I would talk to you and Remus about."
Harry handed Sirius the notes. Sirius shook his head. "You remind me of your mother when you do this. But at least you better organized than your father. Remus and I will read it over and we'll discuss it tomorrow. Same time."
"Okay," Harry agreed.
They were leaving the Great Hall when Lily called for Harry. Harry didn't know Lily was still in the Great Hall and told Ginny to go on, he'd catch up with her later.
"Are you okay?" Lily asked. "You look like you don't feel good."
"Just tried, Mum," Harry replied. "I'm fine, really."
Lily nodded, pushing some stray hairs out of Harry's face. "Okay. Have a good day, sweetheart."
"You too, Mum. Love you."
"I love you too," Lily said. Watching her son go, she shook her head. She just hoped that Harry wasn't stretching himself too thin.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Stunning spells would be a good idea to include for the club. What else are you thinking?" Sirius asked, returning the books Harry had borrowed to the bookshelf and according to Remus's organization methods.
"I thought we can take a week once we've covered a few for a review and allow for those who struggle with a particular spell or charm to practice more before we move on to something else," Harry explained, playing with a small quaffle Sirius had on his desk. Harry was sitting on the edge of the desk, his legs hanging off of the side.
Sirius nodded. "I think that's a good idea," He commented.
Remus entered the room from the classroom, pausing at seeing Harry. "What's going on?" He asked.
"I brought the books back I borrowed. Thanks again, Remus," Harry said, getting down off the desk and returning the ball to Sirius's desk.
"Has your Dad told you some of the board members are coming to observe a meeting?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded. "I'm waiting for Dad to tell me when before I make a plan," He replied. "Dad said he should find out this week."
"He should," Sirius confirmed.
"We'll be there to help you in any way we can," Remus assured him.
"Thanks. See you tomorrow," Harry said, as he picked up his rucksack and left the office.
As he headed down to Lily's quarters where he was dropping off the books he had borrowed from James, he began to think about the lesson he would do for the night when the board members were observing. In all honesty, he felt nervous. And he had every right to be. The last thing he wanted was to have the one thing he felt he was contributing to the cause of fighting Voldemort taken from him. Though he highly doubted that would happen.
He entered his mother's quarters and dropped off the books on the desk in his room. He would give them to James when he came that weekend.
With the task complete, he left his mother's quarters.
Walking towards the grand staircase, he thought over the conversation he and Sirius had earlier. As there was a gap in the calendar and a forgotten Defense club meeting that evening, Harry decided to start on the Stunning spell and do a review for the night the Board would be observing. This will allow the students to pick a charm, spell, or curse they thought would be useful in a battle and could practice the spells, curses, or charms, within reason, of course.
Remus and Sirius didn't need students hexing others just because they can.
"Harry."
Harry recognized the voice and immediately stopped and turned around. Professor Williams was approaching him.
"What can I do for you, Professor Williams?" Harry asked.
"I wanted to a quick word with you about the last homework assignment. You got an Exceeds Expectations, I know you thought I wasn't your usual work but, it met all of my requirements, along with some information I didn't ask for."
"Oh," Harry said. "Okay."
"Considering what you have on your plate, I don't know how you're keeping up with your schoolwork," Professor Williams commented.
"I manage," Harry said.
When Professor Williams left to return to his office, Harry headed to Gryffindor tower.
He caught up with Ginny as she and her friends approached the Fat Lady. One of the girls said the password and they entered the common room. Ginny didn't know Harry was behind her, even when one of her friends asked how things were going between them.
"Wonderful," Ginny replied.
"Good, I'm happy for you," Kendall said.
When her friends headed upstairs, Harry leaned over and whispered, "Nice to know you're happy."
Ginny jumped, gasping. Then she turned around slapping Harry's shoulder. "Are you trying to scare me?"
"Not intentionally," Harry replied, leaning down.
Ginny smiled, cupping his head in her hand as their lips met. When they broke apart, Ginny reached up with her free hand and hooked Harry's chin with her hand, lowering his head to her level.
"You look tired, baby," She said. "Not sleeping?"
"Not much," Harry admitted.
"Nightmares?" Ginny guessed.
"No. I can't get my mind to shut off," Harry admitted. "Can I ask you something and you answer me honestly?"
"Sure," Ginny said. "What's wrong?"
"Do you think I do a good job leading the Defense Club and teaching?" Harry asked, leaning against the back of the couch in front of the fire.
Ginny approached her boyfriend, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I'm biased, but I think you do a great job. People look up to you, Harry and not because of the Boy Who Lived thing. Rather because you're kind, smart, and you have an intuition on things that no one else understands until you made them understand. No one has said anything about you teaching or complaining about it. If that would be the case, don't you think Remus and Sirius would have taken over by now?"
Harry smiled, kissing the top of her head. "You're right."
"Repeat that one more time, I didn't hear you?" Ginny asked, teasingly.
"You're right," Harry replied with a smirk.
Ginny kissed her boyfriend's cheek, only to meet his lips as Harry turned his head just as Ginny was going to kiss him.
"Thanks, Gin," Harry said when they broke apart.
"Are you ready for tonight?" She asked.
"Absolutely," Harry replied. "I'll wait for you down here and we'll go together."
Ginny agreed. They kissed once more before they separated to go to their dorms. Harry entered the fifth year boys' dorm and headed straight for his bed.
"Just need a short nap," Harry murmured. He was asleep within two minutes. As long as he woke up in time to head to the Room of Requirement for the meeting, he'll be fine.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Stunning is one of the most useful spells in your arsenal. It's actually a wizard's bread and butter, really. When you stun the target, it can render them unconscious. It's also useful in dueling," Harry explained as he walked to the other end of the small battlefield he had made using sellotape and markers.
A hand went up. "Yes, Mila?"
"Is it useful to make a quick getaway?" She asked.
Harry paused for a moment before he replied. "It can also be used to make a quick getaway. Nice job, Mila."
"Can it be a dangerous spell?" Parvati asked.
"It can," Harry admitted. "If you use force when using this spell, it can make your opponent fly backwards with the force. While it doesn't intend to do harm, the surroundings may make it dangerous. For example, we're in a room with stone walls and floors. If we didn't use cushioning charms and patted mats, there will be a lot more students going to the hospital wing for injuries and then I'll be hearing from my mother because somehow it will be my fault."
Everyone chuckled.
"Alright, now to demonstrate," Harry said as he turned to Nigel. "Go ahead, Nigel. Give me your best shot."
Nigel seemed to be a little nervous. Harry assured him it would be fine, but Nigel was more afraid of hurting Harry and getting into trouble.
Taking a deep breath, he exclaimed, "Stupefy!"
Harry went flying backward and landed on the patted mat behind him. Everyone watched in amazement. Ginny had cupped her hands to her mouth as she watched her boyfriend fly backward.
"Good job, Nigel," Harry said, picking himself up. "Now, who wants to go next?"
Harry helped them break up into groups of two and space them out to allow them to practice the stunning spell.
"Are you alright?" Ginny asked when she passed her boyfriend.
"I'm okay, Gin," Harry assured her. "I landed on the mat. If anything, I'll probably feel a little sore from the landing in the morning, but I'm alright."
Ginny nodded before joining Luna in the corner.
"So what are we going to do next week?" Nigel asked, coming up beside Harry.
"We're going to review what we've covered so far and ask if there is anything anyone who would want to cover," Harry replied.
"Are we going to do the leg locking curse?" Nigel inquired.
"We are eventually," Harry answered.
A yelp made Harry turn around. Ron landed on the other side of the room. Harry turned to find Hermione smiling. Realizing what happened, he tried to keep from roaring with laughter. When he passed Ron he couldn't help but snicker.
"Shut up, Harry," Ron warned.
"Well it's definitely good to know that the girls can defend themselves," Harry whispered to him.
He raised his hand to Hermione for a high five. "Good job."
As he walked around, observing, he glanced over at James, Sirius, and Remus. They had been abnormally quiet tonight and Harry wondered why. Usually, when they started, Remus reminded them that they were not to cause harm to each other and that this was to teach them to defend themselves. Sirius and James would only make a comment here or there, but mostly just sat and observed.
"Harry?"
At the voice, Harry turned to his father. He didn't know James had approached him until he spoke.
"The Board will here next week," He said.
Harry nodded, swallowing thickly. "Thanks, Dad."
James patted Harry's shoulder and walked back over to Sirius and Remus. Harry continued walking around observing, correcting if he needed to and making suggestions
As he passed Ginny and Neville, Ginny raised her hand to Neville telling him to pause and grabbed Harry's arm before he walked away.
"What did you Dad say?" Ginny whispered.
"The board will be here next week," Harry answered.
Ginny nodded.
He walked around one more time before he blew his whistle to get everybody's attention.
"Good job, everyone. We've picked this spell up quicker than I thought we would. As it is approaching curfew we'll need to end the lesson for the night. In the next meeting, we'll be having members of the Board of Governors come to observe. I'm giving you this warning so there isn't a surprise next week when we meet again. We'll be reviewing some of the spells we've gone over and will help those who need assistance. If there is a spell you're having problems with, please let me know."
Murmurs were breaking out across the room as a few approached Harry to ask for assistance. Hermione provided some parchment and a quill for Harry to write down the names and the spells they needed help with.
"Um, Harry?"
Harry turned at the voice to find Mila standing there. "What can I do for you Mila?"
"I was wondering if you could help me with the disarming charm?" Mila asked.
"Of course, we can go over it next week," Harry said. "You and a few others asked to go over it again."
"Okay, thank you, Harry."
When the room cleared out of the students, Harry headed to the nearest loveseat and collapsed on it.
"Are you okay, Son?" James asked.
"Yeah, I'm just tired," Harry replied.
"Dreams again?" James whispered in his son's ear. Harry shook his head.
"Not last night," Harry assured him. "Could the board…."
"No!" James exclaimed. "They won't. They just want to see what this is about."
Harry nodded. "Anything else I need to know."
"I'm going to go down to your mother's quarters and make…."
"Dad!" Harry shouted, turning red in the face. "I didn't need to know that!"
James shrugged. "You asked."
"I meant about the board coming next week," Harry clarified.
"They want to meet with Dumbledore first and you," James replied. "They more or less want to know what you're teaching them. Defense wise."
Harry nodded. "Okay."
Leaving the Room of Requirement, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny said goodbye to James, Sirius, and Remus. Harry told Ron and Hermione what James had told him. As they walked to Gryffindor tower, they talked about what they can do for the next meeting. They agreed with Harry on the review and let the students fight a dummy using spells they've learned or think would be useful in a battle.
"So, Hermione stunned you," Harry teased Ron as they walked up the stairs to the fifth year boys' dorm.
"She was quicker," Ron explained. "I was about to say the carnation when she did and I went flying. I didn't know it could make your life flash before your eyes."
"It didn't with me," Harry said. "I was bracing for impact and imaging Mum's screeching if I was brought into the hospital wing and why."
"Is it bad I can hear your Mum screeching in my head along with my Mum?" Ron asked.
"We've heard it enough," Harry shrugged.
Entering the bathroom, Harry went into one of the stalls to strip and shower. He checked himself for bruises and noticed a small place on his side. He would check it again in the morning.
When Harry stepped out, dressed in his boxers, he headed into the dorm and collected a pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt.
"Has anyone seen my…..." Neville trailed off as Harry tossed him the pajama pants he had been looking for. "Thanks."
"I think Dobby thought they were mine," Harry explained, pulling the shirt over his head.
"So what are we doing at the next meeting?" Neville asked.
"Review," Harry replied. "Sirius said that since the board will be there, it would give them an idea of what we've learned. We'll also have a 'battle' with the dummies and let everyone use a spell, charm, or even a curse they think would be useful in a duel. Sirius's idea, but I'm going to use it."
"Did anyone see that girl in Ravenclaw? The one with the blonde hair?" Seamus asked.
"Luna?" Ron inquired.
"The other one," Seamus said.
"You're talking about Amelia," Harry said. "I tutored her in Defense last year. Why?"
"When did she show up?" Seamus asked. "I would have remembered a girl looking like her."
"She's been here for the whole five years as have we, Seamus," Dean explained. "You noticed because she grew over the summer. She lives in the next town to me. Her Mum and my Mum are friends. She also asked me about you."
"Romantically?" Seamus asked.
"No," Dean answered. "She has a boyfriend. The brown-headed guy she was standing next to."
"Gabe," Harry said. "The reason I know him because he is involved with the Ravenclaw Quidditch team."
"What position?" Ron asked.
"Beater."
"It's late," Ron said. "As a Prefect, I think we should go to bed."
"Trying to get on Hermione's good side are you?" Seamus asked.
"I just want to keep her nagging down to a minimum," Ron sighed.
"And you also want some sweet loving from her too," Seamus murmured.
"I heard that," Ron called.
"He's not wrong," Harry said, chuckling
"Shut up, Harry."
Slowly, the boys one by one went to sleep. Ron looked over at Harry's bed to find that he fell asleep with his glasses on. Getting up, Ron approached the bed and gently took off Harry's glasses, sitting them on the table.
"Good night, mate," Ron whispered.
For the first time in a long time, Harry slept through the night.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
James noticed Harry seemed to be quiet as they sat up the Room of Requirement, waiting for the Board to show up. He watched as Harry only spoke if someone asked him something and was abnormally quiet. Harry was talkative, to the point that James often want to silence him just for a moment of peace on car trips. When he finished his task, he approached his son sharing a look with Remus.
Sirius would greet the Board in Dumbledore's office and escort them to the Room of Requirement. They decided this last night as James decided he would go with Remus and help Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny set up.
Students slowly began to come in and Hermione took her cue to greet them in place of Harry.
James placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Alright, son?"
Harry nodded.
James reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial.
"Here, Mum sent this. Said you might need it."
Harry recognized the vial and took it from James. He uncorked it and swallowed it, handing the empty vial to James.
"Better?" James asked.
"Much," Harry replied.
Ginny approached them as James moved away to speak with Remus. She handed Harry a bottle of water.
"Nervous?" She asked.
"A little," Harry admitted. "Mum's potion helped."
Ginny reached up and kissed his cheek. She whispered, "It's going to be okay."
The doors opened the Board entered, lead by Sirius. He led them to their seats and put a shield charm around them to protect them. They could see speak and be heard, the charm just protected them from getting hit by stray spells.
Dobby appeared and offered coffee or tea with biscuits.
As Sirius passed Harry, he said, "I already explained why we used the Room of Requirement so you don't have to. All you need to do is show them what a good teacher you are."
Harry nodded.
"Good luck, Pup. In case I haven't said it, I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Sirius."
When the last student entered, Harry called the lesson to begin.
"If you remember from last week, this week we're going to be reviewing what we've learned so far. This will allow those who are struggling with a certain charm or spell to receive extra help. I've paired those who asked last week for help with a charm or spell with a student who has mastered it. While those students will be working together, the rest of us will be practicing the spells we've mastered, just to fine-tune them. When an hour is up, we'll move on to the next activity."
Harry picked up the parchment that held the list and began reading off the names and their partner.
"Any questions?"
No one said anything.
"Okay, we've made a space over here," Harry pointed to his left. "For you to practice and be out of the way as a safety precaution."
Those who asked for the help and their partner moved to the other side of the room. When they began to work, Harry instructed the others to break into pairs and pick a spell or charm they want to practice.
Harry summoned more cushions and padding to prevent the students from getting hurt.
With Ron observing the others, Harry went over to those who were practicing the spells they weren't mastering.
"Try this," Harry said to a Ravenclaw. He gently took her hand and showed her the wand movement. "Now try it."
"Expelliarmus!"
She disarmed her partner.
"You were flourishing your wand too much," Harry explained. "Sometimes slowly the movement down helps you do the charm more easily."
"Thanks, Harry."
Harry approached Nigel and Ginny to see how they were doing. Just as he was behind Ginny, Nigel shouted, "Stupefy!"
Ginny only flew a few inches away before Harry caught, preventing her from falling to the ground.
"Good job, Nigel. I think your problem was you lacked confidence. Do you feel like you can do this on your own?" Harry asked.
Nigel nodded. "Everyone else learned it quicker than I did."
"A wise man once said that we all learn at different paces. You just needed more time and little more confidence."
"Thanks, Harry."
When Nigel went to join the others, partnering with Colin and Dennis, Ginny approached Harry from behind.
"Did Remus say that?" She asked.
"Yeah," Harry replied. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Harry," Ginny assured him. "My boyfriend kept me from blasting into the wall."
"He just doesn't want to see you get hurt," Harry retorted. Then he leaned over and whispered, "Do you think it's going well?"
"I do," Ginny replied. "Don't worry. It will be fine."
Ginny went to join the others as Harry observed the group practicing the spells they needed help with. He gave direction when needed, advice when asked, and slowly they were all able to move back with the rest of the group.
"We'll do this again next month," Harry said to Hermione when she approached him to tell him that they were ready to move to the next activity.
With a wave of his wand, an army of dummies appeared.
"Now, if everyone could get in a circle, what we're going to do is I'm going to send a dummy to the middle. Starting with…Ron, we'll each take turns using a charm, spell, or even a curse, we think would be useful in a battle or a duel. You can use a charm, spell, or curse we haven't covered in here and maybe, later on, we'll include it in a lesson."
Harry pointed his wand at a dummy and sent it to the center of the circle. "And go!"
Ron started with the stunning spell, sending it to Neville who used the disarming charm. Most of the students used the disarming charm, including Luna who said it in a way Harry had never heard before.
"Diminuendo!" Nigel shouted.
"Good one," Harry said. "While it won't harm your opponent, it will help you make a getaway if you need to."
Harry sent a new dummy to the center, summoning the other one and sending it to the corner on the opposite side.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Stupefy!"
"Expelliarmus!"
"Expelliarmus!"
"Stupefy!"
Suddenly, it was Ginny's turn. She raised her wand and shouted, "Reducto!"
A flash of light and the dummy was reduced to dust. The spell was more powerful than the one Parvati had used. While turned the table into dust, Ginny turned the dummy into ash and dust. Harry's quick thinking prevented everyone from being covered.
"Good job, Ginny," Harry said.
He sent a third dummy, telling the students this would be the last one as it was getting close to curfew for the younger students.
They watched as it went flying in different directions in the center of the circle.
For the first time, Harry glanced over to where the Board was watching. They were taking notes, but for the most part, they all looked happy. He glanced over to where James, Sirius, and Remus were sitting and was surprised to see Lily beside James.
Lily had said she would sit in on a lesson, but Harry didn't think it would be the one when the Board came.
The alarm clock they had set to go off twenty minutes before the first curfew went off and Harry caught it to turn it off. Everyone stopped what they were doing and Hermione sent the dummy back to the corner.
"Alright, that's it for the night's lesson. Next week we won't be meeting due to Professor Black and Professor Lupin has an engagement they can't reschedule, but we'll meet again the next week. Those who asked for the extra help, we'll go over the spells you asked for help on again with you to make sure you got it. Everyone else, great job and we'll see you in two weeks."
As the students began to leave, Harry approached Ginny before he started to clean up.
"Very impressed, Gin. Remind me to never piss you off," Harry said.
Ginny chuckled. "I think I would take that as a warning, Potter," She said.
"Good job, Gin."
"Harry."
Harry turned to the voice and found his father. James crooked his finger in a 'come here' gesture.
"I don't know why we doubted you, Harry," Amelia Bones stated. "It's evident you know what you're doing and the students look up to you. I do notice that the group doesn't have Slytherin's."
"It's open for everyone, but they haven't joined the group and this is the….." Harry trailed off. "Fourth or fifth session, I lost count. They don't seem to be interested and it's not for the lack of us trying to get to them to join."
"The Defense Club is optional," James added. "And we know what Slytherins are like.
Amelia nodded. "Overall, we were very impressed with how you seemed to pay attention to each student and gently correct them if they are making a mistake. It's also nice to know you value their safety as well. We are also really impressed that you come up with the lesson plans. On top of everything else you have going on as this is your OWL year I don't know how you find the time."
"I manage somehow. But I have help," Harry admitted. "My friends help with the lesson plans and sometimes if I'm stuck, Remus and Sirius give me ideas. As a matter of fact, tonight was Sirius's idea."
"What has been the parent's reaction?" She asked Sirius.
"Positive," Sirius replied. "Mostly they are happy to know that their child can defend themselves and in the cases of Muggle Borns like Hermione Granger, she can protect her family if the unthinkable happens"
"That's why we're making a change to the underage rule. They won't be in trouble if they were defending themselves and their family," Amelia stated.
"Good," James said.
Harry turned to go to help clean up when Lily approached him.
"You did a good job," She said. "I'm so proud of you, Sweetheart."
Harry smiled softly. "Thanks, Mum."
Lily leaned over to whisper, "Did your Dad give you the potion?"
Harry nodded. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Sirius and James led the Board members to Dumbledore's office where they would leave the castle. As they left, they each stopped to tell Harry what a great job he did and that the Defense Club has their backing. When the last one left, Harry sighed in relief.
"Think you will get some sleep tonight?"
Harry turned to find Ginny standing beside him. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
"Maybe," He murmured.
Lily approached the couple, smiling softly.
"I might sit in on another meeting," she said. She cupped Harry's cup as she added, "Get some sleep tonight, Sweetheart. I love you."
"Love you too, Mum."
When Lily left, Harry and Ginny joined Ron and Hermione in helping clean up. Remus returned to check on them and to speak to Harry.
"Great job tonight, Cub. You made me proud."
Harry shrugged. "I learned from the best."
Remus smiled, pulling Harry into a hug. "Thank you, Harry. Now go get some sleep. I know you didn't sleep last night."
"I didn't," Harry admitted. The nerves had kept him up last night to the point he didn't sleep. He was up, showered, and dressed when the sun came up that morning.
"Good night, Harry. Good night, everyone," Remus said.
Ron, Hermione, and Ginny chorused, "Good night" as he left.
"We're done," Harry said.
"Let's go and get you to bed," Ginny said to Harry. "You look like you could drop at any time."
"Good idea," Hermione agreed.
They left the Room of Requirement, chatting about how well it went and how it was nice to have the Board's observation behind them. With the Board's support, they would be able to make the Defense club an official club and maybe they might gain some more students.
Hermione said the password to the Fat Lady. She opened and let them enter. Hermione and Ginny entered first as both of the boys motioned for them to go ahead of them. While Ron and Hermione said their goodnights at the bottom of the stairs, Harry led Ginny up the few steps before it separated with one set of steps going to the girls and the other going to the boys.
"Good night, Harry," Ginny whispered as she leaned over to kiss her boyfriend. They kissed, the moonlight shining in on them from the window.
When they broke apart, Harry murmured a 'Good night'. As they separated, Ginny called "I love you."
Harry replied with "I love you too, Gin."
Entering the boy's dorm, Harry headed to the bathroom where he showered and changed into his pajamas. By the time Ron returned to the dorm from his own shower, Harry had flopped on his bed, fast asleep.
Without a word, Ron and Neville took the duvet and covered Harry with it. Ron checked to see Harry took his glasses off. He did.
"Hopefully, he'll sleep tonight," Neville whispered.
"Hopefully," Ron agreed.
He closed the curtain on the side near the window and left a gap on the side facing his bed. He added a silencing charm towards Seamus and Dean's bed to prevent them from being awoken if Harry had a nightmare in the night. It had become routine at this point.
They both looked at Harry's bed and whispered a "Good night, Harry" before they went to sleep. It was confirmed Harry was asleep when they heard his snoring from his bed.
"Good night, Neville," Ron said.
"Good night, Ron."
Now that the Board had observed the Defense club, maybe things would calm down. Ron hoped that for Harry's sake. But if there was one thing that they didn't regret it was starting the Defense club.
AN: It was five years ago I started this series. Thank you to everyone who has read this series, reviewed it, favorite it, and followed it. We're almost to fifty chapters! I never thought I would still be writing this series five years later. Thank you! I hope everyone has enjoyed reading this series as I had writing it.
This might be the last chapter fully focusing on the Defense Club or Dumbledore's Army. I haven't decided if there will be a part 4 or if I'll include it as a scene in a fifth-year fic. I hope to have a new chapter for this series or one of my others in a few weeks.