A/N: Last chapter was a bit of a problem for some of you, and I hate that what I wrote wasn't as clear as I wanted it to be. As I replied in some of your messages, I've realized I have this problem while editing of reading it exactly how I intended it to be read, but it may not come across as clearly to people who aren't inside my brain. So there's a positive I guess, it may have been confusing or frustrating, but at least you don't have to deal with my dumb brain.
I appreciate all the feedback, constructive criticism included. This is the first thing I've written longer than a couple pages, so I'm still learning how to do so, and I appreciate your patience. I hope any concerns are alleviated as we continue, and I'll try to be more impartial while editing. Thanks for all the favorites, follows, and reviews! Next chapter is Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, and things pick up a bit from there. Here we go!
Chapter 17
October 9, 1995
The next two weeks showed exactly how excited Umbridge was for her new position. The morning following the announcement of the new High Inquisitor saw the appearance of the first three Educational Decrees, and they sat heavily on the student population. The decrees gave Umbridge final authority on all punishments, the ability to search a student for contraband at any time, and the responsibility to assess the other professors' teaching abilities.
Everyday afterwards there was at least one newly posted decree, but most were of little consequence. The most recent, however, was cause for Harry's concern. The trio stopped to read it after breakfast, as most of the school had crowded around it beforehand.
"It says sanctioned clubs will be up for review," Hermione noted. "So our training should be fine. We're just an unofficial study group."
"How long until she adds unofficial study groups?" Ron asked sarcastically.
The original training group began meeting the day after Harry introduced them to the Room, and a handful of people followed shortly. Terry had easily agreed when Harry mentioned the possibility, and he brought Michael Corner, Padma Patil, and Luna with him from Ravenclaw. Susan took a bit more convincing as she was hesitant to put herself on the wrong side of Umbridge, but she too eventually signed the contract. Ernie MacMillan and Hannah Abbot followed their friend as the only Hufflepuffs.
Slytherin was represented by the new additions of Blaise, Astoria, and Tracey Davis, all of whom signed the contract without a question. The new Gryffindors, however, brought their numbers worryingly high.
Angelina, Alicia, and Katie quickly signed, as did Dean and Seamus when Ron approached them. Lee was guaranteed from the jump, and Colin couldn't wait to get started. Surprisingly, Hermione didn't feel it prudent to ask her dormmates, so Harry figured the number could be worse. In the first meeting with the entire group, Padma agreed that Parvati wasn't committed enough, easing the anxiety Hermione felt at the awkward exclusion.
In the end, twenty-five names including Harry's were on the contract, and he was surprised at how quickly most of them accepted the need for it. The first few meetings had gone well, though their number was a bit of a headache in terms of logistics. Luckily, the group worked well together. They decided to meet every other day, though Harry understood scheduling conflicts would happen.
As Harry reread the newest decree carefully, he felt someone's magic approach from behind and move to grab his wrist. He drew his wand with a flick while spinning towards the attacker, but immediately lowered it when he recognized a furious Angelina.
"You know this means the team's disbanded, right?"
"Oh shit," Harry muttered. "I didn't even think of that. She won't be able to deny us will she?"
"Considering her three least favorite students are on the team, I assume she's going to try," she snapped, clearly overwhelmed by the development.
"I'm sorry, Angelina," Harry began. "I didn't know this was going to happen. I could..."
His Captain cut him off with a wave, her look calming slightly. "It's not your fault, Harry. I'm just pissed off by the situation. The Slytherins got permission first thing this morning without so much as a conversation, but I've been told to meet with the woman after dinner to 'discuss the possibility'."
"Look, if me quitting helps at all, I'll do it." His heart broke at the offer. Quidditch was one of the few times he felt free, and he didn't want to give it up.
"I don't want to ask that of you," Angelina said with a grimace. "And I don't wanna lose you as our seeker. I'll try for the team as it's built, but I'll let you know if she has demands."
The whirlwind of a girl was suddenly gone, and Harry was a bit stunned by the encounter.
"Mate, you can't quit," Ron said firmly.
"Umbridge will find a way to boot me regardless," Harry answered with a casual shrug, feeling anything but. "I was hoping to get a game or two in, but if it helps you guys get to play, I'm happy to do it."
"But you love quidditch," Hermione argued.
"I do. And if I have to quit, I'll love it again after she's gone. I won't be the reason the team gets denied."
"Harry," Hermione whispered urgently, nodding over his shoulder.
Harry turned and found himself face to face with Daphne, and he cursed his distraction for not sensing her before she approached.
He'd grown used to controlling his facial expressions around the girl during their training, and had managed to keep their interactions casual. It was clear Daphne noticed a difference, and that realization made Harry slightly nauseous, but so far he'd kept his promise. But seeing her so suddenly, when he was already emotionally charged, caused him to go a bit dumb.
She stood very close, and looked up at him with concern written on her beautiful face. And seeing her eyes full of worry for him, almost melted him into a puddle on the floor.
"Daphne!" he began far too loudly. "Er… hi."
"Harry, don't quit," she said softly. "I've never seen you happier than when you're flying."
Harry was able to pick out one evening this school year when he felt more happy, but quickly squashed the memory.
"Further evidence you've been watching." He regretted the words immediately, knowing he needed to be more careful.
"If I admit I am, will you stay on the team?" Instead of a smirk, her eyes grew softer. Harry realized he was an open book to the girl, and she was reading his anguish easily.
"I don't want to quit, Daph," he said softly, aware of others in the area. "But if this is the worst thing to happen to me, I'll consider it a good year."
Her cheeks reddened at the nickname, and Harry mentally kicked himself again.
"This isn't fair to you."
"Life rarely is, unfortunately."
"You don't deserve that. You deserve to be happy, not all the bullshit you've been through."
"I'm happy at times," Harry replied, his heart feeling full from her concern. "If I can't play I'll figure something else out."
"Trust Angelina to get permission," she said after a moment. "I wanna watch you humiliate Malfoy again."
"I will," he agreed simply, not wanting to prolong the conversation, but also not wanting it to end.
Thankfully, after another long look, Daphne left and Harry felt rooted to the floor. When he eventually turned, it was to the sight of two very smug best friends.
"Not now," Harry whispered warningly, frustrated by how he reacted to the unexpected conversation.
"Of course not, mate," Ron said with a grin. "Happy to wait until later."
—
Harry watched as Daphne performed the Patronus charm for the DADA class, finishing her presentation. They were proceeding in alphabetical order, so Greengrass was the second Patronus in a row. As she returned to her seat to a smattering of applause, Umbridge stood from her desk.
"Yes! Very good Miss Greengrass," she said sweetly. "I notice neither you nor Miss Granger have yet to accomplish a corporeal Patronus, but that's likely due to your age and the fact that you couldn't find a suitable teacher to assist you."
Harry smirked, knowing he was about to be tested again. Every period, without fail, the woman attempted to provoke him, feeling secure in her new power. And every period he refused to be provoked. He wasn't sure why she still tried, but he figured everyone was allowed their eccentricities.
"Do you disagree, Mr. Potter?" Umbridge simpered, noticing his smirk.
"Not at all madam," Harry responded seriously. "Any reaction I may have shown was in agreement. I'm not nearly as capable a teacher as any on staff, and I only hope that doesn't affect the grades of those that chose the spell."
The woman scowled at his measured response, before turning back to her roster. Harry hid a second grin, knowing Ron would surprise the witch with a corporeal Patronus when his turn arrived.
The redhead had quickly picked up on the magic, and Hermione believed it was because of his proclivity for extreme emotion. His large brown bear was an impressive example of the charm, and Ron was beyond proud of it, often casting it before bed.
Harry zoned out as the next few students presented, but tuned in for Neville's solid attempt at a Patronus which was equal to Daphne's. After a few minutes he was forced to tune in again, as he heard his name being called.
"Mr. Potter, your time starts momentarily," Umbridge repeated with a smirk, clearly thinking him unprepared.
Harry hadn't expected to be called on, but he did try to plan for all eventualities. Over the weekend he researched a charm that had a huge impact on his life, and was more than prepared to present. The magic was as Light as can be, but incredibly difficult to master. He stood, marched towards the front of the room, and turned to face the students.
For exactly seven minutes he spoke on the history, etymology, and uses of the Fidelius charm, with plans for his demonstration. Hermione, shocked by his preparedness, began taking notes as he spoke. Ron was grinning at him, knowing this was leading somewhere, while the rest of the class was a mixture of interested and bored.
"During the war with He-who-must-not-be-named," Harry said, reaching his conclusion. "The charm was used by those capable in an attempt to hide themselves from the unpleasantness. If cast and protected correctly, the charm is unbreakable and a great way to hide a home from unwanted attention. I'll now perform the charm on Professor Umbridge's office."
Harry raised his wand, concentrated, and intoned "Fidelio," just as Umbridge realized what was happening. Her urgent shout of 'STOP!' was a second too late. The office was now a memory to everyone not named Harry Potter, the secret keeper.
Umbridge could remember her office existed, and even remembered all of her personal effects inside. The charm, however, prohibited her from seeing the entrance, or even remembering where the office was at all. The students were similarly affected, and their reactions were hysterical to Harry.
The majority of the class was simply confused. Hermione appeared exasperated with Harry, which he ignored, but Ron and Neville were laughing as quietly as they could. His eyes eventually found Daphne's, and the girl was outwardly neutral, but Harry could see her barely constrained glee. He absentmindedly grinned in her direction, quickly turning to make sure it wasn't noticed.
Eventually his gaze found a fuming Dolores.
"Mr. Potter," Umbridge seethed. "Thank you for your presentation, now please return my office to its original state of being."
Harry immediately adopted a horrified look, his wide eyes meeting his teacher's.
"Professor…" he hesitantly began. "I… I forgot to include a secret keeper."
"YOU WHAT!?"
"I… I'm so sorry," Harry pleaded. "I was so focused on casting the charm correctly, I forgot to include it, and I don't know how to cancel the spell without one. I'm so sorry. Perhaps the Headmaster… I'll ask…"
"You receive a zero, Potter. Get out," Umbridge hissed as dangerously as possible. "All of you get out!"
The class quickly collected their things, and Harry made sure to send one last apologetic look to the vile woman. He was intentionally the last out of the room, wanting to make sure the woman didn't vent her anger on anyone else.
"Cheers," Blaize whispered after the door closed, one of the few teens that stuck around. "You bought me another two days."
"Happy to be of service," Harry said with a grin, heading towards the great hall, his small group following.
"Harry," Hermione began. "You're going to be in so much trouble."
"Which rule did I break?"
"You… the… she'll make one up!"
"Retroactively?" Harry smirked at the girl.
"I'm assuming you're actually the secret keeper?" Daphne asked from close to his left.
"I wouldn't be very good at it if I told you, would I?"
"Harry, that was brilliant," Tracey added, a bit dumbfounded by the experience.
"I do try to impress," Harry shrugged.
"Alright Merlin," Ron added sarcastically. "You know Angelina is going to kill you, right?"
"Shit."
—
The witch ended up sparing his life, and actually hugged the teen as she returned to the common room after her 'discussion'.
"She was so distracted she signed without looking at the consent form," Angelina celebrated. "What happened in your class? I heard she's been like that all day, and that you're the reason for it."
"I may have accidentally put her office behind a Fidelius," Harry grinned, blown away by his luck.
Angelina returned his smile, but it quickly turned into a look of anger as she had a realization. "You idiot. You're spending every second of practice from here on out training Ginny. You won't last to the first game!"
Angelina stormed off, leaving the rest of the team in her wake.
"Worth it, mate," George said with a respectful nod.
Harry returned the nod with a grin. "Best part is, it's hidden indefinitely as I 'don't have a secret keeper'. I could mess with generations of Defense teachers."
"George," Fred added with a serious look. "We've been upstaged. We've yet to leave an impact like that on the school."
"Then we'll work harder, brother."
"No!" Harry quickly interrupted. "Not until you train up Peakes and Coote," he finished with a grin.
—
October 10, 1995
"I trust you'll return the office at some point?" Dumbledore asked with a grin.
Over the last couple weeks, Harry and the Headmaster shared breakfast every few days under the guise of discussing Wizengamot matters. On most occasions they just snacked while Albus taught Harry new spells and the ins and outs of Hogwarts that would come in handy.
"How 'bout this," Harry offered, returning the grin. "I'll return it to the first competent teacher that lasts longer than a year."
Dumbledore sighed deeply. "Then I shall consider it lost to me."
"Cheer up, sir. At the very worst, I'll return it when I take the job."
"I've been meaning to ask, what are your plans for next year, Lord Potter?" Albus asked with a twinkle in his eye.
Harry laughed at the suggestion, and was glad the man held no hard feelings for his current predicament.
"How late was she in here?" he countered, figuring Umbridge had spent the evening in the Headmaster's office voicing her frustration.
"Late enough that I almost dozed off mid-rant. I suspect she'll have a list of Ministry approved spells soon."
"I doubt it'll be a long one."
"I would imagine you're correct," Dumbledore mused. "I also believe she'll use this to finally force me out. She wasn't happy that there is no rule on the books she could use to punish you with. Said it was 'malfeasance on the part of the administration,' and that she'd be talking to Cornelius about the travesty."
"I'm sorry, sir. I…"
Dumbledore interrupted him with a calmly raised hand.
"She was already looking for an excuse, no matter how small. My job for her frustration seems like a fair trade when it was inevitable regardless. Though I do hate the idea of her in this office," he finished glumly.
"Albus!" Harry said in disbelief. "If you need help with the spell, you only need to ask."
Dumbledore looked confused for a moment before breaking into laughter, Fawkes adding to the sound by chirping amusedly from his perch on Harry's knee. The teen grinned at the bird and softly stroked his beautiful feathers.
"My pranking days must truly be behind me to miss an opportunity so obvious," Albus realized after composing himself. "I'll cast the charm as soon as I get word."
"Remus is still looking into possible ways to remove Hogwarts from Ministry control," Harry said seriously.
"He's kept me up to date," Dumbledore nodded. "I'll offer my assistance during my time away."
"Do you have any other plans?"
"I'll be visiting France at some point, and I intend to speak with friendly members of the ICW about our current situation. Hopefully we'll gain some international allies."
"They'll be needed," Harry responded darkly. "I'll keep you updated on what's happening here."
"I appreciate that, my boy. And don't hesitate to reach out if things become untenable. I would hate to turn the school into a warzone in a fight with the Ministry, but we will do what is necessary."
Harry nodded solemnly, not looking forward to Hogwarts without the man.
—
October 13, 1995
Dinner on Friday was a tense affair, the disgustingly radiant smile on the Defense teacher's face enough to turn most students off their food. Harry glanced at Daphne, who was looking back at him with a questioning look. Everyone knew something was coming, and as the doors banged open, he realized what it was.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," Cornelius Fudge called, striding into the room like a conquering emperor. Lucius Malfoy followed behind, his smug look making Harry want to reach for his wand. He noticed Draco looked like Christmas came early, and that urge intensified.
"Minister Fudge," Albus replied warmly, smiling at the man. "Mr. Malfoy. What can I do for you this evening?"
"Unfortunately Albus," Fudge answered pompously. "The Ministry has learned some troubling information about how Hogwarts is being run."
"I've heard the same of the Ministry," Dumbledore countered. "How do you suggest we proceed?"
Harry grinned as Fudge reddened, and many of the gathered students snickered behind their hands.
"The Ministry is in outstanding order," Fudge argued, losing his dramatic persona. "I've decided a change needs to be made, and the governors have agreed to follow me in this matter. Tonight is your last as Headmaster of this school, though I thank you for your service. You will pack your things and vacate the premises immediately."
There was a collective gasp among the students, while the teachers, Harry noticed, seemed forewarned. Albus slowly stood from his chair, carefully returning his napkin to his plate.
"I thank you for handling it in this manner, Cornelius," he said calmly. "This is an excellent lesson for my students as to what power can do to a person."
It took Fudge a few moments to realize he'd been insulted again, but when he did he spluttered with indignation. Lucius stepped forward to interrupt, but Albus cut him off before he could.
"Lucius, I suggest you keep that obviously poisonous thought inside your head. It would be inadvisable for you to add further insult to this situation." The power behind the words brought the man up short, and Malfoy settled for an obnoxious sneer.
"Mr. Malfoy is here in an official capacity as a school governor!" Fudge cried, offended for his friend.
"I'm thrilled for the man," Dumbledore continued darkly. "But he will not speak in this moment."
Harry noticed Draco was as red as his father, and made a mental note to thank the Headmaster for a new favorite memory of the two.
"Very well, Dumbledore," Fudge said, trying to remain confident and failing. "If you'll go collect your belongings, we will be along shortly to escort you out."
Albus walked with dignity around the staff table, and straight down the aisle in which Fudge and Malfoy stood. The two scrambled to the side comically, not knowing the man's intention, but the Headmaster didn't slow. As he neared the large doors, he turned with a smile on his face.
"I wish you all the best possible year, and trust you will show the respect my replacement deserves. Have no fear in the troubling days ahead. I have faith in those I leave behind, and Hogwarts remains a sanctuary."
Albus' eyes met Harry's as he finished, something many in the room picked up on. With one last smile, he turned and left.
After a few seconds of shocked silence, Fudge cleared his throat and put on his best politician smile.
"It is now my pleasure to name your new Headmistress, Dolores Umbridge." He and Lucius began to applaud, but none except a few Slytherins joined them. Clearing his throat again in awkwardness, Fudge continued. "I will leave you in her very capable hands, and I wish you all a good evening."
The Minister and his stooge quickly exited the room, and the silence that plagued the students finally broke. Whispers sounded throughout the room, and Harry even heard the sound of a few distraught first years sniffling quietly. He didn't blame them, as the sudden break in the tension was an overwhelming feeling.
After a few moments, Umbridge stood and approached the Headmaster's chair. Standing in front of it with a disgustingly wide smile, she cleared her throat. "Hem hem."
Before she could make whatever inane speech she intended, she was interrupted by McGonagall rising swiftly to her feet. The tension quickly returned as the two witches stared at each other, one with a faltering fake-smile, the other with a glare that would melt glass. Harry drew his wand under the table, unsure where this would lead.
"Headmistress," McGonagall began neutrally despite the disdain in her eyes. "I believe I'll see Professor Dumbledore out, and encourage any who wish to join to do so."
Without giving the woman a chance to respond, McGonagall turned her head in disgust and walked away from the table. Harry's eyes rose as Snape immediately followed her, as he'd expected the man to stay as neutral as possible.
One by one, every single teacher shot their new boss a look of disgust before making their way out of the room. The great hall was absolutely silent when Flitwick finally concluded the procession, sending a look to one of his students as he did. Umbridge cleared her throat again, her smile absent. "Hem hem."
Her words failed to be heard once more, as Roger Davies stood at the Ravenclaw table. He was quickly followed by seventh years from every house, and then by the majority of the school.
Only Harry was left at the Gryffindor table as the students filed out in silence, and he waved Hermione away when she sent him a questioning look. He saw Daphne looking at him as she left as well, and sent the girl a small smile. After a minute of nothing but the sound of hundreds of footsteps, the room was finally still.
The room was empty save for Harry, Umbridge, Filch, and a handful of Slytherins. Draco and his cronies remained, of course, as did the rest of the house's quidditch team. Draco attempted a sneer when he caught Harry's eye, but the boy was too confused to be very successful.
Harry ignored him, turning towards the new Headmistress, and allowed his magic to build further than he ever had before. He put every negative thought he'd ever had towards the woman into his gaze as he glared at her in silence. He refused to speak, turn away, or even blink.
After a long thirty seconds of tension, and a number of plates and utensils clattering to the ground around Harry, the vile woman finally looked away. She huffed anxiously and walked from the room with what little dignity she possessed, followed quickly by Filch.
Harry recalled his magic and made to follow, intent on seeing his mentor one last time. Before he reached the doors, however, the Slytherins cut him off and fanned out around him.
"You'll be gone next, Potter," Draco spat from his position in their center.
"Draco, I think you're right, and you aren't going to enjoy it if you are."
He calmly walked towards the boy that stood between him and the exit, Draco moving quickly to the side at the last moment. Harry made sure to focus on the Slytherins' magic as he left, on guard for any curses to the back. None came. He turned to head towards the entrance hall, quickly finding his friends among the gathered crowd.
"Alright, mate?" Ron whispered as he approached.
"Never better."
He felt Hermione's hand slip into his right, her other hand in Ron's. The crowd was silent, none willing to be the first to ruin the moment. Harry met McGonagall's eye and she gave him a sad smile, and Snape, to her left, nodded slightly in his direction. He returned the gestures with a smile, making a mental note to speak with them both.
Eventually, three sets of footsteps could be heard coming down the hallway, and the gathering turned to see Albus leading the two men, his head held high. He approached Minerva first, whispering quietly and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. He then shared a knowing look with Severus, before turning and looking for Harry.
The teen quickly stepped forward, shaking the man's extended hand, and closing his fist discretely around the scrap of parchment that was handed to him.
"You take care of them, Harry," Albus said softly.
"I will, sir."
"Don't destroy the school, please," he pleaded with a grin.
"I'll do my best, sir. But I can't make any promises for the twins."
—
October 14, 1995
"Read this and pass it on," Harry said to the training group, passing Ron the scrap of parchment. It read 'the Headmaster's office is located behind the gargoyle statue. The password is Resist'.
He figured Albus wouldn't mind them using his office as another sanctuary if they needed it. The twenty-five students had been careful in their approach to the Room, and Harry met them at the top of the stairs, ensuring they weren't followed on the map. They now sat in the Room's usual training configuration. There was a large open area for training on the right, with muggle workout equipment on the far side, and a large sitting area with a cozy fireplace on the left.
Harry watched as eyes widened when the parchment was read. He took it back from Ron once everyone had a chance, and looked at the assembled group seriously.
"I'm not asking anything of you besides keeping your head down at the moment. Things are going to start heading downhill fast, and I don't want anyone taking unnecessary risks. Your place in this school is going to be easy to lose, and for those of you that aren't of age, that could be disastrous."
"Fuck that, Harry," Fred countered darkly.
"We want in on whatever you're planning," George agreed, pointing to himself and his twin.
"Guys," Harry said with a grin. "I was hoping you'd say that. It won't be until I'm expelled, though."
"I'd join too, but I need my NEWTs for the apprenticeship I'm applying for," Lee added apologetically.
"Then you'll keep your hands clean, Lee," Harry replied easily. "And if things don't go your way we'll figure out NEWTs for you later. I made plans as if I'd be the only one making Umbridge regret her position, but hoped for the twins. The rest of you have other priorities. Angelina, we'll work with our reserves until things kick off."
"What is your plan?" Hermione asked.
"I can't tell you," Harry said with a grimace. "Those of you that signed the contract over the summer might be covered, but the rest of you are only subject to the one about the Room."
"Harry," Daphne quickly countered. "Nobody here would let anything slip."
"I know you wouldn't," Harry agreed. "But I don't trust Umbridge as far as I can throw her, and from what I know of her, I'm pretty sure she won't hesitate to use Veritaserum to find out what I'm up to."
"She's pissed she can't find the Headmaster's office," Ron added with a grin. "I heard her asking Snape to look into it. He's a Legilimens, so that's another way they could get something out of us."
"I trust Snape," Harry said easily, though the doubtful looks around him told him he was one of the few. "But you're right that they could find someone else to come take a look in your heads."
"Then ask Remus to write a new contract," Hermione said exasperatedly.
Harry winced at the suggestion, not liking the idea of tying the group of teens to him even tighter.
"Hermione, every time you sign a confidentiality contract, a bit of your free will is taken away. Granted it's only for small things so far, but I don't want it to be something that makes your lives more difficult."
"Just have him write it, Potter," Daphne countered, annoyed. "We can take the time until then to decide if we're willing to sign it. And everyone will read the damn thing before they do."
Harry chuckled at the red faces he saw on a few of the boys.
"I'll ask him."
"Have him leave it open-ended," Astoria added. "Have him write enough that the magic will take effect, but allow us to add things to it. After the magically binding stuff, something like 'the undersigned will not pass any information on the following topics'."
"You've been spending too much time at work with your Dad," Harry teased with a grin.
"It's interesting!" Astoria countered indignantly.
"I'll ask him, I promise," Harry relented.
"How will he get it to you if things go south and you're stuck in here?" Blaise asked.
Harry thought of an open exterior window large enough for an owl, and it appeared a moment later.
"I'll use Hedwig. I'll call her now to make sure the window is actually real." he answered, closing his eyes
Harry's bond with the beautiful bird was special. He cared for her more than he could say, and she returned it. He was confused, however, when he opened his eyes and realized those around him stared in bewilderment.
"What are you doing?" Susan asked, needing a clarification.
"Calling my owl?" Harry offered hesitantly.
The confused group was interrupted by the majestic animal soaring through the window and landing on her owner's shoulder. Harry reached into a pocket and produced an owl treat, the bird snatching it happily. He looked up, and was met with the same dumbfounded faces.
"Harry Potter," Daphne said dangerously. "How in the hell did you do that?"
"Good thing she doesn't know your middle name, mate." Neville's stage whisper was plenty audible.
"It's James!" announced at least five of the surrounding students, mainly redheads, causing Harry to wince.
"Harry James Potter," Daphne amended.
"Thanks for that guys."
"How the hell did you do that?"
"Hedwig's a smart bird," Harry defended. "She knows when I need her."
"Not normal, Harry," Katie countered with a grin. "I think you may be broken."
"Maybe it's the similar sized brains," Alicia added. "They're on the same wavelength or something."
"I'll choose to take that as Hedwig's brain is impressive," Harry began snootily. "And we can move on. You can all make fun of me for being broken later."
The group seemed to like that arrangement, and allowed the teen to scratch out a quick note.
"Take this to Remus, girl. Stay the night if you need to, I'll leave the window open." Hedwig seemed to nod in response. "Oh, and peck Sirius a few times if he's around."
Hedwig made an agreeable sound and took flight, cuffing her owner across the head in the process. Harry picked a stray feather out of his hair, and looked up to his friends.
Besides Ron and Hermione who had seen this behavior before, they all sat with their mouths open.
"Guys," Harry pleaded. "I promise you're going to see much weirder things in the next few months than me talking to my owl. Can you please wipe those ridiculous looks off your face so we can continue?"
As the group agreed, Harry stood and approached the large chalkboard behind him. A rudimentary map of Hogwarts appeared, each level a different section of the board, and he grabbed a piece of chalk. He drew four small circles on the map, each near one of the four common rooms.
"If any of you decide you'd like to continue training, these places will be turned into doors to the Room. We'll set a designated time for our sessions, and I'll get here five minutes early. I'll ask the room to create the doors, but I will only leave it open for fifteen seconds at the designated times. If there are people around you, do not come through the door. I'll let the magic fade, and five minutes later, I'll reopen the doors for another fifteen seconds. If you miss both timeframes, you'll have to wait until the next session."
"Why can't we come to the normal entrance?" Michael Corner asked confusedly.
"Honestly, we probably could for a while yet, until Umbridge bans study groups. But I'd rather our group not be the reason that particular decree comes out, and a load of students all coming to a pretty empty seventh floor corridor is bound to cause suspicion eventually."
"Why those locations, Harry?" Ernie asked.
"Each door will appear behind a statue of some kind. All four are in dark alcoves, and the door will be near invisible for anyone not looking for it."
Harry looked for any further questions, and seeing none, continued.
"I'm going to try and keep my head down until after the first quidditch match, but I can't promise anything," Harry said with an apologetic look to Angelina.
"Slytherin's up first, so I'd appreciate it," Angelina began seriously. "But I'll understand if something happens."
"Great," Blaise interrupted, throwing his hands in the air. "So we get humiliated again, but the Claw's and the Puff's have a chance."
"I wouldn't say that," Harry countered with a chuckle, pointing at a quickly reddening Ginny. "My reserve is better than any I've played against besides Cedric."
Ginny's angry glare softened a bit, but her eyes didn't leave the Slytherin's.
"Er.. sorry, Ginny," Blaise offered awkwardly. "I'm sure you'll be great."
"I will," the girl promised, accepting the apology.
"I need you all to check the circled location near your common room when you leave," Harry said, getting back on track. "Make sure you can find it. If you can't, pass me a note in the hallway before Monday."
"Harry," Hannah began, her hand in the air. "Is all this really necessary? It feels like we're planning for an all-out war, but chances are it won't be that bad. This all feels a bit extreme."
"You can only be prepared for everything," Luna interrupted airily. "If you expect everything. I'd rather a paranoid Harry than a relaxed one. And I can't wait to see how he uses the Headmaster's alarm system."
The normally quiet girl's comment silenced the room, before a hesitant Harry Potter followed Hannah's example and raised his hand.
"Luna, what alarm system?"