Late into the night in the Gryffindor common room, Harry, Hermione, and Ron discussed starting Dumbledore's Army (DA). Their frustration with Umbridge's refusal to teach proper defensive magic had driven them to this decision. Before committing to the plan, Harry decided to seek advice from Sirius Black.
Harry moved cautiously through the dimly lit common room, ensuring no one was around. He kneeled before the fireplace and threw a handful of Floo powder into the flames.
"Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place!" Harry called out softly. The fire flared green as Harry's head emerged into the warmth of Grimmauld Place.
Sirius's surprised but pleased face appeared in the hall. "Harry! What's going on? It's late. Everything alright?"
"Yeah… well, sort of. I needed to talk to you about something important," Harry said, his tone serious. Sirius's expression shifted to concern. "Of course. What is it? Is Umbridge giving you trouble again?"
"More than usual, but that's not it. Hermione Ron and I want to start teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts because Umbridge refuses to teach anything useful," Harry explained.
Sirius's face brightened, but he could sense Harry's hesitation. "That's brilliant! You're more than capable. What's the problem?"
"I'm not sure I'm the right person for it. I know some spells, but teaching them? What if I mess it up or someone gets hurt?" Harry's uncertainty was evident. Sirius leaned closer to the fire, his voice firm but encouraging. "Harry, you're far more capable than you think. The spells you've learned aren't just things you know—they're things you've survived. You've fought off Dementors and faced Voldemort more times than most adult wizards. If anyone's qualified to teach, it's you."
Harry frowned. "But I'm not Dumbledore. I'm just a student. What if I get them in trouble with Umbridge?" Sirius shook his head. "Dangerous? Absolutely. But that's exactly why you need to do this. They need someone to prepare them for what's coming, and if it's not you, then who?" Harry was about to argue when Sirius interrupted. "You won't be alone. Ron and Hermione will help, and I'll be here for advice. You don't need to be Dumbledore to teach—you just need to be yourself."
Harry considered Sirius's words, feeling a mix of resolve and doubt. Sirius continued, "You're not your dad, either. James was brilliant, but he didn't know half the spells you do at your age. You've learned things the hard way, and that makes you exactly the kind of person they'll look up to."
After a moment of silence, Harry nodded. "Okay. We'll do it. But it has to be secret." Sirius's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ah, a secret society. Now you're following in the Marauders' footsteps." Harry chuckled. "Thanks, Sirius." Sirius's expression softened. "You're going to be great, Harry. Just trust yourself."
Sirius's expression turned thoughtful. "I've been meaning to give you something. Remember the two-way mirror I used to communicate with your dad? I've still got it and want to send it to you. It's a private way to contact me."
Harry's eyes widened. "That would be brilliant. But how will you get it to me without Umbridge finding out?"
Sirius grinned. "Dobby can handle that. He can come and go from Hogwarts without anyone noticing. I'll send the mirror with him."
Harry nodded, impressed. "That could work." Sirius looked satisfied. "I'll send it before Christmas. Use it whenever you need to talk to me. I'll be there in an instant."
Harry felt a wave of relief. "Thanks, Sirius. I'll keep it safe." Sirius smiled. "And remember to use it if anything feels off. You've got friends and me. Don't hesitate."
Later that night, Harry sat alone in the quiet Gryffindor common room, preparing to call upon Dobby for assistance. The fire crackled softly, adding a warm glow to the room. Harry called out for his house-elf friend.
"Dobby?"
With a small pop, Dobby appeared, his large green eyes bright with excitement. "Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is always happy to help Harry Potter!"
"Thanks, Dobby. I need your help with something," Harry said, relieved.
Dobby's ears perked up. "Anything, sir! Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter!"
"I need you to go to Sirius Black. You remember him, right? He's at Grimmauld Place," Harry explained.
Dobby nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dobby knows Sirius Black! He is a friend of Harry Potter!"
"Sirius has something for me—a mirror. He wants me to have it, but we can't risk anyone finding out, especially not Umbridge," Harry said.
Dobby's eyes widened at the mention of Umbridge, and he nodded vigorously. "Dobby will be very careful, sir! Dobby can go anywhere without being seen! Dobby will bring Harry Potter the mirror!"
Harry smiled, feeling confident. "Thanks, Dobby. No one must know about this, not even the other house-elves. Can you do that?"
Dobby puffed out his chest proudly. "Dobby will not tell anyone, sir! Dobby will go right now and bring back the mirror!"
Before Harry could say more, Dobby disappeared with a soft pop.
A few hours later, Harry remained in the common room, waiting anxiously. The room was dimly lit by the flickering firelight. Suddenly, Dobby reappeared, holding a small, carefully wrapped package.
Dobby presented the package with a beaming smile. "Dobby has done it, Harry Potter! Dobby has brought the mirror from Sirius Black! Sirius Black says to tell Harry Potter to use it whenever he needs it!"
Harry took the package and unwrapped it to reveal a small, weathered mirror. Its surface was slightly cloudy, but his reflection shimmered faintly.
"Thank you, Dobby. This means a lot," Harry said.
Dobby bowed low, his ears flopping as he beamed with pride. "Dobby is always happy to help Harry Potter, sir!"
Harry smiled as Dobby disappeared again with a pop. Holding the mirror, he felt a sense of connection to Sirius and a secret line of communication. He tucked it safely into his trunk, knowing he could rely on it and Dobby if anything went wrong.
Harry decided to test the mirror. He gazed into its surface, concentrating."Sirius?"
The mirror fogged momentarily before Sirius's face appeared, grinning at Harry. "There you are! Dobby did a great job, didn't he?"
Harry grinned back. "Yeah, he's amazing. Thanks for the mirror—it'll help a lot."
Sirius's expression grew serious. "Good. Don't hesitate to use it, Harry. The DA is important, and I'm glad you're going through with it, but there's always a risk things could go wrong. If that happens—or if you're in trouble—don't try to handle it all on your own. Use the mirror. I'll answer no matter the time."
Harry nodded, gripping the mirror tightly. "I will. I promise."
Sirius's face softened, looking both proud and concerned. "This mirror was how your dad and I kept in touch when things were dangerous. I don't want you to go through this without backup. You've got friends, and you've got me. Don't hesitate, alright?"
Harry smiled faintly, feeling the weight of Sirius's concern. "I won't forget. Thanks, Sirius."
Sirius smiled back, though sadness lingered in his eyes. "Take care of yourself, Harry."
Harry ended the conversation with a renewed sense of readiness and support, knowing he could rely on Sirius's advice and that he was not alone in facing the challenges ahead
