CHAPTER 61: SPARKS OF DEFIANCE

After a while, Harry approached Hermione, who had been practicing tirelessly. She was standing with Ron and Neville, all of them focused intently on their wands. Hermione's latest attempt had produced a shimmering wisp of light—still incorporeal, but a clear sign of progress.

"You're doing great, Hermione," Harry said as he reached them. "That's already more than most people can manage in their first few tries."

Hermione huffed slightly, clearly frustrated with herself. "I know, but I feel like I should be able to do better. I've read about it, I understand the theory, and I've got my memory, but..." She trailed off, frowning.

Harry chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it. Sometimes it takes time for the magic to click, even when you've got everything lined up. You'll get it, I'm sure."

Ron, who had been quietly attempting the spell beside her, glanced up at Harry. "Yeah, well, I'll be happy if I can get even a spark. Right now, I'm not sure if I'm doing anything at all."

"You are, mate," Harry reassured him. "Just keep at it. It's all about feeling the memory, really feeling it. The words and movement are secondary."

Ron gave a determined nod and turned back to his wand, clearly determined to succeed.

As Harry moved around the room, offering tips and words of encouragement, he found his thoughts drifting back to the broader implications of the D.A.'s efforts. They weren't just learning a powerful charm—they were preparing themselves for a fight. Voldemort's return was inevitable, and the darkness that would follow would force every one of these students to make difficult choices.

He glanced again at Daphne, who had chosen a spot near the back of the room, quietly observing the others. Her wand remained in her hand, but she hadn't made any visible attempts to cast the Patronus. Her calm, collected demeanor remained intact, though Harry couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind.

Later, as the session drew to a close and the students began to leave, Harry approached Daphne. She glanced up at him as he neared, her expression unreadable as always.

"How did it go?" he asked, his tone casual but genuinely curious.

Daphne looked at him for a moment, as if weighing her response. "I'll need more time," she said quietly. "The Patronus is... not something I'm used to thinking about."

Harry raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more beneath her words. "It's not an easy spell, especially if you're not used to happy memories."

She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, her eyes briefly flickering with something Harry couldn't quite place. "I'll get there. It's just... different for me."

He wanted to ask more, but something in her demeanor told him not to press further. Instead, he gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll figure it out. If you need any help, let me know."

Daphne returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Harry. I'll keep that in mind."

With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Harry standing there, watching her retreating form. He couldn't help but wonder what challenges Daphne was facing, and whether those struggles would come to the surface in the days ahead.

As the last of the students trickled out, Harry found himself alone in the Room of Requirement, the flickering light from the enchanted candles casting long shadows on the stone walls. He knew that tonight was just the beginning—there would be many more lessons, more challenges, and more dangers in the days to come. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction.

Sirius's grin widened as he caught Harry's curious look. "None other than your dear Professor Snape."

Harry groaned, already imagining the scene. "What did you do?" he asked, half-exasperated but also amused. He knew Sirius well enough to anticipate that whatever happened was likely far from subtle.

Sirius waved a hand in mock innocence. "Nothing too outrageous. Just a bit of harmless fun. I might have switched a few ingredients around in his private supply room—nothing dangerous, mind you, but just enough to confuse him during one of his brewing sessions."

Harry couldn't help but laugh, imagining Snape's frustration when his carefully organized potions went awry. "I'm surprised he didn't hex you on the spot."

"Oh, he tried." Sirius smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "But I was quicker, and I left him fuming. He hasn't caught me yet, but I'm sure he's plotting something. You should have seen his face, though—it was priceless."

Hermione, who had been listening quietly until now, gave Sirius a disapproving look. "You know, antagonizing him isn't going to make things easier for any of us, especially you."

Sirius shrugged, unbothered. "I know, I know. But it's hard to resist. Besides, he's been making life difficult for me ever since I got here—feels only fair to give a little back."

Ron, walking alongside them, chuckled. "Sounds brilliant, actually. I bet Snape's still stewing over it. You'll have to teach us a few tricks for next time."

Hermione shot Ron a withering look, but Harry spoke up before she could chide him. "As much as I appreciate the thought, Sirius, it might be a good idea to keep the pranks on Snape to a minimum. We've got enough on our plates without stirring up more trouble."

Sirius sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright, I'll behave. For now. But just you wait—I'll find a way to keep things interesting without landing myself in detention."

The group continued walking, the mood lightened by the exchange. As they neared the Gryffindor common room, Harry's thoughts turned back to the D.A. and what lay ahead. They had made progress, but there was still a long way to go before anyone would be ready to face the dangers that were looming over them.

As they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Sirius ruffled Harry's hair. "Don't worry about the younger ones, cub. You're doing a fine job with them. Just keep them motivated, and they'll get there in time."

Harry smiled, appreciating the encouragement. "Thanks, Sirius. I just want to make sure they're ready—everyone needs to be, if we're going to have any chance."

"You'll make sure of it," Sirius said, his tone softening. "I've no doubt about that."

"Alright, alright," Harry said, his earlier frustration fading as he grinned at Fleur. "I suppose I do have a bit of a habit of keeping things to myself."

Hermione, crossing her arms with a knowing look, added, "You can't just brush things off, Harry. Snape is not exactly the most understanding person, especially when it comes to you. You have to stand up for yourself."

"Easy for you to say," Ron interjected. "You've got all the answers in your book. I don't think I've ever seen Snape give you a hard time."

"That's because I do my best to stay out of his way," Hermione replied, rolling her eyes. "But that doesn't mean I can't see what he's doing to you."

Harry sighed, feeling the weight of their concern. "It's just Snape being Snape. I've dealt with worse, remember?"

"Yeah, like a giant snake trying to eat you," Ron joked, earning a few chuckles from the group.

"Or a dark wizard trying to kill you every year," Hermione added with a wry smile. "But you still have every right to feel frustrated. You're not just Harry Potter; you're also a student who deserves respect."

"Respect?" Harry scoffed. "That's rich coming from Snape."

"Maybe you should give him a taste of his own medicine," Sirius suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, get under his skin a bit. It might be good for you."

Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea. "How do you suggest I do that?"

"Think about what annoys him the most. Maybe start with a few harmless jinxes, or better yet, use that old trick of switching his ingredients around!" Sirius winked.

Fleur giggled, then added, "Just don't get caught. I'd hate to see you in detention. I need you focused for our upcoming practice sessions."

"Right," Harry said, his spirits lifting. "I'll keep it in mind. Maybe I'll surprise him with a bit of chaos."

"Just make sure it's harmless chaos," Hermione warned. "We don't want you getting in too much trouble."

"Who, me?" Harry replied with mock innocence. "I'm an upstanding student."

"Sure you are," Ron said, smirking. "Right up until you set off a fireworks display in Potions class."

As they reached the common room, the familiar warmth enveloped them, and Harry felt a renewed sense of camaraderie. The laughter and light-hearted banter lifted his mood, and he realized that despite Snape's challenges, he had his friends to rely on.

"Alright, enough about Snape," Harry said, steering the conversation. "What do you all think about the next D.A. meeting? I was thinking we should focus more on defensive spells, especially with what's coming."

"Good idea," Hermione agreed. "We should also cover how to handle different situations, not just the Patronus. It'll help everyone feel more prepared."

"And maybe we can teach them a few sneaky tricks to use against Slytherin during Quidditch," Ron added, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Sounds like a plan," Harry said, feeling a surge of determination. "We're going to be ready for whatever comes our way. Together."

"Definitely," Ron said, his eyes glinting with mischief. "If Sirius confronts Snape, it could be quite the spectacle."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, half-amused and half-concerned. "You two are terrible! You can't just wish for chaos to break out."

"Why not? It might teach Snape a lesson," Harry replied, his grin widening. "Besides, I'd pay good Galleons to see Sirius put him in his place."

"Let's just hope it doesn't involve any actual dueling or hexes," Hermione sighed. "We need to keep things under control, especially with everything that's going on."

"Sure, sure, but it's fun to imagine," Ron said, chuckling. "Just think of all the points we'd get if Slytherin lost a few house points in the process."

"True," Harry admitted, his mind racing with the possibilities. "And it would certainly send a message."

As they settled into the common room, the warmth of the fire crackling nearby, Harry felt a surge of camaraderie. "Whatever happens, we need to keep our heads and stick together. If Snape pushes too far, we'll handle it as a team."

Hermione nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. And if things get out of hand, we should definitely let the other professors know. They'll have our backs."

"Agreed," Ron said, leaning back in his chair. "We'll keep an eye on what happens with Sirius and Snape, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've got enough to deal with as it is."

Harry felt a sense of relief wash over him. With his friends by his side, he knew they could face any challenges that came their way, even the dreaded Potions class. They spent the rest of the evening discussing strategies for the D.A. meeting, planning how to help everyone improve their spells and techniques.

As Sirius descended the final staircase into the dungeons, he felt a surge of determination. The flickering torches cast long shadows on the stone walls, amplifying the weight of the moment. He reached Snape's office door, pausing for a heartbeat to collect his thoughts.

Knocking sharply, he felt a rush of adrenaline as the door swung open, revealing Snape's scowling face. "What do you want, Black?" he snapped, his voice dripping with disdain.

"I want to talk about Harry," Sirius replied, stepping inside without invitation. "We need to have a serious conversation."

Snape's eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms defensively. "And why would I take advice from you? You've done nothing but cause trouble since you returned to Hogwarts."

Sirius took a step closer, refusing to back down. "Trouble? You're the one who's made Harry's life miserable. Taking points for nothing, showing favoritism, and belittling him in front of the class. It stops now."

"Potter is an arrogant child, just like his father," Snape spat, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "He deserves to be treated as such."

"No, he deserves a chance to prove himself, just like you did once," Sirius countered, his voice steady. "You might think you're holding onto some righteous vendetta against my family, but it's affecting Harry, and that's where I draw the line."

Snape's expression darkened, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might lash out. But instead, he merely sneered, "You think you can intimidate me, Black? Your pathetic attempts at teaching him will fail just as your father's did."

Sirius felt a rush of anger but kept his voice calm. "This isn't about us, Snape. This is about Harry's future. If you can't see that, then you need to step back. He's not James. He's not the person you think he is. He's a good kid, and he deserves respect."

For a moment, Snape seemed taken aback, as if Sirius had struck a nerve. The bitterness that had festered between them was palpable, but Sirius was ready to fight through it. "You may have your reasons for hating my family, but Harry is innocent in this. You can't hold him accountable for our past. He deserves better."

Silence hung heavy in the air, the tension crackling like magic. Snape's expression softened, if only slightly. "I have no intention of coddling him, Black. He needs to learn discipline."

"Discipline is one thing. Torment is another," Sirius shot back. "I'm not asking you to be his friend. I'm asking you to treat him fairly. No more petty points lost for nothing. He's already under enough pressure."

Snape's lips tightened into a thin line, but he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced away, staring at the cluttered shelves filled with potion ingredients. "And what makes you think you have the authority to dictate my classroom?"

"Because I care," Sirius said, his voice steady and firm. "I may have been a jerk as a teenager, but I've grown up. I've learned from my mistakes. It's time you did the same."

With that, Sirius turned to leave, his heart racing. He wasn't sure if he had reached Snape at all, but he felt a sense of accomplishment for standing up to him. As he stepped back into the dimly lit corridor, he knew he would do whatever it took to protect Harry, no matter the cost.

As Sirius continued his walk through the dungeons, he felt the familiar weight of his doubts and frustrations settle in. The flickering torches cast long shadows along the stone walls, and the cold air seemed to amplify his thoughts. It was clear to him that Snape's motives were anything but transparent. The man's obsession with the past and his grudges were a hindrance—not just to Harry, but to the entire school.

Sirius couldn't help but wonder if Snape's ambition to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts stemmed from a desire for redemption or merely a means to exert control over a subject that had long eluded him. The thought made him scoff. What did Snape truly know about defending against dark forces? His expertise lay in brewing poisons and potions, not in the practical application of defense.

Arriving at Snape's office, Sirius took a deep breath and knocked again, this time more purposefully. The door creaked open, and he stepped inside, determination solidifying in his chest. Snape was seated behind his desk, and his expression was as sour as ever.

"Black," he said, eyes narrowing. "Back for more?"

"Actually, I'm here to discuss your treatment of Harry," Sirius replied, keeping his tone steady. "It's unacceptable."

Snape leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. "Potter is a liability. He can't even manage a simple potion without making a fool of himself."

"Is that how you see it?" Sirius countered, stepping closer. "Or is it how you want everyone else to see him? You're letting your grudge against his father cloud your judgment."

Snape's expression darkened, and for a moment, Sirius thought he might actually react. But the potions master merely sneered. "Potter is just like his father—arrogant, reckless, and a magnet for trouble. I have no obligation to coddle him."

"He's not James, Snape," Sirius insisted, keeping his voice even. "You need to separate the two. Harry deserves a chance to prove himself. You're stifling his growth with your spite."

"Why should I care about the boy's growth? He is nothing to me," Snape snapped, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes—a hint of doubt, perhaps, or buried pain.

Sirius pressed on. "You may not want to admit it, but he is someone worth caring about. He's fighting battles you wouldn't even understand. The least you can do is give him a fair shot."

Snape's expression hardened again, but Sirius refused to back down. "If you continue this way, you'll push him into the arms of darkness—exactly where you seem to want him. Is that what you want? To watch him fail?"

The silence in the room was heavy, charged with the tension between them. Finally, Snape leaned forward, his voice low and measured. "I don't want Potter to fail. I want him to learn discipline. But that doesn't mean I have to tolerate insubordination or arrogance."

"Then teach him," Sirius replied, his voice firm. "But don't break him in the process. You have the power to shape his future. Use it wisely."

With that, Sirius turned to leave, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. He had laid his cards on the table, and now it was up to Snape to decide whether he would heed his words or continue down the path of antagonism. As he exited the office, he couldn't shake the feeling that this confrontation was just one of many battles in a much larger war—a war that would test their strength, resolve, and ultimately, their choices.

Sirius leaned back in the chair, an easy grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I just thought I'd stop by to see how my favorite potions master was doing. You know, check in on the state of the dungeon and all that."

Snape's glare intensified, a flash of irritation passing over his features. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Black. If you're here to engage in some form of pointless banter, I suggest you take it elsewhere."

"Pointless? I find it quite entertaining," Sirius replied, waggling his eyebrows. "But in truth, I'm here for a more serious reason."

"Which would be?" Snape asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.

"I want to discuss your treatment of Harry," Sirius said, letting his tone shift to a more serious note. "You've made it quite clear that you have a problem with him, and it's affecting his education. You're not just punishing him for his father's actions; you're punishing him for existing."

Snape scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Potter is just like his father—arrogant and reckless. He thinks he can waltz into my classroom and do as he pleases."

"Right, because that's how you treated James?" Sirius shot back, leaning forward. "Look, I know you two have history, but this isn't about you. Harry deserves the chance to prove himself without you using your grudge as an excuse to make his life miserable."

Snape's lips pressed into a thin line, but he remained silent, his dark eyes narrowed in contemplation.

"I'm not asking you to like him, Snape," Sirius continued. "But if you truly care about teaching, then you need to separate your feelings about his father from your dealings with him. He's not James; he's his own person."

"Caring about teaching?" Snape's voice rose with incredulity. "You think I care for the likes of Potter or any of his insufferable friends? I am here to impart knowledge, not to coddle students."

"Knowledge is only useful when it's delivered in a way that encourages growth, not destruction," Sirius replied, refusing to back down. "You may see yourself as a teacher, but if you continue this way, you'll be doing more harm than good."

Silence settled in the room, thick and heavy. Snape's gaze flickered to the stack of parchments, and for a brief moment, Sirius thought he might actually relent. Instead, Snape resumed grading, though the tension in the air remained palpable.

"Do what you want, Black," Snape said, his voice devoid of warmth. "But don't expect me to change overnight. Respect is earned, not given."

"Then earn it," Sirius shot back, rising from his chair. "Show Harry that you're not just a bitter old bat clinging to the past. You might find it does you some good."

With that, Sirius turned on his heel and strode toward the door. As he reached for the handle, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Just remember, Snape: you're not the only one who can hold a grudge. But unlike you, I'm willing to let go for the sake of the next generation."

Snape's eyes narrowed, his expression a blend of fury and disbelief. "You think you can waltz in here and lecture me on teaching, Black? You, of all people? You've spent your life dodging responsibility."

Sirius leaned closer, undeterred. "Responsibility? Is that what you think this is about? This isn't just about me or my past—this is about the students. Your students. You have a chance to make a difference, yet you choose to wallow in bitterness."

"Bitterness?" Snape's voice was low, dangerous. "You know nothing of my life, Black. You have no idea what I've sacrificed or endured."

"Then prove it," Sirius shot back, refusing to back down. "Show that you're more than just a bitter old man clinging to old grudges. If you really want to be respected, you need to earn it, starting with how you treat Harry and the other students."

Snape's sneer faltered for a moment, revealing a flicker of something deeper—was it doubt? Regret? Sirius couldn't tell, but he pressed on.

"Harry's just a kid, Snape. He's trying to forge his own path, and it's your job to help him, not to punish him for his father's mistakes. It's time to let go of the past."

For a brief moment, silence enveloped the room, thick with tension. Snape's fingers twitched, betraying his annoyance. "You think this is easy? You think I enjoy this? I have my own battles, Black."

"Then fight the right ones," Sirius urged, his tone earnest. "Stop fighting against the next generation because of your own grudges. Be the teacher you were meant to be."

The shadows in Snape's eyes seemed to darken, but instead of the explosive response Sirius anticipated, he simply said, "You may leave now, Black. I have work to do."

Sirius sighed, realizing he had hit a nerve but not quite struck gold. "I'm not leaving without you at least considering what I've said. This isn't just for Harry; it's for all of your students. They deserve better."

Snape's expression hardened once more. "This conversation is over."

"Fine," Sirius said, standing up and straightening his robes. "But remember, I'm not going anywhere. You're going to have to deal with me, whether you like it or not."

Sirius took a deep breath, willing himself to remain calm despite the simmering anger that threatened to bubble over. He couldn't afford to let Snape get under his skin—this was about Harry, after all, and he needed to be a steady force for him.

"Just remember, Snape," Sirius said, his voice steadier now, "I'm watching. You might think you can hide behind your cauldron and your sneers, but I won't let you mistreat Harry or any of your students. They deserve better than your grudges and your vendettas."

Snape's gaze remained fixed on the parchments, but there was a slight tightening of his jaw that indicated he had heard every word. Sirius continued, "This isn't just about you and your past. It's about shaping the future. You have a choice to make, and you can either be part of the solution or part of the problem."

Snape finally looked up, his eyes dark and unyielding. "And what makes you think I care about your ideals of teaching? I have my methods, Black, and I will not be dictated to by a halfwit who barely survived his own schooling."

Sirius stepped closer, lowering his voice. "If your methods hurt students, then they need to change. Your grudges against my father and James don't give you a license to ruin the next generation. You have a chance to be better, Snape. Don't squander it."

With that, Sirius turned and strode out of the office, his heart pounding. He didn't know if he had made an impact or if Snape would simply retreat further into his bitterness, but he felt the urgency of the moment. Harry and his friends needed a mentor who would support them, not undermine them.

As he walked away, Sirius couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Snape was a formidable opponent, and the battle lines were drawn. But he also sensed that somewhere beneath the surface, there was potential for change. He just had to be patient and vigilant.

Sirius leaned in closer, his voice low but intense. "You were angry, Snape. Angry that James had what you wanted, and you couldn't have her. You let that anger fester, and you made choices that put her in danger. You were playing a dangerous game with dark forces, and I won't let you drag Harry into that same abyss."

Snape's expression darkened, the regret quickly replaced by a flicker of defensiveness. "You know nothing of my choices or my sacrifices. You have no idea what it means to make a deal with the devil to protect someone you care about."

"Is that what you tell yourself?" Sirius shot back. "That you were protecting her? You were playing a game, and it cost her everything. If you think for a second that I will let you manipulate my godson the way you tried to manipulate her, you're sorely mistaken."

The air between them crackled with tension. Snape's eyes narrowed, the familiar sneer creeping back onto his face. "You think your little threats scare me? I've dealt with far worse than you, Black. I have survived when others did not. You're just a relic of a past that has no bearing on the present."

"Maybe, but the past is a powerful thing. It has a way of catching up with you." Sirius straightened, feeling the weight of his convictions. "You have a chance to change, Snape. A chance to be better. But if you continue down this path, I'll make sure everyone knows the truth about your past."

For a brief moment, the wall of animosity between them seemed to waver, and Sirius thought he saw a flicker of uncertainty in Snape's eyes. But it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by the familiar, cold facade.

"Is that a threat?" Snape asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of something—was it fear? "You think you can simply walk in here and intimidate me?"

"No, Snape. I'm not trying to intimidate you. I'm trying to save you from yourself." Sirius felt a surge of determination. "But if you won't listen, I'll have no choice but to take further action. I won't let Harry suffer because of your past mistakes."

Snape stared at him, the silence stretching uncomfortably between them. Then he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as if to shield himself from the confrontation. "You may think you're a hero, Black, but your hubris will be your downfall. Just remember—there are consequences for meddling in affairs that do not concern you."

Sirius met his gaze, unwavering. "And there will be consequences for you if you keep hurting Harry and the other students. The choice is yours, Snape. You can either continue this cycle of resentment, or you can try to make amends. The clock is ticking."

Sirius clenched his fists, feeling the heat of anger bubbling beneath the surface. He had hoped for a breakthrough, some sign that Snape might reconsider his actions, but instead, he was met with the same stubborn arrogance.

"Just remember," Sirius said, his tone low and serious, "the line between light and dark can blur, Snape. You might think you're playing both sides, but if you're not careful, you'll end up on the wrong side entirely."

Snape looked up, the flicker of irritation evident in his eyes. "And you think your threats will change anything? You're a fool if you believe your little power plays intimidate me."

"I'm not here to intimidate. I'm here to protect my family," Sirius shot back. "And Harry is family. You may have your own grudges, but you will not use him as a pawn in whatever twisted game you're playing."

With that, he turned and strode out of the office, the door slamming shut behind him. The echo of the confrontation lingered in the air, and as he walked away, he felt the weight of his words settling around him.

Sirius knew this battle was far from over. Snape's darkness was a poison that could infect the very heart of Hogwarts, and he wouldn't stand by and let it spread unchecked. Whatever it took, he would stand guard over Harry and his friends.

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