Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 11 - Defense Against The Dark Arts

Hogwarts

Like all NEWT level classes, the first Defense lesson with professor Snape was a shared one with all Houses represented. Most of the non Slytherin went in with some apprehension despite Harry's reassurances, confirmed by those who had done the potion remedial course. Snape was still stiffly formal, and very strict, but he was now scrupulously fair. He introduced the program for the year which, because of the circumstances, had been adapted to include some very practical elements for defending themselves against superior forces. Professor Lupin was also present for their first class.

"As many of you as possible will quickly learn how to produce a Patronus spell and we will also discuss shields and protections," explained Snape. "It is very much likely that we will suffer another attack by the forces of the Dark Lord. When that happens we can count upon several Aurors, and most of the faculty, to provide seasoned troops able to incapacitate or destroy them."

He surveyed the room.

"It is improbable that any but a few of you will be able to take out a Death Eater. I will certainly not teach the Avada curse in this course, and we will only cover the more powerful hexes when your defensive abilities will have attained a satisfactory level."

Some faces fell, but none among the DA group Harry noted with pride. They already knew that lesson. Offense without defense is the surest way to destruction in front of experienced killers.

"However," continued Snape, "you can play a very important role in relieving us of the need to defend the rest of the students, and the more advanced of you will be able to help us directly by distracting or handicapping our enemies."

He paused and saw that most of the students sported eager serious faces. Some were smiling.

"But even that is not going to be as easy as it sounds and with professor Lupin we have planned a number of exercise and simulations to prepare you."

He ended the phrase in a soft menacing voice and with a cold grin which sent shivers throughout the class. A number of students wondered privately if they had been wise to choose the Defense course for their NEWT.

Professor Lupin started to describe the practical aspects of training and his cheerful manner contrasted that of his colleague. At first he reassured them that all precautions would be taken and the faint hearted were beginning to think that nothing terrible could happen to them.

They changed their minds when he explained that the simulations only guaranteed that no permanent damage would incur to them. Most wounds could be reparable in a few hours' time by the healers. He also explained that fear, pain and exhaustion were an important part of combat and they would be trained to handle these things. Several faces blanched at when he said it.

"Now, we know that training is fun," continued Remus jovially. "But this class is also about theorical knowledge of the Dark Arts, and we haven't skipped anything which you may need to learn here, as professor Snape will tell you now."

Snape proceeded to describe the very complete program he had prepared over the summer, and several students groaned. It made the OWL course sound like a vacation. Only Hermione, Harry and Draco looked unfazed.

Snape concluded his presentation.

"I have two other things to speak about. The first one is that since the program can be physically arduous some students may opt to skip the advanced combat training."

A number of them started to regain hope, but the expression on Snape's face kept them from showing any sign of it.

"In compensation they will be expected to master a number of otherwise optional curse breaking exercises, which I have prepared from the program of the Gringotts Goblins Academy."

The hopeful students turned green. Goblins were the masters of curses and Gringotts was the varsity. They could expect burns, acid explosions and painful body transformations for every mistake they made.

"The second thing concerns the DA study group which has been put together last year by some students, and which has enabled some of you to compensate for the poor level of Defense."

Snape sniffed in disgust at the memory of their former professor Umbridge.

"That group will continue its activity, but it will not be a remedial course. Instead it will play the role of advanced cadre for our training activities. Mister Potter and Miss Granger will now say you a few words about it."

Harry explained that the DA was opened to any student of any House with at least an E average in Defense and that, since it was not needed anymore as a teaching substitute, he bowed to the two teachers and Snape grunted, it would be dedicated to the defense of Hogwarts against any attacks.

"The DA will also organize evenings where students can be coached in Defense related subjects," added Hermione. "You won't need to be a member for that."

They sat down and the rest of the class proceeded normally.

Draco planned to enter the DA group but before he did, he had a short but intense discussion with Crabbe and Goyle.

"All right you two, we need to talk," he told them during the first recess.

They nodded eagerly. For them the year had started in a very disquieting manner. Up to now Draco had been their leader and the closest thing to a friend that they had.

The pact keeping them together had been very simple. They obeyed and defended him, while he took care of the complicated things of life, including homework. The nice part had been that what he usually wanted of them was exactly what they did best, typically dirty and muscle work. Now Draco seemed to have changed completely and they didn't see where they could fit. He was smart enough to be friends with his former enemies but they knew that it wouldn't be easy for them.

The look he gave them indicated that he understood all that quite well. Which was at least reassuring.

"We've been together since the beginning and that means something," he told them, "so I'm giving you the best deal I can. However you've got to make a choice, same as I did."

"All three of us have parents who are Death Eaters and therefore in conflict with the rest of the wizard world. It's not possible anymore to ignore that fact."

They squirmed at the plain language he was using.

"For myself I refuse to join my father's side and I will work with Dumbledore, Harry and his friends." He waited to be sure that they understood what that meant.

"You can join me and enter the DA group - I think you'll find your place as fighters there - or you can choose Voldemort's side - and we will be enemies. You can also try and stay neutral in this but believe me it won't be easy."

Crabbe grimaced and looked at Goyle who opened and closed his mouth without saying anything. Crabbe turned to Draco and spoke for both of them.

"Er... Draco we'd rather follow you, but what about Harry and his friends? Are they going to accept us?"

"Harry will play ball and so will Ginny," Draco reassured him. "The rest will follow. In any case I'll defend you, and if you get into trouble I'll handle things myself." He narrowed his eyes. "You'll answer to me. Do you understand?"

They nodded emphatically.

"If you accept I'll want a formal agreement," he added.

One after the other they voiced their allegiance to Draco. He shook their hands smiling inwardly at the obvious relief visible on their faces. That evening the three of them, and two other Slytherins candidates, came to the DA's recruiting stand. Ron and some others frowned when they saw the two muscle boys, and the Slytherins were a little uneasy at joining their former enemies, but Harry and Draco had prepared the grounds and no one said a word.

"Good evening" said Draco pleasantly. "I and my friends here would like to apply for membership."

"Certainly. Do all of you have the required level?" Draco nodded. "All right then. Hermione will explain the working of the association and if you agree you'll just have to sign here."

When they did Harry smiled brightly and shook hands with each in turn.

"I'm glad that we now have some of you aboard, and I hope that this will be the beginning of a worthwhile cooperation between all of us."

He turned to encompass all of the DA members.

"I call on everyone that we forget past grudges and concentrate on our future together." He exchanged a grin with Draco. "It is perhaps a little too soon for hugs and kisses, but the first Defense exercise will be a good occasion to work together."

A number of heavy sighs told him that several of them, on both sides, where glad that he didn't insist on more. The Slytherins took their leave, Ginny followed Draco, and Ron shook his head in disbelief.

"Crabbe and Goyle in the DA," he groaned. "Harry I'm going mental, I swear it."

Harry was adamant.

"I think it's a very good thing. If anybody has a problem with this they should speak out now so that we can be clear about it." He paused. "Does someone have something to say?"

He caught the eyes of all of them, one after the other. They all remained silent until finally Dean sighed and spoke.

"Harry I think we all agree that it's necessary. Especially in light of what happened on the train and at the Sorting. We just have to chew on it that's all."

Ron nodded.

"And a bloody mouthful it is too." He walked to Harry's side. "But we'll follow you."

Harry gripped his friend's shoulder, and he surveyed the room again with a quiet smile on his face.

"Thanks," he said feelingly. "I don't know what will happen but I can guarantee you that this is something which we won't regret."

The school routine started once again. The main difference being that the former trio made by Harry, Ron and Hermione had turned into a sextet, and had acquired de facto a multi-House dimension. This eventually started the formation of some other mixed group, which pleased Dumbledore no end.

Harry and Hermione also meet with the current Head boy, Cyril Desmond, a Hufflepuff, and Head girl, Carole Themis, from Ravenclaw. They explained their project of an association for the cooperation of wizards and magical creatures. It was well received but the need to get the approval, and participation of as many old and established wizard families as possible, was quickly identified. This led to the Headmaster sending out invitations to the more open minded representatives to come to Hogwarts and discuss the matter with the students.

Time passed. One morning, Remus and Severus were discussing how to conduct the first defense exercise for the sixth and seventh year. They wanted to cement the student teams in a large battle, and also make them aware of their limits. Suddenly the door opened and Alastor Moody entered followed by a large floating armored chest.

"A little present for you," he called gruffly.

"Good evening Alastor," said Remus. "What is it?"

"Equipment which should help you with the kids' training, at least if you're serious about it."

Severus sniffed in disgust.

"We leave crumpet baking and knitting to others," he replied. "I happen to think that our teaching methods will meet with your approval."

"I intend to make sure of it," shot back Moody unabashed. "May I inquire how you were planning to simulate credible combat situations?"

Remus and Snape exchanged a glance. It was a real problem because with only the three simulator balls Harry had bought, and even when using all available professors, it was difficult to organize a proper battle with more than a dozen enemies.

"I knew it," growled Moody. "You have big ideas but you're short on means."

"We sent word to the Ministry," said Remus, "and we asked for more equipment."

Moody snorted and Remus shrugged. He didn't really hope for a positive answer either.

"Voldemort doesn't ask for permission, and he doesn't follow regulations. Fortunately he's not the only one." Moody gestured toward the chest.

Remus moved closer to examine it. He was going to open it when a suspicious feeling came over him. He shot a quick glance at Moody who was watching him a little too attentively. Remus took out his wand and muttered an incantation.

Constant vigilance.

He smiled in triumph when a red aura indicated the presence of a trap around the lock. This was typical of Moody. It only took him a few seconds to disarm it.

"You reassure me," said the old Auror. Severus rolled his eyes and shook his head at such childish behavior.

The chest was filled with simulator balls and damping field generators. Remus let out a long whistle and even Severus was impressed. There was a small fortune's worth of training supplies.

"Where does this come from?" he asked, frowning.

Moody flashed a feral smile.

"Officially this belongs to the Auror Academy but the level of training we require is very hard on equipment. We've had a lot of equipment damage these last weeks." He indicated the chest. "Of course some of this stuff can probably be repaired."

Snape bent to pick up a simulator at random and examined it. Except for minor scratches it looked in perfect condition, and when he activated it the shape of a Death Eater at the ready formed before them. He raised an inquiring eyebrow at Moody.

"I'll grant you that our quality requirements may be a little strict," he explained with a wink. "Anyway these are logged out of the active stocks and personally, I don't have the time to fill out papers." He gave them a friendly salute. "I really must be going now. So long."

Remus and Severus looked at each other. They now had enough to organize company size battles, or at least very realist exercises.

"Maybe we should check the rest of them," proposed Remus.

"If you have time to waste then do it," replied Severus. "I won't and I'll wager a month's pay that you will not find the slightest defect in any of these."

Remus had to smile at that. He didn't think so either.

For the first exercise, the class was supposed to organize a defense against an attack by several dark wizards. A special area had been set up near the school and hidden from the students. The seventh years were the first to be put to the test.

It was a debacle.

After less than ten minutes Remus and Severus called a stop to it and the rest of the school watched in horror as less than three students were still able to walk unaided. Four others were hurried away in stretchers to the infirmary where Madam Pomfrey screamed in outrage. Every participant was marked by torn clothing, soiled by mud and soot, and panic was still visible in their eyes. Severus watched them pass by with a disgusted expression on his face and even Remus looked disappointed. Neither him nor Tonks would talk with Harry about it, saying instead that the debriefing would wait until tomorrow after the sixth years completed their own exercise.

This evening the sixth year Defense class organized an emergency meeting. The seventh years were mostly lying prostrated in their beds, the less generous among them secretly hoping for their insolent comrades to suffer the same fate in their turn.

"Knowing Snape it will be even more difficult for us tomorrow," said Hermione. "He knows we're better at this."

Harry was thinking furiously about what they could do. He couldn't find much.

"It's kind of hard to prepare ourselves when don't even know what the scenario is. It would be stupid to spend the night in training and wasting our strength. I'm confident we'll do a good job but maybe we should think about what could help us. What could have happened for them to be so badly beaten?"

"They were routed," affirmed Ron. "De-organized to the point where they had no defense left and everyone was vulnerable."

"What should they have done then?" asked Neville.

Ron was very clear.

"First of all, don't panic. If faced by overwhelming forces, retreat in good order and rebuild a defense. Second, have a reserve force to counter attack or handle any surprise. I'm almost sure that Snape imagined a scenario with a medium sized enemy force at the beginning and then something out of the blue from another direction. If you don't expect it, it can be deadly."

"We'll have to be able to react quickly," reasoned Draco. "The battle area is pretty big."

Harry had a flash and remembered the first task of the Cup of Fire.

"Brooms!" He turned toward Ginny. "Tomorrow you'll take out some old brooms from the Quidditch reserve and leave them outside along the pitch wall."

Hermione understood at once.

"And we'll recover them with Accio spells! That's brilliant! If we give them to the best fighters they will be able to go anywhere fast, and maybe even counter attack from the rear."

"Okay," said Harry. "That should give us a decisive advantage. Ron is quite right, the most important thing is to keep calm and work as a group." He surveyed them all. "We'll organize as teams, and the teams will stay together."

He turned toward the students who hadn't been part of the Defense group last year.

"In normal circumstances I would not impose a hierarchy, but I think that tomorrow we'll have to be realistic. We have three levels of skills here. Those like us who trained all summer, the DA group and the rest of you. It's better to take that into account and have the rookers supporting the more competent. All right?"

They all agreed, actually the newcomers much preferred it that way. The group separated with a better moral than they had at the beginning.

The next day featured Transfiguration in the morning and McGonagall was clearly disappointed by the low quality of concentration of her class. Even Hermione lost points for giving a perfect answer, but completely off subject. Lunch was likewise hurried while a couple of seventh years made loud comments on how painful some of the simulator hexes could be.

At the appointed time the class was assembled in the training arena in front of Remus and Severus.

"This is the situation you'll have to handle," said Snape with a severe expression. "Hogwarts is attacked by Dark Wizards and your main objective is to regroup several first and second year students," he gestured toward a number of simulator ball who sprang to life and morphed into young children who immediately started to move around and play, "and escort them inside the school walls through this door here." A large portion of stone wall, complete with a strong looking iron wrought door, materialized at one end of the area.

"Points will be attributed depending on the number of children saved, and on damages caused to the attackers. You will loss points for each casualty you take, majored for children. The simulation will stop after twenty minutes."

"You have ten minutes to prepare yourselves and to setup no more than fifteen meters from this central point."

Hermione raised her hand.

"How many enemies do we face?" she asked.

"Between ten and thirty," he answered without blinking. Most of them gasped at that. There were only thirteen of them and preparing a defense in those circumstances seemed impossible.

Remus spoke up.

"There is something very important that you should consider. We are not asking you to win a decisive victory but to do as best as you can in a difficult situation. You will be judged on that at least as much as on the results."

"One last thing," added Snape. "The simulated children can follow simple orders but do not expect them to fight effectively, and be ready for them to act frightened." He looked at his watch and clicked on the timer. "Ten minutes."

Snape and Remus left for their observation position. Harry assembled his troops immediately.

"Ok, let's take six minutes top to devise a plan, and use the last four to upgrade and adjust it. Ron what do you think?"

"Hum. The priority is to save the kids which means regrouping them, providing protection, and directing them toward the walls. We can allocate one team for that and one or two other teams to fight and delay the attackers. Let's consider the grounds."

Everybody turned to examine the exercise area. From the center where they were, three paths could be used to get to the large doors. The main group of attackers would certainly arrive from the opposite direction.

"The left path is the best one to establish defense positions, and what's more the last meters are under cover," remarked Draco.

Harry considered it. It also ran close to a small grove which he didn't like.

"It's perfect all right, except for those trees. Ideal emplacement for an ambush, if they attack the main party from there we'll be in big trouble.

"We'll have to secure the grove before the children arrive," admitted Ron.

They discussed it some more and then Harry resumed the plan.

"Hermione you'll take the biggest team. You'll be responsible for getting the kids together and moving toward the wall. Neville your team will be riding shotgun for them and Draco will run a mobile defense. Ron, Dean and I will use the brooms, rush to clean out the grove then secure the last part of the way. If there's too much of them then we'll use the right path instead. It's longer but we won't need to fear any more surprises.

"I propose to hold a defense line here with Vincent and Gregory," said Draco pointing toward a pair of large boulders. "It's a perfect spot to entrench and if we can hold long enough you'll have time to return for a counter attack."

They all looked at it. It was at least a hundred meters from the walls.

"Are you sure?" asked Ron who looked dubious. "You'll be alone for a long time and you'll certainly get battered pretty hard."

Crabbe and Goyle exchanged a worried look and Crabbe opened his mouth to say something but Draco cut him short.

"I know that both of you want to help me demonstrate what Slytherins are capable of."

Crabbe shut his mouth and swallowed hard. Goyle tried to show a smile but it only came out as a horrible grimace.

"Since when have you three transferred to Gryffindor?" asked Harry with a chuckle.

"It not a bad idea," pursued Ron who had been thinking about it. "It will speed up the transfer and we'll be able to get back faster. We could really wipe them out if it works."

They discussed a few more details. One Ravenclaw proposed laying on some booby traps and shields along the way.

"One minute left!" yelled Snape.

"Ok guys," said Harry. "We're ready, we've got a good plan and every chance to make it work. Take a deep breath and give me all you can. Remember not to panic if it gets tough." He looked at them proudly. "I trust you, you trust each other."

They looked back with serious faces.

"What's the magic number?" he asked, raising his voice.

"SIX!" they called back.

"And we are?"

"SIXTH YEAR!" they roared.

Severus and Remus were observing the students from afar. A special detection spell allowed them to hear everything that was said.

"I told you they wouldn't fall into the trap," said Remus smugly.

"Their plan is not bad but it's too ambitious. I wonder if they'll be able to pull it off," replied the other man.

"What do you think of Draco's idea?" asked Remus with a teasing smile.

Severus didn't answer immediately.

"That boy is under a bad influence," he murmured.

"Good afternoon gentlemen," said a rich and deep voice. They turned in surprise to discover the Headmaster standing behind them.

"Good afternoon sir. Did you come to observe your protégés?"

"I confess to a powerful curiosity yes. How many adversaries are you counting on placing against them?"

"Thirty," said Severus curtly.

Dumbledore raised an inquiring eyebrow. The seventh year had only faced ten.

"The object of this exercise is to make them realize that some situations call for cautiousness and reasonable ambition," added Severus in defense of his decision. "Better that they learn this here rather than against real Death Eaters."

"Oh I fully agree," replied the Headmaster. "I was just wondering if thirty would be sufficient," he added wishfully.

Snape wondered for an instant if Dumbledore was mocking him, but it didn't seem so.

"It's all we have," he said, gritting his teeth.

"May I make a suggestion?" asked Dumbledore pleasantly. Snape nodded briefly. "Ask Miss Tonks to take part in the last attack group. I'm sure that she will add some spice to the game."

Remus was ready to protest, but he kept his peace. Tonks would play along of course. She'd love it actually. He knew that the odds would really be excessive against the students but he was beginning to think that Harry and his friends would still surprise them. Whatever happened, it was bound to be a fascinating show.

Snape announced out the start of the exercise and immediately Harry and Ron called out two loud Accio, soon followed by Dean's third. Four Dark Wizards materialized close to the group and where quickly engaged by Neville and Draco's teams. The screaming sound of flying brooms tore the air and in no time Harry's team was rushing toward the clump of trees near the wall. Meanwhile Hermione and her group proceeded to regroup the children who had started to run and scream right and left. She and two Ravenclaws assembled a rudimentary raft using branches and magical ropes, and enchanted it to float above the ground. The children were placed on it and attached with more ropes.

"Quite ingenious," commented Dumbledore. Snape grumbled something indistinct and activated half a dozen more simulators.

Two wizards were already lying of the ground and the group was beginning to move along toward safety. Harry, Ron and Dean reached the grove and five wizards came out, wands at the ready and spells flying. Harry banked his broom brutally and riposted.

"Protego! Blugos!"

One wizard fell down and two spells rebounded against his shield in a firework of sparks. Ron was engaging two wizards while flying at breakneck speed. Dean looked in trouble and his broom appeared to have been hit.

"Stupefy!" he cried.

The Wizard in front of him somersaulted in the air. It gave him enough time to land and continue on foot. Harry launched another series of hexes which disorganized the three remaining wizards. Ron got one and the last two were quickly dispatched by Harry and Dean.

"YIPPEE!" yelled Ron, before doing a barrel roll over the bodies. In the distance Remus cheered while Severus snorted in disgust.

Dean's broom was useless and they decided that he would stay and prepare the arrival of the others. Harry and Ron turned around and went back toward the position where Neville was locked into a fight with another group of wizards who had appeared from the right side.

Draco, Crabbe and Goyle stood in the large trench they had dug and were getting ready to face a score of attackers.

"Er, Draco..." started Goyle

"You handle the defense," interrupted Draco. "Use only Protego for the moment while I pick them out. Go!"

The two big boys took their place on both sides of him and endeavored to block the multiple spells being launched at them. It was hard work because the energy of the hexes wasn't always deflected or dissipated. For them it was soon the equivalent of being battered by heavy pillows and worse from time to time, when part of a spell effect got through, provoking a small burn of cut.

Draco was doing his best to aim decisive blows and one after the other, an attacker would bite the dust. He too received his share of minor damage and after a few minutes he knew they were tiring. His spells were less effective, as was the protection of Crabbe and Goyle. He couldn't afford to look behind him but judging from the sounds he was hearing, things were going rather well for their friends.

"HARRY! I NEED YOU!" he yelled as a new attack wave was coming toward them.

"COMING!"

Harry and Ron were going flat out toward Draco's position. They could see that he was practically in hand to hand combat with the closest ones.

"Blugos! Stupefy! Reducto!"

Harry was launching hexes with extraordinary speed; his wand was alternating right and left while he balanced his broom in synchronization. Draco saw two of the three wizards in front of him being blasted away.

"DUCK!"

Instinctively he dropped to the ground inside the trench and felt Harry's broom miss his head by an inch before it struck the third wizard dead center. An instant later Harry who had jumped from it, rolled in the dust next to him.

"I almost had to wait," said Draco panting.

Harry was grinning like a kid. He was completely into the euphoria of battle, no Quidditch match had ever been this fun.

"Watch out!"

They looked up and saw a fast moving shape over their head. Two wands went up simultaneously.

"Stupefy!"

"Blugos!"

The wizard managed somehow to turn while in the air and evaded their spells. They jumped out and saw him move behind a rock. Meanwhile Neville and his group had arrived and were engaging the last of the attackers.

The two boys looked at each other. That last one was not in the same class as the others and they would have to be very careful. Using signs Harry indicated that they split up to try and encircle him around the rock. Above them Ron was assisting Neville and sending spells into the dwindling group of dark Wizards who were clearly in retreat, at the other end the children's chariot was being pushed through the doors. Whatever happened, the mission was a success.

Harry saw a shadow over his shoulder and jumped to the side. There was an explosion where he'd been and he felt a sharp pain in his left leg. He rolled away behind a boulder and he heard a scream and knew that one of their numbers had been hit.

He jumped over the rock and almost got me. I think that was Dean's voice.

Moving carefully he saw Draco on his belly a little farther. Exchanging glances they decided to stand up and attack together.

The mysterious wizard suddenly materialized next to a tree to their left. Harry didn't even have time to think.

"Protego! Expelliarmus!"

His shield was battered by a violent blast and the wizard blocked his spell but Draco got in a paralyzing hex to his legs. He still managed to roll away behind the tree just as Snape called out the end of the exercise.

The students stopped to catch their breath, and then moved toward the teachers. Most were breathless and a number of them sported combat marks, bearing witness to the intensity of the combats. They had lost four, including Goyle. Crabbe was reduced to a punch drunk robot and he didn't seem to realize that the battle was over. He was still holding his wand menacingly and Snape had to disarm him before he hit someone. At least twenty simulator balls were glowing red on the ground.

Tonks emerged from her hideout with a bright smile and Harry threw her a disgusted look.

Dumbledore was softly clapping his hands.

"Well that was certainly impressive!" he announced. "How would you rate their performance professor?"

Snape surveyed the grounds and sighed inwardly. By every possible measure, the students had won a clear victory. That was good but in so doing they had taken extraordinary risks. The kind of risks which could turn minor setbacks into catastrophic defeats.

He looked at Draco and Harry with a closed face. They were the ones who had conceived a brilliant but excessively dangerous strategy. They'd also applied it with talent, attaching the kids on a moving platform had been a brilliant idea, likewise using the brooms.

He said all this and expressed his reservations concerning what could have happened if some things had not turned out as planned. Inwardly he kicked himself for not having put Tonks in that first group of trees.

Except for Dumbledore, they were shocked at his remarks, Ron was muttering under his breath and Draco looked hurt. They had won fair and square. Why didn't he admit it?

"You could have played it safe and insured that all defendants could get inside the walls with little or no losses, instead you took in on yourselves to eliminate a maximum of enemies. Draco, your defense action was criminally risky. You were lucky not to lose all. What do you have to say?" he added in a harsh voice.

After their initial reaction Draco and Harry was beginning to understand what he meant, but they still thought him unfair.

Draco spoke first.

"In the worst case my group would have been lost but the rest would have finished the mission. There were no orders to preserve our forces at all costs," he said.

"We took a calculated risk," added Harry. "We had the chance to make a dent in the enemy forces and reduce the chance of an ulterior attack on the school."

Snape stayed silent for a moment while he reviewed their arguments. He didn't look convinced.

Draco spoke again.

"Sir, there was another reason for what we did."

"What was it?"

"We showed what Slytherin could do," he said simply. And even the sons of Death Eaters.

Snape nodded slowly, he turned toward Remus then Dumbledore, and then he addressed the group of students.

"I accept part of your analysis but my remarks still stand. Fifty points will be taken from Gryffondor," gasps were heard from those students, "and from Slytherin." He glared at them until silence returned.

"If something like this ever happens again then I will take one hundred points from each House and you will all serve detention for a month. Understood?"

Harry and Draco nodded demurely.

"Otherwise the quality of your performance was excellent. Thirty points per House for having completed the mission, ten per enemy put out of action and twenty points each for Mister Crabbe and Mister Goyle for their key role in the defense.

The students screamed with joy, even more so when Snape told them that they could get the rest of the afternoon off, although they would have to clean up the terrain and write an essay on the exercise for the next class.

Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other and wondered if they'd heard correctly. It was the first time any of them had ever won anything for their House, and they also received eloquent praise from all the participants. That evening at the Slytherin table they were toasted repeatedly and they were so proud that they insisted that Madam Pomfrey refrain from healing the black and blue marks on their faces, which they saw as badges of honor. Even Ron had to admit that he would want them on his side in any future fight.

The other classes were thankfully less intense. Hermione insisted that Ginny and Luna work hard for their OWL and drove Harry to Ron to spend a minimum of time on those subjects which they found 'less than vital' such as Charms and Transfiguration.

The first meeting with an external wizard family involved a young couple, heir to a venerable Ravenclaw family. They were very sympathetic to the student's ideas, and they provided a number of interesting suggestions about relationships with House Elves. This prompted Hermione to start a new line of research on the original spells used to bind them to wizard families.

At Dumbledore's suggestion they also started to experiment with the idea of working together as one unit using Luna's empathic talent. The Headmaster called on professor Firenze to help them in this. The three of them, joined by professor McGonagall, had a long conversation, at the end of which Ron was called in as well. When he came out, his face was redder than a tomato and refused emphatically to discuss any of it.

Firenze organized a number of exercises during which one of them, often Harry, would attempt a particularly difficult spell, the idea being that the others could 'get behind him and push' and thus boost his ability.

They made some progress, but it was slow and what they gained in power, they lost in speed and flexibility. It was clear that they would need a lot of practice before it could become something useful.

None of the teachers were very familiar with the techniques and Dumbledore and Hermione spend a lot of time researching in the library.

One evening after classes all six of them were talking together, comfortably installed on the grass next to the lake. Hermione was reviewing for them the latest information she had gathered on House Elves. Ginny had her head against Draco's lap, Harry was seated up against a tree, and Ron and Luna were stretched out alongside one another. It was one the last autumn days when they could still be outside before it got too cold.

"So in the beginning," explained Hermione. "There was a pact of equals negotiated between wizards and a number of Elves who wanted to leave their natural wild habitat. The wizards agreed to teach the Elves some magic and shelter and feed them, in exchange for basic house keeping services."

"Do you mean that the Elves sold themselves in servitude?" asked Harry.

"It was not slavery at first. It was almost like a short term contract but basically what happened was that the Elves weren't very bright and the wizards took advantage of it. The initial pledge was... Ron can you stop nuzzling Luna for a moment. I'm talking about a serious matter."

Ron, who had been paying much more attention to his girlfriend than to Hermione, didn't even look up.

"You're always talking about serious things. Harry mate, can't you do something to distract her?"

Harry chuckled while Hermione's eyes glared at them.

"Luna. How can an intelligent girl like you suffer such childish behavior?" she said, exasperated.

"I think he's cute," replied Luna calmly. "And in truth we don't see as much of each other as we'd like. At least you and Harry are in the same house, and you can use the common room."

Hermione blushed. She and Harry had 'used' the common room only once, when everyone was asleep. It had been a needed relief, but they really hadn't been able to appreciate it properly while expecting someone to barge in at any time. Even invisibility cloaks had their limits.

Ron looked up and his face was serious.

"She's right. We're working a lot." He ignored a snort from Hermione. "And I think we should be using some of our knowledge and resources to organize ourselves a nice private place."

"What about Grimauld?" asked Ginny, turning toward Harry.

"Can't," he said, shaking his head. "Dumbledore made me promise that I wouldn't use it during the school year. We'll be able to return to it for Christmas, and you're all welcome of course." He gestured to Ginny and Draco. "But in the meantime we'll have to find something else."

He grinned.

"Personally I wouldn't mind a solution which would keep me from listening to your wishful lamentations every night Ron."

"Oh. Does he lament wishfully every night?" asked Luna.

"Yes he does," replied Harry seriously. "It's even affecting the studying of the rest of us," he added with a straight face.

Ron pounced on that.

"See Hermione. It's really a public health issue. We have to do something." He tried another argument. "Couldn't we treat it as a NEWT level research project?"

Draco roared with laughter, quickly followed by the others. Even Hermione had to crack a grin.

"Hum... Maybe we could learn something useful that way." She blushed at Harry and Ron's leery faces. "I don't mean that the way it sounds!" And they all laughed again as a number of ever lewder suggestions were expressed.

Draco laughed with them, but he didn't participate as freely as they did. This atmosphere of playful banter was still new for him. The Slytherin equivalent was unusually made up of much more mordant wit, and certainly not as relaxing.

"All right," called Hermione. "Let's be methodical about this. We need a place with privacy, comfort and within easy access from our dormitories. The school has a number of well known trysting locations such as the Owlery and the Astronomy Tower." This time it was Ginny and Draco's turn to blush. "But a number of students use it already, and it's hard enough to evade Filch."

"Harry have you studied the Marauder's map?" asked Ron.

"Yes, although not with this idea in mind, but I didn't find anything." replied Harry pensively.

"What about the Room of Requirement?" asked Luna.

Harry looked at Hermione and they both looked embarrassed.

"Er... actually we did try it once." Harry grinned at the memory.

Ron muttered under his breath something which sounded like 'Bloody lucky stiff'. Draco was given a quick explanation of the map and the Room and whistled.

"The Room isn't the solution," said Harry. "I'm sure it's idea of necessity will not cover what we want. Except maybe for Ron in a couple of weeks," he jibbed and Ron howled wolfishly.

Draco returned to the subject.

"As I see it we have two possibilities. Finding an existing place or building one."

"What do you mean building it?" asked Ron. "You mean with bricks and mortar?"

"Well I wasn't thinking of using thin air," replied Draco with some sarcasm.

That last remark made Hermione look up.

"Thin air..." she murmured. "Yes, why not? It's the perfect solution. We're going to build a room out of thin air right inside the school."

They all looked at her in astonishment.

"I knew it would happen some time," said Ron flatly. "She's gone bunkers. Her brain blew out from too much thinking. Let's take her to the infirmary. I hope that madam Pomfrey can fix her."

Hermione glared at him.

"Stupid! I'm perfectly all right. Here's the idea. It's something I found from a book."

"It figures," said Ron. She ignored him.

"Actually it's an application of the Secret Keeper charm, and the volume expansion effect that wizards use in trunks, cars and even in the Grimauld Place garden. We can't use it directly in Hogwarts because the entire castle is enchanted and protected against that kind of magic."

"As anyone who read 'Hogwarts a History' should know," interjected Harry.

She looked at him severely.

"If I'm to be constantly interrupted then maybe I'll keep out of this project. Unlike other persons I could name, I have a lot of patience and Christmas is not that far away."

Harry and Ron immediately apologized, took on serious expressions and indicated that they were listening to her with complete attention.

"Hum. All right, so we can't build upon any existing material without using very strong magic. We could however build a bubble which would be a kind of invisible chamber. I've read that some wizard houses used these as safe storage."

"Could we really perform the Secret Keeper charm on it?" asked Luna. "It's a very complex spell."

Hermione thought about it.

"Maybe we won't have to do it with all the effects. It would be very useful to have it however." She turned serious. "It could even be a last ditch refuge if the Hogwarts defenses were to be overrunned."

They visited the library for the details of the spell. For once Ron was the most eager to spend hours pouring over obtuse Transfiguration and Charm books. It took them three days to be ready. They decided that Luna would learn the bubble spell while Hermione would concentrate on the Secret Keeper magic. Finally one evening they found themselves in one of the recesses of the second floor corridors. Filch patrolled here regularly, but they had timed his rounds, and they knew that they had at least one hour to do the job.

Luna took out her wand and waved a complex pattern as she murmured. "Bublum Invisibla". A shimmering sphere materialized and floated above the ground. A circular opening could be seen and inside it looked like a six meter wide circular room with white walls. Hermione took over and performed the Secret Keeper spell. It took her three tries but suddenly the sphere disappeared to all but her eyes.

"What did you call it?" asked Harry.

The ritual implied that the object to be hidden have a unique name. He moved his hand where the sphere had been moments before and he couldn't detect anything, which was the whole point of course.

"I named it 'The Marauder's Resting Home' and it's located right inside the second recess from the south wall of the west corridor, on the second floor of Hogwarts main building," enounced Hermione

As they heard her say the words, the bubble suddenly reappeared before them.

They went inside and Draco conjured up a number of necessary items. Soon they had a large comfortable room with a big bed and a small bathroom. There was enough space for a small table and six chairs. Harry had practiced for his own contribution and with a wave of his wand six glasses and a pitcher of butterbeer appeared on the table.

"Whoa!" breathed Ron. "I'm sure glad I threw in my lot with you fellows." He went to test the bed's comfort. "Draco mate, you're a brilliant decorator."

Harry checked his watch and the marauder's map.

"Filch should be passing by in five minutes so by that time we'll either be called in for the biggest detention in Hogwarts history or else we'll know that we have our own private little space."

"I drink to the second," said Ginny.

"And let's also drink to those witches who earned an officious, but nonetheless real, Outstanding in Transfiguration and Charms," added Harry, toasting Hermione and Luna.

They raised their glasses and drank grinning at each other. Harry had placed the map on the table and they followed the movements of Filch and Miss Norris. Everyone became a little a nervous when the dots approached their actual position and no one said anything. When the caretaker passed them without stopping and turned around the corner they stood up and high-fived each other. It had worked. Harry toasted Hermione again.

"To the greatest witch in the world. You'd have made the original Marauders proud. This is going to be part of the legend of the school."

"Hum," said Ron. "We'll have to decide on a rotation schedule and... Er... Who's going to be first?"

They looked at each other with embarrassment.

"We could draw lots," suggested Harry.

They did and to Ron's chagrin, Ginny and Draco won the toss. His face underwent a number of interesting transformations as he looked at Ginny and imagined things, but she glared at him while Harry and Luna each took one of his arms and led him out.

"Harry..." he started to protest.

"It's nothing more than equal rights mate. And if should I remind you that Luna's even younger than Ginny?"

Ron looked at Luna who gave him a charming smile.

"Okay, but if mum learns about this she'll skewer me."

They took turn in spending a number of quiet and intimate evenings in the room. After a first rather intensive week Hermione convinced them to reduce its use, lest too many students grow suspicious.

The routine of the term went on.

Defense against the Dark Arts ch11-17