Shifting Perspectives

Chapter Six

Hermione was busily checking people off her checklist and demanding their timetables. Ron had been pressed into service to help write things down. Harry had escaped this duty to start teaching the early arrivals 'Expelliarmus.'

"It's too easy," whined Elizabeth, a self-professed child prodigy.

Derek, who was struggling with the spell, was less successful. "Expelliarmus! Expelliarmus!"

"Don't be stupid," Elizabeth said scornfully. "You don't do it like that. You're pronouncing it all wrong. It should be 'Expelli-ar-mus,' not 'Expel-li-armus."

Harry was forcibly reminded of Hermione.

Derek did not seem to appreciate Elizabeth's advice. "I don't need your help," he hissed. "Go away and bother someone else."

"Well, if you don't need my help, then do it already!"

"Do you want to try that again now?" Harry asked, ignoring Elizabeth.

Derek nodded. "Expelliarmus!" Harry noticed that the ar was emphasized this time, rather than the li. Across the room, Hermione's wand flew out of her hand. Ron sniggered.

"Good job," Harry said encouragingly.

"Thanks," Derek said.

"See? I was right, wasn't I?" Elizabeth gloated.

"Shut up."

Elizabeth simply smirked.

* * *

Harry paired off the members to practice on each other and walked around to observe how they were doing. Since all of the members had arrived, Hermione and Ron could be pulled away from door duty and allowed to help the members who were having difficulty. Hermione was explaining the theory to one of the members while Ron demonstrated.

The members weren't doing as well as could be hoped. Most members' spells were coming out rather patchy; they might knock the wand out of their opponent's hands one turn, but would knock books off the shelves the next.

There were some people that had already mastered the spell and could perform it consistently: Elizabeth, who was currently mocking everyone in the vicinity; a rabbity-looking boy who seemed vaguely familiar; a boy that Harry didn't recognize; and several Ravenclaws whose names Harry could never remember. Harry pulled them away from their partners. "Could you all help show the others how to do it properly? Don't insult them," Harry added, giving Elizabeth a sharp look.

"All right," Elizabeth pouted.

"I guess," one of the boys said reluctantly. The Ravenclaws nodded eagerly, though Harry privately thought that they merely wanted to show off.

"Great," he said. "Er...you can get started now."

They scattered.

* * *

"That was a good lesson," Hermione said cheerfully to Harry and Ron on their way back from the D.A. meeting.

"Really?" Harry asked. "I don't think we got much done."

"We made a lot of progress. All of the members have been successful at least a couple times, and considering that we had so many first years, that was quite an accomplishment."

"I think Hermione's right," Ron broke in. "Before the meeting, half of those first years couldn't have cast Expelliarmus properly twice in a row if their life depended on it."

"We did more in the first meeting last year, though," Harry said, reflecting.

Hermione shook her head. "It only seems that way. For the most part, last year's members were people we already knew and liked, so there weren't many first years."

"I guess that makes sense. When are they meeting again?"

"The old members are meeting Wednesday at five, remember?"

"No--I mean yes, I did remember, but no, that's not what I meant. I meant, when are the new members meeting next week?"

"Oh! Right. Well, I'm pretty sure that Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are out of the question; apparently there are some clubs then and we'd be losing too many people."

"Okay."

* * *

"Pass the toast, will you, Harry?"

Harry grabbed a few slices off the top before handing it to Ron.

"Thanks," Ron replied, digging in.

The rustling of wings signalled the arrival of owl post. A handsome brown owl dropped the Daily Prophet next to Hermione. She dropped the five Knuts into its pouch. Harry let the owl drink from his goblet and stroked its feathers before it flew off.

"Hmm..." Hermione said, poring over the Daily Prophet.

"What is it?"

"There hasn't been any news of Voldemort recently."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Ron asked, shuddering slightly at the name.

"Yes, of course, but I wonder why nothing has happened."

"Well, his Death Eaters did get thrown in prison."

"Yes, but you'd think something would be happening."

"He's probably plotting as we speak," Harry said darkly. "He needs his Death Eaters, and it won't take much to persuade the Dementors."

"Have you had any dreams lately?" Hermione questioned, eyeing him suspiciously.

"No," Harry said quickly.

"Are you sure?" Ron asked. "Because you have been twitching a lot in your sleep lately."

"I'm sure," Harry said shortly.

"Well, if you're certain...." Hermione turned back to her newspaper.

* * *

Katie came and stopped them when they were about to leave the Great Hall. "Hello, Harry, Ron and Hermione," she said. "I've been meaning to talk to you. Now that Angelina has graduated, I've been made Quidditch captain."

"Congratulations," Hermione said warmly. "I'm sure you'll do well."

Katie made a face. "Thanks, but I've never been as good as Angelina or Alicia."

"Oh, Katie, don't worry, everything will work out," Hermione soothed.

She sighed, looking off into the distance. "I hope so. Anyway, we're holding Quidditch tryouts this Saturday for two new Chasers. Do you think you can make it?"

"Sure," Ron said.

"Am I even on the Quidditch team?" He had been kicked off the team last year, after all.

"Of course! You're the best Seeker we've ever had, Harry, and it's not like that toad Umbridge is still around. You did get your broom back, right?"

"Yes."

"Then what's the problem?"

"Nothing, I guess."

"Good. I could really use some advice," Katie confessed. "I was really surprised when I was picked to be Quidditch Captain; I was expecting it to be you."

"Really?" Harry was amazed. "But you've been on the team longer than I have. I didn't play Quidditch for most of last year!"

Katie shrugged. "Well, I'd still appreciate any help you could give me."

As Katie departed, Ron asked, "Do you think that Ginny will make the team? She said she was going to try out for Chaser."

Harry considered. "She's pretty good at flying. I think she'll probably make the team."

"How well do you think Katie will do as Quidditch Captain?"

"I don't know. She's a great chaser, but I don't know how she'll do as Quidditch Captain. We'll see."