5th year at Hogwarts

Harry stood silently in the middle of platform 9 ¾ his eyes were scanning for glimpses of red hair. Finally he spotted one. He allowed his eyes to look down to see Ginny Weasley standing next to Hermione Granger.

Harry called out, "Hey Hermione," he was waving his arm quickly. "Come on Snuffles," he said quieter to a large black dog standing at his side. Professor Lupin had been convinced to teach at Hogwarts again and he had asked Harry to watch Snuffles. Harry, with Snuffles following behind, walked over to Hermione and the Weasley's.

"Hey Harry," said Ron when he saw him. "Snuffles," he said reaching down to pat Sirius on the head, of course Sirius was still in dog form.

"Harry," called Fred.

"So nice to see you again," said George.

"Is that your dog?"

"No, it's Professor Lupin's he asked me to watch him for a while," Harry answered Fred.

"Professor Lupin is teaching here again?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, Dumbledore convinced him to," Harry answered.

"Man, that dog is huge," said George elbowing Ron out of the way.

"Yeah, you should train him to attack," said Fred.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Snuffles managed to separate from the rest of the Weasley's. They found an empty car on the train to sit in.

"Harry, why is Sirius here?" Hermione asked obviously afraid for Sirius's safety.

"Professor Lupin brought him," Harry answered.

Hermoine started to say something when Fred and George walked in, "Mind if we join you-" George started.

"All the other cars are full," Fred finished

Ron muttered something incomprehensible. "What was that dear brother?" Fred asked with a smirk.

"Never mind," said Harry quickly. "Why don't we play Exploding Snap?"

"Brilliant idea Harry," George said.

Soon they were all involved in a game of Exploding Snap, Snuffles sat next to Harry. The door to their compartment opened and in strode Draco Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle at his sides.

"Don't recall inviting you, Malfoy," Ron spat.

Draco smirked, "Doesn't matter, seeing that I'm already here."

Ron reached for his wand but Snuffles was already growling and barking at Malfoy so menacingly that he looked a little nervous. He quickly regained his poise and pushed his foot out to kick Snuffles just as Snuffles bit his leg. Malfoy screamed and hurried out.

"Brilliant Harry," said George.

"You don't even need to train him to attack, he already knows," said Fred.

"Good Snuffles," Ron said patting him on the head.

"We're almost there," a voice from the doorway startled them all. Once Malfoy had left they had all gone back to Exploding Snap.

"Prof. Lupin," they all said turning to him.

"Indeed, Dumbledore has convinced me to take up the position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher once again," Lupin said. Snuffles got up and led Lupin over to sit next to Harry so that he, Snuffles, could sit between them. "Fred and George if you could kindly leave us alone, I need to talk to Harry, Ron, and Hermione."

"Oh yeah reject us," said George, but he and Fred got to their feet and began to leave.

"Oh, Harry," said Fred.

"We almost forgot to-" George said.

"Give this to you."

"Open it privately it's a...err...gift for your financial support," said Fred softly in Harry's ear. Harry nodded and they walked out; he placed the box in his suitcase and turned to Prof. Lupin and Snuffles who was now replaced by Sirius. "Err... why are you here Sirius?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore asked me to stay around Hogwarts for a while and it's not like I mind," Sirius said. They were uninterrupted for the rest of the train ride Harry told everyone else about his summer, Dumbledore had not allowed him to go stay with the Weasleys. Sirius and Prof. Lupin talked a little about what they had done, but most of it was being kept secret.

At the welcoming feast Harry, Ron and Hermione saw that the new Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid was doing business for Dumbledore this year, was not there.

After the welcoming feast Harry was asked up to Dumbledore's and when he got there he was unsurprised to see Sirius there, too.

"Harry, how are you? Trust you had a fine summer," Dumbledore said, he seemed eager to get through the pleasantries.

"Fine sir," Harry said he then seated himself next to Sirius.

"Now then Harry, I have asked you up here to speak about the war against Voldemort," Dumbledore started, Harry nodded, "You will be an important part but for now we want you to lay low. Sirius will be here, too. He will stay at least till Christmas if all goes to plan."

"Albus, if he was back in June why hasn't he done anything yet?" Sirius asked.

"Don't know, suspect he has been gathering followers, none of our spies have heard anything. Of course they are not Voldemort's most trusted followers," Dumbledore said slowly. "Well Harry I just wanted to tell you what's going on and unless you have any questions you are free to go."

"No questions sir. Goodnight. Night Sirius," Harry said standing to leave.

"Goodnight Harry," said Dumbledore.

"Night Harry, see you tomorrow," said Sirius. Harry gave him a confused look. "Well you don't expect me to sit as a big black dog in Remus's office all day, do you?" Harry laughed shook his head and then left.

When Harry got to the common room he went up to his dormitory and took out his package from Fred and George. He was a little apprehensive to open it, nothing that was from them could be trusted, finally he decided to risk it and pulled the ribbon off. Inside there was a variety of candies, Harry knew Fred and George to well to consider eating any of them. He dug around a little and found a letter,

Dear Harry,

We have decided to make you our silent partner because of your generous donation. Silent partner meaning you get to test all product and have them for free but you don't have to make it publicly known that you are involved. We would not advise trying any of these candies yourself (feel free to give them to Ron though). Here is a list of what they are:

Small yellow ones Canary Creams Turn you into a canary

Red ones on a stick Levitation Lollies Make you float 4 ft off the ground until finished

Little gold ones Smoke Caramels Caramels that make you breathe out smoke for about 5 minutes

Large Blue ones Ton-Tongue Toffees Enlarges tongue

Hot Pink Squares Hot spice Gum Gum that tastes like pepper

White cubes Glue Gum Sticks your jaws together

Black spheres Black tooth Gum Turns your tongue, lips, and teeth black

Some of these will have their names changed. Hope you enjoy being our silent partner we will keep up informed on everything we are doing, if you have any suggestions either owl or come and talk to us.

Fred

George

Silent partner Harry thought, Sounds fun.

Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way to their first Defense Against Dark Arts class of the year. The lesson wasn't incredibly productive Dumbledore had decided it would be best for them to review unforgivable curses and everything else they had done in previous years. About five minutes before the end of class Prof. Lupin said to them "Those of you who have excelled above the rest in previous years have been selected to be taught wandless magic. The wandless magic class is at night and if you receive a letter you are welcome to attend but you do not have to. Those of you who do attend will be given instructions. Then will have three class periods to prove you can do simple spells without a wand. If you can you will continue in that class and drop this class. If you can't you will no longer take that class and will have to attend this class." He handed out letters to about ten students in the classroom, Ron, Hermione, and Harry all received a letter, then they were excused.

Harry opened his letter in the corridor and began to read it,

Dear Mr. Potter,

You have been accepted into Wandless magic training. It will take place at 7pm on Thursday night in the Defense Against Dark Arts classroom. This is optional but please consider coming.

Dumbledore

Prof. Dumbledore

Harry, I am sorry to say this class is not optional for you, and you must attend.

I'm going," said Ron.

"Me too," chimed in Hermione.

"Yeah, I'm going, too," Harry said deciding not to tell them he had to attend. They walked the rest of the way to dinner talking about wandless magic and how people do it.

Thursday night at 6:45 Harry, Ron and Hermione stood up and left the great hall. They pushed open the door to the Defense Against Dark Arts classroom at 6:59 and saw Prof. Lupin, Prof. McGonagall, Prof. Snape, and Prof. Dumbledore. Several other 5^th years were sitting on the floor, the desks used during classes were gone. Besides Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Lavender Brown and Seamus Finnigan were he only Gryffindors. Draco Malfoy was the only Slytherin, or at least the only one who had decided to attend. There were several Ravenclaws and a few Hufflepuffs Harry didn't recognize.

At 7pm Prof. Dumbledore stood up and the room immediately quieted. "Fifth years, you are the best of the best in your classes and have been selected to learn wandless magic. If you are ever caught misusing this ability you will discontinue this class immediately and have detention for a month. Not all of you will be able to do wandless magic which is why you will have only three classes to do learn some simple spells. If you are unable to do any spells after three days you will not continue with this class. If you can do wandless magic you will continue with this class four times a week and you will drop Defense Against Dark Arts. I will teach you once a week and some of your other Professors, all of whom can do wandless magic, have volunteered to help." Dumbledore sat down and Prof. Lupin stood up, "Wandless magic takes complete concentration you must focus on what you want to do and nothing else. It will become easier as you do it, do not feel disappointed if you do not succeed today. We will start with an unlocking spell, Alohomora," Lupin flicked his wand and a small locked door appeared in front of each of them and they all began trying to unlock it.

Harry looked at his door and tried to focus his mind on it he said "Alohomora." Nothing happened. He tried again focusing every fiber in his body in unlocking the door he closed his eyes and said, "Alohamora." He felt his whole body tingle and a surge shoot out of his fingertips. Hermione gasped and he opened his eyes to see his door unlocked and open in front of him.

Prof. Lupin walked over to him and said, "Nice work, Harry. Keep trying." He pushed the door closed and it instantly locked again. Harry unlocked his door all ten times he tried, he had to rest after each one it was draining, but he was one of the few who had, Hermione, Lavender, Draco and two Ravenclaws he didn't know were the only others.

After three Wandless Magic classes the fifth years selected to continue were Harry, Hermione, Lavender, Draco, Jenny Hermann in Ravenclaw, Hillary Mendle in Ravenclaw, Mara Wilson in Hufflepuff, and Kate Goush in Hufflepuff. They were learning to do defense spells without wands, it was harder then simple spells but every time Harry did it, it was less draining.

"Bye Ron," Hermione and Harry called on Monday when they left the hall at 6:45. Ron nodded but didn't say anything.

"I feel bad leaving him alone," Hermione said to Harry as they walked down the corridor.

"It will give Ron a chance to meet other Gryffindors," Harry said.

"I suppose but he feels bad that he can't do wandless magic, I think he feels inferior."

"It's good for him." Just then they reached the classroom and dropped the subject.

They sat down at the table which had only nine chairs at it. One chair for each student and one chair for the teacher. That night Dumbledore was teaching them.

"Tonight you will be partnered up and will try to disarm your partner. One of you will hold a wand and the other will try to disarm you without a wand," Prof. Dumbledore said. "I will partner you. Harry and Lavender, Hermione and Draco, Kate and Hillary, and Jenny and Mara. Get started."

"Hi Harry," said Lavender.

"Hey," said Harry.

"Why don't you start because I'm not very good at this wandless magic stuff."

"Okay." Harry focused; he no longer needed to close his eyes, and said "Expelliarmus." Lavender flew back and her wand flew out of her hand.

"You try," Harry told her.

She nodded and raised her hand closed her eyes and said, "Expelliarmus." Harry was knocked back and his wand flew out of his hand.

"I thought you weren't good at it!" Harry said accusingly.

Lavender smiled, "Well you're better then I am." They continued disarming each other for the hour long class; Lavender had to rest more often then Harry.

The next weekend was a Hogsmeade weekend and Harry had asked Lavender to go. That was how he had ended up walking down the main street of Hogsmeade next to Lavender with Snuffles at his feet.

"Let's go in for a butterbeer," Lavender suggested pulling her cloak tighter around herself.

"Okay," agreed Harry. They walked up to a table where Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were sitting. Harry and Lavender sat down, "Hey."

"Hullo," said Lavender timidly, she didn't know Harry's friends very well.

"I'll get us drinks," Harry said to Lavender, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny already had frosty butterbeers. Lavender nodded and as Harry got up Snuffles pushed into his leg and gave him a look that said me too. "Three butterbeers," Harry said to Rosemerta. He walked back to the table and handed one to Lavender and placed another on the floor for Snuffles.

Months past and soon September had become October. Sirius became the unofficial Gryffindor mascot though he was liked by every house except the Slytherin's. No one cared how he got in and out of classrooms or into the Gryffindor common room. There was no news about Voldemort, but as Dumbledore had said his spies were not the most trusted Death Eaters so they didn't hear everything. Harry was walking around the lake with Lavender Brown; he had found she was much nicer when she wasn't around Parvati. She and Harry had gone out a few times but they weren't officially dating. Harry wanted to ask her to go steady but was waiting for just the right moment. Tonight seemed right, the sun was setting on the horizon and the reflected the beautiful reds and oranges. Harry and Lavender sat down on a blanket and Lavender closed her eyes and laid her head on Harry's shoulder.

"Lavender?" Harry asked not wanting to wake her if she was asleep.

"Ummm," she said not opening her eyes.

"Iwaswonderingifyouwantedtogosteady?" Harry asked very quickly.

Now she opened her eyes lifted her head and looked Harry in the eye, "What?"

Harry took a deep breath, "I was wondering if you wanted to go steady?"

"Oh, I'd love to Harry," she said.

Harry leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, "Great," he said when they pulled apart. Almost two hours later they walked into the common room. "Night," Harry said.

"Night," she smiled at him. He leaned down and kissed her.

Harry walked into the common room one night after a late Quidditch practice, Dean Thomas had been made keeper and Angelina became the new captain. Ron looked as he walked in and called, "Harry, letter." Harry walked over and took it wondering who it was from he almost never got letters, except from Sirius who was lying by the fire but had looked up when Harry came in and was now watching him with interest.

Harry broke the seal and began to read the unfamiliar handwriting as he did his eyes grew wide with horror, "Harry what-" Hermione started.

But he cut her off, "I have to go see Dumbledore." Then he ran out and when he did Snuffles stood up and ran after him. "Lemon Drops," Harry yelled at the statue which immediately jumped aside Snuffles followed him in.

Harry knocked on the door at the top of the steps, "Come in," Dumbledore called. Harry walked in threw the letter on Dumbledore desk and sat down crying in one of the chairs. Snuffles changed into Sirius and he grabbed his godson and held him close he didn't know what had happened but he knew it was bad. Dumbledore read the letter and when he finished looked up and said, "Oh dear."

***

Next chapter: What was Harry's letter about? Who is the new CoMC teacher? And what is Ron going to do when Harry and Hermione have wandless magic training?