An Unexpected Situation

As Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning, they saw Alex already sitting at the Gryffindor table skimming through a book.

"How long have you been up" asked Harry?

"About half an hour," said Alex. "I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. So I got up and came down here for an early start."

Harry and Ron sat down with a startled look on their faces, while Hermione smiled. Soon after Ginny walked over to the table with Neville trailing along behind her. Alex saw this and smiled

"Want a sausage?" Ron asked Alex, holding a plate up to him.

"No thanks, I've eaten already." He saw Professor McGonagall walking into the hall. "Finally, the schedules are here."

The Professor handed a schedule to each of them.

"Well let's see," said Alex, "Care of Magical Creatures first. Then we have Double Transfiguration... my favorite class. And it looks like Double Potions after lunch."

Harry and Ron groaned. "Let me guess, not your favorite class?" asked Alex.

"No," said Ron, "Snape teaches that class and he favors the Slytherins because he's their Head of House."

Alex shook his head. "Typical. I had a similar teacher in Transfiguration a year ago. He was a right pain in the ass, believe me."

The others laughed as Ginny left to go to her classes. As she was only in her fourth year, she would not be in classes with Harry and the others. They left and went to Hagrid's hut for their lesson.

The lesson went very well, as they learned how to take care of Augureys, small greenish black birds that resembled a thin version of the phoenix. As Hagrid explained that the cry of the bird is a signal that rain is approaching, they heard thunder off in the distance. The bird then let out a low and throbbing cry. Hagrid gave them homework and dismissed the class.

The rain had started pouring by the time they reached McGonagall's class. Alex sat next to Hermione as it was the only empty seat there. Soon the Professor entered the room and became very serious.

"This class is going to become more difficult for you, and so will most of your others. As this is your fifth year at Hogwarts, you will be taking your O.W.L. exams at the end of the year. I want you all to study very hard. There will be a tremendous opportunity to advance your skills here and I am sure that all of you will pass your O.W.L. exam for this class"

She then gave everyone their assignment: turning ordinary stones into metal jewelry. It was harder than the Professor made it out to be. Harry could barely turn his stone into a ring. Hermione came close, but her bracelet had stone fragments in it. Alex however had a smile on his face. He had turned his stone into a beautiful shining necklace. McGonagall looked it over and gave him full marks for the day.

When they got to the Great Hall for lunch, Hermione looked sullen. She sat away from Alex and didn't even look at him. Harry went over and tried to talk to her, but she didn't budge. Harry came over and sat across from Alex.

"I think she's upset with you, mate," said Harry

"Why? What did I do?" asked Alex with a puzzled look.

Ron smiled and said, "Hermione's the brainiac of the group. She can't stand it when someone shows her up like you did in McGonagall's class."

"But I wasn't trying to show her up," said Alex, "Transfiguration has always been my strongest class. Besides I learned how to do that at the end of last year at my old school. It wasn't my intention to offend her."

"Do you mean that?" The voice came from Hermione, who looked at him with a small smile.

"Yes I do. I wasn't trying to show that I'm better than you. You're my friend. Besides, I'll help you out if you want me to."

"Wow, that's a change," said Ron, "Usually it's Harry & I that ask her for help." Harry nodded his head in agreement.

Feeling better, Hermione sat down and went over the lesson with Alex while Ron and Harry finished eating. Soon the bell rang and the four headed down to the dungeons for Potions. They had just taken their places when Professor Snape entered the room. He still looked as malevolent as ever, but seemed to be a bit preoccupied about something.

"Everyone will be working by themselves today," he announced in an annoyed tone. "The potion you will make today is Inrisus Hysterium, the laughing draught. It causes a person to laugh uncontrollably. If the antidote is not administered quickly, the victim will laugh until they pass out." He waved his wand and the instructions appeared on the board by his desk. "You will have one hour and a half to make this potion. You will not speak or disturb me or anyone else in anyway. The one who does will have points taken from their house... or worse. Get to work!"

Silently, the students began to make the potion. Snape sat his desk, furiously going over different papers and making notes. Ten minutes later, Draco Malfoy threw a toad liver at Alex, trying to rile him. Alex pulled the liver out of his hair and said nothing. Draco threw another one that landed on Alex's arm. Alex placed the liver with the others then, without turning around, made an obscene gesture at Draco.

"Sir! Latham's trying to rile me up!"

Snape didn't even look up. "Ten points from Slytherin, Malfoy."

"But sir..."

Snape looked up angrily. "Mr. Malfoy, I am not in the mood for your rantings today. If you do not wish to feel my wrath, I suggest you get on with making your potion and keep your mouth shut!"

Malfoy lowered his head and returned to his cauldron. Harry and most of the other Gryffindors were in shock. They had never seen Snape take any points away from his own house before, much less yell at Malfoy for anything. Harry looked at Alex. He was concentrating very hard on making the potion, checking the board constantly as he added ingredients, seeming oblivious to what had just transpired.

Time seemed to pass slowly. Finally near the end of class, Snape got up and looked at everyone's cauldron. He gave Draco full marks. He told off Neville, whose potion was blue instead of red like it should have been. Then he came to Alex.

"Mr. Latham, our new student from America. I have heard that their schooling is very strict." He looked into his cauldron. "Well, it seems that you have made the potion correctly. Let us test it to see if it works. Potter, over here please."

Harry walked over as Snape took a sample of the potion. He handed the vial to Harry. He drank it and immediately went into loads of hysterical laughter. After a few moments, Snape pulled a vial from his pocket and fed it to Harry. He stopped laughing almost immediately. Snape turned to Alex.

"Well, it is good to see that someone in Gryffindor has the patience and disposition to do well in this class. I fully expect you to pass my O.W.L. exam with at least the second highest mark possible. As for today, you get full marks. I need to see you and Potter after class."

The bell rang and the students packed their things. As soon as everyone else left the classroom, Harry and Alex approached Snape's desk.

"The headmaster wishes to see both of you in his office. Follow me."

They followed Snape out of the dungeon and into the hallway. They soon came to the familiar statue of the gargoyle. Snape turned and said "Muddy knee." Instantly the gargoyle slide back and revealed the stairs. Harry and Alex stepped on them and they moved slowly upward. Before they went into Dumbledore's office, Harry turned to Alex.

"I've never seen Snape act like that. And he actually gave someone in Gryffindor full marks. You must good at potions."

Alex looked at Harry sadly. "Actually I'm not. I'm terrible at it. A friend at my old school made that potion once to play a prank on a teacher. I remembered it when Snape put in on the board. Now he expects me to have a high grade on the O.W.L. for his class?" Alex heaved a mournful sigh. "I'm so screwed."

Harry shook his head and opened the door. They stepped inside and Alex's jaw dropped as he looked around Dumbledore's office.

"Wow! My old principal's office wasn't anything like this."

"I imagine that is all too true. American professors are more proud of their certificates and diplomas than anything else," said the Headmaster. He came down the stairs from his observatory and sat behind his desk. He motioned for Harry and Alex to sit, which they did. Alex noticed the aura of power Dumbledore generated that Harry knew oh so well.

"I will say that the heads of the two schools in America are very much up to their tasks. Although I must say that they do push a bit hard, as you know Alex. But I'm sure you will find the change of pace welcome, even if you already know some of what is to come. And do not worry about passing Potions. I'm sure you will do well."

Harry looked at Alex and smiled.

"Now, I wanted to talk to you both and update you on recent events. I'm sure that you have heard about the attack a few days ago. Naturally, the Ministry is still denying that Voldemort has anything to do with it. However, he is very much involved. And I suspect that he is doing this to try and frighten you so that you will be unprepared to face him, Harry. Unfortunately, I know that you will face each other again."

Dumbledore stood up and looked directly at Harry. "I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but it is the truth. I am telling you now for several reasons. It has come to the point where it would be useless to withhold information from you. Better to hear it from me than from someone else later. Also, Voldemort is getting stronger and you do not yet have the training to face him in full combat. Yes, you have survived him three times in the last four years. But a certain amount of luck was involved each time. And if you were to face each other now, I'm afraid he would win simply on the power and skill that he has." Dumbledore looked at both of them. "Therefore, I want both of you to train with Professor Ravenwillow for two to three hours on Fridays after lunch. I would like you to inform Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger that they will be training with you as well."

Harry looked at Alex. He had a stern look on his face.

"I also want you to work with your friends whenever possible on what Professor Ravenwillow teaches you. Also, I encourage you to train outside of her class whenever possible. Alex is well ahead in certain areas, so he can help you there. He is a bit behind on others, and that's where your training can help him, Harry."

Dumbledore sat once again. "I am trying to persuade other students to join you in training for what is to come, but I am having difficulty. Most simply do not want to believe that Voldemort has returned. And there are some who probably support him, although they will never say anything. Silence is a great weapon and they will use it to their advantage. But someone will probably slip. And when that happens, be prepared for anything, because they will do anything to silence you."

Alex looked a bit stunned. "You mean, if someone gives themselves away to us, they won't hesitate to attack?"

"That is correct. Those who support the Dark Lord, whether it is a Death Eater or a student here at Hogwarts, will do anything for him. Just have your wits about you and you will be fine."

Harry looked at Dumbledore. "Sir, do you have any idea who or where he will attack next?"

The headmaster sighed then looked at Harry. "I am not sure, Harry. But I have a feeling that the attacks will get worse. Not necessarily in size, but in who he attacks. Voldemort is getting confident with every attack he makes. However, with the help of several associates, including Alex's parents, we may be able to slow him down considerably. But it takes time. And right now, as you know, I have to tread lightly."

Harry knew he had a lot to think about. "As if I didn't have enough on my mind already." He knew the meeting was over and started to stand, along with Alex.

"Good luck with your training. And Harry, I don't want you to start your Animagus training just yet. This is more important. We will start in due time."

"Yes sir," replied Harry as they walked out the door.

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They walked back to the Common Room and caught up with Ron and Hermione. Ron was playing chess with Dean Thomas and winning. Hermione was immersed in her homework as usual. After Ron won his game, Dean left the Common Room. The other three gathered around and Harry told them everything, with a few additions from Alex.

"Wow," said Ron after they had finished, "Dumbledore must be concerned if he wants us to start so soon."

"I know," replied Hermione, "Ravenwillow must be good. Sounds like Dumbledore has full confidence in her abilities."

Alex pulled out his schedule and looked it over. He frowned slightly. "It's too bad we don't have her until Thursday. I'd like to get an early start."

Harry thought for a minute. "Well, maybe we can. He said there were things you knew that we didn't and vice versa. Let's see if we can find somewhere to practice and we can share what we know."

The others agreed. Then Hermione smiled. "I've got an idea. I'll talk to Professor McGonagall and see if she knows a good place."

"Good thinking," said Harry, "Just make sure it's somewhere relatively private. I don't want Filch to walk in on us."

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Later that evening, the four friends gathered in Professor Binns' classroom. It was large enough for them to work in and remote enough so they would not be disturbed. Hermione had brought a few books and went through them, but she mostly watched as Alex and Harry discussed the spells they knew. When Alex pulled out his wand, Harry stopped and looked at it.

"Is something wrong?" asked Alex.

"Your wand," said Harry, "What's the core made of?"

"It's the heartstring of a Hungarian Horntail."

Harry smiled at Alex. "So you're the one Mr. Ollivander was talking about."

Alex looked a bit puzzled. "Mr. Ollivander told you about me."

Harry smiled and told him about the conversation he had with Mr. Ollivander. The even compare the wands, which looked almost exactly the same. Alex beamed at him.

"I guess we were destined to work together. I had a feeling about that when we met a few weeks ago. Ok Harry, show me what you got."

Harry tried a few of the spells Alex didn't know. They could not believe that Alex did not know the Jelly-Legs Jinx or Rictusempra, the tickling spell. After a few moments, Harry allowed Alex to use the spells on him and he learned them very quickly, much to the surprise of Ron, who usually had trouble.

Alex then decided to show some of what he knew. He asked Ron to volunteer and stood opposite him. Harry took a seat by Hermione and listened closely.

"The first spell I'm going to show you is the Permis spell. It causes a person to become very disoriented."

Alex turned, pointed his wand at Ron and yelled, "Permisceo!" A bright light hit Ron and he was instantly confused. His sense of balance was gone and he stumbled around haphazardly. Harry laughed for a moment but Hermione was not very amused at the sight of Ron being completely disorientated. Alex removed the curse and helped Ron to a chair.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah," said Ron, looking a bit green, "It just felt really weird. Like I was stumbling around and couldn't stop."

Alex smiled. "That's the point of the spell. It leaves your enemy vulnerable for you to cast your next jinx. I will tell you that it is a tricky one to learn. The next one is pretty easy." He turned to Harry and Hermione. "Who wants to help me?"

Hermione stood up and walked over to where Ron had been standing. Alex looked at her with hesitation.

"What's wrong?" asked Hermione

"I don't know if I want to do this on you," replied Alex, "I.... I just have an aversion to casting spells like this on girls I'm friends with."

Hermione smiled. "It's ok Alex. I've been through a lot. Besides I have to learn about these spells and I want know what I may be up against."

Alex sighed and moved back to his spot across from her. "All right. Have you ever heard of the Caligo curse?"

"Yes I have. It is used to make your opponent dizzy. I don't think we're supposed to learn that until next year."

"Well you're going to get a head start." Alex pointed his wand and Hermione. He hesitated for a moment then yelled "Caligo!" A dark blue light shot out of his wand and hit Hermione in the chest. She started spinning and soon fell in a heap on the floor. Alex reversed the spell immediately and went to her side. She tried to stand but immediately slumped to the floor again. She clasped a hand over her mouth, crawled to a trashcan and threw up. When she finally stopped, she turned and looked at Alex.

"Now I understand why you didn't want to do it to me," she said, still looking sick.

Alex shook his head and sighed. "I'm sorry. I tried to tell you..."

Hermione held up her hand. "It's okay. At least I know what to expect. God, I'm still dizzy."

Alex pointed his wand at his bag. "Accio flask!" he shouted and a sliver flask shot out of the bag and into his hand. He unscrewed the cap and helped Hermione take a sip. She took one more and Alex helped her up. She felt better and took one more sip before handing the flask back to Alex.

"What is that?" asked Ron.

"Liquefied chocolate I got at Diagon Alley. The flask is charmed to keep

the chocolate from hardening." He handed the flask to Ron, who took a

deep pull from it. He handed it to Harry. He took a sip and found it

reviving.

"Could I get some before you guys drink it all?!" said Alex with a laugh. Harry handed the flask back to him. Alex tipped it up and emptied it. He saw his watch and his eyes became huge.

"Good grief, it's almost 11:30. We need to get some sleep."

"I agree," said Harry. The four gathered their things and walked quietly back to Gryffindor Tower.