An Unexpected Situation

The next few days went as Harry expected. All the teachers reminded them about the O.W.L exams and the homework piled up. Potions class was the worst and it seemed that Alex was right. His potion work went downhill fast, but he still fared better then Neville who managed to melt down yet another cauldron before the end of class on Wednesday.

Thursday turned out to be the best day of the week. The group only had two classes: double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Defense Against the Dark Arts.

After Herbology had ended, the four walked down the hallway and entered the familiar classroom. They took their seats and took out their books. They only had a wait a minute when the new teacher stepped out of her office. Professor Ravenwillow was a tall woman dressed in black and red. Her long hair was pulled back but still went almost to the floor. The aura of power surrounding her was obvious to everyone in the classroom. She looked young but her eyes told Harry and a few of the others that she had experienced things. Harry wondered if his eyes told a similar story.

She took roll call, speaking in a full strong voice. It was stern, letting the class know that they needed to take everything very seriously. After she was done, she walked around her desk and stood in front of it.

"Welcome to Defense class, fifth years. I have gone over what you have been taught the last four years with Professor Dumbledore. It seems that you have been trained fairly well in the last two years. I was also informed that you all studied the Unforgivable Curses last year. I would not have gone that far myself, but if the Headmaster deemed you to be ready, so be it."

She walked around for a bit and looked the class over. "This year, we will be going over some of the more advanced defensive and offensive spells. And we will be dueling heavily throughout the school year. Dumbledore wants you all to be prepared for the worst."

Seamus raised his hand. "Does he means....You-Know-Who?"

The Professor hesitated for a moment. "I am unsure of what or who he means. I know what happened here last year. I am not going to confirm or denounce anything anyone says. I am always prepared for anything that might come our way. I could say that it is unlikely that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could ever come back..." Harry was shocked. "...but in my experience, I know that anything is possible. I know for a fact that the Headmaster is concerned by the attacks that have occurred the last several weeks. He feels that they may extend their attacks to the Wizarding community... maybe even to Hogwarts itself."

The class made a collective gasp. None of them had a remote thought of the idea of the school coming under attack. Now they understood why the magic around the school was reinforced.

"We are going to step things up in this class. To prepare you for the worst should that happen. You will also be better prepared for your O.W.L. exams. Now let's get to work."

They spent the rest of the class going over defensive strategies used in case of being attacked by a dark wizard. They involved complex patterns of movement and sending counter curses to your opponent. The Professor stated that they would slowly start devising strategies next week.

"I need to see Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley and Alex Latham. The rest of you are dismissed."

The class got up and filed out of the classroom. The four she called remained in their seats after the others left. Professor Ravenwillow shut the door with a wave of her wand and stepped up to them.

"I wanted to make a few things clear with all of you. When I spoke to the class today, I did so with the knowledge that not everyone believes that Voldemort has returned. I did not want to arouse suspicion or cause a ruckus. I do believe he is back and gaining power. I was also truthful when I spoke about an attack on the school. I know that there are magic wards all around us, but the right combination of spells will disable even the strongest of them. So we have to prepare ourselves."

The four of them nodded. They had a feeling this was coming. Harry's mind eased tremendously when she mentioned that she believed the Dark Lord had returned.

"Tomorrow, you will begin advanced training with me. We are going to do a LOT of dueling. I have convinced a few students from other classes to come and train as well. We won't have very many, but it is a good start. We will start training after lunch. Professor McGonagall informed me that you started going over things a few days ago. I'm very pleased. It means you will be able to help the others out."

"For the rest of the day, I want you all to do homework for your other subjects. Don't neglect your studies. This is a very important year. Off you go."

Hesitantly, they left the classroom.

"Did you notice her eyes?" asked Alex as they walked down the hallway.

"No offence, Alex," said Ron, "but I was more concerned with what she had to say."

"I know, but you should have looked into her eyes. They show the signs of someone that has experience fighting the Dark Arts. I think she'll teach us a lot this year."

"I was thinking the same thing," said Harry. "Alex, do I have that look in my eyes?"

They stopped in the hallway. Alex looked directly into Harry's eyes for a long moment.

"You have the look of someone who has seen and experienced things no one our age should. But it will make you strong, Harry. Maybe stronger than all of us put together," said Alex. "That does not mean we expect you to do everything yourself. We're here to help you. I can assure you of that."

The others agreed as they walked back to the Common Room.

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The four of them spent the rest of the afternoon doing their homework. Alex turned out to be a big help, helping Harry and Ron with Divination and helping all three with Transfiguration, but Hermione had to help him with his Potions essay. They were mentally worn out by the time they went to the Great Hall for dinner.

After a fantastic meal, they walked back up to the Common Room. Before they got there, they ran into Angelina Johnson, one of Harry's Quidditch teammates.

"Harry! There you are. Listen, we need to get together on Saturday with the rest of the team to talk about tryouts for the Keeper position. Is 11 o'clock okay?"

"Sure," said Harry, "I'll see you then."

As she walked away, Alex shook his head. "Man, I don't see how you do it. We've got all this work in classes... we've got Dark Arts training tomorrow... and now you've got Quidditch on Saturday? You're a braver man than I, Harry."

The four laughed as they walked into the crowded Common Room. Ginny was at a table getting some homework done. Hermione saw Fred and George trying to give one of their inventions to a first year. "Those two," she exclaimed as went over and sent the boy away before he could eat the potentially dangerous treat.

"Hey!" cried Fred. "What do you think you're doing?"

Hermione rounded on them with an angry look. "I don't care if you want to try your inventions, but don't do it to the first years!"

"But Hermione..." said George like he had just lost a puppy.

"But nothing," she said not giving an inch, "Find someone you know personally to do that with."

"Good idea," beamed Fred as he looked around. "Hey Lee, hang on a second." The twins went over to talk to their friend.

"I swear," said Hermione as she rejoined her friends, "those two are impossible. I'm surprised you claim them as your brothers, Ron."

"Who said I did?" asked Ron with a smile. "I'm going to bed. It's been a long day."

"I am too," said Harry. "Are you coming, Alex?"

"No, I'm going to get a bit more work done," he replied, taking out a book. He looked up and saw something. "Whose owl is that?"

Harry turned and saw Hedwig sitting on the windowsill. He walked over and saw the note on her leg. He took it and gave Hedwig a treat before opening it.

Harry,

I was wondering if you, Ron and Hermione would come visit me before lunch tomorrow around 11 o'clock. And bring Mr. Latham along too. I'd like to get to know him since I didn't have much of a chance in class this week.

Hagrid

Harry handed the letter to Alex. "Hagrid wants us to see him tomorrow before lunch. Sound good?"

A collective "Yes" was sounded. Harry send Hagrid a reply, then went to his dorm room with Ron. Alex and Hermione stayed up for a while longer, doing their homework and helping Ginny.

When Harry and Ron reached their dorm, they were relieved to notice that everyone else was asleep. They sat on Ron's bed and pulled the curtains around them.

"Man, trying to get Hermione alone to talk is like pulling a tooth," exclaimed Harry quietly.

"I know what you mean," said Ron, "and I'm not sure about Latham. I'm beginning to wonder about him."

"Oh come on," said Harry, "I don't think he has any interest in Hermione. I have a feeling he'd tell us if he did. Besides, he's always looking at that Ravenclaw girl."

"You mean Lovegood?" asked Ron. Harry nodded. "Alex and 'Loony' Lovegood... well, it might work in some weird, cosmic way...."

"You're funny," laughed Harry, "Well, I'm going to bed."

Before he could leave, Ron grabbed his hand. "Hey Harry," said Ron hesitantly, "Have you thought about... you and I at all?"

Harry looked at Ron. "Yes I have," he thought, "And I think I have the same feelings. But I need just a little more time." "Well, here's something for you to think about." Harry then took Ron's face in both hands and kissed him soundly on the lips. It was a quick kiss that caught Ron completely off guard. Harry pulled back and smiled. "Goodnight, Ron."

Harry made his way over to his bed. After he changed, he climbed into his bed. As he reached for the curtains he heard Ron's voice.

"I love you, Harry."

Harry smiled and pulled the curtains around him. "I love you too, Ron." He soon drifted off into a deep sleep.

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The next day, the Trio and Alex went walking around the school. As they walked, Harry noticed that they hadn't had any altercation with Malfoy recently, which seemed to be a good thing. They did see Luna Lovegood a lot. She always seemed to be in a hurry. Harry smiled, knowing that she had a thing for Alex. By the look on his face, the feeling was mutual.

Since they had some time before they had to see Hagrid, the Trio took Alex went on a tour of Hogwarts. They mainly went to the places they knew by heart, even taking Alex to the statue of the humpbacked, one eyed witch Harry had used to sneak into Hogsmeade during his third year. Just to make sure, he tried to open the statue's hump but nothing happened. It seemed that Dumbledore was true to his word about sealing up the secret entrances to the school.

When the time neared 11 o'clock, the four friends strolled out the front doors and over to Hagrid's. They knocked on the door and heard Fang's loud barking.

"Hello everyone," said Hagrid as he opened the door. "Good to see ya. Come in."

The four went inside. The surroundings were just as the Trio remembered them. Alex looked around with a sense of awe and took everything in. He sat in a chair near the fireplace.

"Wow. I would love to have a place like this," said Alex appreciatively. "To take my mind off things and not have a care in the world.... It's very appealing."

Hagrid looked at Alex and smiled. "Well, I'm glad you like it, Alex. Reminds me of your parents when they were here. Just as kindhearted as you are. Your dad had a bit of a temper, but your mom always seemed to calm him down. They were inseparable."

Everyone smiled as Hagrid severed them tea and treacle cakes. Harry had warned Alex about Hagrid's cooking, but he took one anyway. They went over what they might be learning in Hagrid's class. He mentioned that the Auguery's were doing fine. Then he got really serious.

"I heard that you're goin' to be learning some things from Professor Ravenwillow this afternoon. I think it's an excellent idea. You-Know-Who is getting' stronger and Dumbledore is very concerned. And my trip over the summer didn't help at all."

"Where did you go?" asked Ron.

"Up into the mountains to find the Giants," said Hagrid with a bit of sadness. "They didn't want no part of anything Dumbledore offered. The good news is that they don't support the dark side, either. They're stayin' neutral. I even heard that the Death Eater that was sent almost lost his life cause he insulted the head of the tribe."

Everyone had a good laugh at this. The talk soon gave way to happier conversation as Alex got to know Hagrid. Before they left, he sat with Alex for a moment.

"I'll tell you straight up; these are the best friends you could ever have. They've helped me many times, even when it seemed that all was lost. My best advice is for you to hang on to 'em. Don't lose 'em to the usual rubbish that affects your life. Stay with 'em and you'll be better off."

Alex smiled and told Hagrid he took his advice to heart. They left him and headed back to the school with their stomachs growling.

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After lunch, they made their way to Professor Ravenwillow's classroom. The desks had been moved to the sides of the room, leaving a large open space to practice. The Professor was already in the room talking with someone. Harry recognized him immediately

"Hullo Neville," said Harry as the boy turned his head. "Glad you could make it." Harry knew why he was here. Dumbledore had made Harry promise not to tell anyone that Neville's parents were in St. Mungo's because of an attack by Voldemort's men. They had been driven insane.

A few more students started coming in. Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbot, Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson arrived and started getting ready.

"We're just waiting for one more... ah, there she is."

Harry turned and couldn't believe his eyes. There stood Ginny Weasley. She ran over to Harry and gave him a hug. They hadn't seen each other much because of all the homework they had been doing.

"What are you doing here?" asked Harry.

"Learning to defend myself," said Ginny in a very serious tone. "If all goes well I'll be better prepared for next year." She then turned and gave Neville a bigger hug. Harry noticed his face turn beet red.

They soon took a seat next to Harry. Conversation continued until the Professor closed the door and sealed it. Everyone stopped talking as she walked to the middle of the room.

"Welcome to Advanced Defense Training. Today, we will work on disarming. I know that you have worked on it already, but we will work so you can fine tune your ability with the 'Expelliarmus' spell. When you have had enough practice, you should be able to take someone's wand without flinching. Latham, step to the center and demonstrate with Potter."

The boys stepped to the center of the room and took their stances.

"Now Harry, I don't want you to do anything since this is a demonstration. I want everyone to concentrate on Mr. Latham. If he does it properly, he will barely move from his spot. Cast the charm on three. One... Two... Three!"

"Expelliarmus!" yelled Alex. Harry's wand flew right out of his hand and Alex caught it. He had only moved his left hand to catch the wand. The rest of them were impressed.

"Excellent," remarked the Professor, "that is exactly what we are trying to accomplish. Now I would like everyone to break into pairs and practice."

The students paired up and began to duel. Everyone was doing rather well except for Neville. He had paired up with Alex, who had disarmed him five times in a row. Neville's casting hardly made Alex flinch. He saw that Neville was shaking, so he took him over and sat down with him.

"Are you all right? You seemed perplexed," said Alex.

"I'm mad at myself," cried Neville with frustration, "I want to do well, but I'm just no good. I'm a total failure." He said this so loud that the rest of the room stopped. Ginny looked at him with concern.

"No, you're not," said Alex, fixing his eyes on Neville. "Yes, you're frustrated. That's because you're trying too hard. You can do this, I know you can." He turned to the group. "Harry, pair up with Neville so I can help him."

The rest of them went back to practice. Ginny, who was getting tired, sat down and watched as Harry and Neville stood opposite each other. Alex instructed Harry not to do anything as he coached Neville. After ten minutes, Neville had managed to disarm Harry, but the wand fell to the floor before it could reach him.

"You're getting better," said Alex, picking up Harry's wand and tossing it back to him. "You just need to put a little more force into the spell. Let's keep trying."

And they kept trying. After another fifteen minutes, Neville yelled the incantation and Harry's wand flew across the room into his hand. The others applauded.

"See, I said you could do it." He handed Harry's wand back and stood opposite Neville. "Now try it on me."

Neville hesitated then yelled "Expelliarmus!" Alex's wand flew across the room into Neville's hand. The spell also knocked Alex back a foot. The room exploded with cheers as Alex regained his footing.

"Wow!" exclaimed Alex, "There was some power behind that."

"Excellent work, everyone," said the Professor. "You have progressed very well. Let's see... five points to everyone here... and ten points to Neville for working extra hard." She waved her wand and broke the seal on the door. "Next week, we will progress further and start advanced defensive tactics. Dismissed."

The students went out the door, happy with what they had accomplished. Harry praised Alex for helping out Neville. They wondered what they would learn in the next few weeks.

When they got back to the Common Room, they noticed Fred and George standing close together. It was clear that they were hiding something.

"All right, what are the two of you up to?" asked Hermione.

"We're not up to anything," replied Fred. "We've got something for Ron."

Ron stepped from behind Harry, nervously eying his brothers.

"What is this, some sort of trick?"

"Oh come now," said George. "We wouldn't trick you unless you deserved it. But we think you deserve this even more."

The twins stepped apart and Ron jaw dropped. Leaning against a chair was a new broomstick. Ron walked over to it and carefully picked it up. It was light to the touch and looked streamlined.

"You got me a Nimbus 2003?" he asked excitedly. "How..."

"We bought it in Diagon Alley," said Fred matter-of-factly. "Mom couldn't afford to get you one, so we took some of what we have for the joke shop and bought it. Now you have no excuse for not trying out for Keeper."

The look on Ron's face was of eternal gratitude. Harry cracked a wide smile and winked at the twins. Alex, Neville and Ginny were simply amazed. Hermione looked puzzled.

"And where exactly did you get this money?" she asked.

"From a generous contributor," answered George, "that wishes to remain anonymous." He wicked back at Harry. Alex saw this and smiled.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders and went to her books. The rest of them sat and talked about the upcoming Quidditch season with renewed confidence.