An Unexpected Situation

Harry and the others hardly slept the rest of the night. Dumbledore left them after they promised not to reveal anything they had learned to anyone. He told them he would address the entire school soon.

Harry and Ron talked for a while, reflecting on how strange the past few hours had been for them. On one hand, they were happy that they had talked to Hermione, got their feelings about her (and each other) out in the open, and that she was considering what they had discussed. On the other hand, they were scared and frustrated at what had happened at Azkaban.

The situation took another turn when Dumbledore called the students into the Great Hall for breakfast. When Harry walked in, he noticed that there were several stacks of the Daily Prophet on each table. The Headmaster instructed everyone to take a copy and read the front page.

As Harry sat down, he was handed a copy of the paper:

DESTRUCTION AND ESCAPE AT AZKABAN

At a news conference held early this morning, the Minister of Magic

revealed that a mass escape had occurred at Azkaban prison last night.

"It was brought to my attention that the group of rogues who have been

attacking Muggle settlements orchestrated this break," said Cornelius Fudge. "I have also been informed that the prison itself was destroyed and that the Dementors have joined these rogues in their ranks."

When asked if this was a sign of the return of You-Know-Who, the Minister

angrily replied, "No it does not! There is no proof from any of our agents that he has returned!"

Harry put his paper down and shook his head. "That's what he thinks."

The Hall was abuzz in conversation. Questions were flying around and several students looked frightened. Even most of the Slytherins looked concerned. After a moment, Dumbledore silenced everyone.

"As you have read, our world is in a state of chaos. I have continually warned the Ministry that this could happen after what happened at the end of the last school year. As you all have noticed, the Ministry has decided to ignore all requests and inquiries I have made. However, I am determined and convinced that we should ready ourselves for anything that could happen."

The headmaster's words were greeted with stunned silence.

"The professors and I are taking steps to make sure our defenses are as strong as they can be," he continued. "I also want you to be prepared for what may come. As some of you know, Professor Ravenwillow has been training a few volunteers in advanced defensive tactics. I strongly suggest to more of you to come to her sessions and learn all you can. The sessions will now be held in the Great Hall after lunch on Fridays. Also, in light of recent events and for your own safety, all Hogsmeade visits for the rest of the school year have been cancelled."

There was a general sound of dissent throughout the Hall, but the students understood. The groans turned to applause when Dumbledore announced that the upcoming Quidditch season would continue as scheduled.

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In a dark and dreary place, Voldemort was pacing by a rampaging fire. He was pleased that everything had gone as planned. The relentless destruction of the Muggles was just a warm-up to a grander scheme. He smiled evilly, thinking of how his latest attack went so well. He knew the time would soon come when he would face the-boy-who-lived again. "And this time", he thought, "The outcome will be much different."

One of his Death Eaters came into the room and bowed. Voldemort motioned for him to stand. The hooded figure handed something to the Dark Lord. He looked it over and smiled.

"So, they still deny the obviousness of the truth," he said with amusement, "Very soon it will be time to show them how wrong they all are." He laughed heartily and threw the paper into the fire.

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After lunch, Harry walked out of the Great Hall. He was stopped by Alex.

"Harry," he said out of breath, "Dumbledore wants to see you in his office right away."

Harry nodded and went the other direction. He walked through the corridors and soon reached the stone gargoyle. He said the password and the statue slid away. He hopped on the first stair and spiraled upward. He soon came to the door and opened it.

"Ahh Harry," said the headmaster, "Please come in."

He closed the door and walked up to Dumbledore's desk. Professor McGonagall was standing by the desk as well.

"Professor Ravenwillow has updated on your progress. She feels that there is little more she could teach you. I disagree, but the time has come to shift your direction and begin your Animagus training."

Harry was a bit stunned. He hadn't thought about it in weeks.

"I want you to go through your book whenever you get a chance. Professor McGonagall will be teaching you on Fridays while everyone else is with Professor Ravenwillow. I want you to take your time. This is not something you will learn overnight. Study and work hard. I know you can do this."

Harry nodded. He turned to leave when the door burst open. Professor Snape ran in, holding his arm.

"Headmaster," said Snape in a low voice, "He is summoning me."

Snape took his hand away and Harry saw it. The Dark Mark that had been burned into Snape's arm was burning black. Dumbledore's face became very serious.

"I understand," he said, "You know what to do."

"Yes, headmaster."

"Very well. Be careful, Severus. You, more than all of us, know what he is capable of."

Snape nodded and headed out the door. Dumbledore looked at McGonagall.

"Go and fetch Professor Ravenwillow for me. We have urgent matters to discuss. Harry, go and spend time with your friends today. We have a lot to do in the coming days."

Harry nodded and left the room with McGonagall.

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He got back to the Common Room just as Ron, Hermione and Alex were leaving. He asked them to wait and disappeared inside. A few moments later, he emerged with Ginny and Neville.

"Let's go to the Quidditch field," said Harry. They walked down the stairs toward the front doors. Before they went outside, Alex stopped and talked with Luna for a minute. She smiled at him as they walked out the doors.

"So, did my advice work for you, Alex?" asked Hermione as they walked.

Alex looked at her and turned a good shade of red. "Yes it did, as a matter of fact," he said, "We sort of have a date tonight."

"A date?" asked Ron, "You and Loony..."

"Watch it, Ron," said Alex sharply, "That's my girl you're talking about." Ginny punched her brother on the shoulder.

"Sorry mate. It's just... I don't know what to think about her. She's a bit odd."

"I know," said Alex, a bit calmer, "But there's more to her than you know. Just give her a chance, ok?"

Ron nodded and shrugged his shoulders when Harry looked at him. They soon reached the pitch and huddled together in the stands. It wasn't too cold, but they decided to keep wan nonetheless.

"So, what's this all about?" asked Neville.

Harry filled Neville and Ginny in on what had been going on, as well as telling them about the conversation he had in Dumbledore's office. He mentioned how Snape had walked in and about the Dark Mark on his arm.

"Snape is a spy?" said Alex in disbelief.

"Yeah," answered Harry, "He was during the first war. Apparently he's re-earned Voldemort's trust. He was called right after he was restored. I wonder what he has in mind?"

The five of them offered theories, but they all seemed outlandish.

"I'm gonna have to tell Luna about this before too long," said Alex, "She'll probably figure it out soon, anyway. That girl is damn perceptive. She's so observant of everything around her. She might be able to help us out." Harry nodded and made a mental note to remember Luna.

The cold finally became too much to endure and they went back inside to prepare for tomorrow's classes.

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The days were getting harder and harder. Everyone's homework had doubled and seemed impossible to get through. Professor Ravenwillow was teaching Potions classes while Snape was away but it wasn't any easier. At least she doesn't taunt us like Snape does, thought Harry.

Quidditch practice was easy but time consuming. Angelina had been made Captain of the team and was working everyone as hard as Wood had done. She announced that they would be playing Hufflepuff in their first game of the season due to a new system that determined who they would face based on points scored.

Though it all, Harry still managed to find time to study his new Animagus book. He still hadn't thought of what animal he wanted to become, but he was sure something would come to him.

He was still thinking about it when he said goodbye to his friends and headed for Professor McGonagall's classroom on Friday. He didn't see Alex, but assumed that he was already helping people out. The Great Hall was full of students that had taken Dumbledore's advice.

He walked into the classroom and saw McGonagall sitting at her desk. As he walked around the desk, he got knocked down by a large animal. Clearing his head, his eyes focused and he came face to face with a large black dog.

"Snuffles!!"

The dog backed up and turned into the familiar form of Sirius Black. He helped Harry up and the two embraced in a hug.

"This is a pleasant surprise," said Harry.

"Dumbledore told me about this. I think your father would be very proud of you wanting to take this step," said Sirius with a smile. "It will take some time."

"How long did it take you?"

Sirius thought for a moment. "Almost nine months."

"Nine months?!"

"I don't think it will take you that long," said McGonagall, "Since you've had more training and are older, you will probably be able to do it in two to three months, perhaps sooner. Have you thought about what you want to change into?"

Harry thought for a minute. His fondness for birds came to mind. He thought of Hedwig and Fawkes. Several other birds came to mind. He thought of a bird he always liked and smiled.

"I think I'll be a falcon," he said.

McGonagall smiled. "A good choice. Let's get to work."

For the rest of the lesson, they went over the history of Animagi and how to prepare for the changes Harry would go through. A few potions were involved and McGonagall had them ready. She gave them to Harry and told him when he needed to take them, as they would start the actual transformation aspect next week. Sirius gave him some very helpful advice before changing back and leaving for Dumbledore's office.

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As November came to a close, the group's spirits took a turn for the better. Through constant effort, everyone was getting through the mountains of homework they had. Dark Arts training was getting better and better. They were delighted that Neville, with Ginny's help, had seemingly cast aside any doubts of his abilities and had become one of the best.

The only downside for Harry was his Animagus training. McGonagall insisted that he was progressing well, but he had only been able to sprout a head full of feathers thus far.

Everything took a definite upturn at the first Quidditch match of the season. The match was mostly forgettable, but still had a few highlights from the Gryffindor team. Ron had managed to block all but one shot and Harry caught the Snitch, giving Gryffindor a 280 to 10.

The biggest surprise was the match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin on the last day of November. For some time, it looked like Slytherin would run away with the victory. But Ravenclaw mounted a surprising comeback that culminated with Cho Chang getting the Snitch when Malfoy was knocked off his broom by a Bludger, giving Ravenclaw the victory by a mere 30 points.

The next morning, frost lined the school grounds. The air had a biting chill to it, forcing everyone to stay indoors. The students made the most of the time, doing extra Dark Arts training or in Harry's case more Animagus training.

November faded into December flawlessly. The Trio was seen together all the time, usually studying with Ginny, Neville. Alex and Luna had finally made it official that they were a couple, to the delight of the Trio and to the dismay of several Gryffindor and Ravenclaw girls.

As Christmas came closer, life returned to a semblance of normalcy. Snape returned to teach Potions and was being as nasty as ever. Malfoy had discovered what was going on between Alex and Luna. He taunted Alex relentlessly one day, causing Alex to almost lunge at Malfoy. Snape immediately took 50 points from Gryffindor. Alex would have gotten detention if Harry and Ron hadn't stopped him.

"Don't make it worse for yourself," said Hermione after class. "Just ignore him. I know it's tough, but I've managed."

Alex looked disgusted as they reached the courtyard. "It's just that he's hitting below the belt. I just feel like I'm gonna snap one of these days and really hurt him."

"Hurt me?" said a voice behind them. They turned and saw Draco flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. "Latham, you couldn't hurt a fly. Besides, you won't touch me if you know what's good for you."

"And why is that?" asked Alex, stepping a foot away from the others. "Because you know your father will come and bale you out? Mark my words, Malfoy, one of these days your father is going to screw up big time and get caught. Then you'll have to rely on yourself... something you could never manage."

Malfoy snapped. He sprinted towards Alex and tackled him. The other students stood back and watched as the two went at it, rolling around and throwing punches at each other. Finally, Malfoy ended up on top of Alex. He had his wand out and pointed it directly at Alex's face. Everyone saw the look on Alex's face... wide eyed, daring Draco to cast a spell.

"I'll show you what happens to anyone that messes with me!"

"Oh no you don't!" A giant hand closed itself around Draco's arm and pulled him off of Alex. It was Hagrid and he looked angrier than anyone could remember.

"You don't threaten anyone like that," he said looking Draco in the eye. "50 points from Slytherin and you'll have detention with me the day before you leave for Christmas. Now shove off!"

He dropped Malfoy, who took off running with Crabbe and Goyle in tow. Hagrid helped Alex to his feet.

"You al'right?" he asked. "You got a nice black eye there."

"Yes, I'm fine," answered Alex. Luna, who had observed the entire incident, ran over and hugged him, then slapped him on the arm.

"I told you not to pick a fight with him."

"I didn't" said Alex. "He started it. I didn't expect him to tackle me like that."

"All right. Now we're going to the Hospital Wing to take care of that eye. No excuses!" Alex nodded as they walked out of the courtyard. Ron and Harry were stunned.

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A few hours later, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Alex gathered in the Gryffindor Common Room. Alex's eye had been restored to normal thanks to Madam Pomfrey. Their homework was done so they discussed their plans for the Christmas holiday.

"Mom and Dad are going to Romania again," said Ron. "But I don't really feel like going."

"Well, I'm going," said Ginny. "Maybe Neville can go with me."

"I'm sure he'd love that," said Hermione. "What about you, Alex?"

"Luna's father invited me to spend the holidays with them," he said brightly, "Mom and Dad won't be home, so I accepted. I'm a bit nervous, but also excited."

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "Well, I guess it's just the three of us again. At least we don't have to drink Polyjuice Potion this year."

The three laughed at the memory, getting strange looks from Alex and Ginny.