Harry Potter and the Loss of Innocence

Chapter Twelve: Why Are You Here?

Because one day it ends,
One day we die,
Believe what you will,
That is your right.
But I choose to win,
So I choose to fight.
~Creed: Weathered

"I suppose the boy saw the Revelry?" Snape asked bitterly, throwing his cloak over the back of the empty chair. At times like this, Harry wondered what he had done to deserve that bitterness.

"Yes, I did. I also saw your part in it," Harry added contemptuously.

Snape dropped into the chair tiredly, rubbing at his temples. Ron and Harry exchanged one quick glance. Snape looked so human just now. They had never seen any emotions besides hatred and anger from this man before.

"Did all go as planned?" Dumbledore asked after a slight pause. Snape nodded.

"More or less. You wouldn't have anything to drink, would you, Headmaster?" Snape asked quietly. Harry noticed that his voice was hoarse. It hadn't been when he had cast the ward earlier that night.

"Yes, your normal?" Snape nodded and Dumbledore opened a cupboard that Harry had never seen into before and poured Snape a shot of fire-whisky. "What do you mean, more or less?"

"They got out alive. Safe and sound, relatively speaking," he said. He then downed the shot in one gulp. "May I have a cup of tea, sir?" His voice sounded hoarse from screaming. Dumbledore seemed to think of that at the same moment.

"You were punished?" Dumbledore asked sadly. Snape nodded. "I'm sorry, Severus." He conjured a cup of tea and Snape drank it slowly.

"None of us would have guessed that he would have asked me to put up the anti-apparation wards." Snape took another drink. "I'm not kept around for my spell work," he added bitterly. He finished the cup and looked into the dregs.

"How'd they get out?" Ron asked slowly.

"Portkeys," Dumbledore answered quietly.

"Why couldn't you tell us that before? It would have given us a little hope!" Harry yelled at the Headmaster. He turned to Snape. "Not kept around for your spell work. No, he wants your poisons and truth serums, doesn't he? You know exactly which antidotes we need to learn, because you're brewing the poisons!"

"If that's all you want me for, Headmaster, I would like to head to my rooms," Snape said without looking at Harry once.

"Not in the mood to fight, Snape? But you were in the mood to kill innocent muggles!" Harry was in a rage now. He wasn't in the mood to be rational. He had just watched the most horrify thing in his life. Sure the Revelry had been horrible, but watching as Voldemort and several Death Eaters walked up to the Burrow... That had been awful. And then the hideous wait to find out if the Weasleys were all right. Why hadn't Dumbledore told them about the Portkeys?

"Potter, don't speak of what you do not understand," Snape said tiredly. Harry was surprised, but no one could tell that. Snape had never let his emotions be so visible before. "I am tired from my fight with the Dark Lord over my mind. I do not have energy to argue with you over trivial things such as what I have to do to keep my cover."

"Had it not been for Severus' information," Professor McGonagall said quietly, trying to placate him, "Molly and Arthur would have died along with Bill, Fred, and George."

"Had it not been for Snape's poisons, several innocent muggles would be alive," Harry yelled back. "At least the Weasley's chose to fight. Those muggles didn't even know that magic really existed!"

"Severus, I do not need you for anything else tonight. You may leave if you wish." Snape stood and bowed his head slightly towards Dumbledore. He grabbed his cloak and left.

"Harry, it would serve you better if you did not antagonize Professor Snape. The deaths that he has caused and those that he must cause weigh heavily on his conscience," Dumbledore said looking at the angry boy. Deep in Harry's eyes, Dumbledore saw surprise, but on the outside there was no sign of it. Dumbledore sighed. Yet another young man who has learnt to hide his emotions, he thought tiredly to himself. "Harry, please go easy on him. We need a spy. But in order to keep his cover he must kill. He changes the potions so that they cause less pain or kill swifter then they're meant to. Not by much, or the other potion masters in Voldemort's service would notice."

Harry nodded but Dumbledore knew that he was unconvinced. "You boys may return to the Gryffindor Tower. But please, keep Professor Snape's involvement quiet. He needs the protection of Hogwarts and I can not give it to him if it gets out that he has taken the Dark Mark and still serves Voldemort."

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When Harry and Ron got back to the common room they decided not go to bed again. Harry knew he couldn't sleep and, by the looks of Ron, he wouldn't be able to either. So they sat in their favorite armchairs by the fire, not speaking.

They sat there until it started growing brighter from the rising sun. Without speaking, they both went up to the dorm and got dressed for the day. Neville, Seamus, and Dean had gone back to sleep; Harry hoped that they hadn't stayed up waiting for them to return.

Several hours later, a very sleepy Ginny came down the stairs. She walked over to them and Ron gave her hug.

"What's the matter, Ron?" She looked concerned; Harry guessed that they didn't look too good.

"The Burrow was attacked last night," Harry answered, but continued quickly when he saw the look on her face. "Your brothers weren't home and your parents got away. We haven't been able to sleep. I can't get it out of my head." Harry shook his head, trying to get the visuals out.

"The Death Eaters devastated Ottery St. Catchpole," Ron continued because Ginny gave him a quizzical look. "He watched some of that, too," he whispered in her ear.

"But they're all alive?" she asked. Both boys nodded. "I've got to owl Mum." She ran up the stairs and disappeared into the girls' dorm.

"I should do that, too," Ron muttered. Harry nodded and followed him up the stairs. They both wrote a note and went up to the Owlery. Ginny was already there with Hermione. They decided to all use Hedwig and sent her off, hoping she would be able to find them.

"I wonder if they destroyed the house?" Ginny asked quietly. Ron nodded and Harry couldn't help but feel that they had. They stood watching as the sun cast its bright light across the grounds, and the forest woke up with it.

"C'mon, we need to eat," Harry said after awhile. "Quidditch tryouts are today and you guys don't get on the team just because you're my best friends."

They headed to the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table. Harry ate as much as he could force himself to and pleaded and prodded until Ginny and Ron had eaten as well. Harry saw Professor Dumbledore and guilt stormed his mind. He needed to apologize and ask him to make the announcement.

"I'll be right back," Harry mumbled to his friends and he headed up to the teacher's table. He noticed that most of the teachers were already up. The only one Harry couldn't find was Snape. He reached the table and walked along it until he was in front of Dumbledore.

"Headmaster?" Harry asked, getting Dumbledore's attention from the conversation that he was having with Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore turned to face him and nodded. "I just wanted to apologize for losing my temper last night. And," he turned toward McGonagall, "for yelling at you. I should learn to control it." He looked down at his shoes and missed the smiles that the two Professors shared.

"Well, Harry," Dumbledore said knowingly, "the first way to get rid of a problem is to recognize it. I'm sure you'll beat this particular problem someday." Harry looked up at the old man.

"Sir," Harry continued. "I'm sorry for the end of term and the way I acted over the break. I shouldn't have lashed out at you."

"On the contrary, Harry," Dumbledore said sadly. McGonagall looked confused. She had heard of the way Harry had treated Dumbledore at the Weasleys' but, like everyone else, she didn't know why. "I deserved that completely. I should be asking for your forgiveness." His eyes looked miserable and Harry was angry with himself for not forgiving Dumbledore right away.

"Of course, Professor." Harry saw the twinkle return and ignored the looks that Professor McGonagall was shooting them. "I was wondering if you would do me a favor." Dumbledore nodded. "Well, it's more for the D.A. than for me. I was wondering if you could tell everyone at lunch or supper tomorrow about it. I would really like it if you invited the Slytherins particularly. New members have to speak with me first and I'm only taking enough people to bring the total up to 35."

"Is that all?" Dumbledore asked with a smile. Harry thought for a moment and nodded. "Harry, don't lose faith in yourself. Don't lose faith in your allies, either, because we will always be here for you." Harry nodded, but then thought of something else to ask.

"Sir, did he destroy the house?" Harry saw a look of sadness pass over Dumbledore's face, but it was quickly hidden.

"I'm afraid so, Harry. Have a good day and good luck with your tryouts." Harry nodded and returned to his friends. He'd have to tell them eventually about the Burrow, but he couldn't bring himself to say it now.

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Tryouts went all right in Harry's opinion. They were looking for two new chasers and maybe replacement beaters. There were about fifteen people who came to try out. Katie and Harry had a hard time not laughing at several of them. It seemed that one or two of them had hardly ever flown before. Others though impressed them both. Sloper and Kirke, the beaters who replaced the Weasley twins last year, had practiced over the summer and definitely deserved their spots back.

As for the other two chasers, there was a third year girl, Natalie MacDonald, who impressed both of them and flew well with Katie. Harry knew that Ginny was also a great flyer, but the events of last night had unnerved her.

"I don't know, Harry, Timothy flew better today," Katie said questionably when he had suggested her.

"If you keep it quiet, I'll tell you why," Harry said. They were alone in the locker room discussing the spots. Everyone else had been dismissed and had gone back to the common room. Katie looked at him oddly, but nodded. "I'm serious, Katie, don't tell anyone. I don't think they want it to be public knowledge." She nodded again.

"Last night Voldemort attacked their home." She gasped and put her hand up to her mouth. "Everyone got out alive, but it still shook them up. Once she settles down she'll fly better. I watched her fly all summer when I was there, her and Ron. They've both gotten better."

Katie nodded and pulled out a piece of parchment, ink, and a quill. "So, Keeper- Ron Weasley," she said writing it down. "Seeker- Harry Potter, Beaters- Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper. Chasers- Katie Bell, Ginny Weasley, and Natalie MacDonald. Well, now we can figure out how to do this co-captain thing."

"Well, you definitely take charge during a game. Seekers are so out of the action that I'll have a hard time paying attention and seeking at the same time." She nodded. "You can work with the Chasers and Ron during practice and I'll work with beaters." She nodded.

"What about game plans? I'm pretty good with those," Katie replied after a moment's time of thought.

"Good, 'cause I'm rubbish," Harry told her honestly. "I don't know that part of the game well enough. Ron could probably help, he's good at strategies." He thought for a moment. "How much time are you going to have with your N.E.W.T.'s this year?"

"I'll make time," Katie responded quickly. "Don't worry about that. When are you planning to have D.A. meetings?"

"I was thinking every Friday," Harry stopped for a second and thought about that. "But I don't know. When there's a game the next day, no one's going to want to learn. I think I'm going to move them around like last year. That way we can work with the four Quidditch teams' schedules." They were walking back up to the Tower. There was a comfortable moment of silence between them. Harry could tell that he and Katie would work well this year. He looked at her as she started speaking.

"I really... oh, 'liked' is the wrong word," Katie started. She stopped walking and thought for a moment. "Your speech was good last night. It made me think a lot. I actually had a hard time falling asleep because I couldn't stop thinking." Harry nodded and continued walking without her, trying not to think about anything. "Harry, there are times when I don't know how you can get up in the morning and live. You've been through so much." She stopped talking, obviously embarrassed.

"Don't worry, there's times when I can't believe I'm still alive either," Harry replied, but he couldn't keep the bitterness completely out of his voice.

"That's not what I meant." She stopped walking and looked at out at the quidditch pitch through a window. "I mean with everything you've lost, everything you've seen. The fifth, sixth, and seventh year girls are all close. We talk a lot at night. Lavender told us about the pictures you've put up. Ginny said you were looking for more pictures of people who've been hurt or killed. We've all heard about the graveyard from your interview with the Quibbler." She started walking again, but watched Harry from the corner of her eye. "How do you do it? How can you still continue? To still want to fight?" She shook her head and Harry thought about it for a second.

"I don't want to fight, I have to fight. If I don't, who will? How can I expect someone else to fight for those I love? I live every day, because if I don't, I let Voldemort win one more battle. I can't stop," Harry answered quietly. They were standing in front of the Fat Lady and she was staring at them grumpily. Katie was looking at him sadly, but she was slightly impressed.

"You don't mind me telling the other girls, 'cause they were all wondering the same thing?" Harry shook his head and gave the Fat Lady the password. Katie went to the bulletin board and posted the squad. Harry walked over and sat in the chair Ron had saved him.

"Don't worry, Gin," he said as she got up. "You made the team."

"I don't know why," Ginny said slumping back into her chair angrily. "I flew like crap today. There's no way that Katie let me on the team."

"Well, she did because the other captain watched you fly all summer, remember?" Harry said smiling. "He also knew the reason why you flew badly today." She looked at him thankfully and she also looked a little confused. "Don't worry, it wasn't that hard to convince her, she remembers you from last year. Natalie MacDonald is the other chaser," Harry said as the girl in question shrieked because she had just seen her name on the list. "Everyone else is the same from last year."

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Harry went to bed that night knowing that he wouldn't sleep well. However, he still wasn't prepared for the dreams, or rather, the nightmares. All of the horrors of his life merged into one terrifying nightmare. He woke up several times that night, only to fall back asleep and have another nightmare just as bad as the one before. By the time dawn came, Harry was wide-awake and soaked in cold sweat. He got up and showered.

He spent the day with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny down by the lake. They had all brought homework to do and were talking absently about the week. An owl came shortly after lunch from the Weasleys. They were alive and fine. They had settled into a new home (the four of them knew that it was Grimmauld Place) and were looking at rebuilding the Burrow.

Harry went to bed that night expecting the same thing as the night before. The dreams tonight were a hundred times worse. They sped past the relatively good parts and slowed down at the worst times. The time between portkeying to the graveyard and the time Harry heard "Kill the spare" took all of two seconds, even though in real life it had been about five minutes. And then the time from that to when Cedric hit the ground took what seemed like hours to happen. He watched as Cedric's body fell gracefully, landing with a soft thud that caused Harry to wake with a start, thankfully not screaming. He put on his glasses, glancing at the clock. His clock said that it was a little past two. Harry groaned and got up. He wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon.

He left the dorm and went to sit in front the fire in his favorite chair. He stared into the flames hoping to find answers there. Mr. Weasley's words from Friday night and Dumbledore's and Katie's words from Saturday kept coming back to him.

Mr. Weasley had looked so powerful listing off his "last words." Harry could clearly see him with three fingers up and defiance written all over his face.

"Three, beware of Harry Potter. He is sick of your games and will destroy you one day, when he is ready. He is preparing for you and when you meet him, well, I'll be glad I'm on his side and that I'm not you. I'd stop your games, your Revelries, if I were you."

Did Mr. Weasley know about the Prophecy? But if he didn't, how could he be so sure about what he, Harry, would do when he met Voldemort? Did he really believe that just any 16-year-old boy could do this?

"Harry, don't lose faith in yourself," Dumbledore had told him at breakfast yesterday morning. Had Thia told Dumbledore about Harry's reaction to the extra training? Harry wasn't even sure why he'd reacted that way. He'd been thinking about asking for help that Tuesday morning. But he had turned it down that afternoon. Why?

Was he really terrified of Voldemort? Was he setting himself a double standard? He had told the D.A. members to go down fighting and then he ran away from the opportunity to learn how! He sullenly stared into the flames.

Looking into the flames and thinking about the D.A. reminded Harry of Sirius. He had talked to Sirius about starting the D.A. last year in this same fire. And Sirius had helped him with the first task during Harry's fourth year. Could Harry let Voldemort get away with killing his parents and destroying Sirius's life?

"Harry, there are times when I don't know how you can get up in the morning and live. You've been through so much." Katie had said that to him several hours after his talk with Dumbledore. How did he get up and live every day?

"I don't want to fight, I have to fight. If I don't, who will? How can I expect someone else to fight for those I love? I live every day, because if I don't, I let Voldemort win one more battle. I can't stop." There was that double standard again. He felt like he had to fight. No, he absolutely had to, not because he wanted to, but because of that stupid Prophecy. But if he didn't even train for the fight, how could he win? At least he'd have a fighting chance with training. Or at least he'd stand a better chance than without it.

Harry shook his head in frustration. Why did he have to be the one thinking about this? Why couldn't one of his sleeping classmates have the privilege of being the Boy Who Lived? Or why couldn't some adult worry about this?

Harry looked longingly up at the dorm rooms filled with sleeping students. He would never be able to be like them any more. They had no worries beyond their homework. And Harry was glad they didn't have to worry about this. It was his task. He wanted his classmates to have a childhood. He never really had one to start with, so it wasn't a huge loss to him. He was willing to fight for them.

He shook his head, surprised. He had found a reason to fight. Not for those who had died, though that was a bonus, but for those students upstairs sleeping without nightmares. Students who didn't know what war meant, what it was like to watch as someone was murdered. He didn't want them to have to know those things. He'd fight so that they needn't.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A hand shook Harry awake the next morning. "Harry, wake up. Harry, it's morning." Harry opened his eyes to see Ginny kneeling in front of his chair. "Harry, are you alright?"

Harry looked out the windows and saw the light streaming into the common room. He nodded and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He must have fallen asleep in his chair. It was the best rest he'd had for a long while.

"What are you doing down here?" Ginny was looking at him nervously. Harry wondered if she thought he'd had another vision.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came down here to think. I must have fallen asleep. Thanks for wake me, Gin. What time is it?" Ginny gave him a worried look, but she didn't question him.

"It's about seven. You should go get ready for classes. Don't forget you have potions today." Harry nodded and said goodbye. An hour and a half later he was making his way down to the Potions dungeon with Ron and Hermione.

It seemed that Professor Snape had decided to ignore Harry and every other Gryffindor in the class. But, instead of hurting them, it allowed them all to do better. Snape didn't even try to sabotage Harry's potion. But during the class, Harry came to a decision. He might not like the slimy git, but he was their spy. Harry might not trust him, but at the least Harry could show him some fake respect. Harry would try to, at least for Dumbledore's sake. The class ended and Harry told the other two to go on without him. Ron didn't want to, but Hermione grabbed his arm and lead him off.

Harry walked up to Snape's desk and waited patiently for the potion's master to acknowledge him. After about a minute, Snape looked up. "Yes, Mr. Potter," he said in a cold crisp tone.

"Professor," Harry started, but realized that this was the wrong time and thing to do. But it was too late now, so he continued. "Professor Snape, I was thinking about Friday night."

"Potter," Snape cut in, "I don't need to know when that little brain of yours actually starts to work. I have more important things to worry about."

Harry took a deep breath, promising himself that he wouldn't lose his temper. "I was wrong to yell at you and Professor Dumbledore. I just wanted to apologize."

Snape gave him an odd look. Harry could tell that Snape was trying to see how authentic the apology was. Harry had, for the most part, been genuine. He should have kept his temper that night.

"Very well, Mr. Potter. You had better hurry before you're late for your class."

The time between then and the last class of the day, Defense Against the Dark Arts, seemed to fly by. Harry had decided to ask Thia if she was still willing to train him. He was nervous about how she was going to take the question.

"Welcome to another week," she started out cheerfully. Everyone grumbled a reply. This only made her smile wider. "I used to wonder if teachers enjoyed rubbing that into students' faces. I now know the answer: Yes, they do. But, before I get side tracked, I have finished correcting your pre-course test. I will hand them out now." Harry watched as she passed them out, one by one. Finally, she handed the last one to Ron. Harry looked at her startled, because he hadn't received one.

"I'd like to congratulate the top scorer of this test. I gave the same test to the fifth, sixth, and seventh year classes. That's why there are so many spells you don't know." She looked at them and many sighed in relief. "However, the top scorer was not a seventh year student. It was Mr. Potter, who, with permission from all Heads of House, has just won Gryffindor 50 points." The Gryffindors let out a loud cheer and Harry felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment. "I should tell you all why. He knew every spell that I was planning to teach all three years during this school year. Not only that, but he knew several spells that are considered Auror level Defense. Congratulations, Mr. Potter. I hope you don't lose the points too soon.

"Now to move on," she glanced at her desk and picked up several papers. "Oh, here's you test, Mr. Potter." She handed it to him and Harry noticed notes written on it by several different people. "I was pleased with all of your results. They weren't as dismal as I had thought they would be, with the teacher that you had last year. I think we'll be dueling by the end of October."

The class was a good one. Harry realized, though, that all he'd be learning until October would be theory; he already knew all the spells from practical experience. Subconsciously, Harry became Thia's aide. He helped his classmates near him, showing them the right wand technique and telling them the correct pronunciations. The double period ended and the school day was over. Harry told Ron and Hermione to go ahead and leave; he'd meet them in the common room later. They left, but Hermione was worried and Ron was confused, because this was the second time he spoke to a teacher alone today.

He went over to the Wall and stared at all the pictures but the ones he had put up. He had sneaked in on Sunday to put up the pictures Remus had sent him. He hadn't wanted to answer questions about them, because he couldn't really answer them. Thia was busy working; she didn't notice him until he spoke.

"Professor, I was wondering if your offer still stood?" Harry asked just loud enough for her to hear. She looked up, but Harry was still staring at the Wall.

"Thia, please, Harry. And yes it is; now more than ever. With your score on the test and with what you did today, it's clear to me that I can't teach you anything in class. But, if you want, I will give you extra lessons." She stood and walked over to him. "I was wondering why you turned me down. I don't want to start teaching you and then have you quit on me."

Harry stared at the picture of his parents. He felt like he should tell her everything, but something held him back. "How much do you know about me?" He wanted to know if she knew about the Prophecy.

"I know what you'll need to do, if that's what you want to know. Lily told me when she gave me your gift." Harry nodded and continued staring at his mom and dad.

"That class, I took a nap after I finished the test." She nodded. Harry looked so tired all the time; she had decided that it wasn't hurting anyone if he slept. "I had a dream, or really, it was a nightmare. It freaked me out and, well, made me doubt myself." Harry fell silent and took a seat in the nearest desk. "I hadn't come to terms with the future yet and the thought of training for it made it seem so real." Harry shook his head.

"So why are you here?" Harry looked at the desk for a long time, thinking about the answer. When he looked at her to speak she noticed two things about his eyes. His determination shown from his emerald eyes, just as it had from Lily's the last time they had seen each other. Second, there was deep-rooted fear and terror, just as there had been in Lily's.

"Because, if I don't fight, no one else can. Because if I don't, I condemn my classmates and everyone else to a world ruled by Voldemort." Harry once again wished that this wasn't his fate, but it was a short-lived wish "Because I will." Determination rang from his voice and Thia saw a little bit of what Minerva had told the staff about at the Saturday staff meeting. Minerva had tried to convey to them the aura of power that Harry had generated during the D.A. meeting.

"Alright. How about meeting every Tuesday and Thursday after classes, but before supper?" Harry nodded. "And then maybe sometime every weekend. Three times a week isn't enough time, but you have other concerns that you shouldn't drop." Harry was unnerved by the look she was giving him. It was as if she was trying to figure him out. "I was wondering if you would help me every class. The only problem with having everyone together like this is that I can't give everyone the attention they need."

"Sure, it doesn't bother me. It'll give me something to do. Anything else, Professor?"

She smiled, "Yes, call me Thia when we aren't in class."

"Ok, good evening, Thia."

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Harry told Ron, Hermione, and Ginny about his conversations with Snape and Thia. They were glad Harry would have extra lessons, not because they now knew about the Prophecy, because he hadn't told them yet. Instead, they were glad because his year wouldn't be wasted. They had moved on to talking about the Gryffindor Quidditch team, which was having their first practice that night.

"I think you'll be a good captain, Harry," Hermione said for the hundredth time after Harry had said he had no idea what he was doing, for the hundredth time also.

"You sure will, mate," Ron added encouragingly.

"Our first game is against Slytherin in November. Do you think we'll be ready by then?" Ginny asked Ron and Harry.

"I think so. You girls will fly really well together," Harry answered thoughtfully. "Natalie and Katie flew well together on Saturday at try-outs. And, Gin, you would have had Friday night not been what it was."

"Yeah, and Sloper and Kirke got really good over summer," Ron said after swallowing a huge amount of food. "They'll be able to beat bludgers at the other team, instead of their own," he added with a smile.

"I'm supposed to talk with you about Dumbledore's Army?" a well-built Slytherin asked. Harry looked at him and knew his name to be Blaise Zabini.

"Yes, you are." He put his fork down and stood up. "Harry Potter," he said holding his hand out for him to shake.

"Blaise Zabini. It's nice to meet a Gryffindor who will shake hands with a Slytherin." Harry nodded sadly.

"Yes, it's kind of pathetic. So you want to join the D.A.?" Harry thought about everything that he knew about the boy. Nothing had ever happened that made Harry doubt this boy's loyalties.

"Yes, along with my girlfriend Sephra and our friend Edlyn, a seventh year. We really appreciate the chance to do something to show where our loyalties stand. I'm sick of everyone thinking that I support Voldemort." Harry thought for a moment and nodded, coming to a decision about Blaise.

"I know Sephra, but who's Edlyn?" Blaise pointed out the Slytherin sitting next to Sephra, both girls were watching Harry and Blaise talk. "Have them come over, I'd like to meet her and talk to the three of you." Blaise motioned them to come over and they got up. Harry noticed Draco give Sephra a scathing look, but she just ignored him.

"Hello, I'm Harry Potter, you must be Edlyn." Harry shook her hand.

"Yes, Edlyn Slooth. It's nice to meet you. Sephra's told us a little about you." Edlyn seemed all right too.

"Not to sound mean, but how can I trust you three? And it's not 'cause you're Slytherins, I'm asking everyone that. Or I will when they talk to me. You're the first three."

"I'll vouch for them, Harry," Sephra said quietly. "They've both been a great help getting me settled in this year. And I'm pretty sure you know where my loyalties stand." Harry nodded. He searched through his school bag, looking for the small bag of ten new fake galleons. (Cho's friend hadn't shown up on Friday, though Cho had.) He found it and took three out.

"Welcome to the D.A." He said shaking their hands. "These are how we communicate. The serial number shows the time and date of meetings. If you look they say '791094' which stands for Wednesday at seven. Meet me here at 6:45 and I'll show you to the meeting spot." He looked over at the Slytherin table, noticing Draco watching them closely. "I don't think that I need to tell you not to let those fall into the wrong hands. And I don't think that your cousin is all that thrilled about you being over here, Sephra."

"I would doubt it," she said angrily and bitterly.

"See you Wednesday. Have a good evening." The three Slytherins went back to their table to eat.

"I can't believe you're going to do it, Harry. I think you just broke several un-breakable traditions." Ron said warningly.

"Well, it was about time someone broke them."

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"I'd like to welcome our new members," Harry said that Wednesday night. He had just arrived with the ten new members in tow. There were five Slytherins (including Sephra, Blaise, and Edlyn), a seventh year Gryffindor, a fifth year Hufflepuff, and two sixth year Ravenclaws.

"As you can see, several Slytherins have joined. Please make them feel as welcome as the others." Harry looked over his small group. Professor Black was supervising tonight's meeting. His training with her the night before had been informative. She had gone over her plans for the training sessions. Harry was looking forward to it.

"We are also full up. There are 35 people here tonight and I've already had to turn people away." Harry looked at them and asked, "If you could let it get around that we aren't taking more members, I'd appreciate it.

"Tonight, I'm going to go over my rough plans for the year. I made the statement on Friday that we are an Army and so we'd better know how to fight. I'm sticking with that." Harry looked over the group; they all looked expectant and eager to learn. "But I cannot teach you what its like to fight for your life. And even if I could, I wouldn't want to. I will teach you offensive spells and how to protect against them. At some point, with approval from the staff, I would like to teach you haw to defend against the Dark Arts." There were several gasps and Harry saw the Slytherins give them a scornful look. "Not the Unforgivables, but other spells. I believe it's a part of the sixth and seventh year curriculum already, so it'll be an extension of that. Any questions so far?"

"Will we learn to duel?" one of the new Ravenclaws asked.

"Yes and soon. The first thing we'll do is review from last year. I think that'll take four lessons. The main reason is to make sure our new members know what the old ones do. If they have some problems, it'll take longer. But don't think," Harry said turning to look each new member in the eyes, "I'll let you pretend to know stuff, just so that we move on to dueling. I'll know when you're lying or not, just from your wand work. I also want you all to practice your Patroni this week."

"What's that?" the new fifth year Hufflepuff asked.

"Today's lesson." Harry taught them the spell and a little of the theory behind it. He then turned the old members over to Hermione to continue reviewing and completely focused his time on the new ones. By the time it was eight, there were 21 Patroni sprinting, flying, galloping, prancing, slithering, or crawling around the room. "Have a good evening and practice hard," he said, dismissing them for the night.