Harry Potter and the Keys of Light

Chapter Thirteen: "Dark Studies and Defense Associations"

The start of term dawned sunny and clear. It would be one of the last warm days of the year, and many seemed to wish they were outside instead of in class. After the third morning of waking up at six, and going to bed at midnight after dueling, the members of the D.A. were feeling exhausted, practically crawling into the Great Hall on Monday morning. Many of the Hufflepuffs, and Neville, had to be helped to their seats. Harry caught some of the teachers looking at him, including Lupin and McGonagall, who had been eyeing the haggard students with suspicion. Harry ate quickly and left the Hall, and was the first in the Transfiguration classroom when the bell rang.

The class was smaller than in previous years--Harry, Hermione and Ron were in the class, as well as the Hufflepuffs, Susan Bones and Brian Styles, a pair of Ravenclaw boys Harry didn't know, Terry Boot and a girl Hermione identified as Mandy Brocklehurst. Dean Tomas was also there, and, to Harry's surprise, Blaise Zabini. She was the only Slytherin in the room, and sat in the very back, staring determinedly at the front of the class. Professor McGonagall arrived shortly after they had all taken their seats and called role.

"Welcome to N.E.W.T Transfiguration, Year One," she said. "This course will be extremely difficult, preparing you for the exam you will take two years from now. I expect nothing but the best work from my advanced students--you are in this course to learn and further your knowledge of the subject of Transfiguration. All work will be turned in on time, all assignments will be your best, and you will pass your N.E.W.T if it kills you. I have never had a student that has not made an N.E.W.T. in my subject, and I will not accept disappointment. Now, I hope you all studied over the summer, because we shall begin by testing your general knowledge of the subject so far." Parchment appeared on the desks before them, and Harry silently thanked Professor Lupin for the hours of tutoring he had given him over the summer.

"Can you believe she did that to us? First day back!" Ron cried indignantly as they left the class later that day for lunch. The whole of the first lesson was spent on the exam--by the end of the double class, Professor McGonagall had reviewed the questions missed most by making them perform the spells over and over again until they'd gotten it right. Hermione, of course, had managed to score perfectly, and had been exempted from the exercise, but Harry had been pleasantly surprised to see that he had gotten an "E." Ron hadn't failed, but certainly hadn't done as well as the other two, and Hermione spent the period helping him change his toad into a pair of slippers.

"It wasn't that bad, Ron," Hermione said. They entered the Great Hall and found seats at the rapidly filling Gryffindor table. "You got an A, and your slippers looked much better than anyone else's." Harry thought this a bit of a stretch--the toad had indeed become a pair of slippers, but they had croaked loudly when Ron tried to grab them. He decided against bringing this up, and left Hermione to cheering Ron. Harry went back to his Shepherd's pie until Professor Lupin approached him.

"Hello Professor," said the Gryffindors sitting around Harry.

"Hello everyone," Lupin replied, leaning in before adding, "Professor Dumbledore wants to see you after Potions, Harry. It shouldn't take long." Harry nodded. "Well," Lupin said, now addressing the table in general, "I can't wait for you sixth years to come see me this afternoon. Our lesson will be interesting, I think." He smiled and walked back up to the staff table.

"I wonder what Professor Dumbledore wants," Hermione said. Harry shrugged,

"At least he'll see me after Potions. I don't think Snape would forgive me if I was late to the first class, even if I was with the Headmaster," and went back to his lunch.

Harry and Hermione left Ron at the Great Hall, going down toward the dungeons while Ron and Neville left out the front doors for the green houses. The Potions room was empty when they arrived, so the pair sat at their usual seat in the back of the room. Hermione insisted that they get their notes out, so they were ready when the rest of the class came through the door. Susan Bones arrived with Justin Finch-Fletchley and another Hufflepuff girl Harry thought was named Sally-Anne Perks. Following them was what appeared to be the entire Ravenclaw sixth year, Padma Patil, Terry Boot and Anthony Goldstein, two girls Hermione identified as Sarah Plimptowne and Nora Jenkins, and boys by the names of Nigel Roberts, Charlie Crawford and Maxwell Stuart, also identified by Hermione.

"Most of the Ravenclaws took Arithmancy," Hermione said, smiling at the Ravenclaw girls she knew, who gave short but friendly waves. "And Nigel Roberts was in my class study group." All the Ravenclaws took their seats up at the front of the room; there seemed to be some argument as to who got the front desk until Padma Patil and Maxwell Stuart won out and sat down. The Hufflepuff trio sat in front of Harry and Hermione. There were only three seats left, one table across from Harry's and one behind, and Harry wondered how many of the Slytherins had taken N.E.W.T. Potions. This was soon answered as Blaise Zabini entered the room, walking swiftly to the desk across the aisle and getting out her notebook and quill.

Professor Snape entered the room with the usual drama, moving quickly to the front of the room in a swish of black robes. I wonder if he practices that entrance? Harry thought to himself.

"Welcome--" There was a loud bang, and Snape was interrupted as Draco Malfoy entered the room.

"So sorry Professor, I was detained," he drawled. Snape nodded in return, and Harry was suddenly both glad and upset that Ron wasn't in the room with him--the injustice of what happened would surely have caused Ron to flare up and undoubtedly lose them house points. But if Malfoy was going to be allowed to get away with interrupting Snape, Harry was nervous about the rest of the year. Malfoy walked to back of the room, and paused a moment before sitting, looking at the two empty seats available. Zabini didn't even look up at him, so he shrugged and decided on the seat behind Harry.

"Now that we are all here," Snape said, "I would like to welcome you to N.E.W.T. Potions." Harry didn't think that sounded welcoming at all, but didn't say anything. He was determined not to provoke Snape on the first day of class, no matter how hard it might be. "The simple fact that you are here signifies that you are worth enough of my time to come into this classroom every day and give you an assignment. Whether you will be here next year, however, has yet to be determined." The Ravenclaws and Hermione looked nervous. "It is my every intention to maintain the high drop rate for my course, so that only the very best of you--" He looked over at Malfoy, who smirked in a self-satisfactory way "--will be in the seventh year class. I doubt many of you will survive." At this, he glared fiercely at Harry, who glared back, working decidedly hard on controlling his temper. "At the end of this course, you shall be required to turn in an essay detailing everything we shall cover this year. Your notes are to be handed in with it, so I suggest that you actually pay attention." Another look at Harry. "Now, the first potion of the year is a very complex one that shall take several weeks to prepare. I expect that you are at least familiar with its history. For today, you will take notes on the procedure," he flicked his wand and words appeared on the board, "and there will be no need to talk."

Harry sighed and took out his quill. Before he reached into his bag, however, Hermione nudged him and pointed at the board with a smile on her face. When Harry saw what she was looking at, he smiled as well. The first potion they were going to make would be the Poly Juice Potion. Harry had a fleeting memory of Crabbe with red hair and freckles before beginning his notes.

It had been the most pleasant Potions lesson Harry could remember. Snape seemed disappointed when the class actually remained quiet the entire period, and he glared hatefully at Harry when he left for not having done anything to merit losing points. Harry had taken notes he was sure Hermione would be proud of and when they left the cold dungeons, he was in a decidedly good mood.

At the first floor, Harry said goodbye to Hermione and went to Dumbledore's office. It was outside the entrance that Harry's mood dropped--he didn't know the password to get in. Last time he'd been to see the Headmaster, Snape had been with him and he had been too wrapped up in his own thoughts to pay any attention. Sighing, he did what seemed to have worked all summer and extended a hand to touch statue. It sprang to life, and he stepped inside to the stair.

"I'm going to have to figure out why that works without a password," he said to himself, coming upon the landing outside Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster was sitting at his desk when Harry entered.

"Ah, Harry, I have some good news for you my boy."

"Good news?" Harry said, taking his seat in front of Dumbledore's desk. He kept a neutral face, but inside, his head was buzzing. Had the Order discovered something about the accident? Had they found Voldemort?

"Two things of importance, actually," Dumbledore said. "It is so rare that I ever seem to have positive news for you Harry." He took a sip from the cup of tea resting on his desk. "The first is that I have just had an owl from Cornelius Fudge, who, after some effort on my part, has put full ministry support behind the work we started with the Order."

"What?" Harry found it hard to believe that the man who had been denying Voldemort for the last three years would suddenly come around.

"He has agreed to stop refuting the reality of our situation and put his Aurors on full investigation."

"What about the things the Ministry ran in the Daily Prophet? What about all those things they said were accidents? Will they take it all back, then?"

"No," Dumbledore replied, sighing heavily. "Unfortunately, the Ministry cannot be discredited just as we gain a chance to really put a stop to Voldemort. I would press Fudge to do so, but it is has taken so long already to convince him of the truth."

"He's just trying to put out an image," Harry said angrily. "He's probably just doing this so that they won't kick him out of office."

"That, Harry, is probably very near to the truth. Still, whatever motivation Cornelius has, this will be better for our cause. The Order and its members, you understand, remain secret. Now, Aurors can openly investigate Voldemort's supporters while we can focus on the tracking down of Voldemort himself." Harry nodded. He didn't like it, and certainly didn't trust Fudge farther than he could throw him, but he knew Dumbledore was right. It would be less dangerous for the Order, he reasoned, if Ministry efficiency could be blamed for foiling the Death Eaters. After all, support from Fudge, however artificial, was more than they had before--which had been nothing.

"What's the other news?" Harry asked, back to his calculated neutrality.

"As I recall, Harry, many of this years' returning students participated in a Defense group last year. During the summer months I received many requests, as well as your own, that it be allowed to continue. I think it is finally safe for such an organization to be hosted here at the school. And I would like you, Harry, to head the project."

"Me, sir?" Suddenly, he felt guilt weighing heavily in his stomach; Dumbledore was going to let him keep the D.A., and he'd already begun it in secret.

"Yes, Harry. You seemed to have done a fine job with last years' group, and Professor Lupin informed me that you and Miss Granger had already begun preparing for it earlier this summer."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry said earnestly. "I would be honored."

"Yes, well, I wouldn't have anyone else do it, Harry. I believe that you yourself once told me that it was important for the students to be able to defend themselves. And while I sincerely hope that such an occasion may never arise when the school would need such defense, it is a possibility. I only ask that you open your organization to all members of the school, Harry."

"You mean the Slytherins, sir."

"Yes, Harry," the Headmaster said, his cornflower eyes twinkling a little less than they had been. "You most of all should know that one's parents do not make one's future." Harry looked down. Sirius's family...and he'd turned out good, hadn't he?

"I will sir."

"I will ask that notices be placed in the common rooms, if you could tell me where to send interested students?"

"We sort of all agreed to keep up with our exercise," Harry said, "Using the gym in the mornings to run. I suppose anyone interested should meet us there."

"Ah--I had been wondering about all the tired faces of my students this morning. Excellent, Harry. The only thing I ask of you is to please submit to me your and Miss Granger's lesson plans. I understand that you will need full control of the program for it to be effective, but I shall have the teachers ready to assist you in any way you might need."

"It will take a little while to get it ready, though," Harry said.

"Of course. I will announce the club's existence at dinner, and you may tell me when to post the notices." He gave Harry a smile, and then rose from his desk. "Now, my boy, if you'll excuse me, I've some letters to write and you are ten minutes late to Defense Against the Dark Arts as it is."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said again, and left the office. He tried not to think about the guilty pang in his stomach as he made his way to Lupin's classroom. Dumbledore had only allowed it because of what Fudge has done, Harry told himself. It had been important that the D.A. continue no matter what. No, he would not be guilty. He wouldn't...

When Harry came to the Defense against the Dark arts classroom, he had to knock and wait for Lupin to open the door for him.

"We were just getting started, Harry," Lupin said, gesturing Harry in. Harry nodded and went to a seat between Hermione and Ron on the front row. Most of Gryffindor House was in the class, as well as the members of the D.A and, to Harry's great surprise, three Slytherins; Blaise Zabini sat in the very back, as she had in Potions, and a boy Harry knew from the Slytherin team as Morag MacDougal, was sitting next to Draco Malfoy.

"Weird, isn't it?" Hermione whispered, following Harry's gaze. "I'd have thought they wouldn't have taken the class simply because of Lupin."

"I wish for us they hadn't," Ron said. Lupin had begun the lesson. Apparently, Harry had missed the first day welcoming speech.

"As I was saying, your first assignment of the year will be in class dueling. I was informed that there was a lack of practical study last year" -at this, many of the students added comments under their breath-- "and you'll need to catch up before we begin any real work for the N.E.W.T's. Next class we will duel in pairs, and but for now, I want to go over the spells you remember, starting with blocking spells. Anyone?" Several hands shot into the air. "Neville?"

"A Shield Charm?" Neville said quietly. He had looked almost green when Lupin actually called on him--Hermione's hand lowered somewhat in disappointment.

"Yes, that's a good one," Lupin said, putting the spell on the blackboard. "What else? Hermione?"

"The Repellant Charm," Hermione said loudly; it was a good thing she had been called, too--Harry had seen her rising out of her seat from the corner of his eye, trying to push her hand higher into the air.

"Excellent, Miss Granger." Hermione smiled. "The Repellant Charm is one that you will learn this year. It takes an attack and throws it back at your opponent. Harry, if you could come up here please?"

Harry started, but walked obligingly to the front of the class.

"Now, I am going to try and stun Harry, and he will block it using the Repellant Charm. Hopefully, if everything goes well and I am the one who is stunned, someone will have the heart to revive me." There was some laughter at this, but it died quickly as Harry and Lupin took their positions.

"Stupefy!"

"Avertus!" It had taken less than a second for Harry to react, and before he knew it, Professor Lupin had fallen to the floor with a thump. The class was silent, unsure what to do next. Harry held up his wand, but suddenly, Draco Malfoy spoke up from his seat.

"Wait a minute Potter. Why not just leave him like that until class ends?"

"What will we do without a teacher, Malfoy?" Hermione said in a mixture of disgust and horror.

But, Harry had already removed the spell with a motion of his hand, and Professor Lupin was looking at them all from the floor with an amused grin. Malfoy had quickly wiped the smirk from his face, obviously hoping that the Professor hadn't heard him.

"Thank you Harry," he said, standing. "Five points to Gryffindor for your assistance in this demonstration." Harry took his seat again, and the class continued on. He wasn't called on to demonstrate anymore, though Terry Boot was asked to perform the Silencing Charm, and Susan Bones had to do a Rooting Jinx, which was an advanced version of the Impediment Jinx, causing the victim's feet to literally become rooted to the spot.

Overall, it was agreed that it was wonderful to have Lupin back, and Harry couldn't think of when he had had such a wonderfully uneventful first day.

After class, Harry, Ron and Hermione met up with Ginny and Neville and they went down to dinner together. Neville was in a decidedly good mood as he told them about his divination lesson with Professor Tavisham that afternoon.

"She really explained things, you know," he said. "She made a lot more sense, and not so frightening as Trelawney. I didn't feel like someone was about to snuff it right there in class this time, and I think I actually saw something in the crystal ball." He beamed excitedly at them.

"He says he saw that it was going to be foggy next week, until Lavendar pointed out to him that his ball wasn't working properly," Ginny said. Neville looked somewhat put out, and Ginny put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's alright Neville, Divination is all nonsense anyway."

"She's right, you know," Hermione said.

"Yeah, well...hey--what's Dumbledore doing?" Neville said. They looked up at the staff table; Professor Dumbledore had stood up and was trying to call attention to the hall. Harry realized he had forgotten to tell everyone about his discussion with the Headmaster, and said,

"When I talked to him this afternoon, he told me--" But at that moment, the rest of the students went silent and Dumbledore began to speak.

"It is my pleasure, to announce this evening that a new organization is being formed at Hogwarts this year. As many of you know, our past Defense association, the Dueling Club under Professor Lockhart, was less than successful. Unfortunately, however, we live in times when knowledge of these skills is necessary. Therefore, I have authorized the formation of a Defense Association, open to students fourth year and above. Further information will be posted in your house Common Rooms for those who are interested." The Headmaster sat back down, and the talking resumed.

"What was that all about?" Ginny said, turning to Harry. "What does he mean?"

"Like I was saying," Harry replied, leaning in so they could hear him. "Dumbledore talked to me this afternoon about the D.A. We're going to be allowed to keep it, but we have to let anyone join that wants to."

"That's wonderful!" Hermione said. "It'll make our job so much easier trying to find new recruits."

"Will we still be in charge of it, though? It won't be handed over to the teachers?" Harry shook his head in reply, and Ron smiled. "Sounds good to me, then."

"Wait a moment," Hermione said, her expression suddenly serious. "Didn't he initially tell you we shouldn't continue it? Why the change?"

"Fudge has finally come around," Harry said, sighing. "It's not dangerous for us to do it anymore."

"These things always work out," Ron said, going back to his food.

"I don't know," Hermione said.

"Just take it as it is, 'Mione," Ron said. "Things are going right for once." Hermione still looked unconvinced, and Harry couldn't help but agree with her.

"I just hope none of the Slytherins show up," Ginny said.

"We can wait for a bit," Harry said. "The rest of the D.A. has a lot of review to do before we take on anyone new."

The rest of the week went on much as Monday had--in almost all of his subjects, the teachers gave them tests and lectures on the importance of the next two years at Hogwarts. The Healing professor, a tall red haired witch by the name of Willard, was generally friendly and pleased with the knowledge Harry had picked up over the summer. There were several Hufflepuffs in the class that Harry knew, and no Slytherins, which made it all the better. Hermione and Ron were in Charms with Harry as well, and Ron had taken all the defense courses Harry had, as well as Care of Magical Creatures. But the class Harry found himself most looking forward to was not until Friday morning, just after Magical Defense.

"Well, I'll see you at lunch then," Ron said as they left Lupin's classroom.

"Yeah, bye." Ron went in the direction of the Magical Law classrooms, while Harry made his way down to the dungeons. He knew that Snape was going to help teach the Dark Studies class, but he hoped that their first lesson wouldn't be with the potions master alone. The dungeon itself was farther beneath the school than the Potion's classroom, in what looked like an unused part of the school. Harry almost wondered if he had gotten lost when he saw a door open at the end of the hall and Professor Lupin's head appear out of it.

"Hello, Harry," Lupin said, beckoning him forward. "I just thought I stand here to make sure everyone arrived. It's easy to get mixed up down here, you know." Harry smiled at him in return and entered the room; it was certainly more cheerful than the Potions class, to be sure. There were torches all along the walls, and the bookshelves at either ends of the room were filled with shining objects and worn books. Harry took a seat in the front row, next to the wall and studied the room a bit while the rest of the class arrived. After a while, though, Harry stopped looking at the room and focused only on the door; at each new arrival, his heart sank even lower--it was almost an entirely Slytherin class, led by Draco Malfoy, all sending him hateful looks. There were a few older Ravenclaws that Harry was unfamiliar with who sat together in the front row. Finally, however, Susan Bones and a Ravenclaw boy named Charlie Crawford Harry knew from Potions entered the room, and, on seeing him, went and sat down at his table.

"This looks like a fun lot," Charlie said, with a look at the Slytherins. "You don't think they're here to try and learn actual Dark Arts, do you?"

"Probably," Susan replied, her nose wrinkling up in disgust. "I took this class to help with Auror training." Before either boy could reply, however, Professor Lupin entered the room, followed by Snape, in all his billowing black robes.

"Welcome, everyone, to Dark Studies," Lupin said, genially looking about the room as though unaware that all but a few of his students were glaring at him in contempt. "As this course is new to the school, I suppose we should begin by going over the class itself. Dark Studies will be a comprehensive course in the Dark Arts--you will learn what it is, how to recognize it, and how to properly defend yourselves from it, as well as the history of dark witches and wizards and the use of Dark detectors. Professor Snape has offered to assist me with this class, as poisons and potions play a large part in Dark Arts, though most of your class time will be with me. Are there any questions so far?"

One hand went up into the air.

"Mister Malfoy?"

"Are we going to learn any actual Dark Arts?" The other Slytherins looked at both teachers with expectation.

"An excellent way to present tonight's homework, don't you think Lupin?" Snape said from his chair behind Professor Lupin.

"Yes, it is," Lupin said, still smiling. Harry was somewhat impressed--how was Lupin able to control himself and not snap at Malfoy? "The question, Mister Malfoy, is what exactly are the Dark Arts? How are you to study them if you don't know what they are? Any thoughts?"

Susan raised her hand and said, "Dark Arts involve any magic that inflicts pain on the person it is used on, or the use of blood in the case of potions."

"But aren't there Light spells that cause pain, Miss Bones?" Lupin replied. "I'm sure many of you have experience with jinxes that are very uncomfortable. As for blood in potions, there are many healing potions that require the use of the subject's blood."

"All of which are to be identified in your essays," Snape interrupted.

"So, what makes Dark Arts so Dark?" Lupin continued. "As Professor Snape has given away, your homework assignment will be an essay on your personal definition of the Dark Arts, and whether or not Miss Bones' definition, the one generally used by the Ministry, is an accurate one."

Saturday morning dawned sunny and clear. The weather was cooling considerably, and September was giving way to autumn. The morning run was held outside now, around the lake. After breakfast, Harry and Ron went down to the Quidditch pitch to prepare for the try-outs that would be happening that morning. Ginny, Neville and Hermione had joined them, though Ginny was the only one that would be trying for a position. Ron had a clipboard and a sheet of parchment on which he had gathered the names of those interested in playing for the team and was organizing them into groups for a practice game; Ron had decided the best way for the players to demonstrate their skills was to actually play a game of Quidditch, and he would watch them from the stands with the rest of the team. Hermione and Neville had come to cheer on Ginny, but after her performance the previous year, she was sure to make the team. Harry helped her warm up by flying around the pitch tossing the Quaffle to her.

Slowly, more Gryffindors arrived to the pitch, Dean and Seamus, as well as Lee Jordan and the seventh year Robert Fox. A seventh year girl, Trinny Webb, was trying for Chaser, as well as a Kala Darcy, a girl in Harry's year, three fifth years, Fiona Neason, William Jacobs and Alan Rochester, a third year girl named Sierra Rhodes, and four second years. Harry found himself yet again amazed at the younger students--they seemed so young, and yet he had been a year younger when he had made the team. Katie and Alicia arrived and took seats behind Ron.

"Right, now that everyone's here, let's get started," Ron said, walking to the edge of the stands so that they could hear him. "I want you to play a game, playing half the time with the rest of the team, half the time on your own. Play like you mean it, because I will be grading your skills. If you don't know it, I am Ron Weasley, the Captain and Keeper. Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell are our Chasers, and Harry Potter is our Seeker." He paused a moment so that they could all wave hello. Then, he put them onto teams, placing Ginny, in for Ron as Keeper, Dean, Kala and Seamus with the rest of the team. Harry kicked off from the ground as soon as the balls were released, and he took a position high above the field where he could watch the players while he looked for the snitch. He could see the young second year boy some distance from him, watching his movements--he was opting to follow Harry instead of look for the snitch himself. Harry smiled somewhat at the tactic, and watched as Katie scored. The third year, Sierra, was doing rather well in her Beater position; she was small, but obviously strong, and she easily maneuvered the club to knock Bludgers directly at the opposing Chasers. She had good aim too, Harry noted. Dean and Seamus were the Beaters for Alicia and Katie, though Dean seemed to be having more of a struggle with it. There were two of the second years playing Chaser, as well as Trinny Webb, and seemed to work well together, but they were no match for the current Gryffindor girls.

Suddenly, Harry caught sight of a speck of gold near the Hufflepuff end of the stands. He lay down against his Firebolt and sped off in the direction of the snitch. The second year was quite far behind him, and in a moment it was over--Harry grasped the snitch and landed. Ron blew his whistle and they changed up the players and returned to the air for another game.

"What do you think?" Harry said, taking a seat next to Ron on the stands while Alan Rochester took his place as seeker.

"Rhodes definitely," Ron replied, not taking his eyes from the players above them. "Webb, the second year Smith, and Jacobs are good fliers, but they don't want to play as a team." Harry looked up. Ron was right--currently, the three he had mentioned were chasers on their team, but they seemed to be trying to score individually, refusing to pass the Quaffle to each other, preventing them from scoring more than they were. Harry saw that Ginny had taken the place of Chaser with Alicia and Katie, and she was doing well. She was a good flier, and seemed to know where her teammates were at all times.

"What about Gin?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual.

"She's good. She'll probably make, but I don't want it seem like she got in just because she's my sister."

"Leave the final decision up to the whole team," Harry said. "We'll all vote for it. Then it'll be fair, and she'll probably get the position."

"Yeah...what do think of Seamus?"

"He's alright. Dean isn't doing very well, and none of the rest have the build for Beaters. Still, he's not the best."

"But with Rhodes?"

"That'd be alright I think." Ron nodded and blew his whistle, calling the players to the ground. "The rest of the team and I will now vote on our choices. If you'll just wait out here, then, we'll be back in a moment." Harry and Ron then joined Alicia and Katie in the locker room. It was quickly obvious that Ron and Harry's picks were the same as the two Chasers, and Ron quickly wrote down the names and alternates on his sheet of parchment.

When they walked back into the stands, the group gathered round Ron from the various parts of the field they'd been standing on.

"Our new Chaser will be Ginny Weasley, the Beaters will be Sierra Rhodes and Seamus Finnigan. Alternates for Chaser are Trinny Webb and Marcus Smith; alternates for Beater are Dean Thomas and Robert Fox, in case any of the team can't play. Practices are Monday and Thursday after dinner."