Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Extra Lessons

Things seemed more hopeful to Harry in the morning light. He could see that Lupin was watching him rather closely and was probably still thinking about their conversation of the previous night. The trip that day to Diagon Alley was short and uneventful. Alastor Moody came to headquarters early and joined Remus and Harry on the excursion. Harry was happy for the fresh air even though Moody was stalking along next to him as though Voldemort himself might spring out at them at any moment.

Their first stop was Gringotts, where Harry withdrew a small pile of galleons, which he put in a leather pouch. The goblin that took them to the vault pulled Remus aside. Harry could not hear what was being said, except for Remus's final comment, "We'll not be doing that today. Contact Dumbledore and he will arrange a time." Harry looked quizzically at him. Remus's face was somber and he simply indicated the way back outside, and that was that.

Next it was over to Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasion's for some new robes. Madam Malkin tisked and fussed around him while he stood on a stool with his arms raised to shoulder level. "Don't they grow fast," she kept exclaiming. Harry felt foolish with Remus and Moody looking on and smiling at him. A boy of about eleven was up on a stool next to him, looking quite put out, as his mother and the shop lady fitted his new Hogwarts apparel. Harry remembered how he had felt while being fitted his first time. He smiled at the boy and asked, "What house are you hoping for?"

The boy looked up at Harry and said tentatively, "My dad was in Ravenclaw. He hopes I'll end up there."

"Ravenclaw is great, I'm sure you'll make it," said Harry confidently. The boy smiled broadly.

Soon Harry had a complete new set of robes. In addition he purchased a few pairs of pants, some sweaters and some shirts, to replace his lost ones.

Then they went to Flourish and Blott's for Harry's books. While he was able to find all the books on his list, he was worried what he should do about the special lessons that Dumbledore had referred to. Remus picked out a book called "Traversing the Void, a Guide to Apparation" by Muddella Fleetwood. "This was always a good reference book on Apparation, Harry. It wouldn't hurt to pick it up," said Remus passing the book to him over a stacks of textbooks strewn on a table. "Beyond that, I wouldn't worry. If your professors want you to get additional books, just send Hedwig to me and I'll take care of getting them and sending them along." With that resolved, the only thing remaining was potions supplies.

Harry was not sure what to do about potions ingredients either. He knew he was not to take Professors Snape's class, but it sounded as though Professor McGonagall had something in mind. "Potter," growled Moody, "Don't worry about that. Potions is not as important as they make it out. Why, I haven't made a real potion in years. Rarely used them on the job myself. Lot of rubbish for the most part."

Remus threw back his head and laughed, "Mad Eye, I'll bet you had to be quite good at Potions to pass the Auror test." Mad Eye grumbled something about it being a long time ago. Remus continued, "And as for not being important, look how a potion was able to keep you totally out of commission, and in the control of young Barty Crouch for almost a year." Moody turned his magical eye on Lupin and scowled. Harry stifled a smile.

Remus turned to Harry, "Let's buy some standard items that can always be used. Again, if you need something else, just send to me, and I'll get it." They went to the Apothecary shop with Moody taking up a post at the door to guard Harry. Harry thought it a little embarrassing but he scanned the crowd and reckoned that no one probably realized that Moody was guarding him. Moody was an attraction all on his own and really diverted attention from Harry.

In the Apothecary shop, Remus suggested a set of potions ingredients that included quantities of some standard items used at N.E.W.T. level. "I hated N.E.W.T. potions," Remus said. "I just couldn't get the knack of it I guess," he said sighing. Harry wasn't sure he had a knack for potions, either. However it was hard to tell with Snape as a teacher. The O.W.L. test had not been that bad. Without Snape breathing down his neck, he had been able to concentrate. Perhaps with McGonagall teaching him, or what ever she arranged, he would be able to come up to scratch. Harry purchased the set and glanced around as he waited for his change. The shop was full of strange looking substances and odors that were overpowering. A crate labeled "Moke Skins" stood on the floor next to Harry. As he watched, they shrunk and expanded. He wondered what ever could be done with them. Before he could ask, his change arrived and they left the shop.

As they had completed the last purchase, Remus moved them along toward the Leaky Cauldron. Just then Harry spotted Hermione with her parents, across the street near the cauldron shop. "Hi Harry!" yelled Hermione, waving her arm over her head. They met in the middle of the street and Hermione gave Harry a huge hug. As they broke apart, he realized that he was not a bit embarrassed to have hugged Hermione in public. He was supremely glad to see her. He thanked her for the birthday gift and she showed him her huge stack of books. "Some of these look so interesting, I wish I could have gotten them earlier and had time to read through them." Harry shook his head. Hermione hadn't changed.

"Would you and your parents like to come to headquarters for dinner?" asked Harry on a whim.

"Good idea, Harry," said Hermione, "but my parents don't know the location, and only Dumbledore can give it, remember?" Harry had indeed forgotten. Even though it was his house, he couldn't invite anyone he wanted to visit it. That hardly seemed right. He decided not to tell Hermione about owning the house, as he had not told Ron.

They talked for a few minutes about the summer, but Harry noticed the nervous way Remus was looking at him. "Guess I should be going," he said finally.

"We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight. I'll see you tomorrow on the train," said Hermione enthusiastically.

"Ya, see you in the morning, then," said Harry. He walked back toward Remus and Moody, with a brief wave to Hermione's parents.

The next morning Kings Cross station was packed. Remus and Moody were again Harry's escort. Loitering between platforms nine and ten at Kings Cross, and looking like any normal passenger, was Kingsley Shaklebolt. He nodded and smiled at Harry, Remus, and Moody as they passed. Once on platform nine and three quarters, there was even more security. Harry immediately noticed wizards stationed at intervals along the walls. Did the Ministry really expect trouble here?

Remus helped him stow his trunk on-board the train. It was the first time that Harry had ever arrived on the platform with time to spare. The train was not scheduled to leave for another fifteen minutes. He found a car and deposited Hedwig on the seat and then went back out on the platform. Remus and Moody were talking to Tonks who was one of the 'guards' posted along the wall. Harry went over to them. "Hi ya Harry," said Tonks.

"Hi," he replied. He liked Nymphadora Tonks, and wished that she had come around to headquarters over the last few weeks. It would have minimized the boredom. "Are you expecting trouble?" he asked.

"Trouble, well...uhm....I just go where they send me," laughed Tonks. Harry realized that she was more nervous than she wanted to let on.

"It's OK, Tonks, I think we can tell Harry what's going on here," Remus whispered. Remus glanced around and then leaned toward Harry. "There was a threat delivered to the Ministry last night, by owl. The note warned of an attack on the train. Apparently it ranted on about the Muggle-borns, and how they all deserved to die. Luckily, Arthur was there at time, and he was able to organize a defensive response."

Harry looked up and down the platform and then back at Remus. "Could be that Voldemort wants all the aurors here so he can attack something else," speculated Harry.

"Yes, we had that same thought," Tonks said. "But we only have so many people who can be sent out. The Ministry is going to have to swell their ranks with You Know Who...I mean...Voldemort becoming more active."

Harry wondered if the Ministry's need for aurors would make it easier for someone with less than perfect grades, such as himself, to get in. Just then he spotted Hermione and her parents. He excused himself and went to talk to her. Soon Ron and Ginny joined them. While everyone greeted each other, Harry noticed Mr. Weasley going up the line of aurors, talking and shaking hands with all of them. Parents were coming up to him as well and he was gracious to each. Harry noted that the parents Mr. Weasley spoke with seemed relieved.

Mrs. Weasley was talking to the Grangers and jumped as the train whistle blew. She quickly gathered her children in and hugged them. Then she turned to Harry and hugged him too. Hermione's parents were saying their good-byes. The Hogwarts Express was building up steam for its departure and the porters were scurrying around loading the last of the luggage. Ron and Hermione excused themselves and went off to meet with the other prefects. "Well, let's get on-board then," said Ginny looking at Harry. "Mind if I sit with you?"

"Not at all," responded Harry, and he led the way to the car where he had stowed Hedwig. Ginny plopped down and opened a book. Neville found their car a few moments later and joined them. He had a lipstick kiss on his forehead, from his Gran. Ginny reached over and wiped it off with a handkerchief, as Neville seemed to have lost his. Harry noticed several of the Ministry aurors pass by in the corridor. It looked like they would have a guard on the train as well, thought Harry. As the train began to slowly move out of the station, Harry waved out the window at Remus who was standing apart from everyone on the platform. Remus smiled and waved, and the train steamed out into the countryside.

The train car was warm and Harry was very tired so he decided to have a nap. He leaned back and fell asleep almost immediately. He was awakened once, by the grating noise of the sliding compartment door, followed by the grating voice of Draco Malfoy. "Napping, hey Potter? Not worried you'll be killed in your sleep?" sneered Draco. "You should be worried, you know. Longbottom, Weasley, you better all be worried." And without waiting for an answer, Draco slammed the door closed and retreated down the train car with Crabbe and Goyle shadowing him, as always.

Ginny leapt up and pushed the door open. She called down toward Malfoy, "Killing people in their sleep sounds like something your dad would do, Draco. But, Oh, I forgot, he went and got himself locked up in Azkaban." Then she slammed the door back shut.

"What a slug," murmured Ginny under her breath. Harry grinned at her. She was fearless. He could see how different she was now, compared to the scared girl he had rescued from the Chamber of Secrets. That seemed ages ago to Harry, now. He had made the mistake once of forgetting that she too had been a target of Voldemort. They had that in common.

Harry drifted back to sleep. He was running down a narrow hall, he turned a corner and was face to face with a red-eyed demon hound that began to chase him. He turned and ran again. Again he ended up in a dead end faced with another red-eyed hound. He kept running as the pack of dogs at his heels kept increasing. Finally he could run no more. He spun around and aimed his wand to give the killing curse but he could not remember it. Just then he was shaken awake by Ginny. "We're almost there Harry, better change into your robes."

The train pulled into Hogsmeade station and everyone emerged, happy to stretch their legs and breathe the fresh air. Hagrid was there, as usual, calling out for the first years. They were filtering up to the front, with anxious looks on their faces. Harry caught Hagrid's eye and waved.

Harry and Ginny found Ron and Hermione and they walked over to the waiting carriages. The night was beautiful. The sky was clear and the air was crisp. The lake sparkled in the moonlight. Harry just wanted to take it all in. He was home, home at Hogwarts. They settled into a carriage for the ride to the castle. Harry didn't mention the thestrals that he knew none of them could see. Also, it brought back memories of the night in the Department of Mysteries and he did not want to discuss that now. Then he noticed solitary dark shapes standing at intervals around the train station area. He pointed them out to Hermione, Ron and Ginny. "They must be more aurors," he speculated.

Ron and Ginny it seemed, knew about the threatening letter sent to the Ministry, from overhearing their dad talking to someone on the floo network. Hermione was the only one who didn't know what was going on, so they told her in turns what they had learned. Hermione had the same thought as Harry had expressed to Tonks, and she hoped they wouldn't see a story about an attack elsewhere, in the next edition of The Daily Prophet. As the carriages swayed and bumped along, Harry had a new thought as he looked upwards at the lighted windows dotting the great stone walls. "Percy is here, isn't he?" Harry asked. "Will you be going to see him?"

Ron looked out toward the lake. "Dad told us we're not to try to see him. He said he would send us an owl when it was safe."

"Safe?" said Harry. "Really, what could he do? They must have him under guard, or something."

"Dunno, but Dad made us promise, and wouldn't say anything more. I gather that he's still cursed or it wouldn't matter, would it?" was all Ron would say.

They joined the stream of students and climbed the stairs to the entrance hall. There was the usual jumble as everyone moved toward their tables. Soon they were taking seats at the Gryffindor table, talking and laughing with their housemates. Harry scanned the head table. As always, he was looking for a new face, the face of the Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. Last years choice, Dolores Umbridge, had been a total disaster. Harry was hoping for someone much better this year. It seemed an even more important subject than usual, given that Voldemort was active and with the dementors on the loose, not to mention the Death Eaters.

Through the door of the antechamber, behind the head table, came Professor Dumbledore, and with him a tall, heavy set man with thick curling grey hair and a thick grey beard. He was laughing and slapping Dumbledore on the back. When he reached the table, he tapped Professor McGonagall on the shoulder. She turned and the big man grabbed her hand and pulled her up from her seat. He proceeded to give her a great friendly hug that unseated her hat, which fell to the table. Surprisingly, she did not seem the least angry, and she held his arms for a moment, leaning in to say something. He laughed again, quite a booming laugh, and moved along the table toward the only empty seat. The man continued to clap teachers on the back or give them some greeting. They all seemed to know him. As the man approached the empty seat next to Snape, Harry noticed that Potion Master's lip curled into quite an ugly sneer. The man, however, appeared not to notice and grabbed Snape's hand, shaking it quite robustly, before he sat.

"Hey, look," said Ron who was just now noticing the new teacher. "It's Mac!"

"Who?" asked Harry.

"Conner MacNessa," said Ron. "My dad knows him. He's been to our house, but not in a long time."

"I'm sure I've read something about him," said Hermione. "I can't place it though. Is he famous for something?"

"I don't know about that. We used to enjoy his visits is all," said Ron. "But..." Ron seemed to be trying to work something out. "I'm not sure but I think he had some trouble with the Ministry several years ago."

Dumbledore stood and raised his hands for quiet. That was all that was needed even in the noisy hall. All eyes turned toward the headmaster. "Another school year begins at Hogwarts," he started. "I welcome you all back, and of course, we will soon welcome new students to our ranks. But first I have something important to say." Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued, "These are trying times in our world. Many of you here have been, or will be, directly affected by recent events. Lord Voldemort has returned. As a result, there have been attacks on wizarding families as well as others. The attacks are not likely to decrease. I wish Hogwarts to be an island in this sea of trouble, where students can learn, and can respect one another without prejudice. To this end I hope that all students will show tolerance toward their fellows. Hogwarts expects the very best of all its students."

"Wow", said Ron in a whisper, "Dumbledore's really laying it on. Does he think we'll all ban together and kill the Slytherins or something?"

Harry looked around the room and saw a range of emotions. There was fear, resolve, nervousness and also from the Slytherin table, a total lack of concern. Sure, Harry thought, it's their fathers who are pulling off the attacks. It's their families who are Voldemort supporters, no matter what they said.

Dumbledore continued, "I have decided that a change in curriculum is in order for this school year. We received an unexpected example of the merits of practical defense training last term." Dumbledore's eye rested momentarily on Harry, twinkling. With an almost imperceptible nod, he continued. "I have decided that fifth through seventh years will devote each Friday completely to the Study of Defense Against The Dark Arts. This hall will be used for most of the Friday defense classes, although smaller groups may be created from time to time. We will be using the skills of all of our professors in teaching this subject. Dueling will be actively taught. We have a vast array of skills here at Hogwarts and I am committed to providing you with the best training possible. The Friday lessons will allow our various professors to rotate in to teach and demonstrate things that you might not normally see. I believe the staff is quite excited about this possibility. First through fourth years will receive their normal lessons during the week, but may find they have substitute instructors, occasionally, on Fridays."

Ron leaned over toward Harry. "This means Snape will get to teach Defense Against The Dark Arts. He's gotta be dancing a jig."

Harry scanned the faces of the professors. They did all seem to be smiling at the announcement. Snape looked as pleased as Harry had ever seen the sour Potions Master look. Harry guessed Ron was right. Defense lessons with Snape would, no doubt, be a painful experience for Harry. He sighed. Snape hated him and he knew it. Severus Snape took every opportunity to prove it by inflicting pain on Harry.

"We have several seventh years studying for NEWT's, who have chosen not to continue in Defense Against The Dark Arts, but to concentrate on other areas of study. Some of those students have been assigned to provide classroom support on Fridays, in their particular area of expertise. They may even give the daily lesson to the first through fourth years, if the regular professor is occupied with a Defense Against The Dark Arts lesson," said Dumbledore.

Hermione seemed flustered and was mumbling to herself, and making notes. "This messes up the entire schedule. I'll have to re-arrange my entire homework planner. I don't see how this is going to be managed properly." As she seemed to be speaking to no one in particular, Harry and Ron just looked at each other and shrugged.

"Professor McGonagall and Madam Pince have done a fine job of sorting out the schedules to make our new arrangement possible. Madam Pince has also set out a very complete set of reference materials related to Defense Against The Dark Arts in the library, which you may browse at your leisure. We have arranged some visits by Ministry of Magic aurors as well as other specialists to round out the training. I hope you are prepared for an interesting year!"

"Sounds really brilliant to me." said Harry. "Sounds like we'll learn loads of stuff."

"With all those guest speakers, old Snape isn't going to get a go at us very often, is he," laughed Ron.

Dumbledore was still talking"...and so, to keep the whole plan on track we have been lucky enough to secure a new professor for this year. Professor MacNessa, would you stand please." Conner MacNessa rose and gave a buoyant wave to the assemblage. "Professor MacNessa will teach Defense Against The Dark Arts to the first through fourth years, and will be the coordinator for our day long, Friday classes. Professor MacNessa is uniquely qualified for this position, once having been an auror for the Ministry of Magic, among other accomplishments." All eyes were now on Professor MacNessa. There was random clapping. Dumbledore nodded his head toward Professor MacNessa, bidding him to sit down. "Now I think we can commence with the sorting."

Professor McGonagall called forward the first years that stood nervously in front of the house tables. She placed the battered old sorting hat upon the stool and stood aside. As it had for centuries, the hat stretched itself up and began its song.

More years ago than any can know,

The founders enchanted me,

Their purpose to divide just so,

Young wizards that here we see.

The sorting was their way to shape,

Strong groups of similar souls.

Strong bonds are formed that never break.

Setting each in his role.

But sorting also makes for strife,

When it was not intended.

Bring harmony into your life,

And the old ways can be amended.

Go forth young wizards one and all,

Join ranks and fight for right.

With knowledge from within these walls,

You are ready for the fight.

In this time I will not list,

The houses brave and strong.

Though it may be my job to sort,

I refuse to sing THAT song.

A house I will name, if you ask,

But don't make that your shield.

Before you lies a deadly task.

Some will triumph, some will yield.

Work together, don't divide,

Or conquer you will not.

A lowly hat can not decide,

Where each should cast his lot.

The room was silent and Harry noticed Professor McGonagall's gaze fixed on the hat. She quickly recovered and looked at her parchment scroll then began to call the first years forward. Harry figured the hat had the right of it. After all, it sat in Dumbledore's office and listened. It knew what was happening outside the castle walls. However, he wondered, how could he come to trust or rely on the Slytherins? It was mostly their type that supported Voldemort. Harry guessed they were in for a long fight.

The sorting was completed and Gryffindor had eight new, young members. Harry saw that the young boy he had talked to in Madam Malkin's had indeed been sorted into Ravenclaw. He was beaming from his place at their table. After applauding the new arrivals, the feast materialized. It was excellent as usual, and Harry ate till bursting.

When everyone was finished, Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands together. Quiet all around. "Now for some start of term notices. First, Mr. Filch reminds us that there should be no spells or magical devices deployed in the hallways. Mr. Filch has a long, or shall we say, complete, listing of forbidden items posted on the door to his office. I invite all students to scan the list and thus remain in compliance. Please remember that the forest is strictly off limits to students. The Centaurs have recently made it quite clear that they will kill first and ask questions later if they encounter intruders. The house elves have asked that you pick up miscellaneous pieces of clothing and not leave them strewn about your common rooms. Apparently there was some problem in this regard last term." Hermione looked shocked and Ron sniggered and elbowed Harry.

Dumbledore dismissed the houses to go off to their respective dormitories. The Gryffindors had just stood up to leave when Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. It was Professor McGonagall. "Please follow me Potter," she whispered.

"Catch you later then, mate," said Ron. Harry sent him a little wave as he turned to follow Professor McGonagall to the anteroom.

Inside the long comfortable room were Professor Dumbledore and Professor MacNessa. "Good, good, Harry, please come in, sit down," beckoned Dumbledore. There were several high wing-backed chairs near the fireplace, and Harry sat in one. The others, including McGonagall took seats.

"Well, Harry, of course, you heard me introduce Professor MacNessa, here, to the students," began Dumbledore, "and I know he will make a first rate Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher, after all, I taught him everything I know." At this, the three of them laughed as though there was more to the story than that. Harry tried to smile politely. He was not at all sure why he was here and he was getting rather nervous. "In all seriousness, Professor MacNessa will indeed make a fine Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher but he is here to fulfill some other needs, Harry, which concern you most directly. "I explained to you over the holiday that you would be learning to Apparate. I feel that you must master this skill as soon as possible," said Dumbledore. "The professor here will train you to Apparate. Next, Professor MacNessa will be providing you with Occlumency lessons. Due to some special concerns that I have, Professor Snape may be asked to work with the two of you from time to time. Professor MacNessa will use his best judgment in that area." Harry glanced at MacNessa whose gaze was directed up at the ceiling. "You will not, however, be receiving individual lessons from Professor Snape," said Dumbledore.

"Potter," said Professor McGonagall, "I made you a solemn promise last year during your career counseling. I am sure you remember the occasion. It remains quite fresh in my mind. You of course, needed to achieve an "O" in Potions during your O.W.L. exams in order to qualify for Professor Snape's advanced class. This did not happen." McGonagall paused. Harry flushed with guilt.

"We are of the opinion, having reviewed the grading report, that you were borderline of achieving the "O" that you needed," McGonagall continued. "Given your special circumstances, we have decided to offer you special tutoring in Potions. If you work diligently, you may be able to pass the exam next spring, and thereby re-join the advanced class in your seventh year," said McGonagall enthusiastically. "Again, Professor MacNessa has agreed to instruct you."

Dumbledore spoke. "To accomplish all the extra lessons, you will work with Professor MacNessa for one or two class periods each day, except Friday's of course. Professor MacNessa is skilled in these subject areas, and he feels that he can cover the material quite well in the allotted time, since you will be working one on one. How does that suit you Harry?" asked Dumbledore.

They were all looking at him now. "Thanks...er, thanks very much," said Harry. Only one to two class periods per day was ok. At least he wouldn't have to spend every free minute of the day in extra classes. He was feeling quite relieved. Harry rose from his chair and walked toward Professor MacNessa. He held out his hand, "Thank you sir for agreeing to give me these lessons."

MacNessa looked into Harry's eyes and Harry suddenly felt that MacNessa could sense his thoughts. It was like the look that Snape always gave him, but not cold or sinister. Professor MacNessa, who had been quiet so far, stood grasping Harry's hand in a hearty handshake. "This is a fine boy, Albus. I expect he'll do very well, very well indeed."

Then a thought occurred to Harry that had been bothering him all summer. "Sir?" Harry said turning to Dumbledore. "Professor Umbridge gave me a lifetime Quidditch ban last year. Since it looks like I'll still have time for Quidditch, even with the extra lessons I mean, I was wondering sir, if I am still banned?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Harry, Dolores Umbridge had no power to impose such a ban and therefore, you are perfectly eligible for Quidditch." Harry smiled broadly.

Harry arrived at the portrait hole 10 minutes later, having been dismissed from the anteroom with directions as to which class periods belonged to Professor MacNessa. He did not know the new password, and no one was there to help him out. Harry felt a rush of frustration. Now he was locked out until someone came to get him. He was considering going in search of McGonagall when he saw a scrap of paper lying on the floor in front of the Fat Lady. He picked it up, and read aloud the two words penned on it, "Virtus Leonine".

At this, the Fat Lady said "Very well," and portrait swung open to admit him.

Harry found Ron and Hermione in the corner of the common room, talking. "Hello Harry," said Hermione brightly.

"Did you leave me the password?" he asked.

"Yes, but keep your voice down. I could lose my prefect badge over a thing like that," said Hermione with a smile.

"Where were you, mate?" asked Ron.

"Extra lessons," said Harry significantly. Ron nodded.

"What's all this?" asked Hermione.

"Harry's got to take about six extra classes," said Ron.

"I have to have Potions, Occlumency and Apparation with Professor MacNessa," explained Harry. "I guess I'll have a couple of class periods each day for it."

"Apparation! I'd love to study that," said Hermione, "but you're not allowed to study Apparation until you're almost 17. I know I've read that there are lots of witches and wizards who don't even do it because it's supposed to be rather difficult."

"I guess they think I need it," said Harry. "I hope I can do it."

Ron had been filling Hermione in on their summer. She was shocked by a good deal of it, including the attack on the Dursley house and Percy's role in the attack at Diagon Alley. When they had finally finished relating everything that had happened, Hermione looked somber. "I wonder if my parents might be attacked? I wonder if I should warn them?"

Harry thought for a moment, "What would you tell them to do?" Hermione was silent and simply shook her head. Harry turned the conversation to Percy and his confinement within Hogwarts. "Maybe we could sneak up there some night and get a look at him," suggested Harry. Ron seemed strangely reluctant, so Harry dropped it.

Soon everyone began to drift off to their dormitories. Ron and Harry climbed the stairs to their old, familiar room. They got into pajamas and climbed into their beds. "What do you reckon this year will be like with the war going on and all?" asked Ron in the darkness.

"I don't know," said Harry. "Its sort of a funny war isn't it. I mean, I can't see the school being attacked. There are kids here from all types of wizard families, even some whose fathers are in Azkaban"

"Well," laughed Ron, as Harry laid his head back on the pillow, "If I see Malfoy packing a bag and sneaking out the front door, I'm going to duck under something heavy."