Harry Potter and the Maneosioan War

Chapter 5

Aquapaths

August left as soon as it had come and, before he knew it, Harry found himself in a bedroom that he was used to calling his own, at the lighthouse, packing for the Hogwarts Express. It was one of those rare occasions during which he found that he would rather spend another long summer away from the wizarding school and remain at the lighthouse than return to Hogwarts. A sinking feeling from the expectations from his team mates for being the new Gryffindor Quidditch team captain had formed itself at the pit of his stomach, not to mention the fact that he would have to behave normally around Hermione, as in like her best friend, and not her boyfriend, while watching Ron holding her hand or hugging her, even though he knew very well that it was not something that Ron pleased. And then there was, of course, the fact that he would have to face Luna and admit to her that it was his fault that she would no longer be able to speak to her parents again, including the heavy-duty classes that included Advanced Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, and whatever else Professor McGonagall had mentioned he would have to take this year.

Harry had just finished packing all of the new books that Ron and Ginny had picked up for him at Diagon Alley and was eyeing the gifts that he had gotten from Sirius that had lain forgotten in his trunk. However, he stuffed the last bit of his belonging on top of them and shut his trunk; thinking about Sirius was not something that Harry longed for at this very moment.

"‘Morning, Harry," said Hermione, as she slowly made her way from the door to his bedroom. Harry noticed that she had done something extremely pretty with her hair; it was not it's old bushy self, yet it didn't suspend the new straight-and-sleek look. Instead, he guessed that Hermione had probably straitened her hair and then made soft waves appear at the top, which made it look very lively and intriguing.

"I like what you've done to your hair," said Harry.

"Oh, thanks," she said. "Packed already?"

"Yeah," said Harry, "you know how Mrs. Weasley gets when we're late."

"Right," said Hermione, but he could tell that she had the same air of not wanting to return to Hogwarts about her.

"Hermione, listen - "

"Look, Harry. Don't worry about it, okay? I mean, we'll manage, won't we? It's not like we won't be together at all, right? And I was just thinking that I'm sure we'll be able to sneak away now and then without anyone noticing."

"We'll find time to be together, Hermione, I promise," said Harry, taking her hands into his. "And I'm sure that it won't make that big a difference. We've managed it for the past five years, haven't we?" Harry grinned and Hermione giggled.

"You're right," said Hermione. "We're going back to Hogwarts. What's to be sad about, eh?"

"Harry! Hermione! Come quick!" came Neville's voice. "Come! There's something you've got to see!"

Neville had remained at the lighthouse with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest of the Weasleys, along with some members of the Order. Harry felt it important to tell him about the prophesy considering the fact that it could have well been about him and found that he was rather not as shocked as everyone else when he told him. "Yeah, I figured it was something like that," he said after Harry explained everything to him. "I can't believe that it could have been me, though. And I was worried about passing my O.W L.'s! Blimey, Harry, I don't know what to say..."

He led Harry and Hermione towards where most of the Weasleys were standing and staring out into the open windows on the side of the stairway.

"What is it?" asked Ginny.

"I dunno," said Bill.

"I know what those are!" said Charlie. "There were paintings of them in the downstairs Art Gallery. Wow! I can't believe Dumbledore actually managed to find some!"

"Well, what are they?" asked Hermione.

"I'm surprised, Hermione," said Bill. "I thought you'd know by now, for sure. Having read all those books and all."

"Just get to the point," said Ron.

"Well, those are supposed to be really rare..."

Harry finally looked out into the ocean and saw several people speaking with what appeared to be gigantic sea monsters. But they were unlike anything that Harry imagined they would be. In fact, they looked like anything but monsters. The creatures were entirely made of water and pillared feet above the ocean. Their manes seemed to be a burning red fire as piercing as their eyes that glowed bright aqua. They appeared to have the giant body of a man and the head of what was unmistakably...a lion. Harry stared at what was about a good ten of them, his jaw hanging loose.

"...Dumbledore's amazing, of course, don't know of anyone else who could have gotten them, or at least gotten the courage to speak to them - "

"Sorry, what did you say they were again?" said Harry, who had been staring at the creatures, and apparently not taking in a word that Charlie was saying.

"Weren't you listening, Harry? They're called aquapaths; home to the Bermuda Triangle. They're the reason so many of those strange things that Muggles call aeropolanes - "

"Airplanes," Hermione corrected him.

"Right - go missing. They pull them down, of course, don't like to be bothered. They're very powerful, they are. Muggles can't see them, though. Can't say how many lives were lost because of them. But it's not like it's their fault; you can't imagine the trouble the Worldwide International Ministry's been having trying to keep Muggles from going near them. They barely ever leave the Triangle though, I can't believe Dumbledore got them to come."

"Does that mean that they're on our side?" asked Harry, anxiously.

"Oh, no. They don't take sides, they don't. Too powerful. Like I said, they like to be left alone. Dumbledore's just probably asking them for permission. They're the owners of the Seas, you know; regulate everything and every living creature in the waters. They like to be updated and it seems as if Dumbledore's been wanting help from some sea creatures. For the war, you know."

"Oh, right," said Harry.

"Wait a minute," said Hermione beside Harry, "aquapaths? There's not related to heliopaths, are they?"

"Heliopaths? Those myths? Nah," said Charlie, "heliopaths don't exist! They were just made up from folk legends."

Hermione exchanged a nervous look with Ron.

Harry looked back at the aquapaths and had a surge of feeling minuscule compared to the hovering creatures. He watched as they suddenly began to shuffle and, eventually, plunge back into the water, swimming away with their flaming manes hovering above the disturbed ocean.

Mrs. Weasley sighed, "Well, then. That's that. Nothing to see here. Come on, all. Breakfast is ready. Don't want to be late for the train."

"Oooh. Are we going to take the metro, mum?" asked Ginny, hopefully.

"No, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "There are far too many of us."

Ginny looked slightly put out.

"Going down to breakfast?" Ron asked Harry and Hermione.

Hermione looked around at Harry and then Ron.

"Er, no. You go ahead, Ron. We'll catch up," she said.

"No kidding," said Ron, grinning, and went downstairs with the rest of the Weasleys. In the mean time, Hermione took Harry's hand and they walked out onto the deck where they have occasionally slipped away from everyone else to be alone.

Hermione sighed, "I'm definitely going to miss this place," looking out into the ocean.

"Yeah...no wonder Dumbledore chose to live here."

"He's pretty lucky," said Hermione.

"He's not the only one," said Harry, taking Hermione into his arms. No sooner had he done so than music surprisingly burst out from an old speaker on the deck.

Harry gave Hermione a quizzical look, at which she laughed.

"Milady," he said, offering his hand, which she gratefully took, "would you do me the honor of accompanying me in a dance?"

"Dance?" said Hermione. "You can't dance!"

"Ah, but one does not always need to know to enjoy oneself," said Harry.

"You're starting to sound like Dumbledore!" she giggled.

"Am I really?" asked Harry, one hand on her waist and the other in her hand, twirling around with her about the deck. She was laughing now, which made Harry feel incredibly wonderful inside.

"Harry, stop! I'm dizzy!" said Hermione, still laughing, after what seemed to be several twirls.

Harry had thankfully avoided stepping on Hermione's feet but, then again, this really wasn't dancing. They both slowed down as the music changed into a romantic melody and Hermione carelessly hung her arms around Harry's neck as he put his hands on her waist. She finally put her head on his shoulder and said, "Oh, Harry. I don't want to go anywhere! The thought - the very thought that Voldemort is out there looking for a way to destroy you - to destroy us...and then there are the N.E.W.T.'s - "

"Don't think about that right now," said Harry.

"I'm sorry. It's just hard to get of mind, isn't it?"

"Yeah...," said Harry.

Harry and Hermione stayed out on the deck, swaying to the slow music, until Hermione drew her head back and said, "We need to go. We're going to be late if we don't have breakfast now. Unless you want to go hungry, that is."

Harry nodded and they left downstairs, not knowing how long it would be until they would have the chance to be together again like this.

They found Ron, Ginny, and Neville at the table, still covered with bottomless water, and almost done eating breakfast.

"Finally," said Ron and whispered, "How long does it take the two of you to snog, anyway?"

"We weren't snogging!" Hermione whispered, though in a clearly harsh tone. "Just because everything's about making out to you, Ron, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone else!"

"Whatever," said Ron. "So are you two going to eat, or am I going to have to shove some pancakes down your throats?"

"No, I think we'll feed ourselves. Thanks, Ron," said Harry.

The both of them rushed through their food very quickly and met Mr. and Mrs. Weasley at the main entrance with Ron, Ginny, Neville, Lupin, and Mad-Eye tagging along.

"Now remember," growled Mad-Eye, "we're going to make as little noise as possible. We can't risk having our hideout being discovered...again." He eyed all five kids heavily. "I will be putting the Disillusionment Charm on you. Potter, here, already knows what I'm talking about and, from the look on her face, so does Granger." Hermione flushed and Moody continued, "Not to worry, though, it doesn't hurt a bit. A bit chilly, but perfectly safe."

Moody stepped up to Harry and taped him on the head while Harry felt the familiar sensation of someone placing a bundle of ice on his head. While Moody also succeeded with Ron and Hermione, Lupin Disillusioned Ginny and Neville.

"Right then," said Mr. Weasley. "I assume we're all ready to go, then. Everyone gathered everything? Are you sure? Don't want to be coming back, now. Come to think of it, I don't think we could."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, along with Moody and Lupin, also Disillusioned themselves and the grand doors of the lighthouse opened, revealing a massive ray of light.

"Off we go," said Mr. Weasley and all nine of them stepped out into the rocky hearth outside of the lighthouse, watching it sink back into the ground behind them.

"Er, Mr. Weasley," said Harry, "how are we getting to the station?"

"Glad you asked, Harry," he said.

He walked over to one of the most particularly flat rocks and laid down what looked like a miniature square rug. Mr. Weasley whispered something under his breath and it suddenly enlarged to a size on which ten or more people could easily stand.

"Hey, I have one of those," said Harry, "only smaller."

"Really?" said Mr. Weasley, rather amused. "Where in the world did you get one, Harry?"

"Er," he said, unsure of whether or not Mr. Weasley would believe his answer, "Sirius."

"Ah," he said, "thought so. Yes, he would have most likely happened to have one of these."

Mrs. Weasley, however, scowled at the thought of that Sirius would give Harry something as dangerous as a Transporting Carpet.

"Right, now," said Mr. Weasley, "huddle up, all of you. Make sure to keep all of your arms and legs inside of the carpet. Mind you, we wouldn't want to leave one of those behind! On the count of three....one - two - three - International London Train Station."

Harry closed his eyes and barely felt his insides slightly closing in for a mere second and then spacing out freely again when he opened them to see themselves at the side of a building that was definitely the train station.

"There we are now," said Mr. Weasley, looking around. "All here? Splendid!"

One by one, Moody and Lupin undid the Disillusionment Charm on Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and then themselves.

The group began walking towards platform nine and three-quarters when a short man in a hood, and a good head-and-a-half shorter than Harry, accidentally bumped into him, clasping Harry's arm with his hand when Harry felt a familiar twinge of pain sear through his scar. The man immediately let go of Harry, mumbled something, and was out of sight.

"What is it, Harry?" asked Hermione. "Who was that?"

"I don't know," said Harry, still clutching his scar. Whoever it was, thought Harry, he was sure in a hurry to get away from someone or something. Harry remembered the touch of his hand...It was so strange, as if not a human hand at all. He shuddered.

"Are you sure you're alright, Harry, dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Yeah," said Harry, reassuringly. "I'm fine. Honestly."

"If you're sure..."said Mrs. Weasley, and all of them made it past the barrier that separatd them from the Hogwarts Express in groups of three. Harry, Mad-Eye, and Lupin went first, followed by Hermione, Neville, and Ron, and, finally, Ginny with her parents.

"Now, watch yourselves this year," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Yeah," said Moody, "especially you three." He pointed at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"If things, you know, come up," said Lupin, looking Harry directly in the eye, "don't worry about it, alright? There's nothing you can do about it. Alright?"

"Yeah," said Harry, though he couldn't guarantee any promises. If Lupin said that a true war was bound to break out, there would be no way that Harry could stay out of it. Lives would be lost, and this was only between him and Voldemort...

"You're only sixteen, remember that. Only - " said Mrs. Weasley.

"It's never stopped me before," said Harry under his breath.

"Harry!" said Lupin.

"Sorry," he breathed.

"Well, I hate to see you go.." said Mrs. Weasley, and Harry could see tears forming in her eyes. She gave each of them a warm hug, as if she was never going to see them again, and left them to board the train.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville got into the nearest compartment and waved Mrs. Weasley and the others goodbye while Ginny told them that she'd see them later because she had to go along with the other new prefects to get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl. Harry watched her go and he saw her join Colin Creevey, who seemed to be overenthusiastic about being a prefect and kept tripping over his robes, while he searched the corridor for Luna. He wondered if she had even come back to Hogwarts, or if someone had at least dropped her off...

He suddenly jumped as he saw a pare of big brown eyes emerge from the entrance and look painfully into his. Luna Lovegood was, in fact, returning to Hogwarts, accompanied by no other than Nymphadora Tonks.

"Tonks! What are you - how did you - you're alive! You're okay?" said Harry, completely taken by surprise.

"Shhh. Watch it now, Harry. Don't want to draw too much attention to me, now wouldja?"

Neville, Ron, and Hermione had now also emerged from their compartment, their mouths hanging open.

"Oh, my - " said Hermione. "Tonks! What -?"

"Quiet, all," said Tonks. "Let's talk in your compartment."

They walked inside and settled down. Tonks led Luna in by the shoulders, as if she wouldn't be able to find the way herself, and made sure that she was comfortable.

"You okay?" she asked her.

"I'm fine. Don't worry, really," Luna replied, strangely enough, in the same lively tone that she always spoke, only quieter.

Everyone was looking at the two with a compete look of confusion and mixed happiness on their faces. Ron sat next to Luna and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, at which she smiled, though meekly.

"Tonks?" said Hermione finally. "Do you mind - ?"

"Giving you an explanation?" she finished of her. "Yeah, I guess I do owe you one of those, don't I?"

"Y-yeah," said Harry, still astonished.

"Sorry," she replied, "can't say anything in here. Too risky. We'll have to wait 'till we get to Hogwarts, you know."

There was an awkward silence.

"Er," said Harry, not sure of what to say to either of them. "Wait! Hermione, can't you do that charm again? You know, the silencing thing?"

"Oooh, yes, that's a good idea," said Hermione, stepping up to the door of the compartment and shouting, "Iperturbio!" a second time.

"Wait a minute," said Harry, "how come whenever I do magic outside of school, I get in trouble with the Ministry, but when you -?"

"Never mind that, now," said Hermione, briskly, "Harry, don't you have something to say to Luna?"

"Yeah, but - er - Tonks, I don't think - "

"Say no more, there, Harry. Don't worry about it. I have to go up to the front of the train anyways. Orders from Dumbledore, you know. We'll talk later. But, as a matter of fact, I'm sure Miss Lovegood here can explain everything, can't you?" she asked her.

Luna nodded.

"There now! I'll see you at up at the school," and she left with a wave of her hand, shutting the glass door behind her.

"How come she's going to be at Hogwarts?" asked Harry.

"You don't think she's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, do you?" asked Ron.

"No," said Luna quietly, and all of them looked towards her, "she just needs to speak to Dumbledore about something...important, I think."

"Oh," said Hermione and looked around at Harry, "well..."

"Right," said Harry. "Luna, I'm - I'm really sorry about what happened to your parents. I - er - well, you see, it's sort of my - my fault."

She looked up at him, a questionable look on her face.

"Your fault? Harry, it's not your fault. Don't go blaming yourself, now," she said.

"But - but, the truth is that it is."

Harry told Luna all about the prophecy, his insides squirming at having to retell it's prospect, and his dream about Sirius with a sigh. She listened with the same dreamy look on her face.

When Harry finished, she smiled and said, "You ought not have explained everything, Harry. I knew about the prophecy."

"You - you knew?" said Harry and looked around from Hermione, to Ron, and then Neville, who all seemed to be just as shocked as he was.

"Yes. Dumbledore explained everything to me that - that night, you know." Her eyes fell to the floor. "Tonks took care of me. Took me back to my home - "

"But everyone though she was captured by Voldemort, or d-dead," said Hermione.

Luna looked up at her and said, "Oh, no. See, Dumbledore never wanted anyone to know about what happened to me. It was all supposed to be hushed up. But since Ronald came and found me, well, things got a bit turned around."

Ron's ears went red. "Sorry," he muttered.

"Don't blame yourself. You were only concerned. But the point is, Tonks was supposed to be undercover with me. No one was supposed to know what happened to my father and me. Then of course, she left me at home one time and went out for some mission, the day after the veil was destroyed. That's when Ronald came and found me. He saw that I was hurt and took me to St. Mungo's, though I assured him that I wasn't in pain. That's when everything got screwed up. See, no one at St. Mungo's or outside the Order was supposed to know about the attack on the veil or my father's death. Then Ronald returned to the two of you" - she looked up at Harry and Hermione - "and told you everything. Things go so messed up...so messed up..." Luna was shaking her head.

"I'm really sorry," said Ron, who was pink in the face.

"Once again," said Luna, "I repeat that you must not be for you were only following your kind heart as Harry would have done when he heard that you might be in trouble, but held himself back for the sake of the prophecy."

Ron went even more red.

"But why did Dumbledore want to hush it all up?" Neville spoke, finally.

"I - er - don't know," said Luna, once again, looking down at the floor.

Harry heard a muffle of footsteps near their compartment and suddenly snapped back into reality. He turned to Ron and Hermione and said, "Quick, now's you're chance. Do something!"

"What are you - ?" asked Ron, but Hermione suddenly understood what Harry had meant and dragged Ron over to sit next to her, taking his hand.

He looked at her in disgust and she rolled her eyes, saying, "Just play along, remember?"

The compartment door swung open and Harry found himself staring up at a smirking Draco Malfoy alongside his crones, Crabe and Goyle.

"Evening," he said, still smirking.

"What d'you want?" said Neville, bravely.

"Nice guts, Longbottom," said Malfoy. "I don't suppose you picked them up at the Department of Mysteries last year, did you?"

Harry got up, but Malfoy turned his head to Ron and Hermione, and then to the space between them where their hands lay, one on top of the other.

He snorted and said, "You're kidding me, right? Weasel and Mudblood? What a combination! Wait 'till the rest of the school hears about this."

Harry had now swung his wand arm around and took his wand out of his robes, pointing it at Malfoy. "Get out," he hissed.

"Relax, Potter. I'm just having a good laugh. Or, maybe, you're just jealous that Weasel King got to Granger before you did?"

Hermione had now also gotten up and taken out her wand as well. "Leave, Malfoy!'

"Oh, I'm scared now, Granger."

"I said get out!" yelled Hermione.

"Why, Granger. What happened to you? Had a nice little make over, did you? Or is it that you've finally come to your senses combed that bushy head of yours?"

Harry and Hermione acted at the same time and Malfoy was thrown against the side of the train, whimpering in pain, but got up and said, "Alright, alright. Keep your hosiery on, Granger. I'm leaving."

And, with that, he walked away laughing along with his thugs.

Hermione shut the door behind them and Harry made out a clear "This is gold!" remark from Malfoy.

They both sat down and Ron said, "The git! Who does he think he is?"

"But it's brilliant!" said Hermione. "He believed us! Do you have any idea how fast that's going to travel through Hogwarts with him on the loose, knowing that information?"

"Like a therstral," said Harry.

"Exactly," said Hermione, a grin spreading across her face.

"Wait," said Luna, "what exactly are you three planning?"

"Well," said Hermione, tentatively, "Harry doesn't want me to be in danger, so he's making me and Ron pretend like we're dating."

Luna's face fell.

"But we're not really dating!" Ron added quickly. "We're cousins, actually. But don't tell anyone; they're not supposed to know. We're just, you know, trying to convince everyone because, er, well - "

Ron looked at Harry and Hermione.

Luna smiled.

"You two are in love with each other, aren't you?" she asked the two of them.

Harry and Hermione blushed.

"It's okay," said Luna. "No need to hide it. It's only been too obvious."

Harry finally spoke.

"That's the problem. It's a bit too obvious. That's why we have to pretend - you know - that nothing's going on. I can't risk losing anyone any longer."

"It's alright, Harry," said Luna. "I understand."

Harry nodded, only just appreciating how good it was to have someone who understood the exact pain that he was going through. But then he remembered that Luna couldn't feel pain; neither physical nor mental. He felt a pang of jealousy reside withing him - Luna had no idea just how lucky she really was.

The compartment door swung open a second time and Hermione grabbed Ron's hand again, only to see Ginny rush it.

"Oh, it's only you, Ginny," said Hermione and thankfully let go of his hand.

"So, what's up?" Ginny asked, and then noticed Luna, at which she gasped.

"Luna! Oh, dear. What happened to you? Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Luna said, dreamily.

Ginny smiled, though rather nervously.

"Anyone know who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" asked Neville.

"No," said Ginny, "but you'll never guess who's Slytherin captain."

"Let me guess," said Harry, "it starts with slimy git and ends with filthy Malfoy?"

"Yep," said Ginny, "but it's perfect! He doesn't know a hair about team work! The Quidditch Cup is almost as good as ours this year!"

"What d'you mean, almost?" asked Harry.

"Well, I heard the Ravenclaws have got a pretty sturdy team this year, you know. I heard Cho Chang's left her Seeker position and became a Beater."

"What? Why?" asked Harry.

"Because," Ginny snickered, "she reckons that she has no trouble taking out her anger at the bludgers. I heard she's quite good at it, actually."

"What about Hufflepuff?"

"I don't know about them yet because they have a lot of unfilled positions, but, then again, so do we. You better start looking, Harry. You're the Captain, you are. Won't look too good if we don't get enough players."

"Don't worry about it," said Harry, "I'm sure we'll find - "

"She's right, you know, Harry," said Hermione, "you need to start looking."

"And since when have you been so interested in Quidditch?" he asked her.

"I'm not! I just don't want you to lose your position," she said.

"Well, if you want a spot on the team, Hermione, don't reckon I'll go soft on you. I haven't seen you fly that much."

Hermione dropped her jaw and said, "I wouldn't play Quidditch if it was the last game on earth!"

"You cut me deep, Hermione. Really," Harry teased.

"Oh, will you two stop that!" said Ron. "It's getting disgusting!"

Hermione frowned at him, "Why don't you go and find something useful to do, Ron? Like stay out of it?"

"You're right! Next time, I'll just wait until he's proposing, why don't I?"

Hermione crossed her arms and didn't speak to Ron the rest of the way to Hogwarts.

The train stopped and they were getting out of their compartment when Ron noticed something.

"What the devil is that thing on your finger, Harry?" Ron asked again, pointing to the green and golden ring that Harry had gotten from Hermione on his birthday.

"Hey, you have one, too!" said Ginny, pointing at Hermione's hand.

"They're, er, promise rings," said Hermione.

"Oh, it's getting sick, I tell you!" said Ron and Ginny giggled.

"Shut up, Ron!" said Hermione.

"Firs' years. Firs' years. This way. Come on, all," came Hagrid's booming voice through the train station. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville looked up at him, beaming.

They walked over the carriages and Harry recognized the familiar therstrals as one of them came up to him and waited to be petted.

"Hey, I think this one remembers me!" said Harry.

"Oh, yeah. Those things are still here, aren't they?" said Ron as they climbed into one of the carriages and rode up to the school.

Walking into the familiar Great Hall, Harry whispered to Ron and Hermione and suggested that they hold hands once again, at which they unwillingly intertwined their fingers. No sooner had they done so than Harry heard an explosion of whispers emerge from all four sides, at which he smiled.

They settled themselves down at the Gryffindor table; Harry, Ginny, and Neville opposite of Ron and Hermione, while Luna joined the Ravenclaw table. Looking up, Harry saw Professor Dumbledore in deep conversation with Tonks, who were standing behind the teacher's table, after which Tonks nodded and left the hall, waving goodbye to Harry and the others. His eyes darted on Professor McGonagall, who was fussing with the first years and placing the Sorting Hat at the center front of the Hall, to Professor Snape, who was, by no doubt whatsoever, in conversation with no other than Narcissa Malfoy who, to Harry's utmost surprise, was sitting in one of the chairs next to him.

"What's Malfoy's mother doing here?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione, who shrugged.

Professor Dumbledore finally settled before his chair and, standing up, acknowledged the students, at which the noise in the Great Hall died and he sat down.

As soon as Professor McGonagall stepped away from the hat, it came alive and began to sing:

"Hello, the new and welcome back

To those who've been here longer

I pray and remember that last time

I told Hogwarts to be stronger;

Among the Houses, to unite

And care to be as one

However, you know all the same

That it simply was not done

And, this time, listen closely

For more I won't repeat

Don't be in haste to be split up

For, together, we're complete

No matter, you must go your ways

And find your favored paths

For as I look inside your heads,

I'll do a little math:

In Gryffindor, you know the brave

The noble and the modest

They never liked the Slytherins,

But, at least, they were honest

The Slytherins, of course you've heard

Will conquer any challenge

However, the one thing that they make

Sure to do is fulfill their revenge

Then Ravenclaws are known to be

Among some of the wisest

Unfortunately, their superiority

Never really seemed the cleverest

And then there are the Hufflepuffs,

They know when to be kindest

However, if there's a space apart,

This House was one of the farthest

So let me ask you this one thing:

Are you all not ashamed?

To be so proud, to be split up

As if my advice is lame?

And, finally, I'd like to add

As you're watching me with guilt

Let me tell you where you should go

For that's why I was built."

They Sorting Hat finished it's song and, once again, returned to a still position on the stool while silence filled the Great Hall; no one seemed to know what to say.

"That's interesting," Ron breathed, "It's never really insulted us before, has it?"

"It's not insulting us, Ron," said Hermione, "It's just telling us that we haven't been listening to what it's been telling us."

"Yeah," said Ron, "in an insulting sort of way."

Hermione shook her head.

"When I call your name, you are to come up, sit on the stool, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head. Once you are sorted into your house, you are to join your classmates at the appropriate table," said Professor McGonagall to the nervous first years. "Avante, Evelyn."

"RAVENCLAW!" announced the Sorting Hat after it was placed on the girl's head.

"Cameroon, Cordelia."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Davies, Richard."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Davies?" said Ron. "Not related to Roger Davies by any chance, is he?"

"Probably," said Harry. "I mean, how many Davies are out there? Can't be too many, can there?"

"Evans, Mark,"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry chocked on his very breath. Mark Evans? He thought. No! It - it can't be! Harry watched as the small boy that he easily recognized to be beat up by Duddley's gang before sit himself at the Gryffindor table as the others applauded him.

Harry rubbed his eyes to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating.

"Gobblecreek, Dillan,"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Destone, Frederick,"

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Destone, Sebastian,"

"SLYTHERIN!"

"What d'you reckon? Twins?" asked Ron.

"Looks like it," said Hermione.

At last, the sorting finished as John Worshenbank became a Hufflepuff and Professor McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat and the stool while Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement to the students.

"Welcome, welcome all. As some of you may know, and most of you may not, it is not in any way my pleasure to state that, unfortunately, the Maneosioan War is, after all, beginning."

Several worried whispers filled the Hall. Harry, on the other hand, had no idea what Dumbledore had meant. He knew that he was referring to the war that Lupin had mentioned, but he couldn't possibly imagine what it was that scared some of the students about it's name. Surely, there must be some significance to it, thought Harry.

"I am in no way, or are any of our teachers, except perhaps our Divination and History of Magic professors, to explain anything about the war in hindrance to the request of your parents. If they wish, they will have the right to tell you about it on their own account, but I am afraid that I can do nothing about the matter."

Several soft groans echoed through the room.

"Now, moving on. I would like to remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest on the grounds of Hogwarts is to remain forbidden to all pupils as long as they wish to stay at the school. If, and only if, unfortunate and sudden events are to take place at Hogwarts, then the school will be escorted to the forest for safety reasons. Though, I assure you, the forest is not safer than Hogwarts at any point. However, precautions must be taken into account. Yes. Now, I would like to welcome a new teacher to you all" - Dumbledore nodded to the woman seated several spaces to his right - "May I introduce to you, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Malfoy."

Harry felt absolutely everything inside of him drop to the floor and his brain grow cold. He turned to look at Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville only to see them look just as stricken as him.

He looked over at the Slytherin table, which had broken out into a booming applause, and watched as an enormous grin spread across Draco Malfoy's face.

Narcissa Malfoy stood up and tucked her chin in, though not smiling, and sat back down.

"Yes, yes. Thank you all for welcoming Professor Malfoy. I assure you that she will do a splendid job. And, on another note, all of the Educational Decrees issued by Professor Umbridge last year have, indeed, been canceled. Which means that all Clubs, Teams, and Organizations are free to run successfully without any pressure." His eyes twinkled at Harry and the Gryffindor table.

"Seeing as to the fact that we are all hungry, I would like to wrap up this session with a couple of quick words: Tickle! Rosemary! Sappy! Bash!"

At that, the plates in the Great Hall filled with delicious foods, drinks, and deserts at which the first years "ooh"ed and "ah"ed while the Slytherins yawned.

When they had finished dining, Ginny ran on to attend to her prefect duties while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville made their way back to their dormitory.

Ron and Hermione had taken Harry's advice to heart and began to hold hands wherever they went. When they reached the common room and sat on the sofa, Lavender Brown came up and sat next to Hermione.

"So, have you kissed him yet?" she referred to Ron.

"Kiss him! I wouldn't - I mean yes, of course I've - I mean, no, no, not like that - "

Lavender rolled her eyes and got up saying, "Whatever," under her breath.

"I don't think you're very convincing, Hermione," said Ron.

"Well, what do you want me to do?" asked Hermione angrily. "Wear a banner around my neck saying ‘I'm with stupid?'"

Ron scowled, but Harry laughed and said, "Actually, that wouldn't be too bad of an idea."

Harry looked at Hermione and his eyes locked with hers, unable to look away.

Ron made out a clear cough at which the both of them snapped and he said, "Oy, you two better stop staring at each other like that or people will think you're cheating on me, Hermione."

"Shut up, Ron!" said Hermione, following Lavender's action and getting up. "I'll see you two later." She made her way past a group of giggling Gryffindor girls and out of the portrait hole.

"Where's she going?" asked Harry. "It's the first day back!"

"You know Hermione," said Ron, "never miss a chance to go to the library. So have you asked if anyone's interested in joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team?"

"I forgot about that!" said Harry.

He had been too occupied with the start of term to think about his Captain duties.

"Who do we need again?" asked Harry. "We have Katie as Chaser, you as Keeper, me as Seeker, and Ginny said she'd try out for Chaser too, right?"

"Right," said Ron.

"So all we need to do is find two great Beaters and another Chaser!"

"You got it!" said Ron.

"So how do we do that?" asked Harry.

"I have no idea," said Ron. "And, by the way Harry. We don't do anything. It's you that's got to find someone to fill those positions!"

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry with a frown. "I appreciate your support."

"No problem."

Ginny had just walked in and joined them on the couches.

"Any luck yet?" she asked.

"What d'you mean, any luck? I only figured out which positions we need to fill."

"Sorry," said Ginny. "Don't worry, Harry. All you have to do is make a notice on the Gryffindor Bulletin Board. They'll come. Trust me."

"Yeah. That's a good idea. Thanks, Ginny. See, she helped," Harry said.

"Good for her. Now if you don't mind - " said Ron " - d'you want to play some Wizard's Chess, Ginny?"

"Sure," she said.

Harry ignored them and went up to his dormitory, gathering a quill, some parchment, and ink from his belongings only to stumble across the necklace that he had received from the old woman at the metro station. He opened it once more to look at the picture of his parents, only to find a note in it's place written in neat handwriting.

Harry,

How are you, dear? I'm afraid I didn't give you much of an explanation when I met you down at the metro station, did I? Well, I suppose this might scare you a bit, but I'm - well, I'm your grandmother, on your father's side.

Harry felt a lump form in his throat, but continued to read the letter.

Of course, I'll understand if you don't want to keep in contact with me, but, it was sweet to see my son's face in my grandson, alive and well. James was a wonderful son and I miss him more than you can imagine. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter-in-law either, of course. Your mother was a brilliant witch. They were both Head Boy and Girl, you know. This locket is a Potter family artifact and I will trust you to keep it safe. Don't lose it now, or, if you ever wanted to contact me again, well, I don't think it could be possible. I know you were forced to live with those awful Muggles on your mother's side and I truly am sorry, but I was living practically on the other side of the world. I didn't even know that Lily and James had you until, oh, I don't know, several months ago, I trust. You see, my home is in Brazil; I've lived there ever since your grandfather died. Oh, how Lily and James begged me not to go. But I couldn't stay, Harry, you understand that don't you? It was a difficult time. I suggested that they leave as well; times were not safe for them. But they insisted they remain in London and, well, from what I've heard, one thing lead to another with You-Know-Who and here you stand. Famous is your name, yet I barely even know you. I wish to spend more time with you, dear, I really do, but if you feel as if I am not someone to trust or someone you can forgive for making an old woman's mistake, I fully understand that. Take care now, Harry, dear. If you chose to, please write back.

With love,

Your Grandma,

Cilia Potter

Harry read this over and over, not believing his eyes. He had a retaliative. He, Harry Potter, the orphan, had a grandmother! Harry swung the necklace around his neck and placed the note in his pocket, shutting the locket safely. He still couldn't believe that no one had ever told him anything. Not even Dumbledore....or Sirius.

Harry sighed heavily and, instead of writing the Quidditch positions on the parchment, he wrote,

Dear Grandmother,

I accept. Thank you for your locket. I truly do wish to speak to you again. I would do anything to find out more about my parents and my family. I trust that you already know about the loss of my godfather, Sirius Black. Therefore, I have no remaining relatives left with the exception of the Dursleys, who were and are always horrible to me. Thank you for coming back. If I knew you, I'm sure I would have missed you.

Harry

Harry read the letter and nodded, grinning. But what was he to do? Would he send it to her by owl? And what did she meant by it when she told him that if he lost he locket, he wouldn't be able to communicate with her again? He concentrated and then decided to stuff his letter into the locket, which was far easier than he imagined. He closed it and opened it again, only to find the letter that he had written gone.

He grinned to himself and descended the stairs, excited to tell Ron that he had just discovered his long-lost grandmother.

Chapter 6

Hate and Revenge

"Ron!" Harry called out, but he was in such a hurry to tell him about what he had just found out that he wasn't even looking where he was going, which only led to him bumping into a small first year, who fell to the floor. Harry offered him a hand up and muttered an apology under his breath, only to look into the face of Mark Evans.

"Y-you?" said the boy. "Y-you're - you're Harry Potter, aren't you?"

"Yeah," said Harry, "and you're Mark Evans. I know you! And, I'm sad to say, I bet you know my idiot cousin, don't you?"

"Yes," said Mark, numbly.

"I'm sorry. But how is it that you're here, at Hogwarts? I never knew you were a wizard!"

"Me neither. Both my parent were Squibs and it came a bit of a shock to all of us when a letter came to me this summer from Hogwarts. Of course, I've never really shown any signs of magical ability until late last year."

"Evans....Evans...," Harry whispered to himself, "why does that name sound so familiar?"

"Do you know my parents?" asked the boy. Harry had just recognized that he had piercing bright green eyes. They weren't ordinary eyes...they were Harry's eyes. His mother's eyes.

"Who are they?" asked Harry, slowly.

"Jasmine and Peter Evans," said the boy. Harry felt a pang of relieve jump over him.

"Did your father have any, er, siblings, by any chance?"

"No," said Mark, "but he did have a cousin. Two actually. He never talked about them, though. One was a real witch and the other was a Squib. I remember him showing me some old photos, but he never did say the name. Don't know why. How come you asked?"

"Because," said Harry, "my mother's maiden name was Evans."

Mark's eyes widened.

"You don't think - ?"

"I dunno," said Harry, "that's why I asked you."

"Hmmm. I'll write to dad. That's really weird, Harry," said the boy.

"Well, I'll see you around," said Harry.

"It was nice meeting you, Harry Potter," said the boy. "I've heard the rumors, you know, about You-Know-Who."

Harry smirked.

"Hey, Evans," - the boy turned around - "do me a favor. Call him Voldemort, will you? And if anyone says otherwise, you tell them you're on Harry Potter's orders, you hear?"

"Yes, sir. I sure will," said Mark and Harry could tell that, from the looks of it, he wasn't lying.

Harry walked over to where Ron and Ginny had still been playing chess and noticed, unmistakably, that Ron was winning. He sat down next to Ginny and, in a matter of seconds, Ron said, "Checkmate," with a bright grin on his face after which his Queen came up and smashed the King.

"No surprise," sighed Ginny. "What's up, Harry?"

"Oh, er, nothing," said Harry absently, who was still thinking if it was possible that Mark had any relation to him. "I mean, yes, there is something. Take a look at this."

Harry turned out his pocket and pulled out the letter from his grandmother.

He watched as Ron read through it and his eyes widened.

"Wicked, Harry! I never knew! Mind you, it's no wonder she left - "

"What d'you mean?" asked Harry.

Ron and Ginny exchanged dark looks and Harry could tell that being deprived of living in the wizarding world for eleven years had, once again, put a stopper on his knowledge.

"Well, it's like this," Ron began. "You know the Maneosioan War that's beginning?"

"Yeah," said Harry, "I've wanting to find out about that. What does it - ?"

"I'm getting to that," said Ron, impatiently. "Well, Maneosioan is an ancient name for Last, or Final. You know, kind of like the Breaking Point. So, when You-Know-Who was truly coming into power last time, there was another War. The First War. The Primorisioan War. But things were chaotic, you can imagine. People didn't know what to do. There was a slim chance of defeating You-Know-Who and many fled the country. Even Europe. That's why I imagine your grandmother left. You see, now there is the slight chance that the War might be won. But before, it was like ‘Kill of be Killed.' No one had much of a choice, really. Those who wished to stay behind were still frightened that You-Know-Who would show up with an army of whatever. It was quite scary. I'm glad I still wasn't born. I remember Bill telling me he could still remember hearing the screams..."

Ron shuddered, as did Ginny.

"How do you know all this?" asked Harry.

"I tricked Bill into telling me," said Ron. "Well, more like pleaded."

"More like whined," said Ginny.

Ron ignored her.

"So you really think that's why she left?" asked Harry.

"Must be," said Ron.

"But why were so many people freaked out when Dumbledore announced it in the Great Hall?"

"I already told you, Harry. It's not a very good thing. Just because we're a slight bit more prepared for You-Know-Who, doesn't mean that we're going to win. And if we don't win" - Ron gulped - "we lose. Forever."

Harry sighed. Yeah, he though, kill or be killed. That's me. And if I don't win, I lose.

"You okay, Harry?" asked Ginny.

"Oh, yeah. I just need to get to bed. Has Hermione returned yet?"

"No," said Ron. "I wonder where she went off to? Maybe she got lost."

Ginny rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure she can take care of herself," she yawned. "I'm of to bed as well. See you in the morning."

"What's our schedule look like?" asked Ron, taking out the parchment from his robes.

"Bummer," said Harry, "I've got Advanced Potions in the morning and Defense Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon, tomorrow. Snape and Malfoy! How bad does it get?"

"Worse," said Ron, "because that's not what I have."

"What?"

"I have Advanced Transfiguration followed by Potions."

"You mean," Harry gulped, "We won't be....together?"

Harry and Ron looked at each other and then at their schedules, at which they screamed.

Just then, Hermione appeared at the Portrait Hole and walked up to them, her hair wind blown.

"What's the matter? What's wrong? Why are you screaming? Stop!"

Harry and Ron stopped. Ron whimpered and showed her his schedule.

"Oh, honestly," she said, "you two are pathetic. So you're not together for a couple of classes. What's the big deal?"

Harry and Ron looked at her as if she'd just slapped them both.

"What's the big deal, Hermione? We've never been in different classes!" said Harry.

"And where've you been?" asked Ron.

"Don't you mind that, now," said Hermione. "We better get to bed. It's rather late and I have Arithmancy in the morning."

"You mean, you don't have the same classes either?" asked Harry.

"Well, I do have Defense Against the Dark Arts with you in the afternoon, Harry. And Charms with the both of you on Wednesday. So, yeah, I guess so."

"This is the worst," said Ron.

"You don't know the half of it," said Harry, and they climbed the stairs to their dormitory.

Harry laid in bed, but couldn't sleep. He was staring up at the top of his Four-Poster and thinking about what Mark had said. "But he did have a cousin. Two actually. One was a real witch and the other was a Squib."

His mind was swimming. If one was a real witch, then that would have to be his mother, wouldn't it? And if the other was a Squib, then that would have to be -

"Aunt Petunia?" Harry whispered to himself.

"Go to sleep, Harry!" Ron moaned to his left.

Harry turned to his right.

No, it couldn't be. He thought. She couldn't really be a Squib. I mean, why would she be?

Ah, but she knew about the dementors... said another voice in his head.

But my mum could have -

And Mrs. Figg clearly stated that Squibs could see dementors.

Yes, but -

And do you not remember her reaction to Voldermort's rise to power?

Harry sighed. Things were getting so complicated. He just wished that he knew what was going on...

Harry opened his locket once again and found another note inside of it. He held his wand up to it and whispered, "Lumos!" under his covers.

Dear Harry,

You are a sweet boy for understanding. I truly am sorry for what I have and have not done. I did hear of Sirius Black's murder. I heard he was innocent all along. What a nice boy he was, like a son to me. Unfortunately, it will be rather difficult for me to see you any time soon, but I will probably be in London around Christmas Break. I would love to spend some time with you and explain things, not that you don't have anything to say to me, either. I will be asking Dumbledore his permission. It would be wonderful if you could come and live with me in Brazil once you've finished your school year, would it not? Think about it.

With hugs,

Grandma Potter

Brazil? Thought Harry. He didn't want to live in Brazil! But maybe she just meant that he should come over and visit. Yeah, that's it! thought Harry and drifted off into a deep sleep.

When he woke up, Harry put up a notice for Quidditch tryouts and the D. A., now that it was no longer a secret. He had completely forgotten about the Club until late last night and made a mental note to remind the members that they would be meeting Wednesday, along with anyone else that wanted to join. He did feel that it was rather necessary to make an age limit, considering the fact that it would be rather hard to teach first and second years some of the more advanced charms, so he distinctively said that only third years and above would be allowed to join considering the difficulty of the tasks that they would be practiced during the meetings.

To his surprise, so many new people had sighed up for the D. A. that he would soon have to post a new blank list. Of course, he would have to check that all of the names on the list were third years and above, but he didn't care at the moment. The fact that he was going to be teaching over fifty students Defense Against the Dark Arts couldn't help but make him feel like rejoicing.

Hermione and Ginny had also gotten up rather early that morning and came to join Harry at the Gryffindor table for breakfast as he examined the list.

"Wow, Harry!" said Hermione. "That's wonderful! I would have never thought that so many people would want to join!"

"Me neither," said Harry truthfully.

Advanced Potions was one of the most dreadful subjects to fill the earth. Or, at least, it was when Snape taught it. Snape was being especially keen on gliding over Harry's cauldron every five minutes, which made it more hard to concentrate than ever. This time, they had taken to fully memorizing the potions and Snape had reminded them that they would soon be moving on to some of the more challenging potions such as Veritaserum, the Werewolf Extraction, and the Polyjuice Potion. Harry laughed to himself and wondered what Snape would say if he found out that Harry had already taken the potion, illegally, in his second year. Unfortunately, taking it was one thing, but memorizing it was a whole different and absolutely difficult process.

"While some of you will find that Advanced Potions is merely a class," he stared at Harry, his eyes skipped at Malfoy and then back at him, "others, will find that it is one of the most complex methods of conquering even the most terrifying foes and obstacles in life."

Harry looked up at Snape. What was he just saying?

"Once again, I must warn you to not fool around in this class, for you will find its purpose to be quite useful in understanding how to live."

Was Snape saying what Harry thought he was saying? Was he referring to the potion that had brought Voldemort back to life? Harry knew that his thoughts were a bit over the top, but, then again, he'd learned not to take Snape for granted.

Harry met Ron and Hermione for lunch and told them what he had heard in Potions.

"I don't know, Harry," said Ron, looking around to see that they were well out of earshot. "I mean, he is a bit of a git, isn't he? Why would he do something like that?"

"Ron! How many times - Urgh! Snape is on our side, remember?" said Hermione, frustrated with Ron's ignorance.

When they finished eating, Ron said "Goodbye" to Harry and Hermione and went off to Charms while they made their way down the halls to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"How bad do you think Malfoy will be?" Harry asked her, smiling.

"Harry....honestly. You don't know her that well, do you? I mean, I don't either, but still. Maybe...maybe she won't be that bad. If Dumbledore trusts her..."

"Not helping, are you, Hermione?"

"Just give her a chance..."

"I will if she does," said Harry.

They walked into the classroom and found that the paintings of the fluffy kittens that Umbridge had posted up on the walls were finally removed and, in their place, hung paintings of what seemed like witches and wizards shouting incantations at one another. As they did so, a different effect would cause something to happen to the other witch or wizard and the incantation would be spelled out before the picture.

"Not bad," said Harry.

"Not bad at all," said a woman's voice and Harry found himself facing Narcissa Malfoy, who seemed to have extremely dark circles under her eyes and were clearly visible in the background of her snow-white skin and silvery hair.

"Er," said Harry and muttered, "Professor," acknowledging her presence.

"Sit down, Potter. Take a seat, all of you!" she said in a grand tone.

"Welcome to your sixth year of Defense Against the Dark Arts. You will refer to me as Professor Malfoy and nothing else," she said, looking at the students sited around her classroom with an icy glare. "I have been informed that your previous teacher dishonored the name of Defense and Dark Arts altogether, so I trust that you will forgive me for not accepting any bit of the information that she has presented to you as knowledge to the lamest wit."

Several people laughed rather nervously and then jumped in their seats as she snapped, "There will be no laughter in my class! Defense Against the Dark Arts is a serious subject and, in times as such, I believe that you have no choice but to make it your priority." She looked around at Harry.

"I have been further told that Mr. Potter, here, has organized a very abled Defense Group and I encourage all of you to attend the sessions. I assure all of you that it will be something worth your while..." She smirked and walked around to where Harry was sitting and, to everyone's surprise, place both of her white palms on his desk.

"However," she continued, "be it rest assured that Potter is not a professional, as I am, but rather a student. A rather special student. It has well come to my attention that he has a knack for earning his rightful place in trouble, so I do not advise you to follow in his ways."

She stared at him, meaningfully, and Harry could feel a rush of dislike forming in his chest.

"But we are getting off the subject," she said, removing her hands from his desk and walking back to the front of the room. "So, without further interruptions, may I introduce to you the Eternal Spells. Wands out! Books away! Pay attention!"

The class jumped at each instruction, hustling to obey her orders so not to get on her wrong side. Harry, on the other hand, had already done everything told and was watching her with his utmost curiosity. Narcissa noticed this and smirked at him.

"Now. Does anyone in this room know what the Eternal Spells are?"

The class groaned as Hermione's hand shot up in the air. "Oh, don't be pathetic!" she whispered.

"Yes?" said Professor Malfoy.

"The Eternal Spells are a group of enchantments that are unbreakable. They can be cast upon an object, a place, or even a person. These spells were developed as some of the earliest witchcraft on earth. They are also quite powerful, as they are dangerous. Any witch or wizard that is to cast such a spell must first get a well qualified notice from the Ministry of Magic. Any failing to do so would find their rightful place in Azkaban, am I right?" said Hermione.

Narcissa smirked again. "You are quite right, my dear. Tell me, what is your name? You look...familiar, somehow."

"Granger, Hermione Granger."

Narcissa's eyes widened.

"Ah, Granger is it? Not Helen's daughter by any chance, are you?"

"How do you know - ?"

"Now!" she snapped. "What Miss Granger has said about the spells is quite true. However, not all of the information, altogether, has already been given about the spells. And that is what I am about to explain."

"There are exactly twelve Eternal Spells. No more and no less. The first that I will be conducting with you is called the most powerful and is also an Unforgivable Curse. Avada Kedavra, obviously. Now, I know that you have gone over this curse already with Professor Moody "- her eyes flashed - "but this time, we will be performing the spell."

"Performing it?" several people whispered around Harry.

"But that's illegal, that is!"

"Silence!" said Narcissa. "We will not be doing it on ourselves, clearly, but on animals."

She stepped behind her desk and retrieved a large glass box in which Harry could see tens of mice crawling around.

"Gross!" said Parvati.

"Now," said Narcissa, "these are not regular mice. They are not real. They have been Transfigured from ordinary rocks, so don't be scared. They will, however, bite at you if you annoy them so, as we practice the spell, all you are to do is shout the curse at the mice. Now! Words are not enough! As I'm sure you have been reminded only so often by Mr. Moody. You have to mean it. You have to believe that the mice are your worst enemies! You have to feel hate! Revenge! And with that...with that my young friends...you kill!"

The class gulped, but proceeded in shouting "Avada Kedavra!" as the mice were released. Several times, a student was hit and sent flying against the wall, but all the harm that was caused was a simple trip to the Hospital wing.

"You see!" she said when they finished and all of the rats lay dead around them. "That's what you need to know! You need to know what it's like. It's not easy, but neither does it cause much pleasure. Unless, of course, you are killing for a purpose stronger than simply following direction." She looked at Harry, who shivered.

"Thank you all. On our next lesson, we will move on to the next Eternal Spell - The Transferal Spell, otherwise known as a human form of the Dementor's Kiss."

The class left in shock and rapid whispers. Harry joined Hermione and said, "Teaching us the Dark Arts rather than Defense, isn't she?"

"Harry, relax. I told you she wouldn't be that bad. She really seem to know what's she's doing, doesn't she?"

"Yeah," said Harry.

"But how does she know - ?'"

"What?" asked Harry.

"My mother," Hermione finished, "she said something about my mother. Like she knew her or something. But that's impossible. My mother's a Squib. You know that, Harry. It doesn't seem like someone a Malfoy would be in touch with, does it?"

"No," said Harry, shaking his head. He felt so strange after performing the curse. "You have to feel hate! Revenge!" Narcissa's words came back to him. Yeah, thought Harry, that's exactly what it felt like...

On Wednesday, Harry had begun the first Defense Group meeting and was surprised to see so many members doing a brilliant job. They reviewed Patronuses, disarming charms, and hexes once more and Hermione reminded him to tell them about the galleons on which the dates of the next meeting would be kept as well as how often they would meet.

Classes were tough, but Harry kept to Hermione's schedule, which helped him handle the load of work that he had to do for the semester. Ron and Hermione were still playing the boyfriend and girlfriend game and people seemed to believe it as far as anything. When they could, Harry and Hermione would occasionally slip away to the Room of Requirements during breakfast, lunch, or diner and spend the time by themselves. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep sneaking around too often or people were bound to start spreading rumors. It wasn't much to only be with Hermione for only a couple of hours a week as a person that Harry was in love with, but it was better than having Malfoy find out and spill everything around the school, which would have easily reached a Death Eater's ears and carried its way to Voldemort.

Later that week, Harry had to supervise the trouts for the Gryffindor Quidditch team and told all of the existing team mates to be there. He met the applicants out on the field and watched as they stood up as he approached them and filed themselves in one line. Harry walked passed them as each presented his or her name as well as the position for which they were trying out.

"Ginny Weasley, Chaser," said Ginny.

"Natalie McDonnald, Chaser," said Natelie.

"Euan Abercrombie, Beater," said Euan.

"Matt Thompson, Keeper," said Matt.

"Seamus Finnigan, Beater," said Seamus.

"Dean Thomas, Beater," said Dean.

"Hermione Granger, Chaser," said Hermione.

Harry stopped dead in his tracks as he reached the end of the line and heard Hermione's voice clearly announce her position, clutching a Nimbus Two-Thousand-and-Three.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her.

"I'm trying out for Chaser. What does it look like, Potter?" she teased.

"Oh, come now, Hermione. You know I was only kidding on the train. You can't play!"

"Harry Potter, I can play Quidditch better than you can dance," she leaned over and whispered, "and between you and me, that's saying something."

Harry sighed impatiently. "Fine," he said, "You can try out, but if you get hurt - "

"Make sure you notify an ambulance," said Hermione as she passed him and joined the others at the center of the field. Harry shook his head; this was going to be a disaster.

"Er," he said, facing the players, "okay. As you all know, I'm Gryffindor Quidditch Captain and you all know your positions. Er, Matt, you do know that we already have a Keeper, don't you? Ron Weasley?"

"Yeah, I know," said Matt, "but I also know that he's a dreadful player. I mean, didn't you see how badly he played? The only reason we won the Quidditch Cup last year was because we had a good Seeker, that Ginny Weasley. Too bad her brother isn't as good as her. I mean, really! He only made two saves the entire season!"

"But he's getting better!" said Harry angrily. He could also feel himself blushing, however, because he never did watch the final game and, apart from that, he knew that it was the absolute truth that Ron was not that good at his position.

"Have it your way, then," said Matt, laying his broom on the grass and beginning to walk away. Rapid thoughts flew through Harry's mind and he finally yelled after him, "Wait! Matt, you can try out. I mean, if you're really good - but that doesn't mean that we're replacing Ron. We're just going to...er...see, you know."

Matt smirked, "Yeah...right," and picked up his broom again.

"Now," Harry continued, "Ron is positioned on the left side of the field, guarding the hoops. For now, we'll work with him," he added to Matt. "Later we'll switch."

"Okay, Ginny, you're up first. I need to see you get the quaffle past Ron and into one of those three hoops."

"Got it," said Ginny, taking the scarlet ball and flying towards the left end of the field.

Harry followed.

"Don't go soft on me, bro!" said Ginny.

"I won't!" called Ron.

Remarkably, Ginny made goal after goal; there was no doubt that she wasn't a good Chaser. Ron had, truly, given it his best, but, after that performance, Harry was starting to hope that Matt was as good a Keeper as he bragged about.

"Nice job!" Harry told her. "But before I can make any conclusions, I have to see the rest of them try out."

Ginny nodded.

Natalie McDonnald was next and Harry had to admit that she was nothing special and that Ron did block her once, but that he was sure that they would have to resort to her as the third Gryffindor Chaser.

Seeing as they were still trying out for Chasers, it was Hermione's turn and Harry's heart was beating at the speed of lightning. If something happened to her.... if something went wrong...what was she doing?...Harry had to stop her before she did anything....

"Nice score, Hermione!" called Ginny from the stands. Harry had just shaken his head awake and was now focusing on the action before him.

"Bloody hell, Hermione!" called Ron. "Where d'you learn to do that?"

"Oh, with a little practice along Ginny and some mind reading skills," she laughed.

"Mind reading?" asked Ron.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Ron. There's no way that I could be reading your mind...you'd actually have to have one for that."

"Heh, heh," said Ron. "All right, let's see what else you've got, Granger!"

"No problem," said Hermione.

Harry's eyes widened as he watched Hermione make Ron blunder and miss goal after goal after goal....He felt himself falling in love all over again with every score that Hermione made....

"Wow, Hermione!" Harry finally spoke breathlessly. "What the - how did you - do I even want to know how you - ?"

"No, Harry. You don't want to know. What you want is to tell me if I made the team or not," said Hermione, poking him in his chest with her index finger.

"Of course!" said Harry, dumbfounded. "You were brilliant! Both you and Ginny. Sorry, Natalie. You were great too, but we only need two positions."

"That's quite alright," she said, though sounding a bit disappointed.

"Oh, and Natalie?" said Harry. "If one of these Chasers is unable to make it to a game, or Katie, we'll call you, how about that?"

"Great!" she said, her mouth stretching into a grin.

The Beaters were the ones to try out next and Harry resorted to picking Seamus and Euan for the spots, while telling Dean that he was a bit sorry, but his swings were not quite hard enough.

"So, am I going to try out or what?" asked Matt.

"Er, right."

"Harry, what's up?" asked Ron.

Harry felt the color rising on his face. How was he going to tell Ron that Matt was trying out to be his possible replacement?

"Er, Ron - see, Matt here - er, well - I was thinking that it would be a good idea to have a Keeper second just in case, you know. So, he's going to, er, try - tryout."

"For Keeper? For my position, Harry?" asked Ron, eyeing Harry suspiciously.

"Well, no, Ron," said Harry. "Not your position. Just as a, er, second."

"And what's wrong with the one you've got, eh, Harry?" Ron's tone was now very dark and hurt.

"Nothing...nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's just that Natelie is a second Chaser and Dean is a second Beater, so I though we'd also have a second Keeper. For safety reasons, you know?"

Ron looked at him and then nodded. Harry let out a relieved sigh.

"Alright," said Harry, "Ginny, Katie, and Hermione - you three will be passing the Quaffle around and try to get it past Matt, alright?"

"Right," the three girls said together.

Unquestionably, Matt was superb. Harry's jaw dropped just as it had done when Hermione had made all those goals. Matt didn't let a single Quaffle past him. He was as swift and smooth on his broom as Wood had ever been.

"Amazing!" said Harry when they came down to the ground and finished the tryouts. "That was ace, Matt!"

"Thanks," said Matt, but in a tone that seemed not at all satisfied with acknowledgment that he was getting from Harry.

"So do I get the spot? Am I Keeper for Gryffindor?" he asked Harry.

"Well, yeah!" said Harry absently, before thinking, as a flustered Ron dropped his broom and began walking towards the school.

"Ron!" Harry yelled. He got on his Firebolt and sprinted after him, slowing down as he reached a storming Ron and asked him, "Where are you going, Ron?"

Ron finally rounded at him and said, "I'll tell you where I'm going - where I should have gone a long time ago! I'm going to Professor McGonagall and resigning from the team!"

"What? Why?" asked Harry.

"Oh, don't play dumb with me, Harry. Matt's a much better Keeper than I am and you know it! Face it, will you? I stink! I can't play this game, okay?"

"That's not true!" said Harry.

"LIAR!" Ron yelled and kept walking, but this time, Harry didn't fly after him. Ron was right, he was a lousy player and he knew it, and if there ever was a time that Harry felt helpless, it was when his best friend needed him most.

Harry, Ginny, and Hermione made it back to the common room after Quidditch practice that evening only to find Ron sulking by the fireplace, still in his Quidditch uniform. They walked over to him and noticed that his elbows were resting on his knees and his hands were joined at the center between them, his head was hanging towards the floor.

"She wouldn't let me resign," he said at last.

"Of course not!" said Hermione. "You're really good - "

"Save it!" said Ron. "She wouldn't let me resign because I wouldn't give her a reason and...and because I have to ask the Captain permission before I turn in my broom..."

"And you do not have permission to do so, Ron!" said Harry, defiantly.

"Oh, yeah?" said Ron "So what do I do? Play second while I watch Matt be in the game and save the day?"

"No - no, but - "

"But what, Harry?"

"Ron," said Ginny quietly, "I'm willing to give up my Chaser position."

"Don't be stupid!" said Ron. "The last thing I need is to be saved from grief and humiliation by my little sister. And what makes you think I'll be any better at that, eh?"

"Because Fred, George, Bill, and Charley never gave you much of a choice, did they?"

"Well, no, but - "

"Listen to me, Ron! I earned my place last year as a temporary Seeker. Harry wasn't playing and so wasn't Hermione. And you were always humiliated by that awful song. Plus, I have an extra year at Hogwarts to make it on the team. Just take the position, will you? Consider this as an early birthday present."

"No!" said Ron.

"Don't be so stubborn!" said Ginny.

"This is getting ridiculous!" said Harry. "Ginny, I forbid you to give up your position. Ron, you're staying on the team. End of discussion!"

"And what is it exactly that your planning to do, Harry? I'm dying to know!"

"I - I don't know yet," said Harry, "but I'll figure something out."

"I'm out of it, Harry," came a voice from behind him that belonged to Hermione. "I'm resigning."

"What?!" said Harry. "Hermione, you're the most brilliant Chaser on the team! You can't quit!"

"I have to, Harry," said Hermione, "I have too much to be going on with, anyway. I never really wanted to play Quidditch that much, anyway. You know I don't favor the game. And it is one of the most important things to Ron. Whereas, I have my studies and other things that I must attend to..."

"What other things?" asked Harry.

"Important things," said Hermione. "Thank you for the position, Harry, but I'm giving it to Ron."

Harry sighed. "Are you sure about this?" he asked her.

"Absolutely," she said.

"Ron? What d'you say?"

Ron looked at Harry and then at Hermione who were both standing by his side. He opened his mouth to say something, but Hermione answered, "Save it Ron. I don't want to be on the team. I already said - "

"No, it's not that," said Ron, smirking, "I was just going to say that I better start practicing."

Harry, Hermione, and Ginny beamed at him and, that week, Ginny, Hermione, and Katie had taken Ron out to the Quidditch pitch to work out on his Chaser skills, which turned out to be much better than when he had taken up the position of Keeper.

"So what do the rumors say, Ginny?" Harry asked her as she joined them for lunch one day.

"Not good," she said, shaking her head. Harry looked at her, puzzled. "I mean, not that it's completely terrible, but it's not really what we want it to be. They believe that Ron and Hermione are together, but you got dragged in, Harry."

"How?"

"They think your jealous. They think you like Hermione."

"Damn it!" said Harry. "This is getting stupid! It's like there's nothing I can do about it. Parvati came up to me this morning and told me - "

Hermione just came up to them and sat next to Harry.

"What's up?" she asked.

"I'll tell you what's up Hermione," whispered Harry, "the rumors in this school! Parvati Patil just came up to me this morning and told me that you were staring at me again in Defense Against the Dark Arts!"

Hermione blushed and muttered, "Sorry," under her breath.

"No, Hermione. You're not sorry. Because she said that you did the same thing in Charms! The entire lesson!"

She blushed even harder, "Yeah, well. It's not like you're trying very hard either, Harry! Dean told me you wouldn't shut up about me and how brilliant a Chaser I was in Transfiguration!"

Harry turned pink as well.

"You know what you two need?" said Ginny, grinning. "You two need to be alone. Together. Why don't you go for a walk or something. You're craving each other! If you two don't get together soon, I wouldn't be surprised if you shouted 'I love you' the next time you met and ran into each other's arms."

Harry and Hermione blushed.

"Shut up, Ginny," said Harry.

"Well, it's true!" she said.

Harry and Hermione grinned at each other, and got up to go to the Room of Requirements. Harry requested for another romantic spot where they could peacefully eat lunch and they walked into what seemed to be a sunny room in which the floor consisted of grass and there was a small blanket spread on top of it, bearing a pick-nick basket. Hermione took Harry's hand and they sat down on the quilt.

"I missed you, Harry, I really did," said Hermione.

"Well, it's not like I've gone anywhere," said Harry.

"You know what I mean," she said as she playfully hit him on his arm and leaned over to kiss him. They were so lost in the kiss that they never payed attention to the loud crack that rang throughout the room as Dobby the house elf appeared next to them.

"Harry Potter, sir," said the elf, at which Harry and Hermione both jumped at the sound of his squeaky voice.

"Dobby!" said Harry, pulling away from Hermione. "Dobby, you didn't see anything. Right? Remember that! You did not see a thing!" Harry got up and helped Hermione to her feet.

Dobby snickered and said, "Yes, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby will keep Harry Potter's secret with him to the grave, sir."

"Thanks," breathed Harry and looked at Hermione, who looked just as confused as he did.

"Er, what do you want, Dobby?"

"Dobby was just sent here to find Harry Potter, sir. Professor Dumbledore is needing to see you. It's about" - the elf shivered - "the war, sir."

Harry nodded. "Right," he said and turned to Hermione. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," said Hermione, "There'll be other times."

He grinned and kissed her once more before he left as Dobby disappeared with a crack.

Harry left Hermione to finish her lunch with Ginny and the others as he made his way to the stone gargoyle that marked the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

"Er," said Harry. He didn't know the password.

But before Harry could say anything, the gargoyle leapt aside and he found himself face-to-face with the very man that he wanted to see - the Headmaster himself.

"Harry," he nodded and ascended up the stairs.

Harry could tell that whatever had happened, it was nothing good; Dumbledore's tone was sober and sad.

As he entered the office, Dumbledore stepped around his desk and motioned his hand towards a chair in declaration for Harry to have a seat, after which he did so himself.

"Harry," he said a second time, "I'm afraid that worst has come to worst."

Harry looked up at him, seeing that Dumbledore's eyes were shining with what appeared to be tears.

"Voldemort has at last recruited the last of the creatures that he had needed for his army, including banshees, vampires, and other deadly beasts," he continued, "and he has only recently, as his first move, attacked the Ministry of Magic. We fear that his next move is up North and, after that,...only time will tell. It is, as I feared, Harry. The Maneosioan War has, after all, begun. And I must ask you, Harry, to do absolutely nothing about it."