The One Who You Fear

Chapter 7: The Substitute

"If the One Who You Fear is truly mirthful, it cannot come to good," Jack explained to Hermione two days later. "I will do whatever I can to make his joy cease."

"But haven't you heard what's causing his 'joy?'" Hermione asked.

"Do you know?"

"Of course. It's only what everybody in the castle is talking about, the escape of ten Death Eaters from Azkaban!"

Jack cocked an eyebrow.

"You know, You-Know-Who's supporters, who were in prison!"

"Oh. Still . . . " Jack really didn't have an answer. He just asked himself why Aku's supporters would be in prison if Aku truly ruled the world.

Ron came downstairs with a piece of parchment in his hand. "Harry said we could borrow this."

"Now, you didn't tell him what they were for, like we discussed, did you?" Hermione said.

"No, but he still said we could borrow it." Ron got out his wand and put the tip on the parchment. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

"Ron, do not make such a wicked oath!" Jack scolded snatching the paper out of the boy's hands. Yet he saw that the parchment, which was once blank, now had moving ink all over it.

"It's an incantation to make the map appear," Ron explained. "You know, that way we can see where the more dangerous teachers are, and skirt them." He looked at the map closer. "We're in the clear. Let's go."

Ron and Hermione led Jack down a corridor to a wall with a very strange tapestry of trolls beating dancing wizards.

"Now, this is the hard part," Hermione told Jack. "It's kinda strange. This is a secret room that only appears when someone really needs it. So, we have to walk by this wall three times and concentrate on how much we need this room. Think about how it needs to be big enough to accommodate about thirty people, yet it needs to be a place where Double U cannot find us."

"Should I try to picture it in my head?"

"Yeah, that would probably help."

So Jack closed his eyes and began to think. "We need somewhere where we could learn to fight. A big place, an obscure place, a place to hide. We need . . . we need . . . a dojo!"

"Well done, mate! You did it!" Ron cheered. Jack opened his eyes and saw a polished door in the wall that wasn't there before. Jack opened it and smiled. It was the way he remembered the place of his martial arts training.

"Huh?" Ron blurted upon coming in. "This isn't how the room normally--what is this?"

Hermione surveyed the room with the same confusion. "I think this is what the Muggles call . . . Feng Shui."

The Room of Requirement had many of its previous features. It still had torches and Dark Detectors, but it also included scarlet banners hanging from the ceiling, mats on the floor, thirty canes leaning against the wall, and a large gong at the front of the room. Jack paced the room, nodding in satisfaction.

"Hey, all of our books are changed!" Hermione whined. "The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Sayings of Confucius . . . Aesop's Fables? How will these help us?"

"A great warrior fills his mind with wisdom before he fills his hands with a weapon," Jack said quietly.

Hermione shrugged and pulled out The Art of War.

The first student showed up, a young girl with waist-long blond hair and the misty, blue eyes of a dreamer. Jack was sure he had never seen her before. "Hello," she said in a distant tone. She flipped through Aesop's Fables, gave some odd kind of leer at Jack, and said, "I don't know who you are."

"Jack."

"Where is Harry?"

"He had other obligations."

"Oh yes, Remedial Potions. Snape is mean you know."

"Who are you?"

"Luna Lovegood. You are from Japan."

"Yes."

"Father and I went to Japan a few years ago. So of course you know all about the pididdle infestation. How is it going?"

"It . . . has been a long time since I have been home. Tell me more about them."

"Well, that's what they're called in America, but they're quite common in Japan. They're huge beasts with one golden eye, and they can travel so fast they destroy everything in their path."

"Don't listen to her," Hermione muttered. "Her father works for a magazine full of rubbish. Nothing she talks about exists."

"I would not be apt to discredit her," Jack answered. "I have seen stranger things." He turned back to her. "I will make sure to look out for them. They are not very dangerous, are they?"

"I don't know. I've heard they can be tamed, but it's very difficult."

"So, have you ever heard of a mooklah? It's like a camel, but different."

Luna looked at him eagerly. "Tell me about it!"

So Jack talked to her about some of the strange things he had seen on his recent travels. She seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

"OK, everybody's here," Hermione said to Jack. "I locked the door. It's time to get started." She stood and addressed the group. "All right, everybody. I'm glad you decided to follow your galleon and show up, even though Harry has certainly told all of you that he wouldn't be able to teach you tonight. Now, I bet most of you have seen this guy in the Great Hall. Maybe some of you know that he just replace one of our Jacks--er, I mean one of our Beaters" (a lot of people laughed at Hermione's slip up) "on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, but what most of you don't know is that he says he also faced You-Know-Who. This is Jack Samson, and for a few nights while Harry is busy, he'll take over."

Hermione sat down and motioned for everyone to do the same. "OK. Since Jack is rather new, I think we should all introduce each other. Of course, you know me and Ron."

"And Fred, George, and Ginny," Ron added. "Oh, and Neville and Dean, our roommates."

"And I know Cho," Jack acknowledged. "And Lee, and" (he cringed a little) "Lavender and Parvati."

"Actually, that's Padma, Parvati's twin sister. Parvati's over there," Hermione whispered.

"There are two of them?" Jack thought in shock, but he refrained from saying it aloud.

"Oh, and you know Angelina, Alicia, and Katie from the Quidditch team," Ron pointed out.

"Yes, and Ernie and Hannah are in my Mortal Studies class."

"And you just met Luna," Hermione said. "My goodness, that's most of the list. You get around more than I thought!" Everyone laughed. "OK, well, you probably have seen these two guys. They're in Gryffindor--Colin and Dennis Creevey."

"Yes, I remember Colin. He took a picture of me in the common room."

"Yeah, he does that. OK, from Ravenclaw, Padma like I said, Marietta Edgecombe, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, and Terry Boot. And then from Hufflepuff we have Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Zacharias Smith."

"Whom you will be meeting a little more personally in a few weeks!" the blond boy Hermione pointed to said arrogantly.

"He's on the Quidditch team, obviously," Hermione whispered. "OK, that's everybody. Jack, we're all yours."

Jack stood and surveyed the group. They all looked intently back, curious of what he would do. Many of the girls were blushing and giggling. Zacharias had his chin in his hands and boredom in his eyes. The only one avoiding Jack's gaze was Luna, who was dreamily staring off into space.

"You have committed yourselves to a worthy cause," Jack said solemnly. "You have chosen to face the One Who You Fear as young warriors. It is a dangerous desire, but is honorable and unselfish."

"I don't remember this being in the course description," Zacharias sneered at Hermione.

"So, he has a different view on things. But you realized that when you came in, didn't you?" Hermione answered. "Jack, ignore Zacharias. He's a git," she whispered.

Jack continued, "Yes, I know you are planning to defend yourself in case you encounter the One Who You Fear, but you might as well learn how to protect others. All of you have incredible talents, which will no doubt aid you. I understand that you are strengthening those talents in this group. I will attempt to help you strengthen neglected talents, that you may be prepared on all levels.

"There is little I can teach you in a few days. My training took over ten years. But if you learn nothing else, learn this. Always be prepared. The Dark One is crafty. He can be disguised as anything and anyone. He could even appear as the person sitting beside you." Several people gasped and looked around. "But do not fear. If you heart is pure and you follow what I show you, you will be able to face him.

"First, we will prepare. Everyone stand. Follow what I do. Breathe slowly and concentrate."

From there, he led the group into a tai chi exercise. At first, several people were making fun of the exercise, especially Fred and George, and Zacharias looked like he thought this was the stupidest thing he could ever do. But after about five minutes, there was silence, and everybody was enjoying it.

"Cool," Ron whispered. "My fingers feel all tingly."

"You know, they say tai chi refocuses your life force energy," Hermione said to Ron. "I bet it does the same to our magical powers. Wow, I've never thought about that."

A little later, Jack stopped. "Very good. Now," he picked up a cane, "we begin."

Using Ron, Jack demonstrated how to block attacks and how to overpower the opponent to hit. He gave everyone a cane, divided them in pairs, encouraged them to bow to each other, and they began. Most of them did well for their first try. Luna and Neville kept dropping their canes, and several people looked as though they were making fun of the whole thing. Yet those who were serious did very well. Jack had a feeling that after a bit more practice, more people would listen to him more closely.

Hermione told him to stop the lesson so that they would have enough time to go to bed. So Jack banged the gong. Everyone stopped and looked at him. "You have much to accomplish, but you have done well."

Most people just dropped their canes on the floor and made their way to the exit. Cho stopped by and told Jack that the lesson was cool. Lavender and Parvati asked him when he would be teaching next.

"That was different," Hermione said. She handed him a list of names. "Welcome to Dumbledore's Army, Jack. Signing this, of course, won't only make you our twenty-ninth member; it enters you into a contract. You have to promise that you will not reveal this to anyone. In the outside world, you will only call this the D.A."

"You have my word," Jack said as he signed his family crest. Hermione looked at him odd, but when he was done, she rolled up the parchment and left.

Luna was still in the room, looking at the fables again. "My mother used to read me these," she said quietly. "I never heard of this one, though, about the blind lady."

"And the false physician?" Jack asked.

Luna nodded, not looking up from the book.

"That was always one of my favorites."

Luna put the book down and looked at Jack quizzically. "How long has it been since you were home?"

"A long time."

She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Do you know what Aku is like?"

Her question took Jack by surprise. How could she be brave enough to say his name since no one else will? "Yes. You do not?"

"I have heard of him, but I never saw him. He kinda covered all of Japan with a scary feeling, even scarier than pididdles. I kept telling Daddy that I didn't think Aku is a Muggle. I think that is the only thing I've ever said that he was hesitant to believe. Well, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

But before she left, she turned back to Jack again. "Say, can you talk with me again later about Aku? I'm sure Daddy will like to hear more about him."

"I will."

After Luna left, Jack headed for the common room. There was something unusual about her, something Jack knew was very different. He wanted to know more about Luna. What was she doing at his home? And why was she not afraid to talk about Aku? And what did she mean that her father did not believe that he was wizard? Of course he is!

But as he thought of it, he heard a young man vomiting. Jack almost walked around the corner to help whoever was sick, but then he heard another voice, older and barely speaking above a whisper.

"Oh my goodness! Alright there?"

"No!" the young man snapped. It was Harry.

"There now, sit here . . . Evanesco . . . Take it easy . . . Breathe deeply . . . "

"Password?" another voice said. It was the Gryffindor portrait, and Jack was standing in front of it.

"Shhh!" Jack hissed. He could see the shadows of the people speaking thrown on the wall beside the portrait. He watched them intently. He did not want to jump to conclusions, and if Harry saw him watching he would certainly be shooed away.

"Can you stand, Harry? Good. Now, what's bothering you? Er, I mean besides--"

"Where have you been these past few weeks?"

"Where have I been? I haven't gone anywhere."

"Just before Christmas break, where were you? I had strange dreams! I needed--"

"Oh, yes, Christmas. Harry, I'm sorry that happened to your friend's parents, but it had to be done."

"You were part of the snake attack?"

"Oh, the snake! I thought you meant . . . the other one."

"Well, that was also awful."

"Yes, I'm just glad Mr. Weasley was healed enough before that happened."

Jack glared. This person was admitting that he was responsible for the Order attacks, at least against the Weasleys.

"And just last Monday! I had a strange experience. And you know, on both of those I had an odd after effect. I felt tremendously angry for no reason."

"I'm afraid I am to blame for that. I really wanted to help you get out of these dreams and whatnot, but it was like I was being locked out. I think in the end you caught a bit of my frustration, trying to break an invisible door open."

"Really?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Speaking of doors, I've been having these dreams where I'm walking through a darkened hallway. I'm trying to reach a door, but I--do you have any idea what is in the Department of Mysteries?"

"Haven't the skimpies. I'm sorry. But when we're done, I'll take you there. We'll uncover every mystery there is."

"And you know what? Dumbledore wants these dreams to stop. I wish he wouldn't. I mean, if I haven't seen Mr. Weasley being attacked by that snake, he'd be dead."

"What's he doing?"

"Ever heard of Occlumency?"

"I've been know to dabble. Why?"

"He's making me take lessons, with Snape of all people! I mean, if you have learned it, why won't he let me take it with you? I think Snape's only making things worse."

So, Hermione lied. Harry wasn't taking Remedial Potions.

"You know Dumbledore doesn't trust me, and the feeling is rather mutual. Well, don't worry about it, Harry. I'll get another decree passed that I'm sure will stop Snape in his tracks."

"Well, if Dumbledore's behind it, I don't think it will help much."

"True, but it will be worth the effort. In the meantime, we'll find a way to stop these lessons, and get you life back to normal."

"What do you mean?"

"I think I can find ways that will make it look like you are passing."

As the older person spoke, his shadow's long finger touched the forehead of Harry's shadow. Suddenly, the torches flickered, and the corridor grew colder. There was no doubt about it. This was Undertaker, and he was working some kind of evil magic upon Harry.

"There. Doesn't that feel better?"

******************

Jack couldn't sleep that night, as much as he felt like he needed a dream more than ever. He had tried to confront Undertaker after Harry left, but Undertaker had disappeared.

The next morning, Jack picked through his breakfast. Hermione sat down beside him. "What's wrong?"

"We don't have to give Draco the Veritaserum. I heard Undertaker confess."

Harry looked up at him. "When?"

"Last night, after D.A."

"WHAT?!" He turned to Hermione. "You had D. A. without me? No!"

Harry lunged at Jack in fury, trying to punch him from the other side of the table. Ron pushed Harry back, but the boy continued to strike at the air. Jack easily dodged every strike. Harry did not seem to care.

"First my life, then Quidditch, then my girlfriend, and now this! You've crossed the line now, Samson. D.A. IS MINE!"

Jack finally grabbed Harry's hands and slammed them on the table. "D.A. is still yours, Harry. Do you not see?"

"Harry, calm down or I'll have to report this to Professor McGonagall, and she'll take off points!" Hermione hissed.

"I don't care!" Harry replied. "Quit standing up for him, Hermione. I bet this is all your brilliant idea."

"Alright, let's take this outside. No violence." She took them into an antechamber. Then she said very sternly, "Yes, Harry, it was my idea, but because of your Remedial Potions lessons--"

"Lie no more!" Jack ordered.

Hermione turned to him. "What?"

"I know that Harry is not taking Remedial Potions. He is doing something else with Snape. I do not know what it is, but I know it has nothing at all to do with Potions."

Harry hit his forehead with his palm. "I told Undertaker about Occlumency last night!"

"You did what?"

"Hey, I trust him. He's not going to tell anyone. He's going to help me."

"No, he is not," Jack said. "I know that he did black magic on you last night."

Hermione gasped. Harry scoffed.

"Black magic? No, he just helped a migraine go away. It really helped."

"Back to the subject," Hermione said. "Jack, we know that isn't the truth, but it's what we've been told to say. We didn't want Death or Doom to find out about this. Of course, now that everything's been blown wide open--"

"Umbridge is not going to know!" Harry yelled.

"Right," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "Anyhow, Harry, you're still free to teach D.A. on nights that you're not having Occlumency, if you feel up to it."

"Oh, I feel up to it all right. Putting all of my efforts into D.A. is how I get back at all of the school. But I'll only return if little Mr. Me here promises never to teach again."

"He can't make such a promise!" Hermione answered before Jack could speak. "He signed the contract. He's a member of D.A. He can't back out of it, unless he tells a non member about it and the jinx falls upon him."

"Hey, I'm the leader of this group. I say who stays and who goes."

"Sorry, I made the contract. I made the decision to put him in."

Harry groaned and stomped out of the room. Jack hung his head. "You should have let me--"

"No. We still need you to teach. That excuse would hold him for a while. Now, you don't mention D.A. to him anymore. When Harry's teaching, it may be best that you don't show." Hermione almost walked out but then turned around again. "Oh, and on a completely unrelated matter, I think I will be ready with my plan against Malfoy on Friday."

Jack nodded. He didn't feel good right now. Harry's demeanor towards him had become worse than ever. It did not look like it would ever mend. Worst of all, Harry was getting into something horrible, and Jack did not know if he would ever convince Harry to stop.