Harry Potter and the Fury of the Elements

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Chapter 5: Celebrations and Confrontations

Harry sighed as he sat on his bed. 'Cho.' The strawberry taste of her kisses still lingered on his lips, and his skin burned with the promise of her touch. And the rush of energy he felt when they had kissed, the energies of Gryffindor twisting within him like a hungry beast, pacing around in anticipation of a meal.

Shortly after they had left the Hospital Wing, running through the halls to avoid Filch, Cho had grabbed him, and pulled him to one side, her sweet perfume and the heat of her body enveloping Harry. She looked into his cutting emerald eyes with her sweet chocolate-brown ones, her voice husky with excitement and ardour. "I'll see you around, Harry." Kissing him hard on the mouth, she had run off towards Ravenclaw Tower, her boots sounding on the floorstones with staccato clacks, her shining raven-black hair flying behind her like a comet.

Harry lay down on the sheets, Cho's words echoing in his mind. 'I love you, Harry'. For weeks, he had dreaded that she had hated him, and, in her heart, had never truly forgiven him for the events of last year. His heart flew with the feeling of her kisses, his pulse raced was they ran through the halls, hand in hand.

"I love you too, Cho," Harry whispered into the dark, wiping the tears running down his face. He saw her beautiful face. He touched her smooth skin.

He was a fool for leaving her. He was a fool for hating her in the fifth year. He was a fool for not understanding.

He was a fool.

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Harry awoke to the first rays of sunlight beaming through his window. Tossing the covers aside, as he put on his glasses and got ready for another day of training, he felt a slight pain in his chest. Guess I haven't totally recovered from the accident, he thought, applying a minor healing spell to the wound.

It was at this point that Harry saw the letter on his bedside table, in a creamy white envelope. After a quick Scanning Charm to make sure no poisons, jinxes, or Portkeys were contained, he opened the letter, staring in amazement at his OWL results.

Mr. Harry James Potter

Gryffindor Tower

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Enclosed are your OWL results:

For next term, you may select from 5-8 of the following courses:

Note that students in their 6^th and 7^th years will attend Defence Against the Dark Arts classes together, to help maintain NEWT-level standards in this course.

Inform your Head of House of your selections by August 30^th.

Enjoy your summer holidays!

Grinda Marshbanks

Department of Testing and Educational Standards

Harry looked at the results, stunned by how well he did. 7 OWLs! Wiping the last remnants of sleep from his eyes and cleaning his glasses, he reread the letter as if expecting the grades to change.

How in the world did I do so well? Harry thought. Defence Against the Dark Arts was a cinch, having fought Dark wizards and led the DA. Transfiguration and Charms were alright, as he had studied and practiced extensively in those courses. The other courses seemed to be right, but Potions was the major shock. Harry knew that he had to get an O level to enter Snape's NEWT-level class, and then become an Auror, but to actually succeed...

Harry chuckled to himself, picturing Snape's face as he entered the Potions classroom. He's going to blow a gasket! Realizing that Snape would use any opportunity to take away Gryffindor's house points, or kick him out of the class, Harry resolved to work especially hard in Potions. I'm not going to let Snape get in the way of me becoming an Auror.

Deciding to fill out his course selections later, Harry quickly dressed into training gear, and made his way to the Great Hall, eager for food and conversation. As Harry reached the doors of the Great Hall, he stopped for a moment. The air seemed to grow cold, and unnatural silence reigned throughout the halls. Drawing his wand, Harry listened for a moment, then charged into the darkened Great Hall, wand ready to deal with any threats.

"Lumos!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!"

The torches of the Great Hall flared to life, illuminating a celebration. Streamers hung from wall brackets and the ceiling overhead, several fireworks went set off, and a large cake sat upon one of the tables, as Cho, Lupin, Tonks and Dumbledore leapt out of hiding.

"Happy birthday, love." Cho said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Like it?"

Harry smiled. "Thanks, so much," he replied, pulling Cho into an embrace.

"Well, that's what friends are for, Harry." Lupin said, directing Harry over to one of the tables. "How about some cake?"

The party was a fairly quiet affair, with Harry and Cho discussing their training, Lupin and Tonks joking, and plenty of cake and snacks consumed by the hungry Champions. Harry opened the first present, addressed from Hermione. "I've let the owl post get through to you, Harry, for this special day." Dumbledore said, winking, as Harry pulled out a letter.

Dear Harry,

How has your summer been? Dumbledore has informed us that you are at Hogwarts, but has said little else.

All of your friends are worried about you, Harry. The Weasleys are especially concerned, and send their condolences about Sirius. Don't blame yourself about his death; blame the Death Eaters. He was a good man, and wanted only the best for you.

On the 26^th, a group of us are going to Diagon Alley to get our school supplies. Perhaps you could join us, if Professor Dumbledore will allow it?

Take care of yourself.

Love,

Hermione

Tearing through the package, Harry found several issues of Quidditch Illustrated, the images of Quidditch teams in flight, moving and tossing the Quaffle on the cover. "Thanks, Hermione," he said to himself, taking heart in her words.

His next presents were just as useful and enjoyable. Ron and Ginny had sent him a copy of "Occlumency Made Easy", to help block out Voldemort's mental assaults, and Fred and George with an entire case of Extendable Ears. Bill had given him a powerful Dark detector, portable enough to put in his robes, Charlie sent a book on various dragon species and social habits, Mad-eye gave him "Advanced Duelling Techniques", and Tonks brought him a poster showing famous winners of international duelling competitions.

Finally, it was time for Cho's present. With trembling hands, Harry opened the small box, adorned in red and blue gift-wrap. With the whir of tiny wings, a Golden Snitch hovered out, and went flying around the room in a blur of movement.

Cho kissed Harry on the forehead. "Hope you like it," she said, feeling his strong arms come around her waist.

"Cho, you are amazing," Harry replied, giving her a quick kiss, before snatching the Snitch from mid-air, and placing it back into the box for safekeeping.

Dumbledore turned to Harry. "I, unfortunately, have no gift except for some good news. First, your lifetime Quidditch ban has been revoked, as has been your Hogsmeade ban. I'm certain the Gryffindor team will be more than happy to have you back. Secondly, I have arranged for a tutor to assist you in Occlumency over the course of the school year."

Harry's jaw dropped. "It's not Snape, is it?" he asked meekly.

"No, not Professor Snape," Dumbledore replied, seeing Harry sigh in relief. "Your tutor will be a friend of Daelin, and she is very skilled in Occlumency. You'll have no trouble with her."

"And," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry with pride, "you have my permission to reform the DA, and instruct its members at your leisure. The OWL results are most compelling, as the DA members scored highest in the category of Defence Against the Dark Arts, compared to the rest of the fifth years."

"Daelin is a most effective teacher, but the students will need all the practice they can get in the event of an emergency. With both yourself and Professor Stormfury training them, I am sure that the students will be ready for anything. Will you accept this responsibility?" he asked, staring at Harry and Cho. The tension was thick for a moment, as the two Champions thought about taking this increased responsibility.

"Yes," Harry replied. "I'll do it."

"Count me in, too," Cho added.

"Excellent, excellent!" Dumbledore exclaimed, laughing in happiness.

Harry handed him Hermione's letter. "Professor, would it be alright if I could go to Diagon Alley, and see my friends?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, of course, Harry. Ms. Chang, your Apparation test is on the 26^th as well, correct?"

Cho nodded. "That's right, Professor," she responded, holding Harry close. "Perhaps I could meet up with Harry, after the test?"

Dumbledore clapped his hands together. "Capital! Now, where are those Chocolate Frogs? I've collected five of myself already."

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The 26^th of August rolled around, and Harry exited Gryffindor Tower, Bill's Dark Detector in the front pocket of his casual robes. Heading towards the Great Hall, Harry found Dumbledore, Stormfury, and six other Order members waiting for him. "Now, Harry," Dumbledore said, motioning towards the Order, "Professor Stormfury and the Order will be escorting you in Diagon Alley, for your safety. Don't wander off into Knockturn Alley, or Muggle London. And, whatever you do, don't mention the prophecies, no matter what. Ms. Chang has gone for her Apparation test at the Ministry, but she will be joining you afterwards."

Harry looked at the escorts strangely. "Are you sure its necessary, Professor? I'm certain I can take care of myself."

Dumbledore looked at Harry with disappointment and regret in his eyes. "Sorry, Harry, but we need to take precautions. Come now, you don't want to keep Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger waiting, do you?"

With a slight nod from Dumbledore, the Order fell in beside Harry, forming a human shield around him. Looking up at their faces, Harry recognized Lupin, Tonks, with shoulder-length blond hair and a pale complexion, Kingsley Shacklebolt in civilian robes, Mad-eye Moody, his magical eye glowing and rotating in its socket, seeking possible threats, and-

"Bonjour, Harry!"

Harry nearly jumped out of skin upon hearing that soft, French voice. "Fleur? You're part of the Order? And, Bill, you're here too?"

The eldest Weasley child grinned, pulling Fleur close to him. "Harry, my mother would kill me and hang me out to dry if something happened to you. Besides, it's a challenge."

Fleur giggled. "Oui. You have 'eard about zee engagement?" Harry noticed that her French accent was less pronounced then from the Tri-wizard Tournament, but other then that, nothing had changed. Except for the ring...

"Yes," Harry replied to the happy couple. "Congratulations! And thanks for the Dark detector, by the way."

"Not a problem, Harry. So, what's it like, being sixteen?"

Before Harry could respond, Mad-eye silenced the group. "Sorry to interrupt the friendly chat, but let's get Potter to his destination, shall we?" With that, the Order became quiet, heading down to Hogsmeade Station and the Hogwarts Express.

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Diagon Alley was just like Harry remembered it, noisy, packed, and full of interesting places to visit. After entering the Alley via the hidden entrance, the Order spread out, taking up position around the various shops and stalls, always keeping an eye on Harry. Harry sighed to himself. Great, now the Order's babysitting me. At least they were kind enough to be undercover, not hover over me like a flight of hawks. Throwing the hood of his cloak over his head so as to hide his scar from gawking passers-by, Harry began to wander the lengths of Diagon Alley.

After stocking up on Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts at Gringotts, Harry stood by the entrance, deciding where to go next. He stared out into the seething mass of shoppers, both young and old, snaking through the Alley like a river through a swamp. Then it hit him. Why not? I haven't had a good laugh in a while.

After a short walk, Harry saw it, a fairly non-descript shop, the paint on the exterior being faded red and gold, the battered door decorated only with a lion's head doorknob. A worn sign hung over the door, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Holding the knob, Harry turned it, expecting it to open.

A trapdoor opened beneath his feet, and with a cry of surprise, Harry fell, sliding through a long and twisted chute. He sped through at an incredible rate on his back, constantly accelerating, as it turned and corkscrewed.

The chute veered upwards suddenly, and instead of stopping, Harry was propelled towards the surface with the force of a cannon, his shouts of excitement echoing through it as he pierced the surface, flying through the shop and finally into a giant net, stopping his insane journey into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

"Ah, a customer! Welcome, Harry-"

"-to our place of business,-"

"-the humble abode will like to call-"

"-Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

Brushing the hair out of his eyes and adjusting his glasses, Harry looked around, seeing the massive inventory of gag items and pranksters supplies lining shelves, racks, and display cases. Extendable Ears, Skiving Snackboxes, Weasley's Wildfire Whiz-bangs, Portable Swamps, and numerous other joke items littered the warehouse. And behind the counter, wearing fine dragon-scale vests, Fred and George Weasley stood, grinning from ear to ear as they watched Harry extricate himself from the net.

"Well, if it isn't our principal investor!" Fred said.

"Hope you found our delivery satisfactory." George added.

"Sixteen, huh? Almost ready to join the big boys?"

"Whoa, you've gotten buff! You working out?"

Harry chuckled, shaking hands with the twins. "Yeah, you can say that. Nice way to greet the customers, the chute. How's business been?"

"Booming, mate, booming," George stated, pointing at his vest.

"Our escapades last year gave us an armful of free publicity," Fred said.

"Orders by the hundreds, often the crew can't keep up."

"Workforce is highly paid and motivated."

"No sweatshops for us."

"Rather, they're nasty."

Harry smiled. "Right. I think that Umbridge's reign of terror boosted your sales too. Everytime she stepped into a class, all manner of illnesses broke out. Nosebleeds, fainting incidents, vomiting, a particularly nasty rash," Harry related, watching the grins on the twins growing larger and larger. "Umbridgeitis, we called it."

Fred cackled with glee. "YES! We got the lousy,-"

"-vile,-"

"-psychotic,-"

"-twisted,-"

"-fascist,-"

"-paranoid,-"

"-Ministry,-"

"-BITCH! She went down!" George finished, pumping his fist in the air.

"Teach her to mess with Gryffindor House!"

"Probably went back to the Ministry, had darling Fudge wipe her tears."

The twins laughed uproariously, and within a moment or two, Harry joined in, caught up in the infectious merriment. He had forgotten what it was like, to be happy and enjoy a good laugh, with few troubles on the mind.

Fred wiped the joyous tears out his eyes, as he asked, "Well, Harry, what can we do for you?"

"Rather! After such a good story, we owe you one!" George exclaimed.

"Tell me what's been happening in the outside world," Harry stated, his expression becoming serious. "I've been at Hogwarts all summer, for Order business, and they've cut me off from word of Voldemort or the Ministry. What's happened? Has he attacked anywhere besides Azkaban?"

Fred nodded in understanding. "Ah, the old cloak-and-dagger again."

George showed Harry to the counter. "Don't worry, we'll fill you in. As members of the Order, Dumbledore told us about you at Hogwarts, but left out the rest of the details."

"You're with the Order?" Harry asked incredulously, taking a seat in a chair by the counter.

"Yep," George replied. "We help gather information for Dumbledore. Lots of contacts in the business world, you see."

Fred shoved aside some loose sheets of parchment. "Follow the money, and eventually, you'll run into the Death Eaters, as most of the high-level ones are pretty wealthy."

"Anyway, Azkaban sent the Ministry into overdrive. Fudge, no doubt trying to get public support, put in a bunch of new laws. Now, you can be arrested and held without access to a lawyer, no warrant, and no evidence. They're put in the basement of the Ministry, now that Azkaban is an empty shell."

"Kinda like what's happening with the Muggles. Fudge also created a new unit of Aurors, the Ministry Guard, who often raid people's homes on the charge of Death Eater activity," Fred added, pausing to eat an Every-Flavour Bean.

George reached for a jar of sugar quills under the counter. Sucking thoughtfully on one, he snorted in annoyance. "However, most of the detainees were anti-Fudge, with no evidence to support the charges. So, besides that, and the fact that the Ministry has now acknowledged You-Know-Who's return, not much has changed. Percy's still being Fudge's waterboy, never talks to us anymore. The bugger hasn't apologized yet."

"Umbridge," Fred spat her name, like he ate a glue-flavoured bean, "got off pretty easy."

"WHAT?" Harry shouted. "How did she worm her way out? She terrorized the entire school, and was about to use the Cruciatus on us! How-"

"Fudge," George grumbled. "When dear Dolores was about to be put on trial for using a Blood Quill, that's the nasty quill she had in detention, abusing her powers as High Inquisitor, etc, etc, etc, Fudge stopped it. Using his powers as Minister, he cleared her of all charges, and gave her the job of Senior Undersecretary to the Minister back."

Fred whistled. "Boy, Harry, needless to say, that raised a major stink in the Wizengamot. Lee Jordan's dad, along with Amelia Bones, and a bunch of other Ministry officials tried to overturn him, but no use. She isn't the Hogwarts High Inquisitor anymore, but she's as free as a bird."

"The Daily Prophet hasn't changed either. Instead of calling you a lunatic and an attention-seeker, they've switched their tone. Now, you're just spoiled and reckless. The Prophet is still Fudge's mouthpiece, and nearly every story involves how good the Ministry is doing to 'combat the threat of You-Know-Who.' Bullocks, if you ask me."

Fred shook his head in shame. "We're sorry about Sirius, man. He was pretty cool."

"Don't let the Prophet get you down, Harry. Hardly anyone is reading that trash anyways," George assured Harry.

Harry nodded his head. "Thanks guys, I owe you one. Now," he asked, looking around, "how do you get out?"

Fred and George grinned like the cat that caught the canary. "We'll show you the catapult."

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Hermione Granger sighed impatiently, turning to her friend Ron Weasley again. "Come on, Ron, we have to meet Harry soon! You have been looking at that poster for the past fifteen minutes now!"

Ron pressed his face against the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies, staring in reverent awe at the new Chudley Cannons poster covering the front windows of the store. "Hermione," he objected, face against the glass, "this is the limited edition Cannons poster of the 1956 team, the year they won the British Championship, not just any ordinary poster!"

Dean Thomas chuckled. "That just shows how much the Cannons suck, Ron. That was the last time they won it. You need to find yourself a new team."

"Oh, like the Manchester Manticores?" Ron sneered, giving Dean an ugly look, both for the fact that he insulted the Cannons, and that he was dating Ginny, who was holding onto his arm.

"Damn right! I mean, really Ron, the Cannons have a weak Chaser line, their Keeper's reflexes are like molasses, and their Seeker couldn't catch the Snitch if his life depended on it. Suck it up. Move on."

A thick Irish-accented voice cut through their argument. "I prefer the Dublin Marauders meself," Seamus Finnegan interjected, holding Ron back from beating Dean to a bloody pulp.

"The Harpies are pretty good too," added Neville Longbottom, admiring his brand new wand from Ollivanders.

"Alright, calm down!" Hermione shouted, becoming aggravated with the childish squabbling of the four male Gryffindors. Pushing a strand of dirty-blond hair from her eyes, she looked at Ron with a steel-hard gaze. "We have more important things to do than bicker about who can beat who in Quidditch, namely Harry. He needs our support more than ever, especially since, well, you know, Sirius. He should be here soon, so let's help him out, alright?" Her firm voice silenced any argument or dissent from the Gryffindors, who looked around, trying not to meet her gaze.

"Nice job, Hermione," a voice said behind her. Turning around, she found herself looking into the luminous green eyes of Harry Potter.

"HARRY!" Ginny cried, throwing her arms around him.

"Well, mate, too good to return our letters, were ya?" Seamus demanded, jokingly.

"How's your summer been? Good Lord, have you been working out?" Dean asked.

"Hope your birthday was good," Ron said, gesturing towards the others. "What took you so long? 'Mione's been boring the hell out of us."

Harry laughed as Hermione turned on Ron, fuming. "WAS I BORING YOU, RONALD WEASLEY? YOU WERE TOO WRAPPED UP IN THAT DUMB POSTER TO REMEMBER!"

Ginny touched Harry's hand, leading him away from Hermione's wrath. "Don't mind them, they've been at it all day." She looked at Harry with her auburn-brown eyes, her voice filled with compassion. "I'm sorry about Sirius, Harry. Will you be alright?"

Harry smiled at her concern. "Yes, I'll be fine, Ginny," he replied. "I've found some help, from a good friend."

Ginny beamed. "Thank goodness. Now, if we can keep You-Know-Who and that tramp Chang away from you, this year should be fine." She said Cho's name like one would describe a virus, her face turning red in anger towards the beautiful Ravenclaw.

Harry bristled at the comment. "Please, don't call her that," he snapped, watching Ginny turn pale hearing his words. Turning away from her, he faced Hermione. "Now, where to?"

Hermione thought for a moment before answering. "Flourish and Blotts, I guess. How did you do on your OWLs, anyway?"

"Seven OWLs, three at the Outstanding level. DADA, obviously, Potions and Charms. How about you?"

Hermione blushed in embarrassment. "Ten OWLs, but only nine Outstandings. I messed up in History of Magic, and got an Exceeds Expectations instead. Neville got seven, including one of the highest Herbology marks on record." Neville grinned from ear to ear.

Harry gaped at her. "Only nine O's? Hermione, that's great! And Neville, nice job. Ron, how about you?"

Ron chuckled at Hermione's discomfort. "Six OWLs, only two Outstandings, in Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms," he sighed. "There goes my Auror prospects, but I guess I don't have to face Snape anymore."

"Shall we?" Harry asked, pointing over towards Flourish and Blotts.

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Half an hour later, the seven Gryffindors emerged from the store, carrying the numerous books and tomes they would require for next term, chatting about various topics, like their favourite Quidditch teams, how their summer was, and the upcoming year at Hogwarts. Neville pulled a textbook from his bag, commenting, "Interesting booklist this year. Wonder what the DADA teacher is going to be like?"

"Hope it's not Umbridge again," Dean said, holding hands with Ginny as the group walked down towards the Leaky Cauldron. "Hey, Harry. Will the DA be running this year?"

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore has given us permission to start it back up again, and he's lifted my Quidditch ban, so I'll be playing on the House team. Don't worry about the DADA teacher, he's pretty good. He's like an Auror, in a way. You'll understand when you see him," Harry responded.

"Wicked!" Ron said, adjusting the straps of his bag to fit more comfortably.

"We should kick out Cho and that sneak friend of hers," Ginny declared venomously. "They're a security threat, and after last year, they don't deserve our friendship."

Once again, Harry felt the stinging barb in Ginny's comments. "Gin, if Cho wants to join us, she can," he retorted, furious that she would demand such a thing.

Ginny looked at Harry like he had sprouted an extra head and become an ogre. "What? Are you crazy? She sold us out to Umbridge! She-"

"Marietta sold us out to Umbridge, Ginny, there's a difference. Besides, we were both acting stupid last year." Harry shot back, knowing full well the true reason for her objection.

"Are you sure about that, Harry?" Ron asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. "She defended Marietta last year, regardless of the fact that she was a sneak. I know Sirius' death hit you hard, but-"

Harry exploded at his friend, incensed that he would stoop so low. "My decision is based on compassion, Ron, and don't you DARE BRING SIRIUS INTO THIS!"

The Gryffindors stopped, stunned by Harry's outburst. Ginny gasped, Ron stood in shock, Hermione put a hand over her mouth, Neville's eyebrows raised in amazement, and Dean and Seamus muttered to themselves, "Who's Sirius?" Their eyes reflected shock, concern, bewilderment, and general discomfort as Harry began to massage his temples, as if to get rid of a major headache. Ginny was the first to respond, her infamous temper boiling out, as wild as her brilliant red hair. "How dare you, Harry? We're just trying to warn you, that slut will probably stab us in the back first chance she gets!"

"Cho is my girlfriend¸ Ginny, and she will be treated with respect," Harry spat, furious that Ginny would call her that. He felt the energies of Gryffindor within him, surging with his anger. It was more malevolent this time, raging and surging in his blood and soul, growing more powerful with every moment. "We gave you a second chance, why houldn't she get one, too?"

Ginny's face turned red, she pulled her hand back and, with a sharp cry of rage and a blur of motion, slapped Harry across the face.

Or she would have, had Harry not intercepted the blow by grabbing her wrist. Ginny's eyes widened in terror, her wrist caught in Harry's hardened grip, his green eyes as hard and cutting as diamonds.

"Let her go, Harry!" Ron bellowed, drawing his wand and advancing towards him, murderous intent on his features. Dean, Seamus and Neville grabbed onto him, dragging him backwards, restraining him from pouncing on Harry and ripping him to pieces. "LET HER GO!"

Harry released Ginny's wrist, and with a flick of her hair, Ginny stormed off, trembling with anger. "Excuse me, Harry," Dean said, letting go of Ron, and walking after her, disappearing into the thick crowds of the Alley.

"Harry," Hermione whispered, tugging on his arm, her voice thick with fear. "It's okay, Harry. It's okay."

They fear me now, Harry thought. They fear what I have become. Damn it all, they deserve better. Calm down, Harry. Switching to a breathing technique that Stormfury had taught him for the purposes of mediation, he began to calm down, and the Gryffindor energies settled, like a lion going back to sleep with one eye open, wary of danger. It almost escaped this time, and I don't even know what it does.

"WHAT THE RUDDY HELL WAS THAT ABOUT, HARRY?" Ron howled, trying to break free Seamus and Neville. Hermione stood on the side, face tense with worry, her wand readied in the event a brawl erupted.

Harry forced himself to remain calm. "Cho is my girlfriend, and I care about her. Whatever Cho has done, it is in the past, and I've forgiven her for it." He took a depth breathe before continuing, observing the expressions on their faces. "Cho means a lot to me. What happened last year was a mistake, on both our parts, and we have moved past it. Have you?"

"Do you want to start a feud between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw House, Ron? Do you want to divide Hogwarts when we should be united? Will you have us fighting and arguing with each other, weakening us against Voldemort, because Ron, that's what he wants."

"You would work with the Slytherins, then?" Ron spat.

"Only if totally necessary," Harry replied. "If you want out of the DA, Ron, that's your choice. But if you want to fight, to help protect what's ours, the Room of Requirement will always be open. Think about it. It's the advice of a friend."

With that, Harry walked away, heading towards the Leaky Cauldron, and the others were left to think. Regardless of their beliefs, they all knew that Harry had changed, and they were not sure if they liked it.

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Harry sat in the Leaky Cauldron, a mug of warm Butterbeer in his hand, mulling over his confrontation with Ron. He had seen the way the others had reacted to him. They feared him, they loathed him, they did not recognize him. Glancing over at one of the booths in the pub, he saw Bill and Fleur, chatting and laughing, all the while keeping an eye on him. Harry's thoughts drifted back to his friends. Am I destroying a friendship to keep a relationship? he wondered. Bitter tears ran down his face, as he took another swig of Butterbeer.

Suddenly, the sound of a loud crack filled the pub, coming from right behind Harry. Grabbing his wand, he turned, ready to hex the intruder into next week for sneaking up in him. But the words never came.

Cho stood before him, wearing a tight-fitting blue Mandarin-style silk blouse that generously hugged her firm chest, decorated with gold Chinese ideographs. Her pants were also made of blue silk, flowing loosely around her long legs. A blue cloak hung around her shoulders, also decorated with the ideographs. Smiling widely, she leapt into the seat beside him. "Well, I did it!"

Harry smiled upon seeing her bright face. "Licensed Apparator, huh?" he said, giving her a quick kiss on her soft, full lips.

"Yep! I can understand why everyone just Apparates from place to place when they first get it. It's like riding a bicycle, really. Once you succeed in learning how, it's a synch." Pausing to stop for breath, she asked, "So, how has your day been?"

Harry shook her head. "Well, eventful, as least. Tom, how about an extra Butterbeer?" he asked the grizzled innkeeper behind the bar.

Butterbeers in hand, Harry told Cho of what he had learned, what Voldemort had been doing, what the Ministry had been doing to stop him, the general feeling on the street, and his confrontation with the other Gryffindors. Cho listened intently, as he described the argument, and, in the quietest of tones, how the energies of Gryffindor had reacted. When he was finished, she looked into his eyes, seeing the frustration of his inability to convince his friends.

"I'm so sorry, Harry. Maybe if I was there, I could have convinced them."

Harry looked up at her, seeing the pity in her chocolate-brown eyes. "It's okay, Cho. Hopefully, we can solve it, but no matter what they think, I'm always going to care about you. I want to stay with you, regardless of what Ron or Ginny has to say."

Cho smiled. "Thank you, Harry. Probably, my friends won't agree with this relationship, but I don't care. I love you Harry, and that's all that matters-" Her voice was cut off suddenly, as Harry kissed her gently, sending ripples of delight down her spine. She returned the kiss, moaning softly in pleasure as the kiss deepened. It was short, but thrilling, as both Harry and Cho were left gasping for breath.

A hush fell over the pub, as Cornelius Fudge entered, flanked by Umbridge in her awful cardigan, and four burly men, dressed to green Auror robes, emblazoned with a white triangle on the back, designating them as the Ministry Guard. The patrons of the Cauldron shuffled aside, as Fudge walked to the bar, a definite swagger in his step.

So, Fudge is feeling confident today, is he? Harry thought, upon seeing the puffed-up Minister and his bodyguards. Fudge and Umbridge took a seat beside Harry and Cho, their thugs taking positions around the pub, cowing any unruly customers into silence.

Fudge turned to Harry as if seeing him for the first time. "Ah, Mr. Potter! How nice to see you again! And who is your lovely young companion?" he said, pointing towards Cho.

Harry laughed to himself. So, it's 'Mr. Potter' now, not 'Potter the raving lunatic' or 'Potter the spoiled, attention-seeking brat'. He was silent for a moment, before responding, his voice booming so that everyone could hear. "Well, if it isn't the incompetent Minister of Magic, and his assistant, the Queen Bitch of the Universe. How do you do?"

The Leaky Cauldron erupted in laughter, as Fudge turned red with anger, and Umbridge's jaw dropped wide enough to drive the Knight Bus through. Two of Fudge's thugs moved towards Harry, cracking their knuckles, but the Minister waved them aside, turning back towards Harry, wiping his face with a handkerchief, his voice filled with menace. "Very funny, Mr. Potter, very funny indeed. I regret to say that you are still as immature and spoiled as ever. Mind your tongue doesn't get you into hot water."

Beside him, Cho laughed at the stupidity of the statement. "Perhaps, Minister," she said, sarcasm dripping in her voice, "you can teach Harry about the truth, and respect towards others. Obviously, you have had plenty of experience, peddling your lies about You-Know-Who not returning, smearing political opponents, and sending your brown-nosing bitch Umbridge to torment a school full of helpless children. Yes, Harry could learn a lot from you, you being the scheming hypocritic git that you are. Did Lucius Malfoy pay you off, or are just naturally cowardly and idiotic?"

Fudge gasped, coughing in surprise. "You, you, you..." he stammered, astounded that he was being made a fool of, "...will address me with respect, girl!" His thugs moved forward, wands ready. From the back of the pub, Bill and Fleur prepared to intervene if things got rough.

Cho, however, was unfazed by the burly Ministry Guard, screaming at the bumbling Minister, "Get out, and if you ever insult Harry again, I'll make you regret it, you sack of bile!" Raising her wand and getting up from the barstool, she watched as Fudge and his cronies beat a hasty retreat, the entire pub shouting insults behind them. With a whip-crack sound, they Apparated away, not doubt fleeing Cho's wrath.

Setting down beside Harry, Cho took a deep breath, as if to expel the hate. "Well, that was fun. So, want to head back-"

Harry's Dark Detector hissed and spun.

With a thunderous roar, the explosion rattled the length of Diagon Alley, shattering windows, blowing bystanders to the ground. Harry covered Cho's face, the two Champions falling to the floor as shards of glass flew overhead, blown inwards from the force of the blast.

After a moment, Harry stood up, coughing as he raised a sleeve to protect his lungs from the dust caused by the blast. "Cho! You okay?"

An instant later, Cho was beside him, her blouse partially covered with dust, but nonetheless beautiful. "Yes, I'm alright. What was that?" she replied, hearing the terrified screams and cries of innocents outside. The rest of the patrons were hiding underneath tables, or had bolted to the relative safety of the second floor.

"DEATH TO THE MUDBLOODS! FOR LORD VOLDEMORT!"

"Shit," Harry said, drawing his wand. "They're here."

The door of the Leaky Cauldron burst open, revealing four Death Eaters, clad in their usual black robes and white masks, searching the pub for any opposition. Gritting his teeth, Harry decided to give them some. With a wild yell, he leapt out from underneath the bar, wand pointed at the first of the cloaked murderers.

"Stupefy!" Harry shouted, stunning his target. The others turned towards him, wands raised. "Expellermius!" The next Death Eater was sent flying into a table, drinks spilling, and the table smashed in two.

"Stupefy!" Bill and Fleur combined their attacks, knocking another foe out cold. The final Death Eater pointed his wand at Harry, readying his incantation. "Avad-"

"Scythios!" Cho sent the Cutting Blade Hex into the Death Eater's wand hand. Screaming in pain and dropping his wand, he was caught with a skilfully cast Disarming Curse, ejecting him from the pub onto the cobblestones of the Alley.

"Come on!" Harry shouted. With Cho by his side, Bill and Fleur following behind, wand raised, and with a mighty cry, he stormed into the melee.