Harry Potter and the Dark Pheonix

Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter, never will, I stole lyrics from nine inch nails, don't own them either

Banners and Blood

Harry sat there, looking at Dumbledore. “My future, sir?” he asked, not quite sure what he was meaning. Harry was going to be an Auror, that's what career advice was for, wasn't it?

Dumbledore smiled and looked over his half moon spectacles, “Yes, Harry, your future. First however, I must ask if Ron and Hermione know of the prophecy.”

Harry looked away from Dumbledore eyes; he knew that Dumbledore was a master at Legilimency and that his eyes could roam into his mind if he was not careful. Unfortunately for Harry, before he could come up with a suitable lie Ron spoke up.

“Umm, me and Harry, we both do Divination, but most Prophecies in that class are kinda shady at best. I doubt Hermione would care though.” At this, Hermione started to cry. Harry reached for her hand, but she pulled away.

He turned to see what was wrong, but before he could ask, Dumbledore said with a smile, “I am aware of your Divination studies, but I am also aware that last term you three, and several others went into the Department of Mysteries. There, Harry found a prophecy about himself and Voldemort. It was smashed in the ruckus…but I was the one who heard the prophecy. So, if you all can bear with an old man…” Dumbledore finished as he reached for the Pensive. Harry didn't see it as they came in, but Harry knew what was coming. As Dumbledore pulled a strand of thoughts out of his temple, Ron shot him a `Harry, I'm worried mate, this better not get over our heads' look.

Just as Harry was going to say something, Professor Trelawney's hoarse, trance-like voice filled room:

“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark lord approaches

Born to those who have thrice defied him,

Born as the seventh month dies

And the Dark Lord will mark him his equal,

But he will have a power the Dark Lord knows not

And either must die at the hand of the other

For neither can live while the other survives

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord

Will be born as the seventh month dies…”

Hermione started sobbing, as Ron simply sat in shock. Snape looked at Harry with a mix of horror and grudging acceptance. McGonagall was crying, but determined to be in control of her emotions, she went to make tea. Lupin stood there, head hung low, and Harry knew why. Despite all the power that Dumbledore has, Harry must fight Voldemort. No one else can.

Dumbledore was the first one to speak after this, “Now with Sirius Black's untimely death, Harry has inherited the Black family fortune and Number 12 Grimmald Place. So the choice is, Harry, do you wish to go there for the summer, or back to the Dursley's and risk them getting caught in the crossfire?”

Harry thought for a minute. Going back to Sirius' house would be hard, but if he didn't, the Dursleys, (who after all did raise him) might be at risk. Harry's gaze met Ron's, then Hermione's, then finally Dumbledore's.

“I wont risk any of my family or friends. I'll stay at Grimmald Place,” Harry said finally. Dumbledore smiled and bade Harry to leave, needing to speak with Ron and Hermione alone. So, Harry got up and left, and realizing that he would be late for Care of Magical Creatures, he quickly set off toward Hagrid's. After an uneventful lesson, (even Malfoy hadn't say anything) Harry returned to the common room. Surprised that Ron and Hermione weren't there, Harry dropped his schoolbooks beside his bed. He really didn't feel like eating, so instead, he set off for the Quidditch Pitch.

When Harry had descended the stairwell to the Entrance Hall, he was stopped by someone flinging their arms around him. Flushing, just in case it wasn't Hermione, Harry stepped back. Much to his relief, it was Hermione.

“Hey, mate, you not hungry?” Ron asked from Hermione's side.

“I just want to fly,” Harry said, not looking at either of his friends. Hermione smiled and said something about Harry's essay before leaving, and Ron followed Harry out to the pitch. Harry thought he could get to practice without discussing what Dumbledore said, but Ron obviously needed to talk about it.

“Hey mate, Dumbledore said that you still need `love protection' in Grimmald Place, so I gotta owl Mum and ask if I can stay this summer with you. I can't give you a definite answer, but I'll be there if I can, maybe Parvati too, so I don't get bored while you and Hermione snog.”

Harry smiled at this and replied, “Look, Ron, you don't have to. I'll understand if you don't want to.”

“Harry mate, I'd step in front of an Avada Kadavra curse for you. I think I can put up with your mood for one summer. Besides, it'll be like a muggle holiday with my mates, won't it?” Ron asked with a grin. Harry smiled and continued walking toward the pitch. He sighed, knowing it was about time to tell Ron his excuse for not telling him about the prophecy.

“Hey Ron, you're my best friend, and like a brother to me. I didn't want to tell you about the prophecy, because your family is all tied up in the Order, and I didn't want you to think they…might die for nothing.”

Ron smiled sadly at this and punched his arm in a friendly type of way. The conversation then changed to the Hi-jinx they would get up to without parental supervision over the summer holiday. Ron suggested inviting the twins to stay with them, as pranksters would be a welcome change to the normal dreary setting of Number 12 Grimmald Place.

When Harry and Ron had arrived at the pitch, Harry couldn't help but smile. Before he had even changed, he mounted his broom and shot up, skyward. Ron laughed as his friend did a lap around the pitch. Harry didn't care, he was happy. He felt like nothing could ever be wrong with life anymore, not since he could fly again. When Harry landed, Ginny, two Gryffindors in Ginny's year, as well as Seamus and Dean came over. Ron announced that this would be the Gryffindor Quidditch team. After the rest of the team arrived, Ron called them all over and went through what his training program would be like. While Ron was explaining this, a Hufflepuff came into the stadium and started taking notes diligently. Harry noticed that Cho Chang was also watching, not taking notes, but just watching. Harry then turned into the changing rooms to get ready, as Ron said that he expected the other teams to spy on them. He thought Slytherin would have been here, however Harry simply shrugged it off, and left to get ready.

First, they would do some muggle training. Then, they would go into the air to practice. Harry laughed when Ron suggested juggling, but he insisted that hand/eye coordination was a must in Quidditch so, they juggled with three balls for ten minutes. Ron was good at this, Harry soon became just as good (if not slightly better) as Ron, and luckily most of the team picked it up, or at least were better than they were when they started. Ron then led them in a jog around the pitch. After this, they took to the air, before Ron let out two bludgers. As the rest of the team got into position, Ron also made the snitch fly faster then it would in a normal game. After ten minutes of chasing the snitch, Harry had caught it. He looked around, feeling elated, and that's when he noticed it.

Over by the lake, a girl was screaming, her books scattered across the grounds, as a mountain troll ambled slowly up to her, swinging its club viciously. Harry noticed that the girl had a Gryffindor scarf on and could be none other than Hermione. Harry released the snitch and flew down toward her, flattening himself further and further onto his broom to gain speed. The troll was getting closer and closer to Hermione, its swings catching her hair. Harry flattened himself on his broom and put on more speed. He just had to reach her. He couldn't let her get hurt, he just couldn't. He was calling it close. He reached down and grabbed her just as the troll was about to reach her. Pulling her onto his broom, he flew flat out back to the Quidditch pitch. As he was crossing the lake, he saw Professors Lupin and Snape come rushing out of the castle to take on the troll, obviously hearing Hermione's screams. Harry slowed down when he noticed Hermione whimpering into his chest. As he entered the Quidditch stadium, he set her down onto the ground. Ron came rushing over.

“Harry, mate what's going on?” Ron asked, obviously worried. Harry wouldn't have left Quidditch training without a good reason.

“A troll attacked Hermione,” Harry said, as he held a trembling Hermione in his arms. Ron then motioned the team back into the changing rooms.

“Well I wanted to juggle again, but we better get her back to the school,” Ron said, ushering Harry into the changing rooms. Harry changed as fast as he could, leaving his Firebolt lying on the ground as he rushed out to the pitch. When he got there, he was shocked. Cho and Hermione were standing face to face shouting at each other.

“OH! IT'S DARLING HERMIONE GRANGER! YOU JUST CAN'T CONTROL YOURSELF! YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE HARRY RUNNING AFTER YOU, DON'T YOU?” Cho spat.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN? I DIDN'T SET UP BEING ATTACKED! AND WHY DO YOU CARE ANYWAY? YOU AND HARRY ARE OVER!” Hermione retorted.

“NOT AS OVER AS YOU'D LIKE, MUDBLOOD! YOU SAW HIM ON THE TRAIN, HE STILL WANTS ME!” Cho was screaming. Furious, Hermione slapped Cho across the face and stalked off. Harry shot Cho a dark look before chasing after Hermione. He caught up with her in front of the Fat Lady.

“Hermione...” Harry started.

“Harry, you better not still like Cho, `cause if you do I swear…” Hermione said, turning to him, her eyes dark. She had full intent to hex Harry if he even had the slightest interest in Cho.

“Cho is just a fat jealous slob Hermione, I love you,” Harry said as he reached for her hand. She calmed down after this and led the way into the common room. After settling down, she explained that she had wanted to go outside and work on helping Harry with his essay, when the mountain troll had just walked out of the Forbidden Forest. Harry smiled as she told her tale. He was about to kiss her when Ron and Professor Lupin entered.

“Here, Hermione, I believe you'll be needing these,” Lupin said as he held out Hermione's books. He flashed a smile before exiting. Ron was carrying Harry's broom and curiously asked what had happened. Harry told his side of the story, because Hermione was busy poring over her books once again. Harry took his Firebolt and went upstairs to place it next to his bed. When he came down, he pulled out some parchment and a quill.

He had begun to write what Hermione had found for him, when his stomach grumbled. He looked toward Hermione who let him sneak down to the kitchen so that he could have some dinner. Ron was going to go with him, but Hermione reminded him of some homework. Ron smiled and pulled Harry into a whisper, “I was going to tell you on the way to the kitchens, but anyway, we're getting Cho back tonight,” before turning back to his charms homework. Harry grinned and left to head down to the kitchens. As he passed the Ravenclaw common room Cho called to him. Turning around, he saw that she was in tears.

“Oh Harry, that mean mudblood slapped me! I can't believe your still friends with her!” Cho said, through sobs.

Harry had a questioning look on his face, then said, “Look Cho, me and Hermione, we're together now, and you best stop calling her a mudblood. It's not very nice and you might lose me as a friend,” anger rising in his voice. Turning on his heal, he continued going down toward the kitchen. Cho called something from behind him, something about she wasn't finished, but Harry didn't care. His hunger was consuming him as he finally found the fruit bowl tapestry, and after tickling the pair, he gained entry.

“Harry Potter visits Dobby, sir?” Dobby called to him. Harry smiled and shook Dobby's hand, and after he had requested some food, he sat and chatted with the house elf. Harry had found out that Dobby had helped in cleaning Number 12 Grimmald Place over the summer before Harry had arrived there. Harry smiled, wishing to give something to Dobby in return, but Dobby said something about being friends and wouldn't except anything Harry gave him. After a nice feast that the house elves had given him, Harry returned to the Gryffindor common room at about 5 to 9. Hermione was still up, petting Crookshanks and smiled when Harry sat down next to her.

“So, ready for your essay? I started it for you…all you need is the conclusion and opening statement. I was going to write them, but I didn't want to upset you.” She lent over to kiss him and left him to finish his essay. Ron came over and said something about a banner for Cho. Harry smiled, but before he could get anymore out of him, Parvati came over to get Ron's attention. Harry finished his essay pretty quickly, and once he had finished, he looked around the common room. Ginny and Dean were chatting away about something; Harry guessed the dance, as most couples were talking about it now. Ron and Parvati were snogging in the corner, getting looks from all the third year girls, obviously jealous of the Gryffindor keeper's girlfriend. Hermione was sitting in the other corner trying to study, but the Creevey brothers kept on trying to talk to her, or get a photo. Harry smiled; they were only doing this because of Harry being their idol.

Hermione on the other hand really didn't like the attention and when she saw Harry grinning like a goof, she shot strait up and headed over to him. Harry realized he was in trouble so he tried to look sorry for her, but this just made Hermione angrier. She had a glint in her eye that said Harry was doomed.

“Harry James Potter, you are in so much trouble,: Hermione said, trying to sound stern, hoping that Harry wouldn't notice it was all a flirt act. She just wanted to watch Harry squirm.

“I'm sorry Hermione, I…” Harry was trying to be sincere, but he noticed something. Hermione's eyes were telling him that she was enjoying this, that she wasn't angry. Harry gave a quick smirk. `I'll show her' Harry thought. “I'm sorry, I'll never look over at you again.” Hermione's mouth gaped open. Since Harry had caught on, she blushed and kissed him quickly. Harry just laughed, a laugh he hadn't let out loud since Sirius had died. Hermione smiled.

She had opened Harry up to the joy that life could hold for him. She looked over his essay, though she didn't know why. She had pretty much written it for him, but she just liked to check things over for Harry and Ron. Harry and Hermione flirted for most of the night, both enjoying each other's teasing. The rest of Gryffindor house soon got involved, and it quickly became a giant prank fest where Ron and Ginny both had time to shine. Now that the twins had left, the other Weasley children were enjoying the limelight. Professor McGonagall came into the common room at about 11:30 and sent them all to bed, even threatening to place a ban on the Quidditch team. Harry and Ron took this very seriously and trumped off to bed.

As soon as the others were asleep, Harry and Ron got ready. They threw the Invisibility Cloak over themselves and revealed the castle layout with the Marauders Map. Ron couldn't hide his grin as they snuck down to the Ravenclaw common room. They both treaded very carefully, as they didn't need a Quidditch ban on themselves. Harry couldn't live without Quidditch for two years in a row, and Ron really wanted to push the team so they became as good as they could get, so they wouldn't have to rely on Harry as much to catch the snitch. Outside of the Ravenclaw portrait, Harry looked down at the map. It showed a little Harry and a little Ron standing outside the door, with the little Harry said Quidditch. Guessing that that was the password, Ron said in a quiet voice “Quidditch”. The portrait opened slowly and let them inside. Having entered, they cast aside the cloak and set to work. They strung up a giant blue banner that read in silver letters `Cho Chang, the crybaby' maybe not the most insulting, but hey, a small measure of revenge, Harry thought.

But Ron wasn't done, a few more banners were strung up around school before they returned to Gryffindor tower. Harry had a grin as big as Ron's as the entered the common room. They returned to bed silently laughing at the Ravenclaws' reaction. When Harry was ready for bed he asked “Ron, why are you getting involved? Not to sound ungrateful, but well Parvati wasn't insulted today?” Ron just grinned and replied “You're forgetting that both of you are my best friends, I'll do anything for either of you.” He winked, and then went to bed. Harry just smiled as he climbed into his bed and fell asleep. At least Ron would never change, Harry thought as sleep finally took him.

Harry was inside the Death Room again, but this time it was only Harry, Voldemort and Sirius. Sirius was saying quietly “He couldn't believe how easy it was. He put the gun into his face. Bang. So much blood for such a tiny little hole. Problems do have solutions, you know. A lifetime of fucking things up fixed in one determined flash. Everything's blue, everything's blue in this world. The deepest shade of mushroom blue, all fuzzy. Spilling out of my head.” He kept on repeating it, over and over while Harry and Voldemort stood opposite each other. Voldemort lifted his arm, not to attack but to let a bird perch on it. Harry looked over at it, he noticed that it looked a lot like Fawkes, only magenta, not bright fiery red.

Harry tried to walk forward before his scar exploded with pain; he only realized that the dark Fawkes was looking toward him before Harry was shaked awake by Neville. Harry gasped out load when he felt blood running down his face. He quickly rushed to the bathroom to wash his face when he noticed, written on the wall in blood `A lifetime of fucking things up fixed in one determined flash' Harry blinked twice before fainting. Ron quickly came and carried him to the hospital ward. Hermione had rushed down the stairs, but Ron told her to wait until McGonagall had arrived. After dropping Harry off at the Hospital Wing, Ron was ushered off by Madame Pomfrey. When Ron was outside, he noticed Malfoy was up and walking toward him.

“What do you want Malfoy?” Ron shot at him.

“Voldemort visited Potter in a dream again didn't he?” Malfoy shot, his voice just as vindictive as Ron's.

“Why? You want to go brag to your father?” Ron said, his temper rising.

“No, I only want to know the truth before I tell Professor Dumbledore.”

“Tell him what?”

“I think me and Potter had the same dream…”

“What do you mean?”

“Geez you're thick Weasley. Just answer me and you might get answers later.”

“Fine, yeah You-Know-Who did visit him in his dream. At least that's what I think, I mean no one else would make his scar bleed…” After Ron had said this Malfoy gave him a curt nod and then rushed off to Dumbledore's office. Ron didn't know what to think. Here he was, standing outside the Hospital Wing, just trusting Malfoy with details about Harry, all the while looking up at a crybaby banner he and Harry had only put up scant hours before. Ron just shook his head as he noticed Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall walking up to him from the Gryffindor common room.

“You may return to the common room, Mr. Weasley,” McGonagall said with a hint of sympathy in her voice. Snape gave Ron a nod as he left.

Hermione was sitting up in the common room; McGonagall had only recently left for the Hospital Wing after hearing what Neville had said. Hermione was just about to rush off with her, but Snape bade her to stay, something about dark magic and her vulnerability in the halls. Before too long, Ron had returned to the common room. Hermione rushed over to him and hugged him tight. Scared for Harry, she needed comfort and Ron was her best friend. He held her for about half an hour before she withdrew from his arms. Crying, she sat on the couch in front of the fire, being comforted by Parvati and Lavender, while Ron and Neville discussed something. Hermione thought she had heard Malfoy's name, but couldn't really push the issue. Every time she went to speak, she burst into fresh tears.

The next morning was a somber affair for the Gryffindors. Most hadn't slept that night. McGonagall had come into the common room at about 3am and had tried to send them to bed, but she didn't have any real conviction for it. She seemed sincerely shaken up about Harry, (not to mention that she wondered why there was `Cho Chang the crybaby' banners up around the school). Ron tried of let out a laugh after she had said this, but he couldn't really find himself, so he resorted to a grunt. Dumbledore had called Ron into his office around 6am, but Ron was in no shape to go, so that had been rescheduled for later in the day.

A lot of people had heard about Harry's dream by breakfast; the Slytherins being delighted. They even said things like “The Dark lord is showing just how weak the Boy-Who-Lived really is.” Surprisingly enough, Malfoy didn't partake in this. He even hit Crabbe across the head when he had said something. Hermione noticed this, but she couldn't seem to find the need to pry into his behavior.

After breakfast, Ron headed toward Dumbledore's office, hoping he would get some answers about Malfoy and Harry's dream. As he entered, he saw Dumbledore standing at his window, his robes dark blue with his silver hair and beard was flowing around him. Ron also noticed that a Phoenix was sitting on a perch next to Dumbledore's desk. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, its fiery red plumage cascading down its body. Ron felt hypnotized by it, reaching out to stroke the phoenix, when Dumbledore's soothing voice broke Ron's trance.

“Ahh, I see, young Mr. Weasley that you have found Fawkes. He is an extraordinary bird, but enough about that…you must have questions burning in your heart?” Dumbledore had sat behind his marvelous oak table, his fingers laced together in front of him, looking Ron straight in the eyes over his half moon spectacles.

“Er, yeah, what happened to Harry? His scar has never bled before?”

“Yes, that is most peculiar. Mr. Malfoy has said that Lord Voldemort and a black Phoenix were there, as well as Sirius Black, who was saying a most unusual mantra.”

“Er….sir…a black Phoenix?”

“Oh yes Ronald, a regular Phoenix, like Fawkes here, is a creature of light, where as the black Phoenix is a creature of pure darkness. Only Voldemort could control one, as one of pure darkness can only bind one to himself. If what I suspect is true, Voldemort has changed his pure wand core to one of darkness.” A look of confusion was across Ron's face, but he seemed to grasp what Dumbledore was saying. Voldemort changing wand cores would enable him and Harry to duel, and if Harry wasn't strong enough, he would lose.

“But, sir….why the blood on the bathroom wall?” Ron asked, confused.

“That most likely was some dark magic to scare young Harry into blindly rushing off to face Lord Voldemort.”

“Why then could Malfoy see it?” Ron asked. A clearer picture was now forming inside his mind, but Malfoy was the only wild card. If he was in league with the Dark Lord, then Harry was in grave peril indeed.

“Professor Snape has been teaching Draco Occlumency. It seems that by chance or divine fate, Draco entered Harry's dream, and he rushed to warn me. As you can now see, Draco wants nothing to do with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. He will become much like Professor Snape in future years; a double agent, risking his life for the needs of many. Now Mr. Weasley, I think you are due in Divination. Although both you and Miss Granger are free to skip classes and visit Harry if you like.” And with that, Dumbledore led Ron out into the corridor. Ron didn't really feel like going to classes today, as his mind would be on Harry, so he instead went toward the Hospital Wing.

Hermione was sitting through classes never really focusing on what her teachers were saying. She may regret this later, but with Harry in the Hospital Wing after a bad nightmare, Hermione just wanted to burst into tears. After Arithmancy, Hermione was wandering the halls, and to the casual observer, it would seem she was going the long way to her Charms classroom, but Hermione was just walking aimlessly. It wasn't until she came across Malfoy that she snapped out of her trance.

“Granger, Dumbledore says your allowed to miss lessons today. Go to the Hospital Wing and stay with him, he'll need you,” Malfoy said before disappearing down the hall. Hermione thought on this for a second before running full tilt toward the Hospital Wing.

Harry was sitting up joking with Ron about Cho's reaction to the crybaby banners when the doors to the hospital wing burst open. Assuming that it was just another professor coming to check up on him, Harry didn't bother to look up. He certainly thought differently when someone tackled him back onto his bed.

“Oi, Hermione! You'll kill him if you keep that up,” Ron said, stifling laughs upon Hermione's arrival

“Yeah Hermione, I'm sick and hurt and you're here treating me like I just won the Quidditch cup,” Harry said, a cheeky smirk on his face to let her know he was kidding. She took this with good humor and kissed him. After she had found a seat for herself (it happened to be on Harry's bed, her legs draping across his) they talked about Harry's nightmare.

“A Dark Phoenix,” Hermione gasped as Ron told her what Dumbledore had said. Harry shot her a quizzical look, `A dark phoenix? What was she on about?' Hermione soon went into a textbook description about one and rolled her eyes, saying something like `Don't you boys ever read?' Harry laughed despite himself. Hermione would always be a know-it-all; that was one of the things Harry loved. She would always be able to explain things about school and the Wizarding World that Harry would never understand. Harry was able to leave the Hospital Wing before dinner and the trio walked around the corridors laughing at the few `Cho Chang, the crybaby' signs that were still erect. Much to Ron's delight the Ravenclaws, especially Cho, were distort about this. They certainly didn't like there house prefects being singled out and ridiculed, but to Harry, it suited him just fine, even if he was facing a good few months of detention if he and Ron were ever found out.

When Harry entered the Great Hall, a great cheer rose up from the Gryffindor table. Harry felt a flush creeping on his face. He knew everyone in Gryffindor cared for him, but this was very touching. Harry had never felt more welcome in his life. As the trio made their way over to the table, Cho came over to Harry. Hermione and Ron exchanged glances; this was going to be awkward. Hermione gave his hand a squeeze and said that she would meet him when he joined them for dinner.

“Hi Harry, are you okay?” Cho asked.

“Oh yeah, never better. It only felt like my scar was exploding,” Harry said, trying to be nice, but the sarcasm still left his mouth all the same.

“Well, my day hasn't been perfect, you know. Somebody put up all these banners about me,” Cho said, her eyes were holding back tears. Harry tried not to look too happy about this; after all, he didn't want to be in trouble.

“Well Harry, I was thinking, do you want to come to the New Year's ball with me?” Cho asked, completely throwing Harry for a loop.

“Er…Cho, do you see Hermione?” Harry asked pointing at her, when Cho nodded, he continued, “She is my girlfriend now, okay? And we are going to the ball together, so please, find someone else to bother.” Harry then brushed past her and walked over to Hermione and Ron.

“What did the crybaby want?” Ron asked, his mouth full of chicken.

Harry smiled and said, “She just wanted to go to the ball with me. Shame she can't figure out I'm with Hermione,” Harry said as he grasped Hermione's hand. She looked at him, blushing, but smiled warmly. Harry laughed and heaved some food onto his plate. He was happy. He had Hermione, the day off school and pretty soon there would be the first Quidditch match of the season. Harry felt, for all intents and purposes, on top of the world.

The next night after dinner, Professor Lupin came into the Gryffindor Common Room. He asked Harry about the DA meetings, which simply stumped Harry. He hadn't honestly thought about it. Contemplating, he thought, why not tomorrow night? He didn't have anything on.

“I was thinking tomorrow night, unless that's too short of a notice Professor?”

“Not at all Harry, I'll announce it tomorrow at breakfast. Well, you go back and get some studying done,” Lupin said, a warm look in his eyes. Harry nodded and reentered the common room. Hermione was about to ask, when Harry announced, at the top of his lungs that all Gryffindors were welcome for training. A few of the younger Gryffindors asked, training for what, before Ron said, at the top of his lungs, “TRAINING FOR WAR!”. This brought up cheers from every Gryffindor male and a few swoons from the females. Harry smiled and kissed Hermione, breathing in her ear, “The DA” before heading off to bed.