A/N: Apolgies, these two chapters have been long time in the making. I've started work, school, all those fun distraction in life that takes us away from what is important.
Anyway, short chapter I know, but cliff for the next couple of chapters. Also, I apologize if you don't like the fact that Hermione is so clingy, I have a perfectly, in my mind, explanation for that in the upcoming chapters. Bits and pieces have been planted earlier, and it is not exactly what you think it is.
Chapter Thirteen:
Change in the Winds
The greatest paradox of them all is to speak of "civilized warfare." Anonymous
Harry walked with Hermione as she guided the first years toward the boats. They got into a carriage with Ginny and Luna; Ron had run off to another one. Ginny had said he was talking to a girl from Hufflepuff as he went onto the carriage. Harry could tell that Luna looked a bit upset about that, but she did not show it much. Hermione leaned against him, smiling to herself as he played with her hair.
"What are we going to do about sleeping arrangements?" Hermione asked, as their carriage hit a rock or something, causing it to jump slightly.
"Well," Harry said. He got weird looks from both Ginny and Luna. "We were sharing a bed, not like you two are thinking," he said as his face blushed, "to help stop the nightmares I used to get. What Hermione means is that without her by my side I may still have the nightmares. But I think I'll be able to handle it." Harry said as the two girls across from them began to giggle.
"Are you sure? I mean we could talk to Dumbledore about it," Hermione said, not really wanting to give up her giant teddy bear. She could still remember the nights when her father did not want her to be in the same room alone with Harry. It felt so cold without him.
"I'll be there in the morning for you, Mione," Harry said, placing his head on top of hers. "What's so funny?" He looked at both Ginny and Luna; they were currently trying to stifle their giggles.
"Well, you two," Ginny said finally. "You are acting like you'll never see each other again." Harry could not help but blush at the moment, despite how true her words were. Hermione just sighed and held onto him tighter.
"I don't care, he's mine, and he's not going anywhere," Hermione said, sitting up so she could rest her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for the remainder of the ride.
As they got out of the carriage, Harry looked around, trying to find Ron. He spotted the redhead with the same blond haired girl he was with earlier. "Well, looks like Ron is moving on rather quickly."
"What?" Hermione said as he helped her out of the carriage.
"See," he pointed toward the direction of Ron. Hermione let out an aggravated sigh. She could tell by Luna's facial expressions at the moment that the young blond like Ron. Luna looked almost sadden at this point.
"I'll talk to you after the Sorting," Ginny said as Luna waved as she went into a crowd of Ravenclaws.
"I swear if one of them hurts her," Harry muttered under his breath.
"Feeling a little protective?" Hermione said, as he took her hand in hist. Harry looked at her, slightly surprised. He nodded, though he looked confused, lost in thought. "Don't worry, I'm not jealous."
"I know you're not," Harry said, smiling back at her. "It's just that I can't explain why I feel so protective of her."
"Give it time, you'll put a name to it," Hermione said as they followed Ginny into the Great Hall.
They took a seat as Ron strolled over to them, a large smile on his face. "What are you so happy about?" Harry asked as Ron took a seat across from them.
"I just got me a date for the Room of Requirement," Ron said with a large smile.
"Ron, you can't use that room for dates," Hermione scowled him quietly. "The Room is for DA, nothing more. If you start abusing the room, all the other kids will and then we won't have a place to practice."
"Relax Herms," Ron said waving his hand.
"You know I hate it when you shorten my name," Hermione said, keeping her scowled look.
"I know," Ron said still smiling. "And it's just until Hogsmeade comes around." Hermione shook her head, finding comfort in Harry taking up her hand. With a small smile, he told her he agreed with her. She leaned her head against Harry's shoulders, a content smile now playing upon her face. "When did you turn so girly?"
"I've always been a girl Ron, in case you haven't noticed," Hermione said, getting agitated again. She took her head off his shoulders, obviously infuriated at Ron.
"You never acted like it," Ron mumbled underneath his breath.
"Always looking out for us, making sure we got our work done and on time," Harry said, looking at Hermione. "That sound's like what a girl would do for two boys she cares about." She began to blush, as he put her arm around her. "Well, there are some other things you've done only for me. Those definitely are what a woman who loves me would do." He whispered to her quietly, causing the blush to deepen. Ron just shook his head as the doors to the Great Hall opened.
McGonagall came in, and placed the Sorting Hat on the stool. Moments later the room's murmur died down and the first years came in, who unsurprisingly were staring at the ceiling as they entered. Hermione eagerly pointed out Grace and Julie who were still talking to the same boy from earlier. She looked at Harry, seeing the smile on his face made her smile. His smile really was infectious.
"Welcome, to the Sorting Ceremony," McGonagall said. "Each of you will be sorted into the house which suits you the best. Each House has its past glories and follies. I expect that all of you will respect which house you are sorted into as well as the others." She took a step back, allowing the children to see the Sorting Hat. And it began its song:
Back when the school was new,
When the world was young,
And the wizards weren't as foolish or as greedy,
There were songs left unsung
Book left unwritten,
And students left untaught
The Founders formed Hogwarts to teach them all
But among each other they fought.
To teach is a gift that few have
But many thank those that teach.
Although they were of differences
The knowledge was held in each
From Slytherin, came the skills
That got them the power they sought
From Ravenclaw, came the knowledge
That got them the wisdom that was taught.
From Gryffindor, came the understanding
That got them the bravery to stand for the right.
From Hufflepuff, came the caring
That showed no sign of spite.
Each house produced great wizards,
Some more than others.
But each house stood together,
Still sisters and brothers.
Though not of blood,
But of spirit and heart.
Yet they choose to fight and quarrel
So there were some that had to depart.
They left me, to find the ones they sought
For the houses that they left behind.
Whether Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor or Hufflepuff,
Left to search and to find
What you're meant to find.
Left to stand tall with pride,
Hogwarts stands as a reminder
Of those who have lived and those who have died.
Take pride in what has been given,
For if the walls should crumble
And the ceilings should fall
Remember to forever stay humble.
Humbled at powers that be
And humbled for your friends.
For they will guide you when you need it
And follow you to the ends.
The bonds of friendship must stay strong
For they will help you
Through all the bad times
And through all the good and the true.
Still forever it is my job,
That I will still do when you are gone.
Separated into the different houses,
But your bonds of friendship should hold strong.
If Hogwarts should crumble,
She shall fall from within,
But fear not, for she can be fixed and repaired,
To fix trust is not as easier as it has been.
Yet it can be fixed
Trust can be built once more
As can these great walls
Strong and better than before.
United we stand, divided we fall
Don't forget what Hogwarts truly represents:
Friendship, unity, and hope.
So let the Sorting Ceremony commence.
Harry clapped along with everyone else, but the Hat had once again predicted something that was going to happen, what he didn't know. The first years still looked scared as McGonagall produced a scroll from thin air. The hat became motionless as she lifted it from the first student. "Adkins, Thomas." A terrified little boy stepped forward and sat down on the stool. McGonagall placed the hat down on the quivering boy. There was a short pause, but the brim of the hat opened up and yelled, "RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table burst into applause as the boy sat down. Harry clapped as well, but the hall got silent for the next kid. Harry relaxed as the Sorting Ceremony progressed slowly. The line of first years thinned and the growl in Ron's stomach got louder and louder. Hermione just rolled her eyes every time it happened. Finally, it was time for Hermione's sister.
Julie cautiously went up to the stool, and not a moment before it was on her head it had shouted: "GRYFFINDOR!" She looked relieved as she took her seat next to a second year.
After a little while, the boy who was with them was called. His name was Arthur Pendragunn. He looked completely unfazed as he walked up to the stool. Harry had never seen it happen before, but McGonagall had not even lowered the hat before it said, "GRYFFINDOR!"
The Sorting continued without any more surprises, and soon it was Grace's turn. She looked just as afraid as Julie did. Taking her place on the stool, McGonagall put the hat on top of her head. It sat there for a few moments; Harry suspected it was talking to her about her personality and such, much like it did to him. For a while he thought it might not place her where Serge had said she would be. "GRYFFINDOR!" It shouted. Harry shook his head, laughing to himself. How did Serge know?
As Xander Zaviour, the final student, sat down at the Hufflepuff table, Dumbledore stood up. "Welcome, first years. And salutations to the returning students. There is much to discuss tonight, but now is not the time. Now is the time to relax and - Tuck in!"
"Finally," Ron said, as the food appeared. Hermione shook her head in disgust as Harry prepared her plate before Ron could get to all of the food.
"Wonder who the DADA teacher is going to be," Harry said to himself as he started to fill his place.
"Who cares," Ron said, between bites.
"I have to agree with Ron for once," Hermione said. "As long as it's not a hack like Umbridge." She shuddered and the three of them shared a laugh.
"You're right, but I'd still like to know," Harry said, looking around the hall. "Hey who's the Head Girl and Boy this year?"
"Don't you know?" Ron asked, earning a glare from Hermione.
"He wasn't at the meeting Ron," Hermione said, as Harry looked around the hall again. "Cho's the Head Girl Harry." Harry looked at her and shrugged. She smiled to herself at that and leaned against his shoulder.
"As long as she doesn't abuse her privilege," Harry said, taking a bite from his plate. "I have to talk to Luna about something, but other than that I have no problem with her being the Head Girl." He wrapped his arm around Hermione and kissed her cheek, causing a great deal of the table to stare. "Besides, I happen to have a great girlfriend that keeps my head level."
"You don't mind that the school knows?" Hermione asked, blushing. He shook his head, holding his smile.
"I'll shout it from the tops of the Astronomy tower if you want?" He watched as her blush deepened. "Besides, I think there are a great number of girls right now jealous of the fact that it is you on my arm instead of them."
"Do you want any of them?" Hermione asked quietly as her insecurities got the better of her.
"Now why would I want them if I have the goddess right now on my arm?" Harry asked, kissing her forehead lightly. "Eat; we've got to study after dinner."
"You're going to study?" Ron asked, almost choking on his food. Harry nodded, laughing lightly. "Herms has really been a bad influence on you."
"Ron, you understand what I have to do don't you?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing. Ron gave him a questioning look. Harry shook his head. "Ron you are so damn thick some times."
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked as he continued to eat. Hermione finally pushed away her plate and glared at Ron as well.
"Ron, neither of us really needs to study, but it is a way to mentally prepare for the travesties and challenges that will come during this year," Hermione said in a soft voice. "You on the other hand, if you do not apply yourself will find yourself with few job options, and with lower grades, which would get your mother angry, which in turn will get you angry and prevented from doing some of the things you enjoy." Hermione paused for a moment, silently reveling in the frown of Ron's face. "Besides, Guile probably won't like it if you fall out of shape."
"You're right about that," a voice said from behind them. Ron's face went white as he turned around to see Guile standing behind him. Harry could not help but smirk. "I'll be giving a dietary plan for all three of you, as well as anyone else you wish to include, to keep to while we continue your extracurricular studies." He smirked and floated away. Well maybe not, Harry figured his feet did touch the ground, it was just in the way he walked that it looked like he floated. Guile greeted the Headmaster and went to the one open seat.
"When did he show up?" Ron asked still visibly white.
"I really don't know," Hermione said, watching him as he sat down. "I guess he's our new DADA teacher."
"Figures," Ron said, crossing his arms. "Now I'm going to have to go through his hell during school."
"Well, I think Serge will be working with him as well, from time to time," Harry said pushing away his plate as well. Looking around the hall, he saw the majority of the students had finished as well, only those with stomachs like Ron's kept at it. Ron however, lost his appetite completely after seeing Guile come into the room. Dumbledore rose from his chair and the hall soon was quiet.
"This year is one were we must all stay together," Dumbledore said. "The Dark Lord has grown in strength these last few months. With his attack upon the Ministry, the need for protection has risen greatly. I would like to introduce you to our newest Defense against the Dark Arts professor, Professor-"
"Doctor," Guile said as he rose.
"Sorry," Dumbledore said with a smile. Guile stared forward and began to gaze around the hallway. "Doctor Guile Moody. He had some words for you all."
"I will give you four words that you will come to fear as much as you do this Dark Lord of yours," Guile said as he continued his gaze across the hall. As it got to him, Harry felt like he was being judged almost. "The black wind howls." He sat back down, but his gaze did not end.
"Thank you Doctor Moody, for those interesting words," Dumbledore said, taking control of the hall once more. "There will be as well as a dance this winter, similar to the Yule Ball two years back for those that can remember." Hermione gripped Harry's arm, trying to hold back her smile. A wave of squeals from the girls and murmurs from the boys crossed the hall. "This ball will be opened for all years as an attempt to help brighten this already dark year." His tone grew serious and he lost his smile. "This year will no doubt be a foreshadow to things to come. We must stay strong and together. Course loads will increase this year, and a once clandestine club has been moved to the spotlight as to help prepare you all even more." Hermione stopped grinning as she realized what the professor was doing. He was making the entire school aware of their club. He was practically making them teachers.
"Mister Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger had created a club as some of you may have called Dumbledore's Army. A most interesting club, one that helped secure the OWLS and NEWTS of several of the students in this very room," Dumbledore said with a large smile. "They along with a few others that they designate will begin offering a class to help refine and expand your repertoire of spells as well as overall knowledge. This club is open to anyone and a list will be posted on the Great Hall doors. All those who wish to sign up, may. I have given them the authority of teachers to use during the club, and only during the club. You will respect them and they do hold the right to punish you.
"Mr. Filch has asked that you be reminded that magic not be used in the hallways. Also a list of forbidden objects in the school is posted on Mr. Filch's door. Many new items have been added, many of them from Weasley Wizard Wheezes." Dumbledore gave the students a smile, and Harry could only return it without laughing. "First years ought to know that the forest is out of bounds - and some older students should remember this." (Harry, Hermione and Ron smiled at each other.) Harry tuned him out at this point, his mind too much focused on the idea of teacher the entire school. How could they maintain a control over the students when most of them were not as adaptive at the spells as the groups he had the previous year.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, noticing he was staring off into space at the moment.
"Mate, you okay?" Ron asked as he shook his head. He smiled at them, trying to figure out a way to talk to Dumbledore.
"I'm going to have to speak with the Headmaster after dinner," Harry said as Ron gave him a weird look.
"Backing out now?" He said jokingly. Harry shook his head.
"There are just some things we need to discuss before tomorrow," Harry saw the hall was beginning to empty. Dumbledore must have dismissed them. "Well, I'll be back as soon as I can." He kissed Hermione's forehead, causing her to blush.
"Do you like making me blush in public?" Hermione said as he walked away.
"Only when you're thinking about me," Harry said, loud enough for a group of third year Ravenclaw girls to hear. She blushed deeper at the sight of the girls. Harry quickly went to Dumbledore's office; it opened before he had a chance to start to guess the password.
"Come in Harry," Dumbledore said as Harry ran up the stairs. "I believe there is something you wish to speak to me about? Please take a seat." Harry nodded and sat down, trying to figure it all out still.
"Sir, you want me and Hermione to teach the entire school?" Harry asked, still unsure of the predicament.
"No, just the select few who choose to join your club," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Well the club now is officially open to everyone, and I, we can't teach everyone," Harry said, looking down at the floor. "I don't believe that half of the students here believe me sir."
"But they believe in you," Dumbledore corrected him, giving him a small smile. "And that Harry, is the most important thing you have to offer. I will continue to teach you, along with my grandson this year, much as Hermione will continue to learn my daughter, and Ronald will continue training with our current DADA teacher."
"Sir, what did he mean by `the black wind howls'?" Harry asked, thinking back to dinner.
"I honestly do not know, Harry," Dumbledore said, a worried look behind his glasses. "I can only guess that it is something that he will explain as the year goes on."
"Thank you sir," Harry said, standing up from his seat. "When is my training going to continue?"
"Training will not begin until just before Hermione's birthday," Dumbledore said with a slight twinkle to his eyes. Harry looked at him. He knew the man was hiding something, but could not tell what it was. "I doubt you need my assistance in Occlumency, Harry. You've gotten to the point yourself were you may look at someone, and learn something, if you concentrate hard enough. You can also block your memories from anyone, including myself." Harry nodded. "Now, is there anything else?"
"No sir, but when will DA start?"
"As soon as you are ready," Dumbledore said with a smile. Harry nodded once more and rose to leave. They exchanged goodbyes and Harry began the walk back to the Gryffindor Common room. He walked in silence, trying to figure out what to do. He did not know if he could handle the leading a club of that size by himself. He did not know he could handle it with Hermione.
Saying the password, Harry found Hermione and Ron talking, or rather, arguing about something by their usual seats. Shaking his head, he guessed something never did change. As he got closer to them, Hermione stopped, and literally rushed at him, surrounding him in a hug.
"Nice to see you too again," Harry said as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Just trying to get my fill of you," Hermione said, as she squeezed him tightly.
"Don't think you could ever do that," Harry kissed her head lightly as she loosened her grip. "What were you and Ron arguing about now?"
"He thinks it's alright to abuse the Room of Requirement," Hermione said, glaring at Ron.
"Its just one date, and besides what's the worst that can happen?" Ron asked as Harry walked over. He sat down and Hermione did as well, leaning against his shoulder.
"Ron, listen to this carefully," Harry said in a calm voice. "If you have any intentions of making out with her or shagging her and you enter that room, guess what you are going to get, along with a slap in the face?" Ron's mouth fell and he stared at him. "Because that is all you're going to get if you're not serious about this."
"All I want it a place to eat in private," Ron reasoned.
"Then make a picnic basket for a date outside, but the Room of Requirements is off limits Ron," Harry said, shaking his head. "Ron, we need that room to train the students, and that's it. Other than that, good for you, just don't break any hearts." His mind slipped to when Luna looked at Ron with that blonde from earlier.
"Alright, alright," Ron said, standing up from his seat. "You going to bed?"
"Not yet," Harry said. He wrapped an arm around Hermione, pulling her closer. She had oddly remained quiet throughout the conversation with Ron and had her eyes closed. "You okay?" She shook her head and moved so she was sitting on his lap.
"We need to talk to Dumbledore," she said through a yawn. Harry wrapped his arms around her as she put her head on his shoulder.
"I already did," Harry said slightly confused.
"About getting a room to share," she said, tears in her eyes. She did not like the idea of spending time away from Harry. She had cried herself to sleep the last time they did, and had not been out of the others sight for more than half a day at most. She depended on him to lull her to sleep every night, not that she'd ever tell him, but his heart beat coaxed her a gentle dream world were she spent staring and playing around with him in bed.
"Sssh," Harry said, rocking her back and forth. He did not expected such a reaction from her. Around everyone else, she seemed so strong and confident with herself. But there were times, when she did break down like this, only with him. He knew she was the world to him, and he guessed, she did not want to lose her world either. "We'll think of something."
Harry continued to rock her as the fire crackled and her sobbing subsided. He felt comfort in it, knowing that the silence would end eventually, but he really did not want it to. Part of him wanted to stay like this, locked in this moment where
"Can we sleep down here tonight?" Hermione asked as he brushed away few stray tears.
"Let me get one thing," Harry said. He held up his hand, waving it in a motion she had never seen before, and moments later a rather large blanket was in his hands. He began to wrap it around them as she snuggled as closer as she could. Wrapping his arms around her, he laid down on the couch, his feet on the arm of the couch. "We'll worry about it in the morning, love."
"Good night Harry," Hermione said, kissing his lips lightly.
"Good night, angel," Harry said. He took one of her hands in his. Giving it a gently squeeze, he relaxed, knowing that she would be there in the morning.
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