Chapter 21 - The Calm Before The Storm Part 2
Harry lay awake, his gaze firmly fixed on the sleeping face of his girlfriend which glowed in the pale moonlight and making her look even more beautiful to Harry than usual.
As he continued to watch Hermione sleeping Harry allowed himself a wry grin as he thought back to earlier on. Gone was the awkwardness, the nerves and the embarrassment of a few weeks earlier to be replaced by intuition, desire and a healthy dose of passion.
For starters Harry hadn't actually expected to find Hermione wearing nothing more that a bathrobe that was only tied very loosely but then he hadn't exactly been clothed for more than a few seconds either as no sooner had the door slammed shut with a flash of gold than Hermione had her wand aimed at him and murmured a spell causing a bright flash which caused Harry to be blinded for a few short seconds but at the same time he could feel that he was no longer clothed. Even his glasses were gone!
And then Hermione was upon him, kissing him as if her life depended on it!
After that things got a little hazy but Harry vaguely remembered doing something to Hermione that had his girlfriend screaming encouragement at him in such a way that he was certain that a repeat performance would be more than welcomed.
Just then Hermione stirred slightly and a moment later her eyes half opened and met Harry's gaze causing a lazy smile to cross her face.
"Hello."
"Hey," replied Harry smiling back at her. "Sleep well?"
"Wonderfully," murmured Hermione as she stretched whilst running her foot down Harry's leg. "You?"
"Pretty good," came the honest reply as Harry pulled her a little closer. "So, I never got the chance to ask, how did your training go?"
Here Hermione wrinkled her nose.
"It wasn't exactly fun," she admitted. "Professor Hedges had the Room of Requirement create a gym for us and had us doing press-ups, sit-ups and squat thrusts for about an hour or so!"
"No wonder I tired you out so quickly!" quipped Harry with a chuckle at which Hermione stuck her tongue out.
"Don't you worry!" she murmured playfully. "By the time we're done you'll be the one being worn out!"
"Is that a promise?" laughter Harry. "'Cause if it is I'll hold you to it!"
"Count on it," replied Hermione with a twinkle in her eye as she now rolled onto her back. "But in the meantime I'm wide awake again so why don't you try to wear me out again?"
Here Harry grinned as he raised himself above her.
"My pleasure!" he murmured before leaning down and kissing her.
***
It was just before five when Harry tumbled into his own bed after he and Hermione had slipped back to the Gryffindor Common Room (and greatly annoying the Fat Lady when they'd woken her up to get through the Portrait Hole) but no sooner had his head seemingly hit his pillow before he felt someone shaking him.
"Oi! Harry, wake up mate! Breakfast" said Ron's voice.
With a sigh Harry pulled himself out of bed and after slipping on his glasses and grabbing his towel made his way through to the sixth year washroom.
"Blimey Harry," exclaimed Ron as he squeezed some toothpaste onto his brush. "You like you hardly slept a wink!"
"Stiff shoulder," replied Harry quickly and in truth this wasn't exactly a lie as he had tweaked his right shoulder whilst reaching for a snitch the previous evening.
Thankfully Ron and the others accepted his explanation without hesitation although Harry did spend the rest of the time whilst he was getting ready assuring Ron his shoulder wasn't that bad and that there was no need for him to go and see Madam Pomfrey.
"Honestly Ron, it'll be fine," sighed Harry albeit with a slightly amused smile as he did up his tie then reached over and grabbed his jumper from the back of his chair.
"Well, if you're sure," grunted Ron who was busy tying up his shoes.
"I'm positive," replied Harry. "Anyway come on, let's go and get some breakfast. Luna will be wondering where you are!"
At the mention of two of his favourite topics, his girlfriend and food, Ron instantly forgot all about Harry's shoulder as a grin crossed his face.
"Yeah, come on! Hermione and Ginny are probably wondering where we are too!"
"Right behind you mate!"
The pair made their way quickly downstairs where they found the girls waiting for them and then onto the Great Hall where, as they ate their breakfast, Hermione ran through the highlights of that days Prophet but it had by this time gone very quite indeed.
"Too ruddy quite," muttered Ron darkly as he speared another piece of black pudding with his fork. "You know, I might sound mad saying this but I wish Voldie would just make his bloody move!"
"You don't sound mad mate," grunted Harry. "I wish he would too!"
Ginny and Hermione both nodded albeit with more apprehensive looks on their faces. Luckily at this point Luna left her seat at the Ravenclaw table and moved over to join her boyfriend and friends at the Gryffindor table with a broad smile on her face.
"Hello everyone," she said softly as she sat herself on Ron's lap before placing a soft kiss on Ron's cheek causing him to go bright red, albeit with a crooked grin on his face.
"Hey Luna," replied Ginny with a smirk. "You look awfully cheerful, what's up?"
"Letter from Daddy," replied Luna waving. "He wanted to say thank you for the photos as well as telling me he's going to Spain for a few days. Apparently there's been a sighting of a golden maned Swiftwind!"
Here Ginny's head snapped around to look at her friend whilst beside Harry, Hermione sat up slightly straighter in her seat.
"A golden maned Swiftwind!" exclaimed Ginny with a look of awe. "Wow, I would love to see one of those!"
"Me too," agreed Hermione. "I don't think there's been one seen since 1973."
Harry and Ron meanwhile shared a confused look which Ginny caught.
"Their a type of horse," she offered as way of an explanation at which Ron frowned.
"I don't remember covering them? Did I miss the lesson or something?"
"We haven't, that's why," replied Hermione causing a look of relief to cross Ron's face whilst Harry leaned forward slightly.
"So these Swiftwinds are rare right?"
"Oh no," said Luna turning to him. "You can find herds of Swiftwinds throughout Europe, it's just Golden Manes that are rare."
"So what's the difference between them and regular Swiftwinds?" asked Harry. This time it was Ginny who answered.
"Not much," said the youngest Weasley leaning forward. "They are related to Unicorns and their hairs are used in wands, albeit only special ones that healers use. But golden mane hairs are more commonly used in jewellery like rings because it's believed they bring good luck,"
"Some even claim that jewellery infused with golden unicorn hair can protect their wearers against most hexes and curses although there's no really evidence of that," added Luna as she took up the explanation again. "Their also said to be telepathic!"
"What, you mean they can speak with us?" replied Ron giving his girlfriend a look of awe.
"If they choose to," replied Luna meeting Ron's gaze. Harry now turned to Hermione expecting her to blow this off as a myth but instead she merely nodded confirmation as she saw his questioning look.
"Whatsmore, if they like and trust you they can become fiercely loyal," she added. "Merlin himself rode a Swiftwind called Whisper who stayed with him for over a hundred years before Merlin disappeared."
"Wow," muttered Harry whilst Ron whistled softly. "They sound cool!"
"Yeah," agreed Ron. "Are there any here in Britain?"
"Not in Britain but Ireland has some," replied Hermione as she buttered a piece of toast. "So where about in Spain is your Dad going Luna?"
***
After breakfast Ginny and Luna headed off for Charms whilst Hermione made her way to the library to do some research for an Arithmancy project. Harry and Ron meantime found themselves in the unusual position of being at a loose end as for once, as thanks to Hermione's constant nagging, they were up to date on their homework.
"Why don't we go and see Hagrid?" suggested Ron as the pair made their way out into the courtyard. "He's got a free period right now."
Harry cheerfully agreed and the pair made their way down the path towards Hagrid's hut and as they approached the pair could see their friend and teacher moving some crates around outside his hut.
"Uh-oh," snorted Ron gravely as he slowed his pace. "What's he gone and got now?"
"No idea," chuckled Harry seeing the worry on Ron's face. "Let's go find out!" And before Ron could change his mind Harry started jogging down the path.
"Oh bugger!" grunted Ron taking a deep breath before taking off after his best friend.
"Hey Hagrid!" called Harry raising a hand in greeting as the half-giant turned to see him and Ron.
"'Ello you too," he rumbled cheerfully. "What brings you too this neck o' the woods?"
"Well Luna's in lessons and Hermione's gone to do some work on her Arithmancy project, so we were at a loose end," offered Ron with a shrug. Hagrid meanwhile gave a gruff grunt.
"Nice to know where your ol' friend `Agrid come in yea list of priorities!" he grunted at which Ron's jaw dropped open whilst Harry's eyes went wide.
"Oh, Hagrid!" spluttered Harry quickly. "We…we didn't mean it like….." His voice trailed off however as he saw the half-giant's shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth.
"Relax you pair," he chuckled clapping a large hand on both the boys backs causing them to stagger slightly. "I was only `aving a joke."
Ron and Harry now gave him sheepish grins before Harry nodded towards the crates standing a few feet away.
"What's in the boxes Hagrid?"
"Nothing," replied Hagrid. "I've already put them in the paddock."
"Put WHAT in the paddock?" asked Ron nervously causing Hagrid to grin.
"Com' and take a look," he rumbled cheerfully and lead them down the path to one of the holding paddocks which appeared to Harry and Ron to be empty.
"Eh Hagrid?" said Harry uneasily.
"Don't worry," grunted Hagrid picking up a large bucket which contained grain. "Their jus' playin' `ard to get!" And with that he swung the bucket forward sending it's contents flying through the air.
For a moment nothing happened then suddenly there was the sound of snuffing and grunting and a moment later several pig-like creatures popped into view and began gobbling up the grain.
"Cool!" cried Ron in excitement. "Tebos!"
"Their pigs!" exclaimed Harry. "Vanishing pigs!"
"Actually their more related to wart'ogs than pigs Harry, but yea've got the right species," chuckled Hagrid as the three stood watching the tebos."
"So where'd you get `em Hagrid?" asked Ron as he dipped his hand into the bucket and scooped out a handful of grain which he now held out for the tebos, one of whom quickly trotted over and began snuffling the grain up.
"Only one place I could get `em isn't there," replied Hagrid turning to Ron who now looked up with a grin.
"You mean…"
"That's right," confirmed Hagrid. "You're Uncle Len."
Harry now turned to Ron with a curious look.
"Uncle Len?"
"Dad's youngest brother," replied Ron. "He and my Aunt Milly breed `em, they make…." Here he stopped and glanced at the tebos then leaned closer to Harry. "Excellent sausages!" he finished quietly.
"Yeah, well, these one ain't gonna finish up on anyone's plate for the moment, `specially as I've only got `em on loan!" muttered Hagrid gruffly. "It was odd though, when I went to your Uncle's place to get `em Ron there was one female there he refused outright to lend me!"
"Oh yeah," said Ron with a grin. "Big Bertha, she's his prize and joy, won all kinds of awards she `as!"
"Ah," allowed Hagrid with a nod.
"Are they dangerous?" asked Harry eyeing up the giant tusks on one of the tebos.
"Not unless you really make them mad," replied Ron. "Wild ones are, but only during the mating season or when their protecting their young but Uncle Len's are all usually pretty tame."
"There is one `ere that's got a bit of a temper," rumbled Hagrid as his gaze swept the pen. "Oh yeah, that all black one over there!"
"Ah, well that'll be Boris," supplied Ron. "He is a bit of a moody bastard!"
"Ron!" exclaimed a voice from behind him and the three turned to see Hermione walking towards them, a stern expression on her face.
"What? It's the truth!" protested Ron turning his attention back to the tebos. "What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were busy with your project?"
"Nice to see you too!" retorted Hermione as Harry slipped an arm around her whilst her head rested against Harry's shoulder. "And since you ask all I needed to do was to check some figures! Honestly Ron, you're making it sound like I was doing something that was going to take hours!"
"With Ron it probably would have!" chuckled Harry causing Hermione to giggle whilst Hagrid gave a snort. Ron however turned and glared at Harry.
"Cheers mate!" he growled.
"No problem."
Hermione meanwhile had turned her attention to the tebos and was looking at them with a soft smile on her face.
"Their lovely," she murmured as one of the smaller tebos trotted over to the fence and started nuzzling her hand.
"Wouldn't say that if you see the mess they make!" snorted Hagrid. "Never know creatures produce so much dung! Professor Sprout's `appy though and it ain't doing me pumpkins any `arm either!"
***
The trio spent the rest of their free period with Hagrid and the tebos before making their way to their DADA class where Professor Gringle paired the class up and had them practicing the immobulus charm, basically a variant of the full body bind, on each other.
"That," said Ron as they left the lesson afterwards. "Was cool, maybe you should do that one tomorrow night Harry."
"Yeah, that's an idea," agreed Harry who'd been working hard on a list of spells and jinxes that he was going to included in his DA group the following evening.
***
The rest of Thursday past by without incident as did Friday morning where Hagrid's tebos went down well with the 6th years although Harry noticed that for the second time that term Hagrid had a bandaged hand and made a mental note to ask him about it next time they got to chat.
After lunch however Harry had to put aside all thoughts of DA plans and talks with Hagrid as he made his way down to the dungeon where Snape stood waiting for them.
"Today we shall be using Room five," said the Potions Master referring to one of the other dungeon classrooms that was used for when potions needed to be left to brew. "One member from each group will go and fetch their ingredients whilst the other is to go and preparing a cauldron over a high heat, begin."
"I'll get the ingredients," said Neville quietly as the students quickly found their partners.
"Right," replied Harry and whilst Neville headed into Snape's classroom he turned and hurried into Room five along with a handful of other students. Unfortunately Blaise had chosen to set up the cauldron preventing Harry from speaking with Hermione not that he'd risk it with Snape hovering nearby.
Within a minute Harry had a cauldron set up and on a high flame as Snape had instructed and had also retrieved his potions book from his bag and opened at the correct page just as Neville came in carrying the small tray containing the ingredients they'd spent the last few weeks preparing.
When Ernie McMillan and Hermione finally entered carrying their trays Snape closed the door to the room (which was already beginning to feel like a sauna) and moved to the front of the room.
"Follow the instructions on the board," he said coolly as he waved his wand towards the board where a list of directions appeared. "Once you have completed this list you are to prepare no more and no less than five hundred grams of finely crushed scarab beetle and fifty grams of thinly chopped knotgrass, you may start now."
For the next hour the only sounds that could be heard where the quite murmurs of partners exchanging comments as they mixed the first lot of ingredients before starting to prepare the beetle and knotgrass . All the time the temperature in the room increased from the half dozen cauldrons so that by halfway through the double period everyone with the exception of Snape was sweating profusely until finally Blaise Zabini raised his hand and attracted Snape's attention.
"Yes Mr Zabini?"
"May we remove our jumpers please sir," asked Zabini in an almost bored tone at which Snape looked at him for a moment before giving a dismissive wave of the hand.
"Very well," he murmured as if he'd rather not. A wave of relief washed over the students as they quickly dispensed with their jumpers and rolled up their shirt sleeves whilst the few students who had their top shirt buttons done up (including Hermione whose hair had gone even frizzier than usual and was quite pink in the face) quickly loosened their ties and undid the offending button.
Snape meantime was circulating around the classroom occasionally making a disparaging remark about a pair's potion although when he reached Harry and Neville all he could do was sneer as the potion was only slightly darker than it should be before he moved over to Hermione and Blaise's desk.
"Adequate," he grudgingly allowed before moving on missing the scowl that crossed Blaise's face whilst Hermione looked slightly hurt.
"Zabini didn't like that did he?" muttered Neville softly.
"No, he didn't," grunted Harry as he continued to crush his scarabs.
***
"Leave you potions on a low heat and return you ingredients to the storeroom," ordered Snape as the bell sounded indicating the end of the lesson.
"I've got them Nev," said Harry as he picked up the tray at which Neville nodded.
"Want me to take you're bag for you?" he asked as he stuffed his textbook into his bag.
"Cheers," replied Harry before nodding towards Hermione who was heading out the door with her and Zabini's ingredients. "Grab `Mione's too would you?"
"Sure, I'll see you in the Entrance Hall," replied Neville as he picked up Harry's bag then moved towards Hermione and Zabini's desk whilst Harry made his way out of the room carrying his tray and over to the storeroom where he found Hermione slipping her tray into one of the storage racks.
"Hey," said Harry with a grin.
"Hey," replied Hermione with a weary smile as she pushed a bang out of her face. "I took it by the look on Snape's face you're potion's doing okay?"
"Yup," confirmed Harry. "He was a bit harsh on you though wasn't he? I'd expect you and Zabini to have the best of the bunch!"
"Just couldn't bring himself to praise a Gryffindor I guess," grunted Hermione with a shrug. "Bloody hell I need a shower!"
"Me too," agreed her boyfriend before a cheeky grin crossed his face. "Wanna share?"
"Harry!"
"What? Everyone knows we're a couple! Besides, I happen to like it when your sweaty!"
"HARRY!" squeaked Hermione casting a frantic look around but thankfully the rest of the students had already disappeared.
"What?" said Harry with an innocent look. "There's no one here!"
"But you still don't go around suggesting we take showers together!" hissed his girlfriend as she slapped him on the chest. "What if Malfoy or one of the other Slytherins had heard? We'd have been in all sorts of trouble! Now wait here while I go and get my bag!"
"Don't worry, Nev's got it, he's waiting up in the Entrance Hall for us," said Harry taking her hand and leading her out the storeroom and up the stairs to the Entrance Hall where they found Neville waiting for them before the three made their way back to the Common Room.
"Oh gracious!" exclaimed the Fat Lady with a slight smirk. "You three are quite a sight!"
"Thanks!" grunted Neville before giving the password at which the Fat Lady (who was by now chuckling) swung open allowing the trio to enter the Common Room where they found Ron alone and sitting at one of the desks doing his charms homework but as they moved towards him he looked up with a wrinkled nose.
"Bloody hell you three, what's Snape's got you making doing down there? You smell worse than Fred and George's workshop!"
"I don't doubt it!" replied Hermione as she now removed her tie before turning to Harry. "I'll see you in a bit," and with a quick kiss on Harry's left cheek she turned and hurried upstairs.
"Now how come Luna will never kiss me when I smell like crap after Quidditch practice?" groused Ron as he watched Hermione disappear upstairs.
"Because she's not stinking like crap herself?" offered Neville with a grin. Ron considered this for a moment then gave a grunt.
"Fair point," he admitted. "Well hadn't you two better go and get your showers as well then?"
"Trying to get rid of us?" replied Harry with an amused smirk.
"If you hadn't noticed I'm trying to do homework seeing as my girlfriend and sister both decided to go and do theirs," grunted Ron. "Besides, if you think I'm going to sit with you pair for dinner smelling like that you've got another thing coming, I want to be able to enjoy my food without a bad smell going up my nose!"
***
After a long and refreshing shower Harry dressed in his favourite pair of jeans, a Chudley Cannons T-Shirt that Bill had sent him for his Birthday and a pair of trainers before making his way downstairs where he found Ron now sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace holding `Jovial Jinxes' in one hand whist he twirled his wand in the other as he practiced the moves for the jinxes whilst his lips moved silently as he ran over the words. However, despite not actually saying the words a few sparks would occasionally shoot out the tip of the wand causing a few first years who were sitting across the room to keep shooting worried looks over at Ron as Harry now approached him before flopping onto the sofa opposite.
"So you ready for tonight?" he asked causing Ron to look up with a grin.
"As ready as I'm gonna be, probably could have done with a bit more practice."
"You be fine Ron," assured Hermione as she came around the back of the sofa and sat down beside Harry resting her head against his collarbone whilst he draped an arm around her shoulders. She had tied her still damp hair up into a messy ponytail and was wearing one of Harry's old Quidditch jersey which he'd outgrown (but which was still more than big enough for Hermione) along with black jeans and trainers. "Just don't show off!"
Here Ron gave a wry grin.
"Wasn't intending to, last thing I need is to embarrass myself in front of most of the school."
"Yeah that's a point," said Harry looking down at Hermione beside him. "Do we know exactly how many are coming?"
"Well, all of the Gryffindors who are allowed will be there," said Hermione thoughtfully. "And Hannah told me all the Hufflepuffs are coming."
"There'll be at least two Ravenclaws missing," grunted Harry causing Hermione and Ron to exchange looks, both knowing who Harry was referring to.
"Luna hasn't said anything has she Ron?"
"She said something about Cho trying to persuade people not to come but no-one's really listening to her, and Mariette apparently goes white as a sheet whenever anyone asks if she's going!"
"Yeah, I bet, you can still see `Snitch' if you look closely enough" chuckled Harry casting a look down at his girlfriend who blushed slightly before quickly turning back to the subject.
"What about the Slytherins?"
"None," said Ron hurriedly. "At least I hope not!"
"I don't know," said Harry with a frown. "I have a feeling one or two will show up."
"S'pose," agreed Ron although he looked distinctly unhappy at that news before getting to his feet.
"Well, on that gloomy prospect I'm gonna go and get changed! I'll see you guys in a minute." And with that he turned and headed up the stairs.
"Do you really think I'm right about some Slytherins being there tonight?" asked Harry anxiously to which Hermione merely shrugged.
"I don't know, I'll guess we'll have to wait and see!" She now leaned back slightly and looked up at him. "Nervous?"
"A bit," Harry admitted. "You?"
"Not as much as last year," sighed Hermione. "I kept thinking Umbridge was going to burst in at any moment!"
"There was never any chance of that," snorted Harry. "She liked to let other people do her dirty work for her unless it was of more benefit for her to do it, that's why she created her goon squad!"
"That's true," agreed Hermione with a sigh. "Anyway, I don't want to talk about that old toad right now!"
"Fair enough, she's not exactly my number one topic either," agreed Harry. "And at least if something goes wrong this year we'll have Gringle, Stoutbridge and Hedges to help clear up the mess!"
"We were rather lucky last year," admitted Hermione. "I'm sure we'd have been discovered a lot sooner if we'd had DA members turning up in the Infirmary after every meeting."
Here Harry merely grunted in agreement whilst a small smirk crossed his face causing Hermione to tilt her head as she looked at him.
"What?"
Instead of replying Harry merely leaned in and claimed her lips in a soft kiss that caused Hermione to sigh contentedly as her eyes fluttered closed. Unfortunately a shrill wolf whistle made Harry break the kiss and Hermione immediately turned in the direction of the whistle to find Seamus and Dean grinning at them!
"Well don't stop our account!" chuckled Dean whilst Seamus smirked.
"Can we help you with something?" asked Hermione hotly. Here Seamus shook his head.
"Not really," he said. "Dumbledore just wanted you to have this." And with that he pulled a sealed piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Harry who gave a nod of thanks before his two roommates moved off leaving him alone with his girlfriend.
"So what does Dumbledore say?" asked Hermione as Harry broke the seal and flipped open the parchment.
"Just wishing us good luck and asking us to make sure we tell everyone their not to practice anything in the corridors," chuckled Harry as he passed the parchment to her and watched as she quickly read it herself before looking up with a grin.
"Wonder how many times you're going to have say that?" Harry merely snorted in reply.
"I can say it until I'm blue in the face, it won't make any difference. Someone is bound to hex someone else at some point!"
"Filch is going to have a fit when it does!" added Hermione with a giggle as she looked up at Harry who gave another snort.
"Yeah, we did pick some rather messy jinxes to start with didn't we?"
"Yes we did," agreed Hermione. "But it's for the best Harry. I mean, I know DA is a serious thing but if we teach them some jinxes that have funny results I think everyone will relax a bit."
"Oh, I don't disagree with you," said Harry quickly. "I'm just saying it could get messy!"
"Well, as long as I'm not the one clearing it up I've not got any problems with that," said Ron as he flopped back down in his chair now dressed in one of his mother's knitted tops and a rather ragged pair of jeans. "Besides, as long as they stop Death Eaters that's all that matters right? So do we have a problem?" he added looking at Harry with a raised eyebrow to which his friend merely smiled.
"No, not really!"
"Well then," said Ron with a broad grin. "Let the fun begin!"
***
Throughout dinner that evening there was an excited buzz from the bulk of the upper school whilst the 1st and 2nd years looked rather unhappy at the prospect of missing out on something they figured would be fun. The Slytherins meanwhile seemed to be eating their dinner as quickly as possible as if they didn't want to be in the Great Hall any longer that absolutely necessary.
"In a hurry aren't they?" said Hermione as Millicent Bulstrode and Pansy Parkinson hurried out the Great Hall whilst cast nervous looks towards the Gryffindor table.
"Probably worried that we might start practicing on them if they hang around," chuckled Ginny as she helped herself to some more mashed potato before pouring on some gravy.
"Would be nice to have some guinea pigs to demonstrate on," offered Ron with a smirk as he cut into his lamb chop.
"Ron! Don't say that!" said Hermione quickly although there was no disguising the smirk on her face.
"Oh don't tell me you wouldn't jump at the chance to practice on Malfoy?!" snorted Ron.
"Well, Malfoy's not a guinea pig is he?" replied Hermione. "He's a ferret!"
"Ah but not just any ferret `Mione," added a smirking Ginny raising a finger. "He's the amazing bouncing ferret remember?"
"How could I forget?!" Hermione giggled. "That's one of my favourite dreams!"
"Snap," chorused Ron and Neville with broad grins.
Harry meantime had noticed that Gringle, Hedges and Stoutbridge had left their seats at the staff table and were now stood huddled in a corner having what looked like a rather heated discussion which finally ended when Gringle threw back his head with a look of dismay on his face whilst both Stoutbridge and Hedges seemed greatly amused by whatever it was they'd been discussing.
"What do you think that was all about?" asked Hermione leaning towards Harry to which he shrugged.
"Dunno, but I think we're about to find out, Gringle's coming over."
And indeed the DADA Professor was heading towards them with a grimace on his face pausing halfway down the Gryffindor table to cast a look back towards Hedges and Stoutbridge who were both wearing smirks before turning and walked slowly over to Harry and the others as the 1st and 2nd Years from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor began making their way out the hall followed by the remaining Slytherins.
"Good evening Professor," said Hermione smiling warmly as Gringle now came up behind Ron and Ginny who were sat opposite her, Harry and Neville.
"I wish I could say the same Hermione," replied the DADA Professor with a weak smile. "Erm Harry, it would appear that I will be you're assistant this evening." Suddenly it was clear to Harry exactly why the Professor looked glum but he decided to have some fun at the Professor's expense in the best Marauder tradition and so now looked at the Professor with a slightly puzzled look.
"Assistant Sir?"
"I think the Professor's saying you'll be demonstrating the jinxes on him Harry," murmured Hermione, her face breaking into a smirk whilst Ron, Ginny and Neville were all now grinning.
"Nice of you to volunteer Sir," said Ginny cheerfully.
"I didn't," replied Gringle glumly. "I made the mistake of letting them choose how we'd decide who would be Harry's partner tonight. I could never win at Rock, Paper, Scissors."
***
It only took a few moments for the tables to be cleared of their contents and then with a wave of Gringle's wand they stacked themselves up against the wall as Harry, Hermione and Ron made their way to the dais where the teachers table was usually set whilst the rest of the students milled around or gathered in small groups chatting excitedly about what they might be learning that evening.
"Can't see Cho or Mariette can you?" asked Harry quietly to Hermione who shook her head.
"No, but it doesn't look like any of the other Ravenclaws are missing."
"Well that's good," said Ron who was slowly looked around the hall when suddenly he stopped in his tracks almost causing Harry and Hermione to walk into him. "Oh hell!"
"What?" asked Harry whilst Hermione turned and looked in the same direction as Ron.
"Zabini," sighed Ron grimly. "He's still here!"
And indeed the Slytherin was stood in the shadows at the back of the hall, his arms folded across his chest but instead of his usual bored expression there was a look of curiosity on his face.
"Nothing we can do about it mate, Dumbledore said we had to take everyone who wanted to join, including the Slytherins," Harry reminded him causing Ron to nod gloomily.
"I know, I know, but I don't have to like it do I?"
Meanwhile Professor Gringle, now minus his robes, walked over to Harry and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Alright, I think we're ready to go Harry."
"Right," said Harry as he shot a look towards Hermione who gave him an encouraging smile before he took a deep breath and walking to the front of the dais and as he did so silence fell over the Great Hall.
"Eh, hi guys!" he said look around nervously. "Welcome to the first official meeting of the DA."
Here there were wild whoops and cheers filled the hall and Harry felt himself relax as a wave of laughter filled the hall.
"Thanks," he said nodding towards Dean and Seamus who appeared to have been the orchestrators of the applause. "Alright, firstly could everyone who was in the DA last year go to the left of the hall and those who are new go to the right."
The hall immediately bustled with movement as the gathered students quickly divided themselves into two groups.
"Almost three to one," murmured Gringle quietly as he performed a quick head counter.
"Yeah," agreed Harry quietly before raising his voice again.
"Alright, could all the new members divided into groups of three and then could a DA member pick a group."
Again the hall was filled with movement as the newcomers quickly sought out their friends until they stood in groups of three although there was also a group of two containing Blaise Zabini and Donna Evans, a Seventh year Hufflepuff who was know as a bit of a nervous timid young woman and who'd only just made the cut off date for her year before the DA members each moved over to one of the groups and Harry was pleased to see Neville move quickly to stand with Blaise and Donna giving the girl a reassuring smile whilst Blaise licked his lips, a slightly nervous look on his face.
"Right then," said Harry once he was satisfied that all the groups had a DA member with them. "We're going to spend the first hour just going over what we did last year and then we'll start on some new Jinxes that I've been learning.
***
And so for the next hour the existing DA members went through the jinxes and hexes they'd learned the previous year. Thankful, due to the fact they now had a DADA teacher who believed in practical teaching instead of reading out a textbook all of the new members had at least some experience with the spells and so much of the hour was just helping them to refine their skills.
During this time Harry, Ron and Hermione moved amongst the groups occasionally having quick duels with other students and after being disarmed by three of the DA newcomers Harry felt a great deal of satisfaction as he made his way back to the dais.
"Well, I think they've got those ones sussed," said Ron as he walked up the steps beside Harry. "Time to move onto the new ones mate."
"Hermione?" asked Harry turning to his girlfriend who nodded in agreement.
"Ron's right, Gringle's got them almost up to the same standard as we are. They just need to keep practicing and they'll be caught up in no time."
Harry nodded and shot a look towards Gringle and nodded. Here the DADA teacher sighed and nodded himself before moving towards Harry at the front of the dais whilst Hermione and Ron joined Stoutbridge and Hedges at the back whilst Harry turned back to the sea of faces in front of him.
"Okay, this is the new stuff so you can all just pair up if you would and then we'll get started."
And so for the third time the hall was filled with noise as the students now sorted themselves into pairs. Harry was relieved to see Neville had accepted the task of being Blaise's partner without hesitation (albeit with a grim expression on his face) and made a mental note to thank his friend for taking on the sole Slytherin but this did leave Donna on her own and looking even more nervous than usual. Harry now glanced over his shoulder and made eye contact with his girlfriend who nodded and quickly made her way down from the dais and across to Donna who looked quite relived at having a partner.
"Everyone paired up then?" asked Harry. "Alright, now before I begin I'd like to thank Professor Gringle for agreeing to help me tonight."
Here a cheer filled the hall causing a look of wry amusement to cross the DADA Professor's face.
"Alright, alright," he called. "I know you're all looking forward to seeing a Professor getting hexed but just make sure you pay attention on how he does it!" He now turned and gave Harry a nod. "Alright Mr. Potter, do you worse."
Harry nodded and raised his wand.
"LAXUSOS!"
***
"Well," said Hermione an hour later as she, Harry and Ron stood in the middle of the Great Hall watching the last of the DA members filing out the hall chatting excitedly amongst themselves. "That went well, although the sight of a couple of hundred students drooling wasn't exactly pretty."
"They picked it up quicker than I expected," admitted Harry whilst glancing at Ron who was slowly massaging his jaw with his hand. "How you doing mate?"
"Fillings humming slack wholly!" slurred Ron as he twitched his jaw again.
"Don't worry, you'll be alright come morning," assured Hermione with a grin.
"He better be," chuckled Harry as the trio now made their way out the hall under the glaring eyes of Filch. "Last think I need is a drooling keeper."
**Author's Note**
Stone the crows!!!!
Sorry about the wait guys and thanks to all of those who have sent in reviews, I truly do appreciate it and I promise that I will do my best to not take nearly as long to get the next chapter out!
Until then,
Cheery Bye
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