Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling's ppl, not mine.
Quick Notes: Again, thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter! It may not show, but it is incredibly appreciated, and especially will be put to use in the forthcoming chapters. There's only two more all ready written chapters to go.
~~~
"Well," Hermione said later that day as they walked into their first Potions lesson with the new Professor Dumbledore. "Charms was certainly uneventful today. I hate reviewing when there is new material to learn."
"Me too," Harry said, pulling out a chair for her to sit down and then following suit. "It's sort of boring. It was even less pleasant because of Ron."
"That was probably the most dreadful class I have ever had," Hermione agreed. "At least you had a free morning before lunch. I had to go to a double period of Ancient Runes, and it was awful too."
"Sorry," Harry replied sincerely, squeezing her hand in a comforting way as he looked around the newly changed classroom.
They were presently the only Gryffindors in the room. And by the time class was ready to start, only three other Ravenclaws and two Slytherins had joined and sat at a different table. Eventually Professor A. Dumbledore entered the room dressed impeccably in fine, silver robes with blue stars and carrying a book. His classroom was now on the second floor along with the Transfiguration classroom,
"Hullo, everyone," he said warmly, dropping the book on Harry's desk. It was Advanced Potion Making.
"Thank you, Professor," Harry whispered, as the Professor finished passing by their table.
"Today we will be learning how to concoct the Draught of Peace," Professor A. Dumbledore said, surveying the room. "Does anyone know the two main ingredients used….yes, Miss…?"
"Granger," Hermione answered. "And the two main ingredients used in the Draught of Peace are powdered moonstone and syrup of hellebore."
"Ahh," the professor said, "very good Miss Granger. Worthy of five House points I dare say."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione replied.
"The Draught of Peace is a more complicated potion then, I believe, you have concocted to date, although it is not too much harder. The directions," he said, as he waved his wand towards the board, "are there. You have all period to complete this assignment and may leave upon finishing."
"But," Hermione whispered to Harry. "It says it only takes about three quarters of an hour, and that's only half the period."
"I guess he's more of a free spirited teacher than we're used to," Harry offered.
"Maybe so," Hermione said, starting her potion. "That would explain his eccentric robes."
"Sort of reminds me of the other Professor Dumbledore though," Harry said. "He wears some eccentric robes too."
"Yeah," Hermione said absently, reading the instructions in her book.
Forty-five minutes later and both Harry and Hermione were done. True, she had been waiting on him for about five minutes, but they were still both done and had turned in their potions for grading.
As they left the room and headed upstairs towards the Gryffindor common room, Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "What do you think tonight's classes will be like?"
After looking around to make sure she would not be overheard, Hermione answered him as they skipped an invisible step on the stairs. "It will probably only be on Occlumency. It's obvious we should learn that before Legilimency."
"As least it's not with Snape anymore," Harry answered. "That was terrible. I swear I think Snape was trying to loosen me up for Voldemort."
"Speaking of You-Know…err, I mean…Voldemort," Hermione said, stopping on top of a staircase, "have you had any more nightmares since that one at the beginning of the summer?"
"No," Harry answered as they again began to walk. "And it's weird, isn't it? I would have thought it would be even worse now that he's out in the open."
"I'm not sure, Harry," Hermione answered truthfully. "Maybe you should tell Dumbledore tonight at the Room of Requirement, and maybe you should tell him about your dream, also."
"Maybe," Harry answered.
They then arrived at the common room entrance and gave the password to the Fat Lady who guards it. It being the end of the day most students were also trudging back up towards the tower to deposit their books and other school items, so the common room was pretty much full. That didn't seem to stop most eyes immediately turning towards the couple as they walked through the door and were once again bombarded with question ranging from what had happened at the ministry to how they had gotten together. Several people had even told them they had heard news of an engagement, and only after assuring these and several others that they were not engaged were they able to finally slip up the stairway to the boy's dormitory where it was thankfully empty except for Neville.
"Hullo," he said, looking up from his trunk.
"Hey, Neville," Hermione said happily. "How was your day? Did you like Charms?"
"My day was great," Neville said happily. "The new wand my Gran got me makes a big difference in my abilities. I actually performed my first banishing charm today."
"That's wonderful," Hermione told him.
The remaining hour and a half was spent catching up on the holidays and discussing Neville's thriving mimbulus mimbletonia. Harry and Hermione didn't mind telling Neville everything that had occurred over the summer vacation, and they were glad to have someone they knew they could trust and who wasn't there that they could talk to.
"Umm, Harry," Hermione eventually said. "It's almost time to go start our prefect duties."
"Oh, yeah," Harry answered, while getting up and following Hermione to the door. "I had almost forgotten. See you, Neville."
"See you," he answered in reply as they walked out and closed the door.
~~~
"Hullo, Professor," the duo said as they walked through the door and into the Room of Requirement. It had taken on a very comfortable office like room, with a grand desk that Professor Dumbledore was now sitting behind.
"Good evening, Harry, Hermione," Professor Dumbledore said in turn. "I hope you don't mind me suing your first names. It seems quite silly using your sir names considering the circumstances. Please take a seat." He waited patiently as they walked across the room and took seats in two comfortable chintz chairs, and then spoke. "As you know you are both here to learn Occlumency and Legilimency. As you may have surmised we will begin with Occlumency."
He then reached into his cloak and pulled out two identical sapphire spheres and handed them across to Harry and Hermione. "As you know, Occlumency is all about concentration of the mind. These spheres will help you with that."
"Excuse me, sir," Hermione interrupted. "But how will these spheres help with that?"
"Truthfully, they are more for your spare time," the Professor said. "But, nevertheless, they are still helpful to have. They are known as Spheres of Thought."
Hermione led out an audible gasp at this point, to which Professor Dumbledore simply smiled at her.
"I assume you know as to what we are talking about now, Hermione?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "Why don't you enlighten us?"
"Well," Hermione started, "they are known as the Spheres of Thought. They absorb thoughts when activated by a charm. They are simply for learning, though, and because of that will sense how much training you have had in Occlumency and will not push too hard. Thus, you can train with it."
"Very good, Hermione," Professor Dumbledore answered. "That is correct. It can be very helpful in your spare time when you wish to practice. Now, however, you will not be using those. It is I who will be attempting to break into your mind."
He then asked for Harry to rise before he continued to speak. "We will be starting with only surface memories," said Professor Dumbledore. "They will be easiest to find and easiest to block my intrusion upon. Harry, as you have done this before, I think it should be you who goes first."
"All right, Professor," Harry said reluctantly. "Am I allowed to block you with my wand or thoughts only?"
"You may try and use your wand," Professor Dumbledore answered. "Although, I don't really see the point in doing so. The point of Occlumency is to use your brain to block out others from entering your thoughts."
Professor Dumbledore then raised his wand and pointed it at a very nervous looking Harry. "Remember to concentrate, Harry. Focus all of your control on forcing something unwanted out of your head. Don't think of it being me, someone who would never harm you. Think of it being Voldemort trying to control you through your thoughts."
"Yes, sir," Harry answered, steeling himself.
"On the count of three then, Harry. One…two…three. Legilimens!"
Instantly Harry felt as if memories from the previous days were being sorted through and seen, but it felt almost as if it was being done effortlessly. Before Harry knew what was happening the thoughts had stopped and Professor Dumbledore was standing there frowning.
"Harry," Dumbledore said, with a bit of disappointment in his voice. "Did you even try?"
"No, sir," Harry answered, crestfallen. "It just all happened so fast."
"You must try harder, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said. "You must concentrate on pushing the outer source out. We will try again after Hermione's turn."
Harry dejectedly sat down and Hermione stood up. I can't believe I disappointed him already, Harry thought to himself, as Dumbledore counted down.
"Legilimens!" Dumbledore exclaimed again, but now pointing his wand at Hermione.
Harry wasn't sure but he was quite certain that Dumbledore had not taken this long on him. He even seemed to be smiling slightly as he continued concentrating on Hermione, who several attempts later opened her eyes smiling also.
"Harry, I did it!" Hermione exclaimed, giving a slightly annoyed Harry a tremendous hug, and then blushing when she realized the headmaster was mere feet away from them.
"Very good, Hermione!" Professor Dumbledore exclaimed happily. "You seem to be a natural. Excellent concentration I dare say."
"Thank you, sir," Hermione said, still quite happy as she returned to her seat.
Hermione, having passed today's lesson, watched the remainder of the lesson on the sidelines. Harry was now having to undergo every attempt over and over again. Finally, an hour and a half later Harry was finally able to block the headmaster from his mind and the lesson was declared over.
"Harry, Hermione," Professor Dumbledore said as they turned to leave. "Please wait a moment. I need to talk to you about today's lesson. Please don't be distraught, Harry. I myself did quite horrible on my first day of Occlumency training, and look at me know. Occlumency is different from other areas of magic. One you finally get your mind adapted to blocking out people's presence it becomes easier. I must say I am quite proud of both of you. Yes, even you, Harry," Dumbledore said when Harry looked doubtful. "Miss Granger was quicker to learn but that doesn't mean what you did today was still a difficult feat."
"Yes, sir," Harry said, slightly feeling better. As they turned to leave Harry remembered something. "Sir, may we talk to you for a second?"
"Always," Professor Dumbledore said simply. "What may I ask about?"
"Mainly about a dream I had about during the summer," Harry said.
"And what was this dream about?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, I can't exactly remember it all," Harry said truthfully. "I only remember a man being tortured into blindness by one of Voldemort's followers."
"As far as I know, Harry," Professor Dumbledore answered, "I have yet to come across any information about someone being tortured into blindness. But I will look into it."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied, while getting up.
"Was there anything else?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Well, actually, yes," Hermione said this time. "I was wondering what happened to Professor Snape."
"Severus is under great scrutiny by Voldemort," Professor Dumbledore answered worriedly, while standing up. "It seems that dear Tom planted certain false information about an attack that Severus relayed to us. Fortunately, he had told a few suspicious people and one has fled, so Voldemort believes it to be him. Nevertheless, he has stopped Severus from making contact with the Order as a double spy and we are not even sure if he is still alive."
Hermione did not know exactly what to say to this bit of information. It had definitely not been what she had been expecting. She opened her mouth to say that everything would probably be okay, but as nothing came out she simply closed it and looked at the headmaster. After a few moments of silence, Dumbledore suggested they go down to the kitchens and eat before retiring to bed.
"I assume you know how to get there?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "What with that wonderful map of yours…"
Surprised, Harry turned around to look at Dumbledore but Hermione, who was extremely hungry, pulled him out of the door before he could question Dumbledore.
~~~
"How do you think Dumbledore knew about the map?" Harry asked Hermione as they were sitting in the empty Common Room later that night.
"I'm not sure," Hermione answered. "He might have seen it in a memory."
"Possibly," Harry said, but he was still unconvinced. He had not been thinking of the map at all lately. "Want to go down to the lake after Herbology tomorrow? We have a free period."
"Aww, no, sorry, Harry, I can't," Hermione answered. "I don't have a free period. I have to go to Arithmancy."
"You didn't give it up?" Harry asked surprised.
"No, I decided to keep it," Hermione answered. "I don't have any free periods till Thursday and Friday."
"Oh," Harry answered sadly. "I thought we might get to spend some quality time together."
"And what quality time together would you like to spend?" Hermione asked quite sheepishly.
"It was a surprise," Harry answered playfully. "It had to be kept a secret."
"Well," Hermione said, while getting up and moving a little closer to him on the couch. "Nobody is here. Why don't we spend that quality time together now? I promise not to tell…"
~~~
"So when do you think we will be starting the D.A. up again, Harry?" Neville asked the next day at breakfast. "Luna and I were talking about it yesterday and we both really miss it."
"I'm not sure," Harry answered. "Professor Dumbledore told me it would be a school activity though this year, so I'm going to need help. I'll probably call a meeting on all the old members and see how it goes from there."
Neville nodded his head in understanding as he was currently eating a large helping of scrambled eggs. Hermione on the other hand had finished her breakfast and was waiting impatiently for the morning owls to arrive with her paper.
"Did you hear about the Dementor attacks this summer, Hermione?" Ginny asked quietly.
"No!" Hermione exclaimed. "I never even saw that in the Prophet!"
"Oh, it wouldn't be in the Prophet," Ginny said. "Fudge had been controlling everything for months. We only know because dad told us."
"Who did they attack?" Hermione questioned uneasily. "Anybody in the Order?"
"Actually, no," Ginny answered as the owls finally flew in. "They have been attacking towns of Muggles. There were four attacks at the beginning of the summer and two included vampires and giants."
"Wow," Hermione said simply. "I didn't realize things had gotten so bad so fast."
"Nobody truly does," Ginny said sadly. "Maybe Minister Bones will tell it how it is."
"I'm pretty sure she will," Hermione said moments later.
"Why's that?" Ginny asked.
Hermione simply had to show her the paper she had picked up moments before. There on the front paper was a picture of a Dementor administering the kiss to a distraught Muggle.
~~~
"I assume your classes went well?" Tonks asked later that night. "Tomorrow is your lot's first class with me."
"Herbology was slightly boring," Harry said. "But we had double Transfiguration today and that was interesting. We revised and started working on human transfigurations."
"Always interesting," Tonks admitted. "That was one of my favorite parts of Transfiguration."
"Why's that?" Hermione asked.
"Because I didn't have to work on it," Tonks laughed.
At the pronouncement Harry couldn't help but laugh. Hermione smiled meekly and instead looked around the now padded walls.
"And how was your day, Hermione?" Tonks asked.
"Pretty much the same as Harry's," Hermione answered her. "Except for Arithmancy. It was okay."
"I never was much keen to take Arithmancy," Tonks said. "It was too hard for me."
"There's only two of us there this year," Hermione said, finally turning back around. "Terry Boot and me."
"He seems like a nice kid," Tonks answered now in the middle of the room. "You guys ready to get started?"
"Yes, Professor Tonks," they both answered together, slightly smirking.
"Don't call me professor when we are alone," Tonks said warningly. "Or I'll stun you and feed you to the thestrals."
Hermione actually did laugh this time along with Harry. Eventually Tonks frown turned into a smile and they got down to the reason they were gathered there.
"Okay, you two," Tonks said. "We might as well see how far along you are. Stun that dummy over there."
"What dummy?" Harry had started to ask, but as soon as it was required a cardboard cut-out of a person emerged on the very far side of the room. He stopped his questioning and took careful aim. Upon his third attempt he hit it solidly in the stomache and it was Hermione's turn, who took six attempts.
"Well enough," Tonks said. "But by the end of the year that has to be down to one. Now show me what you would use as an offensive spell."
Harry simple used the Reductor Curse while Hermione tended to favor the Disarming spell.
"Hmm," Tonks mused. "Very different. Now show me your Patronuses."
Harry and Hermione both were able to do this perfectly and confidently on the first try, bo which Tonks was more impressed that she was going to allow them to know. They would have continued going over more revision, but at that moment Professor McGonagall strode into the room. She wore a very somber expression upon her face and asked for Tonks's assistance in a matter.
After Tonks had left, Professor McGonagall turned to the duo still standing looking confused in the middle of the room. She simply pointed to the door and said, "The Headmaster wishes to speak to you."
~~~
Author's Notes: Hmm, I wonder what is happening? I guess we will find out on Sunday! Also, I do hope you found the way to distinguish the two brothers satisfactory. Once again, for all those that do read, please take the time to review.
-EthanG
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