Title: The Aftermath
Disclaimer: All familiar characters and events are from JK Rowling and the only thing I own is the plot… Don't sue me or anything I don't get anything from this except maybe reviews. Sorry to keep you guys waiting. Thanks for following this story even if I'm not very generous with updating…
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CHAPTER 16: An Unusual Hogsmeade Weekend
Harry was up early. Since their will be a Quidditch exhibition in Hogwarts the house games were moved to an earlier date. After taking a quick shower he put on his Quidditch robes and went his way down to the pitch.
The grass on the pitch was still damp from the morning dew. The sun still wasn't up but Harry wanted to have a better feel of the grounds. It was his first practice with the team, as captain and he wanted to make sure that they would have a good start. He held his Firebolt with his right hand. The last time he went flying on it was during their game against Slytherin where they won the game but got banned from playing Quidditch because of beating Malfoy into a pulp, not that he didn't want to strangle him every now and then.
Harry remembered how dreadful he felt when that Umbridge woman told him that he was never going to play Quidditch ever again. It was as if he was a bird that got his wings cut off.
A smile broke from his face. Things were a lot different now. He knew that there is still danger but he knew that this time there are people backing him up. He got on his broom and started flying around the pitch just to get a feel of the playing field.
He was circling around the middle hoop on the other end of the pitch when he saw someone with very bushy hair making her way to the field. He could not believe his eyes when he finally got a closer look at what the figure was holding. He saw Hermione Granger in the Quidditch field holding at one hand a broomstick. He flew back down to meet her.
"What are you doing out here so early?" Harry asked, curious of what Hermione has to say.
"I sort of remembered a promise made to me last summer," Hermione said. She was wearing a bonnet and a scarf around her neck.
Harry soon realized what she was talking about. "Of course, how can I forget? I promised to teach you how to fly," Harry replied. "But where did you get the broom?" he asked.
"I borrowed it from Dennis Creevey last night, and he was very eager to lend it to me. I suppose he's just a friendly little chum," Hermione commented. "And before I forget," she said, as she pulled out a roll of parchment from inside her robes. "I made this for you. I thought maybe this could help you," she said as she gave Harry the roll of parchment.
Harry saw a strategic game play, which Hermione had drawn and made explanations on. He couldn't help but smile at her for her efforts.
"There are ten plays on that parchment. Just tap it with your wand and it will change into a new play. I took the liberty of making those plans while I heard you and Ron discussing those plays in the common room last night," she said, and then smiled back at him.
"So that's what you were doing. I thought you making your homework. Thanks for helping Hermione, I'm quite nervous about being captain," Harry muttered.
"You'll do just fine. You're just the perfect guy for the job. So, let's start my lessons, shall we? Before everyone else gets here," she said as she gave Harry a affirming nod.
"We've done this before in our first year. Mount your broom, kick off, and lets fly slowly and gain a little height," Harry instructed. He and Hermione took off and were flying around slowly on the field. Harry started making simple turns and swerves which Hermione followed carefully.
"Look, Harry, let's go there. The sun is almost up." Hermione pointed to the direction of the hillside and motioned him to follow her to where the sun was about to rise.
They were flying together and were gazing at the beautiful scenery. The light was enveloping them. The sky was starting to change hues of orange, yellow and purple. The scenery was breath taking.
"This is a lot better than the last time we flew off at Grimmauld," Hermione exclaimed, while holding tightly to her broomstick.
Harry looked at her and marveled at how pretty she looked amidst the brilliant sunrise. She wasn't one of those the exotic looking girls like Cho Chang, or the Patil Twins, but she surely was something. There was something about her that just made him stare and watch as she gazed upon the rising sun. She was a very beautiful and yet a very familiar sight to marvel about.
"It's so beautiful," he heard her say.
"Yes, it is very beautiful," he replied but he wasn't at all looking at the spectacle of the sunrise but he was staring at his best friend whom he had known for many years.
"Oi! What are you two doing out here?" they heard someone call out.
"Who's there?" Harry answered flying closer to Hermione and taking hold of her broom.
They saw a cloaked figure on a broom flying towards them.
"Hey, you are not supposed to be here," the familiar voice of the youngest Auror Jeremy greeted them.
"Oh! It's you," Hermione said.
"We were just flying. I have Quidditch practice in a little while," Harry reasoned.
"It's still not safe for the two of you to be out here alone," Jeremy replied.
"Well, the suns up and you can join us if you like. Maybe, you can watch us practice. The team will be here any minute now," Harry said, but he didn't like the intrusion on what was supposedly his quality time with Hermione.
"Let's fly back to the pitch then," Jeremy said.
Hermione and Harry went flying back to the Quidditch pitch, while Jeremy trailed behind them.
It wasn't a very long flight because they were just a bit edged near the hillside and it wasn't far from the pitch.
Harry and Hermione started flying around the goal posts and Harry noticed how Hermione, even for the obvious fright she had for heights, was trying very hard to follow his lead. He noticed Jeremy watching them from the stands. Harry found it odd that he was the only Auror around.
After a while the whole Gryffindor team was there. Ron was a surprised to see Hermione that early outside, but didn't bother asking her why.
Harry proceeded by rounding them up and discussing the plays, which he and Ron taught about and formulated, and Hermione took the liberty of illustrating and bewitching for them. The roll of parchment with the Quidditch play surely was helpful.
The team started warming up after an hour's discussion of their plays. Hermione went up the stands and joined Jeremy who was now accompanied by Luna Lovegood.
The team was energetic and their enthusiasm was infectious that Harry's spirit was high with great expectation for their new lineup. Ron was doing very well in guarding the goal posts. The Chasers were good at scoring even if they were against Ron's superb goal keeping. Harry noted that his bestfriend was almost as good as Oliver Wood.
Harry on the other hand was trying very hard to focus on getting the snitch on record time. After the exhausting practice he gave the team a nice little chat before they all went and took their shower.
"I think we have a very promising line up and with a little more hard work Slytherin won't have a chance against us," Harry said, and everyone was nodding in agreement.
"But we shouldn't be too over confident. The Slytherins also have a new line up so they would probably be a lot better than their old team. Plus, they may have some tricks up their sleeves so lets play defensively when we face them and that's two weeks from now. Keep up the good work team," he finished, beaming at his teammates with great pride. "See you all on Wednesday for the next practice."
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Hermione was waiting for them in the great hall.
Harry slopped down beside her, his hair still damp from taking a shower. Ron, and the other followed.
"You're practice was amazing. Jeremy said he would bet a hundred galleons that you'd win the Quidditch cup," Hermione beamed. "By the way Luna wanted me to give you these," Hermione said as she handed small stones to Ron, Ginny and Harry underneath their table.
"What is this?" Harry examined the ruby colored stone that reminded him of the Sorcerer's stone back in his first year.
"It's the shape shifting stone, isn't it?" Ron exclaimed.
Ginny hushed him with a glare and whispered, "Yes, so keep your mouth shut."
"I know that it's supposed to be illegal because it's a class B Non-Tradable Substance and I don't know how she was able to bring it here or how she got it but this would be helpful in our transfiguration class and beside there aren't any rules against using it here in Hogwarts. I checked it in all the rulebooks. Most of these stones are handed down from generations of old wizarding families," Hermione whispered to them, and they had to put their heads together so they could hear her.
"So are you saying these stones are genuine?" Ron asked, while eyeing his stone with enthusiasm.
"I double checked it in the library and tested in by submersing it to a sleeping drought which it would set to flames after a few seconds. It will also help us become Animagi easily, well, a lot easier than without it," Hermione explained.
"I guess we have to thank her on our next DA meeting. Does Neville have one also?" Harry asked. Neville was after all with them in the Department of Mysteries.
"I gave it to him before I left the Gryffindor Common Room. I had to get my school things before I made my way here. He was very pleased, if you ask me," Hermione said.
"Wait a minute? You and Luna were talking all the while and you didn't argue at all, isn't that a bit strange?" Ron commented, as he placed the stone inside his pocket and started filling his plate with food.
"Yes, we managed to have a nice and very normal conversation without having to yell at each other. She has some weird thoughts but like Ginny said she isn't bad company at all, a bit farfetched but nothing I can't tolerate," Hermione said.
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The day of the Hogsmeade Weekend came. Harry, didn't have the chance to cancel his date with Cho because he surprisingly couldn't find her anywhere during his free time. He met her that day in front of the big oak doors of the entrance hall waiting for him.
"Harry, over here!" she called out to him.
He went to meet with her upon Hermione's advice to go through with the date and excuse himself afterwards for their trip to see Grawp.
"I thought maybe you forgot about our date," Cho said, blushing. She batted her eyelashes seductively which Harry surprisingly found annoying.
"I… Err well, I'm here, am I not?" Harry said, and he smiled meekly pretending that everything was okay.
He left the common room early to meet Cho. He thought the earlier he'd meet her, the earlier he could leave to join Hermione and Ron. The idea of his two best friend going on a Hogsmeade weekend just got to him so much, and to think that on their third year he had no problem with them going to Hogsmeade without him.
"Is it true?" Cho started to ask. "Hermione Granger is going out with Ron Weasley the Tornados hater?"
"They're just going to Hogsmeade together because I'm with you. I would probably be hanging out with them if…" he paused. He thought that maybe if he said something that might offend Cho she would burst into tears again like the last time, but he didn't like her comment about Ron.
"I promise we'll enjoy our Hogsmeade weekend together. I mean the last time was dreadful and I admit it was my fault," Cho muttered. They were walking across the grounds to the gate.
Harry was looking for any sign of Ron or Hermione walking along with the crowd of people getting out of Hogwarts for their first Hogsmeade Weekend.
When they reached Hogsmeade Cho dragged him to Dervish & Banges to look around. Harry kept on thinking that if it were Hermione and Ron he was with, he would probably be having a nicer time.
After walking in and out of every other store in Hogsmeade Harry was determined to tell Cho about his afternoon plans. "Cho can we go to the Three Broomsticks to talk I need to tell you something," he said.
Cho smiled at him and took his hand in hers. "Okay, let's have some drinks, shall we?" she said as she half dragged Harry to Madam Rosemerta's shop.
The place was packed but Harry quickly scanned the area for any sign of Hermione or Ron. And he found them in one corner in the other side of the room that was already full. Cho pulled him to the other side of the room that was less crowded. He chose the table where he could see Ron and Hermione from up far. He pulled the chair for Cho. The girl not realizing that the act was not of chivalry but because Harry intended the she had her back turned from the sight of Hermione and Ron. This would give him the opportunity to observe what was happening at their table.
"I'll order us some butterbeers," Harry said.
Cho blushed and smiled at him while he went his way to the bar to get some drinks and to try and listen to Hermione and Ron without being noticed. Cho had her back turned and was probably looking at the people passing by outside the Three Broomstick. He asked for two butterbeers and lingered for a while waiting for their drinks.
He could hear Ron talking but he sounded bit gibberish, as if nervous about what he was saying to their other best friend. Hermione was quiet and seemingly absorbing the somewhat scattered thoughts or ideas Ron was throwing at her. It seemed unlikely to see them that way. He was used to seeing them argue about many things but what he was witnessing seemed different.
"Here are your butterbeers," Madam Rosemerta said from behind the bar.
"Err… thanks," he said as he absentmindedly paid for his butterbeers and took the two bottles still trying to eaves drop on whatever it was that Ron and Hermione were talking about.
He looked back at their table where Cho was smiling at him. He reluctantly went back to their table and handed Cho her butterbeer.
"So, about us," Cho started she was looking at Harry with her dark brown eyes. Her eyes were so different from Hermione's soft brown ones that seemed so warm and caring.
"What about us?" he asked but he was sure that last year was the end of his relationship with Cho. He wasn't sure whether it was the rows that he could not bare, or the sudden outburst that he didn't understand, or just the fact that she had a thing for insulting Hermione. The latter infuriated him most.
"Well, like what I said to you during your tryouts; I'll try and make up for my mistakes last year," Cho muttered, as she took Harry's hand.
But Harry's attention was focused from across the room, where it was Hermione who was now talking. He could only see Ron's back so he had no idea how his friend was reacting. He could see from Hermione's expression that she was having a hard time telling Ron whatever it was that she was saying to him at the moment.
"Are you listening to me, Harry?" Cho said, as she gave Harry's hand a gentle squeeze.
"I…Err… please stop," he said as he pulled his hand from her grasp. "Cho, I've been meaning to tell you this since the try outs-" he stopped, rethinking what he had to say and how he could possibly avoid her outburst of tears.
"Fine! But as of now I don't want to be your friend!" Harry heard Ron say from across the room. He was storming out of the Three Broomsticks.
"What was that?" Cho asked turning her back to see what the commotion was about.
"I have to go. I have to check on Hermione. I'll talk to you later," he said to Cho without looking at her. He hurriedly went to where Hermione sat with her face buried in her hands, sobbing. He couldn't careless what Cho's expression was when he left their table.
"Hermione, are you all right?" he asked her as he took the seat next to her.
She looked up at him, surprised. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Cho?"
"Well, I was but I saw Ron. Why was he so upset?" Harry asked with deep sympathy.
"I don't know how to explain it. I guess I knew that it was coming, and no matter how much I prepared myself for this day to. I just wish I could give him a chance but it won't be fair. I don't like him as more than a friend," Hermione said.
Harry placed an arm round her as if protecting her from everyone else in the room. He heard the door of the Three Broomsticks slam shut and saw Cho already outside walking away. He knew that what he did was rude but he was too worried about Hermione to think about Cho. 'I didn't want to go out with her in the first place,' he thought to himself.
"Tell me Harry, did I do the wrong thing? I mean why would I give him hope at something that we both know wouldn't work?" Hermione muttered between sobs. "He's a good friend Harry and I don't want to lose him but I can't love him the way he asked me to," she added.
"Ron will get over it, eventually. You guys will make up, just give him time. He'll realize that what you have as friends is more important," Harry said reassuringly.
Hermione smiled weakly at him. She wiped her tear stained cheeks. "I'm sorry I must have blown your date with Cho off," she said, looking guiltily at Harry.
"Actually, I was about to tell her that I don't want to go out with her anymore when Ron burst out suddenly, but I will get a chance to tell her," Harry answered.
"Just don't do something drastic, like what I did with Ron," she said.
"Sorry ter keep yeh waitin'. I jus finished putting up a small tree house for the clabberts," Hagrid's big figure moved towards them. "Where's Ron?"
"He went back to the castle. He wasn't feeling well," Harry lied. He knew that it would be embarrassing for Hermione to explain everything to Hagrid.
"Well, let's get going then. I Lef the portkey outback," he said as he stood up and made his way to the door. Harry and Hermione followed behind.
It was already three in the afternoon and the sky was clear and inviting. Harry remembered his broom ride with Hermione before Quidditch practice.
Hagrid picked up an old tarnished can. Harry and Hermione also took hold of the can. Harry felt that familiar tug on the back of his navel. They were flying in a swirl of colors then landed on an open valley, in front of a typical looking hut with a rather big door.
They landed safely on the grassy land still holding the can. "I think we better knock," Hagrid said as he proceeded to the rather large door. It seemed out of place in the simple looking, little hut in the middle of the valley. Hagrid knocked on the door and called out for Grawp.
The door was suddenly pulled open from inside. "Let's get inside now," Hagrid said, as he got in .
Harry and Hermione entered the house together and were gaping at the very large room inside the house. It was fit enough for Grawp who was wearing a very big polo shirt matched with giant sized trousers with suspenders. The giant also had his hair combed flatly on his head. Harry thought he resembled an over grown Dudley.
"Grawp?" Hermione said as she looked anxiously at the once savage giant. The giant was sitting on the floor and was looking at big posters with words written on them lying scattered on the floor. The house was bare other than the big shelf with fruits and vegetable and small live animals.
"Grawpy, what did Olymph leave you to do today?" Hagrid asked rather affectionately at his overgrown little brother.
"Read," Grawp answered. The sight was rather unusual because the last time Harry and Hermione saw him. The giant was lashing out at the centaurs.
"I brought some friends who want ter visit you," Hagrid said as he tugged on Grawps sleeves and pointed at the tiny students right in front of him.
"Hermy!" Grawp said excitedly.
Hermione hurriedly hid behind Harry.
"Good Grawpy you rembered Hermy and don't you remember Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"Harry? Friend of Hermy?" Grawp said.
"Yes Grawp, I'm a friend of Hermy," Harry answered.
"It's alright Hermione. Olymph did a good job teaching him," Hagrid said.
"Grawp knows how to read. Hermy, come," Grawp said as he tried to reach for Hermione, as if trying to show her he could read the words on the giant posters.
"No Grawpy, Remember what I told you. You might hurt Hermy if you grab her," Hagrid said.
"No, Grawp, don't want Hermy hurt, also Hermy's friend. Grawp like Hermy and friend," Grawp said.
Hermione stood beside Harry and was bravely making her way to what Grawp was reading on the posters. Harry walked beside her and was cautious about Grawp's every action.
"Haggar, I know how to read, LOVE, WIZARD, WITCH, FRIEND," Grawp read from the posters on the floor pointing at each one while reading them.
A smile broke into Hermione's face. Harry noticed that she was probably pleased by the development Grawp was making from the very short period of time he had probably been training.
"Very good Grawp," Hermione exclaimed. "Hagrid, I didn't think you could be able to teach him. This is such an achievement," she added.
Dumbledore and Olymph helped me. It won' be possible without them," Hagrid said modestly.
"Harry, wizard," Grawp pointed a finger at Harry. Harry nodded in approval. "Hermy, witch," the giant said as he pointed at Hermione who was beaming at him. "Wizard, witch, friend, love," Grawp said as he looked at both Harry and Hermione.
"Very good Grawpy," Hagrid said very pleased. Harry and Hermione on the other hand were blushing furiously.
Harry didn't know exactly why he was turning all red on the face. It was only Grawp reading his posters.
The day went on with Hermione making more posters for Grawp and she and Harry helped the giant read the words. Hagrid was very pleased with their efforts.
By the end of the day, Grawp can say Harry's name and the word Happy. Before leaving Hagrid made Grawp drink a flask of green liquid, which the giant willingly took and asked for more before he got drowsy and slumped on the floor.
"What did you give him Hagrid?" Harry asked curiously. Hermione also looked at him for answers.
"It's from Snape Dumbledore asked him for a potion strong enough to make a Giant fall asleep. It helps him when he's left alone in the hut. Olymph and I visit him alternately. Dumbledore offered this hut after I got back from hiding," Hagrid explained to them.
"No wonder the hut was bewitched with many Charms," Hermione said as if coming to a realization.
"At least he is safe from the others," Harry said.
"I'm very thankful for Dumbledore's kindness. I just hope the giants would not side with you-know-who," Hagrid said. They were a few feet away from the house.
"Voldemort is awfully quiet, isn't he? I bet he and his minions have some things planned," Harry said.
"Well, that's why the Order is looking into everything. The Dementors are on their side now. Dumbledore fears that they may attack even muggles. I shoudn' have said that," Hagrid stopped on his words.
"Muggle attacks? So they're after muggles now," Hermione said.
"Let's get back to the castle before it gets dark," Hagrid said and he pulled out the tarnished can from his pocket. Harry and Hermione placed their hands on it and they felt the same tug from behind the navel and then they returned to the back area of the Three Broomstick.
"I'm heading back to the castle now, are you two staying here?" Hagrid asked.
"I better get back to the castle," Hermione said.
Harry forgot about her coming birthday. He was supposed to buy her a gift. "I'll stay here and look for Cho, we haven't finished our conversation yet," he said.
"But I thought you-" Hermione tried to say. "Never mind. Bye Harry. Let's go Hagrid," said Hermione who seemed a little annoyed.
After making sure that Hagrid and Hermione were out of sight he went to look around in the shops to find Hermione her birthday present. The young portrait of Sirius advised him not to be too fancy and to buy her something that he knew was something that she would really like. He decided to go to Dervish and Banges again to look around.
He went to look for new book releases. He saw the latest edition of Transfigurations and Charms a Must Have Book. It cost thirty galleons and five sickles. It was rather expensive for a book but from the parts he skimmed through, there were a lot of new spells and Charms that they could use and it also says in the book review that this is the first book ever written with the complete and detailed information about being animagus. It was exactly the kind of gift Hermione would want. It would also be handy for their NEWT level Transfiguration class.
Harry purchased the book and went to look around the other shops. It was already dark and he wasn't sure if they were allowed to stay that late outside Hogwarts especially for him. He saw an old jewelry shop that he has never seen before or at least he must not have noticed it. But a ring in the store caught his eye. It was a silver ring with the small figure of the sun. It also had an emerald stone in the middle. He went inside and had awoken the dozing old woman by the counter.
"What can I do for you young man?" the elderly woman asked.
"Can I take a look at that ring? The one on display with the necklaces and bracelets," Harry pointed out.
The old woman went to the display window and took out the ring. She had to get rid of a few cobwebs that clung from the box the ring was place in.
The old woman handed him the ring. Harry thought it was a perfect gift. It looked a little old but it added to the rings mysterious beauty. "I'll take it. How much does it cost?"
"How much do you have?" the old woman asked, her graying hair was almost covering her face. Her eyes though were warm and friendly.
Have rummaged inside his moneybag and got forty galleons and eleven sickles out. "I only have this much. Will these do?" He handed her the money.
"Must really like the person you're giving this too," she said as she took the money and tapped the ring Harry was holing. It n longer looked old. Instead, it gleamed its silvery white glow that looked perfectly well with the emerald stone. "That is the last of its kind. This will reaffirm the bond you have with the person you'll give it to. Give it to me. I shall wrap it for you."
Harry handed the ring to the old woman. She placed it in a nice looking black velvet box and tied a red ribbon around it. "She'll be very pleased," said the old woman as she handed the box to Harry.
He placed it inside his robe pocket for safekeeping. He smiled at the old woman who was beaming at him. He got out of the store carrying the paper bag with the book he bought for Hermione. He started to make his way back towards the half empty streets of Hogsmeade. He looked back but alas the old jewelry shop vanished.
He shook his head and looked again but the old building was gone. He put his hand inside his robe pocket to make sure that the box was still there. He was worried of being late for their DA meeting so he left hurriedly to get back to the castle but was he was still thinking of the jewelry shop that disappeared behind him.
Ron was nowhere in sight. Harry hurriedly went up the Gryffindor tower after Filch interrogated him for returning very late from Hogsmeade. He kept his gifts for Hermione inside his trunk. He knew that sooner or later he would have to deal with Ron.
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After dinner, the DA members made their way to their practice room. Harry and Hermione went there earlier than the others as instructed by Lupin and Tonks. The two of them will be helping in training the others. He and Hermione had gone through training while in Grimmauld and as new members of the Order it was their little share in helping the others fight the dark Lord.
The room was well lit and had a warm feel in it. Professor Tonks went out to round up the DA members.
"We'll be reviewing what you have learn from last year," Lupin said to them. "I heard you've gone as far as teaching them the Patronus."
"Yes, he did," Hermione, exclaimed.
"Well, after we have gauged what the new members can do then we'll work from there," Lupin explained.
"I still don't understand why Malfoy is here though, and believe me, I tried to muster some brilliant reason to cover up my doubt, but I still don't think it's a good idea," Harry muttered.
"Let's just trust Dumbledore on this," Hermione reassured him.
Harry knew more than Hermione that Dumbledore had made some bad decisions in the past, even though he did not intend any harm, his decision to keep things from Harry caused them a lot. And in Harry's case it cost him Sirius.
The DA members started getting inside the room. Harry saw everyone except for Ron who was still nowhere in sight.
"Do you think he'll show up?" Hermione asked.
"Don't worry he will," he reassured her.
"Okay, today we'll see how far your knowledge is in defending yourselves against the dark arts or in any case, against Death Eaters," Lupin said.
"Weasley, Malfoy come forward," Tonks called out.
Harry and Hermione just looked at each other with astonishment.
Ginny reluctantly moved away from Dean and went forward. Draco also came forward, giving the redhead a begrudging look.
"Now, we have here two students, one an old DA member then the other a new one but from a higher year. If you two would please duel in front of the class," Tonks instructed.
"Are you trying to insult me? She's a year younger, and a girl for crying out loud. Are you trying to belittle my abilities," Draco said in protest. "You thought wrong. She'll be in for trouble."
"So you think you I'm weak because I'm a girl and younger than you? Don't you remember last year in Umbridge's office?" Ginny said, in a triumphant smirk.
Draco was obviously red from embarrassment but had that eager look in his face ready to strike anytime.
"That's settled then. Now let the dueling commence," Lupin said.
The crowd watched as Ginny and Draco both made it to the opposite sides. They faced each other and in the count of three. They started throwing Hexes and jinxes, while ducking from the ones thrown at them. It lasted not less than five minutes when finally Ginny used Expelliarmus and got Draco's wand and sending him hard of the wall.
Ginny looked smugly at Malfoy while the blonde Slytherin got on his feet.
"So this is just a simple demonstration. Ginny used a simple spell to disarm her opponent, it as simple but well thought and used. Now, we'll use more advance spells, hexes and jinxes to defend ourselves. Now if the new members choose a partner from the old DA members so they will have someone to help them train. The sooner the new comers will learn the earlier we study new defenses," Lupin said.
And with that the new members started pairing with the old DA members. Most of the old DA who were paired with the new ones from Slytherin seemed unwilling at first but it must have occurred to them that they had the upper hand in the situation.
Surprisingly, Draco paired himself with Ginny.
"He's not right in the head, is he?" Harry commented.
"No, he's just being a typical guy with he's ego torn and stumped on the floor. He thinks he can back at her this way," Hermione said.
"So you think it's okay for Ginny to be paired with him?" Harry asked.
"You saw what she did now and we know what she did to him before. I think she'll be fine," Hermione replied knowingly. "I think Luna doesn't have a partner, even the DA members are already paired up."
"She can be paired with Ron next time," Harry said.
Lupin went to open the door. It was Ron, and he looked like he had the worst day.
"Sorry professor, I forgot about today," Ron said.
"Good you're here. Ms. Lovegood you'll be paired with Mr. Weasley," Tonks said as she ushered Luna to where Ron and Lupin stood.
Ron definitely wasn't pleased with this but he seemed relieved that he wasn't paired with Hermione. He greeted Harry with nod towards his direction but he did not meet Hermione's eye.
Luna had a big smile plastered on her face. The DA started with the disarming spell. It was like in their second year. For the DA members it was rather boring but Harry noticed that the new DA members were having a hard time even for the simple disarming charm.
Harry and Hermione were roaming around checking on the pairs and correcting wrong hand movements just like Professor Lupin and Tonks.
Harry noticed that Cho was paired with Blaise Zabini, not that he cared much. She managed to smile at him although he was sure that she's just putting a brave face.
Hermione on the other hand was helping a Slytherin boy who got knocked off by Neville.
The practice ended with the stunning spells. After being dismissed Ron disappeared in the crowd while Harry and Hermione stayed for while to receive further instructions from Lupin and Tonks.
A/N: I know this took forever but here it is… I would soon be free from school work so hopefully I'd be able to make the next chapter soon… thanks for sticking around.