Harry Potter and the New Fight Against the Dark Lord

I will be writing a fic which will be the sixth book. It will begin the summer before Harry's sixth year and after Harry being picked up at King's Cross. There will be adventure and mystery and a new character or two. Please note that all characters belong to J.K. Rowling and my new characters really don't belong me as they're free sprits and really belong to themselves. (Though I did come up with them!) I shall post the first chapter as soon as possible and leave you to enjoy reading! Please post feedback once I've got a thread on it. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Count your blessings. (All the things you're thankful for.)

Chapter One: At the Dursleys

Harry sat in the car silently. Moody and the rest of the Order had showed up at Kings Cross and basically threatened his Uncle vernon to be nice to Harry. Uncle Vernon had been angry, but somewhat scared, too. Aunt Petunia and his cousin Dudley had been mainly scared, especially Dudley. Now they were on the way back to 4 Privet Drive.

"Well, Harry," said Uncle Vernon, "We got a letter from the headmaster of your school. He explained what had happened and that you were only protecting Dudley last summer. That was...nice of you to do so." Harry looked up in surprise. His uncle had actually sounded nice for a change.

"H-harry," stuttered Aunt Petunia, "I n-never really w-wanted to be m-mean to you. I was just j-jealous of my s-sister and I made it into h-hatred. I h-had wanted to go t-too, but I never g-got my letter. I w-was so dis-disappointed. That b-became j-jealousy as it meant L-lily was liked b-better than me, or s-so I thought. When y-you c-came along, I h-hated y-you b-because you were L-lily's son. I guess I l-liked you subconciously, but I didn't realise it. I'm s-sorry."

Harry got another shock. Aunt Petunia was actually apoligising for her behaviour to him? And she had never really hated her sister, only had been jealous of her? Harry shook his head.

"Um, Harry," said Uncle Vernon. "Your headmaster said your godfather died. We're sorry. He also added that maybe you'd feel better to find out that you have a godmother."

"A godmother!?!" exclaimed Harry in shock.

"Yes, " replied Aunt Petunia. "She was Lily's best friend at that school. She would visit sometimes during the holidays and Lily would visit her. She was always nice to me, compared to that husband of hers and Lily's husband. Her name is Eleanor Marie Staurt. I heard she might have married, but I don't know her married name. I think it was Black or Blair or something like that, but I'm not sure. Your headmaster didn't memtion that in his letter. All I know is that her husband was your father's friend."

Harry sat there with his mouth open. His father, James, had been friends with Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin. Peter, aka Wormtail, had betrayed his parents to Voldemort. Remus was a werewolf, and a good Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. Sirius was his late grandfather. He knew that Wormtail probably wasn't married and he knew his former teacher wasn't married. That left Sirius. Now, Sirius had never mentioned having a wife. Of course, it could have slipped his mind, but it didn't seem likely. It was more likely that after Sirius had been in Azkaban, the wizard's prison, he felt that his wife might think that he was guilty of betraying James and Lily and so avoided mentioning her. Harry suddenly remembered a few pictures in his photo album. They were of his parents' wedding, and there was woman next to his mother who was bridesmaid. He had never asked about her, but now Harry realised it had to be his mum's best friend and his godmother.

"The letter said your godmother will probably come and take you to her house for the summer, but not right away," said Uncle Vernon. "That headmaster said you had to stay here for at least part of the summer because you're safe here and it makes us safe from this Voldie creature."

"It's Voldemort," said Harry. Aunt Petunia gave a small squeak. Apparently she'd heard Harry's parents mention the name and she knew what it meant and was scared of it. As no one else spoke, Harry leaned back and looked out thewindow.

Once they were at the Dursley home, Uncle Vernon told him he could go straight to his room and not bother with any of the outdoor chores He said Dudley could do it and when Dudley protested, told him that it would be excercise. Harry tried to say that he didn't really mind, but Aunt Petunia told him she didn't want his godmother showing up and seeing him doing chores. She told him he could watch the telly, read, or do his summer homework. Uncle Vernon added that he should write and send a letter to his friends, letting him know he was all right.

Harry and his trunk and the cage with Hedwig, his owl, in it went upstairs. Harry settled in his room, realising that this summer would not be so bad. His aunt, uncle, and cousin would leave him alone, so he could get his work done, lisiten to the news, and grieve over his godfather's death or disappearance. He would also get to meet his godmother, who might be Sirius's wife.

More on Chapter One later.

Chapter one continued

The next day Harry received a letter that from his godmother. It ran:
Dear Harry,
I am your godmother, Eleanor Marie Staurt. I was your mother's best friend and the maid of honor at her wedding. I was once engaged to Sirius Black, but when he was arrested, the wedding was called off. After your parent's death, I could not take you in since Albus Dumbledore would not let me. He explained that you would be safer with your muggle relatives. Since Voldemort had disappeared and the last few known Death Eaters were being rounded up, I quit as an auror and moved to the United States.

With the events being the way they are, I returned and have joined the group. As Sirius's house can no longer be used, my place of residence is being used. As I had Remus occupy it for a number of years, as well as left two house-elves there, the place is suitable for human residence. I can not disclose to you where it is, as Dumbledore has forbidden me to.
Your friends, the Weasleys, are here, as well as other members of the club. Your friend Miss Granger will be joining us once I write to her parents and explain things. As for you, Dumbledore has said you may visit me for the summer in two to three weeks. I shall notify you and your relatives of when I will pick you up. Hang in there and do not blame yourself for Sirius's unfortunate demise. I knew him very well and he was headstrong and reckless. I liked that, which is why I agreed to marry him. However, I do regret that it had to surface up. If you really want to blame someone, simply blame fate, or Kreacher, or Voldemort and the Death Eaters. In fact, I think you should blame Bellatrix Lestrange for Sirius's death, and not yourself or Dumbledore or whomever. Of course, Kreacher is dead, so you do not have to worry over him. But anyway, I loved ever since you were a day old and I hope you will live up to be a great wizard. Your friends are there for you. If the muggles do give you any trouble, despite the warning, write to me and the rest of the gang and we'll come and take you way.
Your loving godmother, Eleanor Marie Staurt
P.S. I'm going to be your new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher as I quit being an auror years ago. Ron might tell you this later in a letter. EMS

As Harry went to pet the letter back in the envelope, a wizard photograph fell out. On the back it said, "A recent picture of me." Harry turned it over to see a smiling witch with blonde hair arranged in a crown on her head, sparkling blue eyes, and cerulean robes. She looked like the woman in his parent's wedding pictures, only a few years older. Clearly Harry's godmother was the woman he guessed to be his godmother.

Harry stuck the photo in his picture album and began his Transfiguration essay. He hoped he would pass his OWLs and be able to be study for an auror. He would need to get an Outstanding in Potions, though, as Snape would only take those who got an O. He had no doubt, however, that his friend Hermione Granger would get into N.E.W.T. level Potions. She was the smartest student in their year and did well in everything, except for Divination (She had thought it nonsense and dropped it), Qudditch (She wasn't the athletic type or flying-on-broom-type), and possibly Defense Against Dark Arts. (Harry had beaten her in the exam for that third year.)

Harry's other best friend, Ron Weasley, probably would not get in N.E.W.T. level Potions, as he did about as well as Harry in school. Ron, however, wasn't sure if he wanted to be auror, so it didn't matter so much.

Suddenly Harry recalled that Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration teacher, had said that she would see that Harry would become an auror. Prehaps she would convince Snape to take Harry in his class, if he scored only Exceeds Expectations. But then again, Umbridge, the horrid Defense teacher, had been there and had said that Harry would never be an auror nor would the minister hire him. No one had liked her, except the Slytherins and the caretaker, Filch. Professor McGonagall was no exception and she obviously would take Harry's side. But Harry felt that McGonagall had meant what she said, so put the thought out of his mind and focused back on the essay.

More later...

Chapter one continued

Late in the afternoon, Ron's owl, Pig, flew in with a letter. Harry opened it.

Dear Harry,
How are you doing? I hope the Muggles are treating you okay. But then, your first letter said they were acting nice to you, so I won't worry.

Right now we are at your grandmum's house. It's huge and is practically in the country. But Aunt Eleanor (she had us call her that) says you'll have to share a room with me when you come because other people need bedrooms too. Aunt Eleanor forgot to mention something in her letter, so she wants me to tell you.

She has a neice named Charlotte who is our age. In fact, her birthday happens to be the same day as yours. Her mum was Aunt Eleanor's sister. Her mum and dad were aurors like your godmum and were killed fighting You-know-who. They died around the same time as your parents, so Charlotte is like you, without parents and living with an aunt. Of course, her aunt isn't muggle nor mean to her.

Charlotte is really nice and Ginny and her are friends. I wouldn't be surprised if Hermione became friends with her, because she's also a bit of a know-it-all. Charlotte just doesn't show it as much. Oh, she isn't a goody twoshoes because she does seem willing to cause trouble and told Ginny and me she had gotten in trouble at her school in America for doing some pranks.

By the way, Percy came back and apoligised profusely to mum and dad. He said he didn't know what came to him and he should have believed us and Dumbledore instead of Fudge. Anyway, Mum and Dad have forgiven him. Bill and Charlie have sort of forgiven him; they're civil to him, anyway. George and Fred haven't and Ginny and me are still undecided. But Ginny and I are polite to him when we do have to speak to him.

Dumbledore isn't ready to have Percy join our group yet. Just as well. Anyway, I like it here and hope you can join us soon. Oh, Charlotte overheard her aunt say something about inviting Neville and Luna over for your birthday. She also heard Aunt Eleanor say something about Neville's birthday being the day before yours and the word "prophecy". What is that all about? Ginny wonders if she's talking about the prophecy that smashed in the Ministry. What do you think. Anyway, you'll be here in two weeks, so keep up mate and we'll see you soon.
Your friend, Ron

P.S. Ginny and I are committed to fighting by your side and you will not talk us out of it. Hermione will feel the same. And even though Charlotte has never met you (well at least doesn't remember you as you met as babies), she has pledged to support you. it doesn't matter if we die in the process. Just don't blame yourself if it happens. It is our decision and it will be our and You-know-who's fault. Ron

Harry folded the long letter and put it back in the envelope. He didn't know whether to feel glad or sad that his friends would fight at his side. And he was curious to meet his godmother's neice. Harry was putting the letter away when he realised there was something else in it. He pulled out a wizard photograph. On the back was "Charlotte wanted me to enclose this."

Harry flipped it over to see a teenage girl his age. She had long golden blonde hair, clear blue eyes, and a dreamy expression a little bit like Luna Lovegood's. She was wearing muggle clothes, a shiny white blouse and a long blue skirt. She looked a bit like Eleanor, except the shape of the eyes and smile were different. Apparently her mum and aunt both had blonde hair, blue eyes, and the same pretty noses. The shape of her eyes and smile probably came from her father, which was the opposite of Harry. Harry looked like his father, except his eyes, which were like his mother's. Charlotte looked more like her mother.

Harry sighed and put the photo in his album. He then went back to his thoughts before Pig had arrived, which were of Sirius.

More later...

Chapter Two: Phone Calls and a Godmother

A week later, Hermione called the Dursleys. As it was just after lunch, Harry had not gone up to his rrom. Aunt Petunia had answered, frowned a bit when she heard who it was, and had handed the phone to Harry.

"Hello, Harry," said Hermione. "How are you doing? Are the Dursley's nice to you?"

"Hello, Hermione," answered Harry. "I'm as well as can be expected and the Dursleys are treating me okay."

"That's wonderful, Harry," remarked Hermione. "Ron told me all about your godmother. He says she's really nice and that I should get get along with her neice. Did Ron tell you that your godmother wants us to call her Aunt Eleanor?"

"Yes, he did," replied Harry.

"Well," said Hermione, "I looked up your godmother in Hogwarts, a History, since it has the lists of all the new students that come every year. She's in there, in the same year your parents and the Mauraders were. It also lists that she's in Gryffindor, is half-muggle, half-magic, and that she later became a chaser for Gryffindor like your dad. By the way, it says that your dad tried out for seeker but ended up as a chaser. But he was made a reserve seeker."

"I see," said Harry. "Anything else you found out, Hermione?"

"Well," began Hermione, "she was an auror, but you probably already know that. She quit because Voldemort disappeared and because she didn't want to work for Fudge. She taught Defense Against Dark Arts in her school in America. When Dumbledore wrote her that Voldemort was back, she wrote back saying that she would come back to the group, but it would have to wait until her next year of teaching was up. Meanwhile, she tried to recruit the teachers at the school. She came back to the Order at the end of April and planned to marry Sirius, secretly, of course. But Sirius went off to the Ministry, though she tried to talk him out of it. She was so saddened by his demise that she couldn't bring herself to tell you about her just then. But she had Dumbledore notify your aunt and uncle and have them tell about her. And I know all this, Harry, because your godmother told me that in a letter. She realised that you and I would want more details, so she wrote to me and had me pass on the information to you. She also sent me a picture of herself and Charlotte."

"All right, then," said Harry. "Aunt Eleanor wrote that she was going to be the new Defense teacher next year. If she's an ex-Auror, she'll probably do a decent job, unlike that Umbridge toad."

"I hope so, Harry, " said Hermione. "Well, I have to finish the Potions essay, so I'll hang up. Good-bye, Harry and see you in a week."

"Good-bye, Hermione," replied Harry. He hung up and went upstairs.

More later...

For feedback, go to www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=20941.

Chapter Two continued

The next week, Harry read his Defense Against Dark Arts books, even the Lockhart ones he had to get for second year. Even though Lockhart was a fraud, real experienced witches and wizards had done the things in his books, so it was accurate. When he wasn't reading, he was doing his summer homework or thinking about Sirius.

Harry's aunt and uncle did not bother him at all. Uncle Vernon ignored him and did not make any comments at all, not even about Hedwig. Aunt Petunia ignored Harry too, except to notify him about meals or politely asking him to help with the dishes or some other small task. Dudley was either down in the basment practising his boxing our out with his friends. This summer, though, Dudley and his friends weren't beating little kids up. Apparently, an adult had seen Dudley and his gang beating Mark Evans and had notified the police. Dudley had been taken home by the police and they had a talk with his parents. Aunt Petunia had been horrified and Uncle Vernon had been angry.

In fact, Uncle Vernon had given a stern talking to to Dudley, going on about criminal records and such. Finally, Aunt Petunia said that if he still wanted to be out with his friends, he had to stop attacking children. Dudley had sulkily agreed and Aunt Petunia actually said, "Your cousin doesn't go around beating little kids and being brought home by the police. Yes, he has caused some funny things to happen, but that's because he's m-m-the m-word."

On Friday, during lunch, an owl had shown up. Uncle Vernon had looked angry, but he did not say anything. A letter fell on the table and the owl flew away. Harry opened the letter and read:
"Dear Harry,
How are you? I do hope you're doing well. Anyway, it's your godmother. I am writing to let you know that I will come on Saturday to pick you up. I will be coming by car and Ron, Moody, Charlotte, and Ginny will be with me. On the way back to my house, we will stop and pick up Hermione. I also have to discuss some things with the Grangers and would like you to reassure them.

I will be here at ten o'clock Saturday morning. Please make sure that you have your things packed and ready. And could you give your aunt and uncle the attached letter informing them of my coming? That way, you won't have to explain anything to them. Thank you. Your godmother, Eleanor.
P.S. Don't bother packing your clothes, except for your school robes. I will be getting you some new ones, as it's time you stopped having to wear your cousin's castoff and outgrown clothing. Eleanor."

Harry took out another peice of paper from the envelope and handed it to his aunt. "Here, my godmother wants me to give you this."

Aunt Petunia unfolded it and began reading. Then she handed it to Uncle Vernon. He read the letter, then looked up. "Your godmother says she'll be picking you up Saturday. You have to pack everything. Finish your lunch, then go get ready. Hurry up. At least she's coming by car."

Harry smiled and quickly finished his lunch. Then he ran upstair to pack. He put away his school books, parchment, quills, ink, and anything else of his lying around, except for Dudley's old clothes.

While packing, Pig flew in with a letter from Ron. This one was short, more of a note, really. It said that he knew Harry's godmum had already written to him, but he wanted to say that he was glad Harry was coming and for Hedwig to send a reply and stay at Aunt Eleanor's house so that she didn't have to be picked up.

Harry sat down and wrote a short note saying he was glad to be leaving and sent Hedwig off with it. Then he resumed his packing and finished fifteen minutes later. Once he was done, he collapsed on his bed, thinking about what might happen at his godmother's house, the new headquarters for the Order.

More later...

Chapter two continued

At ten o'clock sharp, Harry's godmother, Ron, Ginny, Charlotte, and Moody showed up. Eleanor was wearing a flowered dress, Ginny and Charlotte in blouses and skirts, Ron in a shirt and jeans that looked new, and Moody in his bowler hat and a sort of suit.

Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had answered the door, with Harry behind them. Eleanor smiled. "Hello, Petunia, dear. It's been quite awhile since I last saw you. I believe it was at Lily's wedding?"

Aunt Petunia nodded and hastily explained to Harry, "I only stayed for the ceremony." Eleanor smiled and introduced herself and Charlotte.

"Hello, Harry, " said Charlotte, "It's so nice to finally meet you. Well, I have met you before, but that was like fifteen years ago when we were babies. So we wouln't remember each other."

Harry smiled back at Charlotte and the witches and wizards went upstairs to get Harry's things. When they came back down, Aunt Petunia invited them for tea, but Eleanor declined, saying they didn't have the time. The group left the house and Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage were put in the trunk of Eleanor's silver car.

Moody was the driver and since the car was magicked, it wasn't a big deal for him. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Charlotte sat in the back seat, which had been magically expanded, like Mr. Weasley's old car. Eleanor sat in the front with Moody.

During the ride to Hermione's house, Harry's godmother explained things to him. "Let's see, I was your mother's best friend at Hogwarts. Both of us did really well there. We were both likely candidates for prefect, but in the end your mother got the position. I didn't mind, especially I was busy with being Qudditch for Gryffindor. In our seventh year, we started going out with another pair of best friends, James Potter and Sirius Black. At your parents wedding, I caught the boquet right after Sirius had proposed to me. I would have been the next bride if I wasn't busy as an auror and fate didn't get Sirius in Azkaban. Charlotte's mother was my sister and she was an auror, with her husband. It was amazing when she and you, Harry, were born on the same day. The two of you spent time together and celebrated your first birthday's together. The two of you got along well, even though the two of you were only babies."

Harry smiled at the thought and Eleanor continued, now looking angry. "Two months before your parents died, Charlotte's parents were tortured and killed. And do you know who played a part in it? That horrid, evil Bellatrix Lestrange! Of course, she only helped with the torturing. It was Voldemort who did the actual killing, I believe. And because the part she played in it was small, it wasn't really mentioned in her trial.

"Then after Lily and James died, Sirius put in Azkaban, without a trial, and you sent to the Dursleys, I quit as an aurur, packed up and took Charlotte with me to America. I took a job at the wizard's school in New York State to support myself, though it really wasn't necessary. I had money, I just didn't feel like spending it. I stayed there until the end of May, when the school year ended. I would have left sooner, but I couldn't just leave the school so suddenly. The school would have to find new Defense teacher and it wasn't likely that they would find a new one during the summer. So I stayed for one last year, while the school looked for a new one. They found one in April and then I was free to go. I immediately rejoined the group and now here I am.

"Let's see, what else. Oh, Sirius left the house to you, Harry, so it can't be used really as headquarters anymore. He left some other things to you, but you'll hear about them when we read Sirius's will tonight. I offered my large house in the country for new headquarters and Dumbledore's the secret-keeper to this one, too. I'll show you the address later. And I'm going to be new Defense teacher. Dumbledore asked me to as it wasn't likely that he'd be able to get someone else. Charlotte will be going to Hogwarts with you and she'll be in your year. She took the American equivalent of O.W.L.s, so she'll be in your N.E.W.T. level classes.

"Harry, and when we arrive at the Grangers, could you help me explain things to them? They are a little concerned about Hermione and Voldemort."

"Of course... um... what should I call you?" replied Harry.

"Oh, just call me Aunt Eleanor like I asked everyone else," replied Eleanor.

Harry nodded and soon they pulled up at the Granger house.

More later... Please post feedback.

Chapter Three: The Granger House

Harry, Ron, Ginny, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Moody got out of the car and went up the walk to the front door. Eleanor rang the doorbell and Mrs. Granger answered.

"Hello, Dr. Granger," greeted Eleanor. "We're here to pick up Hermione. This my neice, Charlotte, and this is Alastor Moody. You've already met Harry, Ron, and Ginny, I believe."

Mrs. Granger smiled and welcomed everyone in. Mr. Granger came out a side room and greeted the guests. Then he called Hermione downstairs. Moody went upstairs to get Hermione's trunk, while Hermione and everyone else went into the living room to talk.

"Doctors Granger, I hear you recently have some concerns over Hermione being in the wizard world," said Eleanor

"Yes, we do, Miss Staurt," said Mrs. Granger. "There seems to be some madman loose in the wizard world who is obessed with the idea of pure blood."

"Yes, he is called Voldemort," replied Eleanor. "But don't worry. The good witches and wizards are trying to get rid of him and his group of supporters."

"Yes," said Mr. Granger. "But Hermione could be in danger."

"Dad," put in Hermione. "I really don't care. I have to be part of this fight in getting rid of Voldemort and his Death Eater."

"Now, Dr. Granger," said Eleanor. "I know you are concerned. But Harry here has the ability to defeat Voldmort. He has the power. That would be why he didn't die when Voldemort tried to kill him the first time as a baby."

Mrs. Granger turned to Harry. "So you can defeat this Voldemort person. But you are only a teenager. How is this possible?"

"Well, Dr. Granger," replied Harry. "My parents were powerful. When I was born, I probably inherited their power. And I have fought Voldemort and his supporters before and survived, though some of the times I had help from my friends."

"I see," said Mrs. Granger, still looking a bit skeptical.

"Dr. Granger," said Eleanor. "Don't get too worked up. Voldemort is evil and powerful, but there are evil and powerful people everywhere and they eventually get stopped. Look at Hitler. He was evil and powerful and he was stopped. This Voldemort is like Hitler, obessed with what each believe to be the 'Aryan race'. In Voldemort's case, the 'Aryan race' is pureblood witches and wizards, without the taint of non-magical blood. But he will be stopped, like Hitler was, but I really don't think it will cost the lives of 6 million, I mean, 11 million people, plus those who will die in fighting. And the last dark wizard, Grindelwald, was defeated. Voldemort will be defeated, too."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger sighed and finally Mr. Granger said, "All right, Hermione can be part of this war. But you have to be careful, Hermione. We don't want to lose our favorite daughter."

"I'm your only daughter, Dad," corrected Hermione. "In fact, I'm your only child."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger smiled. Moody entered the room with Hermione's trunk and Crookshanks's carrier. Hermione got up to get her cat and Mr. and Mrs. granger saw everyone to the door. Eleanor put Hermione's things in the trunk and Hermione joined everyone in the back seat of the car, while Charlotte moved to the front seat with her mother.

During the car ride to Eleanor's house, Hermione got to know Eleanor and Crystal. She fell to calling Harry's godmother to Aunt Eleanor like everyone else and had a talk with Charlotte about Arithmacy and Runes. (Charlotte had taken those subjects at her old school.)

When the car finally stopped, Harry and Hermione looked out the window and saw only a dirt road and a meadow with flowers. Eleanor handed the two a piece of paper and said, "Memorise that and then give it to me to be burned."

Harry and Hermione looked at the paper and read, "The headquarters for the Order of the Phonenix may be found at the mansion at the left side of Country Road."

They quickly memorised it and handed the bit of parchment back to Eleanor, who burned it with fire from her wand. Everyone got out of the car and Eleanor put an invisibility or disillusion charm on it after taking out trunks. Harry quickly thought about the "address" and then before his eyes, a large white house slowly appeared. Moody and Eleanor put a levitating charm on Harry's and Hermione's trunks and they and Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Charlotte entered the headquarters.

More later...

Chapter Four: The New Headquarters

Harry stepped inside the foyer. A female house elf in a blouse, skirt, and apron was there. She curtised and said, "I see you is back with the great Harry Potter and his friends, Mistress."

Eleanor rolled her eyes and replied, "Yes, I have returned, Samera. And please stop this mistress nonsense. I don't like it and I am technically not your mistress as I gave you clothes."

"But Mistress only gave Samera clothes because you did not want to see me in a tea towel or pillowcase," countered Samera.

"Well, yes," said Eleanor. "But I don't like being called mistress. It's bad enough having to be called 'Professor' when I'm teaching. I feel as old as Professor McGonagall or Professor Dumbledore then. And I am paying you wages."

"But Mistress is only giving Samera a sickle a week so she can buy presents for you and your neice," replied Samera. "You is not paying me for work."

Harry laughed and Ron, Ginny, and Charlotte rolled their eyes. Hermione looked undecided between whether to laugh or look angry over Samera getting only a sickle a week as wages.

Eleanor glanced at Hermione and Harry and explained, "I don't like seeing house elves in tea towels or pillowcases, so I gave Samera and my other elf, Minty, clothes. They thought I was freeing them until I explained I didn't like to see them without clothes on. That calmed them down. They were also horrified at the idea of wages until I said I would give them a sickle a week for them to spend on gifts for me and Charlotte and anything else that's necessary. Now, Harry and Hermione, you two have the authority to have Samera and Minty do things for you, but be polite when asking and don't get mad if something goes wrong. They're willing to do whatever you ask, but I don't want them mistreated or overworked. I do not believe in mistreating house elves and I also believe that those who do want to be free, like Dobby, should be free.

"I know about Dobby because I borrowed him to help with the cleaning up. Some of the rooms had been shut up and others were a bit dusty as Minty couldn't take care of an empty house all on his own. So I had Dobby and Winky come here and help clean up. By the way, Harry, I'm having Dobby and Winky staying here for the rest of the summer. I'm paying Dobby his wages, raised now to two galleons a week. Winky is doing much better now because I've adopted her. She feels much better with a family of sorts to work for. She'll stay here permenately while Samera will be coming with me to Hogwarts."

Hermione looked happy to hear that Winky was doing well and that Eleanor was nice to her house elves. Harry was happy to hear about Winky and Dobby, but didn't show it as much as Hermione. Eleanor then clapped her hands and led everyone to their rooms on the third floor.

Eleanor opened a door at the right side of the hallway. "This will be the room you will share with Ginny and Charlotte. There's three beds and room for your things. Next door is the bathroom. You'll have to share it with me."

Hermione, Ginny, and Charlotte entered the room. Hermione's trunk, Crookshanks, and Crookshanks carrier flew in after her and settled gently on the ground. Eleanor smiled and told the girls that lunch would be in half an hour. Then she led Harry and Ron to their room.

"Here's the room you'll be sharing with Ron, Harry. There's the two beds and the rest of the furniture, with room for your things. Hedwig's in there, too. The bathroom is on your right and you will be sharing it with Bill and Charlie. I was going to put Fred and George in the other room next to it, but realised that they could do some damage to it or leave out some of their products. So I gave them another room and they have a private bathroom. That way they won't be able to do anything to you boys or anyone else."

Harry and Ron entered the room and Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage followed him. They were set down and Hedwig came to Harry's side. Harry smiled and fished out a treat for her. She took it and then settled in her cage. Eleanor left the room so Harry could get settled and told them lunch would be in half an hour.

More later...

Chapter four contined

Harry put Hedwig in her cage and Ron showed him the room. There was the two comfortable four-poster beds, only a little smaller than the ones at Hogwarts. Between the beds were two chests with clothes. Ron gestured to the one by Harry's bed and told him that his godmum had already put some muggle clothes in there. There was also a dresser with a mirror, a table with five chairs, a large closet to hang up their robes, a bookcase, and some posters of Qudditch teams, mostly the Chudley Cannons with two of Puddlemere United, the team that the old Gryffindor Keeper, Oliver Wood, had joined. There was also an old picture of the Winbourne Wasps, taken when Ludo Bagman was still playing beater for them.

Then room was quite big and Harry could see that his godmother had money. And with such a large house, no wonder she needed Dobby and Winky's help to help get this place ready for the Headquarters. Harry and Ron sat down to talk about events and happenings until the other house-elf, Minty, popped in their room to announce lunch. Harry stared at the house-elf who was dressed in a shirt, elf-sized pants, bright red socks, and a wool hat that looked like one that Hermione made. Harry suspected that Dobby had given the hat to Minty.

Harry and Ron went down to lunch, with Hermione, Ginny, and Charlotte following them. Minty directed them to the dining room. Inside, they saw that Eleanor, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Professor McGonagall, a grumpy looking Professor Snape, Tonks, Charlie, Bill, Mad-Eye Moody, Emmeline Vance, Dedalus Diggle, Mungundus Fletcher, and Sturgis Podmore sitting at the table. Sturgis smiled at Harry and explained that he had just been freed from Azkaban. He had survived it mainly by thinking of the Order's reaction and of finally being able to return Moody's invisbility cloak.

Dobby and Samera served the lunch and everyone enjoyed it, even Professor Snape, though he didn't show it. He still looked grumpy and Charlotte, who was sitting next to Harry, whisphered to Harry that Aunt Eleanor had talked Professor Snape into staying for lunch and eating it in the dining room. Professor Snape had been willing to stay for lunch if he was to have it in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Eleanor would not allow it, informing him house elves and servants were supposed to do that. So Professor Snape was talked to having it in the dining room with everyone else and he didn't like it. Harry chuckled and quickly turned it to a cough when Professor Snape glared at him.

Eleanor caught the glare and said, "Excuse me, Servus. Could you please refrain from glaring at my godson? I know you do not like him very much, but please try to not show it when I am around."

Professor Snape looked just a touch embarrassed and muttered an apology. Eleanor nodded and resumed her conversation with Professsor McGonagall. As soon as Harry finished his lunch, he and Ron went upstairs to continue talking.

More later...

Chapter Five: Sirius's Will

After supper that evening, the members of the Order and their children gathered in the ornate and magnificient parlour for the reading of Sirius's will. Much of the furniture and the fireplace mantel was draped in black material. Most of all the fancy ornaments had been removed and the rest was overed in black.

Everyone sat down and Dumbledore placed a little bowl with a peice of parchment on the table in the center of the room. He pointed his wand, said a charm and then sat down. A moment later, a ghostly figure of Sirius appeared, holding a piece of parchment. The figure began to speak.

"If you are seeing this, this means I'm dead. So now I have to list what I have to leave and to whom. Mungundus Fletcher, you may have all the Black silver and other heirlooms. To my cousin, Nymphadora Tonks, you will get four thousand galleons. My cousins, Molly and Arthur Weasley, you get eight thousand galleons. Bill, Charlie, Ron and Ginny, you each get five hundred galleons. Fred and George, you get eight hundred galleons. The extra three hundred is for your shop. Keep the jokes running and live to the spirit of the Mauraders, Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. Forget about about Wormtail, the traitor. And Moony, sorry I'm gone, and let Fred and George take our place. You're not as fum as you were when we were younger. As for Percy, if he has apoligised, he can get a hundred galleons. If not, then give him a fake galleon and wand. Eleanor and Charlotte, you each get eight thousand galleons. And Eleanor, sorry we never got married, but if you want, you can always marry Moony, if you don't mind having a werewolf for a husband. Hermione, you get all the books in the Black family library, but you may want to bin some of them or give them to Madam Pince. And you also get five hundred galleons. Moony, you get ten thousand galleons. The rest of the Order gets fifty galleons each. And Snape, I forgive you and apoligise for the tricks we played on you. You're on our side, and I'm dead, so I decided to forgive you and apoligise. I leave fivethousand galleons to the Society for the Protection and Aid to Werewolves. Harry, you get Grimmauld place, and let Moony stay there whenever necessary. And you get all the rest of the money in my vault and the Black family vault, which should total to around thirty thousand galleons. If you don't want it, then have Eleanor and Moony take over it. I leave Remus Lupin as Harry's new godfather and ask that he, Eleanor, the Weasleys, and Dumbledore keep an eye out for him. And I guess McGonagall had better, too, as she's his head of house. And I ask that Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Charlotte, Neville, and any other good friends of Harry to stay with him and help him. I know it's pointless to ask, as you already stick with him and help, but Harry may be against it for fear that'll you'll die, so I'll ask it of you so he can't stop you. You wouldn't deny your late godfather his last request, would you, Harry? I hope not. Anyway, that's my will and now I'll leave."

The ghostly figure of Sirius disappeared and everyone sat in silence. Eleanor broke in quiet sobs and hugged the person next to her, which happened to be Moony. Harry sat there, almost wishing that the will could be reread, so Sirius could come back. He didn't want the money either and after a minute, said so.

Eleanor looked up and replied, "Fine then Harry. Let's see, we'll take ten thousand galleons and divide between all the Weasleys present, Hermione, and Tonks. That'll be a thousand galleons each. We'll take another ten thousand and divide it among the other members of the Order. The ten thousand left, well we can donate another thousand to the Werewof Society, leave Harry a thousand as Sirius would want him to have some, and the rest can be divided among Remus, Charlotte, Neville, and me. How that does that sound, Harry?"

"Fine," replied Harry listlessly. "But donate eight hundred galleons of the thousand galleons for me to St. Mungo's or some Quidditch society or to the twin's shore. I don't want a thousand galleons, Aunt Eleanor."

Eleanor nodded and said, "All right, then Harry. Everyone else, tomorrow we shall see to the money and everything else left to you. You may go now,"

People got up and filed out the room. Harry still sat there and Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Remus stayed to see if they could help. Harry looked at them and finally toild them about his thoughts and about the prophecy. Remus and Eleanor knew about from Dumbledore, and Charlotte had been told by her aunt, so only Ron, Hermione, and Ginny needed to be briefed. Ginny looked shocked, Hermione smiled and exclaimed, "So Voldemort can be defeated and you may survive!" and Ron frowned and thought it over, from a chess perspective. Harry was surprised by the different reactions, especially when Ron was done thinking and came to the same conclusion that Hermione did. Charlotte had agreed with Hermione and Ginny, after her initial shock, also came to the conclusion of hermione, Ron, and Charlotte. Remus and Eleanor cautioned to never mention it ever again as Voildemort wanted to find out about it. Then everyone went upstairs.

More later...

Chapter Six: O.W.L.s and Birthdays

On July 28th, the results for the O.W.L.s arrived during breakfast. Eleanor passed the letters out to harry, Ron, and Hermione. Hermione squealed and quickly opened her letter. Eleanor glanced at her and said, "Please eat your breakfast first, Hermione. Your O.W.L. results can wait. I don't want you to get worked up without food in your stomach."

Hermione reluctantly put down her envelope. Harry and Ron did too as Eleanor gave them a look meaning that what she just told hermione applied to them. The three ate as quickly as they could and then read their letters.

Harry's letter was:

"Dear Mr. Potter,

Enclosed are your O.W.L. results and the classes you are eligible to take. I sincerely hope that you are happy with them. Have a good remainder of the summer.

Sincerely yours,

Madam Marshbanks

I see that you have enough O.W.L.s to be an auror- Minerva McGonagall"

On the second page was his results.

" Outstanding: 90-100
Exceeds Expectations: 80-89
Acceptable: 70-79
Poor: 60-69
Dreadful: 50-59
Terrible: Below 50

Potions- Practical: E(88), Theoritical: O(94) Overall: O(90)
Transfiguration- Practical: O(93) Theoritical: E(89) Overall: O(90)
Charms- Practical: E(87) Theoritical: O(91) Overall: E(89)
Defense Against Dark Arts- Practical: O(105) Theoritical: O(100) Overall: O(103)
Herbology- Practical: E(85) Overall: E(85)
History of Magic- Theoritical: A(70) Overall: A(70)
Astronomy: Practical: A(75) Theoritical: E(87) Overall: E(81)
Care of Magical Creatures- Practical: O(98) Overall: O(98)
Divination: Theortical: P(65) Overall: P(65)

You will be able to take these N.E.W.T.-level classes:

Potions- Accepts E
Transfiguration- Accepts E
Charms- Accepts A
Defense Against Dark Arts- Accepts A
Herbology- Accepts A
History of Magic- Accepts all levels
Astronomy- Accepts A
Care of Magical Creatures: Accepts A

Please select at least six classes. And if you are wondering about Potions, only five people got an O on their O.W.L., so Professor Snape was persuaded to accept those who received an E. Please send in your reply on which classes you plan to take by August 5th. Thank you."

Harry smiled. He had gotten eight O.W.L.s and had gotten an O in Potions! He didn't really care about Divination as he had been doomed to fail it anyway. And the teacher, Professor Trewllaney, had only made two correct predictions in her life, unless you counted the one made on their first day of class about how someone would leave them around Easter. And Hermione happened to drop that class around Easter.

Harry wasn'r too ethusiastic over having Snape again, but it was necessary if he was to become an auror. Professor McGonagall had said that she would see Harry became an auror during the career planning session with her, so that explained her little note at the end of the letter. And he was pleased to get such a high grade in Defense Against Dark Arts. The examiner had asked him to do a Patronus at the end for extra credit and that explained his score of 103. Harry looked up and saw Hermione and Ron were very happy. The three traded results.

Harry saw that Hermione had gotten an O in all her classes, including Arithmacy and Ancient Runes, which made 10 O.W.L.s. Ron had also got eight O.W.L.s, but in Potions and Transfiguration it was an E and in Herbology it was an A. Eleanor, Ginny, Charlotte, and the other Weasleys looked at their grades and were happy for them. Mrs. Weasley was very happy over Ron's marks, which were better than the twins. They had gotten three O.W.L.s each , in Transfiguration, Charms,and Defense Against Dark Arts.

Eleanor congratulated them and promised a reward for them. Harry and Ron decided that they would take Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Defense Against Dark Arts, Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures. Hermione took all those classes, too, except that she added Arithmacy and Runes and had to drop Creatures. Ron and Harry were disappointed over it, but Hermione explained that she just wouldn't be able to do it all, unless she wanted to go through another year with the time-turner. Ron and Harry understood. Charlotte said she was going to take the same classes as Hermione as she had gotten top marks in the American equavailent of O.W.L.s. The four left the dining room to continue the discussion.

More later...

Edit: I reread the chapter on when Harry was taling his O.W.L's and corrected the mistakes I made.

chapter Six continued

On July 30th, the members of the Order began planning for Harry'ssbirthday celebration. Dobby and Samera began making a large cake and Winky and Minty saw to the decorations. Eleanor oversaw everything and had Hermione, Rion, Ginny, Charlotte, distract Harry and keep him occupied. Neville and his grandmother had been invited and they wrote saying that they would attend. Luna was in Sweden, so would not be able to come.

Harry suspected something was going on, but when he didn't get any answers, he stopped questioning it. The group, along with Fred and George, went out and played Qudditch. After dinner, Eleanor had the kids go to their rooms and read or talk, or whatever. Harry went to bed later in the evening, wondering if all this fuss had to do with his birthday.

The next morning, Harry was given a big birthday breakfast with all his favorite breakfast foods. Just about everyone in the Order gave him cards, but Moody insisted on checking them first to make sure they were safe. At ten, Harry was led to the parlour, now decorated for Harry's birthday. A pile of presents were on the table. After everyone sang Happy Birthday, Harry made his wish, blew the candles on his cake, and then cut it. The cake had been large, with two tiers, the top had a snitch, a broomstick, and a Gryffindor Lion done in frosting. When everyone finished their slices of cake, Harry opened his presents.

Hermione gave Harry a book on famous wizards. Ron gave him a box of Harry's favorite sweets and some Dungbombs. Eleanor gave Harry a Remembrall and a book about Quidditch. Charlotte gave Harry a copy of Hogwarts, A History and a poster of the Chudley Cannins. Ginny gave harry a book atitled Quidditch Through the Ages. The Weasleys gave Harry a book on defensive Spells. George and Fred gave him a bag with an assortment of their things, including Skiving Snackboxes, fake wands, and extendable Ears. Charlie gave Harry a model of a a Norwegian Ridgeback and Bill a book about Gringotts. Tonks gave Harry a Weird Sisters' CD and Remus an orb that allowed him to know whenever there was a full moon or a major storm. Moody gave Harry a Foe-Seeker and Kingsley Shacklebolt gave Harry a book on Curses. Dumbledore and McGonagall gave him planner for him to note down his Occulemency lessons, D.A. meetings, and Quidditch practices. Snape gave Harry a card and a bottle of dreamless sleep potion. Dooby and Winky gave Harry a pair of socks and Samera and Minty gave him a wool hat and scarf. Mungundus Fletcher gave Harry a cauldron and the rest of the Order collectively gave him some Dark Detectorsa Sneakascope and Secercy Sensors.

After presents, there was a birthday lunch. In the evening as a dinner reminsint of Hogwarts with all of Harry's favorite foods and desserts. Fred and George let off some fireworks after. Harry went to bed feeling that it was a most wonderful birthday.

More later...

Chapter Seven: Diagon Alley

A week after his birthday, Harry received his letter from Hogwarts. The first page had the usual things about how his list was supplies was with it and that term started September 1st. The next page had the booklist and other necessary supplies. He groaned when he saw that dress robes were on the list. Apparently there was going to be another Ball.

There was also a third page, which surprised Harry. He read it and found out that his lifetime ban from Quidditch had been lifted and that as he was the one left who had been on the team the longest, he was captain. Harry smiled when he read that. He hadn't been made a prefect as Dumbledore hadn't wanted to give him too much pressure. But being made Quidditch captain was wonderful. But now he had to find three new chasers as Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell, and Angelina Johnson had graduated. He would also have to see if he couldn't get some better beaters as the ones who had replaced George and Fred, Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke, had been horrible.

Harry wasn't too worried over two of the chaser positions. Ginny, who had replaced Harry as seeker during his ban, had said that she wanted to be chaser when Harry was back as seeker. And from the Quidditch that they played during the summer, she was very good at it. Charlotte had also been a good chaser when they were playing, so she would be a second chaser, if she was sorted into Gryffindor. Harry did not doubt she wouldn't be placed in Gryffindor, because she was also brave and a bit reckless as well as smart and hard-working and she wanted to be in Gryffindor.

Harry went to tell Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Charlotte the news. They were happy for him and Ron said that McGonagall had made him Harry's assistant as he knew a great deal of stradegy. Harry was happy for Ron. Ginny also said in a disgusted and unhappy voice that she had been named prefect, along with Colin Creevy. Hermione was happy for Ginny, and Ron and Harry tried to comfort her. Harry also wondered why Colin Creevy had been named prefect. He didn't really seem the prefect ype. Colin was a boy who had idolised Harry from the time he arrived and liked to take pictures. Later, when his younger brother Dennis had also come to Hogwarts, Colin had gotten him to hero-worship Harry also.

Eleanor came in then and heard about Harry being made captain, Ron his assistant, and Ginny made prefect. She smiled and said that they deserved a reward, such as new brooms. Charlotte looked crestfallen, but her aunt just looked at her and reminded her that she had gotten a new one last summer. Eleanor offered to get one for Hermione, but Hermione said no, she didn't like flying too much.

Eleanor said that she would take everyone to Diagon Alley in two weeks to get their school supplies and brooms and visit Fred and Georges's shop. Everyone was excited about it, even Hermione. After the tricks and things they had done last year to annoy Umbridge, she had stopped complaining about their joke stuff. Eleanor left the room to tell Mrs. Weasley about Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

More later...

Chapter Seven continued

On August 25th, Eleanor took Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Charlotte to Diagon Alley to get their school supplies. They used the Floo network as it currently was being watched by Order members and wizards on their side. The group landed in Diagon Alley and Eleanor took them to Gringotts.

First Hermione changed her pounds for wizard money and then they went down to the vaults. First they stopped at Eleanor's vault. Inside was mounds od money, a little more than what Harry had in his vault. Eleanor took out some money and handed it to Charlotte, who put it in her moneybag. Eleanor then proceeded to fill hers and also hand some to Harry, Ron, Hermiuone and Ginny. Harry and Ron protested, but Eleanor would not listen.

"Harry, you're my godson and I can give you some spending money. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione, you are Harry's friends and I can give you some spending money. I want no arguments." Eleanor then ordered everyone back into the carts and took them to Harry's vault. Harry put some of his money in his bags and then they went to the Weasley's vault. It was more substantial with Fred and George giving their parents some of the money they made. However, Eleanor allowed Ron and Ginny take a small amount, explaining that she intended to pay for most of their things as a reward for being made prefect and captain's assistant.

First they went to Florish and Blotts to get their books. Eleanor paid for everything, including extra books that Harry and Hermione wanted. Then she stopped at Ollivanders to get each of them a wand cleaning kit, including one for herself. The next stop was Madame Malkin's, where they got new school robes and dress robes. Ron got robes of a navy blue, Harry robes of a green trimmed with red, Hermione cerulen robes trimmed with pink, Ginny robes of a pale green trimmed with pale blue, and Charlotte robes of a pale rose color. Eleanor then bought robes for herself, of red, pale green, pale yellow, turquoise, violet, lilac, and a blue-green aquamarine shade, Then she got dress robes of silver, gold, periwinkle blue, pale rose, and lavender. Once she was done, she stopped at Magical Menagerie to get some things for Croockshanks and some owl treats. They also stopped at Owls Emporium, where Eleanor got Ginny and Charlotte each an owl. Ginny named hers Wendelin and Charlotte named hers Sameran, for the house-elf Samera.

Finally they stopped at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Eleanor got Ron and Ginny each a Nimbus Two Thousand Three and a broomstick servicing kit. For Harry, she got a minuture set of all the Quidditch balls, except the snitch, which was life size. She offered to get hermione something, but she said no. Eleanor then got Charlotte a minture model of a Nimbus Two Thousand One, the one Charlotte had, and a miniture Quaffle.

Once their shopping was done, Eleanor took them to Florean Fortescue's, where she got them all a sundae. The sundaes were free because Eleanor knew Florean and because Harry Potter was there. Harry remembered that the summer before hid third year, Florean had helped him with his History of Magic homework and had given him a free sundae every half-hour.

Once they finished the sundaes, they went to the Leaky Cauldron where they Flooed back to Eleanor's house.

More later...

Chapter Eight: On the Hogwarts Express

On September the First, it was time to leave for Hogwarts. Eleanor loaded the children and their trunks in her car, which had been magically expanded to fit them in. Their guard, Mr. and Mrs, Weasley, Tonks, Moody, Remus, and Bill Weasley were in the car too. Eleanor drove evryone to King Cross Station and saw everyone through the barrier one by one. Then she went in herself, with her trunk and owl.

Once she was in the barrier, Samera apperateed next to her. At Harry's questioning look, Eleanor explained, "Samera is coming with me in case i need anything."

After the usual good-byes were said and warnings of good behaviour from Mrs. Weasley, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Charlotte boarded the train. Eleanor and Samera joined them. They found a compartment that was empty except for Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Luna had a prefect's badge on her robe, which meant that she was one of new prefects. Eleanor introduced herself to Luna and told her she was ther new Defense of Dark Arts teacher. Luna looked dreamily at her then remarked, "I'm sure you'll do better than Professor Umbridge. Nobody liked her except Mr. Fiulch and the Slytherins."

Eleanor smiled and sat down. Charlotte then introduced herself to Luna. Luna smiled at Charlotte and very soon they got into a discussioon of the Crumple-horned Snorkack. It turned out that Charlotte actually believed in their existance, or at least didn't disbelieve them. Apparently the thing about people having ever seen one was not enough proof for her to say they they didn't exisit. Ron looked scandalised, but didn't say anything because of the big help Luna had been in the Ministry. Hermione, Harry, Ginny, and Neville didn't say anything either, for the same reason.

Once the train started, Luna and Charlotte ended their conversation and Ginny, Luna, Hermione, and Ron headed for the prefects' compartment. Harry, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Samera sat down. Eleanor introduced Samera to Neville as he hadn't met her the time he visited for Harry's birthday.

Aftwer a few minutes talk, Neville was even more at ease withh harry's godmother. Eleanor told Neville about his parents, whom she had known during the first war and told about how Bellatrix Lestrange had been there when Charlotte's parents were killed. Neville was surprised and realised that someone else was also against Bellatrix. Neville and Charlotte then talked and by the end, Neville and Charlotte had agreed to avenge their parent's death togther.

Harry got the impression that the two liked each other and would end up being great freinds. Eleanor looked at the two and muttered to harry, "I thnk Neville and Charlotte wil be very good friends. But I don't expect them to be boyfriend/girlfriend at this stage. But if Charlotte did decide in that way, I won't stop her. They're compatible and Neville comes from a good family. And I was friends with Alice."

Harry looked up and asked, "Was that during school or when you were members of the group?"

"Oh, that was during school, Harry," replied Eleanor. "She was in Lily's and my year and that three of were friends, a bit like James, Sirius, and Remus. Of course, we didn't cause trouble like they did. But we studied together and talked together and promised to be bridesmaids or matron-of-honor's at each other's weddings. Lily's was Alice's bridesmaid, I was Lily's. Alice was to be my matron-of-honor, but with Sirius in Azkaban and Alice and Frank in St. Mungo's, it never happened. What a pity."

Harry felt sorry for his godmother and put an arm around her. Samera sat dpown next to her and asked, "Does Mistress need anything? A handkerchief or a cup of tea, prehaps."

Eleanor instantly straightened up, smiled and said, "Samera, how many times have I told you? Stop calling me mistress! I don't like it and you are not my slave. You are free, and you work for me willingly and you are paid."

"But Mistress!" protested Samera. "You only gave me clothes because-"

"Samera, please be quiet or I'll gave you a vacation for a month!"

"Mistress, please don't do that! Smaera is only supposed to be getting half a day off a month."

"I won't Samera, if you will be quiet for a few minutes."

"All right, Mistress." Samera closed her mouth and did not say another word.

The tea cart then came by and Eleanor bought a number of things. She passeed out some chocolate froogs and pumpkin pasties to Harry, Charlotte and Neville. Then she took a pastie for herself and left the rest for Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna when they returned.

The four prefects came back ten minutes later and Eleanor handed them some food. Ron fell to his eagerly and the girls were more feminine about it. Hermione told them about the meeting and told them that Malfoy had ben removed as prefect for his behaviour last year with the Inquistorial Squad. Harry felt much better about that.

During the ride, Malfoy and his "bodyguards", Crabbe and Goyle, showed up. Malfoy began with the usual insults and was about to proceed with taunting Harry about Sirius's death. However, Eleanor interceded. Looking very impressive in her gold robes, she told off the boys. When Malfoy asked who she was, she informed him that she was the new Defense teacher. After getting the names and their house, Eleanor gave them each detention and threatened to take off points if they didn't leave, Malfoy was shocked, but grumpily lead Crabbe and Goyle out the compartment. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Charlotte were very impressed with the way Eleanor dealt with them. Luna had her dreamy expression and had continued reading the Quibbler after the three boys left, so if she was impressed, it wasn't shown.

Samera shook her head and said, "Mistress, those boys weren't polite. Did their parents not teach them their manners? Mistress should have been their mother. Then they would be more polite."

Eleanor laughed and replied. "I doubt if I was their mother, they would behave better. Though come to think of it, their parents probably encourage such behavior, what with they, at least the fathers, being Death Eaters."

Soon the train pulled in at Hogwarts and everyone gathered their things and got off.

More later...

Sorry about the time from my last post. First, I was in Disney World with my family. When I came back, my teachers announced a science and math test on Thursday, so I had to study for them since I'm not good in those subjects.

Chapter Nine: The Sorting.

The students got off and the first years headed for the boats while the others headed for the carriages. Hagrid, who was to direct the boats, waved to Harry and his friends. Harry waved back then turned to his friends who gasped since they could see the thestrals now. of course, Luna and Neville could already see them as Luna had seen her mother die and Neville had seen his grandfather's. But Ron, Hermione, and Ginny couldn't, until now. Harry's heart sank, knowing that Sirius was really dead and not missing.

Once inside the castle, Professor McGonagall took Charlotte away to the first years, as she had to be sorted. Eleanor, now known as Professor Staurt, headed for the staff table. Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table and the Sorting began a few minutes later.

First, Professor McGonagall explained the Sorting, then the Sorting Hat sang its somng. The message was the same as last year's, though it began by describing the houses and ending with "These four houses are strong, Together they are even stronger, So please get along, And now I end this song."

Professor McGonagall then began calling out the names of the students.

"Alden, Peter." The hat called out a minute later, "RAVENCLAW!"
"Andrews, Rose." "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Bell, Victor." "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Campbell, Violet." "RAVENCLAW!"
"Daniels, Ashley." "RAVENCLAW!"
"Elliot, Tobias." "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Evans, Mark." "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry was startled to hear that name. Mark had been a boy who lived in the town next to Harry's and Dudley and his gang had beaten him up once. He never realised that Mark was a wizard. Then he realised that Mark's last name was the same as his mother's maiden name? Were they related, or was just a common last name like Smith was? Harry was interrupted in his thoughts by realising that Goyle, Gearld, who appeared to be a cousin or brother of Gregory Goyle, was made the first Slytherin.

Then Grant, Charlotte was next. Professor Mcgonagall explained that Charlotte was a student transferring from America and asked the house that she was going to be sorted in to welcome her. Of course, Charlotte was sorted into Gryffindor. The Gryffindor table welcomed her, with Harry and his friends being the most delighted. Harry also noticed that Mark was sitting between Colin and Dennis Creevy and that the two were getting Mark to hero-worship Harry also. Harry held back as groan and turned his attention back to the sorting.
Finally the sorting ended with Wilkes, Elizabeth(Gryffindor), and the feast began. As Harry was eating, he realised that very few first years had been sorted into Slytherin. The six or seven who had all seemed to be related to the students already in that house.

When the feast was over, Professor Dumbledore made some announcements. He introduced Professor Staurt and everyone except the Slytherins clapped. Then he announced that the Forbidden Forest was. as usual, out-of-bounds and that the list of forbidden objects in the corriders now included the products of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Finally he told them that Quidditch tryouts would begin September 10th and that first years were now able to try out. After that, everyone was sent off to bed.

More later...

Chapter Ten: Classes

Harry woke up the next morning the same time ROn did. After they dressed and washed up, they went down to the Great Hall. Hermione, Ginny, and Charlotte were already there, eating breakfast. When Harry and Ron sat down, Charlotte handed them their schedules. Harry looked at his.

First he had Transfiguration, followed by Potions and Defense Against of Dark Arts. The next day, Tuesday, he had Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Herbology. On Wednesday, he had Transfiguration and Defense, on Thursday, Creatures, Charms, and Herbology. On Friday they had Potions and Defense. Harry was somewhat relieved to only have Potions He looked at Ron's schedule and saw that it was the same as his. Harry then looked at Hermione's and Charlotte's schedules and saw that it was the same, too, except that they had Arithmacy in place of Creatures. They also had Runes on Friday and Wednesday, for two hours.

Ginny was looking at her schedule and groaning over the fact that it was her O.W.L. year. Hermione and Charlotte promised to help her and after a look from them, Harry and Ron promised, too.

Harry looked at his schedule again and saw a note on the bottom. It read, "On Friday, stop by for Occulemency lessons. I, Prof. Staurt, will give them." harry smiled and ate breakfast.

Miore later..

Sorry about the time between this and my last post. I had a french project to do. This was one of the times that I wished I hadn't taken French. Anyway, here's the new post.

Chapter Ten continued

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Charlotte went to Transfiguration. There Professor McGonagall gave everyone a lecture on how hard the N.E.W.T.-level class was going to be. She then had everyone divide into pairs and work on transfiguring a rat into a turtle. Hermione and Charlotte accomplish'sed it within the first five minutes. Harry transfigured his rat after half-an-hour work. Ron, at the end of class, produced a turtle, also, though the tail was bit longer than it should be. Neville produced a turtle with a rat's tail and fur on its shell.

Professor McGonagall frowned at Neville's turtle, but didn't say anything. But the expression on her face showed that she wondered how Neville managed to get Exceeds Expectations on the O.W.L.. Neville whisphered to Charlotte, "I barely got an E. The final score was an eighty-one."

Next was Potions. Professor Snape did not look very happy when he walked in. First he frowned at Malfoy and Crabbe (Goyle had not gotten in N.E.W.T.-level Potions) and snapped, "How did you two manage to land yourself in detention before term started? I was not pleased when Professor Staurt when mentioned at the feast that you three had detention for some misbehaviour on the train. She said that I had clearly not taught my students to be polite and obey rules. I was greatly embaressed and if such an incident happens again, I may beforced to actually take points from Slytherin!"

Professor Snape then turned to the entire class. "This is N.E.W.T.-level Potions. I expect that all of you to work hard this year, though I doubt some of you will. How some of yopu got in is beyond me." Here he looked at Harry, Ron, and Neville. "But then, Professor Dumbledore persuaded me to take some students who received below an Oustanding so I would not have to teach only five students. Now, we shall begin work on making Veritserum, or the Truth Potion. It will take a long time to concoct. The ingredients and directions for todays part are on the board and I want everyone to follow them. You may begin."

Professor Snape sat down and looked over papers while the students began working on the potion. He did not bother the class at all and did not inspect the potions until the end of class, which was a relief for Harry and Neville. When class ended, Professor Snape kept Harry for a minute.

"I am sorry about your godfather's death. And your godmother has informed me that if I should unfairly take off points from Gryffindor, she would then take off the same number of points form Slytherin and add half of them back to Gryffindor. As I do not wish to see Slytherin lose points, I have decided to ignore the class during the work period and focus on my work for the...group. That is the reason why I left the class alone today. You may leave now and inform Eleanor that I have carried out her instructions."

Harry left the room and caught up with Hermione, Ron, Charlotte, and Neville. He told them what Professor Snape had told him. They were pleased to hear that Snape was going to ignore them during class and headed to the Great hall for lunch.

More later...

I was in Flordia last week for winter break, so couldn't post. And before that, the site was down and I didn't check to see when it was up until after my break. Anyway, here's Chapter Eleven.

Defense classes

Harry and his friends arrived for Defense class. There they found Professor Stuart putting a stack of papers together and Samera clearing away the remains of her mistress's lunch. Professor Stuart smiled at them as they walked in and asked them to sit down.

As other students filed in, Samera finished with her cleaning and popped away to the kitchens. When Malfoy walked in. Professor Stuart informed him that he and his two friends were to report that evening at seven at the Great Hall for detention with Filch. malfoy groaned, but she paid no attention.

When everyone had arrived, Professor Stuart took attendance. After that, she handed out a forty question quiz to see what the class knew about Defense Against Dark Arts. When she graded the tests, she was pleased to see that most of the students knew a great deal about it. She awarded Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff fifty points each, but gave none to Slytherin since they had gotten most of the questions wrong.

Next she gave a speech and paused at the mention of Voldemort. "I will not tolerate any more flinching and gasping at the menion of his name. Fear of the name increases fear of the thing itself. Hands uop of all those who are willing to say 'Voldemort'."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Charlotte, and Neville raised their hands. Neville was asked to say the name and he stuttered out, "V-Voldemort." Professor Stuart smiled and the first class began with evertone being asked to say "Voldemort."

'You will not be allowed to leave until you do so," said Professor Stuart. The rest of the Gryffindor sixth years sais the name after a little hesitation. The Ravenclaws followed not long after that and so did the Hufflepuffs. Then Professor Stuart told them that they had to say Voldemort, or his true name, Tom Riddle, after that and dismissed them. She then turned her attention to the Slytherins, who were being stubborn.

Millicient Bulstrode and Blaise Zabini reluctantly said the name and Harry remembered that they hadn't been part of the Inquisitorial Staff. Those two followed everyone outside. Pansy, Draco, and Crabbe refused to say the name. When Professor Stuart finally told them that if they didn't, she was going to keep them until they did and add a week's detention. Pansy muttered the name and left. Draco and Crabbe finally did when they were threatened with a thousand points off and a detention that would make them miss their next Qudditch match.

That was the first Defense class.

More later...

Chapter Eleven continued

That evening, Harry and his friends went down to Professor Stuart's office. They found Samera and Professor Stuart setting up the office and tiding it. At least, Professor Stuart was trying to, but Samera kept insisting that she could do it. In the end, she gave up and let Samera do everything, only interrupting to direct where something should go.

Professor Stuart smiled when Harry and his friends came in. "I'm glad to see you. Do you want a snack? Oh, wait, dinner was half an hour ago. How about some tea and juice then?"

Without waiting for an answer, she cleared some things off her table and used her wand to make a tray of tea and pumpkin juice appear. "How was my class today? Did you like it?"

"It was fine, Aunt-I mean Professor," said Harry.
"I liked it," added Ron. "Did you have to take off points from Slytherin?"
"No, I didn't," laughed Professor Stuart. "Miss Parkinson, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Malfoy finally said Lord Voldemort. But I did ask them to write 'Voldemort' a hundred times as punishment homework."
Ginny smiled and asked, "What will be our class be like tomorrow?"
'It will be the same, Ginny," replied Professor Stuart. "I will be making all my classes say Lord Voldemort. After that, I will teach real defense things and how to fight against the Dark Side. Oh, Hermione, could you hang this notice outside?"

Hermione took the notice, which said that all students who did not say Voldemort or Tom Riddle would end up with a detention and fifty points off from their house, and posted it out in the hall. She came back in to find Harry discussing a date for the first D.A. meeting.

Finally the date was set for next Wednesday. Charlotte and Luna made up a sign announcing it and posted it in the Defense classroom. When they came back, they found Professor Stuart occupied over the placement of her Penseive. She finally decided to put it in her cupboard.

Professor Stuart then turned around and offered to let them look at a memory or two. They agreed and she showed them one, which was of Lily and James's wedding. In it, They saw a younger Professor Stuart in pale blue dress robes and a younger Sirius in a tuxedo They were standing next to each other at the end of an aisle.

Coming up the aisle was James and Lily, James in a tuxedo and Lily in a beautifully emboirdered white bridal gown and veil. Lily carried a gorgeous boquet of delicate white lilies and pale pink roses. When they reached the end, the wizard version of a minister married them.

Harry and his friends saw Dumbledore, Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, Remus Lupin, Alice and Frank Longbottom, Moody, Emmeline Vance, Peter Pettigrew, and four people that looked like Harry's grandparents. That is, one of them looked like James, only with some grey hair mixed in the balck, and another had auburn hair like Harry's mother.

Behind them were some other people that looked like relatives to the Potters, and some friends to them, among them Mrs. and Mr. Weasly. At the very back was Harry's Aunt Petunia, looking very uncomfortable and in a blue dress and a hat with a veil.

When the ceremony was over, Aunt Petunia walked up to Lily and James, said stiffly, "I hope you'll have a happy married life, Lily, and James, look after Lily. I wish you both well. Good-bye," and left the building.

After that was a reception. Halfway through, Lily got up to throw the boquet. Professor Stuart caught it and James called out, "Padfoot, you better ask Eleanor to marry you soon! Or you should Moony!"

Lily laughed and said, "Eleanor, it looks like you're going to have to decide if you want to be Sirius or Remus for the rest of your life. I'd go with Remus, but if you still can't decide, then go with whomever asks you first."

When the reception was over, the memory ended. Professor Stuart was smiling, but had a few tears in her eyes. Harry and his friends had the same reaction. After a few minutes, Samera shut the cupboard door and harry and his friends left so they could do their homework.
More later...

Chapter twevle

The next morning, Harry went down for breakfast to find Hermione reading the Daily Prophet. She gave a gasp and showed the article to Harry and Ron. Yesterday, a family of Muggles had been killed because they had a daughter who was a witch. It turned out not to be a Hogwarts student since she had graduated two years ago. The family next door had also been killed since they had run over to investigate the screams they heard.

Harry was absolutely shocked to read it and glanced at the staff table. He saw Dumbledore looking grave, Professor McGonagall frowning, and Professor Stuart reading the paper and shaking her head. He glanced at Professor Flitwick, who was sharing the paper with her and saw that he did not look his normal cheery self. Professor Snape looked the way he normally did, only a little more stern and unpleasant, and the other teachers were too far away for him to to see clearly.

Ginny and Charlotte came down then and saw Harry's, ron's, and hermione's looks. Ron handed them the Daily Prophet and they read the article. They too turned shocked and pale and sat down quickly. None of them could eat much breakfast, though Ron managed more than the others.

The whole day Harry went through his classes in a daze, not really paying attention to what he was doing. Fortunately, Professor Flitwick did not mind, Professor Sprout wasn't paying that much attention, and Hagrid didn't mind either. (Of course, Harry paid a little more attention in Care of magical Creatures so as to make Hagrid happy.)

That evening was friday, so Harry went for his Occulemency lessons. Professor Stuart spent part of talking to Harry about the article and comforting him. Then she began the lesson. Harry did okay, not not great, since he was preoccupied over the article. however, compared to his results that he got when he Snape was teaching him, it was great. Professor Stuart told him it was a good first time with her and told him to keep practising.

More later...

Chapter Twelve continued

Soon it was time for Quidditch tryouts. Dumbledore had changed the rule so that first years could try-out, though it was suggested that any good first year students should be put in reserves, unless they were very good, like Harry was.

Harry, Ron, and Ginny were the only members left of the old team, since the rest had gradulated and left. Ginny was trying out for chaser, though Harry had no doubt she would become one. Harry had already decided to make her a reserve seeker in addition in case he couldn't play at one of the games.

The other candidates were Dennis and Colin Creevy and this first year named Alex Parker for beater, Charlotte, a third year named Natalie McDonald, and two first years, Rose Andrews and Mark Evans, for chaser. Also, a third year named Emma Dobbs was trying out for reserve keeper. The beaters that had replaced George and Fred, Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, had told Harry that they didn't want to be beaters anymore, except as reserves. Andrew however, had shown up to help Harry out.

Harry divided everyone up in teams and had them working on the position they tried out for. Since one team was short one chaser, Harry took over that part. They didn't need any seekers for the moment.

Harry watched and noticed that Colin and Dennis were good beaters. They weren't Fred and George, of course, but they were fairly and good and very enthusiastic. Alex, however, was small and therefore wasn't that good. He tried though, and wasn't too bad and Harry felt in a couple of years, Alex would turn out to be a good beater.

Ginny, Charlotte, and Natalie were very good chasers. They had excellent passing skills and looked as if they could score many goals. The only reason they didn't was because Emma Dobbs managed to save several of the attempts at her goal. Mark and Rose also appeared to be very good. Since they were young, they would need some more practice, but would make excellent substitutes if a chaser couldn't play.

Finally Harry ended the try-outs. "Everyone, you go inside now. Ron and I will discuss things over and post the results later in the evening or tomorow morning. Good-night."

Ron and Harry went inside, talking things over. They instantly decided on Ginny, Charloote, and Natalie as the chasers. Ginny would also be reserve seeker and Rose and Mark would be reserve chasers. They also decided that Colin and Dennis would be the beaters and Emma would make an excellent reserve keeper.

When Harry and Ron arrived at the common room, Hermione handed them a piece of parchment and a quill. Harry wrote down: "Chasers- Ginny Weasley, Natalie McDonald, and Charlotte Grant. Beaters- Colin Creevy and Dennis Creevy. Reserve Keeper- Emma Dobbs. Reserve seeker- Ginny Weasley. Reserve chasers- Rose Andrews and Mark Evans. Reserve beaters- Andrew Kirke and Alex Parker. Thank you to all that tried out."

Ron posted the sheet on the bulletin board. Everyone that had tried out ran to look at the sheet. The candidates were very happy with the selections, even the first years. They knew that they weren't the best and would likely end up as reserves anyway. Hermione got up to look at the sheet and told Harry and Ron that they had made good choices.

More later...

Chapter Thirteen

Quidditch practises began. Since the D.A. and Harry's occulemency lessons were also during the week, Harry and Ron had to plan it carefully. Harry arranged with Professor Stuart to always have his lesson on Friday evening. The D.A. lessons were to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tuesday being the Slytherin Quidditch practise day and Thursday a free day. The Hufflepuffs had their practise on Friday and the Ravenclaws on Monday, so the Gryffindor practise was set for Wednesday. On Saturdays when it was not a Hogsmeade weekend, the houses could take turns using the Quidditch field for practise or for fun.

Professor Stuart joined the Gryffindor practises to do some flying. She had played chaser for Gryffindor when she had been in school and was as good as James. She enjoyed flying and gave the chasers, including the reserves, advice on how to improve their playing. She admitted that she could have played Quidditch for England and had considered it, but in the end decided she'd rather be an auror.

Harry was interested and asked her to tell about her school days playing Quidditch. She told him about her tryouts in second year and how James almost didn't get to try out. Apparently James and his friends had gotten themselves in some trouble and his week's dentention was the same one as the Quidditch try-outs. Professor McGonagall had informed James that prehaps in the future he w9ould avoid getting into trouble, at least at the beginning of the year. But after some thought, she realised that she would actually be punishing him for the entire year and he was an excellent flyer. And she did want Gryffindor to win. So two days after, James was told he could attend tryouts, but would have to make up that night's detention next week.

After Harry's Occulemency lessons, Professor Stuart showed him more Quidditch relatesd memories in her Penseive. He asked about his grandparents, also.

"Well, I'm sorry to say that they're dead. James' parents were pure-blood, but since they didn't support Voldemort, Death Eaters killed them. Lily's parents, well, her father was killed by the Death Eaters because he was a Muggle and related to Lily. Lily's mother was out shopping and when she came home to find her husband dead, she went into shock and eventually died of grief. I know Lucius Malfoy was one of the Death Eaters responsible for the Potters death. And I believe the Parkinsons were responsible for the Evanses. The Lestranges may also have have been responsible for the Potter's death, but I am not certain. I wish I could prevented them. If I had just been more observant and careful...."

Professor Stuart's eyes were sad and her voice trembled slightly. "Harry, you had better, go now. I think I might start crying and I want to do it alone."

"All right, Aunt Eleanor," Harry whisphered. Professor Stuart did not correct him. She gave him a hug and gently pushed Harry to the door. Harry went, feeling very sorry for his godmother and sad to hear that his grandparents were dead, Still, it wasn't her fault they died. She couldn't have known about it until it was too late. Then again, she had been a former auror, and so that was probably why she felt partly responsible. It was too late now, though. Harry decided to have Professor Stuart show him memories of his grandparents after his next Occulemency lesson.

More later...

Chapter Thirteen continued

Even though Harry was practising Occulemency and was told he had a chance to also be a Legimens, he still managed to have a dream through his connection of Voldemort. He saw Voldemort talking to Bellatrix, her husband, and a couple of other Detah Eaters.

"Go to the Little Whining. The address is four Privet Drive. Potter's relatives live there. He seems to be protected when he's with them, so getting rid of them will stop the protections. And also attack their neighbours."

"Yes. my lord," replied the Death Eaters.

"Remember, what Potter told you was a lie," added Voldemort. "He was ranting and wanted you to turn from me when he said I wasn't pureblood. Now go! Be silent and very careful."

Harry woke up. The residents of Privet Drive, including his aunt and uncle, were in danger. He got, snatched his invisibility cloak and map and hurried outside. The Fat Lady was sleeping, so there were no startled comments when Harry left the Common room. Harry didn't really want to disturb Professor Dumbledore, where ever his bedroom was. So he headed over to his godmother, after checking out where she slept.

Harry tiptoed through her office, then knocked softly on her bedroom door, taking of his cloak at the same time. There was no sound for a few seconds, then the sleepy voice of Samera said, "Who is there?" Harry turned and saw Samera come out of an elf-sized bed under Professor Stuart's desk. She came over and saw that it was Harry.

"Oh, it is you, Harry Potter," she said. "Is you wanting to see my mistress?"

At Harry's nod, Samera said, "I will wake her." She opened the door and went you. A minute later, Professor Stuart came out.

"Harry, why are you here? Is something the matter?"

"Yes. I had a dream and Voldemort was ordering his Death Eaters to kill my aunt and uncle and their neighbours on Privet Drive."

"That is serious," replied Professor Stuart. "However, there is a guard over you house. I'll notify Dumbledore, though, so he can warn the guard. You go back to bed and I'll tell you everything in the morning. In fact, I'll walk you back so you don't get in trouble. You won't have to use your cloak."

Professor Stuart turned to Samera, told her to back to bed, and put her arm around Harry as she led him back to the Gryffindor Common Room. During the way, she told him not to worry . She did not comment about Occulemency and told him that it was a good thing he had the dream She acted a bit like Mrs. Weasley did when harry had the dream of mr. Weasley getting hurt.

Harry did manage to go back to sleep. The next morning, at breakfast, Harry was told the attack was stopped. The five Death Eaters had shown up at five in the morning. They had headed for the Dursley' house, when the guard, composing of Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, Remus, Emmeline Vance, and Hestia Jones, appeared and hexed them. They had managed to stop the Death Eaters and they had to go back to Voldemort, defeated.

Harry was very glad and explained to his friends about the dream he had and how he had slipped out to tell Professor Stuart. This news cheered Harry up and he went through his lessons, even Potions, in a good mood.

Chapter Fourteen

The first Quidditch match of the season came up. It was Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw. Dean Thomas was the announcer and at breakfast, Luna showed up wearing a hat with an eagle on it. Some people did stare at her hat, but Harry and his friends politely pretended not to notice it.

After breakfast, Luna approached Harry. "I hope you do well today. I would like Ravenclaw to win, since it is my house, but since you are a very good seeker, I'm quite sure Gryffindor will. You are certainly much better than Cho."

Harry thanked Luna and she drifted back to her house, not seeming to notice the nastly looks on some of her housemates faces. One actually confronted Luna, but another girl stepped over with Padma Patil. Those two reminded the girl that Luna was a prefect and Padma threatened detention if she didn't leave Luna alone.

Harry was concerned momentarily for Luna, recalling what she had siad last year, but then Ron called him back to the Quidditch match. Harry gathered his thoughts and lead the team to the changing rooms. When everyone had changhed, Harry gave a pep talk with some help from Ron. They went over strategy and when Harry would plan to catch the snitch. (They planned to wait until Gryffindor was at least sixty points ahead.)

On the field, Dean announced the members of the teams. Unlike Lee Jordan, he did not comment on any of the players other than to say that they were good or were new finds. Madam Hooch let out the balls and the game began. Colin and Dennis were very nervous about playing their first game with people watching them, but after a few minutes they pulled themselves together and started playing as well as they did in practises. Ron froze up for a few minutes, letting one score in, but he also pulled himself together and started playing with confidence.

Charlotte, Ginny, and Natalie did an excellent job chasing. They scored several goals and the score was 100 to 20, Gryffindor, before Harry spotted the snitch. He went after it, Cho Chang in pursuit behind him. Unfortunately, the snitch disappeared from view a minute later. Harry sighed and pulled the broom back up. Cho smiled at Harry. For a brief moment, Harry felt the old feelings for her, but it passed. Harry gave a tentative smile back and looked to the stands. He saw Hermione and Luna cheering. His heart gave a leap when he saw Luna and he remembered how he had felt after talking with her. If he was having feelings for Luna, he knew it would not end up like with Cho. He knew that Luna would not cry all the time and she could make him feel better.

Harry suddennly saw the snitch again and quickly went off in pursuit. Dean was yelling, "It look like Potter has seen the snitch! And there he goes, with Chang after her. But she is no match for Harry's Firebolt. He goes into a dive and-YES! Harry has caught the snitch! The score is three hundred to thirty! Gryffindor wins!"

The Gryffindors brust into cheers, along with Luna and a few Hufflepuffs who were supporting Gryffindor. Harry, still clutching the snitch, flew to the ground, the rest of the Gryffindor team after him. He landed and handed Madam Hooch the snitch. There was a lot of clapping and cheerimg and back slaps. Harry complimented each member of the team and then they went inside to change and shower.

After that, a party to celebrate Gryffindor's victory started. The house elves had brought up some food for them. The party lasted until ten o'clock, when Hermione and a seventh year prefect decided it was time for bed.

More later...

Chapter Fourteen continued

That night, Harry had another dream, This one showed Voldemort again talking to his Death Eaters. He was telling them to go to some house. Harry could not figure out why and probed. Finally he heard Voldemort say, "If you succeed, this will ruin Potter and his friends. That Mudblood friend of his will certainly be very devasted."

Harry suddenly realised it had to be Hermione Granger they were talking about. Just then, he heard Voldemort exclaim, "Potter! He's here! In my mind." Harry immediately woke up. He grabbed his invisilbility cloak and went down again to see Professor Stuart. As soon as he reached the bedroom, he flung open the door, not bothering to knock. He heard Samera call behind him, "Who's there?" Professor Stuart sat up in bed and lighted a lamp with her wand. She was very surprised to see Harry.

She got out of bed and pulled on a bathrobe over her nightgown. "Is something the matter, Harry?" she asked. "Did you have another dream? You really should work on you Occulemency-"

"Look, Voldemort's planning to attack the Grangers at five!" shouted Harry. "I heard him tell the Death Eaters! He gave an adress and said it would really hurt me and my friends! You've got to stop them!"

"Calm down Harry," soothed Professor Stuart. "Hermione's house is being guarded, too. In fact, tonight it's Moody's, Arthur's, Hestia's and Remus's turn. You needn't worry. I'll just have Dumbledore warn them."

"But Voldemort figured out I was in his mind at the very end!" exclaimed Harry. "I woke up as soon as he figured out! He knows I'll warn Dumbledore or you and have the Grangers be rescued! You've-"

"Harry James Potter!" snapped Professor Stuart. "Calm down and stop talking in exclamation points. If he doesn't attack tonight, or rather this morning, he'll attack later. The guard will just have to be on their guards and watch for an attack. Now don't work youself up into hysterica like an ill child or a spoiled child that can't get waht it wants. Now, I'm going to walk you to bed and have you take a dreamless sleep potion."

She rummaged through a cupboard and found a bottle labeled, "D. Sleep". Then she took Harry's arm and led him to the Gryffindor Common room, saying, "I'm glad you had this dream, but you really need to work harder on your Occulemency. You do very well in lessons with me, so you shouldn't be getting the dreams. But then, you probably forgot to clear your mind with that victory party and all." They arrived at the Fat Lady's picture. She looked disproving, but seeing that a teacher was with Harry, didn't say anything and let Harry through. Professor Stuart went in after him. She conjured a cup, poured in some of the potion, and handed it to Harry.

"Go to bed and take it before you sleep. I don't want you getting more dreams. I'll have the Order warned and tell you what happens in the morning. Don't mention this to Hermione. If anything goes wrong, I'll tell her. If not, she doesn't need to know. Is that clear, Harry?"

Harry nodded and went up the stairs, holding the cup of potion. Professor Stuart smiled and left the common room. The next morning, Harry found out that the Death Eaters did attack, only at four in the morning, hoping to catch the guard off guard. However, having been warned, the four were watchful and took out the Death Eaters. Two were badly injured and threatened to die, one was in custody, and Bellatrix and Rudolphus Lestrange escaped with minor injuries. Remus suffered a few scratches and Hestia Jones had been hit with a spell, but otherwise they were fine. Moody had made some remarks about how constant viligence really helps when you're about to be attacked.

Harry was very relieved. True to his promise, he did not mention it to Hermione. Neither did he mention it to Ron, since he could slip and tell Hermione. And since Mr. and Mrs. Granger didn't know about the attack, they couldn't tell their daughter about it, either.

More later...

Chapter Fourteen

The first Hogsmeade visit came up. Harry asked Luna to do with him. Luna smiled and had agreed. Harry was very happy and noticed that Ron and Hermione were going together. The same was true of Neville and Charlotte. When the day came, Harry met Luna at the entrance and led her outside. She was wearing her butterbeer caps necklace and radish earrings. Harry asked her about the necklace and she said, "Oh, Mum and I used to collect them and string them into necklaces. When she died, I started wearing this to remember her by. Of course, the other girls think it's odd, but my dormmate Amy Parker doesn't. I told her about it when she asked."

"Is she nice to you?" asked Harry

"Of course," replied Luna. "She never calls me Loony Lovegood like some of the other girls and lets me put my homework and books in her trunk so no one can steal them. She tries to make the other girls leave me alone. Her friend Jody helps sometimes, but I think she's too shy to stand up to others."

Harry recalled a girl with Padma telling another girl to leave Luna alone. He supposed that girl must be Amy. Luna smiled and said, "Let's go now, instead of standing here and thinking about Heliopaths or something."

The two went into Hogsmeade and walked about. Luna stopped at the post office to deliver a letter to her father. Then they went into Honeydukes where they looked over the candy. Harry bought Luna a box of chocolates and Luna got Harry a box of Every Flavour Beans. After that, they went to Zonko's Joke Shop. Zonko's had been very impressed with Fred and George's products and had signed a contract with them. So now Zonko's was selling Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes products.

Luna and Harry examined the products and laughed over some funny ones. Finally they bought chocolates that would make you breathe fire and two Skiving Snackboxes. When they were done, they joined Ron, Hermione, Charlotte, and Neville at the Three Broomsticks for butterbeers (or in Luna's case, a gillywater with onion).

Ron and Charlotte had bought some of the twins products and they had switched candy boxes with Hermione and Neville. Professor Stuart turned up. She had bought the twins' products also, as well as some useful things for defense classes. She ordered a cherry soda and stayed to talk with Harry and his friends. When her soda was sone, she paid, said good-bye, and left.

Much later, Harry and Luna headed back to Hogwarts, having throughly enjoyed their day.

More later...

Chapter Fifteen

At the next D.A. meeting, Luna introduced Amy Parker and Jody White to Harry. Amy gave a little squeak and was very excited to meet the famous Harry Potter. Jody blushed a little and shyly said, "Hello." Harry could tell that she was very shy and wondered how she ended becoming best friends with Amy, who was more outgoing. He decided that opposites really do attract.

Harry then recalled watching Jody at the past few lessons and seeing that she was very good. Harry talked with Jody and found out that she was Muggleborn. She warmed up to tell him more a few minutes later. After reading Hogwarts, a History, she had wanted to be in Gryffindor, since that seemed the best house. Then she met Amy on the train and they soon became friends. By the time for the Sorting, Jody had decided to be in whatever house Amy was in, as long as it wasn't Slytherin. Luckily, the Sorting Hat saw that Jody was quite smart and would be perfect for Ravenclaw, so Amy and Jody weren't separated.

Amy then interrupted. "Harry, I'm glad you and Ron and hermione are friends with Luna. She really needs them. You know the other Ravenclaws really don't like her and think she's odd and are mean to her, especially that Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe. Though Marietta hasn't bothered Luna since she got hexed and Cho has sort of ignored Luna when Cedric died and she sort of went out with you. Padma is the only one that doesn't bother her and ever since Padma became a prefect, sticks up for her. And Jody and I really are Luna's only friends in Ravenclaw. She needs people who will look past her odd ways, even if they are in other houses."

Harry suddenly looked angry when he heard that Cho and Marietta were the two that had been the meanest to Luna. "What did you say about Cho, Amy?"

"I said that Cho was one of the meanest to Luna, even if she did seem all sweet and nice to you. And she got away with it when she became a prefect. She actually tried to give Luna a detention for wearing the butterbeer caps necklace and radish earrings. I pointed out to her that there was no rule that forbid Luna from wearing them. Then Cho got mad, forgot about Luna and told me that I would have detention for talking back and questioning her. I didn't really care, as long as she left Luna alone."

Harry got even more angry, but Hermione interrupted him to remind him to begin the session. Harry did, but his mind wasn't into it. Professor Stuart took over and let harry be with his thoughts. When the meeting was over, Harry went with Luna, Amy, and Jody to the Ravenclaw common room. There he had Cho come out to talk with him. They went to an empty classroom where Harry warned Cho to leave Luna alone. He told her that Amy had told him about how she treated Luna. Cho tried to deny it, but Harry didn't listen.

"Cho, you will leave Luna alone or I will tell Professor Flitwick! I don't think you would want to be stipped of your position as prefect. Furthermore, I do not know what I or Cedric saw in you. You were pretty and may have been sweet to us, but I never realised that you could also be so mean to one of your housemates. I'm glad I broke up with you and that we never actually were together, except for that stupid date on Valentine's Day. The next time I do that, it will be with some nicer girl, like Luna. And I want you to tell Marietta that she had better leave Luna alone, too. Now good-bye."

Harry strode off to his common room, feeling less angry after the warning he gave Cho.

More later...

Chapter Fifteen continued

The next night, the Gryffindor Quidditch team, plus the reserves, came inside from practice. Harry, Ron, Charlotte, and Ginny were surprised to see Amy cleaning the floor by the Great Hall the Muggle way, with a bucket and rag. They exchanged looks and Ginny asked, "Amy, how did you get detention?"

Amy looked up and gave a wry smile. "It looks like I shouldn't have told you guys how Luna was being treated. Cho was in a right state after Harry talked to her. She didn't bother Luna, but came up to me and yelled at me. Then she gave me a detention, and Jody too, when she stood up for me. Luna tried to stop it, but Cho just ignored her and walked away. Filch's got me mopping the floor and Jody is polishing the stuff in the trophy room with him."

Ginny and Charlotte gasped and Harry and Ron exchanged angry looks. Ron said, "Harry, mate, I think we had better talk with Flitwick. Cho is abusing her prefect powers." Harry nodded and they went to their rooms to change. Then they set out to go, but realised that they didn't know where Professor Flitwick's office was. They then wondered if they should speak with Professor Mcgonagall or Stuart and have them then talk to Professor Flitwick. Ron then remembered the Mauraders Map and Harry ran to get it. They checked it and then headed to Professor Flitwick's office.

Professor Flitwick greeted the trio and Charlotte and Ginny cheerfully. Hermione and Harry explained why they were there. When he heard about Cho and Marietta, Professor Flitwick stopped being cheerful. He became very grave and said, "Thank you for telling me of this. Five points to Gryffindor to each of you. I will have a talk with Miss Chang and Miss Edgecombe. Miss Chang will certainly not be a prefect anymore and I will take points off and I will have Mr. Filch stop the detentions for Miss White and Miss Parker."

The five of them left and Professor Flitwick went to the trophy room to tell Filch that the two detentions were over. Harry felt better that Cho was going to be stopped.

More later...

Chapter Sixteen

There was another Quidditch match. This one was Slytherin versus Hufflepuff. Three quarters of the school sported yellow rosettes at the match. The other one quarter, who were Slytherins, wore green rosettes. The match was close one and Dean Thomas kept shouting things like "Go, Hufflepuff!" and "Beat Slytherin's bloody ars*!' The latter comment got him in trouble with McGonagall, who threatened to take off points if he didn't stick to the facts.

Finally the Hufflepuff seeker managed to catch the snitch, making the score 240 to 200. Malfoy was very angry and knocked into the Hufflepuff seeker, making him let go of the snitch. Luckily, Dean had already announced the Snitch being caught and the teachers saw what happened. McGonagall went into a tirade, taking thirty points from Slytherin. Even Snape looked angry and curtly informed Malfoy that he would have a detention for his bad sportsmanship. Madam Hooch angrily told Malfoy that he would have to look for the snitch and return it to her.

For the next week, rumors began circulating that if Malfoy kept things up, he could be thrown of the Slytherin team. The other houses were pleased, especially Gryffindor. Rumors also said that Snape was disgusted with Malfoy's behaviour and bad sportsmanship and that he was suggesting the permenant ban. The Gryffindors knew that that rumor was most likely untrue, since Snape did want Slytherin to start winning the Quidditch Cup again.

Soon the rumors died down when Malfoy was not thrown off the team. Everything turned back to normal.

Chapter Sixteen continued

Halloween came along. Signs were posted encouraging people to dress up. The Muggle Studies and Defense teachers had piles of costumes and lists of costume ideas in their classrooms. Professor Dumbledore then decided to host a Halloween ball. Students would have to be in costume for it.

Harry and Ron talked things over and they decided to dress up as the Muggle idea of a wizard and vampire. Professor Stuart helped them with the costumes. Hermione, Charlotte and Ginny were also planning costumes but would not tell the boys what they were going to be. Charlotte did tell Neville, but on condition he didn't tell anyone else.

The night of the ball arrived. Harry put on a pointed wizard's hat with sparkly stars on it and dark blue robes with stars. Ron had false fangs and was in balck with a black and red cape. His face was powdered white. Then the two headed for the Great Hall. They found Hermione dressed as an old-fashioned lady. Charlotte seemed to be dressed up as the Muggle idea of a fairy, but they couldn't tell if it was her because of the mask over the face. Ginny was dressed as Morgana le Fay.

When they entered the Great Hall, Harry glanced at the teachers. Dumbledore was dressed as Merlin and Professor McGonagall was costumed as a cat. A very grumpy looking Snape was costumed as a Muggle scientist and Professor Stuart ws next to him trying to cheer him up. Harry couldn't tell what Professor Stuart was dressed up as but Hermione did. "She's costumed as one of the elf maidens in the Lord of the Rings trilogy!"

Hermione then had to explain that it was a Muggle trilogy having to do with a magic ring and a race of small people called hobbits. She told Harry and Ron that she would lend them the trilogy to read. Harry nodded and looked to see if there was anyone else he recognised. He saw Madam Pomfrey dressed as a Muggle nurse and Professor Flitwick as the Muggle idea of a goblin. He spotted Luna dressed as the Muggle version of the witch. She looked exactly like one, except for her hair. The Muggle idea of witches usually portrayed them with black or red hair, not silvery blonde.

Harry asked Luna to dance and she agreed. They had lovely time together and at the end of the ball, awards were given for things like best costume, scariest costume, fanciest costume and best couples costume. Harry and Luna got second place for best couples costume. Crystal got a prize for prettiest costume. (yes, she was the fairy.) Hermione got first place for fanciest costume. Ron got third place for best Muggle version costume. All the winners were given a chocolate trophy, a certificate, and ten galleons certificate for sweets at Honeydukes or joke stuff at Zonko's or Weasley's Wizard Wheees.

The ball was wonderful and Harry enjoyed it very much.

Chapter Seventeen

The Halloween ball was the talk fo the school for the next few weekes. Everyone kept discussing how fun it was and how cool all the costumes were. Everyone especially laughed over Snape dressed as a Muggle scientist. Potions was the magic equivalent of chemistry, but Snape hadn't seemed too happy about it. There were rumors that the staff had to stun him to get him in the csotume and then put the Imperious Curse to make sure he didn't take it off.

Harry and his friends got the truth from Professor Stuart. The staff had to persuade Snape to put the costume on and Professor Stuart had to threaten to hex him to get him to keep the costume on and stay for the duration of the ball. Hermione and Harry tried to set people straight over the rumors, without much success. Neville, Dean, and Seamus believed Harry. Lavender and Parvati insisted on believing the rumors. The other houses did the same, with the exception of Luna, Amy, Jody, Padma, Ernie McMallian, Justin Finch-Fletchy, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott.

The talk soon died out as news of a Christmas ball came up. It was to take place on December 20th, before break started. That would give students the chance to go home instead of having to stay at Hogwarts to attend a ball, which they had to do for the Yule Ball during the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

Girls started fussing over what they would wear and the boys keyed up their courage to ask girls they liked to the ball. Ron, a bit shy, asked Hermione to go with him. Hermione said yes and hugged Ron right after. Then she said jokingly, "I see you learned your lesson and asked me right away, instead of as a last resort like the last time." They had laughed over it.

Harry got up the courage to ask Luna and Luna had said yes. Neville wanted to ask Charlotte, but he was too shy. Everytime he tried, he ended up stuttering and asking some other question. Finally Charlotte had to ask him, instead of the other way around. Neville looked relieved and said yes. Dean asked Ginny, since they had been sort of going out ever since Ginny had broken up with Michael Croner.

Ron, who had been shocked when he first found out, had calmed down enough to not make a fuss over Dean taking Ginny to the ball. First of all, Dean was in the same house as them, whereas Maichael had been a Ravenclaw. He was a very nice person and if Ron hadn't accepted the idea, then Dean would have found it unconfortable being in the same dorm and Quidditch team.

December came around and so did a Hogsmeade visit. Girls were buying robes and acessories and boys were thinking of presents and what they should get their dates.

Chapter Seventeen continued

The day of the ball arrived. Harry quickly got dressed in dark green robes trimmed with red. He unsuccessfully tried to flatten down his hair. Then he put on a bit of cologne and picked up the corsage and necklace he had gotten Luna. He then followed Ron, Neville, and Dean out to the common room.

Charlotte, Hermione, and Ginny came down the stairs. Charlotte was wearing dress robes of a floatly sky blue material trimmed with pale pink. Her long blonde hair was up in an elegant knot, but a few curls did frame her face. She had on make-up and sparkly pink polish on her nails. She was also wearing sapphire earrings, a necklace of rose-colored pears, and a silver bracelet, and a butterfly-shaped pin. Neville gaped at her and then handed her a corsage of blue flowers and a small silver ring.

Hermione was wearing robes of a darker blue. Her hair was sleak and shiny and done up in the same knot she had at the last Christmas Ball. She wore dangly earrings with blue drops, a gold locket on a chain, and a bangle bracelet. Ron, with an awestruck look on his face, stammered, "Y-You're absoulutely b-b-beautiful, 'M-Mione," and handed her the corsage and a little pin in the shape of a rose.

Ginny was wearing robes of a very pale green. Her red hair fell in soft waves and had a red rose tucked in it. She had on pearl earrings, a silver locket on a chain, and a pin in the shape of a daisy and had sparkling gold polish on her nails. Dean gave her a corsage and a bangle bracelet.

Harry smiled at the girls and complimented them. Then he went to meet Luna in front of the Ravenclaw common room. Luna was waiting when Harry approached her. He stopped for a moment, stunned at her beauty. She was wearing silvery-colored robes with tiny pink roses embroidered at the hem. She had on light pink lipstick and a little pale blue eyeshadow on her eyelids. She had on no other make-up. Her blonde hair fell down loose and she was wearing her radish earrings and a ring with the initials R.G.L. inscribed.

Harry asked about the ring and Luna told him that it had once belonged to her mother. Harry nodded and helped Luna put on the necklace he was giving her. Then he handed her a corsage of tiny pink and white roses and tucked a large pink rose in Luna's hair.

They went into the Great Hall. It was decorated with tinsel, holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees. The armor had either been removed or transfigured into decorations. Little fairies flew around the walls. Harry asked Luna to dance. Luna turned out to be a very good dancer. They spent the evening dancing together, trading off with their friends, and sitting down to rest and have refreshments. Harry had a dance each with Charlotte, Hermione, and Ginny, and even agreed to one dance with Parvati Patil.

Harry had a lovely time, much better than at tthe last Yule Ball, and just before it was over, he took Luna to a quiet corner under some mistletoe and kissed her. Luna kissed him back and said, "You're a good kisser."

Harry replied, "You are too. The first one I had with Cho was terrible. She was crying at the time, so it was wet." Then he realised that perhaps he shouldn't have mentioned that. But Luna merely laughed and and kissed Harry again. Harry smiled and took Luna back to her common room. Before she went in, they shared one last kiss.

Harry returned to the Gryffindor common room, knowing that Luna had to be the girl for him.

Chapter Eighteen

Christmas break came and Harry and his friends went to Professor Staurt's house for Christmas. When they arrived, Remus and Eleanor announced their big news. They were engaged and would be married the day after tomorrow, on Christmas. Charlotte already knew about it, but it was a surprise for the others. Remus explained that they had wanted it to be a surprise.

Charlotte, Ginny, and Hermione would be bridesmaids. Harry and Ron would be joint best men. Dumbledore would marry the two and Samera, Minty, and Winky would do the wedding feast. Dobby had also been borrowed to get the house in order for the wedding and Christmas. Everyone was very excited and the girls oohed and ahed over the dress robes Eleanor had ordered for them to wear at the wedding.

The bridesmaids dresses were a pale blue and made of silk trimmed with pink satin. The boys were given what could only be called tuxedos, even though their style was more like dress robes. Eleanor had a gorgeous wedding gown made out of a very pale pink. The skirt was wide, with lace insets, darker pink rosettes, and flounces. Harry and Ron had to admit it was beautiful, if somewhat fancy. Remus' outfit was like the boys, only a little more elegant.

When Christmas came, everyone got up early to open presents. Harry got from Remus and Eleanor his parents' wedding rings and Sirius's flying motorcycle. Ron got him a book on Quidditch, Hermione gave him a book on Defense, Charlotte gave him a gold bracelet charmed to protect him from all spells except the Unforgiveables, Ginny a box of sweets, and Luna and Neville sent him a Remembrall and a book on creatures like snorkacks and heliopaths. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gave him the usual sweater and a tin of peanut brittle and cookies, Tonks gave him a modlel of a Nimbus Two Thousand, the twins gave him another box of their products, and Bill and Charlie gave him a wallet and a modle of a Chinese Fireball. Dobby and Winky gave Harry a red and gold wool hat and Samera and Minty gave him a painting of him and his friends at his birthday party. It had been copied from a picture and was done much better than the one Dobby had given him last year. The rest of the order collectively gave him a wand polishing kit and a book on how Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald.

Harry loved all his gifts and couldn't wait for the wedding that afternoon.

Chapter Eighteen continued

That afternoon was the wedding. Harry and Ron put on their tuxedos/dress robes and then went to wait with Remus. As grooms normally were before weddings, Remus was very nervous and said that he wondered if it was a mistake on Eleanor's part. Harry and Ron were busy trying to calm Remus down. Finally, Harry snapped, "Remus! If you run away now or refuse to go with the ceremony, how do you think Eleanor would feel? She would be hurt and everyone would say how mean you were to jilt the bride right before the wedding."

Remus stopped his moaning then and promised that he would go through with it. At two o'clock, Remus, with Harry and Ron beside him, went into the living room. Chairs had been assembled for the guests, with an aisle between them for the bride and bridesmaids to walk through. Dumbledore was waiting at the head and whispered some words of advice and comfort.

At exactly two fifteen, the guests all sat down and then Eleanor came in, with the Wedding March playing in the background. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding dress, with pale pink roses in her long hair and a misty white veil. She carried a bouquet of pink and white roses.

Ginny, Hermione, and Charlotte followed behind. They looked very pretty in their blue bridesmaid dresses. They each had a wreath of blue flowers in their hair and carrled smaller bouquets of blue flowers and smaller pink roses. Remus stared at Elenor and his knees buckled. Luckily, Harry and Ron had firm hold of him and Ron whisphered, "Calm down, Remus."

Dumbledore then began the ceremony. He opened his little book and began to read. Unfortunately, the words seemed to hve changed. Instead of "for richer or poorer" it read, "for how much galleons and sickles you have", instead of "in sickness and health" it read, "whether or not you get sick", and instead of "till death do you part," it read, "for however may years you have until you suddenly croak." Apparently the Weasley twins had changed the writing as they started laughing when Dumbledore first began speaking.

It did have the effect of calming Remus as he and Eleanor began laughing. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Charlotte also began laughing while Hermione was torn between laughing and being angry. Fully three-fourths of the guests began laughing while the remaining one-fourth looked angry. Dumbledore chuckled and then with a twinkle in his eyes asked Fred and George to kindly change the writing back.

The twins did so and the ceremony began again. This time the vows went through properly. Ron then handed Remus a gold wedding ring set with rubies and Harry handed Eleanor a gold ring set with emeralds. Remus and Eleanor exchanged rings, Dumbledore pronounced them husband and wife, and the two kissed. Everyone cheered and then went into the dining room for the wedding feast and cake. There were numerous congratulations for the happy couple and everyone enjoyed the lovely wedding cake Samera and Minty had made.

Then Eleanor got up to throw the boquet. She conjured up a tall platform and she stood on it. Then she tossed the boquet over her shoulder and Hermione caught it, to everyone's surprise. Hermione and Ron turned red as their friends started teasing them and telling Ron that he had better ask Hermione to marry him soon.

Chapter Nineteen

The day after the wedding, Remus and Eleanor went on their honeymoon. They Apparated to Orlando, Flordia, with their luggage. Harry wished he could go with them and see Disney World. The Dursleys had gone once eight years ago, but as usual, left Harry to spend the week with Mrs. Figgs.

Hermione had gone to Disney World once, and had to explain it to Ron. She had her parents owl her some of the pictures taken there and the little autogrpah book full of autographs from Disney characters. Harry and Ron pored over the pictures and Harry and Hermione had to explain what animated movies were and tell Ron the names of characters like Mickey Mouse.

On New Year's Day, Remus and Eleanor came back. They were very happy and had had a great time in Disney World. The two told the trio about their honeymoon and rides and activities they had done there. They had gotten souvenirs for everyone and had lots of pictures and postcards. Harry received a t-shirt with Mickey Mouse on it, Hermione got a book telling about Disney World, and Ron received a t-shirt with Donald Duck on it. They were each given a few pictures and postcards, too.

Later that day, the trio laughed to see Dumbledore wearing the Mickey Mouse ears that Remus and Eleanor had given him. He did look funny and Dumbeldore good-naturedly accepted the laughter. Snape had also been given a pair, but he did not wear it. When Eleanor gave it to him, he had stiffly said thank you and then put it away.

However, Snape did end up wearing it at dinner and Fred and George confided that they had charmed the ears so that Snape would be forced to wear it. The charm did wear off after dinner and Snape was horrified. Everyone had a good laugh, except for Snape, who threw the ears in the grabage and stalked angrily away.

Chapter Nineteen continued

The day after New Year's, everyone packed up and went back to Hogwarts. Ron groaned over having to take the Knight Bus again. He had been excited the first time, but after that experience, he wasn't too keen on it. Ron complained so much that finally Charlotte tied him to the seat and Eleanor used her wand to put him to sleep.

When the bus finally pulled into Hogsmeade, Eleanor woke Ron up and untied him and everyone got off. Ron was annoyed over having been tied up and sleep, but relieved that he hadn't felt the ride. Harry looked enviously at Ron and wished that he could have been asleep and tied, too.

The group went to their dorms to unpack. Neville, Seamus, and Dean asked them how the holidays went. Harry and Ron told them that Eleanor had gotten married and that she was now Professor Lupin. Dean looked slightly puzzled, then said, "Oh, you mean she married our old Defense teacher! That's great! So she didn't mind that he's a werewolf?"

Harry nodded. "She's really happy and so is Remus. We attended the wedding, since Eleanor is my gomother. It was lovely. Remus was all worried, but he recovered. And Fred and George played around with the wedding vows."

Ron explained, "Yeah, they changed the print so that instead of 'for richer and poorer' it was 'for however many galleons and sickles you have' and instead of 'til death do you part', it was 'for however many years you have until you suddenly croak.'"

The other boys laughed. "I wish I could have been there," said Seamus.

"It was funny," said Harry. "And it relaxed Remus so he didn't run off. Oh, and Eleanor and Remus went to Disney World for their honeymoon."

Neville and Seamus looked puzzled and Dean said, "Oh, it's an amusement park in America. In the state of Flordia. I went their once when I was seven. My mum and stepdad took me."

Harry exclaimed, "You have a stepdad, Dean?"

Dean nodded. "My dad took off when I was really young and my mum remarried. I don't know much about him. Mum said he was really worried about something and then he just disappeared. He either died or walked out on us."

The others were sympathetic. Dean shrugged. "It's all right. I don't really remember him. And my stepdad's nice to me and like a real father."

Ron hastily changed the subject to Quidditch then.

Chapter twenty

Classes got even harder after the holidays. For Potions, everyone had to make a Polyjuice Potion, which would take about a month to concoct. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged looks when it was assigned. They had secretly made one in their second year and found the assignment easy. Professor Snape frowned and looked a bit suspicious over the trio's work, but didn't say anything.

In Defense, everyone had to work on producing a Patronus. For those who could produce one, like Hermione, Ron, Charlotte, and Dean, they practised on a broggart-turned-dementor. Eleanor had found a broggart, had Harry stand near it to turn into a dementor, and then had students line up one by one to do their Patronus. Hermione's otter Patronus, Charlotte's unicorn Patronus, and Dean's tiger Patronus worked. Ron's dragon Patronus was a little weak and didn't work very well on the broggart-dementor.

Eleanor spent extra time helping Ron and after two classes, he finally was able ward of the fake dementor. Once those students were done, they were assigned to work on dueling with Harry supervising, while Eleanor focused on the students who couldn't produce Patronuses. During the weekly D.A. lessons, everyone focused on dueling and related things, while in classes they focused on Patronuses.

In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall worked on Animagus transformation. All the students that had any chance of becoming an Animagus spent class time working on it. The rest worked on transfiguring a table into a chair.

Once a week, on Saturday evenings, all six years had Apparation lessons with Madam Hooch. The anti-apparation wards on the Quidditch pitch, where the lessons took place, had been partly removed. People could apparate within the field, but no one could apparate there from elsewhere.

The only classes that was relatively easy were Charms, Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures. And even Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout had them work on more advanced charms or advanced plants. Hagrid's classes were the easiest and the class spent time on learning about dragons. Hagrid was allowed to show a baby dragon for class and the Harry and Ron was reminded of Norbert.

This dragon was named Marty and Harry and Ron exchanged looks. Why was it that the dangerous creatures, like dragons and three-headed dogs, get named cute names like Fluffy and Nobert, while Hagrid's dog, who at worst would bark and slobber you to death, gets named Fang? They shook their head over Hagrid's thinking. The dangerous ones get cute names while the one that isn't gets a fierce-spunding name.

Hermione and Charlotte had not answer for it. Harry shrugged and focused on the lessons. When they were done, Charlie Weasly came to take Marty back to it's natural habitat, which put Hagrid into tears. He had become attached to little Marty, who wasn't so little anymore. Harry and Ron shook their heads and exchanged looks.

Chapter Twenty continued

During Defense class, Eleanor worked with Neville, who still couldn't produce a corpeal patronus. His vapor was taking shape into a four-legged animal, but no one could figure out what it was. Neville looked worried and Eleanor had to have him come for extra lessons.

Harry was doing well on his Apparation lesons. He was able to apparate himself across the Quidditch field, like Hermione. Ron was able to apparate half that distance, while Madam Hooch was still working with Neville on apparating a few feet.

In Animagus lessons, Neville was hopeless. Despite the fact that his father had been an Animagus, Neville wasn't able to even get his hair to grow. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were working on becoming animals. Harry knew that his form was a phoenix and was starting to form feathers. Hermione's form was a kneazle and she was starting to form fur. Ron's form was to be a lion and once or twice he was able to produce a mane or a lion's tail.

Finally Professor McGonagall gave Neville up in despair. It was obvious that he was never going to become an animagus. It was true that if someone in your family was an animagus, you would probably be one, too, but Neville was going to be an exception to that rule. Neville was disappointed, but was relieved to give up the lessons.

Wendy offered to give him extra help in that, but Neville refused. harry fekt sorry for Neville, but there was nothing her could do. Maybe if Neville had been the Boy-who-lived, he would be better, but Voldemort had marked Harry not him. Harry sighed and told Neville that it was all right.

This is not an update, sadly. I have writer's block, as well as a project to do for school. All updates will have to be put on hold until I have some time and get some ideas. Could all my readers kindly send in their ideas and suggestions for future updates? I won't use them all, but they will be considered. And I will defintely use some. Thanks.

Chapter twenty continued

The weeks flew by quickly and it was the final match for Quidditch. It was Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw. Gryffindor was eighty points ahead, so it was possible for Gryffindor to lost the match by ten or twenty points and still win the cup. The Gryffindors had no intention of doing so, especially Ron. He had been working extr hard in practises and polishing up his Keeper skills, determined not to be as terrible as the year before.

When the match begin, All the Gryffindors and half the Hufflepuffs wore red rosettes. All the Ravenclaws and half the Hufflepuffs wore blue rosettes. The Slytherins weren't wearing any, but they supported Ravenclaw since they didn't want Gryffindor to win the cup.

The match was very close, and after twenty minutes, the score was eighty to fifty, Gryffindor. Harry flew around looking for the snitch, followed by Cho. After another twenty minutes, the score was 190 to 80, Gryffindor. Harry still had not spotted the snitch.

After an hour had gone by, the score was 280 to 100, Gryffindor. Harry finally caught a flash of gold and went after it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a gold charm bracelet Charlotte was wearing for good luck. He quickly pulled himself up and loked around agian for the snitch.

After two hours, the score was 600 to 150. Finally Harry saw Cho speeding after a flash of gold. He realised it was the snitch and went after Cho. Dean screaed, "Chang and Potter have seen the snitch!They are going after it. But Chang has a big lead and might get there first!"

Harry cursed himself for not seeing the snitch first, but knew that it wouldn't matter, since Gryffindor was way ahead and would win even if Cho did catch the snitch. Since Cho already had a minute lead, she was closer to the sntich. Harry urged his broom faster, then realised that it was pointless. It would be nice if he let Cho catch the snitch. It didn't really matter if he didn't catch it, since Gryffindor would win the match and cup anyway.

He was undecided, but suddenly he heard Dean yell, "Chang has caught the snitch! The game is over and Gryffindor wins, with the score six hundred to three hundred! Gryffindor wins the Cup!"

Harry pulled up, realising that while he had been distracted with thinking, Cho had gotten to the snitch first and had caught it. He then flew to the ground and shook Cho's hand. "Good game, Cho."

Cho smiled back and then the teams broke up to change. The Gryffindors were all cheering and after the team was done changing, there was a party in the common room.

Chapter 21

After the last Quidditch match, Harry spent his time studying for exams. It wasn't as hard as it was for O.W.L year nor was it as hard as the N.E.W.T. However, it was still pretty hard, since the teachers were pushing them in preparation for the N.E.W.T-level. Hermione and Charlotte had drawn up timetables for the group fo friends.

Somehow, Hermione and Charlotte found the time to study for their own exams and help Ginny with her studying for the O.W.L. exams. Harry shook his head, wondering how they did it. Harry only had time to study for his exams. Yet Hermione was studying for her tests, helping Ginny, and doing prefect duties on top of it. But then, Hermione was very organised and always got the top scores, except for Defense Against Dark Arts, where Harry could outshine her.

When the exmas came, the teachers handed them exams that were similar to the ones that they would take in seventh year. The only exception was Eleanor. She did have her students answer questions on a test paper. However, after that, she had the class divide up in pairs and duel each other. She graded them on how well they dueled.

After the test, Eleanor pulled Harry aside and whispered, "You did an excellent job. You received top marks. As for your friends Ron, Hermione, and Neville, they did very well too, and also received top marks, though slightly less than yours. Oh, and tell Charlotte that she also did well."

Harry grinned and told his friends what Eleanor had said. They were very pleased to find out that they had done so well and Neville was slightly surprised. The last time he had gotten top marks was the Defense Exam Remus Lupin had given in third year. The other time he had done well was his O.W.L. exam, which had been an E.

When the exams were over, Harry was very relieved and he was able to spend some time with Luna. They had some lovely talks and walked around the grounds.

Chapter 22

Finally the term was over. There was an end-of term feast. In it, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were presented the house cup, since they had tied with 985 points each. Hufflepuff was second with 980 points and Slytherin was last with 523 points. Professor Snape looked sour and tried to dock points from Gryffindor just before the ceremony so Ravenclaw could win. However, Eleanor glared at Snpae and added the points back on. Finally Snape gave up and Ravenclaw and Gryffindor were jointly given the house cup.

The decorations were a mix of gold lions and blue eagles on red and silver backgrounds. The food was wonderful and Harry insisted that Luna sit with him at the Gryffindor table. She agreed, since her housemates weren't exactly very friendly with her.

Then it came time for everyone to go home for the summer holidays. Harry wasnt very enthusiastic about going back to the Durlseys. However, he knew that he would of age on July 31st and could leave them forever after that date. Eleanor promised that Harry could leave on his birthday ad that she would drop by every few days while he was at the Dursleys. Harry felt even better about that. Charlotte promised that she would visit with her mum and Eleanor said that she would also bring his ther friends. Harry grinned even more, especially when Eleanor told him that she would have Luna visit him every day or take him to visit her if possible.

Harry got on the Hogwarts Express feeling very cheerful. Luna sat with him in a compartment and they talked and did a little kissing. He was very careful to be chaste, since he didn't want to hurt Luna or have anyone walk in on them.

Finally the train pulled into King's Cross Station. The Weasys, Mr. Lovegood, and some members of the Order were waiting. Mr. Lovegood shook Harry's hand and said, "Well, Harry, you're a nice boy. I'm glad that my daughter is dating you, if she has to date someone."

Harry was very pleased that Mr. Lovegood approved of the relationship. He kissed Luna good-bye and then went through the barrier, with Neville, Charlotte, and Eleanor after him. Uncle Vernon was waiting and he didn't look very pleaed. Harry said, "Listen, Uncle Vernon. I'll be of age on July 31st. Then I'll be leaving you forever. So just be nice to be until I leave, okay?"

Uncle Vernon curtly nodded. Eleanor came over. "Mr. Dursley, I will be visitng Harry every few days and checking up on him. His friends will come to. Oh, and Miss Lovegood, Harry's girlfriend, will be visitng every day or Harry will go to visit her."

Uncle Vernon glared, but muttered, "Well, it's only for July. Then that ungrateful boy will be gone."

Harry hugged his godmother, bid his friends good-bye, and then followed Uncle Vernon out of the station. He was looking forward to a compartively nice summer vacation.