Harry Potter and the War Against Evil

[Eleanor16]

Hi. I am Eleanor16 and I will be writing a fanfic of the sixth book. It will start in the summer befor Harry's first year. there will be a new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher, adventure, and possibly a battle against evil. (Voldemort)

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. They all belong to J.K. Rowling, except for any new characters, which belong to themselves, though I am their creator. This is not written for profit either. it is written for people to enjoy.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter One

Harry got out of the Dursleys' car and brought his things upstairs to his room. The car ride from King's Cross had been interesting. Harry's Uncle Vernon had questioned him about the "gang that was sent to protect him" and his Aunt Petunia admitted that she had only been jealous of his mother and that she hated magic because it had killed her parents. Harry realised that Voldemort had probably been responsible for that. Then Uncle Vernon said that the headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore, had explained some things to them. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon actually thanked him for saving Dudley from the Dementors.

Harry had been very surprised by it. Aunt Petunia then informed him that he didn't have to do any chores other than keep his room clean and anything else that he felt reasonable. Harry was startled by this and finally said he wouldn't mind doing some of the yard chores. Uncle Vernon had gotten nervous and told Harry it wasn't necessary. He said Harry could just wash the dishes, rake the leaves in the yard, and taking out the trash. As it wasn't autumn yet, Harry knew that he wouldn't have much raking to do. And taking out the trash wouldn't be very strenuous, either.

Once in his room, Harry lay down on his bed. He couldn't stop thinking about his godfather, Siruis. He had fallen through the veiled archway in the Department of Mysteries when Bellatrix Lestrange had hit him with a cure. Sirius was now dead, or if not dead, somewhere where he could not return.

Harry was very sad over Sirius's death or disappearance. He had only found out about him during his third year at Hogwarts. At that time, everyone thought Sirius was responsible for his parents death and for killing thirteen Muggles on a street. It turned out that Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail, was the one that betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort and killed the Muggles. Everyone in the wizard world, except Harry, his friends, Dumbledore, and members of the Order, believed Sirius Black to be guilty. He had been in Azkaban for twelve years, but had escaped, thanks to the fact he was an unregistered Animungus.

Harry blamed himself for his godfather's death. If he had listened to Hermione, worked harder on Occulmency, and didn't listen to Kreacher, Sirius would not have gone to the Department of Mysteries and died. On the other hand, Voldemort would have probably got the prophecy made about him. Dumbledore had just told Harry about it and basically Harry would have to kill Voldemort or be killed himself. Voldemort had only heard the first part, that a boy born at the end of July to parents who had thrice defied him would have the power to defeat him. Voldemort had immediately gone for Harry, though Harry's dormmate and friend, Neville Longbottom, could have fit the prophecy.

Harry almost wished Neville was the one that had to kill Voldemort. He only almost wished it because Neville was a friend, though not as close as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He had also been a great help at the Department of Mysteries and had smashed the prophecy so Voldemort wouldn't be able to get to it.

Harry started crying, thinking about Sirius. Suddenly, he was struck by a new thought. If he had a godfather, did he also have a godmother? He had never thought about it before, but now that Sirius was gone, it suddenly occured to him. Of course, Lupin and Sirius had never mentioned it before, but that didn't mean he didn't have one. It could be that they forgot to mention her or that they hadn't heard from her in years.

Harry got out of bed and grabbed parchment, quill, and ink. He sat down at his desk to write a letter to Lupin.

"Dear Professor Lupin,
How are you? I'm fine, except for thinking about Sirius. My aunt and uncle seem to be treating me better. The only yard work that they'll let me do is raking. As for housework, I only have to keep my room clean and help wash the dishes. I'm writing to you because I have a question. Do I have a godmother?

The question occurred to me as I was grieving over Sirius's death. I know you haven't mentioned me having one before, but is it possible that you forgot or that she's dead or that you haven't heard from her in a very long time? Please send me reply as soon as possible. Thank you. Yours, Harry."

Harry called Hedwig over had tied the letter to her leg. Then she flew out the window to deliver the letter to Remus. Harry then lay back down on his bed.

More later...
Please post feedback at www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=21486. Thanks!

[Eleanor16]

Chapter one continued

At six, Aunt Petunia knocked on his door. "Dinner's ready, Harry." Harry sighed and got out of bed. He opened his door and followed Aunt Petunia downstairs.

Uncle Vernon and Dudley were already at the table and only glanced up when Harry sat down. Aunt Petunia served Harry a generous portion of food and then everyone began eating. Aunt Petunia talked about Mrs. So-and-so from next door and Dudley talked about his boxing matches. Uncle Vernon talked about a new shipment of drills and how business was picking up at Grunnings. Harry did not say anything and the others ignored him, except for when Aunt Petunia nervously asked him if he wanted more. Harry was not hungry so had refused.

After dinner, Harry cleared the table and prepared to wash the dishes. Aunt Petunia, looking nervous, told him not to, as it was his first day back. She informed him that he could wash them the next day and told him he could go read. Harry shrugged and headed upstairs.

Once in his room, Harry lay down on his bed, wondering when Lupin was going to send back a reply. He had no intention of reading right then and just lay there, thinking of Sirius and wondering if he had a godmother. Soon he fell asleep in his clothes, thinking.

Sometime in his sleep, Harry had an odd dream. In it, Sirius was dancing with a strange woman with auburn hair, green eyes, and in green robes. Harry stepped forward and asked Sirius who the woman was. Sirius stared at him and said, "It's your godmother, Harry. She's right here with me and we are going to get married very soon. You must attend."

"But you're dead, Sirius!" exclaimed Harry. "You can't get married."

"I am not dead, Harry," replied Sirius. "Your godmother saved me from the veil."

The strange woman nodded and kissed Sirius. Harry then woke up, wondering what that dream was about. Since his scar didn't hurt, he knew that it wasn't from Voldemort. He expected that dream to be just a normal one that derived from his thinking of Sirius and wondering if he had a godmother.

Harry glanced at his bedside clock and saw that it was five in the morning. Just hten, Hedwig flew in with a reply from Lupin. Harry turned on the light and began to read the letter.

"Dear Harry,
I'm glad to hear that your aunt and uncle are treating you better. And please, just call me Remus. I am not your professor anymore. I haven't been for two years. If I ever became your professor again, then you may call me professor, but for now just call me remus.

As for your qustion, yes, you do have a godmother. Her name is Priscilla Kennedy and she is St. Mungo's. In the last war, she was spy for us. She pretended to be a Death Eater to get information for Dumbledore. Unfortunately, she was found out by Voldemort and tortured and punished. She wasn't killed, but was put in a coma. She has been that way for almost fifteen years and stiil hasn't woken up yet.

It was a pity, really. She was Lily's best friend and such a nice and pretty girl, with auburn hair and green eyes. I think she could have married either me or Sirus. She loved both of us and didn't mind that I was a werewolf. Oh, she did find out about Voldemort's plan to kill your parents and informed the group. Unfortunately, it was too late to save them. That rat, Wormtail, probably betrayed her to Voldemort. A few members of the Order knew about her role and Wormtail was one of them, toward the end. It was a very sad thing. If you like, I could take you to St. Mungos's so you can see her.

Oh, Sirius was very sad to hear that Priscilla ended up in St. Mungo's and he refused to talk about her. That is why he didn't mention her to you. The rest of us didn't mention her because you had never asked before and her story was too sad. I hope you understand. Anyway, write back if anything happens and let me know if you wish to see your godmother.

Yours truly,

Remus Lupin."

Harry put the letter away and sat down at his desk to think. So he did have a godmother. Unfortunately, she was in St. Mungo's from Voldemort's doing. And he thought it odd that the his godmother looked like the woman in his dream. Was he a bit physic? Harry shook off that thought and wrote a reply to Lupin, telling him that he was glad to hear about his godmother and about his dream. At the end, he wrote that he wouldn't mind going to St. Mungo's to see her.

After Hedwig had rested, been fed some treats and given water, and combed, Harry sent her out with his reply. He then went back to bed, to see if he couldn't get some more sleep.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter two

Over the next week, Harry stayed in his room, except to go to the bathroom and go down for meals. After each meal. he would dry the dishes while Aunt Petunia washed them. Whenever the trash was full, Aunt Petunis would tell him to take it out, in a nervous and somewhat nice tone of voice. Uncle Vernon ignored Harry and did not speak to him at all. Dudley also ignored Harry and spent much of his time on his exercise equipment in the basement for boxing or hanging out with his friends.

Once on Friday, Harry did go outside, and was invited to tea by Mrs. Figg, a batty old neighbor whom Harry had found out was a Squib. Harry had accepted and had spent two hours drinking tea, eating buscuits and cake, and talking over some things. Mrs. Figg expressed her sympathies over Sirius's death.

Harry questioned her about his godmother and Mrs. Figg started sobbing. "Oh, p-poor P-priscilla Kennedy. She was your m-mother's best f-friend at Hogwarts. After g-graduating, she had the i-idea of spying for D-d-dumbledore by becoming a D-death E-e-eater. She w-was found out after y-y-your parents death. You-know-who a-apparently went into a r-rage and t-t-tortured the poor woman. He w-w-would have killed her if h-he wasn't afraid of D-Dumbledore. As it was, he p-put her under a spell t-that would k-keep her in a c-c-coma for many years, if not forever. The p-p-poor woman isn't expected t-to wake up at all, un-unless her strong magic p-pulls her through."

Harry nodded and akwardly patted Mrs. Figg. Eventually she composed herself and told Harry some more about his godmother, like her looks and how she was one of the top students in her year at Hogwarts. Finally Harry left, thanking Mrs. Figg for the tea and telling him about his godmother.

Harry headed for the park, deciding to get some fresh air and do some thinking. When he got there, he heard some cries and he quickened his pace. When he got there, he saw Dudley beating Mark Evans. He was very angry and strode forward. Just then, something happened and Dudley fell back. Dudley got up and saw Harry. With a squeak, he turned around and ran home.

Hary rushed to Mark's side and helped the eleven-year old boy up. "Are you all right, Mark?" he asked, suddenly realising Mark's last name was the same as his mother's maiden name.

"I'm fine," replied Mark. "That push--wait, you're Harry Potter!"

"Yes, I am," replied Harry, wondering how Mark knew his name.

"Dad told me about you!" exclaimed Mark. "How you survived You-know-who and all. By the way, I'm going to start Hogwarts this year. Oh, and you're my cousin. Dad was your mum's cousin and a wizard. He was in Ravenclaw, though, not Gryffindor like your mum. When he left school, he married a witch that was muggleborn like him. Dad was so sad when your parents died. He also said something about his aunt and uncle also dying because of You-know-who and that his cousin Petunia, didn't like magic because of that. Is cousin Petunia your aunt, Harry?"

"Yes, she is, Mark," replied Harry. "So I'm your cousin and so is Dudley. You know, if you mention to Dudley that you're a wizard, he'll leave you alone. He hates, or rather, is scared of magic. Hagrid, the gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor, once gave him a pig's tail. My uncle had insulted Dumbledore and Hagrid took it out on Dudley. Then another time, the twin brothers of my best firiend, Ron, gave him a toffee that made Dudley's tongue grow. It was four feet long by the time my aunt and uncle let Mr. Weasley shrink it back to normal."

Mark laughed at the anecdotes. Then he had to go, but he told Harry that he could stop over at his house anytime. He added that maybe he could mention meeting him to his aunt and told him that his parents names were Elisabeth Wilkes and Jonathan Evans. Harry told Mark good-bye and two went their separate ways.

At the Dursleys' house, Aunt Petunia asked Harry in a sharp voice where he had been. Harry told her that he had been at tea with Mrs. Figg and then to the park. When he mentioned Mark Evans and his parents, Aunt Petunia had gasped and exclaimed, "Those kind are living near here!?! My so-called cousins?"

Dudley heard and asked about them. Aunt Petunia snapped, "That Jonathan and Elisabeth Evans are m-m-the m-word. Their son apparently is one too. That John went off to that school like my sister did and married that girl he met there. They actually invited me to their wedding because I was John's first cousin, but I would have nothing to do with them and didn't go. Their kind was responsible for your grandparents' death, Dudley!"

Harry rolled his eyes and went upstairs. Now he had found out that he had a cousin. And he was going to start Hogwarts this year. It was odd. Hary got out some parchment and wrote some letters to Ron, Remus, Hermione, and Dumbledore, telling them about meeting mark. In Dumbledore's letter, he asked if he knew about Mark before and why Dumbledore hadn't told him about his cousins before. Hedwig was sent off with the letters.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Two continued

The next day, Harry received replies from everyone he had sent letters. Remus and Ron were happy to hear about his cousin. Hermione said she was too, but focused more on her nervousness over the O.W.L.s. She couldn't wait to get the results and hoped she had passed. Harry rolled his eyes when he read Hermione's letter. She was the best student in the year and would get all her O.W.L.s, most or all of them Oustanding. Harry really couldn't imagine Hermione with a score less than an Exceeds Expectations. So her nervousness and anxiety seemed pointless.

In Dumbledore's letter, he apoligised to Harry for not mentioning Mark. He explained that he hadn't known about the Evanses when he had left Harry with his aunt and uncle. And when he did find out, he hadn't bothered to tell Harry as he would want to live with them and they weren't true blood relatives. The Evanses had asked Dumbledore if they could take Harry in, but Dumbledore had explained that Harry was safer with his aunt and uncle. Harry read the letter and understood. Of course, he wished Dumbledore had told him, but he wasn't mad. It wasn't like not telling him about the prophecy or explaining why he had to live with the Dursleys.

As Harry read Ron's letter again, he noticed a P.S. on the back telling him that he would be able to stay with them in a week or two. Ron explained the adults were still figuring out when and that Lupin would send a definite date later.

Harry was putting his letters away when another owl flew in. Harry did not recognise it and it did not seem like a school owl. It wasn't until he opened the letter did he realise it was from Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw who had been a great help at the Department of Mysteries. She had said that she was going on a holiday to Sweden so she and her father could find some Crumple-Horned Snoracks. Mr. Lovegood happened to run a magazine called the Quibbler and it could be compared to a tabloid as some of the things printed were questionable, if not lies. The only really true thing printed was the interview with Harry on the return of Voldemort. Rita Skeeter had written it, a journalist who used to write exaggerated accounts of things to ruin people's reputations. Hermione had found out that she was an unregistered animungus, and Rita had been blackmailed to not writing any untrue accounts for at least a year.

Harry read Luna's letter. It was interesting, telling about Sweden and how they had almost sighted a Snorack. It had disappeared when they tried to get a closer look. Luna thanked him for the interview, which had enabled her and her dad to go on the trip. After that article, more people had dsubscribed to the Quibbler and the Daily Prophet had bought the article of Harry's interview. At the end, Luna menyioned that prehaps they could meet in Diuagon Alley sometime when getting their school supplies and that her dad wanted to meet him. Harry smiled and wrote a reply, saying the article wasn't really his idea, but Hermione's. He said that Sweden sounded fun and wished he could go. At the end, he said he wouldn't mind meeting her and her dad in Diagon Alley. When Harry was done, he sent the owl back to Luna with the reply.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Three

On Friday, Harry got a letter from Ron saying that he could stay with the "group" and that they would pick him up on the 20rd. Harry was very happy about that, though he wasn't sure if he wanted to go back to his late godfather's house. Ron had added that Percy had come back and apologised profusely to the parents. Percy had said that he didn't know what had gotten to him and how stupid he was to let his job get over his head and make him support Fudge rather than Dumbledore. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had forgiven him and appeared like Bill and Charlie had. The twins still hadn't, judging from the way they treated and spoke to him. Ron himself was still unsure and Ginny wanted to, but didn't know if she could just yet.

Harry was also unsure after reading the letter. Percy had been there when the D.A. had been turned in and Dumbledore was about to be arrested and sacked. And he written a letter asking Ron that it would be best for him to "break ties with Harry." Of course, Ron hadn't done so, tore up the letter, and said Percy was a prat and git. Harry decided he would need some more time before he could really forgive Percy.

Remus also sent Harry a letter, telling him that Sirius's will would be read on the 21st and that they could visit his godmother at St. Mungo's on the 22nd. Harry was glad to be able to at least see his godmother, but was not in the mood to attend the reading of Sirius's will. It would make Sirius's death seem more real. But there was nothing he could do about it. He put his letters away and lay on his bed, thinking.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Three continued

The next morning, Harry informed his aunt and uncle about his departure on the 20th. Uncle Vernon grunted and muttered something about getting the blasted boy away and being glad about having to stop being nice. Aunt Petunia attempted a smile and said, "Well then, you'll need to get your things ready. How are they arriving?"

Harry shrugged and said, "I think by car."

Aunt Petunia nodded and Harry went upstairs to do some packing. He didn't go downstairs again except to eat diner and lunch. Harry lay in bed after dinner and thought again. He was deeply sad over Sirius's death and felt bad that his godmother was in a coma. Harry knew that as Wormtail had been a spy for Voldemort and had been a member of the old Order, he probably knew about her and turned her in to Voldemort. From what Remus had written last time, Harry's godmother had gasped out "Voldemort-attacking Potters. Wormtail-spy," before collapsing in the coma. The Order had not quite understood what it meant, other than to realise that Lily and James needed more protection. As for Wormtail, the order assumed he was a spy for the Order, like Snape was doing now.

Harry wondered why the Order had not considered that Wormtail was a spy for Voldemort. Then Sirius would not have suggested Wormtail for Secret-Keeper and his parents might still be alive. But it was too late now. Harry undressed and put on his pajamas, brushed his teeth, and went to bed. He soon fell asleep, without any dreams.

More later.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Four

On the twentith, Harry made sure his trunk was packed. Then he sat in his room, waiting for the Weasleys to arrive. At two in the afternoon, the doorbell rang and Harry jumped up. He ran downstairs to see Uncle Vernon opening the door. Mr. Weasley, Ron, Ginny, Remus, Hermione, and Mad-Eye Moody were on the doorstep. Uncle Vernon invited them in and Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went upstairs to get Harry's trunk and Hedwig. Dudley squeaked when he saw the itches and wizards and ran into his room. Hermione frowned while Harry, Ron, and Ginny giggled.

As soon as the four had the trunk and the cage with Hedwig, they went downstairs. Aunt Petunis had joined Uncle Vernon and had asked the adults if they wanted tea. Mr. Weasley agreed and currently they were in the kitchen, drinking cuops of tea and nibbling on buscuits. The kids joined them at the table and they also ate and drank.

Hermione mentioned that her parents were dentists and the Durtsleys looked interested. Uncle Vernon asked her if her parents objected to what she was and she replied, "Oh no. They're really proud about it. I mean, I'm a prefect and a top student."

Aunt Petunis frowned and muttered something about "Behaving like when my parents found out Lily was a witch."

After a few minutes of conversation, Moody said that they had best be going. Autn Petunia saw them to the door and actually wished Harry a good visit. Sjhe also handed Harry a small box, explaining that it had belonged to his mother. harry was surporised by the gift and thanked Aunt Petunis. She nodded and everything walked out.

Harry's trunk was put in the trunk of a shiny silver car. Ron whisphered to harry that the car had belonged to a former member of the Order who was now in ASt. Mungo's. It turned oput that Ron and Hermione had also been told about harry's godmother. Hermione explained that his godmother's car had been left with the Order after her being in a coma and it had just been brought out for use.

Harry was surprised and felt a wave of sadness. He invited Ron and Hermione to come with him when he went to see his godmother. rhey agreed and everyone got in the car, heading for Grimmauld place.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Four continued

At four o'clock, they arrived at Grimmauld place. Moody, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione got out of the car, gathered their things, and pictured the house. Soon a house appearred between eleven and thirteen. They went inside while Mr. Weasley made the car invisible so that Muggles wouldn't see it. Once that was done, Mr. Weasley followed the others inside.

Tonks and Mrs. Weasley were in the hallway and they greeted Harry. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went upstairs to put Harry and Hermione's things away and talk. In Harry and Ron's room, Harry was updated a bit. Kreacher had been given a memory charm by Dumbledore and a minute later he was so forgetful that he fell into the oven while it was on. They tried to rescue him, but Kreacher was roasted. Dumbledore had his body buried in the back yard.

As for the picture of Mr. Black, Remus came up with the idea of Silencing her. Then Bill realised they could vanish the wall with the painting on it and make a new one. So that was done and finally they got rid of her.

Harry was pleased to hear it, but it didn't last for long. Hermione had just informed him that the reading of Siirius's will was tonight. Harry felt sad, but he could do nothing about Sirius's death or disappearnce. If fonly he hadn't gone to the Ministry, or listened to Hermione, or worked harder on Occlumency. But it was too late.

After awhile, the four went downstairs to eat dinner. Dobby and Winky had been brought from Hogwarts to take the place of Kreacher. Winky was doing much better now that she was working for the Order and having Dobby with her. Dobby was always glad to serve Dumbledore and the two would be much better than Kreacher. There would be no fear of them betraying the Order, anyway.

The dinner was made by Dobby and was very good. After it, Harry stopped in the kitchen to talk with Dobby. Dobby smiled to see Harry and comforted him about Sirius's death Then Harry left because the will of Sirius was going to be read in a few minutes.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Sorry, but I was visiting my realtives in Michigan and their computer did not have internet access for some reason. It said that this website could not be found. Now I'm in the library and I am typing this there.

Chapter Five

Harry and the rest of the Order went to the living room. A peice of parchment was sitting on the table. Once everyone had sat down, Dumbledore tapped the parchment and muttered something Harry did not hear. A silvery ghost-like figure of Sirius appeared.

"If you are hearing and seeing this," said the figure, "then it means I'm dead. I suppose you are all worried, but don't be. And Harry, if you feel any guilt over it, don't be. My death is Voldemort's fault. And those of you who just gasped or flinched, get used to hearing his name. And say it yourself. If you fear his name, then you'll fear Voldemort more.

"Now for my will. I bequeathe 10,000 galleons to my cousin Nymphadora Tonks. To Arthur and Molly Weasley, I leave 20,000 galleons. Charlie and Bill each get 10,000 galleons, George and Fred each get 8,000 galleons plus another 2,000 for their store, and Ginny and Ron each get 5,000 galleons. If Percy has made up with his family, he can get 5,000 galleons. If not, then donate his share to the Qudditch Foundation.

"The house will be left for the Order to use. When Voldemort is defeated, then turn the house over to Harry, but he must let Remus, aka Moony, live there. Hermione gets the library, but she should hand some of the books to Madam Pince so they can be put in the Restricted section. And she also receives 5,000 galleons. And Mungundus Fletcher will get the Black family silver, picture frames, and all other heirlooms that I and Harry find worthless.

I leave 5,000 to St. Mungo's, where they can use it to see if they can ever get Priscilla Kennedy out of that coma. Oh, Harry, she's your godmother, in case you haven't heard about her already. She was a spy for us and Voldemort found out about her. Anyway, if she does wake up within a few years, you can marry her, Moony. She liked both of us and now that I'm dead, she doesn't have to choose between us. And if she wakes up, give her 10,000 galleons. If she doesn't within thirty years, then donate it to St. Mungo's or the Quidditch Foundation.

The rest of my and the Black money will be divided between Harry and Remus. Harry, if you don't want it, then divide it up among the Order members, but keep a few hundred. Some of it is the money my uncle left me, not my mother's money. And I ask that Hermione, Ron, and Ginny keep on being good friends to Harry. And I ask that Remus be Harry's new godfather and for Molly and Dumbledore to keep an eye on him when Remus can't. And Harry, do listen to whatever Dumbledore says, though you do not have to follow it. Remember, he is human and can make mistakes like the rest of us. History books and chocolate frog cards only tell part of the story.

As for Servus Snape, I forgive you for anything you may have done and I apologise for being mean to you and for all the tricks the Mauraders played on you in school. We were young and thoughtless. And Harry is not like his father because he has to live with an unpleasant relatives and he does not like being famous. That is all I have to say. I, Sirius Black, now end my will."

The voice and figure faded. Harry sat on the sofa in stony silence. After a few minutes he said, "I don't want money. I'll keep a hundred galleons and the rest the Order can use." He got up and left the room, followed by Remus and his friends, who had decided to comfort him.


More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Six

The next day, Harry had recovered from his feelings over Sirius's will. The adults went to Diagon Alley to transfer the money from Sirius's vault into theirs, making sure to leave one hundred galleons for Harry. Dumbledore, Remus, Moody, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went to St. Mungo's to see Priscilla.

Once there, the group was directed to the fourth floor, where the patients suffering under spell damage were. The healer in the ward informed them Priscilla seemed as if she would wake up soon because she had moved the day before and muttered something incoherently. The group was very pleased by the news and they headed to Priscilla's bed.

Harry saw a tall witch with auburn hair lying on the bed. Her eyes were closed, but he had been told that they were green. She was in a pale green nighgown and she was slowly moving about. As Harry and his friends stared at her, Dumbledore told them about her. She was thirty-seven tears old, had been a brilliant witch like Lily was, and was a top student at Hogwarts. She and Lily had scored the highest scores ever on the O.W.L.s for the girls, though Dumbledore believed that Hermione may have broken that. Hermione blushed when she heard that.

Dumbledore then told them about how Priscilla had decided to join the Death Eaters in order to spy on them. She had made a scene and quarreled with the Order members so that it would like she was breaking ties with them. Only Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, James, Sirius, Peter, Lily, Remus, and the Longbottoms knew the truth.

Three weeks before the Potters death, she showed up at the Order headquarters, very pale and shaken. She grabbed Dumbledore's hand, had gasped, "Voldemort-attacking Potters. Wormtail- spy," then collapsed in the coma. Priscilla was rushed to St. mungo's by Remus and Sirius while Dumbledore told the Order members of her postion as spy. Moody then got out a book where he had listed known or suspected Death Eaters and crossed Priscilla off the list.

When Dumbledore finished, Harry turned his attention back to Priscilla. He gasped to see that Priscilla was fluttering her eyelids. He quickly got Dumbledore's and his friends attention. Hermione said in a breathless voice, "I think your being here, Harry, is helping her wake up!"

"I don't think so," said Ron. "Harry didn't hold her hand and say, 'Please wake up, godmother,', Hermione. But she definitely appears to be waking up."

Priscilla was indeed waking up. She opened her eyes and sat up, staring at everyone. "James? Dumbledore? Remus? Moody?" She blinked, then said, "Wait, you're not James. You don't have his eyes. You have Lily's eyes. You look like their son, Harry, only a teenager. And Remus! You look at least ten years older! And Moody! When did you get that magical eye? And who are these three teens? Two of them look like Weasleys, but I wasn't aware Molly and Arthur had a daughter. And their oldest son should only be ten or so. And I don't recognize the last girl, though I imagine she would be like Lily and me in personality. What is going on? I feel like that man in that muggle story. What was it? Oh yes, Rip Van Winkle. He drank something and ended up sleeping for twenty years. Have I been like him and slept for many years? Dumbledore, please explain things. The last thing I remeber was Voldemort torturing me and putting some spell on me, me apparating, then telling you about Pettigrew and Voldemort going after the Potters."

Dumbledore sat down and explained that she had been in a coma for fifteen years, thanks to Voldemort. Harry was now sixteen and his friends with him were Ron and Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger. Hermione was a bit like Lily and Priscilla in that she was a stickler for rules most of the time and was a top student at Hogwarts, despite or prehaps of being Muggleborn. Then he told Priscilla how Voldemort had tried to kill Harry as a baby and failed. The curse somehow rebounded and Voldemort was weakened anmd disappeared. He had finally regained his strength and body last year and had returned.

Priscilla then asked about Lily and James and burst into tears when she heard that they were dead. She stopped when she heard that Wormtail, or Peter, had betrayed him and that no one had understood when she said he was a spy. Then she went into tears again when she found out Sirius had been blamed for the Potter's death, had been in Azkaban for twelve years, and had recently been killed by Bellatrix Lestrange.

When she stopped, she said almost cheerfully, "Well, then I won't need to decide over Padfoot and Moony. If you're offer of marriage still stands, Remus, I'll say yes. I hope you don't mind, Sirius, whereever you are now."

Remus smiled, told her that she would be happy to marry her, and explained about what Sirius had said in his will. The healer interrupted them to shopw her jpy in that Priscilla had woken up. She had a tray of food brought to her and told Priscilla that she could leave in a few days.

While Priscilla was eating, Dumbledore asked her if she would take over the post of Defense Against Dark Arts Teacher. So far, he had not found a new one, except for asking Remus back again, which the Ministry was reluctant to allow. Priscilla shrugged and said that she wouldn't mind, but wanted a few days to think it over throughly before giving a definite answer.

After awhile, Harry, his friends, Dumbledore, Remus, and Moody had to leave. Priscilla waved a good-bye and Moody and Remus promised to collect her in three days. Before Harry left, Priscilla grabbed Harry, kissed him on the cheek, and promised to get to know him better and tell him about his parents.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Seven

Priscilla Kennedy was released from St. Mungo's on the twenty-fifith, the same day Harry received his O.W.L. scores. Dumbledore and Moony had brought her to headquarters. There, Harry, Ron, and Hermione told them her their scores.

Harry had: Potions, barely an O, Transfiguration, E, Charms, E, Herbology, A, Defense Against Dark Arts, O, Care of Magical Creatures, O, Astronomy, A, History of magic, barely an A, and Divination, P. That was eight O.W.L.s.

Ron had gotten an O in Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against Dark Arts, an E in Potions, Transfiguration, Charms,and History of Magic, and A in Astronomy and Herbology, and a P in Divination.

Hermione had gotten an O in everything, including her Arithmacy and Ancient Runes O.W.L.s. In fact, her scores were the highest of the year and of the last hundred years the O.W.L.s had been given. The only score that wasn't was Defense Against Dark Arts, which Harry had lead with his producing a Patronus for extra credit. Everyone congradulated her and Priscilla said that she deserved to have a nice big reward. Then she turned to Harry and Ron and said that they deserved a reward also for getting eight O.W.L.s.

Priscilla hinted that the reward was going to be big to make up for not being around to give them fifteen years worth of presents. Harry wondered if it wopuld be sonmething like when Sirius had given him a Firebolt to make up for thirteen years of presents.

Then Priscilla talked with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny over accepting the post of DADA teacher. They begged her to, so in the end she agreed. She then went downstairs, found Dumbledore, and told him she accepted the job. Dumbledore was delighted.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Hello. Sorry it's been so long, but I was on vacation and really busy with school. I almost wish I didn't have to go to school. Or at the very least attend Hogwarts. But I can't. Any way, here's Chapter Eight.

Harry's birthday soon arrived. A party was planned for him and Neville Longbottom had been invited. He showed up on July 30th, with his grandmother. It turned out that was his birthday and Harry and his friends had a small party for Neville. Mrs. Longbottom had written beforehand, so Harry and his friends had presents for Neville.

Neville got a book on Defense from Harry, a book on Herbology from Hermione, and a book on chess set from Ron and Ginny. Neville also got a new wand from his grandmother, who made a speech of how she was proud of him for having encountered Bellatrix Lestrange and survived. Neville turned red and Harry gathered that Mrs. Longbottom was not mad that Neville had broken his Dad's old wand.

The next day was Harry's birthday. There was a much bigger party, but the size of the cake was the same size as Neville's cake. Harry received many presents. From Hermione was a book about hexes, from Ron, a set of gobstones, from Ginny was a charm in the shape of a hippogriff, from Tonks was a miniature model of a Nimbus 2000, and from Priscilla a set of Qudditch balls, all half-size, except for the snitch, which was small enought to be fuul size. Priscilla also fixed the two-way mirror that Sirius had given Harry and told him to use it to contact Remus. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a watch, Moody gave Harry a Defense book, the Weasley brothers, free merchandise, from Percy, a note of apology and two quill pens, from Remus a glass orb that showed the phases of the moon and the weather, and from Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall a Foe-seeker and Sirius's flying mototrcycle, which Sirius had said would go to Harry on his 16th birthday. Hagrid gave Harry a wand cleaning kit, Dobby sent a knitted red and gold hat, Neville and his grandmother gave Harry a set of red dress robes, trimmed with gold, Luna sent a picture of what might be a Crumple-horned Snornack and a note that he was to get five free issues of The Quibbler, and the rest of the Order collectively gave Harry a cauldron and a book about Defense.

Harry had a very pleasant birthday, though he did feel a rush of sadness when presented with Siriuis's motorcycle. But he got over the feeling and silently thanked Sirius, where ever he was. Harry wondered briefly if wizards believed in Heaven, or an equivalent of it, then concentrated on his next present.

At the end of the day, he went to his room, very happy over his wonderful day and his first ever birthday party.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Eight

Harry was not allowed to go to Diagon Alley to get his school supplies for security reasons. However, Priscilla said she would get Harry's things and promised to get him a very big gift as reward for his being made captain. When Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Priscilla returned, they handed Harry his new schoolbooks and things. Priscilla gave Harry a brand new broom, this one called Firebolt Two, a faster edition of the Firebolt. She told Harry he could use his old broom for practises and the new one for games.

Ron and Ginny were also got new brooms. They were Firebolts. Hermione had been given a collection of books and a bag of new, expensive quill pens. They had also received new dress robes, which had been on the suplies list. harry guessed that there probably was going to be another ball.

That evening, Priscilla asked Harry and his friends to help her pack. First went her robes, red, pale green, turquoise, yellow, violet, indigo, and lilac for everyday wear. Then went her dress robes, blue for Christmas, lavender for Easter, pink for Valentine's Day, and gold and silver for the beginning- and end-of-term feasts. Then in another box went her books and Dark Detectors and Penseive. before packinf it, harry and his friends were allowed to see the memory of Harry's first birthday.

In it, a little baby Harry was sitting in his mother's lap, with his father at the side. Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Priscilla, Alice and Frank Longbottom, and Peter Pettigrew were also there and reading out loud the cards Harry had received. During it, an owl showed up with a card and present from Professor Mcgonagall.

When the cards had been looked at, Sirius and Priscilla put the cards on the mantlepeice while Remus and Peter brought out the presents and James brought in a beautiful cake with one candle. Everyone sang Happy Birthday and Lily helped baby Harry blow out the candle. Then James cut the cake and passed out slices to everyone. The adults took turns feeding Harry his slice of cake.

When they were done, Harry's presents were opened. He got a teddy bear (Sirius), a rattle (Lily), a toy broomstick (James), a picture book (Priscilla), a ball (Remus), a hat, (Pettigrew), and various other toys and picture books from people like the Longbottoms, Professor Mcgonagall, and Dumbledore.

The memory ended then and Harry and his friends "left". Harry was saddened by the memory, but also a bit happy to see a time when he was happy and with his parents and their close friends. harry asked why the Longbottoms were there and Priscilla explained that Alice had been a close friend to her and lily. And since Alice was married, Frank had to be there, also. And Frank had been friends with the Mauraders, though not very close.

Priscilla then put the Penseive away and harry and his friends left the room.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Nine

September First came and it was time to leave for Hogwarts. The Weasleys, Tonks, Moody, and Remus saw the students and Professor Kennedy off. Harry and his friends got on the train and looked for an empty compartment. The only one available had Luna Lovegood in it. Luna smiled when they entered.

Harry quickly introduced her to Professor Kennedy, then asked, "How was your summer, Luna?"

"Oh, it was wonderful," replied Luna. "Daddy and I spent the summer in Sweden looking for Crumple-horned Snorkacks. They look a bit like reindeer, in know, only their antlers are twisted and crumpled up. We did find one Snorkack and I took a picture of it. Here, it's in this issue of the Quibbler."

Luna handed Harry the magazine and he saw a somewhat blurry picture of a creature. It did look a bit like a reindeer, and he could see that the antlers seemed to be twisted and crumpled. That was the only part that didn't look blurry. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Professor Kennedy also peered at the picture and the students had to admit that prehaps the Snorkack did exist after all.

Two girls walked in at that point. "Hello, I'm Alexis Moore and this is Stella Parks. We're in Ravenclaw. You must be Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom. Luna told us about you. And of course we know Ginny, since she's in one of our classes. Luna, how was your summer? Did you find one those Snorkles or whatever they're called?"

"Yes, we did. Daddy and I came across one Crumple-horned Snorkack. We took a picture of it. Harry, could you show her the picture in the Quibbler?"

Harry did as requested. Stella then said, "Our friend Joyce Anderson has been made a prefect. I'm glad. Now that she has some authority, she'll be brave enough to stand up for you, Luna, when the others tease you." Harry looked up quickly and Stella added, "Of course, she doesn't take part in it, but she's never brave enough to come into Luna's defense. It's me and Alexis that do it. Though since Padma was made a prefect, some of it stopped. "

"I'm glad neither Millie Stephans and Winnifred Carter were made prefects. They're our roommates and perfectly horrid to Luna. If one of them were a prefect, they'd probably give Luna detention for being eccentric. That would be worse. Luna, you can still put your books in my trunk and Stella still will let you put your homework in hers. It would be horrible if someone stole them like in first year. And if Millie trys to vanish your bed like she did last year, we're going to inform Professor Flitwick of this. Last time, Padma just gave her a detention and a warning. In fact, Luna, you can put all of your things in my trunk, Stella's trunk and Joy'ce's trunk. I have had enough of people taking your things. That you posted last year at end-of-term was the last straw."

"Yes," agreed Stella. "Really, how can people be so horrid? Before I ever received my letter, I was teased in my elementary school for all the odd things I did. Of corse, I later found out it was magic and that I was a witch. Even though I didn't know much about the magical world, I could see that Luna was a bit odd. However, I accept that and do not make fun about people's differences. If only other people could see that."

"Well, we've got to go. Millie and Winnie are in our compartment and we want to keep an eye on them so they won't plot anything against Luna."

The two left and in walked Joyce. She introduced herself, said hello to Luna, and told Ginny, Hermione, and Ron that they had better get down to the prefects' compartment. The three followed Joyce out.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Nine continued...

Professor Kennedy had glanced at Harry while Alexis and Stella had been talking. Now she turned to Luna and asked about what the two girls had said. Luna said matter-of-factly, "oh, some of the girls in Ravenclaw think I'm a bit odd. They call me 'Loony' Lovegood, actually. They like to take my things. Of course, I get them back in the end. I suppose their parents would wonder if they went home with some of my things.
Alexis, Stella, and Joyce don't like it. Alexis and Stella stand up for me. Joyce is a bit shy, or she dosen't want the other girls to tease her, so she doesn't do it openly. Once Millicent took my homework. Stella was very mad. She shouted at Millicent for quite a while and later told me to keep my homework in her trunk. She's got a spell on hers to keep people from breaking in and says I should get the same spell put on mine.
Winnifred once took my books. Alexis made her give them back and for once Joyce backed her up by threatening to hex her if she didn't. Joyce can do some very nice hexes, so Winnifred had to give me back my books. After that, Alexis had me keep my books in her. And Joyce had me keep my robes in her trunk in case any of the other girls decided to take those, too. She put a hex on her trunk so that anyone who opens it, except her or her friends using the key, will get the hex. And after what happened to Marietta, Joyce copied Hermione. She says her trunk is now hexed so that anyone who opens it will get spots on their face that says 'THIEF'."

"Why hasn't Professor Flitwick stopped it?" demanded Professor Kennedy.

"Oh, he doesn't know," replied Luna serenely. "Oh, after my bed vanished, Padma threatened to go to Professor Flitwick if anything like that happened again. After that, it stopped and it went back to taking my things, if they could get it. They didn't touch my friends' trunks because Joyce said she put hexes on all three trunks and they didn't want to find out if it was true."

Professor Kennedy was not at all happy. If it continues, tell Professor Flitwick. It has to be totally stopped. Or else ask to be transferred to Gryffindor."

"Oh no, I couldn't!" exclaimed Luna. "Dad was so pleased when I was sorted into Ravenclaw. It was my mum's house, you know."

"Oh. Well, then inform Professor Flitwick. If you can't, then tell me and I will tell Filius. That's Professor Flitwick's first name, by the way."

Harry was pleased that something was going to be done for Luna. Her three roommates letting her put her things in their trunks and standing up for Luna wasn't enough. He remembered how he had felt when Luna said her housemates stole her things. He had been very angry. Though the talk had cheered him up and had made him realise that maybe Luna was the girl for him. Cho Chang definitely wasn't, what with her crying, talk about Cedric, and everything else. He wondered how he had ever thought he was in love with Cho. He could see now that it was clearly a crush. With Luna, it might possibly be love. It was easy to talk with her, and it comforted you, even when with her talk about Snorkacks and Heliopaths. And she had gone with him to the Ministry to help rescue Sirius, even though she didn't have to. That had been very nice of her. Actually, it was an understatement, but he couldn't describe it properly.

The witch with the food trolley came by then. Professor Kennedy bought snacks for everyone, plus some extra for Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. Harry busied himself with chocolate frogs, pumpkin pasties, and cauldron cakes. He shyly offered Luna a pasty and a chocolate frog. Luna accepted and mentioned how she and her mum used to enjoy eating the frogs and collecting the cards. She had gotten the rare card Ptolemy once and she and her mum had been really excited over that. Her collection was at home, though, since she didn't want it taken and because her Dad liked to keep it as a memento.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny soon came back from the prefects' compartment. Ron instantly reached out for the food and beagan eating. Hermione told them what went on and Ginny told them about the new prefects. Ginny said that Colin Creevy had somehow ended up as the other Gryffindor prefect. Harry remebered how Colin, and his briother Dennis as well, idolised him. When Colin first came to Hogwarts, he'd asked if he could Harry's picture and have it autographed. Harry had obliged, partly because Professor Lockhart had turned up and practically insisted that Colin take a picture of the both of them.

The Hogwarts Express soon arrived at Hogwarts. The students got off the train. The first years followed Hagrid to the boats while everyone else headed for the carriages. This time, Hermione, Ginny, and Ron could see the thestrals, confirming that Sirius was really dead.

The carriages soon pulled up in front of the entrance way and everyone went inside to the Great hall for the Sorting and the feast. Harry noticed that Professor Kennedy had changed into her gold robes.


More later...

P.S. As you may have gathered from this post, I am a Luna/Harry shipper. I believe that Harry and Luna are perfect for each other. Also, I am a Hermione/Ron shipper, so you will probably see that mentioned in future posts. And I think I may have Ginny end up with Neville, since I don't think Ginny and Dean are compatible and that she only said she choose Dean to get Ron off her back.

[Eleanor16]

Sorry about the double post. I have deleted it and I am going to post chapter ten.
Harry went inside and suddenly Malfoy approached. "Potter! Is it true the Dark Lord is a halfblood?"

"Yes," replied Harry. "His mother was a witch and his father was a muggle. His father abandoned his mother after finding out she was a witch. Voldemort grew up in a muggle orphanage and in our second year told me the truth. His real name is Tom Riddle and he changed it later."

Malfoy gave a curt nod and when he turned to go, Harry heard him say to Crabbe and Goyle, "What a hypocrite, wanting this world for purebloods when he himself isn't even pureblood. I don't see why Father follows him. I'm definitely not going to, even if Father disowns me for it."

Harry entered into the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table with his friends. Professor Kennedy went to the staff table. Luna glided over to the Ravenclaw table, her friends, Alexis, Joyce, and Stella with her. He saw two girls stand up and say something. Presumably they were Winnie and Millie. Joyce turned angry and Harry heard her snap, "Sit down and leave Luna alone! I'm a prefect and if you don't let Luna sit with us, I'll give you a detention and tell Professor Flitwick!"

He shook his head and turned his attention to Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick, who were bringing in the Sorting Hat and a stool. Professor McGonagall explained the Sorting to the first years and then the hat began its song.

"[I]Oh, here I am sittting
An old and ragged hat
You may wonder
What's the good in that

Please don't be fooled
Put me on your head
And I will tell you
Where you will be lead

In Gryffindor are the ones
That are daring and true
Prehaps you will find
That's the house for you

Next we have Ravenclaw
Where they are wise
They love learning
No matter what their size.

The third is Hufflepuff
Of loyality and hard work
You can count on them
And they will never shirk

The last is Slytherin
Wanting power and ambition
It is wise to make sure
They don't become an obession

These four houses named
Are very good and true
But they must work together
With the help of you.

Danger befalls us now
And we are in dark times
We need cooroperation
To stop the dark times

I have said the four houses
Together are very strong
So work with one another
And I now end my song."

Harry clapped when the Sorting Hat was done. The message was still the same with last year's, asking for peace and cooroperation between the houses, though it did take time to describe the houses. Harry then turned his attention to the sorting.

"Allen, Robert." "RAVENCLAW!" (Applause from Ravenclaw table)
"Andrews, Sarah." "GRYFFINDOR!" (Applause from Gryffindor table)
"Bell, Isaac." "HUFFLEPUFF!" (Applause from Hufflepuff table)
"Border, Leslie." "GRYFFINDOR!" (Applause form Gryffindor table)
"Braddock, Haley." "RAVENCLAW!" (Applause from Ravenclaw table)
"Braddock, Henry." "HUFFLEPUFF!" (Applause from Hufflepuff table)
"Carter, Amy." "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Crandell, Caitlin." "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Drake, Ethan." "RAVENCLAW!"
"Dunmore, Nicolas." "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Elliot, Brittany." "RAVENCLAW!"
"Evans, Mark." "GRYFFINDOR!" Harry cheered and clapped enthusiastically to find that his second cousin was in Gryffindor. He groaned, however, when he saw that Mark sat down between the Creevy brothers. Mark had liked and admired him, but now the Colin and Dennis would get him to hero-worship and Harry and maybe take pictures. And when Mark told them that he was related to Harry.... Harry looked up to see Goyle, Gordon, a cousin or brother to Gregory Goyle, get made the first Slytherin.

The sorting ended with "Zabini, Bianca," geting sorted into Ravenclaw. Professor Dumbledore stood up and said, "I have some announcements to make, but they can wait until after the feast." He clapped his hands and said, "Eat up!" Food and drinks appeared on the tables.

As Harry ate, he noticed that very few people had been sorted into Slytherin. Only five students had been sorted there and they all were relatives of those already in that house. Some of the new students that were related to current Slytherins hadn't been sent there. He'd noticed that Bianca Zabini, probably a sister to Blaise Zabini (he could see the resemblance) had been sorted into Ravenclaw. And Paul Parkinson, a brother or cousin to Pansy, had gone to Gryffindor.

Harry noticed Pansy giving the Gryffindor table a few glares and decided that Paul must be her brother. Paul, who was sitting across from Harry, bent over and whisphered, "Pansy is probably going to write me mum about being put in Gryffindor. She's my first cousin. Not my favorite one, though. Mum is probably going to send a Howler about how I'm a disgrace to my family for getting sorted into Gryffindor. I heard what you told Draco. He's my second cousin and a bit nicer than Pansy. Looks like he won't be supporting You-know-who. I wish Mum would do the same."

"How do you feel being in Gryffindor, Paul?" Harry asked him.

"It's nice. I'm not the Slytherin type. I mean, I do have some ambition, but who doesn't? I just don't approve of what You-know-who's doing and all that pureblood stuff. I'll probably end up being disowned one day, like our cousins, what's-their-names, Sirius and Andromeda, but I don't care."

Harry smiled, then groaned. Colin had come up to him. "Harry! Is it true? Is Mark really your cousin?"

"Yes, he's my second cousin, Colin," sighed Harry. Colin was very excited.

"Wow. Being related to the great Harry Potter!" Colin went back to his seat.

After the feast was over, Professor Dumbledore made his announcements. "Good evening, everyone. Another year begins. I have some announcements. First, we have a new Defense teacher. I would like everyone to welcome Professor Priscilla Kennedy."

Everyone clapped, except the Slytherins, who started whisphering to each other. Professor Kennedy stood up, looking very nice in her silver robes. She smiled and said, "Everyone, we will have a wonderful year. I will help you learn proper Defense and will not be like Dolores Umbridge, though I may end up having to clear my throat sometimes. The club known as the D.A. will be allowed to continue and I will be very happy to help with it and be a referee of sorts. That's all I have to say. Back to you, Albus."

Professor Dumbledore continued, "Next, I remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden and no magic is allowed in the corriders. Also the list of contraband objects has lengthened. To see the list, ask our caretaker, Argus Filch. And finally, Quidditch tryouts will begin September eleventh. That is all. You may leave now."

Everyone got up to go to their dorms while the prefects led the first years. The password for Gryffindor was "Mandrakes."

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Could people post feedback? Thanks, I could use some so I can better my story. And Draco is not supporting Voldemort, but he's not really on Harry's side, either. This is not going to be a fanfic where Draco suddenly turns to the good side or falls in love with Ginny or Hermione. Those kind of fanfics are interesting, but I don't rate them with something like "The War Within."

Draco will still show some animosity toward Harry & friends, but he's not going to be totally against Harry.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Eleven

THe next morning, Harry went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Hermione and Ginny were already there. Hermione handed Harry his schedule and said, "Professor Kennedy wants me to tell you that you will have Occulemncy lessons with her since Dumbledore is unable to and Snape wasn't eager to take you again. SHe'll tell you when the first lesson when we have class."

Harry nodded and Hermione handed Ron his schedule. (he had come down just after Harry.) Harry looked at his chedule sheet. "Lets see, we have Charms first for an hour and a half, then Potions for another hour and a half. After lunch we have Defense for two hours. Tomorrow it's Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration, lunch, and Herbology. What about yours?"

"I have the same schedule," replied Hermione, "Except I've also got Arithmacy after Defense and Ancient Runes after Herbology."

"My schedule is exactly the same as yours," said Ron.

"I've got O.W.L.s this year," grumbled Ginny. "It's horrible."

"They're not too bad," soothed Hermione. "I'll help you through them. So will Ron and Harry. Won't you, guys?"

Ron muttered, "Yeah, anything for Hermione, I mean Ginny." Harry gave him a look and nodded yes to Hermione's question.

After breakfast, Harry went down to Charms. Professor Flitwick smiled cheerily when Harry and his friends entered. Class began a few minutes later.

"Today we will learn about the Fidelus Charm," said Professor Flitwick. "Can anyone tell me about it?" Since Harry, Ron, and Hermione had overhead a conversation about Harry's parents using that charm, they could.

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" asked Professor Flitwick.

"It's a charm that is used to hide someone," replied Harry.

"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor. Anything else? Mr. Weasley?"

"Only one person knows where the person or persons are hiding and no one else will unless he or she is told that information," answered Ron.

"Good. Five points. What is the person called? Miss Granger?"

"The person is called a secret-keeper. The charm is performed so only the secret-keeper knows where the person or persons in hiding are. Anyone else will not be able to find him, her, or them, even if he or she is standing right in front of the hiding place, unless the secret-keeper divulges the information."

"Excellent. A more informative and clearer answer. Ten points to Gryffindor."

For the rest of the class, the students took down notes on the Fidelus Charm and learned the incanation. After Charms, Harry, Hermione, and Ron went to Potions. Professor Snape gave the class a talking to.

"This is N.E.W.T.-level Potions. It will be very complicated and hard. It will involve work and the proper understanding of Potions. All of you here have succeded in getting to my class, though how some of you were able to get in is beyond me." Here Snape glanced at Harry, Ron, and Neville. Neville looked frightened and whisphered to harry, "I didn't want to be here. I only got an E, but my grandmum had McGonagall talk Snape into taking me so I could learn to be an auror."

HAry suddenly remembered that Ron had also got an E and asked him how he had gotten onto N.E.W.T.-level Potions. Ron explained, "I was thinking about being an Auror, so McGonagall talked Snape into taking any students who got an E that wanted to be an auror or something similar."

"No talking, please," said Snape. "Today we will work on the Polyjuice Potion. It will take a while to make, but you will begin the process. The ingredients for today are listed on the board, as well as the directions. Follow them properly. I want no mistakes. You may begin."

Harry and Ron stifled laughter. Neville gave them a funny look, not realising they and Hermione had made an illegal Polyjuice Potion in their second year. Hermione gave Harry and Ron a look too, and said, "Get serious. Just because we know how to make one is no cause for laughter." harry and Ron nodded and they began work on their Potion. Professor Snape sat at his desk, watching from there. He did not walk around as usual until the end of class, thereby making Neville feel much more relaxed. With a bit of help from the trio, Neville did not make any mistakes.

Professor Snape actually said to Neville, in a curt voice, "Not bad. It is surprising, considering your normal Potions work." Then when he turned to Malfoy, he said, "Malfoy, you have made a mistake. You must have forgotten to add an igredient. You normally do so well in Potions. Now it appears you are becoming like Longbottom, at least the way he normally is. It likes you will have to start over. Either do it over next class or come in later today to start over."

Everyone was very surprised. Snape had actually complimented Neviile, in a curt and implied sort of way, and had shown dispproval to Malfoy. Harry was wondering if the world was coming to an end. He had thought that Snape would die before say anything nice to a Gryffindor or anything bad about a Slytherin. The bell rang then, so everyone filed out to go the lunch.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Eleven continued...

After lunch was Defense Against Dark Arts. Harry, Hermione, and Ron went to the classroom. They found Professor Kennedy writing her name on the board a list of class expectations. She paused long enough in her writing to say hello to Harry and his friends.

The trio sat down in the front of the room. Other students followed. All the members of the D.A. who were now in sixth year, as well as a few Slytherins, were in this class. They found seats and waited for class to begin.

"good afternoon, class," said Professor kennedy. "I am your teacher, Professor Priscilla Kennedy. This is N.E.W.T.-level Defense of Dark Arts. We will be work on Defense work and dueling. Unlike your last teacher, I am will work on practical material. Very little theoretical work will be done other than some required note-taking. I expect everyone to do as I say and work hard, or they will find themselves with a zero grade and a detention. I do not expect everyone to do well, but as long you as you make an effort and try, you will pass in my class.
"As you all very well know, we are at war. Therefore, all of you must learn how to defend yourselves against Dementors, Death Eaters, and the like. Here are my expectations. First, all of you must do your best and try your hardest. Second, I will not allow any slacking-off or misbehaviour. All will result in points being taken off and prehaps a detention, if it is very serious. Third. if you do your best and worl hard, you will win points for your house. Fourth, I will not have anyone say 'You-know-who,' 'he-who-must-not-be-named', or any such thing. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself. All of you will be required to say "Voldemort'. If you can not manage that, then say 'Tom Riddle.' That is his real name, the name he was given and was known by when he was a student here. The first time you forget, you will be given a warning. But the next time you do not say 'Voldemort' or 'Riddle', I will take of twenty points. Each time after that will result in an addditional five taken off. After the sixth time, it will be a detention. Is that clear?"

The class nodded or said yes. Professor Kennedy smiled and continued. "I am not a bad teacher. I am only strict when it is necessary. Now, this is what we will be doing. First, you will learn advanced spells and hexes. All of you will be required to practise dueling at some point. For example, I could have Mr. Boot and Miss Abbott come up and duel each other. Second, all of you will ne required to produce a corpeal Patronus. Some of you, I understand, like Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, can already do so. Others cannot, or have only produced silver vapor or mist. After much practice, you will be able to do so. At some point, when you have been able to produce a corpeal patronus, you will use that against a dementor. Or should I say, a broggart-dementor. I will produce a broggart, have Mr. Potter stand next to it so it will turn to hios worst fear, a dementor, and then each one if you will come up and use your patronus against it. Now, I am rambling. Please turn to page three of N.E.W.T.-Level Defense Against Dark Arts and read the it. Then you will practise the spell mentioned."

The class took out their books and began reading. When they were done, the class was divided into pairs to practise the spell. This hex was one that would change your opponent into whatever you were thinking of, from an apple to a zebra. It was useful in a dueling situatuion, since you could turn your opponent into something harmless. Harry was paired with Neville and Ron with Hermione. Neville went first and said, "Changus maximus!" Harry was half turned into a toad. Professor Kennedy changed Harry back and Neville explained he was thinking of his toad, Trevor. Of course, it only half-worked. Professor Kennedy told him it was a good first attempt and after some practise, it would fully work.

Then it was Harry's turn. He thought of his owl, Hedwig, and siad, "Changus maximus." A white light shot out of his wand and Neville turned tnto a white owl, except the beak looked too much like Neville's nose. Professor Kennedy changed Neville back and had Harry try again. This time, all of Neviile turned into an owl. Then Neville did a few more attempts at changing Harry. After his fifth try, he successfully changed Harry into a toad. Professor Kennedy changed everyone back into their natural forms and assigned homework

"For homework, please write an essay on the Transformation Hex, it's effects, and the experience you had with it in class. There is no particular length to it, but I would like it to be more than a few sentences or a couple of inches. Please try to at least make it six inches long. And I don't want you writing really big just to take up space. That is all. A very good class. Dismissed."

Harry and his friends filed out of class, talking over the lesson. It had been sort of fun and Harry's godmother was obiviously a compentent teacher. She had seemed a bit stern, like McGonagall, but she was also fair and encouraged and praised her students. Defense this year would not be like Umbridge's classes, to say the least.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Eleven continued

The next day in Transfiguration, the class worked on Animangi. To be one, you usually had to have a member of your family who already was one. Also, sometime in the past, you must have had some part of you body change, such as making your hair grow quickly or something similar. Harry remembered the time when his hair grew back after Aunt Petunia had practically shaved it off. He told Professor McGonagall of this, adding his father had been an Animangus.

"Then you have potential to be an Animangus yourself," replied Professor McGonagall. "Is there anyone else who is like Mr. Potter?'

Neville said that his grandfather had been an Animangus and Hermione said that her hair had gone curly again after her mother had tried to straighten it. A few other students also had relatives who had been Animangus, or had hair or nails grow quickly.

After class, Professor McGonagall had harry stay behind for a few minutes. "Since you show potential to be an Animangus, I would like you to have lessons with me once or twice a week. I teach you how to become one. Professor Dumbledore suggested it, if you have the potential. It will be useful right now, praticularlly when you are dealing with Voldemort. And inform your friends that they may attend the lessons also, since Miss Granger also has the potential and Mr. Weasley will not like to be left out. You may go."

Harry left and told Hermione and Ron what Professor McGonagall told him. Hermione was very excited. "I've always wanted to be one, ever since I saw Professor McGonagall turn into a cat. You know that a witch or wizard shows up for Muggle families to tell them the Hogwarts letter isn't a joke. When the parents realise the letter is real, they probably think,that's why my child did all those weird things. When Professor McGonagall showed up, she said the letter wasn't a joke and then demonstrated her Animangus form and a few basic spells like the Summoning charm."

Ron was also excited, but doubted he could be an animangus since no part of his body (hair or nails) ever changed and he didn't think anyone in his family had ever been one. The closest were Sirius Black and James Potter, but they were distant cousins, with James through marriage.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Twelve

That Friday, Harry posted an announcement about Quidditch tryouts. The positions open were three chasers, two beaters, and a reserve keeper. However, Harry had decided to have Ginny as a chaser, if she was good. He already decided to keep Ginny as a reserve seeker, in case he couldn't make it to a match.

Then the day of tryouts began. Ginny, a third year named Emma Dobbs, Seamus Finnigan, and two first years, Amy Carter and Sarah Andrews, were trying out for chaser. Harry informed Amy and Sarah that first years were normally not allowed to be on teams, but that they could be reserves. The girls were a bit a disappointed, but perked up when they heard that they could be reserves.

Colin and Dennis Creevy, as well as Dean Thomas, were trying out for beaters and a third year named Natalie McDonald was trying out for reserve keeper. Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke, the two beaters that had replaced George and Fred, also showed up, but said they wanted to be reserves, not full members.

Harry and Ron got everyone into two teams, without seekers. Harry took the place of the third beater on his team. They played for an hour and Harry saw that Ginny, Emma, and Seamus were very good chasers. The only reason they didn''t score many goals was because Ron kept saving them. Finally Harry snapped, "Great saving, Ron, but it's only a try-out. Let the chasers score a few goals so I can see how good they are." Ron turned red and said that he would.

Amy and Sarah were fairly good chasers, but could use a little practise. harry decided they could be the reserve chasers. The Creevy brothers and Dean were doing quite well. While they weren't as great as George and Fred, they were pretty good and were much better than Andrew and Jack. Harry really coiuldn't decide which two to choose. As for Natalie, she was a decent keeper and saved many attempts at the goal. She also flew very well and was as good as Ron. Harry immediatley knew that she would make the perfect reserve keeper. And when Ron graduated, she would most likely end up the full-time keeper.

When it was over, Harry and Ron talked together. They agreed that Ginny, Seamus, and Emma would be chasers, Amy and Sarah be reserve chasers, Ginny aas reserve seeker, and Natalie as reserve keeper. They had a hard time deciding beaters, though. Dennis and Colin together would be like having George and Fred in that they were brothers. But Dennis was a bit small and Dean would do very well. Finally Harry and Ron called Ginny over and asked her opinion.

Ginny said, "Well, Dean is your dormmate, so I guess you should have him. And Colin is in my year, so take him, also. Put Dennis as reserve beater and explain that he is a bit small. Then add that when Dean graduates, he can move from reserves."

Harry and Ron accepted that and announced the results. Dennis was very disappointed to find out he was a reserve, but was comforted to know that he did have a chance to be a full-time beater in two years. Then everyone went inside to change and rest. Hermione was waiting in the common room for them. Harry and Ron told her the results, which she wrote down and posted so all of Gryffindor would know.


More later...

[Eleanor16]

After Quidditch tryouts, Harry's time was occupied with classes, Quidditch practises, D.A. meetings, Occulemency lessons, and doing homework, with sleep, meals, and trips to the library squeezed in between. His time was so taken up that he had no time to see Hagrid except during classes and prehaps an hour or two on weekends. As for his godmother, he also only saw her during class, Occulemency lessons, mealtimes, and prehaps a little while on weekends or when she sent for him.

Harry did eventually get a little free time when the first Hogsmeade visit came up. He invited Luna to go with him. Ron and Hermione were going together. As for Ginny, she had only said she had picked Dean to get Ron off her back. Therefore, she agreed to go to Hogsmeade with Neville.

Hogsmeade was great fun. Honeydukes had some new sweets in and Zonko's Joke Shop was carrying the twins products. Harry and Luna laughed over some of the trick sweets and objects. Finally they bought a few Skiving Snackboxes and a bag full of sweets like Canary Creams and Ton-Tongue Toffee.

After Zonko's, the two bought some sweets at Honeydukes and then went into The Three Broomsticks. Harry bought a butterbeer for himself and a gillywater with onion for Luna. Ron and Hermione also showed up and Ron got themselves two butterbeers. The four struck up a conversation and Hermione and Ron did not contradict Luna when she mentioned creatures like Heliopaths.

Ginny and Neville soon joined them. The two also got butterbeers and they joined in the conversation. After an hour, they gathered their things nd headed back for Hogwarts.

More later...

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Thirteen

Despite Harry's progress at Occulemncy, he still managed to get a dream through the connection with Voldemort. He saw himself in Voldemort's body, ordering an attack on the Dursleys. Voldemort had figured out that Harry was safe when he was at his aunt and uncle's house and had decided to get rid of them to stop the wards. Harry woke up then, his scar hurting. He clutched his forehead. His scar hadn't hurt when he got the false vision of Sirius, so he knew this one had to be real. He grabbed his invisibility cloak and headed for Dumbledore'e office.

Once in front of the gargoyle, Harry realised he didn't know the password. He named several sweets, among them cockroach clusters, chocolate frog, and sugar quill. He even tried ton-tongue toffee. After he tried that, Harry gave up in frustration. Besides, Dumbledore would most likely be in his bedroom, not in his office. As he had no idea where it was, he decided to go see Professor Kennedy instead.

Harry headed for her office. Inside, he found a house-elf tidying up. He asked the elf where Professor Kennedy was and the elf pointed to a door. "She's in her room, sleeping, Harry Potter, sir." Harry thnked him and went inside.

Professor Kennedy, who was a light sleeper, woke up when Harry burst in. She sat up and said, "Who's there?" She then turned on the light and saw Harry. "Harry! What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

Harry told her about the dream, adding that he had first gone to see Dumbledore before realising that he wasn't able to. Professor Kennedy soothed Harry and told him that she would tell Dumbledore about it. Then she told Harry that Dumbledore's password this year was Fainting Fancy and that his bedroom was near his office. Harry felt a bit better and Professor Kennedy walked him back to the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady was annoyed to have been woken up, but didn't say anything since she saw a teacher with Harry. Then Professor Kennedy headed to Dumbledore's room.

After dinner the next day, Professor McGonagall told Harry that the Order members who were on guard had stopped the attack. Luckily the Dursleys didn't know about it, since Dudley was away at his school, Uncle Vernon was at work, and Aunt Petunia had gone grocery shopping. Harry was quite releived. While he didn't like his relatives, he didn't want them to be killed by Death Eaters. Not even Draco Malfoy would deserve that, even though he was his arch enemy.

Hermione and Ron had been told about the dream and they were pleased to hear that the attack had been stopped.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Thirteen continued

The first match of the year arrived. It was Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Harry and Ron got the team ready and before the match gave a pep talk. Their speeches was not as long as Oliver Wood's or Angelina's had been.

Then the two teams went outside to the Qudditch pitch. Three quarters of the school sported read rosettes while the other quarter wore green rosettes. Almost everyone cheered when the Gryffindor team appeared and Dennis, who was the announcer, yelled, "Go Gryffindor! Beat Slytherin's ars*!' Professor McGonagall frowned at this, but she was too busy cheering herself to say anything.

Madame Hooch, who was refereeing, told the captains to shake hands. Harry and Malfoy briefly touched hands. Then the teams flew up and the balls were let out. Harry caught a brief look of the snitch before it disappeared. He then waited while the chasers began scoring and the beaters took care of the bludgers.

Harry and Ron had decided before hand to let Gryffindor be at least a hundred points ahead before Harry went for the snitch. The only way Harry would go after the snitch before that was if Malfoy had spotted the snitch. As Harry watched, he saw that the Gryffindor chasers had the Quaffle much of the time. Ginny, Seamus, and Emma were very skilled chasers. They flew very well and scored many goals. Out of the twenty attempts at the goalposts, seventeen of them went in.

There were only seven attempts at the goal by Slytherin and only one of them went in. And that only happened because Crabbe rammed himself into Ron, causing Ron to almost fall of his broom. The crowd had gotten angry, Madam Hooch threatened to ban Crabbe, and Gryffindor got a penalty shot. Ginny was very angry over the foul, but kept it in check so that she made the shot.

Harry finally spotted the snitch when the score was 200 to 20. He zoomed away after it, with Malfoy close behind. Harry wasn't too concerned if Malfoy did catch the snitch, since Gryffindor would still win, but he didn't want to lose the snitch to Malfoy. The crowd kept screaming while Dennis yelled, "Potter has seen the snitch and is in close pursiut! Malfoy is behond him, but he can't keep up with a Firebolt! Go, Harry! Don't let f*$#@! Malfoy get the snitch!"

"Dennis Creevy!" yelled Professor McGonagall. "We all want Potter to get the snitch, but please watch your language! You're getting as bad as Lee Jordan. If it keeps up, I'll have to take points."

The snitch was now inches away from tHarry. Around him, Harry dimmly noticed that the Slytherin keeper was staring at him and Malfoy, allowing Emma, Seamus, and Ginny score a goal each. The Harry stretched out his hand and grabbed the snitch. Right after, Malfoy rammed into Harry. Harry almost lost his hold on the snitch. He grabbed the broom handle with his free hand and flew down.

The crowd cheered while Dennis announced, "Gryffindor wins! The score is three hundred eighty to twenty!" Madam Hooch whisphered in Harry's ear, "Great job," and then turned to Malfoy to tell him off for ramming into Harry like that after he got the snitch.

The teams went inside to shower and change. Right after, there was a victory party in the Gryffindor common room. Harry praised Ginny, Emma, and Seamus for their fine scoring, Ron for his fine goalkeeping, and Colin and Dean for their great beater ability. Ron then praised Harry on his excellent seeker abilities and the team, as well as the rest of Gryffindor, seconded it.

[Eleanor16]

I realise that it has been a while since I last posted. However, I unfortunately have writer's block, so I cannot post. If you have any suggestions as to what I should write about next, feel free to send them to me or post them on my feedback thread. Thank you.

Feedback & suggestions: www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=21486

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Fourteen

Harry had another Occulemecy lesson. It did not go very well and Professor Kennedy saw a great deal of his memories before he was able to cut them off. She shook her head after the third attempt.

"Harry, could you please work harder on Occulemncy?" she asked. "You aren't doing a great job. And you don't need to have all these visions. Whenever Voldemort meets with his Death Eaters, Servus is there. He listens and then when he returns, reports to Albus what happened. And I assure you that Servus tells the truth. Yes, Voldemort does think Servus is spying for him, but in reality he just feeds Voldemort the information Albus tells him to."

Harry frowned. "But how come my Occulemency lessons didn't work with Sn-Professor Snape? My scar hurt after sessions with him. And he didn't-"

A flicker of pain showed in Professor Kennedy's eyes as she interrupted him. "Harry, remember he hated your father. While you are not him, you look too much like him. And if Snape was really on Voldemort's side, then why did he not give Umbridge Veritserum? I believe she asked for it and he said he was out and it would take him another month to brew up another potion, thereby putting him on probation?"

"But it only lasted until she was removed, which was like in one day!"

"Does it really matter?" asked Professor Kennedy, getting impatient with Harry. "He didn't show up when Voldemort first came back. When he did show up at the next meeting, he explained that Albus was watching and that he couldn't leave. Voldemort forgave Servus and welcomed him back, after the Cruciatus Curse was put on him a few times. And Servus wasn't killed because he used Occulemcy to make Voldemort think he was telling the truth. I could go into the whole story over how Servus joined us, but it is a matter between Albus and himself. Servus is the one to tell you. Let's just say that Servus got disgusted with what he had to do, I talked with him, and then he went to see Albus and join the Order. Will that suffice?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, Professor. I just had some doubts over his loyalty."

"Good, shall we continue?" Harry nodded again and the Occulemency lesson continued. This time he did a much better job and Professor Kennedy was very pleased. She gave him some chocolate as a reward and then sent him to his common room.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Fourteen continued

The next evening, Harry went down to see Professor Kennedy. She was not in her office and a house-elf there told him that she had gone down to see Professor Snape. He was a bit hestitant, but reasoned that if Professor Kennedy was there, Snape couldn't be too mean to him. So he went down to Professor Snape's office.

He knocked, then went in. Harry found Professor Kennedy with a cool cloth in her hand, sitting next to Professor Snape. Professor Kennedy looked up and said, "Oh, it's you, Harry. I'm attending to Servus right now. He just came back from a meeting and Vol-the Dark Lord gave him a taste of what should happen if he were to fail."

Then Harry noticed that Snape had an expression of pain on his face and guessed that he had been put under the Cruciatus Curse a couple of times. He felt most uncomfortable, but Snape opened his eyes and gasped, "You can stay, Potter. Priscilla has something to tell you."

Harry looked at Professor Kennedy. She smiled and said, "In a minute. I have to get this potion down Servus's throat first." After Snape swallowed the potion, he looked much better and didn't look like in pain anymore. Then she said, "Harry, I'm marrying Remus. Remember when I first woke up? I told Remus I would marry him, now that I didn't have to decide between him and Sirius." Harry was not at all surprised.

Then he asked, "But why are you with Professor Snape? It looks as if you-"

"I know," interrupted Professor McGill. "It's just that Servus will not anyone else tend to him. I am the only one who understands what it's like to be a spy. I was one myself, you know. I've suffered under Voldemort's hand. And he did torture me after he discovered I was a spy. Of course, I later ended up in a coma for sixteen years, but that's beside the point."

Harry was relieved. Then Professor Kennedy said half-jokingly, "But if I didn't love Remus and Servus asked me to marry him, then I'd probably say yes."

Harry had the decency not to look too shocked or repulsed by the idea. He then said, "Well, I came here to tell you that the lesson last night was great. I didn't have any bad dreams. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement."

Professor Kennedy nodded and said, "Well, if that's all, you can go now. Servus nedds to go to bed and rest. If you have anything else to tell me, it can wait until later, unless it's really important."

It wasn't, so Harry turned and left the room.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Fourteen continued

Snape was not in Potions class the next day. Professor Kennedy took over his classes and explained that Snape was not feeling well. Harry remembered what he had seen last night and knew that Snape had not fully recovered from the meeting. He told his friends about it and they were sympathetic.

That evening, Professor Snape showed up at dinner, but halfway through clutched his arm and hurried out the Great Hall. Harry exchanged worried lokks with Hermione and Ron said, "Looks like Snape has another meeting."

Harry nodded and said, "It does. Oh, I forgot to tell you last night! Professor Kennedy told me that she and Professor Lupin are getting married."

Ron and Hermione smiled and after dinner went to Professor Kennedy and offer their congratulations. She thnaked them and told them that the wedding would be in June. All the order members were to be there. Hermione and Ginny were asked to be bridesmaids and Harry to be best man. Ron looked a little disappointed and Professor Kennedy hastily said, "You can be a best man, too, Ron." Ron looked much happier by this.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione accepted and went to tell Ginny about the engagement and the offer of being one of the bridesmaids. Ginny squealed when she heard the news and was very excited. She started talking about wedding dresses, flowers, and the bridesmaids' dresses. Then she ran down to see Professor Kennedy and tell her that she would be happy to be bridesmaid and talk about the wedding. Hermione joined her, since she also had an interest, being a girl.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Fifteen

Professor Kennedy summoned Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny to her office the next day. She had a letter in her hand. "Bad news. Remus does not want to be married. He wrote saying that as a werewolf he would not be suitable for me. As if I even cared! And he also said that his condition could affect any children we had. Well, we don't need children! Or we can adopt them. It is all nonsense, on my part, but Remus says he simply can't go through with a marriage. In my opinion, he just is too nervous about it, and comes up with excuses to avoid it. But I simply can't prove it. Anyway, I'm telling you that the wedding is called off until I can talk some sense into Remus."

The four were disappointed. "That's terrible!" exclaimed Ginnny.

Professor Kennedy sighed. "Well, maybe if I tell Remus that if he doesn't marry me, I'll marry Servus instead, he'll come around. Not that I would mind marrying Servus, but he is a bit grumpy and I don't know if I would want to spend the next forty or fifty years of my life with him."

Harry replied, "Maybe that will work on Professor Lu-I mean Remus."

Professor Kennedy smiled. "I hope so. Now, I want all of you to leave so I can write a letter to Remus. I'll punch holes into all his arguments. If he writes back and still says no, then I'll threaten to marry Servus."

Harry and his friends wished Professor Kennedy good luck and left the room. The four started discussing what she had told them. They all felt bad that Remus didn't want to be married just because he was a werewolf.

[Eleanor16]

Sorry about the time. I have been busy at school and didn't have time to update. Here is a continuation of Chapter Fifteen

Professor Kennedy wrote a letter to Remus and two days later reported to Harry and his friends that Remus had changed his mind. He and Professor Kennedy were going to marry after all, but it would take place in August. Harry was very pleased with this news.

There was another Quidditch match, this one Ravenclaw versus Slytherin. Three-quarters of the school showed up wearing blue rosettes while the other one quarter wore green rosettes. Luna was wearing a hat which showed an eagle with a snake in it's mouth. A number of people laughed at it and the Slytherins gave Luna dirty looks, but she ignored it all. Harry complimented her on the hat and Hermione politely asked how she had made it. Luna went off on a monologue about spells and things and only Hermione ws interested about it.

When the match was over, Ravenclaw won, with the score 250 to 90. Everyone except the Slytherins were pleased with the results.

Sorry about this short post, but I have a case of writer's block and couldn't think of any way to lengthen this. And I'm not good at describing Quidditch matches like J. K. Rowling. I promise that my next update will be longer. In the meantime, post feedback. The link is in my sig.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter Fifteen continued

On Sunday, Harry went to the Forbidden Forest to talk with the centaurs. He was very curious to find out why they acted the way they did. He did understand that centaurs did look down on humans, but he felt that it was becasue most humans didn't understand them. Harry also felt that they could respect Dumbledore, since he didn't behave like most wizards. He wanted to gain the centaurs respect and see if he could try to understand them.

Luna Lovegood spotted Harry and went after him. When Harry told him what he was doing, she nodded. "I went to the forest once to look for fairies. I ran into this centaur named Bane and spoke with him. We had a very intelligent conversation and he told me I was different from the rest of wizardkind. It seems other wizards look down on centaurs and don't respect them. Oh, and Bane was very polite to me and did not look down on my beliefs."

Harry smiled. "That's wonderful, Luna. Why don't you join me? Since the centaurs respect you, you would help me with my talk with them."

When the two entered the forest, they looked around. Harry was very cautious, but Luna was in normaly dreamy state. Sonn a centaur came by and stopped. 'What are two human foals doing here?" he demanded. Then he saw who they were. "Oh, it is the foal Luna Lovegood and the foal Harry Potter. Why are you here?"

Luna said, "Hello, Chet. Harry came here because he wnated to speak with you and the other centaurs. And I decided to accompany him."

Chet nodded. "You told us on your last visit that you and Harry are courting."

Harry turned red and Luna whispered, "That was the best way to describe it. They don't exactly understand the concept of dating."

Harry nodded and turned to Chet. "Luna is correct. I did want to speak with the centaurs. I want to understand you. I know that there are other humans who do not take the time to understand you and look down on you, like that Umbridge woman did. I am different and-"

Chet cut Harry off. "We know of this. Luna has informed us about you."

Harry was surprised again and Chet said, "I will take you to the others. You may speak with us."

Harry nodded and asked, "I have a question. Why do you hate Frienze? I know that centaurs normally don't work for humans, but surely Dumbledore is different."

Chet replied, "Dumbledore is different, true. He understands us. However, that does not excuse Frienze working for him. The other centaurs and I still see him as a traitor. Now, do not speak of him further."

Harry closed his mouth and he and Luna followed Chet to where the other centaurs were. Bane frowned when he saw Harry and Chet quickly explained things to him. Then the frown disappeared and Bane said, "You may speak, young foal."

Harry sighed and said, "I just want to know you better. I feel that there have beem too many wizards who don't understand you and take you for nasty halfbreeds, like that teacher we had last year, Umbridge. I want to be more understanding, like Professor Dumbledore. And I also want to know your views on Voldemort."

Bane considered and said, "Well, we do not like this Voldemort. We feel that he will not help us at all. We are not on his side. But we also prefer to stay out of this. If he attacks us, we will defend ourselves. But we do not feel at all eager to come to the aid of wizards. We are willing to make an exception for Dumbldore, the foal Luna, and prehaps you, but that is it."

Harry nodded. "What about my friends? They are different, too. They don't look down on centaurs or anything. They are much more open-minded."

Bane paused. "Bring them so we can meet them. If we find that they are different, we may decide to aid them, also, if Voldemort should attack."

Luna whispered to Harry, 'I'll get your friends." Then she turned and left. Half an hour later, she returned with most of the D.A. They were very curious and explained their views to the centaurs. Bane, Chet, and many others nodded. They went away to confer quietly. After a few mintues, Chet stepped forward and said, "We are satisfied that all you foals are different from the rest of wizardkind. If Voldemort decides to attack you, the cenaturs will come to your aid. But do not expect us to do that ofr any other humans."

The D.A. smiled and left, excpet for Harry and Luna. They thanked the centaurs and Harry asked them some questions about their life. He was very careful to think over his questions first and make sure that they weren't considered offensive or intrusive on their privacy. Bane, Chet, and anpother centaur named Ronan answered the questions. Finally Harry thanked them and left with Luna.

Author's note: Thanks to Joyce13 who suggested that the centaurs join Harry's side.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter 16

Christmas break soon came and Harry was allowed to go to Grimmauld Place. However, he didn't want to, still remembering the previous Christms with Sirius. He elected to stay at Hogwarts and Hermione and Ron joined him. Luna, Neville, and Ginny did the same, plus several other students.

Harry spent a great deal of time moping. He kept seeing Sirius singing 'God Rest Ye, Merry Hippogriffs" or him putting Father Christmas hats on the stuffed houe elf heads. Professor Kenndy talked with him, but it didn't make him feel any better. He still moped. The only person that made him feel somewhat better was Luna. She understood what he was going through, having lost someone close to her, In her case, it was her mother. She was very philosophical and offered advice.

Harry found himself being drawn even closer to Luna. He was already dating her, but decided that she was the perfect girl for him. The day before Christmas, he told Luna about the prophecy. Luna shrugged and told him that it was a bunch on nonsense. "There was a prophecy made about me. It said that I would suffer a terrible accident and die before the age of six. I did suffer an accident when I was five, but I only broke an arm and sprained an ankle. I was climbing a tree, you see, and fell out. So it's all nonsense."

Harry felt a little better. He decided that the prophecy was just nonsense and that he would defeat Voldemort and not die himself. He thanked Luna for her words and knew that he would poperly be able to enjoy Chrismtas.

[Eleanor16]

Chapter 16 continued

On Christmas Day. Dobby came by and left his present. Harry thanked him and he and Ron gave Dobby two pairs of socks. Then Harry opened Dobby's present, which turned out to be another picture, this time of him on a broomstick. It was done better than the one Dobby had given him last year, but it still wasn't what anyone would call art, except maybe modern art. Harry gave a hesitant smile and said, "Well, thanks for your present."

Dobby blushed and tears came into his eyes form happiness. Then he gave Ron his present, which was a wool hat. After that, Dobby left as he had to go back to Order Headquarters. Harry then opened his other presents.

Mrs. Weasley had sent him the usual sweater and a tin of fudge and two mince pies. Hermione gave Harry a book on hexes and Ron gave him a book on Quidditch. Ginny gave Harry another charm, this one in the shape of a black dog. Tonks gave Harry a Weird Sister CD and Remus and Professor Kennedy gave him a set of robes and some more defense objects. Fred and George sent another box of their merchandise, plus a certificate for twenty galleons worth of free stuff. Percy sent a card and book on Aurors. Luna gave Harry another five free issues of The Quibbler and a box of sweets. Neville gave him a book on plants .

Harry then remembered that if he had talked with Neville in his fourth year, he might have found out about gillyweed and wouldn't have needed Dobby to steal some for him. Harry wasn't that interested in Herbology, but knew that the book would be useful. So after breakfast he spent an hour reading the firet few chapters before joining Ron in a snowball fight.

At lunch there was the Christmas feast. Professor Trewlanely joined them like she had in Harry's third year. She apparently had been crystal ball gazing again and saw herself joining the feast. This time there were twenty people, so there was no fuss about thirteen people and unlucky numbers.

Harry had a very nice Christmas, especially when Remus came by in the afternoon. Instantly there was a big snowball fight in the grounds, with all the students and staff joining, except for Snape, Filch, and the one Slytherin. Professor Kennedy was an excellent thrower and Dumbledore charmed some snowballs to flash different colors and zoom after people.

Finally the afternoon ended and everyone went back inside for a dinner of snadwiches, pudding, fruit, and pie. Harry went to bed that night knowing that he had a wonderful CHristmas, despite Sirius being gone.