"Fate Twice Defied" - Chapter 20 - Student/Teacher
Title: Fate Twice Defied
Chapter Title: 20 - Student/Teacher
Fandoms: Harry Potter/T: Sarah Connor Chronicles
Pairing: Harry Potter/John Connor
Story Rating: PG-13
Chapter Word count: ~5,997
Warning(s): Coarse language.
Summary: The summer following 5th year, Harry Potter decides to start looking out for No. 1, and that included a change of scenery. Meeting another boy with similar problems, was NOT the idea. xover with Sarah Connor Chronicles. SLASH!
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Chapter Summary: Harry and his friends experience their first day of classes; Harry informs both his friends, and Dumbledore of his 'meeting' with Voldemort; The DA meets for the first time; The machines hatch yet another plot to eliminate John and Harry…
20: STUDENT/TEACHER
"Harry?" questioned John, sleepily. Harry's abrupt movements had shaken him awake.
"I'm fine… b-b-bad dream. What time is it?"
"Almost four-thirty," answered John, glancing at the clock on the bed stand. He then glanced at Harry again, worried about his cursed scar. It didn't look like an angry black hole this time, so maybe that was a good thing. Perhaps Harry's Occlumency was helping.
"Let's get back to sleep… too early to get up yet." Harry lay back down, and the two of them snuggled against one another.
At breakfast, the student body found out exactly what Albus had spoke of at the previous evening's feast. Indeed, the long tables were gone, and in their place, were a number of round tables, with seating for twelve. The hall seemed to be a bit bigger, and there were a number of persons already seated that clearly were not students. That included a certain pair of red-haired twins. Breakfast was already out, and most of the staff were already present. Harry, John, Ron, Hermione, and Travis sat at the table where the twins were. They had just gotten seated, when Bill popped in from nowhere.
"I missed you last night," said Travis.
"I know. I've gotten perhaps two hours' sleep this morning, still setting up the wards. Speaking of which…" Bill gestured at the ceiling, from which there descended a flock of owls.
"Hedwig!" Harry exclaimed, as his snowy white familiar swooped down to land on the table, careful not to upset any of the dishes. A large envelope was attached to her leg, which she presented. Harry quickly removed the envelope, and fed the owl two pieces of bacon.
"Who's it from?" questioned Ron, although the words come out mangled, as he had his mouth full. That earned a customary scowl from Hermione. Harry looked carefully at the Emblem.
"It's from Gringott's, Harry," said Bill. Harry only nodded, breaking the seal, and pulling out the parchment.
Dear Mr. Potter,
It has come to our attention that you have recently became engaged. We congratulate you on this joyous occasion, and have taken the liberty of retrieving your parents' engagement rings from the Potter vault-which you will gain access to on your seventeenth birthday-so you can better mark said occasion.
May your vaults overflow with gold,
Slicehoof, Gringott's Bank
As he finished reading, two simple silver rings appeared on top of the envelope. Harry smiled, and picked up one of the rings. "John…" John only nodded, holding out his left hand, and Harry slipped the ring on his index finger. Momentarily too big, it immediately resized to fit. Harry then slipped the other onto his left index finger.
"So have you guys decided on a date?" Bill questioned.
"I'd like to have it around Christmas," said Harry, "Christmas hasn't been the best for me… I didn't get a Christmas present until my first year at Hogwarts. I'd like to have a few more happy memories tied to it if I can."
"Makes sense," Hermione agreed.
"Your schedules." Minerva stood behind Harry, holding a stack of parchment, one of which she dropped in front of him. "Professor Dumbledore was somewhat disappointed you are only taking core subjects this year, Mr. Potter."
"I said it before, I'm focusing entirely on preparing for the inevitable fight with Voldemort. I don't think Care of Magical Creatures will help me do that."
"And I would assume that is why Mr. Fisher is also taking only the core classes as well?"
"Yes ma'am," answered Travis, as she placed his schedule in front of him.
"We've got an open period first thing," he noticed.
"Actually, I want to speak with Professor Dumbledore."
"Your wandless skill?" questioned Bill. Harry nodded, "Among other things."
"You can perform spells wandlessly?" Hermione sounded impressed.
"I did summon my wand to me last summer when my cousin and I were attacked by Dementors," Harry reminded.
"It's something I've worked with him a little on, but I'm afraid it's over my head," Bill explained.
"Yes, Albus does know a thing or two about the art; it is a rare ability," Minerva noted. Harry snorted, "Yeah, something else that makes me different."
"But Harry, you do see the advantage," Fred grinned.
"You'd be able to pull off monster pranks without getting caught!" George added.
"Mr. and Mr. Weasley, please do not encourage him in that regard," Minerva groaned, "I had enough trouble with you two as it was, never mind Mr. Potter's father and his friends."
"Guys, I still don't know how adept I'll become at it, the amount of energy it took to call my wand to me… it's many times harder than doing stuff with a wand," answered Harry, doubtfully.
"Oh Harry, stop doubting yourself!" Hermione scolded, "You didn't think you could teach, and look how well we all did! Some of the best OWLS in years in Defense Against the Dark Arts." Minerva did her best to suppress a smile as she handed out the remainder of the schedules to the table, but the hint of one still managed to crack through her stern face. It was well known those who had been in Harry's little club the previous year did very well on their end of year exams, OWLs, or NEWTs.
Immediately after breakfast was finished, Harry and John made their way to the headmaster's office. It was every bit as well furnished and well decorated as his office back at Hogwarts, including the paintings of former headmasters and headmistresses. The office, for the moment, however, was deserted, so the boys occupied comfortable seats in front of the headmaster's desk.
"Bee in your bonnet, Mr. Potter, Mr. Connor." Both looked up to see the sorting hat resting on a shelf to the side.
"Um, hello," said John, unsure of how to answer.
"Congratulations on your improvements, Mr. Potter. Perhaps we might see more inter-house cooperation, as my creators intended," said the hat.
"That was all Travis' doing," answered Harry, "He said his school was set up that way, and well… kind of…"
"Forced them to do it here," John finished, "Harry added his own points to it, and they finally caved." The hat seemed to look John over for a few moments, then seemed to nod. "No doubt, Mr. Potter, you would have done very well in Slytherin."
"Maybe, but I think I have better friends-"
"But you don't know because you weren't there in the beginning, Harry," John pointed out. The hat seemed to nod again, and said, "Indeed, Mr. Connor. Nonetheless, the changes the three of you have brought about would make the founders proud, I have no doubt."
"Just because he's in Gryffindor, doesn't mean he can't act like a Slytherin, though, right?" questioned John. The hat only laughed, and said, "Absolutely. I only sort the person into the house which would best fit the person's personality. Such is the case of Mr. Potter, he has a wealth of courage, bravery, and such, but yet, a thirst to prove himself. That is called ambition, one of the core traits of Slytherin house." Harry had to smile at that comment, for it was true. Even though he hated fame and all that came with it, there were many expectations heaped on his shoulders, all of which he fought to meet.
"And indeed, you know the hat is right, Harry." Both teens turned to see Albus step out of his private quarters.
"Professor," Harry acknowledged.
"Equally important, Harry, it is our choices that shape who we are, such as I told you at the end of your second year." Harry nodded, glancing at the case which held Gryffindor's sword, still stained with the blood of the basilisk. "Now, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Professor, I need to ask you two things." At the headmaster's nod, he continued, "When I fought the Dementors last summer, I was able to summon my wand to me when it was knocked out of my hand. I know it is-"
"Wandless magic," Albus answered, "You believe you may have some ability in the art?" Harry nodded, and Albus continued, "Indeed, Harry, and it does not surprise me you may have the ability."
"Is it hard?"
"It is one of the most difficult branches of magic. Even I myself found it most challenging, and there are limits."
"Can Voldemort do it?" questioned John. Albus looked at the boy and nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid he does. Both wandless and silent casting."
"Silent casting?" questioned Harry. Albus nodded again, saying, "You will learn that this year in your classes, as will your year mates."
"So silent casting isn't as rare."
"How rare is wandless magic?" questioned John.
"Only the more powerful witches and wizards are able to accomplish anything at all, and only the truly powerful are able to become adept at it. Sadly, Lord Voldemort is one of those."
"Sir, would… would you be able to teach me?" Albus looked at the young wizard in front of him, his eyes twinkling madly. "Harry, I would be honoured to. To teach you how to reach your magic, and the mechanics of wandless magic as a whole, that is something I am most certainly able to do. However, do realize, how it functions in theory, and the results you will get from practical use will differ. I cannot guarantee any kind of result."
"I want to try," answered Harry.
"You have open study at the moment, I assume?" Harry nodded. "Then let us meet during this time. I will be sure to keep other obligations clear. And Harry. I am glad you are willing to trust me again. I had feared some of my actions had damaged our relationship beyond repair."
"Professor, we all make mistakes. Something you said to me in the spring… it's what makes us human. You caused me a lot of pain… and there are many things I am still angry about. But as long as you don't repeat them, I can forgive. Because if I can't forgive, I'm no better than Voldemort."
"Indeed, Harry, indeed," said Albus, his eyes still twinkling madly. "You are becoming every bit the young man I hoped you would. You express maturity most your age only dream of."
"I have to. It's either that or die." He felt John give his shoulder a squeeze.
"Ah, I should also congratulate you on your engagement," said Albus. 'Nice distraction', thought Harry, as Albus continued, "Have you two decided when?"
"Probably at Christmas, sir," answered John, "That's what Harry wants. Um, will us getting married-"
"Bonded will be the correct term, Mr. Connor," Albus corrected. John nodded, and continued, "Will us getting bonded cause problems?"
"Oh, it will most certainly cause quite a stir, if that's what you mean. Harry, you are quite sure you wish to change your name?"
"How did-right-well, yes. Our future selves delivered us a message, suggesting we do so sooner rather than later," answered Harry, "I mean, it won't lose me my vaults or anything, so why not? We both have destinies, and it's only fitting we face them together."
"So, like, even though we're only sixteen, it's not gonna be a problem."
"No, definitely not," answered Albus, "Do remember, the rules are different in the wizarding world. Although one does not reach adulthood before they turn seventeen, there are a number of traditions and rights that come into effect at sixteen, such as the right to marriage or bonding. There are circumstances where a bond or marriage could happen sooner, although that is rare. So, no, there will be no issue of age." He thought for a moment. "Your future selves sent you a message?"
"You did meet Marcus, right?" questioned Harry. Albus nodded. "Well, his link to Skynet contained an encoded video."
"You should see Harry," John smirked, at which Harry blushed, and then gave a smirk of his own. "Right, you're one to talk, Mr. Connor." Albus had to smile at their banter; he had to agree silently, it was nice to see Harry happy. His relationship with the other boy had done wonders, and just perhaps, his little rebellious streak in June had been a blessing.
All too quickly, it was time to head to Harry's first class, and so the two bid Albus a good day. As he watched the two leave, the wizened old wizard found himself content with what he was seeing. No doubt, Harry would never travel down the path Tom had. In hindsight, he was lucky Harry had such a strong moral constitution. Any less, and the world would in the near future be facing another dark wizard… one with perhaps more power than Tom or himself had.
Harry, meanwhile, headed off to the DADA classroom. John headed off to meet with Cameron, Derek, Marcus, and his mother, as he was getting lessons of a different kind. Even though he was surrounded by a magical community of sorts, he was still expected to continue his Muggle education.
Harry stepped into the room, and found it already buzzing with most of the class already present. Only moments later, Ron and Hermione entered, both looking slightly out of sorts. Harry smirked, as he could make a very educated guess as to what they had been up to.
"Now that you're all here, perhaps we can begin." Remus abruptly became visible, canceling the notice-me-not charm on himself. Sirius also appeared, smirking. "Welcome to NEWT level Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Mr. and Mr. Weasley… I daresay you've already graduated," noted Remus. Fred nodded, but said, "We thought we would come and brush up, we might be a little rusty."
"Besides," George chimed in, "How could we miss lessons from the greatest pranksters in Hogwarts recent memory?" Harry had to grin at that. Both Remus and Sirius took their place at the front of the room, and Sirius began tacking up a number of pictures to the blackboard using spell-o-tape. The pictures all featured people who appeared to be in great pain, or dead, one of the two. Remus, meanwhile, addressed the class. "I should congratulate a good portion of you on your most impressive OWL scores, some of the highest in Hogwarts recent history. I daresay you did have an outstanding teacher-" which was meant by several gasps, and a few outright laughs.
"Her? That miserable old toad?!" A female Slytherin cried out in protest.
"Toad? That's putting it mildly," Seamus agreed.
"No, no, most of you here had a much better teacher than her," Remus continued, allowing his eyes to fall on Harry. Harry could feel his face getting hot from the attention, but said nothing. "At any rate, Professor Black and I will do our best to fill his shoes."
"Indeed, my friend, they're some pretty big shoes, too," Sirius smirked. Harry rolled his eyes at this comment, but Sirius continued, "Now let us turn to the reason we are here." He gestured to the pictures, saying, "Professor Snape has been kind enough to loan us some of the materials I have posted about the room. Take note of each, for these all represent the power of the Dark Arts. This one, for example-" he gestured at one in which a wizard was screaming in agony, "-The Cruciatus Curse." He gestured to another, in which a witch was slumped in a corner, with blank eyes. "This poor girl was kissed by a Dementor. And lastly," he gestured to a third picture, in which there was only a bloody mess on the ground, "This poor individual was attacked by Inferi."
"Has an Inferius been seen, then?" questioned Parvati Patil in a high-pitched voice. "Is it definite, is he using them?"
"Voldemort has used Inferi in the past," answered Remus, "So it is a safe assumption he'll use them again."
"Let us then begin. Has anyone in here cast a spell non-verbally before?" questioned Sirius. No hands went up. "What would be the advantage of a non-verbal spell?" Both Hermione and Travis' hand went up straight away. "Miss Granger."
"The target doesn't know what kind of spell you're about to attack them with. It gives you a split-second advantage."
"Excellent, ten points to Gryffindor," said Remus, "Indeed, someone who can cast non-verbally have an element of surprise on their side. It is not an easy thing to learn, as it does take great concentration."
"Let us break into pairs, shall we?" said Sirius, "One of you will try to jinx the other, and lets be clear, WITHOUT speaking the incantations. The other will try to block the jinx, once again, WITHOUT speaking the incantation. You may begin."
Half of the class already knew how to cast a shield charm-they had been in the DA, after all, but to do it without speaking the incantation? Of course, there was a fair bit of cheating, with many people just whispering the incantation. However, a little over fifteen minutes after they had began, Hermione managed to block Ron's whispered Jelly-Legs Jinx without speaking.
"Well done, Miss Granger, twenty points to Gryffindor," Remus praised. Hermione blushed, while he continued, "You can do better, Mr. Weasley, I can still hear you. It has to be silent, remember."
"I'm trying, professor."
At the same time, Travis managed to tag Harry with a silently placed tickling charm, much to the amusement of the class.
"And another twenty points to Gryffindor, for that fine performance, Mr. Fisher. Perhaps you and Miss Granger should pair up, and continue working together." Travis and Hermione both nodded, and got together, while Harry and Ron teamed up.
"Remember, it's all about focusing your intent," said Sirius, "Concentrate on what you want the magic to do." (1)
Harry had almost been able to do it when the bell rang, drawing the class to a close. The four teenagers made their way to a nearby common area that was arranged like a dormitory common room. There were couches, a number of tables, and a fireplace.
"Glad Remus is back," said Harry, as they took a seat at one of the tables.
"I take it your DADA teachers have been less than par?" questioned Travis. The others nodded, with Ron piping up, "Downright dreadful, most of them. Professor Lupin's the best we've had so far."
"Guys, after dinner, I need to talk to you," said Harry. The strange discussion he had had with Voldemort the previous night was still on his mind.
"Where?"
"Too bad we didn't have the Room of Requirement," said Ron, "That would be perfect."
"It's not something we wanted to invest our time in just now," said Travis, "I mean, it's some pretty advanced magic."
"How about back here again, right after supper?" suggested Hermione. There were nods of agreement.
"John will be here too," Harry added, "My future partner, he has to-"
"Is it serious? What happened?" questioned Hermione.
"Guys, err, look, just… I'll tell you tonight. But yes, it's important."
The break was soon over, and while Hermione headed off to Arithmancy, the rest of the group headed off to the library. They had the rest of the morning to themselves, and took advantage of the fact that up to now, they still had no homework assigned.
Immediately following lunch, the group made their way to the potions classroom. As expected, it was a much smaller class than before, with perhaps a dozen students in all, seated in the front-most rows. They took their seats, and just in time, as the door to Severus' personal quarters flew open with a bang, and said occupant stormed into the room, his robes billowing behind him. With a gesture from his wand, the door slammed shut, as did the door to the hallway. "Settle down," said Severus. The room fell quiet. Just his mere presence had the desired effect, there was no need to yell and scream. "I am somewhat surprised at a few of the faces who have managed to make it into NEWT level potions," he continued, looking directly at Harry, "However, I will tell you this, such as I said when I first lay eyes on each of you. There is no room for silliness, such is the danger of making a potion. Step out of line with any foolish behavior, you will not come back. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes professor," came a murmur of voices.
"Who then, can tell me what this might be?" Severus gestured with his wand, causing a cauldron to appear on the floor in front of the class. It appeared to be just boiling water. Hermione's hand was up like a shot. Severus, however, ignored her. "Anyone?" Then, Travis' arm also went up. "Mr. Fisher?"
"It's Veritaserum, sir. It's a colourless, odourless potion which forces the drinker to tell the truth," said Travis.
"Indeed, Mr. Fisher."
"I have made it, sir," Travis added, to which Severus was briefly surprised. An odd mix of surprise, and a hint of exasperation crossed Severus' face, as it appeared he was conflicted. Finally, he spoke, "F-five points… to Gryffindor."
"Thank you professor."
"Who then, can tell me what this one might be?" Severus banished the cauldron of Veritaserum, and summoned a different one, this containing a slow-bubbling, mud-like substance. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Travis all recognized it at once, and all four hands were in the air. Severus was again pained as he looked around the room, particularly at his four Slytherins, and finally came back to Travis.
"It's Polyjuice potion, sir," he answered.
"And its properties?"
"The drinker adds hairs from the desired target, and when they consume the potion, they end up looking exactly like the target for an hour." Severus nodded again, "Another five points to Gryffindor. The last one, then…" he banished the cauldron of Polyjuice, and summoned yet another cauldron. The contents of this one had a mother-of-pearl sheen to it, and the steam was rising off it in spirals. Again, Hermione's hand shot into the air. Severus gave up, and gestured to her.
"It's Amortentia, the most powerful love potion in the world," she supplied, "It's supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and-" she turned slightly pink and never completed the sentence. Severus sneered, and turned to the blackboard, saying, "We begin today with something perhaps more complex than you have brewed in the past. The Draught of Living Death, as described on page ten of Advanced Potion Making. The basic method and ingredients are on the board-" he gestured with his wand, and said instructions appeared on the board, "-ingredients needed for today's lesson are in the cupboard-" he again gestured with his wand, opening the store cupboard. "You may begin."(2)
Harry and Travis both smiled, as they had already tried this potion before, earlier in the summer. Harry had found Severus' gift to be most useful, offering hints on how to do things more efficiently, among other things. Needless to say, by the end of the period, Travis, Harry, and Hermione had made nearly perfect potions-Ron had, even with Travis' guidance, still managed to stuff up his potion, with Severus banishing the tar-like substance from his cauldron, sneering all the while.
After they hurriedly completed dinner, the group again met in the public common area near the Gryffindor dormitory. Travis erected a strong privacy charm around the corner they were gathered in, and Harry proceeded to relate the contents of his 'conversation' with Voldemort that morning.
Needless to say, the group was far from impressed.
"Harry, are you fucking nuts?!" John exclaimed, "Jesus Christ."
"You'll have just angered him more, what did you hope to accomplish?" questioned Hermione, clearly upset.
"To make him think," Harry answered, "I just wanted… I just wanted him to stop trying to invade my mind every night, Occlumency or not."
"I guess we'll find out pretty quick one way or another," said Travis with a shrug, "Who knows, maybe it'll get him thinking."
"That's all I want," said Harry, "Plant a seed of doubt, even."
"Dumbledore needs to know about this, Harry," Hermione decided, "After all, we're just teenagers, the Order has to know."
"Lovely, and Snape will skewer me alive," Harry groaned.
"But you have to be more careful, Harry. Anything you say to him is ammunition he can use against us," Hermione reinforced.
"By twisting it and calling him a liar-" Ron began.
"No, he can't," Harry countered, "I did a magical oath in front of him, what I told him is the truth. I hope… I hope he really does some research. If not… maybe he's not as smart as I thought he is."
"But… where would that get us?" questioned Ron, "What difference would it make?"
"We really don't want to go to war with Muggles," answered Travis, "Like what Harry said, there's six billion of them to our, three or four million? If it really came down to war between us and them, we don't stand a chance. It would be the Salem witch burnings all over again."
As much as he hated the idea, Hermione was right. And so, he once again found himself in front of the headmaster's office door.
"Come in, Harry," came Albus' voice, before he had a chance to knock. Harry pushed the door open to find the headmaster seated behind his desk, with several others already present, namely Remus and Sirius. He sighed inwardly.
"I have something to tell you," Harry began, and for the second time that evening, began to relate that morning's strange meeting with the Dark Lord.
"Harry, perhaps it might be a better idea if you place the memory in my pensieve so we can experience it first-hand," Albus suggested. Harry nodded in agreement, and once the headmaster opened his pensieve, Harry drew out the memory and deposited it in the swirling silvery liquid.
"I must say, Harry, that was quite a bold move on your part," said Sirius, as Harry retrieved the memory from the pensieve, "I'm sure some may consider it ill-advised, but at the same time, by the expression on Voldemort's face, you've caused him to pause."
"I don't agree," said Albus, "It may only anger him more, perhaps cause much more damage than had you not done that, Harry."
"I just want him to stop… to stop visiting me!" Harry exclaimed, exasperated, "I mean, the visions are a lot less now, since I'm getting much better at protecting my mind, but… sometimes, he can get in… and he can still 'visit me'."
"Still, you must be careful what you tell Riddle, Harry."
"I know that, sir!"
"What's done is done," said Remus, "Harry did do the right thing by letting us know. The rest of the Order will need to know, so no one is caught unaware. I have to agree with Albus, however, in that this is the kind of thing you should not be sharing with You-Know-Who."
"I am careful," answered Harry, "If he visits, my most important goal is to get rid of him as fast as I can."
"I think it's best that, from now on, if he visits your mind, let us know right away," Albus decided. Harry nodded. "Your Occlumency lessons are continuing?"
"Yes, our next meeting is Thursday," answered Harry, "Along with Draco. I still haven't talked to him…"
"Ah yes, Mr. Malfoy. Severus has taken steps to insure his safety," said Albus.
"I'm still not sure if I want him in the defense club… I just don't want trouble, it seems to follow me as it is."
The discussion with his godfather, Remus, and Albus failed to produce any solution, and neither did the further discussion with his friends. So, Harry again found himself staring at the canopy of the four-poster bed, the Muggle alarm clock resting on the bedside table ticking the night away. So many things to consider, so many questions, it was driving him half-mental. 'Surprised I'm not barking as it is', he mused, as John shifted in his sleep to cuddle closer.
oOo
"Welcome, good afternoon," said Harry. It was Saturday, and the great hall had been rearranged to provide a meeting space for Harry's defense club. There were several tables still set up at the back of the room, but the rest of the room had a number of large cushions spread about them, with a large mat laid out at the centre of the room. A number of practice dummies also lined the side walls. "Welcome to first meeting of the Defense association. I'm glad to see lots of new faces, and a few alumni as well." His eyes fell on several first year students, including Justin. "For those of you who were in the club last year, I will need your help leading the new faces…"
"Harry… is it true you really chased off hundreds of Dementors?" questioned Justin. Harry allowed a faint smile to form on his lips, and nodded. "I did. But it was…"
"Truly amazing," Hermione chimed in, "Harry, don't minimize that, you saved Sirius' life!"
"I know that," answered Harry, "And that's what this club is all about. Last year, we had one of the most horrible teachers in Hogwarts' recent memory. She taught us nothing."
"Had it not been for Harry's defense club," Hermione picked up, "We would have learned nothing, and quite possibly failed our OWL for Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"This year, we have two very competent teachers, and so that's not such an issue. However, I have been asked by a number of people if this club would continue. At first, I didn't want to, as I do have enough on my plate as it is. However, what I might want does have to take a back seat, considering what we're facing. Voldemort is back-and stop cringing, it's just a name, for Merlin's sake!" Harry exclaimed, "Look. If you can't even say his name, then how do ever hope to stand up to him?!" There were a few hesitant nods, as Harry continued, "Had it not been for this club, it's quite possible what happened at the Ministry of Magic in June may have had a very different outcome."
"Those of you who were in the DA last year, please gather yourselves by the tables there…" Harry gestured to the few remaining tables. "The rest of you, gather at the opposite end of the room, and give us a few minutes to get sorted."
Harry waited for the groups to separate, then met with the returning members.
"I wasn't expecting first years," he said.
"Agreed, they're too young," said Michael Corner, "They should be worried about orienting themselves with the school and such…"
"Actually," said Ron, "It was three first years that prevented You-Know-Who from stealing the Philosopher's Stone…"
"Working against protections put in place by Hogwarts Professors," Hermione added, "They have every right to be here as everyone else."
"So?" Michael challenged, "What can we teach them that they won't already be learning in class?"
"Let us worry about that," said Remus, finally adding his two cents to the equation.
"Since we are the Dark Arts Defense professors, we can take care of those third year or less," suggested Sirius. Harry nodded, "Perfect. Maybe have…" He looked around, "Fred and George can help out as well, being alumni. In the meantime… I know silent casting is a NEWT level skill, but…"
"If you want to try and teach lower years, by all means," said Remus, "Just keep in mind, the magical core of a fourth year is nowhere near as developed as yours would be. I'll be very surprised if you see much success."
"I can only try, right?"
After that brief meeting, Harry then turned his attention to Draco. Surprisingly a number of Slytherins had also joined. He didn't recognize any trouble makers, so perhaps this was a good thing.
"Malfoy… we had a discussion about your, err, request," said Harry.
"And?"
"You may join us. But… you will have sign a magical contract… Hermione wrote it. It's for your protection as much as ours."
"Very Slytherin of you, Potter," said Draco, his voice absent of his usual sarcasm.
"The hat wanted to put me in your house, you know?"
"Really? What-"
"You did," answered Harry, "Look. I was an ignorant first year, and you didn't make a very good impression. Never mind a few other things I had heard… a lot of which I think is rubbish."
Draco considered Harry for a moment, then stuck out his hand. "Fresh start?" Harry nodded, and shook it. "I still want you to sign the contract."
"I think we should have everyone sign it," Travis spoke, joining the pair, "That way it's fair. Anyone who causes trouble whatsoever, they're gone. Simple as that."
"Yeah, I agree with that," thought Harry. Draco nodded as well.
"The sorting hat wanted to put me in Slytherin as well," said Travis, "I asked it to put me in Gryffindor, so I could be more of a help to Harry."
"How come you get along so well with Snape," questioned Draco, changing the subject.
"He likes my work, I guess," answered Travis, "I like potions, it's one of my favourite subjects."
"And unlike me, Snape doesn't have a grudge against his name," Harry grumbled, "Either way, let's get started…"
The rest of the afternoon was spent reviewing relevant material. The majority of those who had been in the DA the previous year reviewed what they had learned, while some of them moved on to work with the newcomers. The returning group began working on silent casting, since that was a fundamental part of the 6th year curriculum-Harry understood the importance of the skill, and if lower years could pick up on it, all the better.
oOo
It was September 9, 1996. In the late morning sky, an ominous electro-magnetic storm began just thirty-five kilometers northwest of the island, which seemed to last a half-minute. It dissipated, revealing an even more ominous black shape. Easily six hundred feet in length, being held aloft by six giant turbine engines, it hovered effortlessly for several minutes, before beginning to track southeast.
Approaching the island, a single hatch opened in the bottom of the aircraft, exposing a pair of plasma weapons affixed to a swivel-turret. As it neared the geographical centre of the island, it let fly a volley of potent plasma energy.
The attack triggered the powerful wards erected around the island, which in turn unleashed a powerful burst of magic at the attacker, instantly rendering many electronic systems on board completely useless. The craft plummeted from the sky, crashing into a wooded area, narrowly missing several structures placed there earlier in the summer.
The electronic brain at the heart of the craft was not concerned, however. It had achieved its objective. As to whether it would actually work or not was irrelevant. The slight rumblings from the ground were all the confirmation it needed. John Connor and Harry Potter would be dead in a few minutes' time.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
(1) Loosely taken from p.169 & 170, HBP, Canadian soft cover edition. Some of it Verbatim. Some of it changed around a bit-remember, they don't have a certain bat of a professor being just plain nasty this time around.
(2) Loosely taken from p.175 - 176, HBP, Canadian soft cover edition. Some of it verbatim. Some of it changed, as here, Snape is still the potions professor, rather than Slughorn, in canon.
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