Chapter 8Chapter Text
Hermione had been right as expected. The free periods of sixth year were not the blissful relaxation Ron had hoped for, but just time in which they could attempt to keep up with the mountains of homework given to them.
To Harry's surprise, potions had gone from his worst subject to nearly his best subject in only a week, the Half-Blood Prince's notes assisting him. He also noticed a good amount of improvement in his DADA classes, the nonverbal magic, which Snape was now expecting in his classes, came easier to Harry than any other student.
It wasn't an uncommon sight to see a few N.E.W.T level students standing around in the common room, their faces purple and straining, like they had taken a large dose of the Weasley twins' U-No-Poo. But he knew they were just desperately struggling to make spells work without saying them.
All the other classes had started getting more difficult as well. They were dealing with large Venomous Tentacula in Herbology, which had a nasty tendency to throw students around.
One of the results of their enormous workload was that Harry had not been able to setup the D.A. club yet. He had already planned out who to invite, and even the fact they would be using the abandoned classroom Ginny had found. It was sad to have to sacrifice their private space, but it was worth it.
Harry felt that using the Room of Requirement was not the best idea, as he had no idea who else knew about it, or if the room would somehow freak out at the large level of magic they would be using, and he didn't want to risk some type of freak accident.
"That's it. We're doing it." He announced to Ron, Ginny and Hermione one afternoon in the common room.
"Doing what? More studying?" Ron asked, exasperated.
"No, that club I was talking about. It's about time we get started, it should help with our classes too." Harry said, and Ron let out a sigh of relief.
"What about Dumbledore? Have you asked him?" Hermione asked.
"I did, he said it was okay... just told us to be careful." Harry said. He had in fact sent Dumbledore a note, although how much he'd revealed about the club's intended activities was another thing entirely.
"Okay well we're in Harry. Just tell us when and where, okay?" Ginny said from beside him.
"Mhmm" Harry hummed, plans forming in his mind.
Harry spent the next few days finding opportunities to approach the others. The first chance came when he, Ron, and Hermione were studying in the library one afternoon, their essays spread between them. At a nearby table, he could hear Terry Boot and Anthony Goldstein discussing something in hushed tones about increased security at the Ministry.
"This is hopeless," Hermione muttered, scratching out another line. "How are we supposed to write three feet on the theoretical applications of human transfiguration when McGonagall won't let us actually try it?"
"At least you're not stuck on Snape's essay about nonverbal spell theory," Harry said, glancing up from his parchment. "He wants us to analyze why some wizards struggle more than others, but I can't exactly write 'because Snape makes everyone nervous.'"
"Oh please, Harry," Hermione said with sudden impatience. "Half the school would probably help you write it if you asked. You're more popular than ever."
Ron made a choking sound. "Popular? Since when is Harry popular?"
"Since everyone finally admitted he was right about You-Know-Who," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "Everyone knows you're the Chosen One now, Harry. You've faced him and lived to tell about it. Twice. Plus you've gotten much taller over the summer."
"I'm tall too," Ron said defensively.
Harry couldn't deny he'd noticed the change. The way conversations quieted when he walked by, how younger students looked at him with something approaching awe, the number of people who suddenly wanted his help with Defense work. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, if he was being honest, though sometimes he wondered if the attention was deserved or if people were just desperate for someone to look up to.
"It's not just that though," Hermione continued. "You stood by your story even when the Ministry was calling you unstable. People admire that kind of integrity."
"And it doesn't hurt that you actually know what you're talking about now," Ron added quietly, though there was something slightly strained about his tone.
Before Harry could respond, Susan's voice called softly from the next row of shelves.
"Harry! Ron! Hermione!" She appeared around the corner carrying a stack of Defense books, which pushed out her already large chest even further and made Ron's face go blank, like he'd seen a Veela again. Her face brightening when she saw them. "I thought I recognized those voices."
"Susan," Harry said, genuinely pleased to see her.
"Studying for Snape's Defense class?" Hermione asked.
"Attempting to," Susan said, settling into the chair beside them. She glanced at Harry with obvious admiration. "Though I have to admit, after seeing what you accomplished at the Ministry... well, some of us feel rather inadequate in comparison."
"See?" Hermione said pointedly.
Harry felt a small surge of satisfaction rather than embarrassment. "We're all still learning," he said modestly, though he didn't deflect the praise entirely.
"You seem different this year, Harry," Susan continued, her cheeks turning pink. "More sure of yourself. More..." She searched for the right word. "Capable, I suppose."
Ron rolled his eyes. "Here we go again."
Harry caught Ron's look but didn't feel the need to downplay Susan's words. Instead, he smiled. "Well, I suppose I have picked up a few things along the way."
"Actually," Harry said, leaning forward slightly, "that's something I wanted to discuss with you. We're considering starting a more practical Defense study group."
Susan's eyes widened with interest. "Like the D.A. last year?"
"Similar concept," Hermione said, "but more focused on current... realities."
"You mean preparing for what's coming," Susan said quietly, her voice taking on a harder edge. Around them, the library felt unusually tense. Students spoke in hushed whispers, and every rustle of parchment seemed louder than usual.
Harry nodded, though part of him wondered if they were really ready for whatever might be coming. "There have been more incidents lately. The Prophet's not reporting everything, but people are getting worried letters from home. We can't just sit here learning theory while the situation gets worse."
Ron shifted uncomfortably. "Dad did mention that they're getting more reports at work. Things that don't make it into the papers."
Susan's jaw tightened, and for a moment her usual gentle demeanor cracked completely. "My aunt knew more defensive magic than almost anyone in the Ministry. She was Head of Magical Law Enforcement. But it wasn't enough when they came for her." Her hands clenched into fists. "If there's a chance to learn something that might actually matter... that might prevent what happened to her from happening to someone else..."
"That's exactly what we're thinking," Harry said, and something in his tone made both Ron and Hermione glance at him. There was an intensity there that hadn't been present in the old D.A. discussions. Something that suggested he was prepared to go further than before if necessary.
"When would we start?" Susan asked.
"Soon," Harry said. "I just need to speak with a few more people first."
Later that evening, Harry found Lavender alone by the common room fire, a raunchy romance novel in her lap but her eyes red from recent tears.
"Everything alright?" he asked, settling into the chair across from her.
Lavender looked up, quickly trying to compose herself. "Oh! Harry!" She attempted her usual bright smile, but it wavered. "Just tired from all the coursework."
Harry waited, and after a moment her facade crumbled slightly.
"Mum's been sending rather frantic letters," she admitted quietly. "She keeps including clippings from the Prophet about all the... unpleasantness. She thinks I should consider coming home for safety."
"What do you think?"
"I want to stay," Lavender said immediately, then looked uncertain. "But Harry, what if I'm not strong enough for whatever's coming? What if when something actually happens, I just panic?"
Harry studied her face, seeing something he hadn't noticed before. Beneath the bubbly exterior was a girl who'd been thinking seriously about the world around them. "What makes you think you would panic?"
"Because I'm not like you," she said simply. "You've stared down You-Know-Who and survived. I struggle with basic Shield Charms half the time."
"You might be surprised by what you're capable of when it matters," Harry said. "Besides, struggling with something is just the first step to getting better at it."
As he explained the defense group, Lavender's expression shifted from uncertainty to determination. "You really think I could learn to be... useful? Instead of just someone who needs protecting?"
"I think you're tougher than most people realize," Harry said, and meant it. "Including yourself."
The next morning at breakfast, the Great Hall buzzed with the usual mix of academic stress and underlying anxiety that had become the norm. Harry spotted Luna and Neville near the Ravenclaw table, Luna apparently trying to comfort a visibly shaken Neville.
"The Blibbering Humdingers are particularly active this time of year," Luna was saying in her dreamy voice as Harry approached. "They feed on worry, you know."
"Luna, I don't think magical creatures are causing..." Neville began, then stopped when he saw Harry. "Oh, morning Harry."
"Morning," Harry said. Neville looked more rattled than usual. "What's wrong?"
Neville glanced around nervously before speaking. "Gran received another letter yesterday. Anonymous, but... they knew things about our family. About what happened to my parents." His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "They said they remembered what they'd done, and they weren't finished with the Longbottom family yet."
Harry's eyes unconsciously moved to the Slytherin table, to Malfoy. He seemed to be his normal, pompous self, but there was something a bit off about him. He seemed on edge, eyes scanning the room every few seconds.
Malfoy looked over to where Harry was standing and they locked eyes. The room seemed to dim as they stared at each other. After a few seconds, Malfoy looked away, grabbed something from the table and started walking out.
"That's horrible, Neville. No wonder you're upset." Luna's expression grew less dreamy and more focused.
"Have you reported it to the Aurors?" Harry turned back to Neville, his voice carrying concern and anger.
"Gran did, but they said there's not much they can do about anonymous threats." Neville's hands shook slightly. "She says we won't be intimidated, but I can tell she's worried."
"Fear is perfectly reasonable when there are genuinely frightening things happening," Luna said matter-of-factly. "The question is what you do with that fear." She paused, then added in a sing-song tone, "Though I suppose that's easier to say than to actually do."
Harry leaned forward, something sharp and focused in his expression. "Actually, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to both of you about."
As he explained his plan, Neville's fear didn't disappear, but it transformed into something harder, more resolved. Luna listened with her usual dreamy attention, though she occasionally asked surprisingly practical questions.
"You really think learning more could help?" Neville asked quietly. "Against people like... like the ones who hurt my parents?"
"I think we can't afford not to try," Harry said, and there was an edge to his voice that made both Luna and Neville pay closer attention. Part of him wondered if he was leading them into something they weren't ready for, but another part of him was tired of feeling helpless. If Death Eaters wanted to threaten people like Neville, they should be prepared for consequences.
Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think that sounds quite sensible. My father always says the best way to deal with Nargles is to be prepared for them, even if you're not entirely sure what they'll do."
"Are we plotting something dangerous?" Neville asked, and there was both fear and hope in his voice.
Harry considered the question seriously. Were they? He wasn't entirely sure himself, but he found that the uncertainty didn't bother him as much as it should have. "We're preparing to defend ourselves and the people we care about. If that's dangerous to some, then so be it."
By the next evening, Harry stood in the abandoned classroom with his seven recruits, feeling the familiar weight of leadership settling on his shoulders. But unlike the previous year's D.A., this felt different. More urgent, more necessary. The faces looking back at him held a mixture of fear and determination that matched his own conflicted feelings about what they were starting.
"Right," Harry began, his voice carrying quiet authority. "I know we're all here for different reasons, but we're all here because we know what we're learning in class isn't sufficient anymore."
He paused, letting his eyes move across each face. Ron, loyal but trying to hide his own fears. Hermione, practical and determined as always. Ginny, fierce and ready for whatever came next. Susan, burning with quiet anger over her aunt's death. Luna, serene but watchful in her peculiar way. Neville, frightened but resolved to honor his parents' memory. And Lavender, scared but trying desperately to find her courage.
"This isn't going to be like last year's D.A.," Harry continued, and felt a small flutter of uncertainty about whether he was making the right choice. But he pushed it aside. They needed to be ready.
"We're not preparing for exams or trying to spite a terrible teacher. We're preparing for a war that's already started, whether the Ministry wants to admit it or not."
The room was very quiet.
"I want everyone to understand what that means," Harry said, his voice steady despite his own doubts.
"We're going to learn spells that could seriously hurt someone. We're going to practice scenarios where the goal isn't to disarm or stun, but to stop someone who's trying to kill you or the people you care about." He met each of their eyes in turn.
"If anyone's not comfortable with that, there's no shame in leaving now."
No one moved.
"Good," Harry said, and found that he meant it. Perhaps they weren't ready, perhaps he wasn't the right person to lead them, but they were going to try anyway. Because the alternative was to wait helplessly for whatever came next.
"Then let's get started."
Harry moved to the center of the room, feeling the familiar thrill of being watched, of having people hang on his words. It was intoxicating in a way he was still getting used to.
"We'll start with something practical," he said, pulling out his wand. "The Protean Charm variant I'm about to show you isn't in any textbook. It creates a defensive barrier that can deflect multiple curses simultaneously."
Hermione's hand shot up immediately. "Harry, where did you learn this? It sounds like advanced Auror training."
Harry hesitated for just a moment. He couldn't exactly explain that he'd found it scribbled in the margins of the Half-Blood Prince's book alongside what looked like original spell modifications. "I've been doing some... independent research."
"Right then," Harry said, raising his wand. "The incantation is 'Scutum Multiplex.' The wand movement is a clockwise circle followed by a sharp downward slash."
He demonstrated, and a shimmering silver barrier appeared in front of him, wider and more substantial than a normal Shield Charm. "Who wants to try first?"
Susan stepped forward immediately, her jaw set with determination. "I'll do it."
"Alright, but remember, it requires more focus than a standard Shield Charm. You need to visualize the barrier expanding outward." Harry watched her first attempt, noting how her grip was too tight on her wand.
"Susan, try loosening your grip slightly. You're fighting the magic instead of guiding it."
She adjusted her hold and tried again. This time the shield appeared, wavering but visible.
"Better," Harry said, moving closer. "The visualization is the key. Think of it as extending your magical presence outward." He stood beside her, close enough that she glanced at him with obvious admiration. "Try once more."
Susan's third attempt produced a steadier shield, and she looked to Harry for approval, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Brilliant," he said, and watched her face light up at the praise.
Neville went next, managing a weak but visible barrier after several attempts. His confidence seemed to grow with each success, though Harry noticed he still jumped slightly whenever someone spoke to him.
Luna produced a shield that had an odd, almost translucent quality to it, as if it were made of moonlight rather than magic.
"Interesting variation," Harry said, genuinely curious. "How did you manage that effect?"
"I was thinking about how Nargles move through solid objects," Luna said dreamily. "I thought perhaps the barrier should be permeable to harmless intentions but solid against harmful ones."
Hermione looked fascinated despite herself. "Luna, that's actually quite advanced magical theory. Intent-based filtration charms are incredibly complex."
When it came to Lavender's turn, she struggled with the wand movement, her shield flickering and failing repeatedly.
"I can't get it right," she said, frustration creeping into her voice.
"The problem isn't your technique," Harry said gently, moving to stand in front of her. "You're doubting yourself before you even cast. Magic responds to confidence." He met her eyes steadily.
"You're more capable than you think, Lavender. Trust that."
Lavender bit her lip, then nodded. "Okay. I'll try."
Her next attempt produced a small but stable shield. She looked up at Harry with delight, stepping closer to him. "Did you see that? It worked!"
"I knew it would," Harry said, and Lavender beamed at his confidence in her, staying close to his side even as they moved on to the next person.
From across the room, Harry caught Ginny watching the interaction with an expression he couldn't quite read. Not jealousy, exactly, but something more complex. Almost like... satisfaction?
"Right," Harry said. "Let's try something more advanced. Ron, Ginny, you've both been quiet."
Ron had managed the basic shield easily enough, his natural magical power making up for any lack of finesse. Ginny's shield was nearly as strong as Harry's own, crackling with energy that suggested she'd put considerable force behind it.
"Show-off," Ron muttered, but he was grinning.
"Just because you're holding back doesn't mean the rest of us should," Ginny shot back with a smirk.
Harry felt a surge of pride watching her. Ginny had always been magically gifted, but she seemed more confident now, more willing to display her abilities.
"Now for something more... practical," Harry said, and his tone grew more serious. "The Cutting Curse. It's not technically Dark Magic, but it can cause serious harm if used improperly."
Hermione frowned. "Harry, are you sure we should be learning potentially dangerous spells? What if someone gets hurt?"
Ron shifted uncomfortably beside her. "Yeah, mate, this feels a bit... dark. Are we sure this is the right path?"
"If someone's trying to kill you, a Disarming Charm might not be enough," Harry said bluntly. "The incantation is 'Diffindo,' but with a specific wand movement that increases the power significantly."
He demonstrated on a piece of conjured wood, which split cleanly in half with a sharp crack.
"The key is controlling the depth and direction of the cut," Harry continued, and part of him was surprised by how comfortable he felt teaching this. A year ago, the idea of teaching potentially harmful magic would have bothered him more.
"Too much power and you could seriously injure someone. Too little and it's useless in a real fight."
Susan stepped forward again, her expression grim. "Show me."
As the lesson continued, Harry found himself paying attention to more than just their magical progress. The group dynamics were already forming in interesting ways.
Hermione remained cautious but thorough, taking careful notes on everything. Ron provided steady support and occasional humor to lighten the mood. Neville surprised everyone, including himself, with his determination to master each spell despite his obvious fear.
But it was the way Susan and Lavender responded to his teaching that caught Harry's attention most. Both sought out his individual guidance, and both seemed to find excuses for physical contact during the lessons. Susan's touches were more subtle but deliberate, while Lavender was more openly affectionate, often staying close to him even after he'd finished helping her.
And Ginny... Ginny watched it all with that same satisfied expression, as if seeing other girls drawn to Harry pleased her rather than bothered her.
After an hour of intensive practice, Harry called a halt to the session. "That's enough for tonight. You've all done well."
As the group began to disperse, packing away their things and making plans for the next meeting, Harry caught Hermione pulling Ginny aside near the door.
"Ginny, can I have a word?" Hermione asked, her voice carefully neutral.
Harry pretended to be organizing his notes while listening to their conversation.
"Is everything alright between you and Harry?" Hermione asked quietly. "I've noticed some... interesting things tonight."
Ginny's response was more direct than Harry expected. "You mean Susan and Lavender?"
"Well... yes," Hermione said, sounding slightly taken aback by Ginny's bluntness. "Doesn't that bother you?"
"Should it?" Ginny asked with a slight smile. "Harry's attractive, powerful, and charismatic. Of course other girls are going to notice. And honestly..." She paused, then continued more quietly. "I find it rather exciting. Seeing how much other people want him, knowing that he's chosen to be with me."
Hermione was quiet for a long moment. "Ginny, that's... are you sure you're comfortable with that?"
"I'm sure," Ginny said firmly. "Harry deserves to be appreciated for once. And if I can share that with people I trust and care about... well, there are worse problems to have."
Harry felt something shift in his chest at her words. He'd known Ginny was confident and secure, but this level of openness was beyond what he'd expected. And if he was being honest with himself, the idea of being with both Ginny and possibly others wasn't entirely unwelcome.
The group finished packing up, and they made their way back toward the main corridors in small groups to avoid attracting attention. Harry walked with Ron, Hermione and Lavender, while Ginny said goodnight to Susan before catching up with them. Luna and Neville had already disappeared toward their respective rooms.
"That went well," Ron said, though he sounded slightly uncertain. "Though some of those spells were more intense than I expected."
"Harry knows what he's doing," Hermione said, but there was something thoughtful in her voice. "I just hope we're all ready for where this might lead."
They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, who was snoring lightly in her frame. As they climbed through the portrait hole into the common room, Harry noticed an elegant piece of parchment waiting for him on the table by his usual chair. Lavender had already gone up to bed, leaving the common room mostly empty.
The handwriting was unfamiliar but clearly expensive, written with what looked like golden ink. Harry picked it up and read:
*Mr. Potter,
I would be delighted if you would join me for a small gathering in my office this Friday evening at eight o'clock. A few select students will be in attendance for what I believe will be a most illuminating event.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Most cordially yours, Professor H. E. F. Slughorn
P.S. I do hope you'll bring along Miss Weasley. I understand she has quite a talent for the Bat-Bogey Hex.*
Harry stared at the invitation, recognizing Slughorn's distinctive handwriting. After their conversation on the train and Harry's recent success in Potions class, he'd been expecting something like this.
"What's that?" Ron asked, peering over his shoulder.
"Invitation from Slughorn," Harry said. "For Friday evening."
"Friday?" Hermione frowned. "That's tomorrow night."
"And he wants you there too, Ginny. Something about your Bat-Bogey Hex."
"Oh!" Ginny's face lit up with surprise. "That must be from when I hexed Zacharias Smith in the corridor last week. Slughorn was walking by and looked impressed. I thought I would get detention but he just smiled and walked away." She looked pleased with herself. "I suppose it was rather spectacular."
"Why would he invite you to a party for casting a hex on someone?" Ron asked, confused.
"Maybe he likes impressive magic?" Ginny suggested with a shrug.
Harry looked at the invitation again. "Well, I suppose we'll find out what he wants tomorrow night."
"Should be interesting," Ginny said, though she looked curious rather than worried.