'Ronniekins Rangers,' his brother grinning, 'or Hermione's Heroes.'
suggested,
'How about something vaguely appropriate?' Angelina interrupted. 'And something that doesn't encourage your obsession with alliteration.'
'The Defence Club,' Smith proposed. 'Well it's a bit boring isn't it,' one of the Twins complained.
'Obvious too,' his brother pointed out.
Somewhere in the back of Harry's mind the beginnings of a plan began to form. Dumbledore was being a nuisance, assigning him detentions, watching him, potentially checking the school wards to expose his visits to France, and Umbridge certainly needed to go.
Wouldn't it be perfect to get rid of the both of them, one after the other, using the same piece of parchment?
'They should call it Dumbledore's Army,' he whispered to Katie, 'that's what the Ministry seems to think we're being turned into.'
Katie laughed, then repeated it loudly to the room, just as Harry had hoped she would. 'All in favour of Dumbledore's Army?' Hermione asked, smiling at the joke.
Harry's hand rose into the air perfectly in the middle of the thicket of raised limbs. All he needed now was a few moments alone with that list of names and the framework of his scheme would be laid.
Sorry, Katie.
He didn't like lying to her, or manipulating her; she was his friend, and loyal enough to have never completely deserted him. He would make sure that neither she nor Neville were hurt because of this, and so long as they were never affected by it, he wouldn't feel too guilty.
'Dumbledore's Army it is,' Hermione decided, writing the name in elegant, neat letters across the top of the list of names. Harry smiled slightly, very satisfied with how well that had worked out in his favour.
'You should tell them about the list, Hermione,' Ron warned, 'just in case.'
Hermione looked a little reluctant, but began to speak again after a moment. 'I've placed a few enchantments on the paper, they took me quite some time to look up and create. When you signed your names you entered into a magical contract with the group. If you willingly, or knowingly betray us, there will be unpleasant consequences.'
'What kind of consequences?' Smith asked, he seemed a little more shaken than before.
'Let's just say everyone will know know who it was who betrayed us,' Neville replied firmly.
The box of badges began its rounds, growing progressively more empty.
'I thought I'd escaped these last year,' Harry remarked, choosing one for himself and passing another to Katie.
'It suits you,' Katie told him, 'the green brings out your eyes.'
'Thank you,' Harry responded with mock seriousness. 'I shall wear it always.' There were a few muffled sniggers and Hermione shot him a look that was somehow both hopeful and scathing.
'So what will we be learning?' Terry Boot asked. 'Nobody actually specified.'
'I can help you learn everything that you'll find on the OWL exam.' Neville shot Harry a questioning glance and he nodded in acquiescence, he might find more allies among this group of disaffected students. 'For those who want to be able to do a bit more, then Harry has taught me some very useful spells and knows a lot more.'
'Like what?' Smith seemed more apprehensive than anything.
'Dark ice curses,' Katie answered, beaming evilly. 'Great for creating beautiful icicles and impaling vulnerable first years who stray too far from their common rooms.'
So much for that not being funny.
'The blasting curse,' Neville replied, drawing the rooms attention away from Katie, who was basking in the mix of horror and humour. 'The stunning spell, and a good few more, nothing remotely dark.'
Harry resisted the urge to shake his head in irritation. They were so naive, so narrow-minded, he was more glad than ever that he had seen the truth about magic, else he too would be facing Death-Eaters with only stunning spells and a handful of virtually harmless jinxes.
There is no light and dark, Salazar's words echoed in his head, only power, and the intent that guides it.
'The Patronus Charm,' Hermione 'Harry can cast a corporeal patronus.'
suggested.
Harry frowned, no longer sure that was true. He vividly remembered his last attempt to cast the charm in the maze of the third task, and the sluggish pool of silver mist he'd summoned around his feet. It had barely even been a shield.
'I can teach you the steps to cast it,' he told them, 'but the form of your patronus is quite personal, so I'd rather not display mine.' 'Then how do we know you can cast it?' Terry Boot asked, suspicious.
'Only light wizards can cast a patronus,' Smith added, pointedly creating tension.
'Sorry, Katie,' he whispered. 'I think it's too late for you.' She giggled and the bubble of anxiety burst. The Hufflepuff would have to try far harder than that if he wanted to goad a reaction from Harry, and he'd likely regret it if he was successful.
'I've seen it,' silencing Smith.
Hermione
responded
sharply,
'The first meeting will be in a week, the same time as today,' Neville decided. 'If you can't make it, keep an eye on your badges for the next one and follow other members to our location.' He pressed the tip of his wand to the badge, screwing his face up in concentration, and the numbers on the back of the badge blurred and changed.
A week to think of a way to get hold of that list.
Harry could do that. Fleur would be more than happy to teach him a few tricks about enchanting, she loved showing off her skill in the art and Harry quite liked listening to her. It was pleasant just having her speaking to and focused on him.
The students began to disappear in small groups, chatting excitedly.
'What now?' Katie asked, 'want to stay or head back?'
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