FicWad

Chapter 39:- School Daze

**
A/N: Malehorntaildragon, cheers for your work.
**

Monday morning came far too quickly for Harry. He had gone to bed fairly early the previous night in an attempt to catch up on some missed sleep but he still climbed out of bed feeling like he needed more. The rest of Sunday he had spent time with everyone, played a little Quiditich with Ron and Ginny or just sat and talked with the rest. That evening he hadn’t done anything different than the previous one, yet it felt like something was different. The girls had been close but that was all, it was just that he felt that something had changed between the three of them. He couldn’t put his finger on it, it just felt different. Getting up and yawning he turned his mind to the new term and what it was going to bring him in the way of studies, as he started to head towards the bathroom he heard as well as saw the still snoring Ron so he shook him awake as he went.

The two of them were chatting to each other as the walked down the stairs into the common room. Harry saw that Gabrielle was already waiting for him dressed in the standard school uniform. Seeing the plain uniform on her suddenly reminded Harry of the other uniform he had seen her wear, why the image popped into his mind he didn’t know but he could feel his reaction to it. He still couldn’t believe that he was thinking of a twelve year old in that way but something felt right to him when he did.

A small bit of panic formed as he searched around for Ginny. She was telling him that she was alright with him and Gabrielle but shouldn’t he be thinking of her instead? As soon as the thought was voiced his mind once more brought up that shopping trip, he could just picture her wearing that uniform bending over low for him allowing him to run his hand over... he clamped down on this thought as that, plus Gabrielle started to really effect his disposition.

Quickly searching he tried to find Ginny to see exactly what she was wearing, as his eyes darted around he saw a strange look and Gabrielle’s face and saw that her lips had turned upwards in a very small and private smile. Harry swallowed and waited and just prayed in his mind that today wasn’t the day Ginny was going to be wearing her new uniform because he didn't think he could handle seeing her dressed like that now.

Hearing a laugh on the girl’s staircase he turned and prepared himself, but as Ginny entered he saw that like Gabrielle she was wearing one of the more conservative uniforms. With a brief sigh he relaxed as much of his body as he could, but only until the next two people came into view. Both Parvatti and Lavender were wearing that new uniform and Harry’s mind went into over drive. As he stood there and looked he could picture Ginny and Gabrielle standing there just as those two girls were. He could almost imagine how it would feel to run his hand over them and what it would be like when they pressed themselves next to him. They would let him play with... Harry couldn’t believe were all of these thoughts were suddenly springing from and tried to regain his normal composure. Suddenly feeling very guilty and a little bit embarrassed he turned his back but not before as he saw a knowing look and smile between Gabrielle to Ginny.

“Come on, breakfast.” Said Ginny closing the gap between them and pulling slightly at his arm.

She had seen where his eyes were but could not blame him. She had seen the two girls this morning as they seemed to take hours to get ready and by the way they were talking and playing up to each other they were loving every moment of it. Those two knew that every boy would glance at them as they walked and that was exactly what they wanted. Ginny still had hers, now transferred into her own truck, but vowed that she would wait until the perfect time to wear it and hopefully when Ron wasn’t around. But now seeing the look on Harry and feeling a little tingle inside of her and the look from Gabrielle she wondered if she should have worn it instead, it would have been nice just to tease Harry a little more, but by the look of him Ginny was sure that he had been teased enough already this morning.

**

The small group finished their breakfast and waited as Professor McGonagall walked the length of the table distributing timetables. For most of the years it was a quick process but for the Third and Sixth year students it was taking a little longer due to their options. As she approached them Harry felt Gabrielle’s magic through his own and the sudden fears that ran through it. He was finding that he was able to sense more and more from the girl’s emotions now./ Was this one of the changes?/ He thought but when he looked or just reached out with his magic he just knew what the girl was feeling. It only took a little effort but he felt he could sense her emotions almost perfectly now.

“There you go Miss Delacour.” Said McGonagall handing the girl a timetable.

Gabrielle glanced down the days trying to memorise the lessons at first glance. Her trained mind was good but she could feel Harry’s magic connecting with hers ever so slightly and so found it near impossible for her to give her timetable the due concentration it needed to be memorised. The Veela part of her magic was almost purring with contentment at this feeling yet there was a pull for it to go further. She knew what she wanted, what she had wanted from day one. Closing her eyes just briefly she forced this new drive away, he was nowhere near ready for that even though she was sure she was.

A small waft of warm air made her turn slight as Ginny leant over and looked at her timetable as well. Some how she felt even closer to this girl than she had before, she could feel her magic’s reaction to Ginny and it warmed her. The looks that they had shared this morning seemed to communicate so much, it just felt like the two of them knew what each other was saying, especially if it was about Harry.

“Oh Herbology followed by Charms that’s not a bad start to the week. You should do well in Charms and Herbology is always fun. Well you had better be off as it’s a fair way to the greenhouses see you at lunch?”

“Of course.” She replied before getting up and looking at the small group, with a brief smile to Harry and a knowing look to Ginny she turned and walked out of the Great Hall dreading each step that she took. She could still feel his faint presence and just hoped that she was keeping the majority of her emotions away from him as she was unsure of what he might say if he truly knew how she felt at this moment. The pull of her magic wanted her to return to him, to the pair of them even but that wasn’t the problem, she was just scared, scared of the school, the students and even the castle itself, she just tried to count the time until she could be back with them at lunch time.

Harry tried not to look at the back of Gabrielle but found that he couldn’t turn away, as soon as the girl was out of sight his magic seemed to release him and so he turned back and saw Ginny looking directly at him with a wide smile.

“Um…” he stuttered feeling like he had done something wrong.

“I said that I wouldn’t get upset over her and I won’t. I think I know how you feel…because I exactly feel the same, don’t ever worry about me and her like that we both understand.” Ginny gave him a quick peck on the cheek before picking up her timetable that had been placed in front of her.

Harry opened his mouth to say something in response but Ginny put a finger over his lips.

“You don’t have to say anything….Well I’ve got Rune’s first thing...see you all later?”

“Yea.” He replied as she got up and let her hand brush against Harry’s cheek before walking out.

Harry eyes followed her as she left. He was certain that her hips and bum were wiggling just a little more than normal but that could just have been his imagination. As he turned back he saw that McGonagall was still standing next to them but was carefully looking at him.

“Well then, Mr Weasley first I think. So I see you have chosen Charms, Transfiguration, Defence, Herbology and Potions. Well then here you go.” Said McGonagall tapping a blank card and giving it to Ron.

“That gives you five free double periods. See that you use them wisely I don't want to hear that you have been spending your free periods messing about.”

“Free periods...cool.” replied Ron now looking at his timetable.

“Miss Granger...let’s see Charms, Transfiguration, Defence, Herbology, Potion, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Are you sure?”

“Yes Professor.”

Well then...” and with another wave she handed over another filled timetable. “That only gives you one free double period. I don’t think I need to tell you about your free time.”

“Mr Potter... Charms, Transfiguration, Defence, Herbology, Potions and Magical Law and Society.”

Harry was looking at his friends as McGonagall spoke. He could see the look of shock on their faces.

“That leaves you with three free periods use them well.”

Harry waited for McGonagall to walk off before turning back towards his friends.

“Law and Society you never said anything.” Said Hermione first.

“I ...um it was a last minute sort of thing.” Harry said shrugging.

“But mate L&S it so boring didn’t you read those pamphlets.”

“Yes but...”

“Well Ronald if he wants to better himself don’t argue, but still it’s strange.”

“Someone suggested that I...”

“Oh...I see.” Replied Hermione, now fearing more for her friend. She didn't know why Gabrielle would have influenced Harry in such a manner but she was going to find out and fast. Glancing once more and seeing when her free period was she shook her head, it wasn’t until Friday. Unless she got some time before then she would use that period to do her research she had to find out more about Veela because things were changing and not just with Harry now by the look of Ginny actions.

“I must dash I’ve got Arithmancy first thing and it’s across the other side. See you both after break we’ve got defence then.”

“Bye Hermione.” Quickly replied Ron as the witch got up and left them.

“Free time mate...”

“Yeah, that’s not a bad start to a week.”

“What shall we do?”

“I don't know let’s go back to the common room.”

“Yeah you need another thrashing at chess mate.”

“No, I just lose to give you the ego boost you need for Snape later.”

***

Harry and Ron were amongst the first to arrive outside the Defence door. They had sat and joked in the common room whilst playing chess but Harry wondered how long before they were too busy for homework to be able to do it. As they had sat there they had watched a couple of seventh year students studying books already. They like themselves hadn’t been to a class but they were already hard at work. Feeling a little worried they departed for the class early, Snape would do them no favours and if they were late they knew it would be at least ten points.

The pair waited as the others arrived and Harry was secretly pleased to see so many of the old D.A. members present. Somewhere deep down he knew that it was due to him and his lessons that they had made the grade he just hoped that this year he could continue. He wasn’t sure how yet but he felt it was the right thing to do, but this time he would try and do it right and get the club approved. Almost last to arrive was Hermione, she was striding fast down the corridor and walked up to the pair of them.

“Got lots of homework?” asked Ron seeing Hermione fumble with the books she was carrying.

“Some; what have you been doing?” She asked refusing to answer his question.

“Oh just sitting around the common room.”

“Really…you should have been getting prepared…”

“We were…”

“Yeah right! You beat me at five games of chess.” Chimed in Harry.

“And my ego feel’s great for it!” replied Ron puffing out his chest in a mock display.

Before Hermione could get her reply out the door swung open to let them all in. Harry waited a moment for some of the others to enter before he walked into the room. Every year this room seemed to change and this year it was no different, it was much darker than normal as most of the windows had heavy curtains pulled across. He made his way to a row of desks and look around at the walls. Adorning the walls were pictures of wizards and creatures each of them more terrifying than the last. The shelves held many dead creatures and some live ones but all of them looked dangerous, he was sure that Hagrid would just love this room but to Harry it felt like it had no warmth. He turned to comment on the decor to Ron but the light swish of a cloak made him stop.

Snape strode purposefully to the front and turned to the class.

“Welcome to NEWT level Defence. I am very surprised to see some of you here…” he said looking directly at Harry. “However you have all managed to gain the required OWL level. This year and next you will start a true discovery of that most magnificent art of Magic, dark magic. It is the powerful and ever changing art form that exists and you will have to be likewise. Your defences will have to be ever changing if you hope to survive, if not, the worst doesn’t bear thinking about.

Many of you will fail this class; some will leave of their own choice, others I will remove, for I despise students who waste my time. You will be given regular tests throughout the year and if you fail just one you will be removed from this class!”

Harry glanced at Hermione who was already busily writing notes, never had heard of such a speech before.

“Each one of you has chosen to be in this class and so you want to be here. If I find your conviction lacking you will leave, I will not waste my time to those who refuse to learn.”

“But isn’t that what he paid for?” quickly whispered Ron to Harry, but before Harry could reply Snape did.

“MR WEASLEY I will not tolerate talking in this class, you can be the first to leave…”

“But…but….”

“SILECE…another word out of place and you will go. I don’t care if you got an O in your OWL or if they think you’re the Chosen One I’ll not stand for it in my class.”

“Yes sir.” Mumbled a very scarlet Ron.

“As I was saying…You will learn to defend and ultimately defeat what is out there, failure in this class will have the greatest consequences out there, that is my final warning. These two years you will learn many new spells and how old spells can and should be modified. We will cover a number of new and even more dangerous dark creatures.”

“Like the Inferi?” asked a Ravenclaw girl near the back.

“MISS THOMAS if I will not allow Mr. Weasley to speak I’m certainly am not going to allow you. If any of you wish to ask me a question raise your hand, but you are advised just to listen for once to what is being taught and not speculate in idle gossip.”

“Inferi are indeed in the months to come but there are others including Dementors, Giants and Vampires as well as others. You will see and learn first hand what wizards can do to each other if they chose, experience mind magic and other forms of illusional attack that will confound and confuse your senses. You will cover non-verbal spells and next year starts the study of wandless magic though I doubt that anybody here has the aptitude. That is what you are going to study but to begin with a little test I think, you have all passed your OWL’s so you should find this simple.”

Snape paused and looked over the students before him, he saw that some had taken his words to heart but many had not. Well it didn’t matter to him if they didn’t listen, they would just be even the easier to control later if they wanted to be like that. Knowing that now would be a good opportunity to get a question both he and Voldemort wanted answered he start to ask his questions.



“First what are the main identifying characters of Hinky Pinks.”

Harry was surprised at the ease of the first question but thought that they were only going to get harder and harder as they were asked. He glanced to his left and saw that Hermione had her hand raised as did a number of others.

“Miss Granger….”

At the mention of her name she started to reply. “Hinky Pinks are….” But she stopped instantly as Snape cut her off mid sentence.

“I’m sure that the class is well aware that you’re a swot and know the answer so I won’t ask you now or ever during my class to answer a question, is that clear. If I see your hand raised it will be ten points from Gryffindor immediately! I would like the others to answer the questions in my class and with no help from you, ever again.”

Hermione closed her mouth but even Harry could see the distress on her face. A little tittering from the back faintly reached his ear and he spun round to see the source, Draco was sitting in the back row with an evil grin of his face. This class was beginning to turn nasty already and it had only just started.

The lesson continued on in this way as question after question was asked. Each question got harder and harder and Snape was choosing people at random now to answer them, yet still Harry hadn’t been asked one, but he suspected he would get the very last question.

“Very well it seems that most of you can remember some of your previous years study but you should all study more. Sound grounding will be needed…Oh Mr Potter you’ve yet to answer a question so I’ll give you the final one. How can you block the Killing curse?”

“You can’t.” replied Harry dreading the response.

“Yet you stand here alive? Either you aren’t telling the truth or you’re dead, I don't teach dead people so I think 50 points from Gryffindor for lying to a teacher. I want the truth from you at all times Mr Potter.”

Harry saw the look in Snape’s eyes and knew what was going to happen. His lessons in the dungeon he had taught him that much. He tried to force his eyes away but they continued to look directly at Snape’s. He braced himself for the inevitable attack, he knew that his shield in his mind was up but this would be the first test. For a second, just a fleeting second, he wished Gabrielle was close she could protect him he knew her ability would stop Snape but she wasn’t here, so he waited for the attack on his own.

It hit his mind like a rock thrown into water, yet it never went through. He felt the pressure within his mind increase but that was all. He shield buckled and bent but it never cracked he tried to quickly remember everything Gabrielle had said about his shield but the attack stopped.

“It does seem like we have learnt a few things over the years.” Said Snape pulling his eyes away from Harry and looking around the rest of the class. “Very well let’s do a practical display.”

Harry breathed heavily as he, with the rest, levitated the tables to the side wall opening up the classroom.

“You alright?” asked Ron seeing Harry’s face.

“Yeah…it’s just Snape.”

“Ok single line facing the desks and cast after me…” Called Snape stopping Ron from asking anything else.

Snape then had them casting spell after spell, Harry felt a swell of pride as every member of the D.A. performed the spell perfectly. Some of the Slytherin’s he saw were falling behind already and even Draco looked to be struggling. With renewed vigour he continued on.

Near the end of the class Snape stopped everyone.

“You all need to practice as they were all pathetic! If this was real you would all be dead or worse. Most of you...” Snape’s eyes washed over the D.A. members “ …are casting spells like a three year old had taught you. Those shields would not stop a real opponent it was just a waste of magic.”

Harry felt the pride within him burst forth; the D.A. members that had accompanied him at the Ministry had done alright. How dare Snape tell them all that their shields were wrong what did he know.

Snape looked up and down the line and let his eyes linger on Mr. Weasley; yes he would be the best.

“Mr Weasley step forward. After your display earlier helping me should be suitable punishment.”

“Yes Sir.” Replied Ron stepping forward.

“Stand side on to the class and cast your shield.”

Ron did so and saw that it was cast perfectly as before.

“Stupefy.” Said Snape in a clear voice. Everyone saw the red beam of light leap from the end of the wand and speed directly towards Ron. Harry watched his friend brace himself just before the spell hit. All of the D.A. members faces broke into wide smiles as the red beam impacted and ricocheted off into one of the side walls.

/‘Yeah! Well done Ron. See Snape we aren’t useless!’ /Thought Harry

“A simple shield and it defeated a simple spell. But when defending yourself it is never simple, observe. Stupefy.”

Snape’s wand flashed quicker than last time. Harry tried to follow its movements, but couldn’t. The red beam of light left the end and sped towards Ron much faster than the last time and it seemed to move more in the air. Harry didn’t think it was anymore powerful than the last one but it was doing something different.

Ron’s eyes focus on the beam of light but it wasn’t moving in a straight line, it was sort of wobbling slightly and bending on a curve towards him. He tried to adjust his shield so that the centre of it was in the right place but the speed of the attack was too great. The beam hit the edge of the shield where it was the weakest and shot straight through it. His eyes widened slightly in shock before it hit him, he felt himself fly through the air before landing hard on the ground. He was still conscious but he hurt all over.

The group of Slytherins at the end of the line were all laughing at Ron as they saw him land.

“Quiet all of you. At least he could cast the shield you would have been defeated with the first spell.”

The Slytherins quieted instantly all except Draco who was still tittering.

“That includes you Mr Malfoy your skill is just as lacking!”

Draco found a sudden surge of anger well up from him at the words from Snape. He felt the magic rush into his arm and wand willing him to strike at the impudent teacher who was mocking him; but he forced the feelings away but only just.

“If he had cast it correctly he would have stopped that spell but he didn’t. Everyone practice for next lesson I will do it again but I might not chose Mr Weasley as my target.”

Ron tried to get to his feet and felt the hands of Harry and Hermione help him up.

“What happened?” asked Hermione quietly.

“It curved, wobbled I don’t really know.” He replied still groggily.

“It what?” asked Harry.

“Curved.” Said Ron once more feeling the movement coming back to his body, but he stopped saying anymore as a large shadow engulfed them.

Harry looked up at Snape’s face, he could see a question written across it but Snape never asked anything. He just turned in disgust and strode off to the office in the back of the classroom.

“Let’s get out of here.” Said Harry

“Right its lunch time and I think I need a lie down.” Replied Ron moving very slowly.



**

The door closed with soft click behind him as Snape entered his office. He crossed to his desk and sat down. He had learned much during the lesson, some of it good, very good actually, other things were… disturbing. The way that Harry had stopped his mental probe had shocked him, the last time he had taught Harry he had barely been able to repel him and then only by attacking him, but today Harry had stopped him cold. He hadn’t been able to use the full force but he still should have broken into Potter’s mind.

Others in the group had been easier; he had sought each one out. Only briefly but he had looked into each mind finding the answers he was after. It was illegal to do such a thing but what were they going to do to him, sack him! He almost smiled at that thought, he had only a year left and so bending the rules to find his answers was just fine with him.

The other mind he could not penetrate was Draco’s. He had suspected this, the Malfoys had always been good at keeping secrets and obviously over the summer Draco had been taught new skills. His mind was closed and closed tightly yet he had felt something in there, and that something felt powerful. He had never seen or thought of Draco to be a powerful wizard but there was something about him, was it The Mark or was there a more sinister reason to this change in the boy.

He mused for a moment on this new information but stopped instantly as he heard the knock on the door. He wondered how long it would be before he was “visited” and now he knew.

“Enter.”

The door swung open and in walked Draco, Snape saw the boy look around before sitting down.

“Professor.”

“Draco.”

“I don’t like being picked upon!” he said in a low voice.

“Yet you do it to others. I just reminded you that you have along way to go.”

“Long way to go?”

“Yes you are still a boy.”

“BOY you say.”

“YES A BOY! Don’t you raise your voice to me again; I’m doing it to help you. You have been with the Dark Lord you should have seen what’s out there. You need to get better if you wish to live a long life.”

“Are you threatening me?” Draco asked incredulously.

“No I’m just trying to help you, I made a promise, you should be thankful for that otherwise....” but Snape didn't want to say anything more on that just yet and so asked in a level voice. “Is there anything else?”

“Yes. You tried to read my mind.”

“So?”

“I have secrets…dark secrets that aren’t for you.”

“I know everything.”

“Do you really?”

“Yes I know that you have been given the task of killing Dumbledore. I also know that you have spoken to Borgin.”

Snape was pleased to see the shock on Draco’s face.

“Draco I can help you with this. I to have been given a task as well, one I think in the long term will suite you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“Nor I you, but there may be mutual advantage in us working together.”

“What are you doing?”

“Not so fast.”

“I have The Mark, you know that. Why not tell me, you seem to know everything about me?”

“It’s because of that Mark.”

“What?”

“Draco, find me people who…follow our…beliefs and tell me of them.”

Draco’s face took on a puzzled look.

“Don’t question just do it, and I’ll give you what you want.”

“What I want.” Laughed Draco.

“Yes power.” Replied Snape.

Draco paused and looked at Snape before he rose and left the office his mind thinking already of those who would follow him and fantasised about what power Snape had offered him.

**

Harry reached for a section of pie before he said anything.

“That’s twice in four days.” He grumbled to himself.

“What?” asked Ron his mouth still full.

“Twice a shield has failed to stop a spell.”

“But Harry he was a teacher.” Reminded Ron

“But you stopped his first one, the second…”

“Yeah it came in at a curve or something, I couldn’t get the centre of the shield in front of it.”

“We’re going to have to practice more you know.”

“I know it’s just….” Replied Ron felling a bit glum in response to Harry’s words.

“You thought you could win.” Said Hermione

Ron sighed, Hermione had gotten it right. He had been certain that he could stop Snape’s attack and the look on Harry’s face just made it worse.

“Yeah….”

Harry turned as a bundle of jot flopped down next to him.

“Hi…isn’t today just great.” Said Ginny grabbing plate for herself.

“Oh just wonderful.” Muttered Harry looking at his plate.

“What happened?” she asked with concern.

“Nothing.”

“I’m not an idiot and there’s no point trying to hide it so tell me, please?”

“Snape put my on my arse in defence and blamed the way we had been taught.” Said Ron from across the table.

“WHAT!”

“Thanks Ron.” Replied Harry now feeling even worse.

“Why that slimy….” Started Ginny but Harry made her stop.

“No I think he was trying to teach me, us something.”

“What was that?”

“We need to get better if we are going to survive.”

Ginny thought for a moment before she carefully replied.

“It’s alright Harry we will learn together.” She whispered moving closer to him.

“Oi!” called Ron seeing his sister getting closer to Harry.

Harry looked up from his plate and then at Ginny, his heart was beating fast at these words for some reason but before he could say anything his eye caught sight of Gabrielle. She was gliding into the Great Hall looking a little lost and was being followed but number of boys all of differing years.

As soon as Gabrielle spotted Harry she headed straight for him. Harry saw the closer she got the less her followers became until when she arrived she was on her own. Gabrielle looked over the group before taking her normal place next to Harry.

“This place is so large.” She said in wonder but tinged with something else.

“Great isn’t it.” Replied Ginny still holding Harry’s arm.

“Yes but it takes so long when you’re my size.”

Harry had to smile at the comment even though he still felt a little upset. He felt the gentle caresses of Gabrielle’s magic as he turned back to his plate. That combined with Ginny still holding his arm managed to force the emotions away from Harry so that he started to feel his normal self once more.

“So what have you two done this morning?”

Ginny answered first.

“I had Runes first thing followed by Transfiguration. Wow they gave me a lot of homework, was it that bad for you?”

“Yeah, it’s you OWL year they did the same to us.”

“But on the first day?”

“They are just trying to prepare you.” Said Hermione.

“How about you?” asked Harry turning back to Gabrielle.

“Well some of it was fun…” she replied but looked down. She had felt Harry emotions when she had entered the room. He was now calm but she suspected that it would change if he heard about her day. The morning lessons had been ok for most but not for her. She was certain that if she said too much Harry would get upset.

“Come on how did they go?” Asked Ginny.

“Well I started in Herboligy. That ….that was… messy.” These were the only words she could come up with. She didn’t want to say that she had spent most of the first class trying to stay clean. It seemed that a couple of first years thought it would be fun to pour dirt on the tiny Gryffindor. It didn’t help that every time they did she had unconsciously used her Veela power to clean herself up. It was like she was entertaining the boys with her tricks, they just kept doing it over and over again almost daring one another to get her even worse.

“After that?”

“Charms.” She replied

“Oh I bet you did well. You said that it should be your best subject.” Said Ginny.

“Well I managed it…just… but….”

“But what?”

“They, they….”she could feel her emotions bubbling to surface once more, she had managed to keep them in check but now sitting with Harry and Ginny they were close to being released.

“Go on.” Asked Harry gently.

“Laughed at me.”

“You, why?”

“Because…because of my wand and it being so small.”

“and?” asked Harry knowing that there was more to come. He could see Gabrielle keeping her emotions in.

“I…I tried to show them but it all when wrong. It just got worse and worse and then I got lost on the way here and suddenly all these boys started to follow me. I could hear their thoughts.”

“It’s alright Gabrielle you’ve just had a bad morning we all get them.”

“But…but…”

Harry carefully laid his hand on top of hers.

“It will get better you’ll see.” He said giving a gentle squeeze. The first day was always frustrating and hectic wasn’t it?

Gabrielle nodded and turned back to the small plate of food feeling slightly better but suspecting that Harry would be wrong.

***

It wasn’t long before the bell sounded the start of the afternoon. Harry waited for a moment as Ginny and Gabrielle rose to leave for their respective classes. He could see that Gabrielle looked better but he wished he could be around to see exactly what was happening, he suspected that she was hiding a lot from him but there was nothing he could do for the moment. He watched as Ginny took Gabrielle’s hand and the two of them walked out, Ginny seemingly talking and explaining several items on the way out.

“Well mate another free period for me.” Said Ron getting up and stretching. “…That bed is definitely calling me and I feel I need it.”

“No Ron you can start on Snape’s homework and we can copy from you for once.” Said Hermione

“But...but…”

“She’s got you there, mate.” Said Harry rising to his feet.

“Well enjoy your time in Law and Society.” Retorted Ron.

“I will.” He replied with far more cheer than he was feeling.

Harry walked out of the Hall and started for the staircase. His new lessons were on the second floor and so didn’t have far to go. As he got closer to the room a pit of dread started to form in his stomach.

“Well looky here, ‘The Chosen One’s’ come to help us. Like we need him!” called a girls voice that he knew.

He stopped and looked at the group of students waiting by the door, his stomach dropped further as he saw that they were all Slytherins. Pansy Parkinson seemed to be the spokesperson for the group, Harry could see the steel in her eyes as they washed over him. He tried not to look her over but the uniform she was wearing did look good on her and she was practically advertising herself.

As he continued to look at the rest waiting he saw that they were mostly girls and from Slytherin. There were a few Ravenclaw students as well but Harry didn't recognise them enough to speak to them, suddenly looking at the group he felt very alone being the only Gryffindor. Turning slightly to try and block these thoughts out he lent against the wall and closed his eyes. The comments and jeers kept coming but he was not going to rise to them. This class he thought was important and he didn’t want to jeopardise that by bickering with Pansy. The sound of running feet alerted him that someone else was approaching.

“Ooooooh Harry’s got a friend... bet she won’t last long they never do.” Taunted Pansy feeling very superior for once.

Harry felt the anger in him rise as his eyes sprang open, he turned at once and faced the Slytherins his hand automatically dropping towards his wand. He saw with some satisfaction a couple of the girls took a small step backwards but Pansy stood her ground.

“Going to Hex me…just try it!” She dared him her hand dropping to her purse and closing over her wand in readiness.

Harry mind was beginning to lose its grip on his hand. The thoughts of Sirius falling through the arch permutated in his head, as his fingers closed over his wand he felt a hand on his arm.

“Don’t…not for me.” Said the voice beside him.

“But...she…”

“You’ve done enough for me already.” Insisted the voice and the grip on his arm got stronger. Harry felt his mind gain control once more and turned to look into Susan’s face. For some reason he just looked at her and relaxed, the soft brown eyes reflected his image and he felt the tension and stress slowly drain away.

“Ah… Potter lost his nerve over a silly girl.” Wined Pansy.

The grip reinforced itself on his arm as it wanted to strike once more but before he could do anything more Susan replied over his shoulder

“At least I’m not strutting around like a …bitch in heat advertising everything I’ve got!”

“You COW! I’ll…I’ll…” started to scream Pansy as she pulled her wand.

Harry felt a burst within his magic, he started to turn and pull his wand out but the door to the classroom swung open caused him to check for a moment.

“Please come in and take a seat.” Called a voice from within.

Harry felt himself being pulled into the classroom by Susan, his magic seemed to bled off every step he took.

“She’ll.” Tried to say Harry but Susan broke in once more.

“Do what…she’s just Draco’s plaything. She can’t do anything bad to me. I’ll gladly take anything from her to stop you from getting into trouble.” She replied suddenly blushing and looking down.

Harry was speechless for the moment, his mind and body was beginning to get used to Gabrielle and Ginny and now suddenly there was another. He knew that he was bonded to her at that it would be affecting some of her actions but this? Still speechless he followed her to a desk and sat down. He could hear some of the mutterings from the people behind but Susan was just rummaging in her bag. Eventually she pulled out a large note book and a thick text book.

Pausing for a moment he too pulled out his books and then took the time to study the “Teacher” at the front of the class. He had said nothing yet all he was doing was just watching everyone, he wasn’t wearing robes or a hat or anything remotely wizard like. He was dressed in what Harry could only assume to be a very expensive business suit as it looked far better than any of Vernon’s.

“Good afternoon class I’m Mr Dawlish-Brown. I’m your mentor for the next two years I’d like to welcome you to this class Magical Law and Society. I am not a Professor like any of your other teachers, I’m a junior partner at a Diagon Alley solicitors. I will be only a small part of your instructors for the next two years but I will be your mentor. It will be my job to set and grade all of your exams and to be available to you to answer any questions.”

Harry quickly glanced to his left as he heard a small scratching noise. He noticed that Susan was already busily writing in her book. He saw that she was using some type of short hand as it look unreadable to Harry with just lines and squiggles.

“I will be your primary Law tutor but we will have a number of different guest speakers from various parts of the Ministry and different Law practices. Throughout these lessons you will learn all the basics of Law and the Government of the Wizarding world and a little about muggle law as we go. This will prepare you for your career in same. If you pass your NEWT in this course your can expect to be employed as a junior in most Ministry Departments or Law Practices straight away. So, are there any questions before we begin?”

Harry waited but no-one said anything, he felt so lost at the moment he just kept quiet and hopped that everything would make sense later.

“Ok then let’s start easy today. Most of you should already know this it should be merely a review. So today I will discuss the make up of the Government and what each department is responsible for. I will also go over the basic rules of law, so let’s begin….”

Harry grabbed his quill and started to take notes but soon found that it was impossible to keep up. The man just talked and talked, every so often he would place a diagram on the board but he just kept speaking, he glanced over at Susan and saw that she was deep in concentration but her notes did not look so confused or rushed as his own.

Before he had realised it Mr. Dawlish-Brown was summing up the lesson.”

“…So that’s all for today. Next week I will go into how law is created and repealed I would also like a 30 inch essay on the differing departments within the Ministry with particular emphasis on one of them, your choice. I will be available for questions thirty minuets before the next lesson. Any urgent questions should be given to your head of house, thank you.”

Harry waited for a moment but it seemed that the lesson was over. The scrapping of chairs behind told him that the rest thought so too. Slowly he started to pack his things away and got up. Susan rose with him and followed him out of the classroom.

“Um Harry would you mind if I walked with you to the Great Hall?”

“No…why ask?”

“Most people don’t want me around.”

“Why not?” He replied simply not fully understanding what that answer was having on Susan.

Susan started off towards the Great Hall and set the pace. She tried to go as slow as she could so that her time with Harry was longer. She understood that as soon as they reached the Hall they would part.

“Oh...I think it’s because I take my lessons so seriously most of the rest of the house only really turn to me when they have a question. I guess I just don’t really fit in with them.”

“But the hat put you in that house.”

“Yes but I don't know why, maybe it was wrong. Sometimes I think I should be in Ravenclaw but don't know.”

Harry shook his head at that thought but kept silent. He felt his magic react slightly to these words, something she was telling him was causing his magic to react but what was it and more importantly why?

“You seemed a little lost” Susan started tentatively as the silence stretched fearing Harry was about to walk off on his own.

Harry chuckled miserably bring his mind back to the lesson he had just had. “I think that’s putting it lightly Susan. I’m fairly certain that he lost me within the first ten minutes of class. You seem to keep up ok though.”

“Well yes, like he said it was just a review for me.” She said shyly. “My, well my parents, and... my aunt have been drilling this stuff into me since I could remember. I’ve also spent so much of my free time there it’s like a second home to me.”

“But you were writing furiously throughout the entire class. Why did you do that, if you already knew it?”

“I…um…thought you might need a hand.”

“What?”

“I took the notes for you Harry. I thought it might be a bit fast today and thought it might help.”

“W…W….w”

“I’ll rewrite them Harry so you can read them. I’ll give them to you tomorrow at breakfast as well as some tips on the essay he asked as to do.”

“You…you…don’t.” tried to reply Harry shocked that someone actually wanted to do his homework for him.

“I do Harry I said I wanted to help. I’ll do anything you ask…If you don’t ask I still will try.”

Harry had the feeling that more was being said by Susan in those words. He was going to have to speak to Gabrielle and Ginny soon because he had the feeling that Susan had better know the truth before it went much further. He felt bad about what she said, and he certainly didn’t want her to do his work for him if it was his magic’s doing. He really needed to know this himself.

“Susan, how about we study together, you could teach me what you know, and I think that would help?”

Susan looked at him wide eyed. “You, you want me to teach /you/?”

“Of course, you seem to know all of this. I going to need all the help I can get if I am going to master this.” Replied Harry stopping by the Great Hall.

“All right then we’ll work it all out after the next class then.” She said as she walked away towards her own house table, Harry couldn’t help but notice that there was a definite bounce to her step he hadn’t seen before.

***

As Harry slowly ate his dinner he was vividly reminded of last year. Hermione seemed to be almost on a mission again to eat as quickly as she could. He had been the first of the group to arrive in the Great Hall but the rest had not taken long in arriving, but as he had already started very little conversation took place. Both Ginny and Gabrielle sat next to him and he could feel one or the others magic touching his every so often. He wasn’t sure if they were doing it on purpose but he was getting a nice feeling as they did so.

A little worried for Hermione Harry kept glancing at her at the speed she was eating. He noticed that throughout the meal she kept eyeing Gabrielle. Something inside reacted slightly to that, he was sure something was going on between the two of them. Before he could say anything though Hermione put her spoon down and stood up.

“Well I’ve got some studying to do in the library. I’ll see you all later and Ron don’t forget we have rounds tonight.” Harry was going to reply but saw that Hermione had already turned and was dashing off down the Hall.

“What was that all about?” he asked Ron who just shrugged before answering.

“Don’t know mate I hope it’s not another SPEW.”

Gabrielle laid her fork down and took a small breath. She had been sensing Hermione’s emotions throughout the whole meal, the looks that the older girl had given her had also not gone unnoticed, but unlike the rest she had a good idea of what was up. Hoping that she was wrong but knowing that she wasn’t she waited silently for the rest to finish. Soon Hermione would come out with it and then she would have to defend herself.

It wasn’t much longer before they had all finished and they left the noisy Hall for the comparative quiet of the Common Room. As soon as they entered each left for their own dormitory; Harry was pleased to drop his bag off at the bottom of his bed but he knew that he should really start some of the homework before it got too much. As he fished out a book or two from his trunk he caught sight of his mail sitting on the top. Dobby had evidently left it during the day. With a small sigh he collected the letters up and went back down stairs.

Harry decided to work on Snape’s essay to start with and was soon lost in his books. The evening drew on as he read more and more and started to write his essay for Snape. It wasn’t as hard as he had suspected but he was sure that he would still fail, Snape just had it in for him. As he put down the quill he looked around the small group. Ron was busily reading and writing very much like he had been doing. Ginny was laying on the carpet in front of the fire, her cat curled into its normal circle next to her. She had her legs in the air as she was busily leafing through the book she had open. Harry found his eyes drawn to her body and he continued to look her over. From his position behind her he could easily see the curves of her body and absently began to wonder what they felt like. His kept glancing at her bottom as she was lying away from him; it wiggled ever so slightly as she turned a page or made a note.

Suddenly feeling very guilty at what he thought was oggeling Ginny he looked beside him and saw Gabrielle. She was sitting at the end of one of the sofa’s that was next to him. The book she was reading look far more complex than any of the school books that she had. A gentle movement of her hand drew Harry’s gaze and saw that tucked in between Gabrielle and the side of the sofa was her rabbit. Surprised that he hadn’t seen it he looked at her hand as it slowly caressed her rabbit up and down.

His eyes stated to wander back towards the girl and he was beginning to look at her body, the way her curves were and the push of her breasts upon…

“Harry!” said a stern voice which caused his head to snap round.

“Ah…um…oh…” stammered Harry as he looked into the face of Hermione who was standing very tall in front of him and looked to be annoyed.

“Shouldn’t you be doing work like Ron?”

“I’m almost done.” He defended himself quickly.

“What about your mail?” she asked indicating a pile of letters.

“I’ll….I’ll.” but Harry stopped talking. He suddenly had the feeling like he was talking to Aunt Petunia and was defending what he had done.

Hermione saw Harry stutter in his answer and the realised how she had sounded. She had just walked in and saw the way he was looking at Gabrielle. To her it seemed like his face and eyes had glazed over like he was in some sort of trance. As she stood there she watched as his head lifted up and started to look at the girl. One of the books that she had just been reading sprang to mind and so she blurted out the first thing that came to her to try and break the spell that Gabrielle was weaving over Harry. It had worked but she saw that now she sounded like some old matron.

“Um...Sorry Harry. I…I…Um…” she faltered and then abruptly she turned to Ron. “Come on we have rounds to do.”

Ron looked up from the essay he had been writing to look into the face of his girlfriend. He really hadn’t been taking much notice of what was being said but even he could see that something was up, but he was unable to figure anything out as Hermione turned and stalked off out through the portrait.

Harry watched his friends depart and the glanced back over the two girls. As each looked still to be busy he started on the letters he had received. He was surprised by the number after such a short time; each one was very similar from the next. Most of them were written on thick and expensive looking parchment and all of them had some form of family crest at the top, they all were asking the same thing. They all congratulated him on becoming and adult and rising to the head of the Potter house and they wished him to join them in a dinner or party or some other gathering.

Invitation after invitation was put to one side as he worked his way steadily through the letters. Eventually he finished and looked at the pile and saw that he had over twenty invites to parties or such. Dumbledore had warned him that it would be like this but now that he actually saw it, it was much different. He closed his eyes to let his mind calm for a moment as he decided what to do.

“You ok?” whispered a voice next to his ear.

Harry opened his eyes and looked into the blue eyes of Gabrielle, instantly he could feel himself just slipping into them. The thoughts running through his head had made him lessen his mental barriers. With a brief jolt he brought his focus back and reinforced his barriers. The eyes lost a little of their shine but he knew he could still look at them for ages.

“Harry?”

“Sorry Gabrielle I was a bit lost there.”

“It’s alright I don’t mind.” She replied blushing slightly. She had looked into his eyes and felt her own response. Her magic had told her that Harry was thinking about something difficult and when she looked up she had seen a look of almost pain on his face. But when she asked him and his eyes opened she was drawn to them like all of the other times. Her body started to react as well as her Veela side. She could feel her response and wished he would just take her. She didn’t care where she was or what people would say she just wanted to be his. When his barriers had returned she felt her focus return once more, understanding that it was her bond and need causing her feelings didn’t help the matter she just wished she could do something about it.

“What wrong?” she asked bringing her body fully under her control.

“It’s these invites. I’ve never seen so many.”

“Invites for what?” Asked Ginny looking over her shoulder at Harry.

“Drinks, Parties and other such things.”

Ginny scooted round so that she was facing Harry.

“What parties?”

“Its other peoples or families they are invite me to parties.”

“Why?” asked Ginny.

Harry paused and tried to think for a moment and Susan and Slughorn sprang to mind.

“I think they want to use me.”

“Use you?”

“Yes for…influence.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know but I don’t think I want to go to any of them.”

“Very wise.” Said Gabrielle.

“You know about this stuff?”

“No but Papa used to entertain a lot and they were always for some gain or another.”

Harry thought some more and understood that there was indeed a much bigger world out there than just school and Grimmauld place.

***

Ron felt that he was almost running around the castle with Hermione. He had never liked patrolling the school and he was always the one trying to rush it but it seemed that Hermione tonight was the one who wanted to finish. As the continued down the fourth floor corridor he decided to make his stand. Grabbing Hermione’s arm slightly he pulled her back towards him and stopped.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing just come on Ron.” She replied trying to turn away.

“Am…am…I that bad.” He asked in an unsteady voice.

Hermione’s mind realised what her actions might have seemed to Ron, with a small piece of fear forming she turned to fully face him.

“No…it’s… it’s just.” But Hermione couldn’t say anymore as her embarrassment washed over her.

“What?”

“Well we haven’t….seen each other for three days.”

Ron’s mouth dropped open at those words. He never expected her to say something like that but he knew exactly how she felt. The past couple of days had been hard for him, in more ways than one. Hermione seemed to be back to her old self as soon as school started and they hadn’t so much kissed in days.

“Sorry…I shouldn’t.”

“No Hermione I feel the same way but what can we do?”

“Well there is a broom cupboard up ahead.”

“But isn’t that a bit small.” He replied at once.

“RONALD I was thinking of a long snog what were you?”

“Oh…um….ah….”

Hermione let out a burst of laughter and grabbed his hand.

“Come on I want to get back soon!”

Ron would have felt that he was dragged towards the nearest cupboard but his legs seemed to want to move as fast as Hermione’s. She flung the door open and pulled him in afterwards. After the door slowly closed on itself the cupboard lost it’s only light source. Before the last of the light had gone Ron was pressed hard against Hermione. He could feel various soft parts pressed against him but as the light disappeared he found himself lost.

He could feel Hermione’s hands as the roamed around his back but the darkness stopped him from doing the same. Every time that he moved his arms or hands they seemed to hit something solid. Hermione could almost sense Ron’s growing frustrations as he was unable to do anything more than just stand there. She was just fortunate that before the door had fully closed she had managed to start to kiss those wonderful lips of his.

Her body revelled in Ron’s lips yet it wanted more and the darkness was not allowing it. Almost violently breaking away she plunged her hand into her wand pocket and withdrew it. She heard another muttered curse as Ron hit something else so she intoned.

“Lumos minimus.” As suddenly the pair were illuminated with a soft yellow glow. She could see that they had fall into some store cupboard as there was mops and buckets everywhere. Spying a shelf by her hand she rested her wand on it and the flung her arms around Ron once more.

With more light now Ron could see that he was trapped, by not only the wiggling Hermione but by the buckets and mops around them. Navigating these obstacles he managed to get is arms around Hermione and continued the kiss from where she broke it off. As his lips touched hers his mind felt the joy of actually holding her once more. The last three days seemed to scream at him for the lost time but he was sure that he was going to make up for it now.

The kiss just kept going and going and Ron didn’t care. He ran his hands lightly up and down Hermione’s back but didn’t do much else. Suddenly Hermione broke from kiss and lent back narrowly avoiding hitting her head.

“Wh...wh...what?” asked Ron shakily still felling the kiss on his lips.

“Play with my breast, please.” Asked Hermione in a soft voice. Her hormones and emotions running wild. The feeling of Ron pressed against her was driving her crazy. She had thought that she could last without his kisses but now that they were here she wanted more. Her nipples were already hard and she could feel moisture down below. There wasn’t any room to do much here or the time really, but if he just played with her a little she knew that she would cum.

Ron hesitantly brought his hands back round the front. He had seen Hermione naked a few times but it always worried him doing this. With almost trembling hands he traced the buttons on the front of her blouse. As his hands travelled upwards Hermione tried once more to push her breasts into them. Fumbling one after the other he managed to undo enough of the buttons.

The soft light did little to illuminate the twin globes but Ron would never need light to look at them. They were still encased in a plain looking bra but that didn’t matter. His hands slowly grasped each breast and he heard the sharp intake of breath and moan from Hermione. He sensed that she was somehow super sensitive today more so then any other time. He let the warm softness in his hands caress his mind with pleasure as he started to move them in small circles, as second after second passed he let his hands wander.

Eventually he moved them lover until they were at the edge of her bra. The hard underwire was in contrast to everything else and agonising slowly he lifted the material until it was resting uselessly on top of her mounds. The dim light was enough to show the hard pointing nipples and he ached to drop his head. Following his instinct he did and took one of them in his mouth. A soon as he did Hermione gasped once more, he continued to lightly suck on the nipple and felt Hermione’s hand next to his head playing with the other. With little warning the end came, Hermione gasped once more and then when almost limp. Ron quickly pulled her towards him and held her close as the strength seemed to leave her for a moment.

She laid her head on his shoulder as she continued to pant and revel in what had just happened. It had been so fast yet very intensive. She never would have believed that something like this could have happened in such a place. When she had recovered she looked up into Ron’s face. She could see the happiness spread across it from what they had done.

“Thank you Ron.”

“That’s alright.”

“I’ll...I’ll do you next time.” She promised as she closed her eyes just for a moment longer.

“I don’t mind, really.” Replied Ron automatically still enjoying the feeling of Hermione’s naked breasts push against him.

**