"We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out, Ronniekins." Fred didn't seem any happier about it than Ron who sported a scowl that could have felled dragons.
"Why can't she be friends with someone smart like Luna?" Hermione said as she placed her napkin down finished with her breakfast. She loved the healthier options that the house elves had started to provide.
Harry snagged an apple to make up for the bacon and rubbed it absently on his robes. Luna had slowly become part of their wider group. He knew the Ravenclaws in the Potter alliance had befriended her and were looking out for her within their House. But Harry had used the Map to track her down during the weekend and they'd all ended up sitting together by the Black Lake talking about many interesting creatures much to Hermione's bemusement.
Hermione and Luna made an odd friendship but they were solidly progressing in that direction. Maybe, Harry considered, Luna finally provided Hermione with someone who could give her an intellectual challenge.
"Why did they stop being friends anyway? Luna said they used to play together when they were younger." Hermione asked bluntly.
The Weasleys exchanged looks.
George was the one evidently elected to answer; he cleared his throat. "Luna's mother followed the Old Religion."
"Mum didn't want Ginny to pick that up." Fred said.
"Wiccan magic based on worshipping the Goddess?" Hermione asked, surprised. "I thought it wasn't practiced anymore."
"It isn't openly." Fred confirmed. "A lot of it is blood based."
Like the protection his mother had given him.
Neville and Ron darted a look in his direction obviously remembering the blessing ceremony.
Harry sighed. "It doesn't sound so bad to me."
"It isn't…"
"…really. Just…"
"…not done." George finished. He slapped his twin's shoulder. "Tabby is on the prowl. We should…"
"…go." Fred snatched some toast from Ron's plate but before Ron could do more than bellow a 'hey!' the twins had disappeared.
"Mister Weasley," Minerva said sternly walking up to them, "a little decorum, please."
"Sorry, Professor." Ron mumbled.
Hermione practically vibrated off the bench. "Professor?" She asked hopefully.
Minerva's lips pressed together, trying to prevent the smile that made them twitch from emerging. "Congratulations to you, Miss Granger, and to you, Mister Potter. You have both made it through to the fifth year Runes class." She produced two new schedules as Hermione almost squealed. "You will be joining Mister Goldstein and Miss Greengrass."
"Oh Harry!" Hermione suddenly hugged him hard for a second before she released him. "Isn't this wonderful!?"
"What's so wonderful about having to sit an OWL this year?" Ron said grumpily as Minerva walked away.
"Have to agree with you on that." Neville commented.
"We get one out of the way and have one less to sit next year." Hermione answered logically. She nudged Harry. "Come on! We have double Defence first thing."
Harry bit back a smile at Ron's rolled eyes but he gathered his things and followed Hermione out of the Great Hall.
Robert Ogden stopped them just outside the entrance. "We got the permission for the lower year Common Rooms!" He grinned at them. "Didn't think Dumbles would go for it but he did! Must have been mentioning your name!" He waved at Harry. "Find me in my office tonight, yeah? We can talk about how it'll work!" He sped away.
"Honestly, that Robert! He's the Head Boy! He should show some respect!" Hermione remonstrated as Harry pushed her gently to get her walking forward again.
"I dunno," Ron said deliberately to wind her up, "I quite like the name Dumbles."
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione began.
"We're here!" Harry said loudly.
They split up, Neville sitting by Ron and Harry sliding in beside Hermione. Professor Moody sat imposingly at the front of the Defence classroom on the desk.
Draco slid in just before the class was due to start, followed by Crabbe and Goyle. He gave a respectful nod to Harry before finding his seat.
Moody closed the door with a swish of his wand and it slammed shut with a bang that startled Lavender into a shriek. "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Harry tried to hide a smile and failed. Moody's magical eye whirled in his direction.
"Professor Lupin informs me that you lot have potential." Moody said gruffly. "But you've got a lot of catching up to do." He motioned at the blackboard behind him and the chalk sprang to life.
"Situational Awareness." It wrote elegantly across the black.
"Mister Potter," Moody growled, "when did you realise your first DADA Professor was possessed by a Dark Lord?"
Shocked looks were the order of the day in the rest of the students, Harry noticed as he grimaced and tried to think. "Um, probably just before he tried to kill me."
There was an outbreak of whispering that quickly stopped when Moody's hard glare landed on the perpetrators.
"And in hindsight, what would you all say the signs were?" Moody asked sharply. "Come on! Don't be shy! Miss Granger?"
"He stank of garlic probably to cover up the smell of decaying flesh caused by his possession." Hermione replied, dropping her arm.
The chalk wrote up her suggestion on the blackboard.
"Good. Anyone else?" Moody looked around the other students.
Nott put his hand up and Moody nodded at him.
"His fake stammer, sir." Nott said.
"Correct." Moody said. "A fake stammer should have been a warning sign."
Lavender raised her hand nervously. "The turban, Professor?"
Moody's good eye blinked and the magical eye snapped to Crabbe snickering. "You think that's funny, lad? Girl's got a sharp eye. Odd dress accessories or just oddly dressing might be a cause for concern."
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