XLIX. ...A REBELLION
19:09 ─❁────────── 19:79
◁ Ⅱ ▷
❝Disobey the hell of a society,
Grant a special pardon to your dream❞
༻───────────────༺
"UMBRIDGE HAS BEEN READING YOUR mail, Harry. There's no other explanation,"
"You think Umbridge attacked Hedwig?" he said, outraged.
Lucia heaved out a low sigh as she and Ron stayed silent the entirety of the time, focusing on their frogs. It made her recall the slight hoots she heard from Hedwig. Umbridge, no doubt that was what she was trying to say to her. But if she were to tell them, would they think it was weird and stop being friends with her? She was a desperate person when it came to the topics of friendship, and Harry, Ron, and even Hermione was the closest she had to best friends — Astoria, Ginny, and Erin didn't count, for she only saw them as... sisters than friends.
"I'm almost certain of it," said Hermione grimly. "Watch your frog, it's escaping."
Harry pointed his wand at the bullfrog that had been hopping hopefully toward the other side of the table — "Accio!" — and it zoomed gloomily back into his hand.
Charms was always one of the best lessons in which to enjoy a private chat: There was generally so much movement and activity that the danger of being overheard was very slight. Today, with the room full of croaking bullfrogs and cawing ravens, and with a heavy downpour of rain clattering and pounding against the classroom windows, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lucia's whispered discussion about how Umbridge had nearly caught Sirius went quite unnoticed.
"I've been suspecting this ever since Filch accused you of ordering Dungbombs, because it seemed such a stupid lie," Hermione whispered. "I mean, once your letter had been read, it would have been quite clear you weren't ordering them, so you wouldn't have been in trouble at all — it's a bit of a feeble joke, isn't it? But then I thought, what if somebody just wanted an excuse to read your mail? Well then, it would be a perfect way for Umbridge to manage it — tip off Filch, let him do the dirty work and confiscate the letter, then either find a way of stealing it from him or else demand to see it — I don't think Filch would object, when's he ever stuck up for a student's rights? Harry, you're squashing your frog."
Harry looked down; he was indeed squeezing his bullfrog so tightly its eyes were popping; he replaced it hastily upon the desk.
"It was a very, very close call last night," said Hermione. "I just wonder if Umbridge knows how close it was. Silencio!"
The bullfrog on which she was practicing her Silencing Charm was struck dumb mid-croak and glared at her reproachfully.
"If she'd caught Snuffles..."
Harry finished the sentence for her.
"He'd probably be back in Azkaban this morning." He waved his wand without really concentrating; his bullfrog swelled like a green balloon and emitted a high-pitched whistle.
"Ah, I can't believe we have to deal this so early in the morning... You know, the Prophet would most likely be covering the topic if they did caught Savannah," Lucia narrowed her eyes on her bullfrog as it ribbit, searching for her compassionate heart. For a moment she hesitated, but she pointed her wand at it, "Sorry. Silencio,"
"Savannah, really?" Ron deadpanned.
"What was that, Ginger ale?" she arched a brow at him.
Ron sneered.
"Silencio!" said Hermione hastily, pointing her wand at Harry's frog, which deflated silently before them. "Well, he mustn't do it again, that's all. I just don't know how we're going to let him know. We can't send him an owl."
"I don't reckon he'll risk it again," said Ron. "He's not stupid, he knows she nearly got him. Silencio!"
The large and ugly raven in front of him let out a derisive caw.
"Silencio! SILENCIO!"
The raven cawed more loudly.
"It's the way you're moving your wand," said Hermione, watching Ron critically. "You don't want to wave it, it's more a sharp jab."
"Ravens are harder than frogs," said Ron testily.
"Fine, let's swap," said Hermione, seizing Ron's raven and replacing it with her own fat bullfrog. "Silencio!" The raven continued to open and close its sharp beak, but no sound came out.
"Very good, Miss Granger!" said Professor Flitwick's squeaky little voice and Harry, Ron, and Hermione all jumped. "Now, let me see you try, Mr. Weasley!"
"Wha — ? Oh — oh, right," said Ron, very flustered. "Er — Silencio!"
He jabbed at the bullfrog so hard that he poked it in the eye; the frog gave a deafening croak and leapt off the desk.
It came as no surprise to any of them that Harry and Ron were given additional practice of the Silencing Charm for homework.
They were allowed to remain inside over break due to the downpour outside. They found seats in a noisy and overcrowded classroom on the first floor in which Peeves was floating dreamily up near the chandelier, occasionally blowing an ink pellet at the top of somebody's head. They had barely sat down when Angelina came struggling toward them through the groups of gossiping students.
"I've got permission!" she said. "To re-form the Quidditch team!"
"Excellent!" said Ron and Harry together.
"Yeah," said Angelina, beaming. "I went to McGonagall and I think she might have appealed to Dumbledore — anyway, Umbridge had to give in. Ha! So I want you down at the pitch at seven o'clock tonight, all right, because we've got to make up time, you realize we're only three weeks away from our first match?"
She squeezed away from them, narrowly dodged an ink pellet from Peeves, which hit a nearby first year instead, and vanished from sight. Ron's smile slipped slightly as he looked out of the window, which was now opaque with hammering rain.
"Hope this clears up... What's up with you, Hermione?"
She too was gazing at the window, but not as though she really saw it. Her eyes were unfocused and there was a frown on her face.
"Just thinking..." she said, still frowning at the rain-washed window.
"About Siri..." Lucia nudged Harry's ribs, and he caught himself hastily. "Serena?"
"No... not exactly..." said Hermione slowly. "More... wondering... I suppose we're doing the right thing... I think... aren't we?"
Lucia furrowed her eyes, all the while Harry and Ron looked at each other.
"Well, that clears that up," said Ron. "It would've been really annoying if you hadn't explained yourself properly."
Hermione looked at him as though she had only just realized he was there.
"I was just wondering," she said, her voice stronger now, "whether we're doing the right thing, starting this Defense Against the Dark Arts group."
"What!" said Harry and Ron together.
"Hermione, it was your idea in the first place!" said Ron indignantly.
Taking the calmer approach, Lucia asked, "Why the sudden change of mind?"
Hermione twisted her fingers together. "After talking to Snuffles..." she trailed.
"But he's all for it!" said Harry.
"Yes," said Hermione, staring at the window again. "Yes, that's what made me think maybe it wasn't a good idea after all..."
Peeves floated over them on his stomach, peashooter at the ready; automatically all four of them lifted their bags to cover their heads until he had passed.
"Let's get this straight," said Harry angrily, as they put their bags back on the floor, "Sirius agrees with us, so you don't think we should do it anymore?"
Hermione looked tense and rather miserable. Now staring at her own hands, she said, "Do you honestly trust his judgment?"
"Yes, I do!" said Harry at once. "He's always given us great advice!"
An ink pellet whizzed past them, striking Katie Bell squarely in the ear. Hermione watched Katie leap to her feet and start throwing things at Peeves; it was a few moments before Hermione spoke again and it sounded as though she was choosing her words very carefully.
"You don't think he has become... sort of... reckless... since he's been cooped up in Grimmauld Place? You don't think he's... kind of... living through us?"
"What d'you mean, 'living through us'?" Harry retorted.
"All right, ladies," Lucia hastened to divert from the path of argument that would break out at any moment. "Calm your knickers before it gets more twisted,"
"I mean... well, I think he'd love to be forming secret defense societies right under the nose of someone from the Ministry... I think he's really frustrated at how little he can do where he is... so I think he's keen to kind of... egg us on." Hermione explained hesitantly.
Lucia stared between the pair of dark-haired Gryffindors with a tired gaze. Of course she understood where Hermione was getting at, but she didn't think they could've done anything anymore as the deed was already done. Especially after having told twenty-six or so students about creating a semi-rebellion against the Ministry and Umbridge's foul teaching ways...
Ron looked utterly perplexed.
"Sirius is right," he said, "you do sound just like my mother."
"Let's not get your mother in this, Ron," scolded Lucia, before flailing her arms around, "C'mon, let's all come down here," she pleaded, not knowing how to diffuse the situation.
Both Harry and Ron scoffed and looked away, while Hermione bit her wobbling lip and did not answer. The bell rang just as Peeves swooped down upon Katie and emptied an entire ink bottle over her head.
That night, Lucia zoomed down the steps of the stairs and into the common room and was immediately met by a dazing Harry as he masked himself reading a book, sitting on the red armchair in front of the fire. But he could never hide anything from her; he apparently looks to be deep in thought.
Leaping on the last step, she waddled her way to Harry, wondering why he was still up this late. With his back to her, she tapped his shoulder, but there was no reaction whatsoever. She attempted once more and soon noticed the book in his hands.
She narrowed her eyes, "— moste efficacious in the... inflaming of the braine and are therefore much used in Confusing and Befuddlement Draughts, where the wizard is desirous of producing hot-headedness and recklessness..." Lucia darted her eyes from the book and back to Harry.
Was he really only now doing his Potions essay? Figures he would procrastinate the whole day...
Lucia shrugged her shoulders an sat in the armchair beside him, settling herself there, waithing for him to notice her presence. If there was one thing she had learnt about Harry, it was how oblivious he could be of his surroundings sometimes whenever his guard was down. It was almost endearing.
Lucia rested her head on the palm of her hand and stared at Harry, eyes softening every minute that past by; How could she let him into her heart so easily?
He'll only leave her heartbroken and yet, she could not get away from him. The tugging of her heart implores her to want him, that the urge was almost uncontrollable. The beating of her heart had a mind of its own, something she had never thought could occur.
Lucia shook her head disappointedly and leant against the armchair as Crookshanks leapt onto her lap. "What should I do, caramellino?" she asked the purring cat on her lap. "It's so twisted..."
Crookshanks purred.
"Not helping," Lucia pouted to herself.
Crookshanks meowed in response.
"Okay now you're just being blatantly rude to me," sneered Lucia. She then paused, before groaning out: "I must sound like a nutter to people..."
Crookshanks meowed, causing Lucia to let out a scandalous gasp.
"No wonder Ron despised you," she snarled.
Crookshanks shrugged.
Their conversation was cut short as Lucia jumped at the sound of a fallen object: Harry had dropped his book. Before she could react, his head fell sideways. Lucia eyed him warily, questioning whether he had actually fallen asleep...
Crookshanks hissed all the sudden, hopping away from them. Lucia looked in between the cat and Harry, causing Lucia to immediately drop in front of Harry, heeding the cat's warning. With his face in her hands, Lucia lightly patted his cheeks to wake him up.
There was no response.
In her time staying over in Grimmauld Place, she had gotten to know that Harry was a light sleeper, and due to him to him reacting this way, it was frightening her quite a bit. He couldn't have just dropped dead...
Right?
Lucia took a deep breath and swallowed hard as she uttered soft words with hope that he would awake. "Harry,"
As though the world was on her side, she felt a rush of ecstasy and relief when Harry moved — but something was odd; it was as if it wasn't voluntary. Harry's hand outstretched, grasping her wrist.
She swallowed the lump that was built up in her throat, scared of the situation she was in as she studied Harry, who terrifyingly began to mutter incoherent words to her. If she didn't know any better, she would've thought he was possessed.
Lucia slapped his hand away at the thought, a sudden chill ran down her spine the moment she did so. She was struck by a horrible and terrifying realisation — this was not Harry.
Unlike the warm disposition of his that she had grown accustomed with, he was cold.
She poked and poked him when finally, Harry — with full consciousness unlike before — woke up from his blank and hazy daze. Lucia let out a sigh of relief as the night of her eyes heartily locked with his prominent forest ones, looking directly at her for a moment.
Harry blinked continuously as it finally settled in him that he was back in the soothing confinement of the common room in Gryffindor Tower, and it was all due to the girl in front of him. He took a moment, subconsciously gazing at the beauty in front of him; the treasure that was her ebony hair was now plaited loosely to the side, her beautiful pure black eyes sparkling, as though the whole universe was placed in her eyes — well, she is the constellation herself, and he was allured by her.
Harry could sit there and admire for as long as he wanted to, for she was the epitome of divine.
Should he really be thinking of his best friend this way? It felt somehow wrong of him to do so. He had never seen Ron, nor even Hermione the way he sees Lucia. But he couldn't exactly tear his eyes away either...
His heart was tugging him in the direction of her only. And he could not seem to find the will to stop it.
"What's wrong," he asked, trying redirect her attention before she could notice his reddening cheeks.
Lucia stared at him, contemplating whether to ask what just happened, but refrained herself from doing so. The thought of the unfamiliar presence she felt in Harry's body lingered in her mind.
"Tired, are you?" she changed the topic with a small, meek smile.
"Were you staring at me?" Harry cocked a brow as a slight smirk graced his lips, and unknown confidence animating in him when he noticed the blush on her ears. He had never felt this way before. "Enjoyed it I presume? Never thought you were the stalker type, DiFiore."
Lucia wore a look of shock and awe at his flirtatious tone. Whatever was going on with Harry, Lucia had to admit that she quite like it...
She cleared her throat and scoffed, "Bet you would want that, Potter?" she played along, attempting her best to hid away the smile that was itching to fall upon her lips. "But only in your dreams, I can never imagine myself to ever fancy you."
Well, this just in, I have blossomed into a liar, she thought.
The bespectacled boy was about to retort, until a voice could be heard calling for him. He looked around curiously.
"Did you hear that?" Harry questioned.
"Hear what?"
"That — look, listen"
"Harry Potter," a faint voice called.
Harry looked back at Lucia and saw her expression that clearly indicated that she heard whatever the sound was.
"Sir!" the voice.
"Looks like someone's looking for you, Harry"
"Way to state the obvious," said Harry sarcastically, with a roll of his eyes.
"Miss!"
He got to his feet at once at the sudden call of Lucia, instinctively standing in front of Lucia protectively. "Who's there?" He asked courageously
Then, the fire instantly extinguished, leaving the room to darken. Lucia, startled, jumped, and held onto Harry's arm. The castle may be old ad filled with ghosts and Peeves, but surely there weren't actual scary ghosts...
"Dobby has your owl, sir!" said a squeaky voice.
"Dobby?" The two said simultaneously, both were bewildered.
The pair peered around, investigating for the source of voice; in the shadows of the room, they were able to see a small figure. If she wasn't well accustomed to the figures of a house-elf, Lucia was sure she would've been screaming with fear already. However, she didn't, as Dobby the house-elf stood innocently with the familiar snowy owl.
"Dobby," breathed Lucia, a polite smile replacing the frightened frown of hers. "It's a pleasure to see you again!" she chirped.
"Dobby is honoured to see Miss Cece as well!" Dobby then turned to Harry, "Dobby volunteered to return Harry Potter's owl!" said the elf, with a look of adoration on his face. "Professor Grubbly-Plank says she is all well now, sir!"
Lucia dropped down to the owl's height. She gestured the owl to climb her arm, in which she did. Lucia stood back up with Hedwig perched healthily on her arm, whilst she was being caressed affectionately by the DiFiore.
Harry couldn't help but smile at her. Hedwig wasn't one to like people other than him, and seeing the owl so comfortable with Lucia made his heart swell unlike any other did.
"Thanks, Dobby!" said Harry, happy to have his first friend back. Lucia carefully let the owl perched onto her owner's arm, giving Harry the chance to stroke the snowy owl's head.
"Look," awed Lucia. "She missed you!"
"Or the treats — OUCH! Okay, okay, I'll take back what I said!"
Lucia howled with quiet laughter, seemingly enjoying Harry being pecked by Hedwig, who took great offence to Harry's words.
"Er... have you been taking all the clothes Hermione's been leaving out?" Harry asked the house-elf.
"Oh no, sir," said Dobby happily, "Dobby has been taking some for Winky too, sir."
"Yeah, how is Winky?" asked Harry.
Lucia watched as Dobby's ears drooped slightly.
"Winky is still drinking lots, sir," he said sadly, his eyes downcast. "She still does not care for clothes, Harry Potter. Nor do the other house-elves. None of them will clean Gryffindor Tower anymore, not with the hats and socks hidden everywhere, they finds them insulting, sir. Dobby does it all himself, sir, but Dobby does not mind, sir, for he always hopes to meet Harry Potter and tonight, sir, he has got his wish!"
"Oh, my..." was all Lucia could utter out, having overheard the conversation.
Dobby bowed, "But Harry Potter does not seem happy," he went on, straightening up again and looking timidly at Harry. "Dobby heard him muttering in his sleep. Was Harry Potter having bad dreams?"
"Not really bad," said Harry, yawning and rubbing his eyes. "I've had worse."
"Harry... as hypocritical as I'm about to sound like, but that isn't normal" said Lucia, concern painting her face. "Do you want me to brew a vial of calming draught? — maybe draught of peace? — or maybe a few vials of sleeping draughts? —"
"Really, Lucie, I'm fine" Harry said, his tone appreciative of her concerns, creating a feeling of warmth in his chest.
Dobby then said in a serious tone, his ears drooping, "Dobby wishes he could help Harry Potter, for Harry Potter set Dobby free and Dobby is much, much happier now..."
This caused Harry to smile; Lucia could only adore that sweet smile that would always send her fluttering from beside him.
"You can't help me, Dobby, but thanks for the offer..." Harry went back to pick up his Potions book.
As Lucia still stood in front of Dobby, Hedwig on her shoulders, she was disheartened when her vision was filled by the scar Harry had gotten from his detentions with Umbridge; it was still glistening, like it was freshly carved. Subconsciously, Lucia had her hand over her own scar, quivering slightly. She snapped out of her thoughts when Harry came back.
"Wait a moment — there is something you can do for me, Dobby," said Harry slowly.
The elf looked around, beaming. "Name it, Harry Potter, sir!"
"I need to find a place where twenty-eight people can practice Defense Against the Dark Arts without being discovered by any of the teachers. Especially," Harry clenched his hand around the book in his grasp, stealing glances at Lucia's right hand as her own scar was displayed to him "Professor Umbridge."
Unexpectedly, Dobby began to skip a little, wagging his ears happily before clapping his hands together.
"Dobby knows the perfect place, sir!" he said happily. "Dobby heard tell of it from the other house-elves when he came to Hogwarts, sir. It is known by us as the Come and Go Room, sir, or else as the Room of Requirement!"
"Why?" questioned Harry curiously.
"Because it is a room that a person can only enter," said Dobby seriously,
Lucia then interjected, "I think I read it somewhere last year... it's like a room that appears only when it's needed..." She explained drawlingly. "Sometimes it's there, and sometimes it's not, but when it appears, it is always equipped for the seeker's needs. Have you used it before, Dobby?"
The three began to walk back towards the red armchair Harry had sat. Harry sat himself in the armchair, while Lucia sat on the arms of the chair as Hedwig flew to Harry's side from her shoulder.
The elf downcast his eyes, looking guilty. "Dobby has, when Winky has been very drunk. He has hidden her in the Room of Requirement, and he has found antidotes to butterbeer there, and a nice elf-sized bed to settle her on while she sleeps it off, sir... And Dobby knows Mr. Filch has found extra cleaning materials there when he has run short, sir, and —"
"— and if you really needed a bathroom," said Harry, suddenly "Would it fill itself with chamber pots?"
"Harry — what?" said Lucia incredulously at him, only for Harry to shrug.
"Dobby expects so, sir," said Dobby, nodding earnestly. "It is a most amazing room, sir."
"How many people know about it?" said Harry, sitting up straighter in his chair.
"I reckon very few, right Dobby?" Lucia said.
"Yes sir, miss. Mostly people stumbles across it when they needs it, sir, but often they never finds it again, for they do not know that it is always there waiting to be called into service, sir."
"It sounds brilliant," Harry said, his heart racing. "It sounds perfect, Dobby. When can you show me where it is?"
"Anytime, Harry Potter, sir," said Dobby, looking delighted at Harry's enthusiasm. "We could go now, if you like!"
Lucia could tell that Harry was contemplating whether to go right about now, or not; he sat up halfway, before sitting back down, rubbing his face. Lucia didn't expect that from him as she knew Harry usually would go on a whim. For a moment there, Harry looked like he was in deep thought again.
"Not tonight, Dobby," said Harry reluctantly, leaning into the chair "This is really important... I don't want to blow it, it'll need proper planning... Listen, can you just tell me exactly where this Room of Requirement is and how to get in there?"
After Dobby left, Lucia took it upon herself to shamelessly stare down at Harry, not expecting his choice to stay at all, but she did understand that he was exhausted. Out of the blue, her hand slid upon the right of Harry's cheek before forcing him delicately to look at her, unbeknownst of the rising climate on his cheeks and ears as Lucia went in proximity of him.
He partially didn't want her to let go.
"Harry, you have little bags under your eye," she inspected softly, "I know you don't want to, but if your nightmares do get worse, I'll have to force a potion on you. I don't like how ill you look."
He inhaled sharply, looking straight up towards her night eyes with a reassuring, yet faint smile.
"I'll be fine," Harry said, gently taking her hand away from the side of his face, but nonetheless, held onto the hand softly, drawing circles on the palm of her hand. His eyes softened, "If it gets worse, I'll be sure to tell you and I'll let you brew the draught"
Lucia smiled gently, "Thank you..."
"Well, now we found a place," said Harry in a whispering kind of tone.
"We did."
༻❁༺
Harry was quick to break the news to Ron and Hermione that he and Lucia had found a suitable and possible place for their defence group to learn, and the pair were both beyond exhilarated and curious. Together, they had spent most of the day seeking out those of whom had signed their names on the list in Hog's Head and telling them to meet that evening. Bitter though, for Lucia had been the one that was tasked to tell Cho Chang and her friend, even though she much rather tell Erin instead, but she was told by Fred and George already.
By the end of dinner Lucia found herself bouncing in her seat, excited for the meeting that was tonight. And from the looks of the other twenty-six people who had turned up in the Hog's Head, they seemed just as excited as her, though they were able to mask it well.
At half-past seven, Lucia bid Harry, Ron, and Hermione goodbye, all of whom left to seek for the Room of Requirements first before anyone else. Lucia was supposed to go along with the three, however she had discussed with Harry that, seeing as she had a right idea as to where the room was, she would be leading the others to the room.
A series of footsteps indicated Lucia that they were coming down; at the doorway of the stairs that leaded to the dormitories stood Ginny, Lavender, Parvati, Dean, and Neville. Ginny leapt at the dark-haired girl, beaming.
"Where's the place?"
"Patience," Lucia smiled. "I think its better if you all follow me to understand."
The small group of Gryffindors began their adventure; they walked out of the common room as silent as they could into the hollow corridors of the castle. They were trying their hardest to not be loud, as one misstep could very well lead them to their doom.
Lucia happily leaded the group away from Gryffindor tower without a negative thought in mind.
Ginny attempted many times to get answers from the older girl but was constantly shut down by the occasional sound of shushing from the group. When they finally made it to what looks to be the seventh floor of the castle, Lucia hurried them, turning a narrow corner and halted with a wide smile on her face.
Harry had found it.
They stared at the highly polished large door in confusion, they had never seen this door before.
Slowly, Lucia reached out for the handle of the door, pulling it open to reveal a large room inside. There, Harry, Hermione, and Ron stood, awestruck by their surroundings. They entered the room and Lucia looked around, marveling the place that was nothing like the rest of the castle.
"Whoa," said Dean, looked around, impressed. "What is this place?"
"The Room of Requirements..." Lucia said breathlessly.
On cue, in came more people. The moment they stepped into the room, all marveled at the sight around them. None knew such room existed in the castle they resided. All took their seats on each cushion that laid on the floor.
Lucia was about to join in with the rest in the back, only for her to be pulled back by Harry. He had a pleading look at her, and it wasn't only him; Hermione and Ron also held the same expression as well. Lucia ended up sitting on the cushion right in front of Harry along with Hermione and Ron.
By the time the clock handle had reached eight, all cushions were occupied. Harry went over towards the door, locking it. The door let out a loud and echoing click of sound, causing everyone to fall silent as they looked at him.
Lucia fidgeted with the necklace on her collarbone. She couldn't quite point out what it is, but the moment all attention fell on Harry and when he had satisfyingly gained their attention during the locking process, her heart immediately leapt.
"Well," said Harry, slightly nervously. "This is the place we've found for practices, and you've - er... obviously found it okay — "
"It's fantastic!" said Cho, and several people murmured their agreement.
"It's bizarre," said Fred, frowning around at it. "We once hid from Filch in here, remember, George? But it was just a broom cupboard then..."
"This is the legendary Room of Requirements I've heard so much about..." goggled Erin quietly, as if laying as low as possible.
"So, let's say if we need to really do a number two out of the blue, this room will conjure a loo?" said George.
Lucia scrunched her nose in disgust at his words, but nonetheless nodded. "I don't know what it is with you boys and the loo" — the twins and Lee Jordan snickered — "but yes, that is the general idea."
"Hey, Harry, what's this stuff?" asked Dean from the rear of the room, indicating the Sneakoscopes and the Foe-Glass.
"Dark Detectors," said Harry, stepping between the cushions to reach them. "Basically they all show when Dark wizards or enemies are around, but you don't want to rely on them too much, they can be fooled..."
"Closed your mouth, will you?" Hermione giggled at Lucia, "You're gawking."
"Gawking at who, I don't know what you mean?" said Lucia airily, but her cheeks reddened evidently.
"At Harry of course," said Hermione quietly. "Don't think I haven't noticed,"
Lucia blushed, causing the bushy-haired girl tried her hardest not to let out a slight squeal and laugh. Hermione had charted the possibilities of the girl liking Harry as more than just a friend, but it was nice to know that she was lowkey admitting it to her.
"Hermione..."
Lucia turned to Hermione, whose mouth was agape slightly. It had seemed she hadn't heard Harry calling for her.
"Hermione!" Harry called again.
She snapped her fingers in front of Hermione, causing the Granger to return to reality, finally comprehending the situation. "Ah, yes — I think we ought to elect a leader," said Hermione.
"Harry's leader," said Cho at once, looking at Hermione as though she was mad.
Lucia let out a low whistle through the deafeningly thorny silence as the atmosphere in the room dropped tensely. Hermione stared at Cho narrowly, all the while glancing at Harry, who was looking quite awkward around the room.
"Yes, but I think we ought to vote on it properly," said Hermione, unperturbed. "It makes it formal, and it gives him authority. So — everyone who thinks Harry ought to be our leader?"
With that, everyone raised their hand, agreeing with Cho that Harry was to be the leader of their defense association.
"Er — right, thanks," said Harry, who could feel his face burning. "And — what, Hermione?"
Hermione paused, thinking, before turning to the disheartened DiFiore girl. Noticing this, Lucia sighed and spoke up nervously.
"W-Well... I think we ought to have a name," she said brightly, swaying left and right at where she stood with a warm smile on her lips. "It'll promote a feeling of team spirit and unity, don't you think?... right?" she added unsurely.
"Can we be the Anti-Umbridge League?" said Angelina hopefully.
"Or the Ministry of Magic Are Morons Group?" suggested Fred.
"I-I was thinking something that is not so obvious, but good suggestion," Lucia said to Angelina and Fred. "Anything else?"
Erin then chirped, "How about something that associates with what we're doing? Defence..."
"The Defense Association?" suggested Cho. "The D.A. for short, so nobody knows what we're talking about?"
"Yeah, the D.A.'s good," said Ginny. "Only let's make it stand for Dumbledore's Army because that's the Ministry's worst fear, isn't it?"
"I actually like that," Lucia then looked around for certainty before raising her hand, "All in favor of the D.A.?"
Hands began to raise. Lucia looked over at Hermione for help, in which Hermione began to count the raised hands. She gave her a nod and declared, "That's a majority — motion passed!"
Hermione pinned a piece of paper with all their names on it on the wall and wrote "Dumbledore's Army" across the top in large letters.
"Right," said Harry, when she had sat down again, "shall we get practicing then? I was thinking, the first thing we should do is Expelliarmus, you know, the Disarming Charm. I know it's pretty basic but I've found it really useful —"
"Oh please," said Zacharias Smith, rolling his eyes. This caused Lucia to frown. "I don't think Expelliarmus is exactly going to help us against You-Know-Who, do you?"
"I've used it against him," said Harry quietly, beginning to doubt himself. "It saved my life last June."
Lucia brows knitted, already sensing Harry's confidence slowly diminishing little by little. She looked around, her soft night eyes sharpened immensely, searching for Zacharias Smith as though he was the prey and she was the huntress.
"You know, Smith," Lucia started, gaining the attention of the others. "If you are so clever, why don't you teach us then?"
They all were silent, staring as the scene unfolded.
Zacharias Smith was already walking on eggshells around Lucia, but at this rate he was just digging his own grave for fun. The poisonous tone so foreign to those who knew her was not something so fun to hear. She glowered dangerously down at the Hufflepuff, like a snake that was ready to pounce.
"I'm sure you have more experience than Harry, probably faced Voldemort" — series of wincing could be heard around the quiet room — "yourself too? Perhaps could even take a jab on the lad if you wanted to, huh? Then I'm sure you have the criteria to lead a defence group, right?"
The atmosphere around the room darkened immensely. Despite her bashful traits, Lucia wouldn't think twice to defend someone she thought that was worthy of her defence. Harry had been one of the only friends that she cared so much about, and there's no way she was going to let more of the disrespect pass anymore.
Smith didn't answer.
Lucia nodded, as if satisfied by his response. "That's what I thought..."
"As I was saying," Harry broke off the silence, the only found voice in the still room being the dark-haired boy now. Harry had seemed to copy the look of Lucia prior unintentionally, intimidating the whole room. "It saved my life last June, But if you think it's beneath you, you can leave," Harry said.
None move from his words. Not even Smith. The anger had slowly washed away from Lucia as she felt herself smile again. Harry was victorious against Smith with or without her help.
"Okay," said Harry, his mouth slightly drier than usual with all those eyes upon him, "I reckon we should all divide into pairs and practice."
All followed Harry's instruction on dividing themselves into two. Lucia was stretching herself; to be frank, she wasn't experienced on defense and was slightly nervous for it. As she stretched her arm, doing anything but attempting to find a partner to work with, deliberately avoiding having to partner up with somebody.
Once she noticed almost everyone was partnered up already, she made to move toward the corner of the room, until her ears perked by the calling of her name.
"Lucie!" It was Harry.
She winced. He noticed.
Lucia slowly wheeled around and saw Harry was standing with Neville, beckoning her to come. Begrudgingly she moved.
"You don't have a partner," he said blankly.
"Way to state the obvious," she rolled her eyes. "You're just reminding me of how sad my social life is," she added dramatically.
The two boys chuckled lightly. "You can practice with Neville —"
"You don't have a partner, Neville?" Lucia questioned incredulously over to the Longbottom. Neville, embarrassed, downcast his eyes to his shoes. "And you think that I should partner up with Neville?"
Harry nodded, not getting where this was going.
"You're sick," said Lucia.
"What — ?" said Harry and Neville, confused.
"Completely sick I tell you!" she said to Harry. "You're just trying to humiliate me at this rate — Neville's going to beat me so badly!"
"It's just practice..." Harry said weakly.
"If I somehow end up in the hospital wing, that'll be on you, Harry Potter!" she declared, guiding Neville away from Harry. "That'll be on you!"
Harry stared at her in disbelief, before he shook his head with a ghost of a smile.
"Now, Neville, I would like for you to hold back a little," said Lucia almost pleadingly.
"You say that like I actually am good at this," said Neville quietly.
"But you are," she said truthfully. "You are incredible, it's just that you haven't found your true calling yet."
"My true...calling?" repeated Neville, with uncertainty.
"Your true calling," Lucia nodded. A soft smile graced her cherry lip balm laced lip. "You'll get there one day, Neville. Trust me."
Something erupted from within Neville hearing her words.
He'll find his true calling one day...