~ Chapter 16 ~

I'll give you my soul to keep

The golden key, forever yeah

Yeah, if you'll rock n' roll with me

Then we can be together, yeah

I want it all – By Bonnie McKee

(Last Time...)

"We are done for today. Check your coins and be ready for the next practice."

Everyone started to file out of the room. Harry and Ron approached me.

"Wow, Hermione. This is going great! Thank you for doing this. I feel more prepared already."

"Of course, Harry. I want to help our fellow students."

My boys and I were the last to leave. We headed back to the dorm for a well-deserved sleep.

(The Room of Requirement)

[Hermione]

"Ok, Neville. I know you can do it. Imagine that you are pulling their wand from their hand yourself. Imagine flicking your wrist and pulling it to you." Today we were learning to do the Expelliarmus spell. I wanted this spell to be ingrained in their heads. If you can take a wizard's wand, it's quite likely that you will have the upper hand. Wandless magic is a different story all together. I had partnered everyone together to practice this spell. Neville was having some trouble to I came over to help. Neville was partnered with Ginny today. I watched him think on what I said before executing a near perfect Expelliarmus. Ginny's wand landed in my hand, Neville too surprised to catch it himself.

"Very well-done Neville!" I said, patting him on the back.

"I-I did it."

"You did. Keep it up." I tossed the wand back to Ginny so they could continue.

"The boy isn't half bad. He's getting better." Magnus said from next to me. Magus refused to stay in the dorm tonight. He was getting stir crazy. I looked down next to my feet to talk to my familiar.

"Yes. He has improved since we started this 'Hogwarts's Army'" Magnus swished his tail in agreement.

"GAHHHH! Mione! Get your snake away from me!" A shriek filled the room. I snickered to myself as I walked over to Ron.

"It's your fault Ron. She loved to mess with you." I smirked down at my other familiar on the floor. Tali was getting bigger. About three feet now. A little too big for my shoulder but we make due.

"This boy is amusing!" Tali slithered nearer and Ron jumped into the air.

"Mione!"

"Alright jeez." I looked at her and she got the message. She went to bother the Twins. Tali loved those boys. Everyone here was used to both my familiars by now, except Ron.

I walked over to the Twins. Tali was already weaving through their legs. The twins were casting Expelliarmus perfectly. I smiled when I realized what they were doing. They were casting Expelliarmus then throwing the other wand to their twin. They were switching wands with every successful spell. That's twins for you, able to use each-others wands without any problems.

"Wotcher, Hermione! Tali here was keeping us company." Fred said.

"A real treat she is." George said, tossing a wand to his twin.

"You don't have to tell me that boys. But thank you for being so sweet to her. She really likes you two as well." I looked to Tali, she was wiggling, she was pleased. She's so cute.

"Carry on boys."

"Gottcha!"

I moved on to Luna on the other side of the room. Luna had Tonks as a partner. Hmmm. They have been close since the first session. I observed the way they interacted with each other. It looks like a mate bond but I know for certain both women are not Magical Creatures. Interesting. I'll need to keep an eye on this. Intellectual curiosity of course.

"Hey Luna, Tonks! Looks like everything's going well here."

"It is. Luna is quite a fast learner." Tonks smiled brightly as she looked toward me. I smiled as I noticed Luna blush.

"She is, but part of it is that you are a great teacher Tonks." It was her turn to blush. I love these two!

"Keep up the excellent work!" I walked around the room, giving pointers here and there to some struggling pairs. I stopped to observe another pair when I saw Magnus sitting to watch as well. I smiled as I watched.

"Amazing wand work, Pansy! But if we just adjust your form a little, you will be even better at casting this spell." I walked other to where Pansy was standing and positioned myself behind her. My right hand grabbed her hand and adjusted her grip on her wand and the position of her arm, while my left leg pushed between hers and separating her legs more.

"Perfect! Remember this stance and grip on your wand Pansy." I said as I stepped back.

"Ah- ah. Thank you." I chuckled to myself at her blush and slight stutter in her surprise.

"Of course. We're here to learn Pansy." I cast a Tempus as I walked away. It was getting late.

"That's it for today guys. Great Job! Next time I think you are ready to try casting a Patronus." Everyone was murmuring excitedly as they started to grab anything they brought with them.

It was only me and Tonks left in the room when Draco walked up to me. I looked to him in surprise.

"What's up Drake?" I ask. Draco paused before speaking.

"Thanks...." Hmmm?

"I'm sorry?"

"Thanks for what you're doing here." I smiled. Draco may have not been the best bloke in Hogwarts, but he seems to have mellowed out with the coming of The Pink Thing.

"Of course, Drake! Everyone needs to know this stuff." Drake nodded before going quickly to the door where Pansy was patiently waiting. I waved as they left.

(Next session...)

"The Patronus is a very complicated spell and few witches and wizards can actually cast the spell and form a completely corporeal Patronus." I looked around the room and locked eyes with all the people in the room.

"Some of you may not be able to cast a completely corporeal Patronus. But even an intangible outline of a form is a great feat. Don't be discouraged if you can't completely master this spell. The common thing that is known to cast a Patronus is to bring up the happiest memory you can think of. A Patronus is a spell that incorporates happiness and positivity in every wisp. This is how most conjure this spell." Harry looked confused as he looked at me. Remus had taught him this way. But it was not the only way. Some people don't have memories that are strong enough to conjure this spell. There is another way.

"First, try casting the Patronus this way. If you still cannot make even an intangible form, I will reveal a secret that I know to help." The instruction was given, and everyone spread around the room to try. I walked around to help and observe. I corrected a few hand movements and pronunciations, just like old times.

After about 20 minutes, I could see a few intangible Patronus. Luna was one of them. I was not surprised. When people encounter hardship, happy memories are easier to lock on too.

After about 45 minutes a few more intangible Patronus was cast but progress was slow, and people were getting disheartened. I think it was about time. Only Harry and Tonks had been able to cast a corporeal Patronus so far, which is to be expected.

"Alright everyone, I think it's time I give you the secret that I know for this spell." Everyone was eager and gathered around me. Once everyone was quiet I started.

"A Patronus is a very complicated spell. A very strong memory needs to be used, that is true. But that is not the only thing that can be used to conjure a Patronus." I had everyone's undivided attention at this point.

"Another emotion that we can use besides extreme happiness, is a strong sense of wanting to protect." Murmurs filled the air.

"A Patronus needs a strong emotion. Happiness I feel, is second. The feeling of wanting to protect and the love for a life, is the strongest emotion that one can feel. Love makes one strong. But it can also destroy you, that is the power of love." I scanned the room before stepping back and casting my Patronus.

"Expecto Patronum!" I thought of my Mates, my Parents, and my want to teach these students to protect themselves. My complete Patronus spewed from my wand.

A large lion emerged and bounded around the room. There were gasps and clapping as my Patronus flicked between everyone in the room. She finally settled and sat next to me.

"This is my Patronus. The key to this spell is think of someone you would protect, and in turn, happy memories will also surface. Love brings about protectiveness and happiness. You must want to protect this person or people with all your might. Want it. Want the strength to protect." I stated strongly before dismissing my Patronus.

"Try again. I will be around to help."

As time went by, more and more intangible Patronus' were seen floating in the air. Even a few Corporeal Patronus had emerged. I smiled as Luna's rabbit bounced around her and Neville's toad jump near his feet. Even Cho and Ron had completed the spell. By the time our time was up many more than I expected had accomplished the spell.

"Those of you that have not gotten an intangible or anything to appear, don't lose heart. Keep practicing, and if anything, your Patronus will come out when you need it the most, when you feel the most." I dismissed the class and smiled to myself. Today was very successful.

(That night: Dumbledore's office)

"In the dream, were you standing next to the victim? Or looking down at the scene?" I watched as Dumbledore interrogated Harry about what he saw.

"Neither, it was like I was.... What's happening Professor?" Dumbledore seemed to have a lot on his mind as he went to a portrait on the wall and told them to get someone to find Mr. Weasley.

"Sir." Dumbledore just went to a different portrait and gave instructions to tell Grimmauld Place what had happened and that his children will be arriving there soon by Port Key.

"They found him Albus. They think he'll make it. Once more, the Dark Lord failed to acquire it." I could tell Harry was getting frustrated. It might be time for me to say something before Harry emotions swirl out of control.

"What is happening to Harry Professor Dumbledore?" I asked firmly. Harry is in distress, he needs an answer. Everything stopped, and I was the center of attention before Professor Snape arrived.

"You... wished to see me, Headmaster?"

"Severus, I'm afraid we can't wait, not even till the morning. Otherwise, we'll all be vulnerable." The professor nodded before grabbing Harry and leading him away. I turned back to look at the Headmaster.

"What can't wait Professor?"

"Harry must learn Occlumency. The Dark Lord is in his mind." That was all the information I got before Minerva led me back to the dorm and the Weasley children were left to await the Port Key to see their father.

(Grimmauld Place)

Harry had been having a tough time of learning Occlumency, but it was a good thing that he was having a break here for Christmas. Mr. Weasley was doing well and was as cheerful as ever. We opened presents and exchanged greetings before everyone went about their way around the house. We had sometime before supper would be ready. Sirius took us aside and led us into what seemed like a storage room. The room was dusty, and the air was stale. It seems the room had been closed off for some time.

"This is the Black Family Tree. I felt that I should show you while you were here. This is very old magic. My Parents with their Pureblood mania, I hated them. My mother did that after I ran away." Sirius pointed to a burned-out spot just above his name. There was a pause as he reminisced.

"This is my deranged cousin. The Black pureblood mania drove her mad. She wasn't always so insane. I think one day she just snapped." We looked at the picture that he painted at. Unlike his, this one was not burned away.

I stared at the woman's face. She was beautiful. Something about her made me stare at the still picture on the tapestry for longer than I needed too. If I ever met this woman, I wonder what I would be able to see in those eyes. Would I see a tortured soul? Or a woman bent around the curve from madness? One isn't born evil, one is made evil.

"Children! Supper is ready!"

"All right!" Ron let out a yell before racing down the stairs. The three of us laughed as we headed after him. I took one last look at Sirius' cousin before the door closed.

(At Hagrid's)

We were at Hagrid's because Harry needed a break and wanted to talk to a friend that wasn't us. Harry was still having a hard time. I should set the next HA session soon. I'm sure everyone could benefit from some Occlumency lessons. Maybe I could get Tonks to teach this time. I can't teach this time without drawing some suspicion. Why would I have ever had a need for Occlumency before now? Occlumency can't be mastered through books. I wouldn't have an excuse. I better talk to Tonks.

"Hagrid, what happened? Harry asked when we saw that Hagrid was injured.

"Dumbledore sent me to parlay with the giants."

"Giants? You found them?" I asked.

"Well they're not that hard to find to be perfectly honest. They're so big, see? I tried to get them to join the cause. But, I wasn't the only one trying to win them over."

"Deatheaters."

"Yes. Trying to get them to join You-Know-Who."

"Did they?"

"I gave them Dumbledore's message. I suppose some of them remember that he was friendly to them. Some of them anyway." It seemed to issue was still open ended. Maybe I should go and find them myself or tell mom about it. I'm sure we could do something. Professor had been giving the giants potions to make them smarter and more aware. Perhaps we can reason with them.

"It's changing out there. Just like last time. There's a storm coming Harry. We'd all best be ready when she does."

(The next day during Breakfast)

The Hall was abuzz with conversation. Something was definitely wrong. I took my seat next to the boys and Ginny. I could make out some things being said with my enhanced hearing.

"Have you heard?"

"She's out."

"I can't believe it."

"It's the second-time people have escaped."

Oh no. People have escaped from Azkaban again? This is bad. Is this the storm Hagrid was predicting would happen?

I picked up a Daily Prophet from the table and immediately saw her. Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius' cousin. The one thought to be mad. I looked closely at the moving picture. Her eyes were striking, the emotion in them was raging as hard as the storm going on outside of these walls. They were tortured and angry. There wasn't really any madness that I could see, just a very calculating person with grudges and anger. What made you this way?

Good thing I had already talked to Tonks. This session is needed more than ever. I reached into my robe and pulled out the HA coin. I poured some magic into it to let the others know that tonight we would be meeting.

(That night)

Tonks had taught what needed to be taught before she set the class to be in pairs.

"Pair up with someone you don't mind knowing your secrets. And if you don't want somethings to be known, try and keep them out."

"Harry." I called Harry over to be my partner in this. This way I could help him personally and not let anyone into my secrets at the same time. Harry knew my secrets.

"I got ya Mione."

We had been going back and forth a little. Harry obviously couldn't penetrate my solid walls, so we moved on to getting Harry better.

"Harry, you need to imagine in your mind a wall or a safe to protect yourself from entry. You need to build these walls and strengthen them. Will your mind to protect itself. Think about the things that you need to protect. The need and will to protect is what will strengthen your mind, just like the Patronus spell last time. Emotion and will is the key." Harry nodded and closed his eyes. I let him build walls before I went to test them again.

"Harry! Very good. They are getting stronger. and strengthen them. Will your mind to protect itself. Think about the things that you need to protect. The need and will to protect is what will strengthen your mind, just like the Patronus spell last time. Emotion and will is the key." Harry nodded and closed his eyes. I let him build walls before I went to test them again.

"Harry! Very good. They are getting stronger. You can protect against novices now, but you can't protect yourself from me or someone like Tonks yet. Keep trying Harry. Trial and error will help you to know what makes the strongest wall." Harry had improved during this session and everyone here seemed to have at least some grasp on how to protect their minds.

"Keep practicing everyone. Occlumency is not something one can master immediately. Occlumency is just like any kind of skill, practice makes you better." Tonks wrapped up the session for tonight.

I'm glad. We are a lot more protected than we were before. Hopefully everyone will keep at it. Occlumency might be very important with everything that has been happening. A storm is brewing. We need to be well equipped for when it hits.