Unexpected Mates

Choosing Another Path

After lunch, Dumbledore returned to his study. But no sooner than he had began replying to one of the many missives cluttering his desk, then there was a brisk rapping on his door.

"Come in" he called impatiently.

"Albus, I have received the new subjects which Potter and Malfoy have chosen. Their new schedules are complete and they shall be perfectly able to begin classes once they have ended their isolation." McGonagall spoke entering the room, though she didn't move to sit down.

"That is good news, some of the professors had expressed worries about Harry starting his defence club before having been to classes but now all shall be well." Here he was interrupted.

"Albus, I have to question whether you consulted Potter on running the club before you announced it, as neither boy is going to be studying Defence against the Dark arts this year.

"Pardon me? You must be mistaken Minerva. May I see the note young Harry sent." It was a question though it wasn't phrased as such, and it was with a sniff that Professor McGonagall handed over the letter she had received.

Dear Professor McGonagall,
           Harry and I have discussed our schedules and which classes we wished to take. Enclosed is a list of those subjects, we have tried to keep it as similar as possible to our original classes so there shouldn't be much rescheduling required. We have compromised in that each of us will have two subjects the other didn't choose so that our career prospects won't be hindered.
               If any changes are required on our part, please inform us at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,
       Draco Malfoy

And the list was as follows;

Classes we wish to take:
Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Forgotten Arts, Healing, Herbology, Potions, Transfiguration.

Dumbledore read the letter twice, his frown growing with each perusal.

"There must be some mistake, Harry loves Defence against the Dark arts, I don't believe he would choose to discontinue the subject. Perhaps Mr Malfoy has written this before they discussed it fully, put them both down for defence. I shall go to them directly and discuss the issue, besides Harry can't be expected to lead a defence club without first taking classes, however sure a wizard he has proven himself to be thus far."

With that statement Dumbledore strode from the room, leaving McGonagall watching his retreating form with a dubious look.

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Harry was writing another of his potion's essays when Dumbledore walked in.

"Afternoon children, already hard at work I see. Splendid! Now boys I've come to talk to you about your new schedule..."

"How did you get in?" Harry interrupted, shocked and more than a little peeved that the headmaster had gained entry to their rooms despite whatever charms Lucius and Professor Snape had put in place.

"Why Harry, are you feeling alright? You just saw me come in through your door, as I was saying I was coming to check on you both and discuss your chosen classes. Though, I think perhaps it would be a good idea for the two of us to go for a walk, you seem a little flustered." Dumbledore smiled benignly.

"No thank you," Harry gritted out, offended the headmaster was trying to separate him from Draco.

Dumbledore looked a little taken aback, but continued: "I also wanted to tell you, Harry, to start making plans for that little club of yours." ignoring the way Harry bristled at having the DA brushed aside as a "little club'. "Lucius has graciously agreed to supervise you, as such, I have made the DA available to the entire school, third year and up. I announced it at lunch, and by the looks of it, there will be quite a crow. I think it would be best to hold your first meeting next week, this gives you ample time to complete your bond with Draco. So, I expect you to let the student body know the exact date within the next few days. Also, we will have to think-up a new name for the club; we mustn't continue to call it 'Dumbledore's Army', no matter how flattering it is," Albus added with a chuckle. "I'm sure you'll think of something. Oh, and that reminds me, Minerva came to my office with your new schedules, it seems that neither of you were signed up for defence but it is no matter, I have already rectified the situation. I have placed you both in Defence class instead of Forgotten Arts since I am sure it was just an over sight on Mr Malfoy's part. Albus simpered.