The Potter Alliance

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

The first month of the second term had gone splendidly, but it had also gone horribly on different fronts. As far as how satisfied Harry was with his friends and relationship he could easily say that he had never been happier. Umbridge however had continued to be a thorn in his side. She had not attempted to give him the blood quill again now that she knew that Sirius Black was in regular contact with his godson, nor did she want to tangle with Amelia Bones now that her niece was dating the boy. However, that did not prevent her from attempting to make Harry's life difficult. Each day she cracked the whip with new educational decrees that did make the DA members slightly nervous knowing that someone had to be leaking information, and there was no way Umbridge was just this good at guessing.

Several decrees had been passed about organizations being formed, and even about groups not being allowed to gather outside of the common room. She even managed to cancel a few Hogsmeade visits, but thankfully not all of them.

Susan's training had been coming around great in Harry's opinion. The two had trained together in private as often as they could. He had not told everyone what they were doing, nor did he plan on it. As far as he was concerned it was their business, and he was fine if people were thinking that he was taking one of the most attractive girls in the school, and abusing a room only he could control. Susan smacked him a couple of times when she caught him grinning about that rumor, but he was also awarded at the end of many of their private lessons.

The girl was the type of loser that Harry had a deep respect for. Susan Bones was a very competitive witch, and he knew there were two types of losers. One type would just be sore about the matter, and not do anything to attempt to make the next match any better. Then there was another type who took it personally, and let the bitterness seep into their training, allowing them to push themselves harder and harder each time. That was the type of loser Susan Bones was, and Harry loved it. Each time Harry struck her down, she would get up and insist they do it again.

A month had passed and Valentines was approaching quickly. It was the twelfth before Susan even brought up the day to Harry.

It was a cold February Friday night, while Harry and Susan were training privately after the DA lesson. Susan was doing fantastically, as her magic was finally starting to respond to her brain, and not just her hand motions and words. She had made a marked improvement that was almost as big as Neville's. Nevillle had definitely come the furthest, but Susan was quickly approaching Ron and Hermione and it had only been a month of Harry's private tutelage.

Susan was drinking a pepper up potion and wiping the sweat off her brow. It had been a tiring lesson, and Harry had finally gotten her to apply the chain spells in a full-length duel. She had even almost disarmed Harry, but unfortunately for the young red head he had seen it coming a mile away. Nevertheless the girl was quite encouraged by her success and felt on top of the world when we asked, "So what are we doing for Valentine's day?"

Harry looked up abruptly, "Valentine's day?"

Susan looked at the boy in surprise and carefully said, "Yes Harry, Valentine's day it's this Sunday."

Gulping a bit Harry said, "Can I be honest, and say that I have honestly never had Valentine's day with a girl before?"

It was clear there was a question in his voice, but Susan honestly didn't know what to say, "Gee, Harry I don't really know what to say to that. I haven't exactly spent tons of Valentine's day with actual Valentine's either, but you know it doesn't have to be a big deal. Of course, I do want to spend the day with you, and all that, but it doesn't have to be much beyond that."