Falling Star

Hogsmeade

"Harry, I think we need to do something about our Defense Against the Dark Arts class," Hermione says as she enters the common room, coming to join Harry, Ron, and I by the fireplace. "I've been talking to some others and they are just as worried about not being truly prepared for anything as we are. So I might have a plan."

Harry opens his mouth, then closes it again. He looks skeptical but curious.

I share the same sentiment. There has been no change in the class. Still just work from the textbook and discussion about theories. Zero spell-casting. It's driving all of us crazy.

"What's your plan?" Harry finally asks.

Hermione takes a deep breath before launching into her plan of having Harry teach a group of any students who want to learn defensive spells how to properly cast them. He would be the most qualified considering his experiences and his knowledge of the Patronus charm at such a young age.

"We can get the word out and have a meeting at the Three Broomsticks this weekend with anyone who is interested," Hermione finishes. She looks at Harry hopefully.

Harry narrows his eyes, considering it. "Do you really think people would be interested?"

Of course people would be interested. Ron echoes my thoughts aloud.

It's a great plan. But if Umbridge found out...

"I think it's a wonderful plan," I say, my stomach hurting at the thought of what I needed to say next. "And I can't be a part of it."

The three of them look at me with varying levels of confusion.

"Not that I don't want to be. But if Umbridge ever found out about this, you know there would be hell to pay. And I just know that she would question me to get to you guys and I refuse to be a liability to you all," I say in a huff, just wanting to get the words out there.

"Who cares if Um-" Harry starts but is cut off by Hermione.

"That's exactly what..." she trails off for a beat, then recovers. "I think. She's right. Unfortunately."

"I guess that's a fair point," Ron says. He pauses for a moment, brows knitting together. "So how are we going to keep other people from telling?"

Hermione smirks. "I've already taken care of that. Don't worry. Just trust me."

I can only imagine what Hermione had come up with to keep this secret. I have no doubt it is as creative as it is brilliant.

Something bounces off the back of my head. My hand immediately goes to the place it hit, trying to find the offending object. Looking around on the floor behind me, I find a wadded up piece of paper. I uncrumple it as Hermione, Ron, and Harry look on curiously.

You should see your face, the paper reads.

My head snaps up, looking around the room for the author of the note. I have a pretty good idea. Finally,  I see Fred's cheeky grin across the  common room. I roll my eyes and tell my friends I will catch up with them later.

"You know there is such as thing as just coming and saying hello," I say, swatting his arm once I reach him.

Fred chuckles and leads me to one of the couches. "But where is the fun in that?"