I Solemnly Swear

Dumbledore's Army

A few days into this whole 'new' teacher thing, Harry had already received an detention but from what I heard was that it wasn't a normal detention where you sit and write lines.. No, it's more harsher than that. He wrote lines with a quil that etched the words 'I mustn't tell lies' into his hand! I'd be mad if Umbridge would've made me do that.. Then again, no matter how wrong a teacher is.. I don't think I'd have the guts to correct them.

I was currently walking down the halls just to pass time after class when I was approached by Hermione "Melanie! I'm glad I caught up to you" she hadn't spoken to me much since the year began, it was like we were drifting apart slowly. "Yeah, what's up 'Mione?" She had a worried look on her face and she whispered "I know I can trust you, I'd like you to help Harry, Ron and I" I became a bit concerned "of course! What can I do?" She smiled gratefully "meet me later today at the pub in Hogsmeade" she's asking me to break the rules.. This must be serious "I'll be there" she nodded "oh! Don't tell anyone else! Please!" I nodded and she walked on as if nothing had been said. I wonder what's going on?

I grabbed my coat and began walking towards the Slytherin common room so I could leave and head for the pub in
Hogsmeade. "Crystaline? Where are you off to?" I turned to see Draco the now prefect holding Pansy in his arms on the common rooms couch. Guess they're doing better now.. "I'm just going out for a second, I need some cool air to clear my mind" I lied hoping he'd believe it. He seemed to be curious but shrugged it off. Thank Merlin.

I walked into the cold pub to see tons of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws along with a few Hufflepuffs gathered around "oh great! It's a Slytherin, we're busted now for sure!" I frowned at the boys comment "don't worry! That's only Melanie, she's on our side right Mel?" Luna asked while throwing a arm around my shoulder "yeah! Besides, Hermione is the one who invited me here.." Neville stepped forward along with Cho Chang and Seamus Finnegan and Ginny Weasley "she's a good Slytherin!" Neville said as the rest nodded in agreement.. Thanks guys! I smiled brightly to my friends "fine! But if we get busted she'll be the first suspect!" I shrugged "fair enough" I took a seat next to the lot of them and waited for the golden trio to get here.

They finally stepped in but Harry looked as if he had no idea what was going on.. Just like me. "Well, thank you everyone for coming. I think we all know why we're here. We think it's a good idea if we, on our own, study Defensive Against the Dark Arts. I mean, to defend ourselves properly" oh! I see what's going on.. We'd be going under Umbridges nose to learn Defense Against The Dark Arts. 

"Doing this because you don't wanna fail your O.W.L.?" A Gryffindor boy asked "No, because I want to be prepared for . . . for . . . For Lord Voldemort." I knew there was going to be doubt within the group but I firmly believe it, if Harry says Voldemort's back then he is. "What proof do you have You-Know-Who's back" Hermione shrugged "Dumbledore believes it" the same doubtful boy spoke up again "You mean Dumbledore believes him!" I'm getting really tired of him.. "If Harry said he's back, then he is!" Cho spoke up. Good. "Look, Dumbledore told you what happened last year. If you didn't believe it then, you might as well leave now." People began to rise from there seats and the look of despair grew on their faces, I had to do something.. Umm let's see... Oh! "Is it true you can produce a Patronus charm?" Harry looked at me questionably but I gave him a small smile "yeah" I nodded as people began to give out impressed mumbles "My mum told me there are only a few wizards in the world that could do that." Hermione and Ron and Harry more than likely caught on to what I was doing, and it was obviously working. "Look, I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just offering to help teach the best I can. If you want to learn, you're welcome to join."  Neville questioned once more "you'll be teaching us, Harry?" He nodded "yeah.." Harry was skeptical that he'd even have anyone enlist in his small group "I'll join!" I half shouted so everyone could hear. Harry smiled along with the rest of the trio "well, if she's joining I will too!" Neville and Luna began joining which set a chain reaction of new followers.. It felt good to know I helped the cause.