Chapter six part two

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The second day of double classes showed a vast improvement in Neville's performance. Neville was a lot happier now that he had a wand that listened to him and was steadily becoming more confident as the day progressed. However, on Friday morning, Neville and Hermione were noticeably on edge. It took some coaxing, but the others soon learned that both of them had a rather severe fear of flying. Hermione's fear stemmed more from her fear of heights and the idea of being high up in the air with only a broom underneath her. Neville, meanwhile, told them that he had rather traumatizing experiences with flying on brooms thanks to his uncle. Eliana was understandably nervous, as most Muggle raised and born were. She explained that she normally wasn't comfortable with heights and flying due to the fact, as a Siren, she was more connected with the water and earth. Jillian, like Harry and Dean, was excited about the upcoming lesson even though it would be on a cool morning. She, Dean and Harry rallied around Neville, Hermione and Eliana; determined to help them out when need be.

After breakfast, the First Year Gryffindors and Slytherins headed outside to the Quidditch pitch. Madame Hooch, a rather stern looking woman with sharp yellow eyes and short brown hair, took rollcall before instructing them to stand on the left side of the training brooms which rested on the ground. Madame Hooch quickly introduced herself and dove straight into the rules of her class.

"In this class it doesn't matter how long you've been flying a broom. It doesn't matter if you already know how to fly. I expect you to follow my instruction, no matter what. Flying on a broom can be very dangerous. A broom, if mishandled, can fail and you can find yourself falling to the ground from a height of a hundred feet. If you do know how to fly already then I would greatly appreciate it if you were to help your fellow classmates who don't know." She said, her sharp gaze locking onto each of them.

"Now, hold your right hand above the broom and say 'up'." She instructed, watching as the students hurried to obey.

Harry issued the command and watched as the broom, a Cleansweep T, shot into his hand. Looking to his right he saw that Dean had gotten the same reaction from his broom. To his left, however, Neville was fairly shaking as his broom simply lay there. Hermione's broom rolled on the ground while Jillian's broom had shot into her hand and Eliana's slowly rose up to meet her hand.

"Neville you need calm down. It knows you're scared and it's reacting to that fear. We're not gonna let anything happen to you." Harry said, his voice soothing as Neville swallowed nervously.

Neville looked at Harry before taking a deep, shaky breath and nodding. It took him two more tries before his broom finally shot into his hand. Neville blinked in surprise before he smiled brightly. Hermione's broom finally rose to her hand after coaching from Dean and Jillian. Madame Hooch walked around the students, gently coaching them on how to get the brooms to rise up to their hands. Once everyone had their brooms in hand Madame Hooch instructed them how to properly mount their brooms, in which Harry and his friends smirked when Madame Hooch informed Malfoy that he was doing it wrong. The girls were glad that their older Housemates had instructed them to wear shorts underneath their skirts or else they'd have to learn how to ride sidesaddle. After properly mounting their brooms, Madame Hooch showed them how to kick off from the ground and hover before landing once more. On her command, many kicked off from the ground and hovered a few feet in the air. Of course there were some who were bobbing up and down, though they were quickly helped before they went up too high.

Harry gently coaxed Neville onto his broom and up into the air. Neville's broom dipped down though the blonde quickly managed to bring it back up. Nearby, Dean and Jillian helped Eliana get up into the air before turning their focus on Hermione. Her knuckles had turned white with on how tight she was gripping her broom handle. Jillian managed to coax Hermione up into the air and she and Dean remained right beside her as she gently bobbed in the air. Madame Hooch had them all land and explained how to actually get their brooms to move in various directions, speed up and slow down. She was firm when she told them that she didn't want to see any of them pulling any stunts or tricks.

"You're to remain inside this pitch. The highest you're to go is, at most, to the top of the goals." Madame Hooch said, gesturing towards the Quidditch goals towering above them on either side of the pitch.

The class spread out slightly to ensure that they won't be knocking into each other. Kicking off, many of the students rose into the air and were soon flying around at various speeds and heights. Dean, Harry and Jillian remained near Neville, Hermione and Eliana to help them overcome their fear and discomfort. Neville steadily became more and more comfortable the longer he flew around. Eliana became more comfortable up in the air and was soon ready to fly around on her own. Hermione, however, struggled to conquer her fear of heights. Harry and Dean moved over to Hermione and gently talked to her and soothed her frazzled nerves. It took a few minutes before Hermione finally relaxed and stopped trembling. At her nod, Harry and Dean began flying around with the other students. Madame Hooch was flying around as well, helping other students gain their confidence in flying and ensuring that no one was doing anything dangerous. She had to threaten a few students with detention when she caught them attempting to do dangerous tricks like barrel rolls and dives; in which the students quickly stopped since no one wanted to spend their weekend scrubbing floors or polishing trophies with Mister Filch.

Ronald watched Harry and Dean closely, his eyes narrowing as the two boys flew off and circled the goals while laughing and cheering. Looking at the other members of Potter's group, he smirked when he saw the know-it-all flying around by herself. He looked over at Madame Hooch; his confidence growing when he saw that she was occupied by a few Snakes. Flying over to Granger, he sped up and shot towards her, catching the brunette by surprise. Hermione cried out as she was forced to dive in order to avoid Ronald. However, as she dove she slipped sideways on her broom. The entire classed turned at her terror filled scream; cries of shock and horror leaving them when they saw the brunette plunge towards the ground.

"Hermione!" Harry and Dean cried, urging their brooms to go faster and faster as they dove towards their friend.

There was a sickening crack as Hermione landed on the ground. Harry and Dean jumped off of their brooms and raced towards Hermione; Madame Hooch, Neville, Eliana and Jillian right behind them. Madame Hooch ordered the boys away from Hermione before crouching down beside the girl. Turning Hermione over, all of them winced when they saw that Hermione's right arm was bent at an unnatural angle.

"What happened?" Madame Hooch demanded, conjuring a stretcher which floated a few inches above the ground.

"She fell." Lavender said, a gasp escaping her as she suddenly found herself face-to-face with an angry half-Vampire and Siren.

"No she bloody didn't!" Jillian screeched, making the others flinch and step back as the half-Vampire bared her fangs at them.

"Ronald bloody Weasley attacked her. He shot towards her to scare her and forced her to dive in order to avoid a collision. While he was laughing she lost control and slipped off. She was level with the first seat of the stands." Eliana snarled, her eyes glinting dangerously.

"Mister Weasley, you wait right here while I take Miss Granger to the hospital wing. If I catch anyone up in the air you'll be out of here before you can say 'Quidditch'." Madame Hooch snapped, glaring Ronald as he shifted.

Hermione was levitated onto the stretcher and she and Madame Hooch soon disappeared off of the pitch. Lavender and Parvati were standing together, whispering and glancing towards the exit of the pitch. When they snickered, Jillian and Eliana rounded on the two girls who instantly fell silent as the two girls began yelling at them.

"How would you feel if it had been you who fell?"

"Would you be laughing then?

"Nope you'd be crying like a little baby!"

"You'd write home to daddy telling them all about the bully and demanding that something be done."

Parvati and Lavender wilted underneath the barrage of snarls and insults; their faces turning red in anger, shame and embarrassment. Meanwhile, Harry, Dean and Neville rounded on Ronald.

"I don't know what went through that pathetic excuse of a lump you call a brain, Weasley, but you went too far." Harry snarled, his eyes flashing dangerously as Ronald realized he had made a massive mistake.

"Some Gryffindor you are, Weasley. We stick together, not attack our own because of some stupid, petty reason." Dean snapped, glaring at the redhead.

"I think Madame Hooch was too soft on you. Attacking another Housemate, a girl at that, should've gotten you more points taken away. No doubt Professor McGonagall will be writing to your parents about this. I wonder what your mum will say." Neville drawled, watching as panic flashed through Ronald's eyes at the idea.

Before Ronald could say anything, Madame Hooch returned with Professor McGonagall beside her. This was the first time any of the First Years had seen Professor McGonagall so angry. Her eyes were filled with anger and her mouth was pursed in a thin, white line. Looking at the group of students in front of her, her gaze was drawn to Miss Patil and Miss Brown who looked as if they were about ready to burst into tears as Miss Grace and Miss Michael glared at them. However, Mister Potter-Othello, Mister Longbottom and Mister Thomas-Woods looked as if they were about ready to tear strips off of Mister Weasley.

"Mister Weasley, come with me." She snapped, making Ronald flinch but hurry after her as she turned and stalked away.

Madame Hooch soon had them back up and flying around for the remainder of the class. However, she took a position where she could watch them all. When she heard Malfoy taunting a few of the Gryffindors she quickly snapped at him and took away twenty points from Slytherin which shut the blonde up. When the bell rang, all of them dismounted and put the brooms away before heading back to the castle. Harry, Neville, Dean, Jillian and Eliana hurried to the hospital wing; eager to see how Hermione was doing and what was being done about her arm. Walking into the hospital wing, they were greeted by a stern woman with sharp brown eyes and grey hair wearing white healer robes. Another person, a younger looking man with light brown hair and hazel eyes, looked up from where he was seated at a desk near the entrance of the wing.

"Can I help you?" The woman asked, looking them over carefully.

"We're here to see Hermione Granger." Harry said, the woman raising an eyebrow at him.

"Is she alright? Is Hermione okay?" Jillian asked, worry in her voice as the woman looked at her before relaxing.

"Miss Granger is resting right now. I've had to banish the bones in her arm because of how severe the break was. She's in for a long night; re-growing bones is a nasty business." The woman said, leading them back towards the back of the wing.

The sight of Hermione lying on the white bed wearing a soft grey hospital gown was rather frightening. Her arm was in a loose splint and it was rather unnerving seeing their friend sleeping. The woman, Madame Pomfrey, explained that Hermione was in a magic induced sleep so she wouldn't experience the discomfort of re-growing bones. Jillian asked when Hermione would be able to leave, to which Madame Pomfrey explained that Hermione would be kept confined to bed until tomorrow morning at the latest.

"Well, Hermione won't be happy about that." Neville said.

"She'll be missing three classes." He clarified, having caught the confused looks the others sent his way.

Meanwhile up in Professor McGonagall's office, Ronald shifted uncomfortably as his Head of House looked down at him with narrowed eyes.

"Of all of the inexcusable things I have heard of I never thought that one of the members of my House would purposely attack a fellow member." She growled, watching as Ronald flinched and squirmed in his seat.

"I didn't know she would fall…" Ronald mumbled, glancing up only to look down when he saw the anger in Professor McGonagall's eyes.

"That doesn't matter! You sought Miss Granger out with the intent to scare her, Mister Weasley. Because of what you did, Miss Granger has to spend the night in the Hospital Wing having the bones in her arm re-grown. What you did was inexcusable. As such, I will be writing to your parents and informing them of what you have done to a female housemate. Seventy points will be removed from Gryffindor for what you have done and you'll be serving detention every night for two weeks with Mister Filch." Minerva said, watching as Ronald looked at her with wide eyes.

"W-What?! You can't!"

"I can and I am, Mister Weasley. You purposely attacked Miss Granger for no reason. Your actions have consequences and I hope, for your sake, that you learn this." Minerva said, watching as Ronald flushed in anger.

"Now, you may leave. Report to Mister Filches' office tonight promptly after dinner; I will know if you try to skip out on your detentions." She said, her eyes narrowing as Ronald huffed and stormed from her office.

Minerva sighed and shook her head, knowing that Molly and Arthur wouldn't be happy with the news. All of their children thus far had been kind and courteous towards others bar a few rivalries with certain students. However, none had attacked any other student unless it was in defense of a friend or Housemate. Fred and George, her two biggest headaches, were fair in their pranks and always ensured that their pranks were harmless and wore off within a few hours. She had been shocked when she learned of what Ronald had done, but then again, she wasn't at the same time.

Lucas, Delilah and Sirius had told her and Severus of Molly Weasley's fascination with Harry and her determination to integrate her family with the lad. When she first seen Ronald she knew that the boy would be trouble. The greed was clear in his eyes and so was the rampant jealousy. She had seen Ronald watching Harry and his friends enviously during meals and she had already heard various tidbits of gossip about the different times Ronald had attempted to approach Harry and pull him away from his friends.

However, she also knew that Harry would never abandon his friends and he would do anything to protect them. Though…she also had a feeling that Molly wasn't too keen on giving up anytime soon on her desires to have the Potter fortune within her grasp. No doubt Harry was even more appealing since the Othello wealth was even more well-known than the Potter fortune. Hopefully Molly and her two youngest wouldn't resort to trying to use potions on Harry and the others. If so, then they'd learn quickly not to mess with Harry and his friends.

"I can only hope they won't be that desperate." She muttered, reaching over and pulling over a piece of parchment to begin her letter to Arthur and Molly.

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Basic First Aid was rather interesting for the First Years. Surprisingly, it hadn't taken place in the hospital wing like they all thought it would. Instead, Healer Briggs taught them in a classroom that was near the hospital wing. He asked them plenty of questions about what illnesses they knew and about the different potions and salves they knew of and what each treated. He further explained the different potions and salves that they had listed; telling them the dangers of each one and the different dosage for the potions. He also talked about how Muggle medicine and medicinal practices were being adopted into their society which raised a lot of questioning eyebrows. Those who had been raised in the Magical world were shocked that Muggles had various ways of bringing people back to life after they were 'assumed' to be dead. It took a few minutes before they understood that Muggles didn't really know the true nature about people's 'souls' though it still fascinated them that someone could be brought back to life under the right conditions.

Healer Briggs taught them how to bandage minor cuts and scrapes after properly cleaning and disinfecting them. They were also taught a few spells that would clean a wound and another that would disinfect it. He showed them various Muggle medicines and what they used to bandage some wounds, in which some questioned the use of Band-Aids though quickly understood that it was a way for minor cuts and wounds to be covered without having to wear a full bandage until the wound healed. He also talked about some of the limitations that certain healing potions, salves and spells had. As he talked, the class took notes and asked questions. Neville, who had the 'cleanest' writing out of his group of friends, ensured that he took detailed notes so his could be copied for Hermione's benefit. When the bell rang, the entire class was surprised since it hadn't seemed like their lesson had lasted all that long. Healer Briggs gave them their assignment, in which they had to research how medical practices have changed throughout the last fifteen years, before dismissing them.

The Physical Education and Health classroom was located on the main floor as well and was only a few feet away from the Basic First Aid classroom. There, they met Professor Godfrey; a kind though rather buff man who they soon learned had once been an Auror. Professor Godfrey explained that they'd be spending the first half of the year there in the classroom learning about health and the benefits of keeping in shape and various other health related problems and issues. Many Purebloods and Halfbloods in the class were shocked to discover that the second half of the schoolyear would be spent in the school's new gymnasium. They followed Professor Godfrey outside and across the laws to a new building that turned out to be a massive gymnasium.

The workout building was a large, two story building with a main gymnasium which was rather large. A flight of stairs along the side led up to an indoor running track which looped around the gym. A section of one of the gym walls was actually a large climbing wall. Professor Godfrey explained that the wall could be changed depending on how advanced students were. There were two large locker rooms, one for girls and the other for boys. There was also a fully equipped weight room which had top of the line workout equipment and weights. There were also two dance type studios which were mainly used for yoga and the part of the class when students learned different dances. All of them were surprised and rather excited when they were led into the final section of the building which held a massive pool that had a rather large diving board and four diving platforms at the deep end.

After the tour of the building Professor Godfrey handed them locks and had them head into the locker rooms and pick out their lockers. He explained that each Year had their own section of the locker rooms and theirs was labeled clearly. He further explained that the House Elves cleaned their gym uniforms after every class so they didn't have to worry about wearing sweaty, dirty clothes.

"Also, the workout room is open to everyone from ten in the morning to eight at night. If you wish to come in and use the equipment just sign in at the door and feel free to change and workout. Myself, Professor Snow or Madame Hooch will always be in here to watch over things. We'll be more than happy to help you learn how to use the many machines. During the weekend the pool is open for everyone to use." He explained, smiling as the students headed into the locker rooms while chatting excitedly.

Inside the locker rooms, they easily found their section of the large rooms and soon claimed their lockers. Their names appeared on the small lockers and they put their gym clothes inside them before locking the doors and choosing their codes to unlock the locks they had been given. Of course, many students were complaining about the class already.

"I can't believe he expects us to run around and learn about different sports. The only sport that matters is Quidditch. When are we ever going to play some Muggle sport?" Lavender said, frowning as she sat down on a bench while Parvati chose her combination.

"I never thought we would be using those machines. Our magic keeps us fit and in shape. Why get sweaty and gross?" Parvati said, her frown matching her friend's.

"Because even magic has its limits. Besides, this way you won't be so out of breath in Defense when Professor Quirrell has us running around and finding cover." Jillian said, having overheard the girls' complaining.

"Besides, there are many forms of exercise. It can actually be rather relaxing. My parents were happy when I told them that we have gym." Eliana added, smiling as her friend nodded in agreement.

"Well-"

"They're right, you know."

All of the girls paused at the soft voice of Millicent Bulstrode. Lavender and Parvati opened their mouths to snap something back at the tall girl but their eyes widened at the rare sight of Millicent without her robes on. Yes, Millicent had rather broad shoulders and their school robes weren't the most flattering, but they never expected to see a rather trim waist and the beginnings of a rather nice chest on the Slytherin girl. Even though classes had only started a few days ago, they had mentally deemed her a troll because they had simply thought she had been overweight. However, this proved them wrong.

As Millicent removed her school blouse, the others were rather shocked and slightly intimidated by the strong muscles which flexed beneath Millicent's skin. There was nothing about the black haired Slytherin that could be deemed fat. Her body was muscular and would put some of the guys to shame once she stepped out of the locker room. Jillian, Eliana, Daphne and Tracy all smirked at the shocked looks from the other girls as they followed Millicent out. Sure enough all of the guys were in shock at the sight of Millicent. Harry, Dean, Blaise and Neville recovered rather quickly and smiled warmly at Millicent as they walked over and struck up a conversation with her and the others.

Professor Godfrey waited until everyone was back before taking them through the workout room and showing them the various machines. He showed them how to use a few of them, in which some of the students willingly helped demonstrate the proper way to use them since they've used them before. There was a noticeable unease in those who've never used the machines before but everyone looked rather curious and interested in trying them out. They spent the rest of the lesson going over what Professor Godfrey had planned; in which some were relieved that they wouldn't have to use the weight room until after Christmas. A few minutes before the bell rang they were allowed back into the locker rooms to change back into their normal uniforms. When the bell rang, everyone was rather interested for the next time they'd have the class and wondered if their current eating habits were healthy or not; though some could care less. Harry and Dean were rather interested in getting to try out the workout room, in which Eliana eagerly agreed with them.

"Mum and Dad were worried that I wouldn't get to work out or keep in shape. It's one of the ways I'm able to focus and keep calm." Eliana said, the others listening with interest.

"It'd be nice to lose some of my…extra pounds…" Neville said, glancing down at himself.

"It won't take too long, Nev. We all start somewhere. 'Ry and I have been working out since we were young. We can help you out." Dean said, smiling as Neville looked at him gratefully.

They all headed back to the castle and up to the second floor where they found the Customs classroom. Inside, they were greatly interested in the various pictures of different races and settlements, one being a Centaur settlement and another being a stunning shot of a Merfolk village. Looking around, they were rather tempted to look closer at the photos but they sat down at the different tables and pulled out their books. The Ravens were already going through their books while talking softly with each other, though a few nodded to some of the Lions as they continued to trickle into the room. Again, Neville agreed to let Hermione copy his notes for the class though he explained that it was rather daunting knowing that Hermione will be using his notes.

"It's hard trying to copy everything down. I'm worried that I'll miss something." Neville muttered, shifting in his seat as Harry grinned.

"I'll let her look at my notes too if you'd like. My writing's not as neat as yours but it's still legible. We'll see about getting Fred and Gorge to use a copying spell on our notes so she'll be able to read them over without having to constantly borrow them." Harry offered.

When the bell rang, everyone watched as their professor stepped through a door near the back of the room where his desk was located. There were gasps of surprise and awe when they caught their first close-up look at Professor Frost. White hair fell past his shoulders and was neatly tied back using a strip of leather. Intense, frost blue eyes looked at them with kindness and interest. Instead of a robe like the other professors wore, Professor Frost was dressed in an emerald green and sapphire blue tunic. A golden circlet rested on his forehead, a deep blue gem glinting in the light of the classroom. His ears were like those of Elves; delicately pointed at the tip. Besides his handsome features, what really stood out to the class were the nearly transparent wings which lay against Professor Frost's back. The wings looked like those which belong to a butterfly and were various, light shades of blue and green.

"Welcome, class, to Customs of Different Races. In this class you will learn about the various races that live alongside humans and magic users. I am sure that you have already spotted that I am not 'human'. I am what is known as a Fae; a sentient race that appears human in appearance except for their beauty, wings, ears and powers. Some of my abilities are being able to 'see' magic and auras, harness wild magic and make myself invisible at will. Yes, I am also able to fly." He said, making some of the students smile and chuckle.

"Now, at different points throughout the schoolyear we shall be going on trips to different settlements of various races. Headmaster Dumbledore has granted me permission to take you out, at some time this year, to the Forbidden Forest to meet the Centaur herd that calls the forest home. No harm will come to any of you of course. At some points we may actually stay the night with a settlement to learn more about them and observe them in their natural routines and perhaps even participate with them." He added, watching as the students eagerly whispered to each other.

"Yes Miss Li?" He asked, looking to a rather pretty Chinese girl who had her hand raised.

"Will we be learning about what classifies a race as sentient and non-sentient?" She asked, her voice soft as Professor Frost smiled.

"Yes, we shall. One of the first subjects we will be talking about is what classifies a race as a 'Creature' and a 'Being'. As you may know, there have been a lot of changes to this classification within recent years thanks to Minister Matthews. A few years ago Goblins, Werewolves and Vampires were considered 'Dark Creatures'." He began, watching as Annabelle Wall, a rather pretty Ravenclaw, and Jillian bristled at that.

"However, thanks to Minister Matthews, those classifications have changed and those races and many more are considered equal to Wizards and Witches. Now, if you'll open your books to chapter one we shall start with the different classifications and talk about some of the differences between the various races…"

Instead of having the students read to themselves, Professor Frost read aloud; often pausing to answer questions they might ask or ask them questions himself. Professor Frost had such a relaxed air about him that the students quickly became comfortable with asking him questions and speaking honestly with him. The class was interesting and kept all of them enthralled and wanting to know more. Yes, the idea of spending a night in the Forbidden Forest had worried them, but as Professor Frost touched on some of the different races they found themselves curious about getting the chance to speak with some of the different races like the Centaurs. Anthony Goldstein, a golden haired and deeply tanned Ravenclaw, flushed when he was asked if he'd like to come up to the front of the class. However, Anthony nodded and walked to the front of the class; his cheeks reddening even more when the entire class noticed some features they hadn't quite spotted before.

"Mister Goldstein, would you mind telling us what race you are?" Professor Frost asked, watching as the boy shifted.

"I-I'm a Wood Elf, Professor." He said.

"Now class, many Elves live in communities though the locations of those communities are vastly different. Some of the 'branches' of Elven races are named off of elements or because of where they prefer to settle." Professor Frost explained, earning a nod from Anthony.

"We live in a cabin in the middle of a large forest. All of us are also greatly attuned to the forest and nature, but many Elves are." Anthony said, earning a smile of encouragement from their professor.

"Miss Grace, could you come up here, please?"

Eliana blushed but got up and walked over to stand beside Anthony and smiling shyly at the Elf. Annabelle Wall was soon called up along with Jillian and they stood side-by-side as Professor Frost talked about the differences in appearances between the races. He also touched on the subject of cross breeds, which was what Jillian was classified as because she was part-human and part-Vampire. Jillian shyly talked about some of her abilities though explained that her mother, a full Vampire, has many more abilities and was much stronger than her. Jillian and Eliana nearly groaned when Seamus raised his hand and Professor Frost called on him.

"Yes, Mister Finnigan?"

"Will we ever witness a Siren's song or a Veela's allure?" He asked, making Professor Frost glance at Eliana before focusing on the Irish boy.

"When we fully begin looking into those two races…perhaps. However, it also depends on Miss Grace if she would be comfortable enough with singing for us. Missus Winters, another professor here, might be willing to give you all a taste of the power of a Veela's allure but again, it depends on her if she wishes to." Professor Frost answered, the class nodding in understanding.

The group was sent back to their seats and the lesson continued for another twenty minutes. Everyone was surprised that two hours have passed, though they were happily chatting about everything that has been discussed so far. Instead of heading up to Gryffindor Tower, Harry, Dean, Neville, Eliana and Jillian headed to the hospital wing where they saw Hermione sitting up in her bed. Hermione's eyes lit up when she saw them and she smiled brightly as they headed over.

"Madame Pomfrey told me you visited after Flying class." Hermione said, hugging Jillian and Eliana happily.

"How are you doing, 'Mione?" Harry asked, concern in his voice as he looked at her limp arm.

"I'm okay. Healer Briggs gave me a Pain Numbing potion so I'm not feeling anything in my arm. I have to say, though, it's…disconcerting knowing that I'm re-growing the bones in my arm." Hermione said, glancing down at her arm before looking at the others.

"Neville's going to let you use his notes. We just need a professor or an older student to copy them for us so you can keep them." Eliana explained, smiling as Hermione beamed and thanked Neville.

"What did you need?"

All of them turned as Healer Briggs walked over pushing a rolling tray which had a covered plate on it.

"We need someone to copy Neville's notes onto spare parchment so Hermione can go over today's notes on the classes she's missed." Dean explained, watching as Healer Briggs looked at Neville.

"I can do that for you easily." He said, smiling lightly as the students thanked him.

Neville pulled out his notes while Jillian provided the extra parchment. With a few flicks of his wand and a muttered spell, Neville's notes were duplicated and Healer Briggs made the copy permanent. Hermione smiled brightly and hugged Neville before thanking him and Healer Briggs for the help. Healer Briggs wheeled the table next to Hermione and pulled the cover off of the plate; revealing a rather nice dinner. He shooed the others off to the Great Hall for the evening meal; explaining that they could always come back after dinner to visit Hermione for a little while. Heading out, Hermione settled into her meal and went over the notes that Neville had taken for her. She was so happy that the others had been considerate enough to take notes and give them to her. It pained her knowing that she had missed three new classes, especially from what they told her about Customs of Different Races.

-Thankfully I'll be better tomorrow.- She thought, taking a bite of chicken.

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Saturday morning dawned early for Dean and Harry. Waking at four thirty in the morning, they dressed in their training outfits and silently made their way out of the tower and headed through the halls. They finally made it to the area where they had been told to meet Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. Looking around, they turned when they heard a few others walking towards them. Elliot, who had been sorted into Hufflepuff, Tonks and a Seventh Year Slytherin named Rachel Davidson, appeared at the entrance of the hallway. Tonks grinned at the two boys and made her way over, instantly asking them about their classes and how they were doing. Elliot sneered at Harry and Dean before leaning against one of the walls to wait for the two professors. Rachel looked amused at Elliot's attitude though she simply remained silent and settled in to wait as well.

At five o'clock on the dot Harry, Dean and Elliot were shocked when a door suddenly appeared on the wall across from a tapestry of a Wizard attempting to teach Trolls how to dance. The door opened and Severus stepped through, his onyx eyes showing no emotion as he looked at them. Nodding, he stepped aside and beckoned them into the room. Walking through the door, the three First Years were in awe of the massive room. However, they were slightly confused at the sight of nothing in the room except for Professor McGonagall. They also noticed that both professors weren't dressed in their teaching robes; rather they wore the customary Assassin uniform. Professor McGonagall's coat was a deep green lined in black while Professor Snape's coat was a blue/black with the faintest hints of crimson.

"Welcome to the Room of Requirement. This room is perhaps one of the most magical rooms here in Hogwarts. This room can form and shape any environment you so desire; including a rain forest, beach and a mountain. Everything is life-like and can change and alter even when you are inside the room. Every weekend we will meet here for your training. Because of the age difference this year, Miss Tonks and Miss Davidson shall be taught by myself while Mister Potter-Othello, Mister Thomas-Woods and Mister Masters will be taught by Master Snape. Today and tomorrow we shall judge you and where you stand with your training before designing a routine based on what you need to improve on and what you need to learn." Minerva said, the trainees listening intently.

"You shall treat us with the same respect you have given your former trainers. Just because we are professors here at the school does not mean we will allow you to slack off in your manners. We are both Master Assassins and have earned that title. Now, we will begin with a mile run and then split up." Severus said, the room blurring around them.

The students watched as the room came back into focus, though this time there was a track around the edges of the room. After going through a few stretches, they all took off at a steady pace around the track. Harry and Dean happily talked with Tonks as they jogged; in which they also noticed that Elliot was, rather quickly, beginning to slow down and lose his breath. Minerva and Severus, who were also jogging ahead of the group, glanced at each other and Minerva nodded in acknowledgement. Slowing down, she allowed the other trainees to pass her until she was jogging alongside Elliot.

"Mister Masters, have you not been keeping up with your training?" She asked, raising an eyebrow as the boy flushed.

"I wasn't aware that-"

"You should always be keeping up with your training; even if it means you're simply going on runs in the morning. I know for a fact that Miss Tonks and Misters Potter-Othello and Thomas-Woods go on runs every morning. Miss Davidson often goes on runs in the evening after dinner." Minerva interrupted, watching as Elliot scowled as his face burned with shame and embarrassment.

"I expect your training habits to improve, Mister Masters. If they do not then I will report to Master Othello and your father about your seeming lack of interest in continuing your training." She said, the boy nodding sharply before she picked up her pace once more.

After four laps around the track, the group took a short break to catch their breaths and have some water and a light snack. The room blurred around them and became sectioned. Against the right wall was a huge climbing wall with sections which jutted out sharply or dipped inwards. There was an area which looked like an abandoned town with several buildings near the back of the room and to the left was a desert-like area. In the center of the room was a padded dueling ring for hand-to-hand combat or even for magical combat. Minerva led to the two Seventh Years to the desert area; already going over what she'd be looking for as she closed her coat and pulled up her hood. Severus, meanwhile, looked at the three First Years before turning sharply and leading them to the climbing wall. Soon enough, Elliot was beginning to climb up the wall. However, the foot and handholds were charmed to constantly appear and disappear at random.

Harry and Dean studied the wall carefully; their eyes narrowing as they watched the hand and footholds disappear. Sure enough, there was no pattern to which ones disappeared. They winced when Elliot lost his grip and fell; thankful that the floor was padded. Harry went next and he moved quickly as he climbed the wall, though at a few points he had to leap up to the next handhold in order to keep his grip. He managed to make it halfway up the wall before he lost his grip and fell. He managed to land in a crouch, wincing as his legs absorbed the impact. Straightening, he grinned when he got a nod of approval from Severus. Dean stepped up and approached the wall much like Harry had; leaping when need-be and climbing quickly. He made it up a little further than Harry before his handholds disappeared and he fell to the ground. Severus, again, gave a nod of approval before stepping up and scaling the wall himself.

The three trainees were in awe as the thin, pale man quickly climbed up the wall. Severus jumped a few times during his climb though he never fell. There were a few times when he was just holding on by one hand, but he still managed to hang on and continue the climb. He reached the top of the climbing wall rather quickly and tapped the top of the wall with one of his hands. The foot and handholds stopped disappearing and the trio watched as Severus quickly made his way down; sometimes dropping a few feet before grabbing onto another handhold. He finally touched down and dusted off his hands as the trio looked at him with admiration. They tried the climbing wall once more, in which they all made it a little further before they fell. Severus moved them over to the small mock town where he explained that he wanted them to find and collect all five flags which were in different locations. Dean eagerly stepped forward to go first in which Severus nodded and pulled out a stop-watch.

Meanwhile, Tonks and Rachel struggled to get their breath as they leaned against one of the rock formations in the desert area. It was at times like this when they hated the magic that made up the room. As soon as the stone floor gave way to sand, the temperature rose and it truly became a desert area. The sudden appearance of a training throwing knife made them vault over the boulder and head towards a few of the sand filled buildings for cover. Tonks was quickly overtaken by Minerva and found herself in a mock battle against the Master Assassin. Rachel joined in after a few minutes and they worked together in an attempt to disarm Minerva and get away from the woman. However, Minerva gained the upper hand by using spells and her animagus form: a tabby cat. It took a few minutes before Rachel and Tonks were tied up and disarmed; including their 'true' wand. She walked away, leaving their weapons on the sand nearby and informing them that they could get free themselves. Of course she warned them to be mindful of the quicksand they were on as well.

Instead of struggling, the girls calmed their breathing and kept themselves from panicking. They wiggled slightly, testing the strength of their bonds before looking around for anything they could use nearby. However, it was Rachel who thought of an answer.

"Tonks, see if you can give yourself a more slender figure, at least your wrists. I have a sharp hair pin in my hair." Rachel said, making Tonks blink before she grinned.

"Great!" She exclaimed, focusing on his wrists and shifting.

Her wrists became slimmer and she was able to slip free of her wrist restraints. Twisting slightly so she could see what she was doing, she quickly found the hairpin in Rachel's hair and used that to cut through the rope binding Rachel's hands. They hurriedly, yet calmly, undid the rope around their bodies and Tonks made a lasso on one end. They had already sunk to the beginnings of their waist and didn't want to risk struggling further which would make them sink faster. Tonks threw the lasso and grinned when it caught a nearby boulder. Rachel reached over and wrapped her arms around Tonks' waist, gripping onto the other teen tightly before Tonks began pulling both of them out of the quicksand. Tonks grunted softly, though tapped into her magic in order to have the added strength needed to pull them out. Only when they were close to the boulder did Tonks stop and Rachel let go of her waist.

Getting up, they rearmed themselves and cleaned off the quicksand which clung to their outfits. The sound of someone clapping made them whirl around where they spotted Minerva standing on one of the abandoned, ruined buildings.

"Well done you two. Tonks you did well in using your abilities to get out of a trap and you did it in such a way that wouldn't give your abilities away to an enemy. Miss Davidson you did well in remembering quickly that you had a potential tool that could be used. No one would think to use a hairpin as a way to cut through a rope. You also knew that Tonks has more magical power than you and thus could draw in more strength to pull both of you out of the quicksand. You were both quick, decisive and calm even in the face of danger." Minerva said, a rare smile on her face as the two girls grinned at each other.

Moving over to the makeshift town, they watched as Severus led the boys over to the sparing area. Minerva got their attention once more and had them hunt down ten flags which were stationed around the 'town' in various locations. The boys were put through hand-to-hand combat training in which the terrain changed around them each time they stepped up to the ring with Severus. Severus taunted them; egging them on with choice words as they sparred. They went up against the Master Assassin three times before training dummies appeared and he had them work on combinations and their striking force. Training only ended half an hour before seven when Minerva and Severus called everything to a halt. Severus and Minerva spoke about their progress privately before reminding all of them to keep their training a secret from their friends and those who don't know about the Brotherhood.

Harry and Dean waited until they were the only ones left in the room with the two professors. Severus raised an eyebrow when he saw the two boys, but simply walked out when they asked to speak with Minerva.

"Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked, making the stern woman look at him.

"Yes, Mister Potter-Othello?" She asked, leading the way out of the room with the pair following.

"We were wondering if it'd be alright to host Hermione's birthday party in the Room of Requirement instead of inside a simple empty classroom. We wouldn't have to do any decorating and it'll provide exactly what we had in mind for her." Harry said, making Minerva blink and raise an eyebrow.

"It'll only be us, Hermione, Eliana, Neville, Jillian, Susan and Hannah. Our parent's already said that we can call on one of our House Elves to get the food and drink for Hermione's party." Dean added, watching the woman carefully.

"Normally, we don't recommend children using their families House Elves…however I doubt any of the school's House Elves know how to make pizza and other foods that Miss Granger would like to have." Minerva mused, the boys nodding lightly.

"We also have no problem in you showing your friends this room so long as the main purpose is kept a secret. Because you have friends in other Houses I do think this would be the best place for you all to spend time together beside the library and outside since it's beginning to get colder." Minerva added, a glimmer in her eyes as the boys grinned excitedly.

"Very well. On the evening of Miss Granger's birthday I will meet you all up here. I shall also inform Professor Sprout where her two students will be for the evening meal."

"Thank you, Professor!" The pair said, hurrying down the hall towards the Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Dean hurried up to their dorm room and quickly showered and changed into jeans and normal shirts. Percy had told all of them that the weekends were the two days where they can wear 'normal' clothing so to say. After getting dressed, they headed down to the common room where they quietly began planning what they wanted the Room to look like for Hermione's party. They've learned, from Eliana and Jillian, that Hermione's favorite colors were blues and purples and through different conversations they know that their friend loved going swimming and, if the Room was able to do what Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape said it was able to do, then they should be able to create a beach for them all to enjoy. It'd be a nice surprise for Hermione and it'd give them all a chance to have some fun and goof off like children their age should.

It didn't take too long before the girls and Neville showed up and they headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. They hurried through their morning meal since they wanted to get to the hospital wing in time for Hermione to be released. After their meal, they headed to the hospital wing and smiled when they saw Hermione finishing up her own breakfast. She beamed at them and thanked Jillian when the girl brought out a change of clothes from her bag. Madame Pomfrey walked over and, after reminding Hermione to take it easy with her arm for a few days, drew the curtains around the girl's bed so she could get dressed in private. Once Hermione stepped out from around the curtains, they headed out of the hospital wing after Hermione thanked the two healers.

"C'mon, there's something that Dean and I wanna show you." Harry said, excitement in his voice as the others looked at him.

"What is it?" Hannah asked, tilting her head to the side as the boys grinned.

"You'll see." Dean said, making the others look at each other.

Harry showed the others one of the hidden passages, which shocked the others though they all commented on how handy it was. Susan and Hannah were pleased since this meant that they'd be able to get to the seventh floor easily. The others were slightly worried when Harry and Dean led them to a section of a wall which was blank before Harry began pacing back and forth. Susan was just about to comment when all of them gasped as a door magically appeared on the wall. Stepping into the room, Harry grinned when he saw a perfect copy of the living room of his family's 'dummy' house. Dean grinned as he walked inside the room, though the others gasped and stood in the center of the room in awe as they looked around.

"H-How?!" Susan asked, shock in her voice as the door closed behind them and disappeared.

"This is the Room of Requirement. Dean and I discovered it yesterday morning. It can become any place you want it to become." Harry explained, the others looking at him in shock.

"Really?" Hermione asked, looking around as the boys nodded.

All of them took turns changing the room. The others would 'will' for the person choosing to get what they wished for. Hermione took them to her house and she looked around with a wistful expression on her face as she led them on a tour of her home. Dean took them to a rainforest, which shocked the others since they could feel the humidity in the air and the exotic cries of the various animals which called such a place home. Hannah, Eliana, Jillian, Susan and Neville all showed off their homes before they all focused on a room where they can do their assignments together. The result was a common room with a large stone fireplace which as two bookcases on either side of it. There were a few work tables and study areas along with an arrangement of comfortable armchairs and couches in front of the fireplace. Because they didn't have their book bags, they all agreed to meet up in the room in a few minutes.

They returned to the corridor outside of the room and Hermione did the honors of opening the room for them. Stepping inside, the girls admitted that they had been worried that the Room was just an illusion so they're glad that it wasn't. Settling down at one of the tables, they began work on their assignments. Hermione asked plenty of questions about the classes she missed and thanked Neville again for the copies of his notes. She was greatly interested in Customs of Different Races and asked plenty of questions about what had happened during that class. The others chuckled at her enthusiasm, though they happily told her about their Professor and some of the things they'd be learning during the school year.

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